LONDON (14
June, 2018) – Two-division WBA world champion Beibut Shumenov’s ring return following a two-year hiatus will be screened live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian retired last June due to an eye injury that required surgery, forcing him to relinquish his WBA cruiserweight world title, but now he feels ready to claim yet another belt when he faces German born Hizni Altunkaya on July 7th.

Not known for taking soft touches, Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs) challenges a game contender in Altunkaya (30-1, 17 KOs), a youthful cruiserweight who has beaten solid opposition in the past but will now be in with the best fighter that he has ever faced.

Taking place from the Barys Arena in Astana, next month’s event will be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Kazakhstan capital with many political dignitaries expected to attend Shumenov’s comeback fight.

“I’m happy to fight for my belt,” Shumenov said from his training camp in Kazakhstan. “My eye is 100-percent and I’m excited about fighting again. I’m honoured to fight on the 20th anniversary celebration of Astana as my country’s capital. After this fight, I want interim cruiserweight champion, Arsen Goulamirian.”

In only his 10th pro fight, Shumenov established the fewest-fights record for a light-heavyweight world champion, when he decisioned Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas.

Shumenov became the only two-division world champion from Kazakhstan in his last fight, when he stopped Junior Wright in the tenth round of their May 21st, 2016 title fight, capturing the WBA cruiserweight world championship.

During the 34-year-old Shumenov’s professional career, he has defeated four world champions – Campillo, Byron Mitchell, William Joppy and Montell Griffin – as well as seven world title challengers: Epifanio Mendoza, Vlacheslav Uzelkov, Danny Santiago, Enrique Ornelas, Tamas Kovacs, BJ Flores and Wright.

Against Altunkaya he steps in against a younger fighter who is looking to bounce back following his only career loss, that being against former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki last year, to claim his first world title.

“I’m thankful for the chance to fight Beibut Shumenov,” Altunkaya said. “He’s a great fighter, but I will give him my best. We have optimum time to be fully prepared for the fight. It’s going to be a good fight. I’m coming to Kazakhstan to win!”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “Beibut Shumenov is always involved in exciting fights and it will be great to see him back in the ring. The cruiserweight division is on a real high at the moment with a host of top names looking to stake their claim as the best in the division. Shumenov and Hizni Altunkaya will be out to prove that they are part of the mix by winning in style on July 7th as part of a fantastic fight card live and exclusive on BoxNation.”

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com, via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) and TV Player for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Canelo vs Golovkin.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.427), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), TV Player, online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 13, 2018) – The final “La Batalla” press conference was held today in advance of this Saturday’s pay-per-view card, headlined by the 12-round main event between World Boxing Organization (WBO) 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.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Tito Acosta: “I am very excited about this Saturday night’s fight. I’ve been training really hard to get a big win over Buitrago. I only have one thing to tell him about Saturday: he will fail to capture the title and I will remain as a world champion in front of all my fans in Puerto Rico.”

Carlos Buitrago: “I feel healthy and strong. I had a very intense camp I came here with my mind clear and focus with my dream of becoming a world champion this victory is for my country of Nicaragua”

PPV BOUT SHEET

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).

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

ORANGE, Calif. (June 13, 2018) – WBA Super Bantamweight champion Danny Roman (24-2-1. 9 KOs) arrived in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday in advance of his showdown against unbeaten and No. 1 challenger Moises Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) set for this Saturday, June 16.

The 12-round world championship fight originates from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Tex., and will be televised on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

“I’m ready for battle,” said Roman, who’s youthful appearance earned him the nickname “Baby Faced Assassin.” “I know what I need to do against Flores. I’ll be going back home to Los Angeles with my WBA belt.”

Roman, 28, will defend his world title for the second time. He won the championship in knockout fashion over Shun Kubo last September. He followed that performance with a resounding decision win over Ryo Matsumoto in February. Both those fights took place in Japan.

“I’m glad I’m back in the U.S. fighting in familiar territory,” said Roman, who is trained and managed by Eddie Gonzalez. “The three-hour flight from L.A. to Dallas was a breeze. I can’t wait to give the fans in attendance and those watching on Showtime a tremendous show.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

DALLAS (June 13, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. spent time giving back in his hometown Wednesday, as he handed out meals at the Salvation Army in Dallas ahead of his homecoming world title defense live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, June 16 from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I’m excited to be back at Salvation Army again,” said Spence, who has spent time at the charity ahead of previous fights and during the holidays. “We’ve done events like these before and it’s always one of my favorite ways to give back. I’m glad to be able to come back and do something a little extra for my hometown fans that support me during this fight week.”

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.

“I can’t wait to step into that ring and feel the love from the people in my city,” said Spence. “The least I could do was give something back this week. On Saturday night, I’m giving everyone in the city a great show and a memorable night of action.”

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.

# # #

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.

Ray Flores
We are very excited. We want to thank the media for joining us. So this is going to be a very historic event in Dallas, Texas as we are very excited to be at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco for a big night of action, the return of Errol Spence Jr. making his homecoming as he defends his IBF welterweight crown against Carlos Ocampo.

We have a terrific undercard as well as we go ahead and have Daniel Roman defending his super bantamweight championship against Moises “Chucky” Flores. Also to open up SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING we have Javier Fortuna matching up with Adrian Granados.

We go live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, that’s local time there in Frisco. And on Saturday night the card is being brought to you by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Right now I will turn it over to the Vice President of TGB Promotions, Brittany Goossen Brown. TGB Promotions has been promoting quality and world class matchups for years upon years and they’re excited to bring this world title matchup.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Thank you Ray and thank you all for joining us today as we kickoff the Spence vs. Ocampo Fight Week. We are thrilled to be promoting the homecoming of the IBF Welterweight World Champion, Errol Spence Jr. as he faces his mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo.

It has been a privilege for our family to promote countless home title defenses over the years but none of those compare to what we are about to witness this Saturday night in front a nearly sold-out crowd at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside Errol’s Man Down Promotions, the Dallas Cowboys organization and our friends at SHOWTIME to bring this fight to the fans in Dallas and all of those fans watching at home.

Errol’s a special fighter, he’s a good friend and Saturday will certainly be a special night of fights not to be missed. I’m going to send it back to Ray and I’ll see ya’ll in Texas.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Brittany. Well you know what, it’s no secret that the leader when it comes to televised boxing has been SHOWTIME. They have done an amazing job starting off with Errol’s title defense back in January over Lamont Peterson at Barclays Center. They followed it up, and it’s been a tremendous year where we’re coming off of a riveting night of action with Leo Santa Cruz-Abner Mares the rematch.

Now I will turn it over to the President of Sports & Events Programming, for Showtime Network Inc., who works extremely hard and does a fabulous job, here is Mr. Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much Ray. SHOWTIME has distinguished itself as the leader in boxing by televising the brightest stars in their most important fights on a regular basis, of course live on SHOWTIME.

This Saturday will be the 10th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast just during the first half of this year. We are the home of the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence Jr. is certainly one of those.

So far this year in just the first half of ’18 we’ve seen four of the top ten welterweights fighting on SHOWTIME from Danny Garcia to Yordenis Ugas to Jessie Vargas and now of course Errol Spence. Spence is leading a dynamic crop of young stars who are regularly appearing on SHOWTIME. He is a top ten pound-for-pound ranked fighter.

He has not fought in Dallas since 2015 when he was 18-0 and not yet champion. He won the title last year in Sheffield, he defended it earlier this year in Brooklyn and now obviously he is bringing it back home to Dallas. Errol has knocked out ten straight opponents as his level of competition has steadily risen which is something you rarely see in the sport. To continue that kind of knockout streak at the highest caliber level is something to be recognized.

As for Carlos Ocampo I was asked if I could describe him in one word and the one word I would use is unimpressed. He gives the appearance of a veteran well beyond his 22 years of age. He’s certainly, in my conversations with him has said he respects Errol Spence but he is unimpressed with the champion, unimpressed with the Cowboys. He’s here to win a fight and he is going to do whatever it takes to do that.

With the Super Bantamweight World Championship and the Fortuna vs. Granados opening fight we are expecting an action-packed very entertaining card. It all starts 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT on SHOWTIME. Thank you.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Stephen, greatly appreciate it. TGB Promotions has to thank the Dallas Cowboys. What a wonderful organization. They are America’s team here in the NFL. They have been tremendous to work with on this promotion. They’re a world class organization led by Jerry Jones and we’re so excited for Fight Week.

This is going to be an amazing atmosphere on Saturday night with the return of Errol Spence Jr., a fighter from Dallas, now defending his world title.

With that being said I want to introduce the IBF Welterweight Champion of the World as Saturday night’s card is brought to you by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

This young man has really set the bar extremely high as Stephen has mentioned. When you talk about guys that are the future, they are the superstars in boxing, Errol Spence Jr. is one of those superstars; 23-0, 20 knockouts as he makes his second defense of his IBF welterweight crown, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a great honor and pleasure to introduce Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.

Errol Spence Jr.
I’m happy to be working with TGB Promotions and to be back on SHOWTIME. It’s going to be a great event. I can’t wait to be fighting in front of my hometown crowd in front of 15,000 fans and you know it’s going to be great.

My hope is Carlos Ocampo comes to fight, and gives the crowd a fan-friendly fight. I’m in shape and I’m ready and training very hard for this fight and I can’t wait to put on a great performance.

Q
What are you expecting from the rest of division after Saturday night? And are you thinking about other fights yet or you’re very focused on this Saturday night?

E. Spence Jr.
I’m focused on my opponent right now, that’s Carlos Ocampo,. I might have to worry about other opponents later, but they’re going to play their self out and I’m going to fight. Shawn Porter’s supposed to be fighting Danny Garcia so hopefully I can get the winner out of that. We can unify.

We’re both with the same management, both fight on the same network. So I don’t see why that fight can’t happen but right now I have to get past Carlos Ocampo to even think about that unifying fight.

Q
When you were first presented with Ocampo what were your initial thoughts?

E. Spence Jr.
I didn’t know who he was to tell you the truth. I didn’t know who he was. And I don’t really look at the rankings. So I think, like, two days after my fight, the IBF had ordered me to fight my mandatory then they said it was Carlos Ocampo. My original thought was just, let’s do it. I’d rather get it out of the way now so it’s not a bump in the road later on when I’m trying to get bigger and better fights. So I’d rather get my mandatory out the way right now.

Q
Have you been able to find anything on him to be able to prepare for him or do you really just leave that up to the training camp or what are your thoughts on Carlos Ocampo as a fighter?

E. Spence Jr.
I found tapes on him. There’s nothing that you just see that’s special but I mean the guy comes to fight. He’s young, he’s undefeated and he’s fighting for a world title. Mexican fighters are known to be tough, they’re known to be durable and they’re known to come to fight.

So that’s what I’m expecting out of him to give it his all, come to fight and try to take my belt from me in my hometown. There’s not much that I’ve seen that just sticks out to me but he looks like a durable fighter who kind of thinks in the ring a little bit.

Q
How do you stay focused on the task at hand and not look forward to what everyone’s already predicting for you later on in 2018 and beyond?

E. Spence Jr.
Because I can’t give myself a false sense of security, because once you’re in the ring, there’s no turning back. So he’s been training hard and he’s going to show up on the night. And I just know he’s hungry. He’s 22 years old, he’s undefeated. He’s hungry and this is his dream to win a world title and make a lot of money so he can help his family.

I know what’s in the future for me. I know there’s big fights in the future so I can’t let someone like Carlos Ocampo detour my route of becoming a unified champion and soon, to become undisputed welterweight champion of world. So I have to get past him to reach those goals and those dreams.

Q
I just wanted to get your quick thoughts on what did you think of Terence Crawford’s performance and do you feel like that is the fight to be considering where your stature is at in the welterweight division?

E. Spence Jr.
I think he did what he was supposed to do. So even a week before their fight I said Terence Crawford stops him. I wasn’t surprised about what he did in there to Jeff Horn. I feel like Jeff Horn has limited ability and he basically tried to come there and just bully you. I think he lacks a lot of fundamentals but he did what he’s supposed to do.

I think there is definitely a future fight. He holds one of the belts and like I said I want to be undefeated welterweight champion of the world so I’m going to have to come over there and snatch the belt from him. It’s a fight that’s going to happen definitely in the future.

R. Flores
So right now I want to go ahead and bring on a man who is 22-0 with 13 knockouts. He is the number one contender for Errol Spence’s IBF welterweight championship of the world. From Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, I will turn it over to Carlos Ocampo.

Carlos Ocampo
Hi everyone, hope everything is going well. I’m ready for this fight. I’m looking forward to fighting in Dallas. Everything is going well with the weight, with my training and I just can’t wait to be there.

Q
Errol, do you kind of feel that you have any extra pressure for this particular fight because you’re fighting your hometown?

E. Spence Jr.
No I always have pressure to perform and look good. Since I turned pro I’ve been in the spotlight. All of my fights have been on TV. I’m always pressured to look good and perform all day. I’ve been dealing with pressure since I’ve been fighting and this is just another fight for me.

Q
How do you predict the atmosphere’s going to be this Saturday compared to the last two venues?

E. Spence Jr.
I think this is going to be electrifying. There’s going to be a great atmosphere. It’s going to be a very lively crowd and it’s going to be a great event. I’m a hometown guy and they get to see one of their hometown guys and not just somebody out of state. But I think it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be a great crowd and great atmosphere and great energy all around.

Q
Carlos, how do you prepare for someone with the power that Errol Spence has?

Carlos Ocampo
We did tons of training. We know about the power of Spence. We respect Spence but we prepared like never before and we are ready to go for that belt and bring it to Mexico.

Q
Do you kind of enjoy the fact that you’re going to be such a big underdog?

C. Ocampo
I think it’s good for me, I have nothing to lose. I have a lot of motivation and everything to prove and I’m going to come down and I’m going to go and enjoy it.

Q
Errol I just wanted to clarify something you said earlier, had you literally never heard of Carlos Ocampo before you were ordered to fight him?

E. Spence Jr.
No I never heard of him, which doesn’t mean anything. I mean there’s a lot of fighters that, you know, pop up out of the blue that could fight that you never heard of. They just don’t have the management or the promotion team for the spotlight to be seen. Those are the guys you have to watch out for.

Q
How gratifying has the excitement for your fight in Dallas been for you because I know you’ve wanted a hometown fight for a while now?

E. Spence Jr.
Very satisfied because, this is my my home, this is where I started. To see my core fans appreciate me enough to come out and spend their time and their money to come watch me fight, that’s great.

It shows that a lot of my hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off and I feel like that’s the ultimate justification to be at home and to feel that at home and have people come out and support you. It’ll be a great event.

Q
Errol you mentioned earlier that you would like to fight the winner of the Danny Garcia/Shawn Porter fight. Who do you think will win that fight and why?

E. Spence Jr
I don’t know. I think Danny Garcia could pull it out. He doesn’t do anything spectacular but he has great timing, good fundamentals and mostly really good timing. He just pulls it out. Whenever we think he’s going to lose the fight, he ends up winning the fight so I’ll go with Danny Garcia on that one, by decision.

Q
Carlos a lot of people obviously think that Errol is a very special fighter for a variety of reasons. What do you think of him overall?

C. Ocampo
I consider him a great fighter. He has been destroying all his opponents. He’s a well-respected fighter and a fast fighter with power. As I said before, I’m ready for it. I’m mentally ready to overcome everything Spence brings and make my name.

Q
Carlos, which advantages do you feel you have over Errol Spence that will enable you to beat him?

C. Ocampo
My advantages are my height, distance and I’m going to take advantage of that on Saturday night.

Q
First of all, in order to prepare for Ocampo have you watched any of video on him in order to prepare?

E. Spence Jr.
I watched a couple videos of him when I first got the name. That’s about it. My coach has been watching. But I definitely watched them when we first got his name.

Q
When you watched his video what were some of the tendencies that he does that you think you can exploit in the ring?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh you’ll find out Saturday night.

Q
Some people are making a big deal about Terence Crawford’s performance against Jeff Horn, do you think that your performances against guys like Lamont Peterson and Kell Brook were just as noteworthy if not more impressive?

E. Spence Jr.
To tell you the truth I haven’t thought about it. It was a good performance. Jeff Horn was the champion and he did what he was supposed to do. I don’t know if he’s better or not.

Q
Do you think that you deserve more respect as a pound for pound fighter?

E. Spence Jr.
As soon as I get the top five welterweight in my weight class in the ring with me, I’m going to get what I deserve. I’m not worried it. A lot of timing is in it. Timing is everything and I will soon get there.

Q
Out of all the different names that have been thrown around, who do you think would give you the best fight out of that group of fighters?

E. Spence Jr.
It’s hard to say because Shawn Porter will give anybody a tough fight, just with his style and how he just comes forward and how he rolls in, so he’ll give anybody a tougher fight, doesn’t mean you’re going to lose but he just hits with his style, he’s tough. Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Terence Crawford too, so any one of those guys would give you a tough fight. It’s hard to say who would be my toughest fight.

Q
Wouldn’t it make more sense to fight and still pursue a fight with Keith Thurman? Are you more interested in that fight than you would be in fighting Terence Crawford right now?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh I definitely would be interested in that but I think that’s a fight, that it’ll be easier to make because we have the same management and we fight on the same network so we deal with the same people businesswise.

So I feel like that fight is easier to make. That’s a definite fight that I’ve been wanting to fight that I still want. I just have to see how he comes back and how long it takes him to feel the same.

Q
You usually prepare hard for fights but did you train just as hard for this fight and as focused for this fight as you would be any other?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh definitely, I’m already on weight. I trained like I am facing a top five welterweight. And I’m already on weight. We’ve been training for about ten weeks for this fight. Been in camp with Jermell Charlo. We had the same camp together so I’ve been getting grade A sparring and everything. So we’ve been training hard and taking notes.

Q
Carlos, this is your first appearance in the United States on a really, really big stage against one of the best welterweights in the world, how are you prepared for this fight and what makes you think that you can win this fight?

C. Ocampo
As I said before I think Spence is a great fighter but I stay always in my sight so I just focus on the guy in front of me. I don’t focus on what the press said or the people said. I’m just focused on doing my best and doing this one fight. I just don’t care about what’s happening outside. And I’m just doing my work as I always do. I’m ready for it.

Q
When you were hanging out with the Dallas Cowboys at their facility, who are they saying they would like to see you fight when you run into them or talk to them? Derrick James and Errol if you could answer that.

E. Spence Jr.
At first everybody saw us and talked about Keith Thurman, “when you going to fight Keith Thurman? Man, I want to see you fight Keith Thurman.” But as of recently everybody’s in the moment. Terence Crawford just had his win against Jeff Horn. So now everybody wants to see me fight Terence Crawford.

Derrick James
I think that everybody for the longest time was thinking about Keith Thurman. They want to see the fight. They think that’s a big fight, a mega fight.

But now since Terence Crawford moved up everybody started to talk about Terence Crawford. I think those are the people that they really think that, really will give us a challenge or be a more competitive fight than fighting Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter or any of the other guys. So that’s really what the guys have been talking about.

Q
What would be the most meaningful definitive fight to have in this position for you guys?

E. Spence Jr.
Right now when we are in the gym when we’re talking about fights, we’re talking about Carlos Ocampo.
We haven’t been talking about any other welterweights or anybody else or who we’re going to fight next. The way everything plays itself out after this fight, we’re not going to think about that yet.

This could be the toughest fight of my career. We’re going to give Carlos Ocampo his respect as a fighter and an undefeated fighter and just focus on him right now.

Q
What would be a fight that you would find most challenging to you as a trainer and you think would be a definitive victory among those guys for Errol?

D. James
I think that what’s funny about it is he’s in one the most challenging fights, that I would say is the fight we have right now and only because it’s right in front of us and there’s not a lot of footage and there’s not a lot you can watch video of him. But you can really tell how deep his desire is, how great his skills are, and his will.

This is the fight that’s right in front of me, this is the fight that causes a little bit more difficultly because he’s not one of the guys that you see, not one of the guys that you know, so he can come in and be whoever he wants to be.

Like Errol said regardless we don’t talk about who he’s going to fight other than this guy in particular because there’s no other conversation.

I’ve never asked him about fighting Terence Crawford. I’ve never, ever asked him about fighting Keith Thurman. We might be required to answer other people’s questions but we’re so content about what’s in front of us, this guy right here, that’s the key element to success. Keeping your eye on the prize.

R. Flores
I wanted to thank the media again for joining us. We’ll see you guys down in Dallas for Fight Week. I want to thank Errol, Carlos, Brittany, Stephen and everyone involved. Looking forward to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday. We’ll see you guys down in Dallas for Fight Week later on this week. Thank you.

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.

LAS VEGAS (June 13, 2018) — One of the United States’ top amateur boxers, Chris “The Boy” Zavala, has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum announced today.

Zavala, an 18-year-old native of Long Beach, California, had a sterling amateur record of 125-9, traveling around the globe as one of the nation’s best young boxers and winning a 2015 National Golden Gloves title at 125 pounds.

He will compete in the featherweight division and make his pro debut June 30 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on the undercard of Gilberto Ramirez’s ESPN-televised WBO super middleweight title defense against Alexis Angulo. Zavala’s fight is scheduled to be shown on ESPN+, which will broadcast the entire undercard starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

“As a fighter, signing with Top Rank is a dream come true,” Zavala said. “And to have Richard Anthony as a manager, I could say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. My family and I together, we’ve all worked hard to get exactly to this point. They are the reason why I fight and why I get up every day morning and train as hard as I do. Thanks to Richard and my family, but also Top Rank for giving me a shot at greatness, which I will never take for granted.”

“Chris is a great guy with a high IQ both inside and outside the ring,” Anthony said. “His extensive amateur record speaks for itself, and I am very excited to start the professional journey with him and his family. We are thrilled to join Bob Arum and the Top Rank family and look forward to years of prosperity.”

Zavala has been trained by Manny Robles since he was 9 years old and will make his professional home at Legendz Boxing in Norwalk, California. As an amateur, he sparred the likes of Oscar Valdez, Jessie Magdaleno, and Michael Conlan.

New York, NY (June 13, 2018) – 2016 United States Olympian and undefeated middleweight prospect Charles Conwell (7-0, 5 KOs), of Cleveland, will face popular Baton Rouge, Louisiana, veteran Travis Scott (19-3, 5 KOs) in an eight-round clash on Saturday, July 14
at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

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

“A local Louisiana boxer will get a chance to test himself against a US Olympian when the popular Travis Scott, of Baton Rouge, takes on Cleveland’s Charles Conwell, as part of the excellent undercard to Prograis-Velasco at Lakefront Arena, in New Orleans, on July 14,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans from Baton Rouge have even more of a reason to join us in New Orleans for a great night of world championship boxing.”

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

Following an outstanding amateur career, the 20-year-old Conwell has quickly impressed boxing fans across the country with his world-class skills matched by his concussive power in both hands. On November 10, 2017, he made his triumphant professional return to Cleveland with a sensational performance, winning a nationally televised six-round unanimous decision against Roque Zapata, dropping the valiant Panamanian four times.

Most recently, Conwell stayed busy with a six-round unanimous decision versus Juan Jesus Rivera on March 9, 2018, in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, the upset-minded Scott looks to jump back into the win column following a hard-fought clash with Mark DeLuca on March 18, 2017, in Boston.

Scott began his boxing career in the amateur ranks under the renowned Frank James and Frankie Caruso. While competing in over 100 amateur bouts, Scott won the Southern Boxing Association’s “Boxer of the Year” award in 1995 and 1996. During his tenure in the United States Marine Corps, Scott became a member of the All-Marine Boxing Team. Scott is well known in Baton Rouge boxing circles for his contributions as a pioneer to the local boxing scene and is a staple in reviving the sport in his hometown.

Ricky Burns laces them up for the 50th time on Saturday night at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports – and the Scottish boxing hero says that there are plenty more great nights left in the tank.

Burns created history by becoming Scotland’s first three-weight World champion in May 2016 when he added Super-Lightweight glory to his Super-Featherweight and Lightweight titles by stopping Michele Di Rocco for the WBA title in Glasgow.

The ‘Rickster’ still harbours dreams of fighting for World titles again and as he prepares to fight in the North East, a rematch with Anthony Crolla is top of a list of fights he wants as he writes new chapters in his fantastic journey.

“The Ricky Burns story is not finished just yet,” said Burns. “I’ve got no regrets in my career, I’ve lived it. I’m proud to say I’m a three weight World Champion and still think there’s a couple of big fights in me.

“That being said, I have a job to do on Saturday night for those to come to fruition. I’ve never boxed in Newcastle before so am looking forward to the atmosphere. Lewis Ritson is doing wonderfully well, I’ve enjoyed watching his recent rise. We had him in for sparring a while ago and I remember telling Eddie he should sign him.

“If I had to pick one fight to have next it would be the Crolla rematch. I’ve watched it back a couple of times and think it was a draw in all honesty. Whether it can be made or not is another matter. He needs to get his finger out.”

BURNS ON THE EARLY YEARS:

When I started off I didn’t really have any burning desires, it was just taking things one fight at a time. I remember the blonde hair on my debut in particular and waiting by the entrance ready to walk to fight Woody Greenway. I just wanted to establish my jab and get the first one out of the way. Audley Harrison just turned over from the Olympics and was on the card so there was quite a bit of media attention.

I boxed on quite a few Scott Harrison and Alex Arthur undercards from there, then I got a late call to fight Graham Earl in my 10th fight, I was originally down to fight someone called Stevie Murray I think it was and didn’t bat an eye lid when they offered me that fight on two weeks’ notice. I was there as a bit of a stepping stone for Earl but I was confident in my own ability and showed I can box off the back foot effectively. He was the reigning British Champion at the time and despite it only being an eight rounder it catapulted me to that next level.

The Arthur fight was brewing by this point. I had sparred with Alex before, so sort of knew what to expect. Did it come too soon? Perhaps, but on the bigger picture it was a good learning fight for me. It was my first twelve rounder for starters and my first title fight, it was all experience. There was some talk of a rematch but we never got around to agreeing it with the weight.

The Carl Johanneson fight was a bit of a nightmare all round. I had ate something that didn’t agree with me in the 24 hours or so leading up to the fight, that’s not an excuse but it had a huge bearing on the fight. I remember someone from the board suggesting I shouldn’t take the fight, but there was too much riding on it and I had large support. He obviously got to me with some body shots, I was struggling in there and it was just one to forget all together.

After that I switched trainers from Rab Bannen to Billy Nelson. I had some time off in between then was quite busy, boxing on the small halls to get back into contention and build some momentum.

We won and defended the Commonwealth title then it was the Michael Gomez fight. He was the first fight I had where my opponent really played up with some pre-fight antics. He was in my face at the weigh-in and said some unsavoury things so I really, really wanted to do a number on him. If the ref hadn’t have jumped in to stop the fight when he did, I’d have still been there drilling him on the ropes. That one meant a lot, it was a great atmosphere in there.

BURNS ON THE FIRST WORLD TITLE:

The Roman Martinez fight was one that had been in the pipeline for some time. There was talks and it didn’t get over the line, but then it was on so we had studied him quite a bit knowing it was likely to eventually happen. We knew Martinez was a bit of a banger and it showed in the first round, but I got back to the gameplan, the longer it went I got into my grove and it was truly a night to remember. I was the underdog going in and was overwhelmed after.

There was a bit of talk before the Nicky Cook fight that he was struggling with some form of injury, so the game plan was to test him to the body early. It was a strange one how it all unfolded and I felt a bit bad for the fans who had paid their hard earned cash to see a proper fight but what can you do?

BURNS ON BECOMING TWO-WEIGHT KING:

I was done at the weight after the Cook fight, I said to Billy I wanted to move up. The Michael Katsidis fight was a war of attrition. I proved a lot of people wrong that night. Marquez I think was the full Champion and I ended up getting elevated after winning the Interim title in that fight. That one did not disappoint, Michael is a true warrior.

The Kevin Mitchell fight was talked about for a long time. We had sparred and got on and since obviously become pals in Tony Sims’ gym but at the time I really wanted to do a number on him. I was almost dismissed in the fight and felt like I had a real point to prove. It was another top night in Glasgow and a conclusive victory for me.

I switched promoters and had some issues outside the ring that definitely affected me mentally and that showed in the next couple of fights because I was below par. I still get reminded of the broken jaw in the Ray Beltran fight to this day, I can’t believe looking back how I got through that. I’d say my toughness is one of my biggest traits and it showed there. It’s a cliché you’ve got to bite down on your gumshield at times and grit it out, that was one of those moments.

BURNS ON LOSING THE BELT:

Terence Crawford is a class act, he was confident all week and now you can see why. He’s just gone on to win his third World title after becoming the first undisputed Champion in a long while. The angles, his timing, his footwork, you’ve just got to take your hat off to him and say he’s a real talent. I’d love to see him fight Spence, that’s one of the best fights out there to be made.

The Dejan Zlaticanin defeat probably hurt more than losing my World title. We had a lot going on out of the ring, Amanda went into labour just before the fight, we were just moving house and everything else that was well publicised. I got caught cold in the first round and totally went against my trainer’s instructions. It just slipped away in the end and I remember being really upset in the changing room after.

BURNS ON HIS AMERICAN REVIVAL:

The Omar Figueroa fight in Texas was an experience, it’s my only fight out in the States to date and with Matchroom’s new U.S venture I’d like to get back out there if the right fight came up. Figueroa obviously failed the weight and I remember being in the hotel afterwards and some bloke came up to me, I thought it was his brother at first but it was Omar – He looked like a different bloke after he rehydrated, I’ve never seen anyone transform as much as that. He apologised for missing the weight and we agreed to carry on, it was a remarkable turnaround because he looked dead at the weight. He really hurt me in the 11th but I had some success in the last round, he said after the fight another minute or two and he would have struggled to see the fight out but there you go.

BURNS ON MAKING HISTORY:

We made history with the Di Rocco win, that was a proud moment. I wasn’t to be denied on that night. People were writing me off, saying I should retire but again I showed people otherwise. I think he was struggling at the weight to be honest and I got to him eventually. The scenes that followed will stay with me for a while and it was a proud moment.

Burns’ 50th fight 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, Charlie Edwards and Anthony Nelson meet for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title and Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily.

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.

Jack Catterall has dismissed the notion Tyrone McKenna presents the most thorough examination of his world title credentials.

The unbeaten super-lightweights are preparing to collide in a mouth-watering clash on the undercard of Michael Conlan’s homecoming on June 30 – with many viewing the bout as impossible to predict.

World-ranked Catterall (21-0-KO12), however, is supremely confident of retaining his WBO strap against ‘The Mighty Celt’ (16-0-1-KO6).

Catterall said: “Tyrone is not my toughest test to date. I’ve been in tougher fights than this one will be.

“Nathan Brough was a tough amateur and I knocked him out. Tyrone Nurse achieved more than McKenna. Nurse had some good wins and lots of momentum before I fought him.

“I’ve also sparred McKenna myself. I sparred him before my British title fight once or twice. He’s a southpaw and very tall but the way he fights is fine for me.

“The way Tyrone fights, it looks like he’s not shy in coming forward to have a go and that suits me down to the ground. He’s there to be taken out.

“I believe there’s only one winner but I do respect him. I was actually talking to him a couple of weeks before the fight got announced. I hope Belfast gets behind him – they seem to love him.

“I’ll bring some good support with me too. I didn’t get to showcase my improvements at Elland Road but hopefully I will this time round. It’s a huge event coming up in Belfast.”

Michael Conlan headlines in his homecoming show on June 30th at the SSE Arena, Belfast. Catterall v McKenna is just one of a host of huge fights on the night, with Jono Carroll’s long-awaited rematch with Declan Geraghty and Paddy Gallagher v Gary Corcoran, Tyrone McCullagh v Joe Ham and Johnny Coyle v Lewis Benson all competing for limelight. Tickets are available on this link

After years of ambivalence and apathy, the small men of British boxing have become sexy again and ‘Horny’ Harvey Horn intends to be in the thick of the orgy.

Ex-European Under 22 king ‘Triple H’ joins former internationally decorated flies Andrew Selby, Paddy Barnes and Sunny Edwards in the paid brigade where the prizes and props will far exceed precious metal.

The 22 year old native cockney dazzled on his December debut, chopping up Czech Republic’s Denis Bartos in three, then bamboozled Bartos’ brother Patrik over four rounds in his second start last February.
Glynn Evans caught up with him ahead of his return to duty against 16-8-1 Hungarian Gyula Dodu at the O2 Arena on Saturday week.

After being overlooked for Rio 2016, weren’t you tempted to stay amateur and try to hit the podium at this year’s Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast or the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
I was very tempted – two potentially great trips. I’d always thought there was no point us fighters in the lighter weights turning pro unless we had an Olympic medal but the smallest divisions have been generating far more interest lately and it’s only going to get better. Fights like Roman Gonzalez against (Srisaket Sor) Rungvisai are generating big bucks.
Also, I really enjoy the thought of becoming involved in the pundit side of the sport after I’ve retired and a successful pro career would heighten my profile. I always look good in front of a camera and I feel I’m quite knowledgeable.

Given you’re 5ft 7in tall, what weight range do you believe you’ll operate at, throughout your career?
When I develop my man strength it’s possible I could move up to super-fly. But right now, I could still make light flyweight (108lbs) once I get to international level – perhaps even straw weight or ‘Rizla weight’ as dad calls it (!) – but how much interest would there be? I’ve a big following already and would prefer to clean up the domestic (flyweight) rivals first.

And who might they be?!
Already me and Sunny (Edwards) are causing a stir on social media. Up in Sheffield, he was only on the GB Development Squad – the second string, the reserves – and he’s a bit resentful of being in the shadow of Podium Squad guys like myself and Galal Yafai. Sunny only won the ABAs when I didn’t enter! Though he’s quite slick and clever, he was always found wanting when given a chance to step up in the international tournaments. I’m not losing sleep.
Then there’s (Barry’s British champ) Andrew Selby and (Belfast’s Triple Olympian) Paddy Barnes. Fighters like (Commonwealth champ) Jay Harris lack the pedigree we’ve got. Paddy certainly shows no signs of slowing down unfortunately (laughs) but Selby is the main one; a very, very good boxer and a seriously hard bloke. Once, as a punishment for misbehaving in Thailand, he was forced to spar 10 consecutive rounds with Jack Bateson, Joe Maphosa and me…and he absolutely pissed it!

Which attributes specifically will help you advance in the pros and what changes have you needed to make to acclimatize?
My main assets will always be my speed and boxing brain. My heroes as a kid were the slick types like Pernell Whittaker and Roy Jones Jr. I’m adaptable and can usually find a way to win.
But I know I need to be more exciting, more explosive for the pros so I’ve made a few changes. I throw a lot more body punches now. On my debut I took the guy out with a body shot.

To what extent will you’re WSB experience accelerate your progression through the pros?
Massively. I couldn’t have had better preparation. Those four bouts were like mini world title fights against world class opponents….and I won three of them. The refs were very slack, forced you to fight your way out of clinches rather than call ‘break’.
The best I fought was the Mexican (Joselito) Velasquez. I was only 19 and it was a man against a boy. I started well but couldn’t keep him off. He nutted me, hit me with rabbit punches and in the kidneys. It’d be a different story if we met now.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?
I intend to have a fight every two months. After one more four rounder, I’ll be up to six rounders. Mark (Tibbs, his coach) will decide when I’m ready for more but rounds ain’t the problem. The longer I’ve got to work opponents out, the more trouble they’re in.
I’m not seeking titles this year but if I’m gifted a chance at, say, The Southern Area, I’ll jump at it. I just want to get my name up.

…and beyond?
I intend to take every domestic title I can before dominating the international scene. I’ve already been fighting at world level for three years, and without vests, with small gloves in the WSB. Most British pro prospects around my weight haven’t boxed at that level.

What can the punters and TV fans expect to see from ‘Triple H’ at The O2 on June 23rd?
A performance just as exciting as my first two; two midgets really going at each other! I like to be economical and calculated – nothing messy –but I’ll definitely be looking to take the guy out. I’ve only got four rounds to achieve that so I guarantee there’ll be plenty of action.

NEW YORK (June 13, 2018) – Light Heavyweight prospects Umar Salamov and Brian Howard will meet in a 10-round matchup that will open the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader Friday, June 22 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Masonic Temple in Detroit.

In the main event, unified champions from different divisions will meet in the middle. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Unified Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will face Unified Jr. Middleweight World Champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships. Both fighters have a lot at stake when they meet as Shields will look to become a two-division champion and Gabriels will seek to win titles on a third weight class. In the co-feature bout, women’s unified WBC and WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer will defend against former world champion Tori Nelson as all four women’s middleweight world titles will be at stake.

Salamov (20-1, 15 KOs), of Alkhan-Kala, Russia, will be making his United States debut and is currently in training at Kronk Gym in Detroit with famed Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In his six-year career, the 23-year-old has already won the IBO Youth and World Light Heavyweight, WBO Youth World, European and International, and the IBF East/West Europe Light Heavyweight Championships.

Howard (13-1, 10 KOs) of Bartow Fla., currently resides in Loganville, Ga., outside of Atlanta. He started boxing 12 years ago at the age of 26, after playing three years in minor league football for the Polk County War Eagles. Despite being 38, Howard has shown natural talent and has knocked out previously undefeated fighters in two of his last three appearances.

“I waited a long time to make my U.S. debut and I am thrilled that it’s going to be on SHOWTIME,” said Salamov. “Training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit has been a phenomenal experience. I look forward to putting my skills and experience together to make a powerful statement. Howard is an accomplished and skilled boxer. I am coming in ready and know that it will be an exciting fight for the fans at Masonic Temple. This is my opportunity to show that I belong at the top of the light heavyweight division.”

Howard is also excited to be making his SHOWTIME debut. “It’s one of the opportunities that every fighter hopes to get,” he said. “I want to thank team Salamov for giving me the chance to take part in this event. I look forward to future opportunities and putting on a great show on fight night. I know he’s a champion, which I respect. He’s a skilled fighter who handles himself well in the ring, but I predict I will get him out of there between the fifth and 10th round.”

“I believe Umar has the skills, experience and hunger to be the best light heavyweight in the world,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “Umar will have a chance to prove a point against a big puncher and spoiler in Brian Howard. It will be an exciting fight with both fighters needing a win to get into world title contention.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

Tampa, FL (June 13, 2018) – When unbeaten middleweight Connor Coyle entered the paid ranks, he was considered one of Ireland’s prized prospects. The Derry native medaled at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and generated a lot of interest from promoters across the globe.

Coyle ultimately signed with Tampa, FL based Fire Fist Promotions and five of his seven professional bouts took place in the Tampa region. To ensure he’s at his absolute best when entering the squared circle, Coyle treks more than 4000 miles from Ireland to Tampa for training camp.

While his stateside training camps play an integral role in Coyle’s improvement, it comes with major sacrifices.

“The hardest part is having to get up and leave my little girl for each camp,” Coyle said of training in Tampa while his 2-year-old daughter remains in Ireland. “I’ve been doing this since she was born and it’s hard because she doesn’t understand why.”

The 7-0 Coyle’s next challenge comes Saturday, June 16 when he meets rival Danny Pastrana of Orlando, FL in a ten round contest for the NBA Intercontinental middleweight title at the Coliseum in St Petersburg, FL.

Pastrana has a modest 6-4 record with 1 KO but has faced good competition. He’s had a full training camp leading up to June 16 and Coyle’s expecting the confident Pastrana to be at his best.

“I’ve put in a full training camp and the work has been done in the gym. Training so far from home is a struggle with my daughter back in Ireland but it also inspires me. I’ll be ready for whatever Danny Pastrana brings Saturday night and plan to return to Ireland with the NBA championship.”

The card is promoted by Fire Fist Promotions in association with Money Round Boxing. A limited number of tickets are available at www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0D00548D9F1C967E.

Fans can also enjoy the fight live from anywhere in the world starting at 7 pm ET at Moneyroundboxing.com. The telecast will feature commentary by Boxing Hall of Famer Winky Wright.

In the co-featured bout of the evening, two-time Olympic bronze medalist Ivan Dychko, 5-0 (5 KO’s), of Kissimmee, FL by way of Kazakhstan challenges former title contender Mike Marrone, 21-8 (15 KO’s), of Vero Beach, FL. The 6’9 Dychko is regarded by many as a future heavyweight champion.

Welterweight phenom Mark Reyes Jr. squares off against experienced Puerto Rican Javier Garcia, 8-16-1 (3 KO’s) in a six rounder. Living and fighting out of Tampa, Reyes Jr, 6-0 (4 KO’s), was a top amateur and has a huge following. Against Reyes, Garcia’s facing his 12th unbeaten foe.

Featherweight crowd pleaser Jose “Lil Pacquiao” Resendiz, 5-1 (3 KO’s) of St. Petersburg meets Vincent Jennings of Grand Rapids, MI in a six round affair. Resendiz is a favorite in the Sunshine State, fighting a Pacquiao-esque style that puts fans at the edge of their seats. Jennings, 5-5-1 (4 KO’s), fought all across the country and has a decision win over previously unbeaten Dennis Galarza.

The undercard features the career finale of St. Petersburg’s Ali Terah, junior welterweight Joseph Fernandez, heavyweight Rodriguez Cade and bantamweight Rufat Huseynov in separate bouts.

The cruiserweight contest featuring Nicholas Iannuzzi and Vincent Miranda was cancelled due to an injury suffered by Iannuzzi in training.

For more information, visit Firefistboxing.net.

Kell Brook will face Brandon Cook in a World Super-Welterweight title eliminator at The O2 in London as part of a stellar undercard for the Heavyweight blockbuster between Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker on Saturday July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Brook made his bow at Super-Lightweight with a destructive second round win over Sergey Rabchenko in Sheffield in March – with the Steel City favourite landing the WBC International crown to start his march to two-weight world glory.

‘The Special One’ has been called out by all the big-guns at 154lbs after crashing into the rankings with that win, and will arrow in on a World title crack if he can see off the dangerous Cook. The Canadian – who turns 32 today – will be desperate to hijack Brook’s dreams of landing another World title, and ‘Bad Boy’ Cook, rated number four with the WBO, nine in the WBA and 11 with the IBF, enters the fight on the wave of back-to-back early KO wins.

Irish sensation Katie Taylor is straight back into a big fight after unifying the Lightweight division in Brooklyn in April, wrestling the IBF strap from Victoria Bustos in a thrilling encounter in the Big Apple. Taylor now meets IBF mandatory Kimberly Connor in London with her WBA belt also on the line, and Texan Connor has her second crack at World honours having tackled Argentine Bustos for the vacant strap in March 2017.

Conor Benn and Cedric Peynaud served up one of the fights of the year in 2017 when they clashed at York Hall in December, and the rematch will take place under the dome. Benn looked in serious trouble of tasting defeat for the first time as a pro after hitting the deck twice in the opening session, but the son of British legend Nigel rallied to floor the Frenchman in the fifth and sixth rounds to edge a stunning contest – the return has added spice with a title on the line in Benn’s 13th pro outing.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi faces a real step-up on the bill in his seventh pro outing since turning pro at The O2 last July, taking on former British title challenger Ricky Summers in his first ten round contest.

“July 28 is a huge night of boxing with a brilliant 50-50 Heavyweight match up and a stacked card beneath it,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell returns to the scene of his epic shootout with GGG to face highly ranked Canadian Brandon Cook in a World title eliminator that will put him in pole position for a shot at all the World champions.

“Irish sensation Katie Taylor returns to The O2 to defend her WBA and IBF World titles against mandatory challenger Kimberley Connor, Conor Benn rematches Cedric Peynaud for his first title after their 2017 fight of the year contender and Joshua Buatsi makes a huge step up to face Birmingham’s Ricky Summers in his first ten round fight. There is still plenty more to be added this week including one major title fight – roll on July 28!”

Tickets are on sale now to O2 Priority members at www.theO2.co.uk.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday June 14 at 10am to Matchroom Fight Pass members via www.StubHub.com and the venue and AXS pre-sale before tickets go on general sale at www.theO2.co.uk.

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.

ANTHONY YARDE is back in title action when he faces Dariusz Sek at London’s o2 on June 23.

Unbeaten Yarde has been in a hurry winning 14 of his 15 ?ghts inside the distance during a short, but explosive career.

Yarde is already ranked number two by the WBO but faces a long night when he defends the WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title against his Polish rival, live on BT Sport.

Sek, 31, has lost just three times in 33 contests and never been stopped in a nine year professional career.

It is the sort of experience 26-year-old Yarde needs according to his trainer Tunde Ajayi, who hopes this test will give his man valuable rounds.

Ajayi said: “100 per-cent, this is the type of ?ght that Anthony needs at this stage of his career.

“Sek is a credible opponent and lost a close ?ght to Robin Krasniqi who won the European title earlier this year.

“Hopefully we will get some rounds, but we don’t know whether we will the way Anthony has been performing.

“People say Anthony needs to step up, but this is one. Hosea Burton is mentioned as an opponent for Anthony, but Sek is ranked higher than Hosea on Boxrec.

“I know people want to see that jump, but there is no rush. Angelo Dundee said the same thing about not rushing Sugar Ray Leonard and that has stuck with me.”

Sek is the ?rst southpaw that Yarde has faced in his amateur or professional career.

Tunde added: “I have been asking for a southpaw for a few months and this ticks that box before we move on and eventually ?ght for and win a world title.”

Yarde v Sek is part of a talent stacked card headlined by Martin Murray who challenges Mexico’s WBC silver middleweight champion Roberto Garcia. 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.

Tickets for Garcia v Murray are available to purchase via www.axs.com
Like
Tweet
+1
Forward to Friend

LOS ANGELES (June 12, 2018): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs), the rising knockout artist and pride of Dallas, Texas, hosted a media workout at Westside Boxing Club ahead of his fight against former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-8-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight fight in the main event of the June 23 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif.

In the co-main event, Hector “Finito” Tanajara Jr. (13-0, 5 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will clash against previously undefeated Roger Gutierrez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) of Maracaibo, Venezuela in an eight-round lightweight battle. Ferdinand Kerobyan (8-0, 4 KOs), of North Hollywood, Calif., will battle across a scheduled six rounds of super welterweight action in the night’s swing bout.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR, NABF Jr. Super Lightweight Champion:

“This will be a dangerous fight if I don’t go in with the right mentality. Salgado is a very experienced fighter, but I’m also very experienced. Though I don’t have a lot of fights as a professional, I had a lot as an amateur, and I’ve been sparring with a lot of world champions. He can’t show me anything I haven’t already seen. This main event opportunity will get my name out there more, and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.”

“I’m training with Robert Garcia now, and I’ve been working on using my head more and keeping my composure. I only have a few pounds to make, and I don’t fight until next week. I can make weight tomorrow if I wanted to. I’m going to stay at 140 pounds for a while. Hopefully, I can have all of my future fights as main event.”

HECTOR “EL FINITO” TANAJARA, JR., Lightweight Prospect:

“This is my first televised fight on ESPN, so I’m very excited about that. I know my opponent Roger Gutierrez is coming to win, so he’s going to bring the best of me. I saw his fight against Rene Alvarado, and I know what I have to do. I know I pose more of a threat to him than Alvarado did. I think I have more experience than him because his record was built in Venezuela. He wasn’t used to the competition here. I’m looking to capitalize on that.”

FERDINAND KEROBYAN, Welterweight Prospect:

“This is my first official fight with Golden Boy Promotions. I don’t feel any added pressure now that I’m signed. I know what I’m capable of, and I know what I have to do in there. I’ll be fighting and staying at 154 pounds, but you never know what the future holds. If the opportunity presents itself to fight at 147 pounds for a belt, then I’ll drop down to welterweight. I’m happy to be with Golden Boy Promotions because they share the same vision as me: to move forward. Hopefully I can fight for a championship title within a year or two.”

(ABOVE: Seneisa Estrada, Oscar Negrete and Raul Curiel pose for the media ahead of the July 6 edition of
LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, Calif.)

Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photos Credit: Lina Baker/SeeYouRingside Photography
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

Fighters from the July 6 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB also participated in the workout. NABF Bantamweight Champion Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (17-1, 7 KOs) will return in an eight-round bantamweight fight against Dhiul Olguin (13-9-3, 9 KOs) in the main event. The fight will take place at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. and will televised live on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar.

Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (13-0, 3 KOs) will return in the co-main event in an eight-round flyweight fight against a soon-to-be announced opponent. Former Olympian Raul “Cougar” Curiel (3-0, 2 KOs) will participate in the first televised fight in a six-round welterweight clash. Opponents for both will be announced shortly.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

OSCAR “EL JAGUAR” NEGRETE, NABF Bantamweight Champion:

“Obviously, I’m more comfortable at my natural weight of 118 pounds. What happened in December [against Rey Vargas] was a great opportunity in a new division. I couldn’t say no to a world championship fight. Now I’m back at 118 pounds where I’ll be looking for a world title shot. My last fight gave me a lot of confidence because I did so well, and I didn’t even get hurt. Olguin is a great fighter. I saw him fight Emilio Sanchez, and he surprised me. He made it a tough fight. This kind of battle motivates me because he’s such a tough fighter. He’s going to come with everything to test me. Plus, he really wants to win, and when two people want the victory, it always makes for a great fight. I want fans to know that they can’t miss this fight.”

SENIESA “SUPER BAD” ESTRADA, Light Flyweight Prospect:

“It feels great to be active and staying busy this year with Golden Boy promotion. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the years to come. I was very happy that I got the opportunity to fight on ESPN and win my last fight with a TKO victory. This upcoming fight people will see another exciting performance. I’m always working towards an even better performance than the one before and improving on different things so that my fans see the best of me.”

RAUL “COUGAR” CURIEL, Welterweight Prospect:

“I feel good. People know me, and they know how I fight. I’m with Freddie Roach now and I feel great. I’m really happy to work under a legend like him. Freddie is a trainer who has a lot to teach. He always notices details that can help me get better. We make a great team, and we’re working on a new style. We’re moving a lot in the ring, and people will see a new Raul Curiel on July 6”

Ortiz Jr. vs Salgado is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by
Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Belsaco Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, Calif. Doors for the event open at 3:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 3:30 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream undercards beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs Salgado start at $25 and are available for purchase now at www.goldenboytickets.com and the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

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

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

LA FIGHT CLUB on July 6:
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.thebelasco.com and www.estrellatv.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA and
www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork.
Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV. Follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

GBP on ESPN on June 23:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/OrtizSalgado into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LA FIGHT CLUB on July 6:
Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/NegreteOlguin. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 12, 2018) – The full pay-per-view card for this Saturday’s “La Batalla” event, headlined by the 12-round main event between World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta and Nicaraguan challenger and four-time world title challenger, Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago, has been announced.

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago, airing live on PPV from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico,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.

Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs) will make his first world title defense at home, after capturing the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out Juan Alejo (24-4-1), of Mexico, in the 10th round.

WBO #12-rated Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs) has had four unsuccessful title challenges, losing three times, along with one draw. He was stopped for the first time in his last fight this past December, by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0), in the eighth round of their title fight in Japan.

In the eight-round co-featured event, Kevin Nieves (12-1-1, 5 KOs) and undefeated prospect Jean “Lobo” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs) battle in an eight-round battle of Puerto Rican junior welterweights.

Puerto Rican featherweight Bryan Chevalier (9-1-1, 8 KOs) meets fellow countryman Ricardo Rodriguez (10-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round match, while Puerto Rican super featherweights Edwin “Chin” Valentin (4-0, 4 KOs) and Pedro Vincente (5-1, 2 KOs), open the PPV in a six-round bout.

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 12, 2018) – Undefeated super-welterweight prospect Mekhrubon Sanginov (5-0 3 KOs), from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, has moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to continue his dream of becoming a world champion. The highly decorated amateur returns to action June 23, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico.

“I am excited to take my training to a new level working in Las Vegas,” said Sanginov. “Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world and I feel that training in Las Vegas will take my career to the next level.”

Sanginov, who captured the WBC Youth Middleweight title in his last bout, has begun training with Justin Gamber, the well-respected trainer of undefeated super middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (17-0, 10 KOs). Mekhrubon is looking forward to taking his career to new heights, as he will campaign at super-welterweight moving forward. Sanginov is currently a promotional free agent.

“I am excited to be training with Justin Gamber,” Sanginov continued. “He is an experienced coach, who is making me into a world champion. The sparring I am getting is top notch sparring as well. I’ll be looking to be signing with a credible promoter in the near future.”

Sanginov was an outstanding amateur, amassing a record of 105-14, which made him a heavy fan favorite in his native country of Tajikistan. His hometown fans are wanting to see how he progresses as a professional.

“I am going to make a statement in the world of boxing, especially in the super-welterweight division, and the world will know my name after my upcoming performances.” Mekhrubon concluded.

Las Vegas – UFC® will return to Los Angeles with a blockbuster bantamweight championship rematch that will see T.J. Dillashaw defend against former champ and No.1 contender Cody Garbrandt. In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion and No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Demetrious Johnson will run it back with No.2-ranked contender Henry Cejudo. UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2 goes down Saturday, August 4 at STAPLES Center and will air live on Pay-Per-View.

Among the most heated rivals in UFC history, Dillashaw (16-3, fighting out of Angels Camp, Calif.) and Garbrandt (11-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) first locked horns last November. Following a series of exciting back-and-forth exchanges, Dillashaw delivered a spectacular second-round KO to recapture the 135-pound title.

Dillashaw now looks to get the last laugh over his former teammate. A diverse striker and talented grappler, he’s earned victories over a who’s who in the bantamweight division. Over the course of his UFC career, he’s bested Renan Barao (twice), Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker. Another impressive victory will allow him to close the book on his feud with Garbrandt.

As for Garbrandt, the former titleholder aims for a measure of revenge. Known for his highlight-reel knockouts, he tore a path of destruction through the division en route to dethroning Dominick Cruz in 2016. During his UFC stint, the heavy-handed striker has stopped Takeya Mizugaki, Thomas Almeida and Augusto Mendes. Garbrandt now aims to even the score and reclaim the bantamweight championship.

Also, at UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2, flyweight champion Johnson (27-2-1, fighting out of Parkland, Wash.) will see a familiar face in Cejudo (12-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.), as he goes for his record 12th consecutive title defense. The two originally met two years ago, with Johnson defending his title via impressive TKO.

Since then, Johnson has picked up three more sensational wins, including highlight-reel submissions against Wilson Reis and Ray Borg. The latter set a new record for UFC title defenses. Johnson has also bested Joseph Benavidez (twice), John Dodson (twice) and Kyoji Horiguchi. He now plans to notch another defense and continue building his already impressive legacy.

An Olympic gold medalist wrestler, Cejudo is gunning for his first UFC championship. A decorated grappler with heavy hands, he’s topped Sergio Pettis, Henry Cejudo and Jussier Formiga during his climb up the flyweight ranks. With the 125-pound title in his sights, Cejudo not only plans to reach his destiny, but also plans to hand Johnson his first loss in almost seven years.

Additional bouts on the card include:

In a clash of featherweight contenders, No.5-ranked Cub Swanson (25-8, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) faces No.9 Renato Moicano (12-1-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil).
No.6-ranked middleweight contender Derek Brunson (18-6, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) looks to turn back surging No.12 Antonio Carlos Junior (11-2 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Joao Pessoa, Brazil)
Former women’s bantamweight title challenger and No.10-ranked contender Bethe Correia (10-3-1, fighting out of Campina Grande, Brazil) locks horns with No.12 Irene Aldana (7-4, fighting out of Culiacan, Mexico)
Polyana Viana (10-1, fighting out of Sao Geraldo do Araguaia, Brazil) looks to keep the momentum going when she meets rising star JJ Aldrich (6-2, fighting out of Westminster, Colo.)
Ricardo Ramos (11-1, fighting out of Campinas, Brazil) goes for another highlight-reel KO against streaking Kyung Ho Kang (13-7 1NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea)
Danielle Taylor (9-3, fighting out of Van Nuys, Calif.) aims to get back in the win column against debuting Weili Zhang (16-1, fighting out of Hebei, China)
Buren Wuliji (10-5, fighting out of Beijing, China) takes on fellow prospect Bharat Khandare (5-3, fighting out of Mumbai, India)
In a battle of exciting prospects, Benito Lopez (9-0, fighting out of Oroville, Calif.) meets Ricky Simon (10-1, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.)

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

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

UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2 will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 4, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC FIGHT PASS® at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2 go on sale Friday, June 15 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $362.25, $284.60, $232.90, $196.65, $165.60, $134.55, $103.50, $82.80 and $62.10 (does not include fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 14 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through 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.

Anthony Nelson has branded Charlie Edwards as ‘full of himself’ and vows to punish the over-confident Surrey man when they clash for the WBA Continental Flyweight title at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Nelson has previously held the Commonwealth and English Super-Flyweight titles but took two years out of the game in April 2016 after surrendering the Commonwealth crown in an epic battle with Jamie Conlan in London that was awarded Fight of the Year by the British Boxing Board of Control.

‘Babyface’ returned to action in April with a six round win and now wants to get on the road back to winning honours, starting with strap he meets former World title challenger Edwards for on Saturday – a man he believes has talent but not enough to stop his return to the big-stage from being triumphant.

“Charlie is full of himself,” said Nelson. “He’s a good technician and he’s got some skills but he hasn’t been in with me yet. He won’t be able to keep me off, I’ll be too strong for him.

“I’ll let him think otherwise and be over-confident because he’ll be in for a real shock. He’ll have to bring every tool because he has a big job to do.

“The gym is buzzing, especially with title fights on the horizon. It brings everyone else on and inspires them to push on which obviously comes full circle and spurs me on even more.

“It’s a big night for Newcastle, it really feels like big time boxing is back and with Lewis and Josh spearheading that it opens the doors for the fighters who are either just starting out or who are knocking on the door.

“I’m buzzing to be back on the comeback trail. I got back to winning ways recently and we continue to keep things rolling.

“It was six rounds under my belt at the end of April, I dropped him in the first but in all honesty if I had got him out of there right away it wouldn’t have really served it’s purpose.

“I got the ring rust off and now we’re back in to title contention. I’ve served myself on the small hall shows and I’ve got to push on now starting on Saturday.”

Nelson’s clash with Edwards is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle where local star Lewis Ritson can win the British Lightweight title outright against unbeaten Belfast man Paul Hyland Jnr. and Sunderland’s talented Rio Olympian Josh Kelly challenges Commonwealth Welterweight champion Kris George.

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 former three-weight World champion Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time as a pro.

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.

ENDS

TUCSON, Ariz. (June 12, 2018) – Michelle Rosado’s Raging Babe has built a reputation for quality, sold out events across the country, and she returns to Tucson’s Casino Del Sol on Saturday evening, July 21, with Guerra De Gallos, a fight card that is quickly living up to its name.

The scheduled eight-round main event features a hometown battle between two fighters who have earned their stripes fighting tough competition on the road. After competing in other fighters’ backyards and dealing with their opponents’ home crowds and officials, junior welterweights Alfonso Olvera (10-4-1, 4 KOs) and Wilberth Lopez (21-9, 15 KOs) will have a chance to showcase their incredible tenacity and talent in front of their own families, friends and Tucson fans.

Olvera, who has had trouble finding opponents, has faced top competition since turning pro. In his second fight, he went the distance with Ivan Baranchyk, currently unbeaten at 19-0. Olvera’s trail of upsets includes a 2005 unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Ryan “Cowboy” Karl and another over Chicago’s Genaro Mendez.

Lopez, who knocked out Phoenix’s Keenan Carbajal in his professional debut in 2013, has gone on to fight stiff competition across the country. He was the first to take World Super Bantamweight Champion Isaac Dogboe the distance when they met in 2014. Three years later, Lopez upset Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs), via unanimous decision in Roman’s backyard. Lopez’s southpaw style and reach kept Roman at bay and earned him the win.

“This is a fight between two highly skilled, local fighters who have never had the benefit of hand-picked opponents and hometown decisions,” said Rosado. “This fight will be one of the best Arizona has seen in years. I’m excited to give Tucson fans what could be Fight of the Year, and to bring back the pride that comes with competing to be the best in the state.”

The card is stacked with Tucson talent. Junior lightweight Jensen Ramirez (5-2-3, 1 KO) makes returns against Jesus Arevalo (2-3), and Tucson junior welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (2-0) will make his return to the Old Pueblo after securing his second win in Phoenix earlier this year. Mike Martinez, Emmanuel Guajardo, Nicholas Rhoads, Judas Estrada and Breenan Macias round out the eight-bout card.

Casino Del Sol has hosted boxing events since 2003, and has become a premier destination for boxing in Southern Arizona. Fernando Vargas, Mia St. John and Yori Boy Campas are just a few boxing legends to have graced the casino’s ring. “We are excited to bring boxing back to Tucson once again,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. “Our goal is always to provide the best entertainment in Southern Arizona, and Guerra De Gallos will definitely deliver.”

Tickets for “Guerra De Gallos” start at $25, and will be available online at www.casinodelsol.com, by phone at (520) 333-5150 or at the Casino Del Sol Gift Shop beginning Friday, June 15. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Paradiso Lounge inside Casino Del Sol. The public is invited.

The July 21 card begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The card is promoted by Raging Babe and Peltz Boxing. For more information, visit www.RagingBabe.com.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 12th, 2018) — A decade removed from her last professional fight on the worldwide taekwondo circuit, then 25-year-old Maria Rivera never thought she’d get the chance to showcase her talents on national television.

“Life happens very fast,” said the unbeaten female flyweight from Framingham, Mass., “It’s very interesting to see the path it takes you on.”

With only three mixed martial arts fights (one amateur and two as a pro) under her belt, Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) now finds herself in the enviable position of fighting in front of a much larger audience Friday night on AXS TV as she makes her network television debut on the main card of “CES MMA 50” at Twin River Casino.

Rivera, born in Puerto Rico, but now living and training in Framingham, faces Mallory Martin (3-2, 1 KO) of Colorado, a two-time Invicta Fighting Championships vet, in what could be a breakthrough for both fighters.

Women’s MMA has grown exponentially over the years with female fighters headlining major Pay Per View cards and gaining worldwide notoriety. CES MMA president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., one of many pioneers for female boxers through the years, has aided the cause in mixed martial arts by showcasing some of the region’s top female talent through the AXS TV platform.

On a night in which it celebrates its 50th event, CES MMA achieves another first Friday with two female fights on its 12-fight card. Flyweight Hilarie Rose (0-1) from Norfolk, Mass., faces Thais Sousa (0-2) of Miami on the preliminary card.

The televised main card of “CES MMA 50” airs live on AXS TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET with prelims beginning at 7.

Rivera, a mother of three, turns 31 at the end of the month, but women’s MMA does not discriminate against late bloomers. In fact, Rivera has more opportunities now than she would’ve had she peaked in her early 20s, making Friday’s television debut even more impactful as she looks to take her career to the next level.

“I’m very grateful to CES for giving me this opportunity,” Rivera said. “My preparation doesn’t change because I’ll be on TV. I just have to be aware. You’ll feel a little more pressure because it’s on TV and you want to perform well, but I’ve been in tournaments all over the world and that’s pretty much the feeling I always get.”

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.

Friday will be Rivera’s first fight since March of 2017, but not by choice. She was scheduled to fight on the preliminary card of “CES MMA 44” last May, but her opponent suffered an injury a week before the event. The cancellation may have been a blessing in disguise. Rivera was dealing with a nagging leg injury at the time, but didn’t think much of it.

“I just thought it was tightness in my calf,” she said.

The day her fight got cancelled, Rivera went to the gym for a routine training session. Later that night, she could barely walk. As it turned out, Rivera needed surgery on her right knee, so she went under the knife in September. The recovery went smoothly, but she wasn’t out of the woods yet. Just as she was ready to begin training again later that month, she fell down at home and broke her pinky finger. Doctors inserted a pin to stabilize the injury, forcing her to sit out for another five weeks.

“It was so frustrating, especially because neither injury had anything to do with my training, just everyday life, ironically,” Rivera said. “In all my years of fighting and training, I had never injured myself. The knee injury was my first injury. I had never gotten injured in any of my camps or in practice.”

“That part was frustrating. I didn’t want to rush in and take a fight just because I felt anxious. I wanted to give my body that time to heal. It took a long time, but everything happens for a reason.”

As fate would have it, Rivera’s long-awaited comeback happens to be her toughest test to date in front of a much larger audience than usual. Having fought since she was a child, Rivera is past the point of needing a tune-up fight at this point in her career. She competed in taekwondo tournaments throughout the world, from Mexico to Puerto Rico, until she was 15 years old. When she moved from the United States back to Puerto Rico, she stopped fighting for the next 10 years.

She eventually found her way back into the gym when her children wanted to learn martial arts. Fighting was never part of the plan — “I figured I could use the workout,” she said — but things changed quickly. Rivera began losing weight and soon rediscovered her love for competing.

Within three years, she transitioned to MMA and fought her first and only amateur bout in New Hampshire before making her professional debut shortly thereafter on the preliminary card of “CES MMA 41,” knocking out Sarah Click in the opening round of their scheduled three-round bout.

Aside from the potential payout and the unlimited exposure, MMA offers Rivera more opportunities than taekwondo, especially for a fighter her age. Former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm, a professional boxer who transitioned to MMA at a later age, was 33 when she defeated Ronda Rousey three years ago for her first world title and recently starred at UFC 225 with a win over 28-year-old Megan Anderson. Cristiane Justino — a.k.a. “Cyborg” — is the reigning UFC featherweight world champion at 32.

The time is now for female fighters in their 30s, making Rivera’s leap from the CES MMA prelims to the bright lights of AXS TV the most important move in her young career.

“I think I’m still at a good age for this,” she said. “With everything going on in women’s MMA, this is the time to do this. I have a lot to bring to the table.”

East Providence, R.I., native Dinis Paiva (11-6, 6 KOs) faces California’s Andre Ewell (12-4, 7 KOs) for the vacant CES MMA Bantamweight World Title in Friday’s five-round main event.

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).

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 (4-2, 1 KO) 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.

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

Tyron Zeuge (22-0-1, 12 KOs) defends his WBA World Super Middleweight title against Rocky Fielding (26-1, 14 KOs) on July 14 at the Baden Arena in Offenburg, Germany.

Zeuge, who captured the WBA belt with a twelfth-round knockout victory over Giovanni De Carolis in November 2016, returns for a fourth defence of his title following the second-round destruction of Isaac Ekpo at the Inselparkhalle in Wilhelmsburg in March, and is set to face his second British challenger having previously recorded a unanimous points win over Paul Smith at the Rittal Arena in Wetzlar last June.

“I’m really looking forward to the fight,” said Zeuge, the 26 year-old from Berlin. “It takes place on the same day as the World Cup third-place play off in Russia, but I promise to my fans that they won’t see anything but the best from me, a real final, and another successful defence of my WBA World Super Middleweight title. I’m in full training and I feel strong!”

Fielding, the former British, Commonwealth and WBC International Champion, has impressed against domestic rivals John Ryder and David Brophy while awaiting his World title opportunity, and having narrowly missed out on a shot at WBC supremo Gilberto Ramirez, the 30 year-old is eager to make this chance count.

“I’m very excited for this. It’s what I have dreamed of since being a young kid – to become World Champion and we’re nearly there,” said Fielding. “To have the date locked in makes it all the more real and it’s something now to focus and aim towards. I have watched and tracked Zeuge since he won the World Title against De Carolis. He’s a good fighter with decent foot work in particular. He’s undefeated and has done everything they have asked of him so far.

“I boxed on the recent Brook card and been ticking over and working with my coach Jamie Moore since. The Ramirez fight fell through which was disappointing but everything happens for a reason, my promoter Eddie Hearn said I’ll be in big fight in July so that kept me going. I can’t wait for the opening bell.”

“We’re delighted to be bringing World Championship boxing back to the Baden Arena,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “This is going to a fantastic match up between two of the division’s most exciting talents. Tyron is coming off the back of a great win against Ekpo, and is improving with every fight. Rocky is a good boxer who has been on our radar for some time. He will be coming to Offenburg to win. Stylistically they are well suited, both can box, both can bang, and that should guarantee a great fight for the fans.”

“I’m delighted Rocky has finally got his shot, it’s well deserved,” said Fielding’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “He has always fought everyone that’s been put in front of him and I believe this is great timing for him to take this opportunity. It’s a great fight between two young, hungry 168 pounders and the fans can expect a cracking match up.”

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.

An encore presentation of last Saturday’s “scintillating” (ESPN) “slugfest” (Yahoo) between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will air tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and is available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME and SHOWTIME ON DEMAND platforms.

Santa Cruz and Mares combined to throw nearly 2,000 punches Saturday in a rematch of their 2015 thriller. After the 12th and final round of their “electrifying war” (Boxing Scene), fans at STAPLES Center, also site of their first meeting, were once again on their feet clamoring for more.

Tonight’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® replay also features WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo’s title defense against Austin Trout. VIDEO RECAP: https://youtu.be/SkaSBnE9VGE.

Saturday’s event was the 10th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event of 2018, an unrivaled schedule televising the brightest stars in boxing’s most meaningful events. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING returns this Saturday (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) as consensus top-10 pound-for-pound champion Errol Spence Jr. defends his welterweight world title in a Dallas homecoming fight against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo.

Las Vegas – The week is finally here as UFC FIGHT PASS® exclusive, DANA WHITE’S TUESDAY NIGHT CONTENDER SERIES, returns live on Tuesday, June 12 at 8pm ET. 10 promising MMA athletes will enter the Octagon® looking to capitalize on the world’s toughest job interview as they vie to fulfill their dreams of earning a UFC contract.

Undefeated light heavyweight prospects Dashawn Boatwright (3-0, fighting out of Richmond, Va.) and Alonzo Menifield (6-0, fighting out of Dallas, La.) headline an incredible card setting the tone for the rest of the competition. Coming off two straight finishes, Boatwright has started his pro career with a vengeance in keeping his record unblemished. Menfield, a Contender Series season 1 veteran, has continued his winning ways since his victory in front of Dana White in July of last year, with dominant stoppages against dangerous opponents.

Also featuring on the first episode is a clash of giants when former NFL players Greg Hardy (0-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) matches up against Austen Lane (2-0, fighting out of Jacksonville, Fla.) in a heavyweight tilt that could steal the show. For Hardy, this opportunity marks his first professional bout after an undefeated amateur career saw him reel off three straight wins. Looking to sour his welcome to the professional ranks is Lane, an undefeated former Defensive End, who’s four wins have all come via first round KO.

A star-studded broadcast team returns for the series. Former NFL Network’s Total Access host and Emmy award winner Dan Hellie will be handling play-by-play duties, sharing the call on alternating weeks with former ESPN host and current UFC broadcaster Brendan Fitzgerald, whom both earned rave reviews in last summer’s edition of Contender Series. The show’s color commentary panel will be manned by current 155-pound standout Paul Felder and the debut of former middleweight champion of the world Michael Bisping.

Get your access pass to the entire second season of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series and all live & exclusive events on UFC Fight Pass this summer, as well as the largest MMA library in the world by visiting http://fightpass.ufc.tv/fp/contender/summer All bouts live and subject to change.

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

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.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 11th, 2018) — Gary Balletto Jr. never saw it coming. Jon Manley doesn’t anticipate getting in the way.

The punch heard ’round New England — the right cross from Jeremiah Wells that broke Balletto’s jaw at “CES MMA 49” and sent the Rhode Island welterweight to his first loss in five fights — has become sort of a talking point as Manley prepares to face the hard-hitting Philadelphia native who halted the progress of one of the region’s hottest prospects just two months ago.

Manley battles Wells on Friday night in the highly-anticipated co-feature of “CES MMA 50” live on AXS TV from Twin River Casino in a matchup of two fighters with contrasting resumes. The Massachusetts-born Manley (11-4, 2 KOs) boasts three times as many pro fights as his opponent, including a stint on Season 16 of The Ultimate Fighter, but those who get too comfortable in front of Wells (4-1, 2 KOs) tend to pay the price.

Manley has watched enough of the video from “CES MMA 49” — all 57 seconds of it — to know what not to do Friday when he sees for himself whether or not Wells hits as hard as advertised.

The televised main card of “CES MMA 50” airs live on AXS TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

“Good, straight one-two. Good jab, good right cross,” Manley said of the shot that ended Balletto’s five-fight win streak, “but I’m not going to be there.

“No fucking way.”

Manley makes his first appearance with CES MMA since May of 2017 when he lost a unanimous decision to Manny Walo at “CES MMA 44.” Since then, he’s won his last two on the regional circuit, but missed the fanfare of fighting under the bright lights of AXS TV. When a scheduled bout against longtime UFC vet Drew Fickett fizzled several weeks ago, Manley signed up to make his Twin River return on CES MMA’s 50th anniversary show, a stacked fight card featuring 12 pro bouts.

“This is awesome!” Manley said. “I kind of got lucky. CES jumped in and gave me Jeremiah, who’s obviously a super tough dude. Big show, obviously the top promotion around and all the exposure — it’s just awesome.

“My last fight [against Ryan Sanders in March] was pretty good, but it’s not like people will see it as much when it’s for CES.”

Don’t expect Wells to be star-struck come Friday. The Philadelphia looked cool and calm in April as the underdog against Balletto and used quick thinking inside the cage to expose a flaw in his opponent’s defense, leading to the biggest win of his young career.

“I saw him coming in with that leg kick and I just wanted to show what I’ve got,” Wells said. “I showed my power. When I hit him the first time, I saw him try to breathe a little more. Then as soon as he kicked me, I came in with the right cross.”

Wells expects more of the same against Manley despite a significant difference in height between he and Balletto. The 6-foot-1 Manley boasts an impressive height and reach advantage over the shorter, more compact Balletto, which means Wells will have to adjust his attack. The same goes for Manley, however, who has to strategize against the shorter, 5-9 Wells.

“If he stands up, that just leaves him vulnerable. I can catch him with the overhand,” Wells said.

“I know he used to be on The Ultimate Fighter and he’s well-rounded, tall, and probably has a lot of cardio. I know he likes to brawl and grind it out, take fighters down. Once he feels my power and sees my speed, I think he’s going to crack. He’s going to fold.”

Manley may have to lean on his experience to get him over the hump. While he doesn’t necessarily draw on technique or any other details from his UFC stint, Manley has learned to simply have more fun with MMA than he did in the past. The schedule for TUF was brutal at times — four fights in six weeks — so the pressure Manley faces now pales in comparison, even under the coveted bright lights associated with CES MMA and AXS TV.

“This shit is serious to me. I want to win and I want to advance my career,” Manley said. “I used to get really nervous — and I still do a little bit — but now it’s just fun.

“I’ve been in so many fights the process of dealing with the fight itself has gotten easier. The Ultimate Fighter helped a bunch. I’m not putting as much stress on myself. I have a lot more tools now. On The Ultimate Fighter, I tried to throw heavy hands, but I wasn’t too technical. Now I’m well-rounded. I can have fun anywhere instead of being tense.”

East Providence, R.I., native Dinis Paiva (11-6, 6 KOs) faces California’sAndre Ewell (12-4, 7 KOs) for the vacant CES MMA Bantamweight World Title in the five-round main event.

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 followed by the televised main card at 9.

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.

Woonsocket, R.I., flyweight Jose Lugo (2-0, 1 KO) makes his network television debut against Cortland, N.Y., native Michael Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) while 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).

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 makes his long-awaited return against New York’s Alfred Jones (3-3, 1 KO) and flyweights Hilarie Rose (0-1) of Norfolk, Mass., and Thais Sousa (0-2) of Miami search for their first career victories in a special female attraction. Light heavyweight Yorgan De Castro (1-0) of Fall River, Mass., faces David White (0-2) of Cumberland, Md.

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

NEW YORK (June 11, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports® veteran reporter Jim Gray was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday in Canastota, N.Y., joining former colleague and longtime SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING play-by-play announcer Steve Albert in receiving boxing’s most prestigious honor.

Gray and Albert became the fifth and sixth SHOWTIME Sports talent enshrined in the Hall of Fame since 2012. They join boxing analyst Al Bernstein (2012), ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. (2013), analyst and historian Steve Farhood (2017) and play-by-play announcer Barry Tompkins (2017).

In front of a large crowd that included close friends Mike Tyson, Don King, Deontay Wilder, Julius Irving, Jerry Richardson, Stedman Graham, Bob Costas and many others, the 59-year-old Southern California resident Gray reflected on 40-plus years of covering the sport of boxing. “My journey today has been an unlikely one,” Gray said during his induction speech. “The Boxing Hall of Fame immortalized all of these great fighters. So this magnificent honor comes with tremendous humility. How could this happen? I never took a punch.”

Gray, who started with SHOWTIME in 1994, was honored with a Special Individual Achievement Emmy Award – he currently has 12 Emmy’s in total – in 1997 for his interview of Mike Tyson following the heavyweight’s second loss to Evander Holyfield, the infamous “bite fight.” The National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association also named that interview the “Sports Broadcast Story of the Year.” Additionally, the American Sportscasters Association has voted Gray “Sportscaster of the Year” in 1998 and ‘99.

Gray chose Tyson to introduce him on Sunday during the induction ceremony. “It’s ironic,” said Gray. “The man who threatened to kill me in public is now inducting me into the Hall of Fame.”

“This award is way, way overdue,” an emotional Tyson said of his good friend. “I’m very proud of you. Well-deserved.”

With this past weekend’s induction ceremony, SHOWTIME Sports now boasts five current Hall of Famers featured on the network: Gray, Bernstein, Farhood, Tompkins and Lennon Jr.

“I am so pleased for Jim and Steve that they received this great honor,” said David Dinkins Jr., Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of SHOWTIME Sports. “Jim Gray’s interviews and reporting have been an integral part of our SHOWTIME telecast from the beginning. Because of his skills and instincts we have been able to cover the events in depth. There have been countless times that Jim’s dogged pursuit of a story has enabled us to paint the complete picture of the event.”

Gray has forged one of the most memorable sports broadcasting careers in recent history, which includes a deep boxing resume. Gray has worked more than 1,200 fights and interviewed over 1,500 fighters throughout his career, including 20 of his fellow Hall of Famers, such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and future Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and many others ringside.

Outside of the ring, Gray has covered nearly every sport and landed some of the industry’s most lucrative interviews, including sit-downs with Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods, Tom Brady and Michael Jordan.

Albert spent two decades calling fights for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Albert called more than 300 fights during his tenure with SHOWTIME, including Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Greg Haugen in front of 130,000 fans at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Tyson-Holyfield I & II and the epic Corrales vs. Castillo series.

“Steve Albert’s incredible preparation and perfect timing were the reasons for his memorable fight calls,” Dinkins said. “Steve was the voice of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING through the high profile fights of the Tyson and Chavez eras. He will be forever linked to those shows which helped establish our network as a major broadcaster of boxing.”

Both Gray and Albert earned induction into the Observer category, which recognizes outstanding achievements of print and media journalists, publishers, writers, historians, photographers and artists.

Chicago, Illinois (June 11, 2018) -Newly crowned NABO Light Heavyweight champion Mike Lee is eyeing a future world title opportunity after his latest conquest, where he fought through a broken rib in his 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez this past Friday night at AllState Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

“And the NEW NABO Champ! Tough fight last night. I fractured my RIB in Round 2 and kept fighting 8 more rounds to a victory. It was not a pretty fight, and FAR from my best performance, But I’m proud of myself for pushing through the pain and doing whatever it took to get the W. THANK YOU for all the love and support last night. It means the world. 21-0 !! @ Allstate Arena.”, Lee said on his Facebook account after the fight.

COVERAGE to the “Fight of Champions” mega-showdown between belt holder
Lucas Matthysse and challenger Manny Pacquiao is already pegged at 170
countries and is fast shaping up to become a blockbuster of an event
dubbed as the World Cup of Boxing.

From Asia to South America, to Europe and Africa, to the Middle East,
Asia Pacifica, Oceania and the Far East and the Caribbean, fans all
over the world will be treated to a whole day of sports festivities on
July 15 starting in the morning and throughout the afternoon.

The Pacquiao Vs Matthysse event will be beamed live at 12 noon from
the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur (around 8 PM, July 14 in the US and
Mexico) via satellite.

With World Cup fever undeniably in the minds of many, boxing also has
its version of the World Cup, with the Philippines and Argentina vying
for the World Boxing Association welterweight belt in the main event
featuring the legendary Pacquiao and Matthysse.

Other championship bouts presented by promoter Manny Pacquiao of MP
Promotions include the WBA world title matches between Venezuela and
China, (Carlos Canizales Vs Lu Bin for the WBA light flyweight belt),
as well as South Africa (Moruti Mthalane) against Pakistan (Muhammad
Waseem) for the International Boxing Federation flyweight crown.

In the main supporting bout, it will be Mexico against the Philippines
as the WBA, through president Gilberto Mendoza Jr. and ratings
chairman Jose Oliver, has just sanctioned the fight between Mexican
Edivaldo Ortega (26-1-1) and Jhack Tepora (21-0, 16 KOs) of the
Philippines for the WBA featherweight title.

Host Malaysia will feature its best fighters Muhammad Farkhan, Theena
Thayalan and Alman Abu Baker battling fighters from Thailand and 2
Indian boxers, respectively, in the undercards stacked deep by the
organizers, who are trying to impress a worldwide audience.

Other countries represented in the event include Australia and Japan.

Kissimmee, Fla. (June 11, 2018) — Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz wants to add his name to the storied list of Puerto Rican world champions. He will get that chance July 28 at the Kissimmee Civic Center, when he squares off against Masayuki Ito for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight title.

And, in the 10-round co-feature, undefeated welterweight prospect Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames will face Artemio Reyes of San Bernardino, Calif.

Diaz-Ito and Adames-Reyes will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 ET on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is available to all fans on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets to this world championship event will go on sale Tuesday, June 12 at 10 a.m. ET. Priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), tickets may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

“This fight is dedicated to all of Puerto Rico and to my family that has always been there to support me,” Diaz said. “Now it’s my time to become a world champion, and I promise that I will bring home the world title. I love you, Puerto Rico. This one’s for you!”

“I am really pleased to be able to fight a great fighter like Christopher Diaz for the WBO title. Diaz is a very good fighter with power and speed, but on July 28, I will become the champion,” Ito said. “I will bring the belt home back to Japan without fail. I have promised my wife and children. I will fight as if my life depended on it.”

“I am happy and excited to return to the ring quickly because I want to keep as active as possible. This will be my second fight with Top Rank, and now I will return to the ring much better prepared because I have the experience and the confidence of fighting on big stages,” Adames said. “I will come ready to give the public what they always expect from me… a spectacular knockout! On July 28, ‘Caballo Bronco’ will come to Kissimmee with all the ‘Platano Power’ from the Dominican Republic.”

Diaz (23-0, 15 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, is entering his first world title match riding a four-bout knockout streak. The WBO’s No. 1 junior lightweight contender, Diaz won the vacant NABO junior lightweight title last December with a third-round knockout of Bryant Cruz, knocking Cruz down five times en route to the stoppage. In his last bout, March 17 on the Jose Ramirez-Amir Imam undercard at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Diaz defeated Braulio Rodriguez via fourth-round TKO to earn the shot at the world title. For Diaz, this world title opportunity is beacon of hope, as his home and most of his possessions were destroyed when Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico last year.

Ito (23-1-1, 12 KOs), from Tokyo, is the WBO’s No. 2 junior lightweight contender. He has won seven consecutive bouts since the lone defeat of his career, a 10-round majority decision to then-undefeated Rikki Naito in February 2015. Ito, who has fought all of his professional bouts in Japan, has won four of his past five bouts via knockout, including a ninth-round stoppage of Lorenzo Villanueva in April of last year. In his last bout, on March 3 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Ito stopped Vergil Puton in the ninth round.

Adames (14-0, 11 KOs), one of the welterweight division’s fastest rising contenders, made his Top Rank debut as the ESPN-televised co-feature May 12 on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jorge Linares card, rolling to a unanimous decision win over Alejandro Barrera. The Dominican Republic native will be fighting for the second time under renowned trainer Joel Diaz and is training in Palm Springs, Calif. Reyes (25-2, 20 KOs) is 10-0 with eight knockouts since his last defeat, a first-round TKO at the hands of Alan Sanchez on April 13, 2012 in Las Vegas. In his previous bout, in August of last year, Reyes knocked out Steve Marquez with a body shot in the fourth round.

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 hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

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

LOS ANGELES, (June 11, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. will square-off in a 135-pound unification showdown between unbeaten stars Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will see Garcia look to become a unified champion for the first time in a career that has seen him win titles in four weight classes. Easter, who enters with a 5-inch height and 8-inch reach advantage, looks to stamp his name amongst boxing’s elite by unifying titles at 27 years old, less than two years after capturing his first belt.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale today at 12 p.m. PT. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

“SHOWTIME Sports continues to lead the industry with the biggest events, the most important matchups, week after week, month after month,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc. “Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. is the third world championship unification match on SHOWTIME this year. A consensus top-10 pound-for-pound champion facing an undefeated young champion while both are in the prime of their careers. July 28 has all the makings of an instant classic.”

“Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter is an outstanding lightweight matchup that is sure to deliver drama for fight fans at STAPLES Center and on SHOWTIME,” Said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Garcia will look to unify in his hometown and further solidify his credentials as boxing’s pound-for-pound best. He’ll have perhaps the toughest test of his career in the unbeaten Easter, who has a lethal combination of size, speed and power that he brings to the ring. With both fighters defending their titles and undefeated records, this is shaping up to be a can’t-miss night of boxing in downtown Los Angeles.”

“This is the kind of matchup that boxing fans love and a fight that I believe will certainly live up to expectations,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “With two undefeated world champions, and two of the top guys at 135 pounds, this fight is guaranteed drama. Mikey Garcia will look to become a unified world champion and add another accolade to a career that is already shaping up to be historic. Robert Easter Jr, a proud champion in his own right, is coming to STAPLES Center on July 28 to upset Mikey Garcia in his hometown. This is the quality of matchup that fans watching on SHOWTIME have come to expect and I suspect they will be fulfilled once again when these two warriors meet in the ring.”

“We are really looking forward to this incredible fight at STAPLES Center,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “These two fighters will undoubtedly headline an amazing night of fights for boxing fans in Los Angeles and we are looking forward to welcoming back Premier Boxing Champions and SHOWTIME for the second time in just two months.”

One of Southern California’s most popular fighters, Garcia returns to STAPLES Center for his first fight since becoming a world champion, and his first in California in seven years. Easter returns to the site of his professional debut, having started his career at STAPLES Center in 2012 after serving as an alternate in the London Olympic Games.

Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs), of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., became only the third fighter in modern history to become champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, when he defeated Sergey Lipinets for the IBF 140-pound title in March. The 30-year-old relinquished that title so that he can unify the WBC Lightweight World Championship that he won in January 2017 with a highlight reel knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin (Click HERE to watch Garcia-Zlaticanin KO video)

These wins, combined with a summer 2017 victory over Adrien Broner, have seen Garcia return to the top of pound-for-pound lists after a layoff of two and a half years. Garcia accrued wins over a list of notable names while winning his first two titles at 126 and 130-pounds, including Orlando Salido, Roman Martinez and Juan Manuel Lopez.

“This is the toughest fight of my career to date,” said the four-division champion Garcia. “Robert Easter Jr. is an undefeated world champion who presents serious challenges that I’m going to have to work hard to overcome. Unifying titles is something I’ve dreamed of doing for many years, and to do it at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles will make it even more special. This is the kind of fight that will help my legacy. To be the best you have to beat the best, and Easter is certainly one of the best out there. I’m very thankful to have this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it on July 28.”

Representing his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Easter (21-0, 14 KOs) has made three successful defenses since winning his world title in an exciting contest over Richard Commey in 2016. The 27-year-old delivered a fifth-round destruction of former champion Argenis Mendez to earn the title shot, and since winning the title has held off challenges from Javier Fortuna, Denis Shafikov and Luis Cruz to retain his 135-pound belt.

Easter will be making the move to work with Kevin Cunningham for the first time for this fight and conducting training camp in West Palm Beach with him. Cunningham, the longtime trainer of former world champions such as Devon Alexander and Cory Spinks, spurred Adrien Broner to a strong performance in a draw against Jessie Vargas and Gervonta Davis to a dominant knockout of Jesus Cuellar in their first fights together in April.

“This is a fight I’ve been waiting for and I’m really excited that the time is now,” said Easter. “This is the best fighting the best. These are the fights that boxing is all about. I made the move to train with Kevin Cunningham down in Florida and I think it’s going to help me reach another level. It’s just eat, sleep and train down there. We’re going to be ready on July 28 to put on a show and deliver fireworks.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.