Carl Frampton will defend his ‘interim’ WBO world featherweight title against unbeaten Australian Luke Jackson at Windsor Park, Belfast on Saturday August 18, ful?lling a dream to ?ght at the famous football stadium.

Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury will box a non-title ten rounder in his second comeback ?ght on a mission to conquer the world once again. Paddy Barnes will challenge for the WBC World Flyweight title in just his sixth professional contest when he faces champion Cristofer Rosales.

The Nicaraguan will be making the ?rst defence of his title he captured in April with a stunning upset win against Daigo Higa.

Promoter Frank Warren today announced the stunning bill that will televised live on BT Sport at a packed press conference held at Windsor Park.

Tickets on sale Friday from www.ticketmaster.ie. Price at £40, £50, £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality).

CARL FRAMPTON

“I thought last year Windsor Park had passed but Frank and the Irish Football Association have done a great job.

“I come here and watch the football team and the atmosphere cannot be beaten anywhere in the world. Its like 80,000 fans giving you support.

“I respect any opponent especially when they are coming to Windsor Park. “There are bigger ?ghts but I cannot overlook Luke. Windsor Park need me to put on a big performance.

“Luke is an Olympian, an undefeated ?ghter and this can change his life if he beats me in a ?ght of this magnitude.

“This is a tougher ?ght than Scott Quigg who is just looking for a payday.”

“I genuinely think I am better than three years ago and even big Tyson Fury wouldn’t beat me at Windsor Park.”

“To have Tyson on the undercard and Paddy in a world title ?ght is something else.”

LUKE JACKSON

“My father told me I have Irish ancestors so I’m home.”

“I’m a fan of Carl and he is humble. He is very good and I am going to have to be at my best.

“Carl doesn’t do anything great, but he is fundamentally sound and I am here to win. I am not here by luck.

“It has taken 16 years and got here through hard work and dedication.”

“I roomed with Jeff Horn at London 2012 and to see him beat Manny Pacquiao gives me hope and I have this massive opportunity.

“My life will change overnight if I win. I have been proving people wrong for a long time and I am ready to do it again.”

“I have been pretty vocal that I wanted Oscar Valdez, but this is even better. This is why we do it.”

TYSON FURY

“This will be my fourth time boxing in Belfast and I cannot wait.”

“Seferi was 23-1 but as soon as I clipped him he didn’t want to know. I can’t complain. I am still good looking.

“I hope we get someone who will punch me in the face, bust my face, bust my nose and I can show them.”

“I am still hoping for four ?ghts this year.”

Carl Frampton will realise a career-long dream when he defends his WBO Interim World Featherweight Title against Luke Jackson on the pitch at Windsor Park, Belfast, on August 18, on a card that also features Paddy Barnes challenging for the WBC World Flyweight title and the second fight of Tyson Fury on the comeback trail.

The 31-year-old two-weight world champion Frampton, who rolled back the years with a memorising performance to win the WBO belt against Nonito Donaire last time out at the SSE Arena in April, takes on the unbeaten Australian from Hobart in a bid to keep his ambitions to once again rule the featherweight roost on track.

The 33-year-old Jackson, 16-0, is the holder of the WBO Oriental Title, having previously held the WBA Oceania belt. He also captained the Australian boxing team at the 2012 London Olympics and won Commonwealth Games bronze in 2006.

Frampton acknowledges his challenger could be deemed something of an unknown quantity to fight fans in the Northern Hemisphere, but will in no way take victory on the night for granted.

“He is and I think a lot of people will expect to just to beat him up and blow him away,” commented Belfast’s favourite fighting son. “But he is ranked No.4 by the WBO, he is an Olympian with a good pedigree and is undefeated.

“So I will need to be ready and in the shape of my life. It is a big occasion with being at Windsor Park and that is the real thing here. I think that people who are coming to watch me perform at Windsor Park deserve for me to be in the shape of my life and put on a good show.

“That is what I intend to do and then move on and hopefully fight for a world title before the end of the year.

“I imagine some people will have been expecting a different opponent, but the fact I am not fighting a world champion is the fault of nobody. Josh Warrington beating Lee Selby sort of threw a spanner in the works for us because I think Selby would’ve come to Belfast.

“Oscar Valdez is out injured, Gary Russell has just fought and Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares also just fought. That’s it really; the top guys just aren’t available. It is good for me to get a defence in here.

“This is a dream for me and it is something I have talked about for a long time. You never know what happens in this game, it could be the one and only time I get to fight at Windsor Park.

“It is going to be a special occasion for myself and my family. For the people who are going to come and watch it there is going to be a top quality undercard as well and I think it will be a night to remember for Belfast.

“There was talk of waiting, but I wanted to do it because opportunities like this don’t come around too often. It is a dream of mine, I wanted to do it and that is the be all and end all.”

Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren, added: “We are delivering on a promise I made to Carl to ensure his dream of fighting at Windsor Park becomes a reality.

“The world title challenge we envisaged we unfortunately could not bring to fruition at this time but Carl is up against a hungry, unbeaten challenger in Luke Jackson who, as I often say, will not be coming to just make up the numbers.

“World title shots will come again soon enough for Carl and we have the IBF champion Josh Warrington waiting in the wings for a huge fight not too far down the line. Carl will also remain in pole position to challenge the WBO full champion Oscar Valdez when he returns from injury, should he overcome Jackson.

“Carl, as ever, will always be the focal point of a fight night in Belfast, but we are also planning a huge card for the Belfast public to feast their eyes on and two major attractions we have already confirmed is Tyson Fury making his fourth appearance in the city in his second fight of his comeback, as well as Paddy Barnes attempting to achieve the remarkable feat of winning a world title in just his sixth professional fight.

“It is certain to be a special night and I am sure Windsor Park will be packed to the rafters creating an atmosphere we have never heard the like of before.”

Barnes challenges for the WBC World Flyweight title against the Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales, 27-3, who claimed the belt in a huge upset win over the previously unbeaten Japanese Daigo Higa in April, with a ninth round stoppage in Yokahoma.

“It is going to be an amazing night where I get to fight for a world title in my home city, so I cannot wait until it happens,” said the 31-year-old two-time Olympic medallist.

“The fact it is for the WBC title means even more, the green belt is the best one in boxing so it makes it even more special.

“Rosales is good at what he does, but I feel I have the skill to outfight and outbox him. It will be a very, very hard fight though.

“People will talk about me fighting for a world title after just six fights, but I don’t view it as a gamble because of my history as an amateur.

“As a professional, right from the offset, I said that I wanted to create history because we already have world champions in Belfast. So for me to stand out I need to create history by doing it the quickest.
“I don’t think winning a world title after six fights will ever be matched again here.”

Tickets will be on sale on Friday 22nd June via Ticketmaster.ie

Priced at: £400 (Hospitality), £250, £150, £120, £100, £80, £50, £40

Lewis Ritson says he feels unstoppable after producing another stunning display of power to destroy Paul Hyland Jnr in one round to take home the British Lightweight title for keeps.

Ritson blasted Hyland Jnr away inside the opening session of their clash in Newcastle, much to the delight of a raucous crowd in the Metro Radio Arena and presented his Dad and trainer Davie with the perfect Father’s Day present – a Lord Lonsdale belt for the mantelpiece.

The ‘Sandman’ put the unbeaten Belfast man away in a similar fashion to the devastating defences against Joe Murray (first round) and Scotty Cardle (second round) and now the 24 year old is setting his sights on more belts when he returns to action.

“I’ll fight anyone Eddie Hearn puts in front of me – I feel unstoppable right now,” said Ritson. “ I feel that I am probably done with domestic level but if Eddie wants to put me in with [Commonwealth champion] Tommy Coyle or go for the European, the team will make the right choice.

“I think that atmosphere would take some topping. You need a bit of luck in this game and you have to keep winning, but if I do that, there’s no reason why we can’t get to St. James’ Park in a massive fight.

“That belt belongs to my old man, he gets them all and I want to give him more and fill his trophy room up.

“I hope that we keep fighting in Newcastle but I’ve got a great team around me and I know I have a lot of options. I think World honours are a way off at the moment, we’re looking for European next and then we can move on.”

Hearn was ‘blown away’ by the atmosphere on Saturday night, and while he wants Ritson to make improvements to his all-action style, he’s dreaming big for the future of the man he called ‘the most exciting fighter in Britain’.

“I knew the numbers were good and I expected a good atmosphere but that blew me away,” said Hearn. “It’s so god to come to a city where the people are thankful to have big-time boxing there. In London, Manchester, Liverpool and so on, it’s a regular thing, but it’s not there. We don’t want to milk it but we will be back here and there’s some special, special talents in Lewis and Josh Kelly, and there’s other fighters too.

“I was surprised by how cool Lewis was. We were standing behind the curtain backstage and he’d never seen anything like what was waiting for him on the ringwalk. When the music started and got in the ring, the noise and the energy was something else and I looked at him and thought, ‘I hope you are calm, because I’m not’.

“But he was so calm. That’s the sign of a fighter with a very good temperament and that’s what I think he has. He’s still got a lot to learn, when he’s trading his chin is in the air and you cannot do that against fighters that can punch as you step up the levels.

“What he does have is extraordinary power, he’s a better technical fighter than we’ve seen, and I want to see that come out and develop as a boxer rather than ‘je’s just a ticket-seller’. We will bring him back to Newcastle but I’d like him to box away from home and get rounds, so he can develop under less pressure than he’s under in Newcastle.

“He’s arguably the most exciting boxer in Britain right now – everyone is talking about him and everyone wants to watch him – but I don’t want him to become a guy that people think just marches forward and knocks people out. He’s had 16 fights, and his last three fights have ended inside four rounds total.

“If he boxed for a World title now at St. James’ Park, I’m not saying we’d fill it – but we’d have a good go. We’re miles off that yet, but that’s the dream.”

Hackney foghorn Ohara Davies appears to have rekindled his mojo after signing with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren earlier this year.

Bull strong and mallet fisted, the incorrigible trash-talker returns to the championship stage at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday week in a WBC Silver Super Lightweight challenge to Congo’s 21-1 Paul Kamanga.

And 26 year old ‘Two Tanks’ knows an impressive victory could secure a salivating shootout with undefeated Queensberry Promotions stablemate Jack ‘El Gato’ Catterall before the year closes.

‘Catterall’s not a big thing on OD’s radar. He’s not a big name, doesn’t sell. My main focuses are getting my own back on my sole conqueror (Josh Taylor) and becoming world champion,’ claims the outspoken and uncompromising former gangbanger who has triumphed in 17 of 18 pro starts, with 13 often spectacular stoppage wins, since debuting in April 2014.

‘But Frank and MTK (who promote and manage both) seem keen to make the fight happen and, provided I come through on June 23rd and Jack comes through unscathed the following week in Belfast, it could be next for both of us. I’d certainly be ready for September.

‘I’m very confident I’d win. He’s not beaten anyone on my level and, other than Tyrone Nurse, has just disposed of bums, albeit in good fashion. When we meet, Catterall will painfully learn that boxing is about levels. I don’t just talk trash, I know how to fight.’

A comprehensive victory over recent British champion Catterall would authenticate Davies as a worthy world title contender and Ohara is adamant over which champion he is targeting.

‘Maurice Hooker came over here, beat one of our fighters. He needs showing that WBO belt belongs here in the UK,’ states the 5ft 7in strongman who went undefeated through an 18 bout amateur career.

‘We had a six round spar at the Mayweather Gym in Vegas in early 2014. At the time Hooker was 12-0 and just about to debut on Showtime, while I was still amateur. At the end of the first round, he hit me so hard with a right cross that I nearly went down. Thankfully I was saved by the bell. But, no word of a lie, after that, once I’d worked him out, I won the remaining five rounds easily.

‘I thought Terry Flanagan deserved the victory over him at Manchester Arena last weekend. Hooker’s shots did no damage whereas Flanagan was much more aggressive, had the higher work rate throughout and landed more clean shots. At one point, I even thought Flanagan was going to stop him…..and I don’t particularly like Flanagan.

‘I certainly think Hooker would be an easier fight for me than Flanagan would have been. Styles. Once you work Hooker out, you can get him. I’ve longer arms, I’m faster, I hit harder and can match him for work. He doesn’t work. He can’t get out of the low gears.’

It’s bold talk again from a man who was left nursing an eggy chin after failing to deliver on some audacious pre-fight braggadocio in a high-profile Commonwealth clash against unbeaten Edinburgh Olympian Josh Taylor in July 2017. That night, an uncharacteristically sedate Davies was stopped in seven.

‘It was a bit embarrassing given how I’d spoken out beforehand but it’s my character to be a loud mouth. If I don’t like you, I’ll talk sh** and Taylor and his team are a bunch of weirdos,’ said Davies.

‘Josh fought a good fight and won. That fight taught me not to concentrate too much on strength and conditioning because it’s already in my genes. I’m naturally muscular. I over focused on that and it took away from my speed, timing and footwork. One day, I hope to get my own back. But I’m still so confident, in fact even more confident under my new team.’

Earlier this year, he ended his association with Tony Sims and resurfaced under West Ham coach Carlos Moreno.

He explains: ‘I’ve been training with Carlos on the side for the past few years cos I couldn’t get direct coaching with Sims who has a big squad.

‘Training lately has been so good. I’ve been much smarter, much sharper in spars and felt massive improvements in my last fight (a six round shut-out over Ahmed Ibrahim) at Elland Road last month, from my previous stoppage win over Tom Farrell whilst still under Sims.

‘That said, I’m glad the fight wasn’t televised live because it allowed me to just shake-off the rust and get used to my new team. There was no pressure to impress. Now I’m ready to shine again.’

He promises BT and BoxNation subscribers and ticket-buying fans that he’ll be back to his explosive best when he swaps leather with the 24 year old Kamanga in Greenwich next weekend.

‘Elland Road was about acquiring experience. I was told not to unload but I’ll be under no such instructions to conserve at the O2. I’ll be looking for total annihilation, to remind fans how fast, sharp, strong I am,’ he concludes.

‘Expect all those calling me out lately to have a rethink, afterwards. OD’s not a man you want to go calling out!’

HARTFORD, Conn. (June 17, 2018) – Rising Hartford folk hero Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera kept his pro record perfect (8-0) intact, knocking out his tough opponent,Jaime “Zarco” Solorio (12-4-2, 9 KOs), in the eighth round to capture the vacant ABF Continental cruiserweight title, last night (Saturday) in the main event on the “Fight Night at The Capital” pro boxing card, at Xfinity Centre in Hartford.

The reigning UBF All Americas light heavyweight champion, Rivera (8-0, 7 KOs) is arguably the hardest pound-for-pound puncher in New England, if not the entire Northeast. After breaking his last opponent’s ankle with the force of his power, the incredibly popular Hartford fighter

Boxing trainer Tony Blanco and his Hartford Boxing Center gym partner, Michael Tran, recently teamed with Rivera to form Hartford Boxing Promotions, which was promoting its first pro boxing event, “Fight Night at The Capital.”

“I’m excited to have promoted our first show here in Hartford and I hope other promoters will follow,” Blanco commented. “I’m happy for all of the fighters. This was our first but not last show. We’re bringing boxing back to Hartford.

“I’m also excited about Sharrad’s pro debut (Collier), who is like a son to me, and Richie, my brother and partner. Everything I do is for them, that’s who I work for them.”

The durable Solorio had only been knocked out once in 17 pro fights going into the ring against Rivera, who has knock out six of his seven victims.

The first was a feeling-out round, but Rivera picked up the pace in the second, landing several hard shots on his game Mexican opponent. The highly entertaining Rivera cruised through the third through fifth, picking his spots better, but it was bombs away in the sixth as Rivera landed a right that sent Solorio to the deck. Solorio was penalized a point in the sixth for unsportsmanlike conduct.

In the seventh round, Solorio appeared to be fighting to survive, frequently holding and clinching, but he came forward in spurts as Rivera started loading up for a knockout that finally came in the eighth round. Rivera had never fought more than four rounds, but he was determined to ward off his opponent’s wrestling, landing a right-left-right uppercut combination to close the show with only 30 seconds left in the contest.

“I want to thank everybody for being here and bringing our community together in one house,” Rivera said. “Happy Father’s Day. I dedicated this fight to my father who I love so much. I told everybody that he was going down in three, but Solorio was tough. I took him in deep water and I’m strong to the finish because I eat my spinach…..toot, toot!”

In an intra-Connecticut clash of junior welterweights, Danbury’s undefeated Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (6-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-6-1), of Hartford, with only one second left in the sixth and final round of co-featured event.

Bordoy was hampered by a cut over his right eye, suffered during the second round from an unintentional headbutt, who was fighting in his first scheduled six-rounder. He pivoted and threw a short, straight right that rocked Picot, dropping him forward on the mat as referee Shada Murdaugh immediately waved off the count, calling the doctor into the ring.

A star was born in a professional debut as two-time New England Golden Gloves champion “The Special One” Sharad Collier (1-0, 1 KO, fighting at home in Hartford, displayed his vast arsenal of skills, knocking out Antonio Castillo, Jr. (1-1) in round one.

The 21-year-old Collier showed the poise of a veteran and surprising power, especially considering he fought two full divisions higher than his natural weight class, due to his opponent weighing in as a junior middleweight. Collier decked Castillo early and finished him off with a barrage of unanswered punches until referee Danny Sciavone halted the action.

“Everything went the way I had planned,” Collier said after the bout. “Before the fight, I knew I was going to win, because I felt so good. People were asking me before the fight how I was feeling and, to be honest, I was a lot more nervous as an amateur.”

New Haven, CT lightweight Anuel Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an explosive pro debut, blasting an overwhelmed Roger Blankenship (1-3) around the ring until the referee Murdaugh stopped the action at the 49-second mark of the opening round. The 21-year-old Rosa dedicated the fight to his cousin, the late Luis “KO King” Rosa (23-1, 11 KOs), who tragically died last January in a car accident at the age of 26.

New Britain, CT featherweight Nathan Martinez (1-0) had another very impressive pro debut, pitching a complete shutout (40-35) on all three judges’ scorecards against Henry Garcia (0-2), despite it being an action-packed bout from start to finish. Martinez used lethal body shots, dropping Garcia with a left hook to the liver, and crisp combinations.

Complete results below:

MAIN EVENT – VACANT ABF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Richard Rivera (8-0, 7 KOs), Hartford, CT
WTKO8 (2:30)
Jaime Solorio (12-4-2, 9 KOs), San Quinton, Mexico

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Omar Bordoy, Jr. (6-0, 2 KOs), Danbury, CT
WTKO6 (2:59)
Alexander Picot (2-6-1), Hartford, CT by way of Puerto Rico

SPECIAL JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT ATTRACTION
Sharad Collier (1-0, 1 KO), Hartford, CT
WTKO1 (2:20)
Antonio Castillo, Jr. (1-1), Canton, OH

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Anuel Rosa (1-0, 1 KO), New Haven. CT
WTKO1 (0:49)
Roger Blankenship (1-4), Cleveland, OH

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Nathan Martinez (1-0, 0 KO), New Britain, CT
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Henry Garcia (1-1), New Bedford, MA

INFORMATION;
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Heavyweight sensation Joe Joyce maintained his undefeated record with a first round knockout of late replacement Ivica Bacurin last night at London’s home of boxing The York Hall, Bethnal Green, promoted by Hayemaker Ringstar.

In front of a packed house with an electric atmosphere, Joyce, the Commonwealth Champion, made it his third first round stoppage as he halted Croatia’s Bacurin at just 1:54 of the opening round.

Bacurin had taken British heavyweights Dillian Whyte to six rounds and Tony Bellew to ten rounds on his previous visits to these shores, but he was up against the imposing presence of the 6ft 6in ‘Juggernaught” and quickly realised he was out of his depth.

From the opening bell Bacurin went on the back foot, with Joyce moving well and getting his distance right with his heavy jab. Joyce looked very relaxed as he utilised improved head and body movement and cutting the ring off with some great footwork. A solid right hand from Joyce hurt Bacurin as he was going back towards the ropes and then moments later Joyce landed a left hook to the top of Bacurin’s head that dropped him.

With Jeff Hinds waving it off, Joyce celebrated his victory and showed off his amazing athletic agility for his 17st 13lb frame with his trademark capoeira flip.

Rivals and potential next opponents Hughie Fury, the newly crowned British Champion, and Derek Chisora were both at York Hall, witnessing the power of ‘The Juggernaut’ from ringside as Joyce took his record to 5-0. Keen to keep fighting regularly, he now looks at who will be willing to step in the ring with him next despite establishing himself as one of the most avoided heavyweight in the division.

Joyce, who based his training camp in Kazakhstan for the fight, said afterwards. “It was good in there. Despite the early finish, I showed that I’m improving all the time with my footwork, head and body movement with my trainer Ismael Salas. I know that the power is there, that will always be there. I just want to fight regularly, keep improving and I can’t wait to get in the ring again. Fury and Chisora were both here tonight, I’d love to put my Commonwealth title up against Fury’s British belt and the best man will win. Chisora knows it will be career ending if he fights me so he’s a wise man to keep dodging me. Either way, my promoters David Haye and Richard Schaefer will have plenty of exciting options for me so we’ll just keep moving forward.”

Haye added, “He knocked out Lenroy Thomas with that short left hook. Joyce doesn’t look like there’s much power there but believe me I’ve seen him knock so many people out in the gym with his short crisp punches , he’s so heavy handed. Bacurin went six rounds with Whyte and ten with Bellew and Joe dispatched him with a short left hook in the first. It’s testament to his punch power and it’s another win.”

An action packed card saw Hayemaker Ringstar’s exciting young talents all in action and continuing to develop into top prospects.

Bellator (MMA) super-star star Michael “Venom” Page demolished Michael Ciash 18 seconds into the second round with Ciash unable to deal with MVP’s unorthodox style and power, his boxing record moves to 2-0.

Welsh super-middleweight ace Kody Davies had a bright start against Eric Mokonzo and floored him the second round, but Mokonzo fought back and pushed Davies to the end of an entertaining fight. Davies won 40-37 on points and took his record to 5-0.

The chief supporting contest saw history being made as the first ever women’s Commonwealth title fight in the UK between Sam Smith and Anisha Basheel for the Vacant Lightweight Championship. Hard-hitting Basheel stopped Smith at 1:08 of the first round to claim the title.

All featuring on the undercard was Britain’s first ever female World Amateur Champion and double Olympian Savannah Marshall who celebrated her second second round stoppage in a row when she halted brave Mexican Alejandra Ayala at super-middleweight.

Top unbeaten middleweight prospect Linus Udofia and the most recent signing for Hayemaker Ringstar was involved in a terrific all-action contest against Eric Nwanko with a possibility of an upset in the opening round with Udofia hurt. Udofia came back and stepped up the pace making Nwanko take a knee in the third. In the fifth Udofia landed and a cracking combination to floor Nwanko and end the fight.

Watched at ringside by Chisora, heavyweight debutant George Fox – son of top London trainer Don Charles – opened his professional career with a 40-37 points win over fellow debutant Phil Williams.

Completing the card, featherweight Fuad Huseen won 40-36 against Edward Bjorklund; super-middleweight Chris Davies won 40-37 against Callum Ice; super-featherweight Brandon Ball won 40-37 against Luke Fash; lastly welterweight Tom Ansall won 40-35 against Fonz Alexander.

HARTFORD, Conn. (June 15, 2018) – The official weigh in was held this evening for tomorrow night’s “Fight Night at The Capital” pro boxing card, presented by Hartford Boxing Promotions, at Xfinity Centre in Hartford.

Below are fighters’ weights:

MAIN EVENT – VACANT /ABF CRUISRWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs), Hartford, CT 180 lbs.
vs.
Jaime “Zarco” Solorio (12-3-2, 9 KOs), Challenger, San Quinton, Mexico 183 ½ lbs.

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO), Danbury, CT 140 lbs.
vs.
Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-5-1), Hartford, CT by way of Puerto Rico 137 lbs.

SPECIAL JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT ATTRACTION (4)
“The Special One” Sharad Collier (pro debut), Hartford, CT 147 lbs.
vs.
Antonio Castillo, Jr. (1-0), Canton, OH 153 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Anuel Rosa (pro debut), New Haven. CT 134 lbs.
vs.
Roger Blankenship (1-3), Cleveland, OH 139 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)
Nathan Martinez (pro debut), New Britain, CT 125 lbs.
vs.
Henry Garcia (0-1), New Bedford, MA 125 lbs.

Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera made weight so easily ate Popeye’s chicken on the scale

WHAT: “Fight Night at The Capital” professional boxing event

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2018

WHERE: Xfinity Centre. Hartford, CT

PROMOTER: Hartford Boxing Promotions

RING ANNOUNCER: David Diamante

MATCHMAKER: A.J. Rivera

TICKETS: $80.00, $60.00 and $40.00, are on sale and available to purchase, as well as $125.00 VIP tickets (includes food and soft drinks), at Ticket Master outlets

DOORS OPEN: 6:00 p.m. ET

FIRST BOUT: 7:00 p.m. ET

OTHER: Sponsors include Hot 93.7 FM, Hartford Boxing Center, Foster Buddies Network and HBC ProShop

INFORMATION;
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Twitter: @hartfordboxing
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IBF WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¾ lbs.

Carlos Ocampo – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: John Madfis (Massachusetts.), Cesar Ramos (Puerto Rico), Jesse Reyes (Texas)

WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Danny Roman – 121 ¾ lbs.

Moises Flores – 123 lbs.

Challenger Moises Flores failed to make weight and is ineligible to win the WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship. Per WBA rules, “if a champion makes weight and a challenger fails, the champion shall retain the title, even if he loses the bout.” On Friday afternoon, Roman and Flores camps were discussing terms for the bout to move forward.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Sergio Caiz (California), Wilfredo Esperon (Texas), Levi Martinez (New Mexico)

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Javier Fortuna – 139 ¾ lbs.

Adrian Granados – 139 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Robert Chapa; Judges: Javier Alvarez (Texas), Jennie Cardenas (Texas), Don Griffin (Texas)

FLASH QUOTES

Errol Spence Jr.

“The task at hand [is how I handle the pressure]. I’ve got a tough opponent prepared to take my title in front of my hometown fans, and I’m not going to let that happen. I won’t let him upset me in front of my hometown fans. I’m going to put on a great show and great performance like you always see.

“Definitely this has been bigger than I expected. I get a little bit nervous when they say I’m fighting in front of 14,000-plus fans. But I have the support from my home state of Texas and Dallas. I love it.”

What message do you want to send to the other top welterweights Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Terrence Crawford?

“I’ve been sending messages; I don’t have to send anymore. I’m the best welterweight in the division and the most feared welterweight in the division. So they have to send a message to me since I’m the top dog.”

Carlos Ocampo

“This is a great moment for me. I always dreamed of having this moment of fighting for a world title and it’s great that it’s coming against a great champion like Errol Spence Jr.

“I came prepared to give everyone a surprise and tomorrow you will all see it.”

Danny Roman

“I was a little surprised [he didn’t make weight] because it’s a world championship fight and you expect him to be professional. But he’s got two hours so we’ll see what happens.

“I trained with heavier guys than me so I’m ready for whatever he brings.”

Javier Fortuna

“Once the promoter calls and give me a name, I never say no. There were a few names they gave and I said yes, I’d fight them. But that dropped off. They then gave another name, that dropped off. Then at 140 they said Granados and I said yes. I’m going to make a statement at 140.

“Tomorrow I will make the decision [on which Javier you will see]. There is a game plan, but I will make the decision tomorrow. I’m not disrespecting Granados. I know he can fight but my technique and style is superior to Granados.”

Adrian Granados

“Finally I have a good fight at the weight class I’ve been wanting to fight at. I’ve been waiting for a fight at 140 for three years now since my last big win at this weight. There were opportunities that I couldn’t pass up and honestly nobody wanted no smoke with me at 140.

“We’re here now. Javier Fortuna is a former world champion and a tough fighter. As far as trying to make me flinch, I thought that was cute. Tomorrow is going to be a great fight. We’re both ready and we’re going to start off the telecast with a bang.

“We’ll see what happens, I’ll feel it out and see how it goes. I’m prepared for whatever I have to do. If I have to box with him or if I have to bang with him, you already know I come with that heat and it’s going to be an exciting fight tomorrow.”

# # #

About The Star

The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 12, 2018) – The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s “La Batalla” pay-per-view event, headlined by the 12-round main event between World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs) and challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), airing live on PPV from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico,

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

Integrated Sports Media is distributing the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico.on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

(L-R) — WBO Light Flyweight World Champion & Carlos Buitrago

PPV fighters’ weights below:

PPV BOUT SHEET

MAIN EVENT – WBO JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)
Tito Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), Champion, San Juan, Puerto Rico 108 lbs.
vs.
Carlos Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), Challenger, Managua, Nicaragua 107.2 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)
Kevin Nieves (12-1-1, 5 KOs), Comerio, Puerto Rico 140 lbs.
vs.
Jean C. Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico 139 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Bryan Chevalier (9-1-1, 8 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico 126 lbs.
vs.
Ricardo Rodriguez (10-2-1, 6 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 125 lbs.

SUPER FEATHERIGHTS (6)
Edwin Valentin (4-0, 4 KOs), Salinas, Puerto Rico 130 lbs.
vs.
Pedro Vincente (5-1, 2 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 130 lbs.

(all fights & fighters subject to change).

Tito Acosta received best wishes on his Facebook account (www.facebook.com/AngelTitoAcosta/) from celebrities such as Freddie Roach, Ivan Rodriguez, Winky Wright, Yandel, J.J. Barea, Daddy Yankee and others

INFORMATION:

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

PROMO VIDEO:

ENGLISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8RaZf6ncdk&feature=youtu.be

SPANISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ksMNm_S7g&feature=youtu.be

INFORMATION:

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 15, 2018) — Former WBO junior welterweight champion Mike Alvarado, female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer, and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao will see action on the June 30 undercard at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The card will be headlined by WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez’s title defense against Alexis Angulo and 140-pound contender Alex Saucedo’s homecoming bout against the hard-hitting Lenny Zappavigna.

Alvarado (38-4, 26 KOs) will fight Martin Martinez (17-4-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout, Mayer (5-0, 3 KOs) will face fellow unbeaten Sheena Kaine (5-0, 1 KO) in a six-round lightweight contest, and Conceicao (7-0, 4 KOs) will take on Gavino Guaman (5-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

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.

Ramirez-Angulo and Saucedo-Zappavigna 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.

“I’m really excited to be fighting alongside the champ, Zurdo Ramirez!” Mayer said. “Top Rank continues to put me on amazing cards with the best talent in boxing. Fighting in Oklahoma City is the perfect opportunity to meet more boxing fans and give them an exciting show as I continue my journey to a world championship!”

“I’ve been reconstructing my entire organization over the past three years. I am training now with one of the finest professors of the sweet science, Tony Aguilera,” Alvarado said. “I’m excited to showcase what I’ve stayed dedicated to working hard for. Come June 30, I’ll be one step closer to securing my legacy against anyone who stands in my way.”

“I am very confident of fighting in OKC. I’m having a great high-level training camp in Miami,” Conceicao said. “I’m evolving every day and I’m sure I will put on a great show for all the fans in OKC and those watching live on ESPN+.”

Also appearing on the undercard will be heavyweight knockout sensation Trey Lippe Morrison (14-0, 14 KOs) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; former amateur standout Chris Zavala making his professional debut in a four-round super featherweight bout against Tyler Pacheco (1-1, 0 KOs); Oklahoma City native Aaron Morales (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bantamweight contest; and unbeaten 140-pound prospect Julian Rodriguez (16-0, 10 KOs) against Alejandro Barbosa (11-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Alvarado has turned his career and his life around since personal problems derailed his career, as he’s won four consecutive fights (three by knockout). In his last bout, he scored one of 2017’s best one-punch knockouts with a third-round KO over Sidney Siqueira on the Terence Crawford vs. Julius Indongo undercard in Lincoln, Nebraska. Alvarado has been involved in multiple ‘Fight of the Year’ candidates, including the first fight of his trilogy against Brandon Rios, which won Sports Illustrated ‘Fight of the Year’ honors in 2012. Alvarado lost that fight via seventh-round TKO, but less than six months later, he outboxed Rios to win a unanimous decision.

Mayer, who is making her third ring appearance of 2018, is on the fast track to a world title shot. In her last bout, May 12 on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jorge Linares card in New York City, she shut out the game Baby Nansen over six rounds. The Los Angeles native opened her 2018 campaign on March 10 in Carson, California, with a 35-second knockout over Maria Semertzoglou.

In 2016, Conceicao became the first Brazilian boxer to capture Olympic gold. He is 2-0 with a pair of decision wins in 2018, with his last bout coming April 28 in Philadelphia. On that evening, he shut out the game Alex Torres Rynn over six rounds.

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 #ZurdoAngulo and #SaucedoZappavigna to join the conversation on social media.

—30—

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.

12,000 tickets have been sold today for the crunch Heavyweight clash between Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker at The O2 in London on July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Tickets flew out on general sale today after venue and Matchroom Fight Pass pre-sales sold-out with fans flocking to witness the Heavyweight tussle supported by a bumper bill.

Whyte is on the cusp of World title action destroyed Lucas Browne with a devastating sixth round KO of the Australian in London in March to defend the WBC Silver title and number one ranking he’d landed by beating Robert Helenius in Cardiff in October.

Parker is back in the UK after fighting in the Welsh capital in an historic unification battle with Anthony Joshua in March, with Whyte’s old foe handing a first career defeat for the New Zealand star on points. Parker is in Britain for the third fight in a row having made his second defence of his WBO crown against Hughie Fury in Manchester in September 2017.

Another 50-50 Heavyweight battle was added to the card today as former World title challengers Dereck Chisora and Carlos Takam meet in a must-win match up that will keep the World title hopes stay alive for the winner, but the loser’s career at the highest level all but over.

Kell Brook clashes with Brandon Cook in a World Super-Lightweight title eliminator, Katie Taylor defends her WBA and IBF World Lightweight titles against Kimberly Connor, Conor Benn and Cedric Peynaud rematch after their fight of the year brawl in 2017 with a title on the line this time and Joshua Buatsi steps up in his first ten rounder against former British Light-Heavyweight title challenger Ricky Summers.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday June 15 at 10am from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

Tickets are priced £40, £60 and £80.

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

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that tickets to the 2018 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be available at 10 a.m. PT on Friday, June 15, via Ticketmaster. The 2018 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 5, at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Tickets to the 2018 UFC Hall of Fame Induction ceremony are priced at $20.00 (does not include fees), with all proceeds benefitting Three Square Foodbank, southern Nevada’s largest hunger-relief organization.

The UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony stands as one of the marquee events during the 7th annual UFC International Fight Week™, which takes place from Tuesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 8.

The 2018 UFC Hall of Fame class of 2018 includes:

Ronda Rousey (Modern) – Former UFC and Strikeforce bantamweight champion and the first and only UFC women’s champion to successfully defended her title six times.

Bruce Connal (Contributor) – Pioneering television producer who led the production of more than 300 UFC televised events during his 19-year tenure with UFC.

Art Davie (Contributor) – UFC creator and co-founder who partnered with legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Rorian Gracie on a project that would eventually be rebranded to the Ultimate Fighting Championship®.

Matt Serra (Pioneer) – Former UFC welterweight champion and winner of Season four of The Ultimate Fighter®.

Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (Fight) – Classic 2011 fight between former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and UFC 17 middleweight tournament champion and former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson.

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights currently enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ.

Established in 2007 to provide hunger relief, Three Square Food Bank offers wholesome, nutritious food to nonprofit and faith-based organizations, schools and feeding sites that serve a wide range of Southern Nevadans. Three Square’s mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. For more information, please visit THREESQUAREFOODBANK.

To view the UFC Hall of Fame fight library, please visit UFCHOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

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.

FIRST BELL: 16:30

4 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest @ 11st 2lbz

CHAD ELLIS v KEVIN McCAULEY

(Spennymoor) (Stourbridge)

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest @ 10st 2lbs

DARREN REAY v MWENYA CHISANGA

(Bedlington) (Chichester)

4 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest @ 13st

LAWRENCE OSUEKE v REMIGIJUS ZIAUSYS

(Newcastle) (Lithuania)

FACEBOOK LIVE 18:00

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest @ 12st 2lbs

JAKE HAIGH v ADAM JONES

(Macclesfield) (Denaby)

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest @ 10st 2lbs

RICKY BURNS v IVAN NJEGAC

(Coatbridge) (Croatia)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 19:00

10 x 3 mins English Cruiserweight Championship @ 14st 4lbs

ARFAN IQBAL 14st 3lb 2oz v SIMON VALLILY 14st 3lbs

(Derby) (Middlesbrough)

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Super-Flyweight Championship @ 8st 3lbs

CHARLIE EDWARDS 8st 2lbs 8oz v ANTHONY NELSON 8st 3lbs

(Croydon) (South Shields)

12 x 3 mins WBC International Super-Bantamweight Championship @ 8st 10lbs

GAVIN McDONNELL 8st 9lbs 8oz v STUART HALL 8st 9lbs 8oz

(Doncaster) (Darlington)

12 x 3 mins British Lightweight Championship @ 9st 9lbs

LEWIS RITSON 9st 9lbs* v PAUL HYLAND Jr 9st 9lbs

(Newcastle) (Belfast)

*Ritson weighed 9st 9lbs 2oz first, returned to the scales to make the championship limit

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Welterweight Championship @ 10st 7lbs

KRIS GEORGE 10st 6lbs 8oz v JOSH KELLY 10st 6lbs 2oz

(Queensland) (Sunderland)

LIVE FLOAT:

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest @ 10st 10lbs

GLENN FOOT v SAM OMIDI

(Sunderland) (Manchester)

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based boxing manager Henry Rivalta proudly announces the signing of 19-year-old featherweight prospect Luis “El Chucho” Melendez to a promotional contract.

A stand-out amateur in Florida and his native Puerto Rico, Melendez will be making his professional debut under the guidance of Rivalta in July.

Born and raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Melendez started boxing at age 11. He went on to have 124 amateur fights, winning a number of Puerto Rican and international titles including the Junior Olympics, Olympic Cup, and the Puerto Rican Nationals from 101 lbs. to 132 lbs.

Melendez says the managerial deal is the culmination of a long association the pair have held. “When I was about 15, I went to spar at the Mike Tyson Gym in West Palm Beach and I was sparring a pro and Henry saw me. He told me he likes what he sees and since then he’s had his eye on me. Now that I’m reaching my dream of going pro, Henry is the right person to help guide my career.”

A throwback fighter with a style more suited for the professional ranks, Melendez calls his style ‘smart aggressive.’

I have a very pro style. I sit down on my punches. I like to throw combinations a lot. I like to break my opponents down. I like to go to the body. Or, depending on the opponent, I can box you. I can also hit and not get hit when I need to.”

Melendez says training at KO Fitness in Hialeah, Florida, with trainer Michael Robles is going well and he’s excited to get started on his professional career. “I feel great. This is my dream. I have always loved the pros. I used to watch and say ‘man I will be there one day.’ I’ve always had that style. I want to win titles in six divisions. I want to be the best pound for pound. I want to be the next face of Puerto Rico.”

“Luis has all the talent to become a world champion,” said Henry Rivalta. “He’s been a stand-out since he was a kid and he’s developed into a very good fighter. I’m happy to finally be working with him in the professionals. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with this next great fighter from Puerto Rico.”

Uncasville, Connecticut (June 15, 2018)

The buzz is growing for STAR BOXING’S “SLUGFEST at the SUN” as it features the much anticipated return of the Long Island Union Laborer, the “Common Man,” light heavyweight, JOE SMITH JR. (23-2 19KO’s). The co-feature bout highlights former WBC Women’s World Champion, KALI “KO MEQUINONOAG” REIS (13-7-1 4KO’s).

Adding to this buzz, STAR BOXING is pleased to announce East Hartford, Connecticut native “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (7-0 3KO’s) will return home to the Mohegan Sun, and fight on the undercard of the already stacked, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” card on JUNE 30th.

Laureano is looking for his third victory at Mohegan Sun, having previously defeated Sidney MaCcow and John Hernandez at Mohegan Sun. Most recently, Laureano traveled to Massachusetts, where he took a tough fight against TOBIAS GREEN of Florida, earning the decision victory.

Fighting five-times in 2017, Laureano continued to tune his skills each and every round. Showing a relentless will to dig deep in the late rounds of fights, Laureano finished 2017 with two TKO wins, two decision victories, and flashed signs of growing power, visible in his vicious knockout of JAMES LESTOR at “Rockin’ Fights.”

ANTHONY LAUREANO had these comments about returning to Mohegan Sun, “I’m humbled and very grateful to be back in Mohegan Sun. I thank God for letting me come back in the ring once again where my favorite fighters Mickey Ward and [Arturo] Gatti fought their war. I’m ready to give a great performance for my hometown supporters. I am Ready to give the crowd what they paid for, an action packed fight.”

Manager and trainer of Laureano, NATE TORRES had these comments about June 30th, “I expect Anthony to put on a show in front of his home crowd! This should be his best performance to date. We are looking for him to display his boxing ability while, maintaining his signature relentless pressure to close the show! “Action” Anthony Laureano never disappoints; he comes to fight!”

JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO of Star Boxing said this about Laureano, “I have seen Anthony grow as fighter over his past six fights, and we are very pleased with his progress. Anthony’s come forward, constant pressure style is the kind that fans want to see. In front of his hometown fans on June 30th, he will prove once again why he embodies the nickname “Action.”‘

The main event on June 30th features, JOE SMITH JR. who burst onto the boxing scene in 2016 when he defeated, top rated light heavyweight, ANDRZEJ FONFARA on NBC in Chicago, and again later that year, when he knocked the legend BERNARD HOPKINS clear out of the ring, becoming the first person to ever KO the former multi-division world champion. The co-feature bout highlights New England native, KALI “KO MEQUINONOAG” REIS who is coming off her sensational power punching performance against undisputed women’s champion CECILIA BRAEKHUS in the first female bout ever featured on HBO. Kali thrilled fans around the world in that fight, and promises the same action at Mohegan Sun on June 30th.

The eagerly awaited return of Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury recorded by far the highest linear subscription TV viewing figure for boxing this year, peaking at 814,000 live viewers on BT Sport last Saturday night.

Viewers tuned in to see the Gypsy King dust off the cobwebs after a protracted layoff of almost 3 years out of the ring, as he made Sefer Seferi quit in his corner at the end of the 4th round.

Promoter Frank Warren said, ‘We are building something very special with BT Sport. We have had a combined attendance of 50,000 people across our last three events in Leeds, Belfast and Manchester; and everyone is delighted with the viewing figures from Saturday night which was by far the highest viewed fight on linear subscription TV in the UK this year.’

The Hall of Fame Promoter continued, ‘across those three events we have also had three closely fought World level fights which have all delivered in terms of entertainment, in Selby v Warrington, Frampton v Donaire and Flanagan v Hooker, which is something we will continue to strive to do.’

Tyson Fury returns to the ring on August 18th alongside Carl Frampton at Windsor Park in Belfast, with details of the card being formally announced next week.

MARTIN MURRAY can start dreaming of a rematch against Gennady Golovkin if he successfully unleashes his fury on Roberto Garcia.

The St Helens man challenges for the Mexican’s WBC silver middleweight title at London’s o2 on June 23, in another blockbuster ?ght being screened live on BT Sport.

If Murray wins and makes one successful defence he will become mandatory contender for Golovkin’s WBC world title. The British braveheart was beaten in 11 rounds by GGG in February 2015, but the chance of a rematch is consolation for WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders pulling out twice through injury.

Golovkin would mean a big money ?ght, but he cannot overlook Garcia who has stepped into replace Saunders.

Murray, 35, said: “I was devastated when Billy pulled out because I took myself away from the family for two sets of training camps which are invaluable and it is time you can never get back. “I was obviously gutted, but I will take my frustrations out on Garcia. He is gonna get it.

“I hear that if I win this and make one defence I become mandatory contender. I don’t know the crack there. All I do know is that beating him puts me in a great position.

“I am hoping that is the case because I have never been a mandatory challenger. I have always been a voluntary defence for my world title ?ghts.

“I’m a seasoned campaigner and been in with all types of ?ghters. Garcia is more suited to me than Billy Joe Saunders.

“I won’t have to go looking for him like I would Billy. He is going to be in my face, he is a tough ?ghter, on a winning run and con?dent.”

Murray who has won 36 of his 41 ?ghts ?rst saw Saunders pull out of an April date and then next week’s scheduled showdown fell apart. There was friendship between Murray and Saunders, but the ill-feeling is now real and if they could ?nally meet there is needle.

Murray added: “If the Billy Joe ?ght it ever happened would sell because there is real animosity because of that he did twice and he isn’t a man of his word.” Garcia will be accompanied by his legendary promoter Don King when he arrives in Britain early next week.

Garcia v Murray head a high quality bill that includes Anthony Yarde’s WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title defence against Dariuz Sek. In a battle for the vacant English heavyweight championship KO King Daniel Dubois meets trash talking Tom Little. Others stars on the bill include Ohara Davies, Darryl Williams, Johnny Garton, Raza Hamza, Archie Sharp, Umar Sadiq and Harvey Horn.

Rising super middleweight star Zach Parker (15-0, 11 KOs) returns to action on July 14 in an eight-round contest with Geard Ajetovic (31-17-1, 16 KOs) on the undercard of Tyron Zeuge’s WBA World title defence against Rocky Fielding in Offenburg, Germany.

Parker has already begun to make a name for himself in a stacked domestic division. Current mandatory for the Lonsdale belt and in search of big fights, the Derbyshire man will look to boost his title credentials with a statement win over the tough Serbian.

“I haven’t seen too much of Ajetovic, but I know he’s been in there with some good lads and he’s never been stopped,” said Parker. “His last fight was against Sakio Bika and he went the distance so I’m expecting a good fight and he should be able to give me some rounds. I won’t go looking for the stoppage but if the opportunity comes I’ll take it. He’s not been stopped in 49 fights so if I’m the first one to stop him people are going to take notice.”

Parker got his first taste of mainstream attention last year with the devastating first-round stoppage of Luke Blackledge on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series quarter-final between Callum Smith and Erik Skoglund in Liverpool.

A breakout performance that propelled him from Britain’s small halls to the big stage, earning the 24 year-old a promotional contract with Team Sauerland, and a chance to shine as the ‘reserve fighter’ for WBA Super Champion George Groves’ and Chris Eubank Jr’s sold-out semi-final showdown at the Manchester Arena.

“It’s been amazing,” said Parker. “I had been fighting on small shows in front of a couple hundred of people when I got my big break against Blackledge. I wasn’t expected to win that fight but I made light work of him, and then I signed for Sauerland, which I’m obviously very happy about, and got another big chance on the Groves-Eubank undercard.”

Parker took his chance, producing another fan-friendly performance in Manchester, which saw him stop the durable Adasat Rodriguez inside two rounds.

“I had a tough opponent in front of me,” he reflects. “But I knew if I used my range, he would start walking on to shots, and he walked on to too many in the end!”

Having gone from fighting in front of hundreds at the Preston Guild Hall to 18,000 at the Manchester Arena in just a matter of months, Parker has been pleased with his progress and believes his performances prove he belongs on the big stage.

“I think I’ve adapted well to fighting on the big stage,” he says. “I love getting under them lights and putting on a show for the people, and it shows. In my last two big fights, I’ve stopped one in the first round and the other in the second. If you look at my performances, I’ve do well under them big lights – and believe me, there’s more to come!”

The WBA World Super Middleweight title contest between Tyron Zeuge and Rocky Fielding will be shown live and exclusive on Sport1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK. Tickets are on sale now and available via www.eventim.de or by calling +49 (0)1806-533933.

Dereck Chisora and Carlos Takam will meet in a crunch Heavyweight clash at The O2 in London on July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Both men find their careers on a knife-edge going into the clash, with Finchley man and former World title challenger Chisora seeking a big win to fire his name into the mix for major title fights having been edged out by Agit Kabayel for the European title in Monaco in November following a narrow defeat to headliner Dillian Whyte in a fight of the year contender in Manchester in December 2017.

Takam is back in the UK following his spirited challenge against Anthony Joshua for the IBF, WBA and IBO World titles at Principality Stadium in Cardiff in October. The Frenchman came in at ten days’ notice to replace Kubrat Pulev and became the first man to take Joshua into the championship rounds before getting stopped in the tenth. That sterling performance followed hot on the heels of giving Whyte’s opponent in London, Joseph Parker, a real test in his New Zealand backyard in May 2016, being edged out on points by the Kiwi.

With Chisora ranked at number ten in the WBC and Takam in at number six with the IBF, the winner will be hunting World honours later in the year, but for the loser, it will look like curtains at elite level – and that makes it must-win for both me.

“I’m delighted to get another big heavyweight clash over the line for July 28 – this is a great fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “For Del Boy, it’s a real last chance saloon at World level and for Takam it’s a chance to push for another World title shot after a string showing against AJ. July 28 is going to be a huge night of boxing at The O2.”

Chisora and Takam clash on a massive night at The O2, as Whyte and Parker clash in a Heavyweight blockbuster.

Kell Brook clashes with Brandon Cook in a World Super-Lightweight title eliminator, Katie Taylor defends her WBA and IBF World Lightweight titles against Kimberly Connor, Conor Benn and Cedric Peynaud rematch after their fight of the year brawl in 2017 with a title on the line this time and Joshua Buatsi steps up in his first ten rounder against former British Light-Heavyweight title challenger Ricky Summers.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday June 15 at 10am from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200. Inner Ringside VIP tickets are priced at £500.

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

TOM LITTLE FIRMLY believes he has landed the Golden Ticket with his shot at the English heavyweight title against rising star Daniel Dubois at the 02 Arena on June 23.

After an unsuccessful tilt at claiming the Southern Area belt in 2016, Little placed himself back in the frame for title contention with a hat-trick of victories on the domestic circuit before accepting a tall order against the Croatian Olympian Filip Hrgovic in January, where he came up short after four pulsating rounds.

His focus is now back on the home front and he is convinced that he is the man to diffuse the threat of Dynamite Dubois.

“It feels like I’ve got the chance I have been crying out for,” stated the 30-year-old Hatfield heavy. “This is my shot, this is my now or never.

“I’ve never been looked after as a fighter. I’m pretty sure once I upset the applecart and show people exactly what I am capable of, I will be looked after a lot better.

“I think you have hit the nail on the head – this is my Golden Ticket. I’ve been offered other fights, but this is the one where I know I can excel and pull off stuff that I’ve known for a long time I can do.”

Little knows full well that, after calling out pretty much every heavyweight in the country over the last couple of years, he now has to back up his words and prove to the doubters that he is not all talk.

“Listen, one hundred per cent, I am in for a world of torment if this goes wrong, but I know it ain’t gonna go wrong.

“I know I laugh and I joke and I am very antagonising in some respects. I also know I am in for the fight of my life and don’t for one minute think I am in for an easy night.

“What I do know is that I am willing to go to where I need to go to get the win and I also know that Daniel is not. Daniel is not ready to go to where I am ready to go to.

“Because of his age and his experience, I know he will quit. I am not going to say too much more than that, but I know he has got quit in him and I haven’t.

“He is used to smashing people on the chin or his opponents being beaten before they get in the ring with him. I wouldn’t be bothered about facing Daniel if he had a shotgun in his hand.

“That might be stupid but it is the way I am wired up. I can’t change the way I am and I believe that styles make fights. Daniel’s style suits mine.”

Daniel Dubois v Tom Little features on a bumper card at the 02 Arena topped by Robert Garcia’s defence of his WBC Silver super middleweight title against Martin Murray, live on BT Sport and BoxNation. Also in action is Anthony Yarde returning to title action against Dariusz Sek for the WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title, along with Ohara Davies, Darryl Williams, Johnny Garton, Raza Hamza, Archie Sharp, Umar Sadiq and Harvey Horn.

Tickets for Garcia v Murray are available to purchase via www.axs.com

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 14, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and top-rated contender Carlos Ocampo spoke to media at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters Thursday as Spence nears his homecoming title defense against his unbeaten challenger this Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction, all of whom were in attendance at Thursday’s final press conference.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday ahead of the first boxing event to take place inside Ford Center at The Star:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I’m really happy to be here and I’m so happy that everyone came out. Saturday night is going to be great. I’ve been training for 10 weeks and I’m 100 percent focused on Ocampo. I’m here to do my job, which is to win and look good winning.

“Ocampo is very dangerous because he has nothing to lose. It’s his first title fight, which is a position I’ve been in before. I had a lot of fire and I felt like I had nothing to lose. I’m sure he’s been training hard and is focused. I know he’s fighting for him family so he’s going to come to fight. I want a guy who’s going to test me so the crowd gets their money’s worth.

“I’ve had pressure my whole boxing career. Being on Olympian and a top prospect was pressure, but then I also went overseas to take the title from a top fighter. I’ve always overcome the pressure on me and I’m going to overcome another test on Saturday night.

“Every fight is a statement fight. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting. All eyes are on me in the welterweight division. People want to see if there are chinks in my armor, so it’s important for me to put on a great performance and prove I’m the best welterweight in the division.

“Dallas already is a boxing town, just not enough boxing comes here. I can be the star who has annual fights and bring the city out like we’re doing Saturday night. I’m going to prove we’re a boxing city in Dallas and that Texas is a boxing state period. I do this for the whole state.

“We work hard every camp and we’re 100 percent dedicated. There hasn’t been much difference in this camp than normal. The sparring with Jermell Charlo was top quality and has me prepared for Saturday night.

“I’m ready to line up those other champions. I’ve said that since I was 15-0. I want to fight every opponent and take them out no matter who it is. I’m here to prove that I’m the best in the division.”

CARLOS OCAMPO

“We’re here on the same stage and I’m ready. I’m appreciative to be here and I’m calm. I have nothing to lose. He has all the pressure of being in his hometown. I’m just relaxed and ready to fight.

“I’ve studied his fights enough. What’s most important is that I know that he has everything to lose and I don’t. He has a home field advantage, but at the end of the day, it’s just two guys in the ring.

“I’ve gotten a great reception from the people here in Dallas. I’ve been treated like a champion and after Saturday I’ll be a world champion. You don’t want to miss this fight.

“He can try to come and knock me out, but this is my dream. This is what I’ve trained my whole life for and i’m not going to let this chance pass me by.

“I’m going to use my height, distance and jab throughout the fight. The counter will be important for me. I’m going to look to catch him so he better be ready.

“I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I’m going to show what I have and give everyone a great performance from start to finish.”

DANIEL ROMAN

“Flores is a tough opponent. I don’t overlook anybody. I know he’s going to come in and fight. Defending my belt is the only thing that’s on my mind.

“We work hard like always. The only thing that changes in camp is strategy, and we will be ready for anything Flores can bring.

“We’re going to be ready for his pressure. I’m going to fight a smart fight. If we have a chance to take him out early, then I’m going to jump on it. You never know what could happen in a fight.

“Flores is not an easy opponent. Nobody is at this level. I just work hard every day like it’s my first shot at a world title. I know that if I put in the work, everything will come together in the ring.”

MOISES FLORES

“Roman is a good fighter, that’s why we’re here. Hopefully on Saturday night he won’t be able to take my volume of punches. I’m going to bring pressure for every moment of the fight and we’ll see if he holds up.

“Everyone knows that I like to come forward and make exciting fights. There will be drama and I’m expecting to come out of there with my hand raised.

“On Saturday night I’m going to get redemption for everything that happened in my last fight and deliver a win and an exciting fight. This is a chance that I’ve worked and trained hard to get again.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“Everyone knows what I can do here in the ring. I’m very glad to be here meeting Granados, because we’re going to give the fans a a great fight on Saturday that’s going to steal the show.

“I know that Granados has fought a lot of top opposition, but on Saturday night, I’m going to be a different fighter than he’s ever seen in the ring.

“This will be a battle. Everyone will see on fight night what the difference is between me and him. I’m a special fighter. I’m going to prove it again on Saturday.”

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“It’s been a long hard road to this fight. I know I have marks on my record, but I can easily say that I know all of them have been controversial. I’ve pushed through everything and I know that I’m truly respected as a fighter.

“I’m always going to bring the same fire and determination to the ring. If my opponent is brave enough to stand with me, then it’s going to be all-action. Either way, I’m coming to break him down and get the victory.

‘Recently I’ve gone against a lot of opposition that is naturally bigger than me, but I’ve never backed down or been afraid of any of them. This fight is going to prove that I belong in the upper echelon of boxing.

“I’ve checked out Fortuna’s fights and he’s a scrapper. He likes to bang too in the ring just like I do. It’s all the recipes for a can’t miss fight.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I’m very happy to see everybody out here and we’re so glad that the fans are getting involved. This city means everything to me and Errol, so to bring a great night like this and have this huge reception from the fans, is a little bit of extra motivation.

“I think we’re going to see a great fight. Ocampo is very tough opposition and Errol has trained very hard. We’re going to see the best Errol Spence on Saturday night and I’m sure we’ll see the best Carlos Ocampo, which should make for a fun night for the fans.”

BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, Vice President of TGB Promotions

“We are so excited for Saturday night and to be bringing the first boxing event inside Ford Center at The Star. Dallas is a great fight town and who better to headline the first title fight here in 50 years than hometown favorite Errol Spence Jr.? He is sure to put on a great performance for his hometown fans.

“It has truly been a pleasure to work with the entire Dallas Cowboys organization throughout this promotion and we hope this is just the start of bringing sellout crowds here to the heart of Texas. We can’t wait to see you all there on Saturday night.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.

“SHOWTIME is thrilled to be here at The Star for the first boxing event inside of Ford Center. Week after week and month after month, we’ve delivered the best fighters in the most meaningful fights to boxing fans. Saturday is the 11th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this year. These events have featured more than 15 world title fights, just in the first six months of the year. We’re doing more boxing and more high quality boxing than any other network by far.

“Saturday is no exception, especially in terms of quality. Errol Spence Jr. is a consensus top five pound-for-pound fighter. He’s knocked out 10 straight fighters and it was 2014 when an opponent last went the distance. Errol is in many ways our Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys quarterback), he’s a young star, a fan favorite and we expect him to be one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

“If you know of the tradition of Mexican fighters in this sport, then you know that Carlos Ocampo cannot be overlooked. He’s coming to win and that makes him very dangerous and should create an exciting fight.

“Both of the opening bouts leading up to the main event on SHOWTIME are significant bouts with fighters that bring all action styles to the ring.”

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (June , 2018) — World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 3-rated cruiserweight Hizni “The Warrior” Altunkaya (30-1, 17 KOs) isn’t concerned about hitting the road to fight local hero and two-division World Boxing Association (WBA) World Champion, Beibut Shumenov, for the vacant WBA World cruiserweight title, July 7 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

A 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs) retired a year ago due to an eye injury that required surgeries, forcing him to relinquish his WBA cruiserweight world title. Shumenov has fully recovered and he’s on a mission to recapture his WBA world cruiserweight title.

Shumenov vs. Altunkaya is a presentation of Shumenov’s company, KZ Event Productions, Inc. The July 7th gala event will be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Astana being the capital of Kazakhstan. Many political dignitaries from Kazakhstan and around the World are expected to attend Shumenov’s comeback fight, which will air nationally on Qazaqstan TV and QAZSPORT TV, as well as internationally, including BoxNation in the United Kingdom.

“I have no reservations about fighting Shumenov in his country,” 30-year-old Altunkaya said. “I believe that there will be a fair decision and the better fighter that evening will win. I will arrive in Kazakhstan with enough time for me to acclimate.

“I have great respect for what he has achieved. Shumenov has a lot of experience and he is a strong boxer. We are studying some fights to find his weaknesses. I think it will be, technologically, a good fight, in which both of us will take chances to get a knockout. I’m a boxer, but when I see the chance for a knockout, I can change my style. It will be a tough fight and I will do my best to go home as world champion.

Altunkaya, who was born in Turkey but now lives and fights out of fighting out of Germany, knocked out Mathias Reinhardt in the first round, on the Vitali Klitschko versus Shannon Briggs World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight World Championship card in 2010, at O2 World Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

In 2011, Altunkaya won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Salvatore Aiello (29-0) for the Interim World Boxing Federation (WBF) World cruiserweight crown. The gifted Turk captured the vacant Global Boxing Council (GBC) Intercontinental cruiserweight title in 2016, His pro loss happened last year, when he was stopped in round five by former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight World champion Krzysztof Glowacki (26-1).

Shumenov has a tremendous quality experience advantage over Altunkaya, who did not box as an amateur. Although Altunkava has fought more pro rounds than Shumenov, 147-140, the chiseled Kazakh has fought 88 rounds in major world title fights compared to zero for his Turkish opponent.

“The fight against Glowacki was one of the most important experiences in my career,” Altunkaya added. “I know what I did wrong and I will not repeat those mistakes against Shumenov.”

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

INFORMATION:
www.BeibutShumenov.com
Twitter: @Beibut_Shumenov
Instagram: @BeibutShumenov
Facebook: www.Facebook/BeibutShumenov/fanpage
You Tube: www.YouTube.com/channel/UCyWBF2CoafZEeif7bON2H8Q

n a sport that is known for brutality and tragic backstories, the backbone of so many successes in the ring is often rooted in fatherhood. Whether it was a father who dragged his young son to the boxing gym to begin acquainting him with the sweet science, or the birth of a child that inspired a boxer to dedicate himself fully to the craft, the love of dads is a strong undercurrent in the sea of blood and sweat that is boxing.

On June 10, the Philadelphia father-boxers who will be competing on June 29 at Parx Casino® gathered for a first-of-its kind photo shoot. These dedicated fathers, along with their families, joined together at Joe Hand Boxing Gym to create memories and discuss the importance of a father’s role, and the impact that fatherhood has had on these boxers.

For Father’s Day we wanted to share a different side of these fighters. These fighters are the pillar of the upcoming Xcite Fight Night event, but more importantly they are the support, strength and heroes of the children that call them Dad.

The video below is a preview of the conversations. During the next week, we’ll be distributing videos for many of the boxers involved in the June 29 fight card, including main-eventer Miguel Cartagena, PGW foreman Marcel Rivers, and Isaiah Wise.
Fathers: The Backbone of Boxing
The children all had the opportunity to interact with one another, and take photos with their fathers. It was priceless to see the way the children’s faces lit up when they had the opportunity to talk about their fathers.

ABOUT JUNE 29

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

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.

New York, NY (June 14, 2018) DiBella Entertainment has announced a sensational fight card for the next Broadway Boxing event on Thursday, June 21, at the beautiful Melrose Ballroom in Astoria, Queens, NY.

Tickets for the first Broadway Boxing event at Melrose Ballroom, starting at $50, may be purchased online at www.MelroseBallroomNYC.com or by clicking HERE. Melrose Ballroom is located at 36-08 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Boxing fans worldwide can also catch all the nonstop action on the new DiBella Entertainment streaming home, LIVE.DBE1.com, at a cost of $6.95.

In the 10-round welterweight main event, undefeated Brooklyn fan favorite Mikkel LesPierre (19-0-1, 8 KOs) takes on Argentina’s Gustavo Vittori (20-3-1, 11 KOs). In his last outing, LesPierre won the WBC USNBC Super Lightweight belt in a brilliant performance earning a 10-round unanimous decision against Noel Murphy on February 7, in New York City. Winner of seven of his last nine bouts, including one draw, the 28-year-old upset-minded Vittori will look to bounce back into the win column following a clash with world ranked Alex Saucedo on November 11, 2017.

Making her highly anticipated return to action is newly crowned WBA World Female Super Middleweight Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (9-1, 5 KOs), in an eight-round fight against former world title challenger Vashon “Lady V” Living (6-3, 1 KO), of Houston, TX. Making her first start since winning the world title, Napoleon, the highly popular Lindenhurst, NY resident took the belt home on March 3, with a 10-round unanimous decision versus then-undefeated Femke Hermans (who now holds the WBO 168lb. strap) at Barclays Center. Living has faced world class opposition throughout her career with hard-fought 10-round decision losses to world champions Christina Hammer and Tori Nelson. Most recently, Living won a six-round decision against Latashia Burton.

Former WBC Lightweight World Champion “Dynamite” Dejan Zlaticanin (23-1, 16 KOs), of Podgorica, Montenegro, will continue on his path toward regaining the world title with a scheduled 10-round bout against heavy-handed Mexican veteran Roberto “The Rifle” Ramirez (17-2-1, 12 KOs), of Tijuana. Zlaticanin is coming off his show-stopping New York City debut as the hard-hitting southpaw stunned fans with a first-round knockout of Hevinson Herrera on December 14, 2017. The 25-year-old Ramirez is riding a four-bout winning streak and will be fighting for the first time in New York City. Two of his most recent victories were by knockout.

Undefeated junior lightweight prospect Jude “King Zar” Franklin (7-0, 6 KOs) will return to the ring in a scheduled six-round bout against Enrique “Maikol” Aguilar
(8-14, 1 KO), of Mexico City, Mexico. The all-action Franklin is coming off his career-best victory; a second-round knockout of Floriano Pagliara on February 7, in New York City. Aguilar’s last three fights took place in the Los Angeles area in hotly contested distance bouts against highly regarded and undefeated prospects. Despite his losses, Aguilar has never been knocked out.

In a six-round women’s bout, undefeated middleweight prospect Raquel Miller (5-0, 3 KOs), of San Francisco, CA, will make her DBE and New York City debut in a clash against Hungarian veteran Szilvia Szabados (17-11, 8 KOs). Since turning professional two years ago, Miller has built a legion of fans in the Northern California area, with two of her wins coming by first-round knockout. Szabados has battled numerous world class fighters, including Claressa Shields, Mikaela Lauren, Alicia Napoleon and Aleksandra Lopes.

Junior middleweights will see action as all-action Puerto Rican native Jose “Cheito” Roman (5-0, 3 KOs) makes his New York City debut in a scheduled six-rounder against Marcus Beckford (5-8-3, 1 KO), of Patchogue, NY. The 24-year-old Roman hits the ring following a six-round decision versus Jonathan Garcia on March 3, in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Also 24 years old, Beckford has won his last two fights, including a six-round decision against previously undefeated prospect Yurik Mamedov.

Competing in the junior lightweight division and making his long-awaited professional debut will be Elnur Abduraimov in a four-rounder. A native of Chirchiq, Uzbekistan, the 24-year-old Abduraimov had an extraordinary amateur career compiling a record of 195-20. A five-time National champion, Abduraimov was a gold medalist at the 2017 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and a bronze medalist at the 2015 World Championships. Abduraimov is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc.

WHAT: “La Batalla” PPV professional boxing event

MAIN EVENT – WBO JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)
Tito Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), Champion, San Juan, Puerto Rico
vs.
Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), Challenger, Managua, Nicaragua

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)
Kevin Nieves (12-1-1, 5 KOs), Comerio, Puerto Tico
vs.
Jean C. “Lobo” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Bryan Chevalier (9-1-1, 8 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico
vs.
Ricardo Rodriguez (10-2-1, 6 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

SUPER FEATHERIGHTS (6)
Edwin “Chin” Valentin (4-0, 4 KOs), Salinas, Puerto Rico
vs.
Pedro Vincente (5-1, 2 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

(all fights & fighters subject to change).

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2018

WHERE: Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

PROMOTER: Miguel Cotto Promotions, and H2 Entertainment, in association with
DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

PROMO VIDEO:

ENGLISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8RaZf6ncdk&feature=youtu.be

SPANISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ksMNm_S7g&feature=youtu.be

INFORMATION:

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

OHARA DAVIES will now face WBC international super-lightweight champion Paul Kamanga at o2 Arena on June 23.

The controversial Londoner now faces the African after Josh Leather pulled out of their ?ght claiming he was taking break from boxing.

Davies said: “I feel quiet gutted that Leather pulled out and said he was taking a break from boxing. “He did interviews saying what he was going to do and I wanted to see if he could ?ght as well as he talks.

“He said a few things I wasn’t too happy with, but these things happen and hopefully he will decided he wants ?ght again eventually and we can meet.”

Congolese Kamanga has won 21 of his 22 ?ghts and con?dent of causing an upset, but Davies doesn’t intend on ?nding out too much about him before their BT Sport televised clash.

He added: “As always Frank Warren delivers and has come with Paul Kamanga. I have only just heard the name and I am going to have a look. “Kamanga’s record is good and he looks a real test for a ?ghter like myself who is all about winning world titles. “I will watch a bit of him, but I don’t think I need to because I am a smart ?ghter in that ring.

“With the new team that I have, I can adjust to any circumstances. I am in such good shape that I don’t see anyone being a threat to me, right now.”

Davies could face the winner of the Belfast clash between Jack Catterall and Tyrone McKenna, but wants the bigger prize, WBO champion Maurice Hooker who shocked Terry Flanagan last weekend.

Ohara, 26, added: “Hooker is someone I want because he is a world champion. I think he would be easier to beat than Terry Flanagan. “I was ringside and Terry should have got the decision. I thought he won and I know what I saw. “Styles make ?ghts and Terry would be tougher to beat than Hooker who will be easier.”

Lewis Ritson is right on schedule to land the British Lightweight title for keeps before moving onto European honours – but knows Paul Hyland Jnr is the biggest test of his career as they clash at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Ritson has enjoyed a whirlwind eight months after stopping Robbie Barrett in seven rounds in Manchester to land the British title. Eddie Hearn quickly sealed the signature of the Newcastle ace to a five-fight deal and Ritson paid that faith back with two blistering wins earlier in the year, drilling Joe Murray in the opening round of their February showdown in Manchester and then getting rid of Scotty Cardle in the second round of their London shootout a month later.

The 24 year old can claim the title for keeps with a win over Hyland Jnr, but the unbeaten Belfast man is confident of taking the title home, so Ritson’s optimism over his win and future European exploits has an edge of cautiousness to it.

“It’s been a rollercoaster from the Barrett fight to here,” said Ritson. “I’ve put in three good performances and hopefully we can keep that going in front of my home fans.

“It’s been a mad eight months and to be here now looking to hold the Lord Lonsdale belt outright inside that time is crazy. If I can do that, I’ll have a bit of a holiday and then look to get back in the gym and aim for another belt. It’s been a fast year but I am in the gym six days a week whatever happens so there’s no reason why I can’t win this and get two more in before the end of the year.

“I haven’t seen much of Paul, I leave all that to the team, they have come up with the gameplan and it’s down to me to put it into action. He’s very confident that he’s going to win and so am I, we’ve got similar styles so it should be a really exciting fight with fireworks.

“I’ve always wanted the British title for keeps – it’s the dream of every British fighter. Eddie has mentioned the European title and that’s something I would love to win too. We signed a five-fight deal with Matchroom and the plan was to win it outright and then move to that Euro belt and defend that, so he’s sticking to his word and I need to back that up and keep winning.”

Ritson’s clash with Hyland Jnr is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle as Josh Kelly challenges Kris George for the Commonwealth Welterweight title.

Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men, Charlie Edwards and Anthony Nelson meet for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title, Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily and Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time in the paid ranks.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 are on sale now from the Metro Arena at http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. VIP tickets are on sale priced at £200 from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/tickets

Face value tickets for June 16 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Charlie Edwards finally gets his hands on Anthony Nelson on Saturday night at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle for the WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title, live on Sky Sports – and the Super-Flyweight talent believes a big win can put him back in the World title mix.

Former World title challenger Edwards has been chasing a showdown with Nelson for some time, with the local man returning to the ring in April following his epic battle with Belfast star Jamie Conlan in April 2016 for the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight title.

The Surrey star thinks Nelson is made for his style and he’ll impress in front of the Sky Sports cameras once again as he targets world honours – and a possible domestic blockbuster with WBA king Kal Yafai – by the end of the year.

“I’ve been away and silenced the home supporters before so it’s nothing new to me,” said Edwards. “That gives me that little bit of added motivation. It’s sure to be a great atmosphere in the arena but I’ll be coming out on top.

“I’ve wanted to fight Anthony for a while. We tried to get it on the last Matchroom Newcastle show just after I won the British but it didn’t come off. It looked like he might have retired but now he’s back with a win and it’s locked in – I’m more than ready.

“I’ve been in the gym the whole year so with the experience I’ve picked up in that time, you’ll see the progress.

“Nelson is made for me, I think I’ll break him down. He’s slow on his feet, he’ll try plod on getting close but I’ll keep him on the end of my jab. I’ll make him miss then make him pay – I’m a more spiteful fighter now which is something I have been working on.

“He showed how tough he can be with that fight of the year war with Jamie Conlan a while back so it’s sure to be a great fight for the fans.”

Edwards has already challenged for a World title when he met John Riel Casimero for the IBF Flyweight crown, gamely taking the talented Filipino ten rounds in London in September 2016. The 25 year old has been hunting a showdown with WBA champion Kal Yafai, who made a third defence of his crown in LA last month, and believes he can pin down the Birmingham man by moving up the WBA rankings, starting on Saturday .

“Yafai retained his World title the other week and it seems he’ll fight out in America again but it’s time to focus on my own path,” said Edwards. “It doesn’t look like he wants to fight me, so if I want that shot I’m going to have to force the issue and winning this WBA ranking title gets me on that ladder. I want the fight but I can’t let it hold me up. I have to back him in to a corner, he might even get beat before I get to him.

“I had a first round blow over in my last fight back in February which was a bit of a waste of time, it’s been a frustrating year but you’ve got to move on. I was chasing Kal and then something else didn’t come off so it was a bit of a late period.

“I need to make a statement, when you break it down it’s been a year since my last meaningful fight so it’s time to pick up and push on. I’ve been sparring Ryan Burnett and Paul Butler a lot over the past year so I’m mixing it at the highest level.”

Edwards’ clash with Nelson is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle as Lewis Ritson defends his British Lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jnr and Josh Kelly challenges Kris George for the Commonwealth Welterweight title.

Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men, Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily and Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time in the paid ranks.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 are on sale now from the Metro Arena at http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. VIP tickets are on sale priced at £200 from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/tickets

Face value tickets for June 16 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 14th, 2018) — Andre Ewell is fully aware the entire crowd at Twin River Casino will be rooting for hometown favorite Dinis Paiva when the two face one another Friday for the vacant CES MMA Bantamweight World Title.

“Sweetbread” Paiva (11-6, 6 KOs) practically owns the arena, having fought there 17 times, more than any fighter in CES MMA history.

The cage? Ewell (12-4) says that still belongs to him.

“When I’m on that stage, I don’t get nervous,” Ewell said. “I’m at home.”

“Even though I’m coming out to his hometown, it’s more like, hey, you’re actually visiting my house.”

The Riverside, Calif., native is beaming with confidence as he prepares for the fight of his life against the red-hot Paiva, the East Providence, R.I., bantamweight who has won four in a row and eight of his last nine entering Friday.

Their five-round title bout headlines “CES MMA 50” on AXS TV, the promotion’s 50thshow since its inception in 2010. Paiva earning top billing is fitting considering he debuted at “CES MMA 6” in 2011 and has remained with the promotion ever since, regardless of losing streaks, coaching changes or the typical ebbs and flows that come with being a professional fighter.

Paiva considered walking away after losing five of his first eight fights, but reworked his inner circle and is now on the precipice of winning a world title, an unlikely storybook ending for a fighter who has sacrificed in and out of the gym to get to where he is today.

While Ewell is impressed with Paiva’s rise to stardom — “He definitely has heart and determination,” he said — the 30-year-old former professional boxer is intent on writing his own fairytale finish on the sport’s biggest stage. Winning a world title on AXS TV against the fan-favorite could provide the boost he needs to get to the next level.

“I already know he’s the superhero of Rhode Island,” Ewell said. “I’ve got to come into his territory and do what I do best. Coming into someone else’s backyard and proving you are the top dog is the best feeling in the world.

“I know I’m the best fighter out there. This is going to be my doorway to the UFC. The next fight is definitely the most important fight. All I’ve got to do is do my job and perform.”

Tickets for “CES MMA 50” start at $40 and are available to purchase online at www.cesmma.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or at the Twin River Box Office. The preliminary card begins at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the televised main card at 9.

Ewell is used to being out of his comfort zone, whether it’s in life or mixed martial arts. Growing up as the oldest in a family of nine, he and his siblings moved frequently from California to Texas and back again — four times, to be exact. Being the new kid at every school also forced him to keep his guard up.

“I was always fighting,” he said.

“Me being the oldest, I had to take on a bigger role in the family. I had to grow up a lot faster than most kids. Everything ended up molding me into an adult.”

Ewell wrestled as a youth, then transitioned to taekwondo and boxing. He eventually began his professional fighting career in the boxing ring at the age of 23 in 2011, but the “politics” of the sport drove him away. He was merely fodder for up-and-coming prospects supported financially by well-established promotors. He felt used and walked away from the sport in 2013.

Two years later, following the birth of his son, Eli, he switched to MMA and immediately felt at home.

“I pick things up fast, especially when I have people preaching to me,” Ewell said. “I ended up grasping it quickly.”

With no amateur bouts under his belt, Ewell won his first three fights as a pro before losing three of his next five. Since a split-decision loss to Ryan Lilley in February of 2017, he’s gone on a Paiva-like stretch with wins in seven of his last eight, including three in a row entering Friday.

The bright lights of AXS TV won’t be a factor; he recently fought on the network at Legacy Fighting Alliance 36, defeating Trent Meaux by first-round knockout.

Aside from being the visitor in Paiva’s hometown Friday, Ewell draws motivation from his upbringing, reminiscing about watching his parents put in long hours to provide for his family. He has also had custody issues with his son, now five years old, which motivates him even more to be the best he can be Friday night in what will be the biggest fight of his life.

“Growing up, watching my mom work, my pops always pushing me, I automatically see that grind,” he said. “We didn’t have everything, so that automatically makes you want to push and have something. When it comes to my son, everything, all the emotion, comes out in that moment.

“I know my whole background, how I was raised, where I come from. This is me. I want to be something better than I was yesterday.”

Having been through so much himself, Ewell respects Paiva for battling back despite his early struggles, but the camaraderie goes out the window once the bell rings Friday. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for both fighters and the winner moves one step closer toward achieving his goals.

“To take his record from being not so good and pushing it in the right direction, that’s a product of hard work and positivity, but now he’s meeting someone who works harder and is more dedicated,” Ewell said. “Everything will show inside that cage. He’s a cool cat. I especially like his nickname, but now it’s my lunchtime, because I’m hungry.”

Also highlighting “CES MMA 50,” Ludlow, Mass., welterweight Jon Manley (11-4, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Wells (4-1, 2 KOs) and Woonsocket, R.I., flyweight Jose Lugo (2-0, 1 KO) makes his network television debut in a rematch against Cortland, N.Y., native Michael Taylor (1-1, 1 KO).

Middleweight Pat McCrohan (3-1, 2 KOs) of Berkley, Mass., returns to face red-hot Worcester, Mass., prospect Reginaldo Felix (5-3, 2 KOs). Bantamweight John Douma (3-0, 2 KOs) of Providence also debuts on the AXS TV platform in a highly-anticipated showdown against Nevada’s Adam Acquaviva (5-3, 1 KO). Also on the main card, female flyweight sensation Maria Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) of Framingham, Mass., puts her unbeaten record on the line against Mallory Martin (3-2, 1 KO) of Denver.

The preliminary card features a welterweight scrap between veteran Toby Oden (2-2, 1 KO) of Milford, Mass., and newcomer Jeremy Puglia of Long Island, who makes his professional debut. Decorated light heavyweight Fabio Cherant (1-0) returns to face Mansfield, Ohio, native Marquis Allen (1-0, 1 KO) and featherweight Brandon Marotte (1-0, 1 KO) of Hempstead, N.H., battles debut Arslan Otchiyev of West Haven, Conn.

Also on the preliminary card, Milford, Mass., bantamweight Kris Moutinho (4-1, 2 KOs) makes his long-awaited return against New York’s Alfred Jones (3-3, 1 KO) and light heavyweight Yorgan De Castro (1-0) of Fall River, Mass., faces David White (0-2) of Cumberland, Md. Flyweights Hilarie Rose (0-1) of Norfolk, Mass., and Thais Sousa (0-2) of Miami search for their first career victories against one another in a special female attraction.

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

Amateur phenom James Branch is driven by the dream of lifting a barrow load of professional titles that eluded his father (also James).

Senior, a mercurially gifted junior at the Repton conveyor belt of champions in Bethnal Green, east London, was touted to shine on the world stage when he vaulted to the pro sphere under promoter Frank Warren back in the mid 1990s.

However, personal circumstances resulted in his immense potential remaining unfulfilled and he withdrew from the profession in his early 20s, after just four paid starts.

‘I’ve got to finish off the job Dad started,’ states the 22 year old southpaw who lifted seven All-England amateur titles including the 2017 Senior ABA Cruiserweight crown.

‘Dad was one of the best amateurs of his generation, a nine-time national (junior) champion who, like me, just missed out on the (1996) Olympics due to an injury. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for him as a pro. I came along and brought added pressure.

‘But he ‘made’ me. With mum, he’s my rock for every situation, a life coach as well as a boxing coach. He’s steered me through all the shit side, the injuries and amateur politics.

‘Stylewise, we’re very similar though I’m probably a bit more flash and confident and, as a southpaw, even trickier. I’m quite ‘flairy’. I use my reactions, work off my opponents.
‘Though I started training aged eight, I couldn’t get any bouts in the UK because, one, I was James Branch’s son and, two, I was very big. I finally had my first bouts at a tournament in Denmark when I was 13 and I destroyed the Danish and Polish national champions. They complained afterwards that it couldn’t possibly have been my debut.

‘Initially, there were added pressures. It was always: ‘That’s ‘Special Branch’s’ Boy’. But, winning seven times in two and a half weeks to reach the (2014) Senior ABA final, aged just 17, helped me step out of the ‘old man’s’ shadow.

‘As a kid, I actually wanted to be a weatherman but, once winning became a habit, boxing became my life. There’s no better feeling than having your hand raised inside a boxing ring. I only lost three of my 50 amateur fights and I’m still fuming about them!

‘(Current Commonwealth cruiser king) Lawrence Okolie narrowly outpointed me in one of our two bouts, Warren Baister beat me in that ABA final when I was just 17 and the other loss was years ago against a kid I couldn’t name or even recognise now.’

When a back injury extinguished his goal of participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics, the ‘Special’ one continued in a singlet for a further season – finally adding that elusive Senior ABA title to the impressive family horde – before opting to punch for his lunch under Martin Bowers at The Peacock facility in Canning Town.

‘Twenty-two is very young to turn pro, especially for a cruiserweight but I’d already won all the national titles and couldn’t really work with the GB coaches in Sheffield. They did their best but had this ‘one-style suits all’ mentality and mine didn’t fit,’ says the Hainault born and based ex carpenter.

‘Working with Martin has been a blessing. Another mentor and a proper gent. He’s taken my strength and fitness to new levels.

‘It’d be nice to have three or four fights before the year is out but I’m in no rush. I intend to have a very long and successful career so I’ll take my time to adapt, settle into the profession and improve.’

After a false start at April’s aborted O2 bill, the evasive Branch kickstarts his professional innings in a four rounder on the parade of prospects at the Arena on June 23rd.

‘It’s a brilliant stage, a dream. Fans will see, I am the future,’ warns Jamie.
‘I know professional boxing is more a business and fans will be looking for me to spark people out in style. In the amateurs, you only have three rounds but I still stopped quite a few and plenty more were ‘broke’ by the final bell, didn’t know what was going on. With one more round, I’d have finished them.

‘I think my style will actually be very marketable for the pros. I’ve got excellent reflexes and natural awkwardness, and I can open opponents up with my movement.
‘Often in top amateur matches, fans were on the edge of their seats as a fired back with my hands down. I’m a very cool, relaxed customer who intends breaking opponents down, then stopping them.

‘Of course, it’s good to look a million dollars but next weekend I just intend to win, no matter what. If you keep winning, you won’t go wrong in this game!’