EL PASO, TX. (April 25, 2018) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes card, headlined by Josesito Lopez battling Miguel Cruz in welterweight action, participated in a media workout Wednesday in El Paso before they step into the ring at Don Haskins Center.

Also participating in the workout was former world champion Anthony Dirrell and El Paso’s Abraham Han, who meet in a 10 round super middleweight clash, and featherweight brawlers Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero, who compete in a 10 round fight.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Wolves Den Gym in El Paso:

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“Having Robert Garcia in my corner has given me the training and preparation of an elite fighter. It’s a big difference. He’s one of the best trainers in the world and I’m going to help show that on Saturday.

“I’ve been training with Robert for quite some time now. I’ve been getting sharp working with other elite fighters in the gym. It’s kept me on my toes and that’s what I needed.

“Cruz is tough, he’s undefeated and he comes focused to win. He’s a good fighter but I’m here this week to prove that I’m a better fighter.

“Experience will definitely play a big part. But I also don’t think he’s faced anyone with the skills I have. All of my losses are to great fighters. I feel like I’ve taken a big step forward here.

“It feels great to be headlining in El Paso on FOX and FOX Deportes. I bring exciting fights and I’m always in wars. Saturday will be no different.

“I’m really excited to finally be fighting in Texas, it’s something I’ve looked for and asked about for many years. Texas holds a big piece of my heart and I’m ready to give the fans here a show on Saturday.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“This was an excellent training camp. It was a hard camp. It was extensive but I got through it and it has me feeling very prepared. It was absolutely the most strenuous camp I’ve had. I always train hard, but this one in particular, I had extra motivation.

“To get the win I need to use my jab and work the body. There are more aspects of it, but those two things are essential for me winning this fight.

“I’ve fought a lot of good, young, strong fighters recently. Past a certain level you learn that you can’t just knock everybody out. You learn to weather the storm and use your energy more efficiently. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a fighter.

“Josesito throws looping punches. That’s tough because it’s a bit unconventional. He throws looping punches that can take away your equilibrium. He’s got a lot of experience and that’s definitely a major factor in what I’ve been preparing for.

“It feels great to be on this stage, but at the same time I know I earned my spot to be here. I remember watching Josesito fighting in 2011 on the Mayweather vs. Ortiz undercard and I knew right then that I was going to be in the ring with these guys.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“I had a great, eight-week long training camp with great sparring. I feel good and I’m ready to fight for sure.

“I know that Han is a warrior. He’s rugged and that’s why I chose to fight him here in his backyard. I know that he’s going to bring a fight for me.

“It’s just going to be me and him in the ring. The audience can’t help him. All his fans can’t help him. Coaches can only help him between rounds. I’m going to block everything else out and just focus on him.

“I just need to stick to what we worked on in training camp. We have to implement those strategies and you’ll see it come Saturday night.

“I’m a better, stronger and wiser fighter these days. I’ve been through a lot to stay in world title contention. Everybody knows how badly I want my title back. On Saturday, everyone will see that I’m a champion. I’m ready for anyone with a belt.”

ABRAHAM HAN

“I’m so happy to be fighting at home on this big stage. In many ways this is a dream come true and something that’s been a long time coming. I can’t wait to perform in front of my people.

“I know I’m the underdog versus Dirrell but that doesn’t bother me at all. I always train to be better than anyone expects me to be. This fight will be no difference.

“This is a big fight for me and I’ve been training so hard to put on a great show for my hometown fans. This is a great fight town and I’m going to give the fans something to cheer about.”

JORGE LARA

“I’m so excited to get in the ring. I’m still eating right now leading up to the weigh-in and I feel ready to go. I’m eager to step into the ring.

“I’m not worried about Claudio Marrero. I’m just staying loose and focused on what I have to do. Marrero has to focus on me because he’s never fought a guy like me. I’m going to stay loose and bring the fight to him.

“The world title is my destiny. This is one shot closer to a world title. I’m highly ranked but the champions don’t want to give me a chance. So I will have to fight my way there.

“I’m like a dog going after a bone in the ring. I just want to fight. I’m here to take the fight right to him.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO

“It was a very hard training camp like always. I take it very seriously and I’m ready for this fight on Saturday night.

“I know I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter who will leave it all in the ring. We worked very hard on a plan for him.

“He must be mistaken if he thinks I’ve never seen a fighter like him before. It’s the other way around. He’ll definitely know what level I’m on after Saturday night.

“My style is to both come forward, but have the ability to move backward. It’s all about what the fight dictates and what my corner wants.

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

WHAT: WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and former two-division world champion Badou Jack faced off in Toronto on Tuesday to formally announce their highly anticipated showdown Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

The southpaw Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs) is the longest reigning champion in the 175-pound division and one of the hardest hitters in boxing. Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs) is a former 168 and 175-pound champion who relinquished his title for the chance to challenge Stevenson in the biggest light heavyweight showdown of 2018.

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Tickets for the Premier Boxing Champions event in Toronto, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale Friday, April 27 and will be available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Below are quotes from the fighters and event promoters.

ADONIS STEVENSON:
“I love Toronto, I spend a lot of time here. I have fought here before. I have a lot of fans in Toronto, and on May 19 I’m going to put on a show for them. I’m going to give them something to remember.

“Badou Jack is an excellent opponent. He’s smart, he’s been a world champion, and he’s shown he’s a true competitor. But I am the best light heavyweight in the world, and Toronto and the world will see that on May 19.

“Badou Jack is a good champion. He’s not coming to Canada to lose. I know he’s coming to win so we need to train like we’ve never trained before.

“I know Badou is one of the best boxers in the world and I can’t take him lightly. We can’t underestimate this guy – he’s a two-time world champion.

“I’m looking for the knockout. I know Badou is ready, I’m ready, May 19 will be exciting.”

BADOU JACK:
“I’m glad to be fighting here in Toronto on May 19. I want to thank Adonis and his team for giving me the opportunity. I’ve been training for a while now, and feel great. Camp has been great. I think I’m getting better and better, and I’m ready to become a world champion again on May 19 and give Toronto a show.

“He’s a strong fighter, everybody knows that. He does a lot of things well, not just land the big shots. But I’m a guy who’s great at a lot of things, and who’s coming to win. I promise you, I’ll leave Toronto a champion.

“We have three more weeks to get ready for one of the biggest fights of my life. I asked for this fight for a long time and finally we got it. On May 19 we’re going to have a three-time world champion.”

YVON MICHEL, Groupe Yvon Michele:
“We were faced with a situation in Montreal that demanded this fight be moved. I called MLSE, and Lee Baxter, and with the co-operation of everybody here, we knew almost immediately that this fight had a great new home here at the ACC in Toronto.

“Over the duration of his time as world champion, Adonis has become not only one of the best light heavyweights in the world, but one of the best fighters in the sport. But Badou Jack is the toughest opponent that Adonis has faced since becoming champion. Adonis has always risen to the occasion, and on May 19th he’ll do it again and be successful in defending his world championship.”

LEE BAXTER, Baxter Promotions:
“Taking on a project like this with just three weeks to sell the fight is a huge task. But this is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. We’ve been on a mission to bring boxing to Toronto sports fans and put us back on the sport’s map. I think this is the perfect group of people to pull off this task and turn this endeavor into a huge success.

“I want to thank Yvon Michel, MLSE, Mayweather Promotions, the champion Adonis Stevenson, Badou Jack, and everybody else represented on the dais. This is a great fight, regardless of where it takes place, but because it’s happening here in Toronto at the ACC, with an undercard featuring some of the best local fighters fighting on the biggest stage of their careers, it’s going to be a great Toronto sports event.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, Mayweather Promotions:
“First, I want to extend our hearts and best wishes to everybody affected by Monday’s horrifying tragedy here in Toronto.

“I know first-hand that Toronto is a great sports city. Floyd and I saw it with our own eyes when we were here last year promoting his fight with McGregor. The fans are passionate, and vocal, and they’re hungry for a good fight. I know they’re going to love seeing Badou Jack become a three-time world champion.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @BadouJack, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 25, 2018) Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxing has announced that the highly anticipated opening round of ‘The Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Tournament’, set for Friday, April 27 will be streamed live free of charge on the SportsLIVE OTT service, available online and via mobile and Roku apps, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. The event will emanate from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY.

The schedule of first round fights for the tournament representing eight countries are;

#1 ranked FELIX DIAZ, (19-2-0, 9 KO’s) of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic will clash with #8 ranked FRANCISCO SANTANA, (26-6-1, 12 KO’s), of Santa Barbara, CA, representing Mexico.

#2 ranked CHRIS VAN HEERDEN, (25-2-1, 12 KO’s) of Johannesburg, South Africa, faces #7 ranked TIMO SCHWARZKOPF, (18-1-0, 10 KO’s) of Stuttgart, Germany.

#3 ranked FREDRICK LAWSON, (26-1-0, 21 KO’s), of Accra, Ghana, battles #6 ranked BAISHANBO NASIYWULA, (13-1-1, 6 KO’s), of Urumqi, China.

#4 ranked PADDY GALLAGHER, (13-3-0, 8 KO’s), of Belfast, Northern Ireland, faces #5 ranked BRAD SOLOMON, (27-1-0, 9 KO’s), of Douglasville, Georgia.

All bouts are scheduled for ten rounds.

The Real Deal Boxing has also established a standardized scoring criteria for the tournament Included among the initiatives are;

–Clean, effective punching

–Control (combination of Ring Generalship, Effective Aggression, and Defense)

Scoring-area (as defined by the Association of Boxing Commissions): from the top of the head moving down, splitting the ears. The punches landed forward of the middle of the ears are counted as a scoring punch. For the body, mentally take away the arms and run the imaginary line from the shoulders down the side to the navel or hip area. Punches landed forward of the imaginary line are counted as scoring punches. Punches landed at the top of the shoulders can be considered in the scoring area.

Clean, effective punching in the scoring-area should always be the determining factor. If unable to make a definitive determination as to who landed the cleaner punches, then judge should base score on control.

It is acceptable to score a round 10-8 when there is no knockdown if the boxer who wins the round displays “overwhelming dominance” over their opponent. For the purposes of this guideline, the term overwhelming dominance can be defined as “one boxer exhibiting absolute control over the entire round, wins the round in an excessive decisive manner, landing clean, effective punches as the opponent offers minimal competition. A 10-8 round can also be scored when a boxer is visibly hurt and/or staggered during that round.

Effective Punching can be defined as “legal punches that have the immediate or cumulative impact potential to contribute towards the end of the bout with immediate impact potential weighing more heavily than cumulative.”

Any boxer who scores one or more knockdowns than their opponent cannot lose the round. If a boxer gets knocked down but otherwise wins the round clearly and convincingly, the score should be 10-9 (or in rare cases 10-10 in the event of extreme dominance); all other situations should result in a 10-8 round (i.e. If a boxer who has exhibited overwhelming dominance is knocked down at the end of the round, the round may be scored 10-9 in the opponents’ favor as opposed to 10-8)

The scores must reflect all of the knockdowns in a round.

–Additional Judges to minimize margin of error by the KBWC

A 4th judge will be placed at the ring, and a 5th judge will be placed in front of a monitor with no audio commentary

–Open Scoring by the KBWC

The KBWC will employ Open Scoring between rounds 5 & 6; the judges names will be kept anonymous when scores are announced

–Assignment of Neutral Officials

The KBWC will only assign officials with credible experience in the sport; qualifications will include experience working at least 1,000 rounds in professional boxing. The officials will also need to be approved by the WBC and must submit at least two letters of recommendation from an approved regulatory agency

–Instant Replay

The KBWC will employ use of Instant Replay to determine knockdown vs. slip, punch vs. foul, or anything that determines the end of the bout. There will be a three-person panel consisting of a KBWC representative, a WBC representative, and an alternate referee. Only a member of the panel or the referee in charge can request a replay; the fighters or their corner cannot request a review. The panel will have the one-minute rest period to review, and both camps will be notified of any review.

–Fans determine the seeding of each fighter

Fans were given the opportunity to vote for how the seeding and 1st round matchups were determined via social media; the fan vote will account for 50% of the seeding, with the other 50% being determined by the WBC ratings representative(s)

–Health and Safety Advances

All boxers in the tournament will be enrolled in and required to contribute to:

WBC Clean Boxing Program

–Scoring Draw

In the case of a draw after ten rounds, there will be an additional round fought and scored to determine a winner

The SportsLive streaming service, powered by the CBS Interactive Advanced Media division of CBS Sports Digital, gives subscribers unlimited access to thousands of live events and on-demand videos across schools and sports.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @TheRealDealPromotions, @WBCBoxing @KFCYumCenter

Twitter: @TheRealDealBox, @Holyfield, @WBCBoxing, @KFC_YumCenter

Instagram: @TheRealDealBoxing, @WBCBoxing, @KFCYumCenter, EvanderRDHolyfield

Websites: www.TheRealDealBoxing.com, www.WBCBoxing.com, www.KFCYumCenter.com

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (April 25, 2018): Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs), the undefeated world champion of Mexico City, Mexico, discussed his training camp ahead of the third defense of his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title against Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event to Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Liam “Beefy” Smith for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship on Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The 27-year-old champion is currently in the strongest stage of sparring at the famed Romanza Gym in Mexico City, Mexico, under the supervision of Hall of Fame Trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristaín, along with Oscar Ortiz and Fabian and Emilio Ramirez.When he is not sparring or doing his daily conditioning training, Vargas trains out of his home gym in Otumba, Mexico, working offensive and defensive strategies according to the fight plan in mind.

Vargas had the following to say regarding his training camp and his future in the sport of boxing:

“Like always, we’re working on being better for the next fight. We’re also working on power and movement, but also on technique and strategy. Nevertheless, everything will be determined in the ring. He can study me all he wants. He could have the better corner, or I could have the better corner. At the end of the day, it will just be me and him, so the one who has prepared the best and has the better strategy will win.”

“We are just days away from this great fight against a great fighter [Hovhannisyan] who knows how to brawl and move about the ring. He can fight from both stances, so he’s not just any kind of fighter. We have to really take into account of who is stepping into the ring with us.”

“I know that Hovhannisyan has some experience fighting against Mexicans, but not all of us are the same. I know how to box and brawl. It’s going to be an interesting fight because he’s a brawler who knows how to move when he decides to. We also can’t take away the fact that he has a lot of power. It’s interesting that we have fought a similar opponent [Ronny Rios]. He knocked him out in six rounds, while I defeated him by unanimous decision. Because of that there may be some doubts, but I’ll make things clear May 12.”

“This fight is my first priority, and I hope to walk out of this fight well and with my hand raised in victory. I want the people to be happy from a great performance. But of course, I’m also thinking about possible unification fights in the future. I would love to unify titles with the current IBF champion Ryosuke Iwase, an opponent who really has caught my attention because he earned his title by knockout in foreign territory.”

Ali vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren. Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET, and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

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

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

Former WBC super flyweight champion Carlos Cuadras, from Mexico, has been temporarily suspended by the WBC and has entered a rehabilitation program for drugs and alcohol abuse.

Carlos has entered a program in which he is accepting to, once and for all, eradicate his unfortunate addiction to recreational drugs and alcohol.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman spoke at length with Carlos and expressed the WBC’s absolute support during this process.

Carlos has always been closely associated with the WBC throughout his professional career which began in March 2010. He has won several WBC affiliated titles, including, Youth, Continental Americas and Silver, and then conquered the Green and Gold glory by defeating current champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and made six title defenses before losing his WBC championship in a very close fight to Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.

Carlos admitted that fame, glory and money, which come from success in the ring, haunted him and he slowly became weak to the temptations and peer pressure from his pseudo friends.

“I am convinced that I will win this battle. I have a wife and a son to support and I represent my country. I need to find the strength, with the help of God, to find a cure to this horrible nightmare as I have lived in hell. But I am a champion and will be victorious,” said Cuadras.

He added, “I never failed a test in boxing. I respected the sport, but my usage in my private life, between fights, certainly affected my career in the sport I love. I am very thankful to those who have supported me during the difficult times. I am embarrassed and apologize to the public and to the sport but beg you to give me one last opportunity.”

The WBC will follow Carlos Cuadras’ progress and will be in his corner in full support with the confidence that he will overcome adversity.

Beverly Hills, Calif. (April 25,2018) – Lightweight contender Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) is training very hard for his upcoming battle with undefeated Devin Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) that will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation card, live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET / PT) on Friday, May 11th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Menard has set up training camp in Dallas, Texas for this important battle, which is now for the USBA Lightweight title.

“Training Camp is Dallas is going great. I’m feeling comfortable with my new team around me, and being around elite guys in the gym like Errol Spence, Jermell Charlo, Rob Brant and Cem Kilic has made me a better fighter,” said Menard. “My only real loss was to world champion Ray Beltran. May 11th can’t come soon enough because I am ready to show the boxing world that Devin Haney is taking too big of a step up, and I am back.”

This will be the first bout with new Manager, Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset Management.

“I am excited for Mason’s return to the ring. With a new management team around him, a repaired shoulder, an elite trainer and quality sparring partners, fight fans will see an improved Mason Menard on May 11th,” said Shapiro, CEO of No Limit Mindset. “I truly believe that being in the gym with guys like Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo for entire camp will bring out the best in Mason. Devin Haney is a great fighter, and has a lot of hype around him, but come fight night, he will realize that he took too big of a step up in opposition.”

Menard is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

EDMONTON, Canada (April 25, 2018) – Super Channel has announced the formation of a new live boxing series, SUPERBOX LIVE, debuting Saturday, May 19, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC, from Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas,

International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas flyweight champion Nico Hernandez (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on Szilveszter Kanalas (14-7, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBA World Flyweight Championship in the 12-round main event.

Wichita-native Hernandez captured a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics. Two years ago, Kanalas became one of the youngest (17) world champions ever, when he defeated fellow Hungarian boxer, Jozsef Ajtai, for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Super Flyweight World Championship.

The card will also feature two heavyweight showdowns as rising Canadian star Oleksandr Teslenko (12-0, 10 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined on the televised broadcast, while Russian heavyweight prospect Andrey Afonin (5-0, 2 KOs) meets veteran Cuban fighter Pedro “El Reguilete” Rodriguez (23-4, 19 KOs).

Additional bouts will soon be announced for the televised portion of the May 19th event.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide on FITE.TV app and website (excluding Canada) for a suggested retail price of only $19.95.

To watch “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” live in Canada, showcasing undefeated Canadian heavyweight Teslenko, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

“We have had tremendous success over the last two years airing live boxing on Super Channel from around the world,” said Don McDonald, President & CEO of Super Channel. “This is why we felt on top of continuing to acquire events, we would start working directly with promoters. We have co-created the SUPERBOX LIVE series to further demonstrate Super Channel’s commitment to create original content that we can air and distribute worldwide.

Media executive Mike Garrow, who is the co-creator of SUPERBOX LIVE, has been appointed executive producer of the new series.

“Events that fans will watch on SUPERBOX LIVE will showcase stars of tomorrow, as well as feature established fighters from around the globe,” Garrow commented. “Our series shows will take place in venues throughout North America. We look forward to working with various fighters, promotions, managers, and sanctioning bodies to make SUPERBOX LIVE a ‘go-to’ show for fight fans.”

Venum (www.venum.com) has been named the official gloves and apparel of SUPERBOX LIVE.

“We’re honored to be involved in SUPERBOX LIVE’s inaugural event,” IBA president J.C. Courreges commented. “With U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez, our Americas champion, and an outstanding European boxer, Szilveszter Kanalas,matched in the main event, ‘High Stakes’ will make history as the first World Championship ever held in Kansas.”

The long, prestigious list of IBA world champions during the past quarter-century includes Hall-of-Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, as well as stars such as Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.
About Super Channel

Super Channel is a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.

Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience. With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.

Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.

Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.

Connect with Super Channel:

www.superchannel.ca
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel

About KO NIGHT Boxing LLC

KO Night Boxing is an emerging combat sports promotional company whose core value is “Fighters First!” KO Night Boxing produces live events for CBS Sports Network. Follow us on Twitter @KONightBoxing

HEAVYWEIGHT: Champion Deontay Wilder will make his mandatory defense against No. 1 ranked Bermane Stiverne on November 4. The WBC concluded the process, according to its Clean Boxing Program protocol, for the adverse finding of Luis Ortiz, and has withdrawn its sanction of the Wilder vs. Ortiz fight. An official ruling has been sent to the corresponding parties. Specific details will be released at a later date.
Dominique Breazeale will fight a final elimination bout with Eric Molina the same card as Wilder vs Stiverne as he had a valid contract to engage in a final elimination for WBC.
Dillian White vs. Robert Helenius for the vacant silver.

· Deontay Wilder defeated Bermane Stiverne by KO1 on November 4, 2017.
· Dominic Breazeale defeated Eric Molina by KOT8 and won the final elimination fight on November 4, 2017.
· Dillian Whyte defeated Robert Helenius by UD12 on October 28, 2017 and won the vacant silver title.
· Deontay Wilder defeated Luis Ortiz by KOT10 on March 3 in New York, in a voluntaary defense.
· Dillian Whyte defeated Lucas Browne by KO6 for the silver on March 24 in London.

APRIL, 2018: WBC ORDERS A FINAL ELIMINATION BOUT BETWEEN DILLIAN WHYTE AND LUIS ORTIZ FOR THE SECOND MANDATORY OF THE DIVISION.
CRUISERWEIGHT: Champion Mairis Briedis is in the World Boxing Super Series, so his mandatory status depends on who emerges as the winner and will be addressed at a later date.

· Oleksandr Usyk defeated Mairis Briedis by D12 and won the cruiserweight title on January 27 in Riga.
· Maxim Vlasov defeated Olanrewaju Durodola by KOT10 and won the vacant silver title on February 3 in Sochi.
· Olexandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev – Saudi Arabia * fight has been postponed due to injury.
· Maxim Vlasov vs. Ilunga Makabu on May for the Silver.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: Champion Adonis Stevenson is scheduled to make a mandatory defense against No. 1 ranked Eleider Alvarez in December. Number 2 Oleksandr Gvozdyk against number 4 Marcus Browne was approved as final eliminator and when we know the availability of Barrera, he will fight the highest available contender.

· Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Marcus Browne – final eliminator. The manager of Browne did not accept to participate.
· Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Sullivan Barrera for the Interim – purse offer Dec. 22. Barrera did not accept to participate.
· The WBC ordered Adonis Stevenson vs. Badou Jack voluntary May 19, as well as an interim title between Gvozdyk vs Amar.
· Oleksandr Gvozdyk defeated Mehdi Amar by UD12 and won the interim title on March 17.
· The winner of Stevenson vs. Jack to fight the interim champion with 65-35% split.
· Eleider Alvarez remains as mandatory challenger and will fight versus the winner of champions vs. interim champion.

APRIL, 2018: ELEIDER ALVAREZ INFORMED THE WBC THAT HE WILL FIGHT FOR ANOTHER ORGANIZATION.
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT: Champion David Benavidez will fight a rematch against Ronald Gavril. This Saturday, No. 3 ranked Avni Yildirim is scheduled to fight No. 4 ranked Chris Eubank Jr. and Callum Smith conquered the WBC Diamond. Both Smith and Yildirim entered the WBSS and the WBC accepted to support such tournament. Mandatories will be addressed at the conclusion of the tournament with the winner being mandatory.

· Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Avni Yildirim by KO3 on October 7, 2017 and won the elimination fight in WBSS.
· Juergen Braehmer defeated Rob Brant by UD12 on October 27, 2017 and won the eliminator fight in WBSS.
· Benavidez defeated Ronald Gavril by UD12 on February 17 in Nevada, in a voluntary defense.
· Callum Smith defeated Niekey Holzken by UD12 for the Diamond on Feb. 24 in Germany.
· Azizbek Abdugofurov vs. Renold Quinlan for the vacant silver on May 5 in Uzbekistan.
MIDDLEWEIGHT: The WBC Board of Governors ordered a direct rematch between champion Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez. Mandatory contender Jermall Charlo will fight an available contender for the WBC interim championship.

· Saul Alvarez was officially pulled out of the fight against Golovkin due to the adverse test results.
· Jermall Charlo defeated Hugo Centeno by KO2 and won the interim title on April 21.

WBC CHAMPION GOLOVKIN WILL MAKE A VOLUNTARY DEFENSE ON MAY 5th VS VANES MARTYROSIAN.
*WBC WILL SUPPORT THE GOLOVKIN VS ALVAREZ REMATCH IN CASE IT IS RESCHEDULED NEXT AFTER THE VOLUNTARY FIGHT OF MAY 5th THE WINNER TO MAKE THE MANDATORY DEFENSE OF THE DIVISION.
SUPER WELTERWEIGHT: Champion Jermell Charlo is scheduled to make a mandatory defense on October 14 against Erickson Lubin. The winner of the semi-final bout between No. 4 ranked Maciej Sulecki and No. 5 ranked Jack Culcay will then fight No. 3 ranked Vanes Martirosyan in a final elimination bout.

· Jermell Charlo defeated Erickson Lubin by KO1 on October 14, 2017, in a mandatory defense.
· Maciej Sulecki defeated Jack Culcay by UD10 on October 21, 2017 and won the semifinal elimination.
· Maciej Sulecki vs. Vanes Martirosyan final eliminator. Sulecki decided to fight for the title of another organization.
· Kell Brook defeated Sergey Rabchenko by KO2 and won the vacant silver title on March 3.
· Jermell Charlo vs. Austin Trout – June 9 in California.
WELTERWEIGHT: Champion Keith Thurman, who is recovering from an injury, is scheduled to return to the ring in January. Mandatory challenger Shawn Porter is scheduled to fight Adrian Granados on November 4 for the WBC Silver title.

· Shawn Porter defeated Adrian Granados by UD12 on November 4, 2017 and won the vacant silver title.
· Thurman will return in a voluntary defense in April.
· Shawn Porter mandatory.
· Victor Ortiz defeated Devon Alexander BY MD12 in an eliminator fight on February 17 in Las Vegas.
· Danny Garcia defeated Brandon Rios by KOT9 in a final eliminator for the second mandatory, on February 17 in Las Vegas.
· Qudratillo Abdukakhorov defeated Laszlo Toth by UD12 on March 17 in Malaysia and won the vacant silver title.
· Jessie Vargas and Adrien Broner drew in an elimination fight on April 21 in New York.

APRIL, 2018: KEITH THURMAN HAS RELINQUISHED HIS WBC TITLE. THURMAN WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO FIGHT FOR THE WBC TITLE ONCE HE HAS FULLY RECOVERED AND IS FIT TO RETURN.
WBC HAS ORDERED SHAWN PORTER VS DANNY GARCIA FOR THE WBC WORLD TITLE.
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT: If champion Terence Crawford vacates the title, No. 1 ranked contender Amir Imam will fight No. 3 ranked Jose Carlos Ramirez for the vacant title. No. 2 ranked Regis Prograis will fight No. 4 ranked Viktor Postol for the interim title and then both winners to fight each other with a 50-50 split.

· Josh Taylor defeated Miguel Vazquez by KO9 on November 11, 2017 in a defense of his Silver title.
· Amir Imam vs. Carlos Ramirez – March 17 – New York for the vacant title.
· Regis Prograis defeated Julius Indongo by KOT2 and won the interim title on March 9.
· Prograis must fight the winner of Imam-Ramirez fight with a 50-50 split.
· Josh Taylor defeated Winston Campos by KOT3 in a defense of his Silver title on March 3 in Glasgow.
· Jose Carlos Ramirez vs. Regis Prograis for the undisputed title – purse offer May 4 with a 50/50 split.
LIGHTWEIGHT: Champion Mikey Garcia is scheduled to fight Diamond champion Jorge Linares for the undisputed lightweight championship.

· Yvan Mendy defeated Jesus Arevalo by KO8 on December 14 in Paris for the silver.
· Mikey Garcia and Jorge Linares are granted to have a voluntary defense of their titles.
· Jorge Linares fought Mercito Gesta on January 27, 2017 but he did not defend the WBC Diamond title.
· Mikey Garcia defeated Sergey Lipinets by UD12 in a special event on March 10 in super lightweight division.
· Jorge Linares and Mikey Garcia must fight next – free negotiations started on March 12.
· Linares did not accept to participate and relinquished all rights in the WBC.
· Zaur Abdullaev defeated Deiner Berrio by UD12 and won the silver vacant title on April 22.
· Yvan Mendy vs. Luke Campbell final eliminator fight – purses offer May 27.

MIKEY GARCIA WILL FIGHT IBF CHAMPION IN AN UNIFICATION BOUT.
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT: Champion Miguel Berchelt is scheduled to make a voluntary defense against Orlando Salido in December. No. 2 ranked Francisco Vargas and No. 3 ranked Jhonny Gonzalez are scheduled to fight in a final elimination to determine the mandatory contender.

· Miguel Berchelt was injured.
· The WBC ordered Miguel Roman vs. Orlando Salido on December 9, for the interim, but in a very strange situation Salido camp pulled out of fighting a championship fight but only a 10-round over the weight fight against Roman.
· Miguel Roman in a great performance knocked out Orlando Salido and requested the WBC to recognize him as mandatory contender of the division.
· The Board of Governors voted in favor to name Miguel Roman as mandatory challenger of the division.
· Miguel Berchelt defeated Maxwell Awuku by TKO3 in a voluntary defense on February 10 in Cancun.
· Miguel Roman is mandatory challenger.

APRIL, 2018: BERCHELT WILL MAKE A VOLUNTARY DEFENSE ON JUNE 23 AND THE WINNER MUST MAKE THE MANDATORY DEFENSE NEXT.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Champion Gary Russell is scheduled to fight a voluntary defense and mandatory contender, Joseph Diaz, next. That will be mandated for around May.

· Russell vs. TBA voluntary.
· Gary Russell vs. Joseph Diaz mandatory, May 19 in Maryland.
SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT: Champion Rey Vargas is scheduled to fight mandatory challenger Julio Ceja, who won a final eliminator. No. 2 ranked Diego De La Hoya and No. 3 ranked Hugo Ruiz will fight in a final eliminator.

· Julio Ceja defeated Breilor Teran by UD12 and won the silver title on November 25, 2017.
· Rey Vargas defeated Oscar Negrete by UD12 on December 2, 2017 in a voluntary defense.
· Rey Vargas vs. Azat Hovhannisyan – voluntary – May 12.
· Rey Vargas vs. Julio Ceja mandatory.
BANTAMWEIGHT: The WBC Clean Boxing Program still has to rule on the findings on a positive test for champion Luis Nery. No. 2 ranked Emmanuel Rodríguez will fight in a final eliminator against No. 3 ranked Petch Sor Chitpattana.

· Luis Nery vs. Yamanaka ordered.
· The WBC ordered the final eliminator between Emmanuel Rodriguez and Petch Sor Chitpattana, but Rodriguez decided to fight for the title of another organization.
· Nordine Oubaali defeated Mark Geraldo by KO7 on December 16 in Paris for the Silver.
· Luis Nery lost the title on the scale and KOT2 Shinsuke Yamanaka on March 1 in Japan.
· Nordine Oubaali vs. Petch Sor Chipatanna for the vacant – purse offer April 27 50/50 split.
SUPER FLYWEIGHT: Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai has requested a voluntary defense before his mandatory fight against Juan Francisco Estrada.

· Srisaket Sor Rungvisai defeated Juan Estrada by MD12 in a mandatory defense on February 24 in California.
· McWilliams Arroyo defeated Carlos Cuadras by MD12 and won the Silver title on February 24.
FLYWEIGHT: Champion Daigo Higa is scheduled to fight Thomas Masson in a voluntary defense on October 22.

· Daigo Higa defeated Thomas Masson by KOT7 on October 22, 2017 in a voluntary defense.
· Andrew Selby defeated Maximino Flores by UD12 on October 7, 2017 and won the elimination.
· Daigo Higa defeated Moises Fuentes by KO1 on Feburary 4 in Naha, Japan, in a voluntary defense.
· Cristofer Rosales defeated Daigo Higa, who lost the title on the scale, by KOT9 on April 15 in Yokohama.
LIGHT FLYWEIGHT: Champion Ken Shiro is scheduled to fight No. 1 contender Pedro Guevara, with the winner to fight Ganigan Lopez. It was approved that Hekkie Budler fights against number 3 or 4 for the vacant Silver title and then to make a final eliminator and fight for the title after the mandatory.

· Ken Shiro defeated Pedro Guevara by MD12 on October 22, 2017 in a mandatory defense.
· Gilberto Parra defeated Leyman Benavides by KOT4 on November 18, 2017 and won the vacant silver title.
· Ken Shiro defeated Gilberto Pedroza by TKO4 in a voluntary defense on December 30.
· Ken Shiro vs. Ganigan Lopez – mandatory – May 25 in Tokyo.
MINIMUMWEIGHT: Champion Wanheng Menayothin is scheduled to make a voluntary defense in November. The No. 1 ranked contender, Leroy Estrada is the mandatory contender

· Wanheng Menayothin defeated Tatsuya Fukuhara by UD12 on November 25 in a voluntary defense.
· Wanheng Menayothin vs. Leroy Estrada mandatory – May 2, 2018 in Thailand.

HBO Sports heads to Barclays Center in Brooklyn for an explosive doubleheader when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: DANIEL JACOBS VS. MACIEJ SULECKI AND JARRELL MILLER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS is seen SATURDAY, APRIL 28 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT), exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The fights will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming services.

In an intriguing middleweight showdown, Brooklyn-born headliner Daniel Jacobs (33-2, 29 KOs) makes his 2018 ring debut against Warsaw native Maciej Sulecki (26-0, 10 KOs), who now resides in Florida, in a scheduled 12-round fight. Jacobs, 31, has held training camp again on Long Island, and has his sights on a 160-pound title shot this year. Sulecki, 28, looks to keep his perfect record intact and pull off a big upset.

The opening bout is a scheduled 12-round heavyweight tilt between Brooklyn’s Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (20-0-1, 18 KOs) and France’s Johann Duhaupas (37-4, 24 KOs). Miller, 29, aims to put on an impressive performance in his second HBO appearance and earn a title shot. With three dominant wins in 2017, the 37-year-old Duhaupas seeks to spoil Miller’s plans and leap ahead in the rankings.

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

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

The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (April 25, 2018) – One week after winning his first professional title (WBO Youth) in his hometown of Salinas, Calif., prized featherweight prospect Ruben Villa paid a visit to the Monterey County Youth Center where he spoke to at risk adolescents.

“There were a lot of young kids, kids that are still in high school that never really got the guidance that you would want them to have,” said Villa, who sports an undefeated record of 11-0, 4 KOs. “My message was simple. You can still better your life, but you have to find the motivation that’s going to make you want to change.”

Villa, 21, was fortunate to have found the sweet science at an early age. He started boxing the same year he entered kindergarten. Many youth in Monterey County and the greater Salinas area get involved with gangs at a young age and enter a path of criminal behavior that almost always ends in incarceration.

“I just tried telling them my story how boxing kept me focus and out of trouble,” Villa said. “At the end of the day, you need to do right by your community. I think these kids want to change and make their family proud, but they need reinforcement and help.”

Although young himself, Villa has developed a reputation for caring deeply for the area he grew up in. The southpaw is always looking for ways to help.

“It’s just one of the qualities that I saw in Ruben when I signed him,” said manager Danny Zamora. “He is very humble and makes me very proud that he is such a positive role model to the community of Salinas. I am glad that he is giving back to the kids that need it the most.”

The Monterey County Youth Center is a residential facility and aftercare program offering educational and rehabilitation opportunities for juvenile court wards.

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Serial belt collector Bradley Skeete believes 2018 will finally be the year when he adds the major international straps to his already impressive haul.

It is a measure of the super skilled 6ft 1in welter belter’s soaring self-belief that – despite hoovering up Southern Area, English, Inter-Continental, British, Commonwealth and WBO European gongs – he remains unfulfilled.

‘I can’t knock 2017 because I boxed back-to-back in June and July and secured the Lonsdale Belt outright. But I did nothing thereafter,’ says the ‘Super’ man from Penge who returns after nine months inactivity to challenge for the vacant European (EBU) title against unbeaten Basque banger Kerman Lajarraga in Bilbao, Spain on April 28th.

‘I want so much more. Just as I was building momentum we’ve had to stick the breaks on. It’s no fault of mine. I’ve been in the gym training. It was very unfortunate that the show in February had to get binned.

‘It looked as if I’d get the world title shot at Jeff Horn over in Australia but, after terms were agreed and everything was set-up, his team decided to swerve us and picked Gary Corcoran instead.

‘No bad to Gary Corcoran- I understand it’s a business – but not getting my world shot after being so close was a real kick in the bollocks. And after watching Horn’s fight with Corcoran you understand why. My style is all wrong for Jeff Horn. I beat him every day of the week.

‘But they knew the super fight with (US superstar Terence) Crawford was coming and he’d get very well paid for that. He didn’t want to jeopardise that against me. Now he’s going to get properly served up by Crawford. ‘Bud’ will pepper him, bust him up then mow him down!

The world 147lb playground is presently among the roughest in the sport with uber talents such as Crawford, Keith Thurman and Errol Spence all parading menacingly. But, now 30, the sleek and silky south Londoner – beaten just once on a wafer-thin decision to ex world amateur champion Frankie Gavin in 28 pro starts over the past eight years – is keen to test his considerable skills in that company.

‘Look, Crawford was originally a lightweight and is yet to fight at 147. (WBC emperor) Thurman was taken very close by Danny Garcia so I’d have a chance. He’s suddenly not stopping guys since he’s moved to top class,’ assesses Skeete who is mentored by Alan Smith at the iBox gym in Bromley.

‘For me, (IBF boss) Spence is the best one. He’s got it all; can box, fight, punch. I love the way he breaks quality fighters down.

‘But it’s my dream to be involved in these big fights, to taste the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Ideally, given the calibre of the current champions, I could do with another year’s seasoning but if I was offered any of them tomorrow, I’d be an idiot to say ‘No’’.

Tooting born Skeete is already primely placed inside the top dozen within the WBC, IBF and WBO rankings but is yet to crack the WBA listings where pending foe Lajarraga is nestled in eighth spot, having won 24 straight with 19 wins by stoppage.

‘(Argentina’s WBA king Lucas) Matthysse is arguably the weakest link at world level – he’s perhaps A minus where Crawford, Thurman and Spence are A plus champs – so beating Lajarraga convincingly is my route to him,’ claims bad Brad.

‘If I could acquire Lajarraga’s WBA ranking as well as the European belt, that would be fantastic. Though Lucas can seriously whack, Danny Garcia showed he can be comfortably out boxed.

‘The secret is staying away from Matthysse’s power; using my brain, my physical attributes and skills to keep it long and frustrate him. Make him eat my jab. He’s definitely beatable.’

BoxNation are on air from 7.00pm on Saturday night.

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA (April 24, 2018) Unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman has voluntarily relinquished his WBC title while he recovers from the effects of elbow surgery last year and a hand injury he suffered in training camp last month.

After speaking with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman recently, Thurman decided that he would relinquish the title and open the way for former champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter, the two leading contenders for the WBC title, to fight each other for the championship while Thurman made a full recovery from his injuries.

“Due to my rehabilitation from my injuries, I agreed to relinquish my WBC title at this time. I continue to rehab my hand and elbow and I look forward to getting back in the ring this summer. This is a temporary setback and I will be the unified champion once again and look forward to winning back my WBC title as soon as possible,” said Thurman.

“Keith Thurman unfortunately has suffered two consecutive injuries that have kept him out of the ring after his sensational victory over Danny Garcia and he has graciously relinquished his title, and the WBC has mandated that Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter will fight for the title,” said Mauricio Sulaiman. “Keith will have a direct path to fight for the title once he has healed just as Vitali Klitshcko and other WBC champions have done in the past. Keith is a tremendous athlete, champion and role model. The WBC will support him completely during this difficult time. ”

Garcia (34-1, 20 KOs), a former unified champion at 140 pounds and the former WBC welterweight champion, lost the WBC title to Thurman by 12-round split decision in 2017. He bounced back with a knockout victory over former champion Brandon Rios in February. The WBC had made that fight a title elimination match, which put Garcia in line to fight Thurman again for the title.

Porter (28-2-1, 17 KOs), a former welterweight champion, lost a close 12-round decision to Thurman in 2016. He became the mandatory challenger for the WBC title when he knocked out Andre Berto last year. He maintained his status with a 12-round decision over Adrian Granados in November.

The 29-year-old Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) has been plagued by a string of injuries the last two years.

Thurman injured his neck in a car accident in February 2016, which delayed his match against Porter by three months. When they met Thurman defeated Porter by unanimous decision on June 25.

He defeated Garcia by split decision in a welterweight unification match on March 4, 2017. A month later he had major surgery on his right elbow to remove bone spurs and calcium deposits. He is still in rehabilitation from that surgery.

Thurman injured his hand hitting the heavy bag last month and aggravated the injury sparring with some amateurs at his gym in St. Petersburg, Florida. An MRI revealed bruises to the metacarpal bones in the hand, which also has extensive swelling. Thurman can’t have any impact with the hand for at least 8 weeks, which added another delay to his ring return.

He now hopes to return to the ring in the late summer or early fall.

NATIONAL HARBOR (April 24, 2018) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (28-1, 17 KOs) and unbeaten No. 1 contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (26-0, 14 KOs) hosted a press conference and faced off for the first time Tuesday before their championship showdown Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visitinghttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

The Russell vs. Diaz fight is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that will feature WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson defending his title against two-division world champion Badou Jack in a main event from Toronto presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Russell Jr., a 2008 U.S. Olympian and 126-pound titleholder since 2015, will defend against his mandatory challenger in the 25-year-old Diaz, who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games and will be competing in his first title bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from TAP Sports Bar at MGM National Harbor:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“It’s amazing to be fighting at home. It’s cool to know that the people I see around all the time will be able to get in the car and drive 15 minutes to come watch this massacre. I can’t wait.

“I appreciate JoJo for being honest and saying that he feels I’m the best featherweight in the world. That speaks volumes.

“We stay focused in the gym. The inactivity doesn’t mean anything. It’s no issue. I’ve had hand issues in the past but I’m able to preserve my body and stay sharp, stay focused. I’m a fighter that’s always in shape. I never take a day off. You can ask my wife. On anniversaries, we’re in the gym. On birthdays, we’re in the gym.

“Regardless of what the situation is, you want a sense of financial stability for yourself and your family. I’m at the point of my career where I have maybe six more fights in me. We want to maximize everything. We want to maximize our revenue and it’s been irritating because a lot of the champions don’t want to get in the ring with me. I appreciate JoJo for giving me the opportunity to sharpen my teeth a little bit more. At least he’ll have the opportunity to say he got in the ring with Mr. Gary Russell Jr.

“I’m one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. Speed, power, ring IQ, we can get ugly if we need to. I don’t plan on going 12 rounds. I’m not going the distance with anybody for the remainder of my career. Mark my words.

“When you have guys that fight and move around a lot, it makes it difficult to get to them the way you want to. When you have a guy that is straightforward and will be in your face, it makes it much easier for me and they’re much more susceptible to get hit.

“A lot of fighters win with pure athleticism because they’re faster, stronger or in better shape. They’re not winning because they have the ability to make the necessary adjustments based on what goes on in the ring. I tell people all the time that boxing is intellect manifested on a physical form. In most cases, the more intelligent fighter wins.

“My father says that whenever you see a fight that is an all-out, knockdown war, it’s just two stupid fighters that didn’t have a plan B or the ability to make the adjustments to make the fight easier. If that’s JoJo’s game plan, it’s going to make this fight a lot easier for me. It’s not going 12 rounds.

“As far as a hit list of my next opponents goes, we are first going to take care of JoJo. I would love to get a unification bout with Leo Santa Cruz after that. If we don’t get that, I plan on moving up in weight and challenging whoever has the title in that division. You want to know who I really want, though? I want Mikey Garcia.

“My last fight will be against (Vasyl) Lomachenko. I want to conclude my career with breaking my foot off of him. That will be the conclusion of it. I’m willing to wait, though. Right now, we’re good.

“Of course I would entertain a fight with Gervonta Davis. We’re cool. He’s somebody that I actually watched grow up and develop as a fighter, but you have to stay in your lane. When I move up in weight, he’s got to get out of the way or he’s going to get ran over too.

“I didn’t want to come home to fight until I had a world title. That’s the reason I didn’t fight at home for so long. Now we have the title, and I wanted to fight at least one more time here.

“I want to maximize our revenue because I don’t plan on fighting for too much longer. I had my first fight at seven years old. I’m 29 now. That’s a long time competing and a lot of wear and tear on your body. I’m a guy that doesn’t cut corners, so it takes away from the time I could be spending with my family and friends. I’m ready to spend time with my family and children and live out the fruits of our labor. But in the meantime, everybody else is in my way. They’re trying to take food off my baby’s plate.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

“I don’t think the fact that I’ve been more active will give me any advantage. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing and getting the experience I need inside the ring before facing an elite fighter like Gary Russell Jr. My preparation has been good. I’ve fought tremendous opponents and I have all the experience to come out victorious May 19.

“It doesn’t affect me at all fighting in his hometown. I’m happy to fight in his backyard. He’s the champion and that’s what champions get to do. I know what he’s capable of doing. He says I don’t have the boxing IQ or the power and speed that he has, but he’s going to be in for a rude awakening come fight night. He’s going to see that I have all the tools.

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting on this stage. Ever since I roomed with Errol Spence at the Olympics, we always promised each other that once we became pro we were going to fight all the elite athletes and the best champions. Gary Russell Jr. is the best at 126 pounds. I’m not scared to fight him and that’s what Errol Spence did, too. He beat Kell Brook in his hometown.

“Gary Russell Jr. is by far the best featherweight in the world. Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Lee Selby, none of these guys want to fight Russell. They’re afraid of the speed and the counter shots. But I know what I’m capable of doing and I’ll showcase it May 19.

“A win would mean everything for me. It would be a dream come true realizing all of the hard work I’ve put in since I was 13 years old. It would mean that I’m the champion and I’d be the shot caller.

“I think his speed is an obstacle; he’s very fast. But that’s the thing about me, I’m good at adapting to any style that I fight. Come fight night I know that his speed is going to be fast, but it’s nothing that I won’t be able to take, or nothing that will shock me. I’m going to be able to adapt to that speed and make sure I’m able to land my shots when he’s opening up.

“I’m very confident; 100 percent confident I’ll beat him. I know that this is an opportunity that is presented to me and I’ll be victorious. I’ve always prayed to God that I could fight on SHOWTIME and for a WBC title. And now that I am it feels like it’s all settling in and it’s all coming true. I’m working hard every single day, and once I get my hand raised in victory I’m going to go from there.

“If he gets a little bit over confident like he did against [Oscar] Escandon, he’s going to be in for a rude awakening. He’s going to be shocked with not only my punching power, but also with my combinations and with my speed. I’m not like a Jhonny Gonzalez where I’m just throwing one shot, or slow combinations. I’m pretty fast with my punches and you won’t see my punches coming because I throw them very elusive and I punch from different angles. He’s going to be very shocked if he fights the way he fought Oscar Escandon.

“I don’t think it’s going to go the distance. Gary Russell is going to go out there and not back down and give the fight fans a good show, but I’m going to go out there and give a good show and not back down. So I think we’re both not going to back down and we’re going to brawl it out, and let the best man win.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MrGaryRussellJr, @JosephDiazJr, @TGBPromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

GLENDALE, CALIF. (April 24, 2018) — Fellow 2004 Olympians and soon-to-be opponents GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and VANES “THE NIGHTMARE” MARTIROSYAN met with the media — and each other — on Monday at Martirosyan’s gym, the Glendale Fighting Club. It was the first time the fighters addressed the media, and each other, since announcing their Cinco De Mayo world championship rumble. Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, boxing’s longest-reigning world champion (since 2010), will be defending his World Middleweight Championship crown for the 20th consecutive and record-tying time, against former two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender Martirosyan (36-3-1, 21 KOs), from Glendale, Calif. They collide on Saturday, May 5, under the stars at StubHub Center. The fight will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted by GGG promotions, in association with Don King Productions, and sponsored by Tecate, Chivas Regal, Jordan and Hublot, remaining tickets to the Golovkin vs. Martirosyan world championship event are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 (sold out) and $50 (sold out), and may be purchased online at https://www.axs.com/events/353331/golovkin-vs-martirosyan-tickets?ref=edp_twpost, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

Here is what the fighters had to say:

GENNADY GOLOVKIN

“I am glad to be back in the ring and giving a fight to my fans. I am happy that Cinco De Mayo will still have boxing. It is good for the sport. I want to stay active. I would like to fight four or five times every year. Cinco De Mayo is a big night for a fight and for a Mexican-Style fighter like me. It is very important to me to be fighting again, to be fighting on Cinco De Mayo. I didn’t want to disappoint the fans who wanted a fight on a Mexican holiday. I am grateful to the Mexican fans who support me and who supported me after the fight with Canelo and during the past two months.

“When my fight with Canelo was canceled I never stopped training. I wanted a fight on Cinco De Mayo. I stayed in Big Bear working hard with Abel hoping I would still be able to have a fight.

“Canelo? Right now he is over. Do I want to have the rematch in September? We’ll see. It’s a different deal. The boxing business is crazy. I’ll fight Canelo again. Ask him if he wants to fight me.

“I no longer think about Canelo. I am only focused on this fight. I just want to fight Vanes. I remember him from the 2004 Olympics. I know he is not easy. Vanes is a strong and active fighter in the ring. He is a good fighter . Vanes is a real guy. A real fighter. He is tall and strong. In 2004, I thought Vanes was the best boxer on the U.S. Olympic team.

“I have watched some tapes of Vanes’ fights. His fights with Lara. The minute the fight was signed Abel brought new ideas to the gym workouts. And no, I am not going to tell you those new ideas. The fans at StubHub Center will be watching two Mexican-style fighters from the area.

“I am still comfortable at 160 pounds. There are no big money fights at 168 pounds and besides, I am small at 160.

“I only ask for fights. I want more big fights. Huge fights. Title unification fights. I want to stay champion. It should be a clean sport. That is important to me.

“This fight is very important for boxing. Fans should not have to miss having a fight on Cinco De Mayo. This is my gift to the sport. Thank you to everyone for watching me and supporting me.”

VANES MARTIROSYAN

“This fight is the biggest test for me. It will show where I belong in this sport. I was able to take advantage of this opportunity because I never left the gym, even when previously scheduled fights kept falling through. I would take a week off and then return to the gym. It was hard but I never lost faith. A good fighter stays ready, stays in shape. How many times have we heard that about an opponent falling out and a replacement getting that golden ticket to fight for a world title?

“Regarding Canelo, you have to ask, ‘Why did he flunk two drug tests. Why did he withdraw from VADA? I don’t believe him. I don’t buy his excuse about tainted meat. If, God forbid, I had tested positive because of accidentally eating something, I would have myself tested every day to prove I was clean. No one wants to see someone cheat his way into a fight.

“That’s why fans love Triple G. Because he is so good in the ring and because he is clean. He has always been tested. He wants boxing to be a clean sport as do I.

“I have been counted out before and I have shined. This is my time. Fate has reached out to me and I am ready to seize the moment. You can never plan for something like this, but you can be prepared, and that’s why I never left the gym.

“I am excited to show everyone how good I can be. I feel so fresh and strong. Fans and Gennady will be amazed . We may not be Mexican but I guarantee you it’s going to feel like two Mexicans are going to war on Cinco De Mayo.

“I’m not afraid of Gennady. I’m psyched to fight him. This is why I became a fighter. I’m not the only one taking this fight on short notice. Everyone has a soft spot. I’ll find his. I have no fear. We are going to war — Mexican Style. Two trains colliding. We both love the Mexican Style of fighting. We’re both hard headed and heavy handed. To me, it’s not a REAL fight without a lot of Mexican fans. I’m not fighting to survive. I’ll be fighting to win!

“I don’t run like the guy who pretended to eat a bad steak. Let’s see how Gennady reacts to a fighter who doesn’t move away after being hit. Gennady’s chin hasn’t been tested the way I’d like to test it.

“Canelo is an easier fight than Gennady. Gennady has a fan-friendly style. Canelo ran from my mandatory challenge. That says a lot about him. That tells you everything about him.

“When I got the call from Don King, I was laying in bed with the kids. ‘Hey, man, there’s this guy they call Triple G or something like that, you want to fight?” I said, ‘Of course.’ That’s how I found out I got the fight.

“Before I knew I had this fight, I asked my wife who her favorite fighter was, besides me. She told me Gennady Golovkin. So now I have to beat his ass for that (laughing).”

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For more information, www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @gggboxing, @hboboxing, @VanesBoxing, and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @gggboxing, @vanesboxing, and @HBOboxing.

Laurel, Maryland (April 24, 2018) Speaking ahead of his final workout before heading to
Philadelphia, PA, hard-hitting super middleweight Demond “D’Bestatit” Nicholson (18-2-1, 17 KOs) could barely contain himself ahead of his rivalry showdown with hometown favorite, Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (23-1-0, 19 KOs) at the Liacouras Center this Saturday night, airing live on ESPN.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted since I was 14 and we were in the amateurs together. I’ve always wanted to fight Jesse, now I’ve got my chance and I’m going into his hometown and knocking him out on Saturday night,” said the 25-year-old Nicholson.

“Hart’s been completely babied as a professional whether it’s getting a decision he didn’t deserve against Dashon Johnson or matched soft as butter in his last fight; Awimbono looked asleep before the bell even rang.

“Now Hart’s facing a straight-up knockout artist who’s going to use him as a stepping stone to a world title shot,” continued Nicholson. “I’ve had a tremendous camp, great sparring and I’m ready to take advantage of the opportunity that Lou DiBella and his team have provided me with.”

With 10 first-round knockouts, Nicholson is a must-see attraction in the super middleweight division. Most recently, Nicholson stopped Josue Obando in the second round on August 25, 2017, in Miami, Oklahoma. Prior to turning professional in 2013, Nicholson had a stellar amateur record of 110-15.

“Philadelphia is one of America’s premier fight towns, and Demond Nicholson has the opportunity to prove he is a premier talent on Saturday night,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Hart may be positioned as the Philly favorite, but Demond lives only two hours away and has an incredible base of supporters. People will know Maryland is in the house.”

The 28-year-old Hart, son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, is coming off a first-round stoppage of Thomas Awimbono on February 3, 2018. Prior to that, he challenged for the WBO Super Middleweight title, losing a hard-fought battle to champion Gilberto Ramirez.

Hart-Nicholson will be televised LIVE on ESPN and stream in English and Spanish on the ESPN App at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at $100 (ringside), $65 and $35, can be purchased at the Liacouras Center Box Office and www.liacourascenter.com, or by calling Peltz Boxing at 215-765-0922.

NEW YORK (April 24, 2018) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight Champion Claressa Shields will attempt to become a two-division world champion on Friday, June 22 live on SHOWTIME when she faces unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features the No. 1 fighter at 168 pounds facing the No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds as they both attempt to become champions for the first time in the middleweight division.

Shields (5-0, 2 KOs), who grew up in nearby Flint, was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

“I can’t wait to get into the ring on June 22,” said Shields. “I love the fight against Hanna Gabriels – champion versus champion, exactly the kind of fight that I want every time to take women’s boxing to new heights. I’ve said one of my goals is to win world championships in three weight divisions. I’m proud to be super middleweight champion, and on June 22 I will add the middleweight championship to my accomplishments. I’m excited to be working with John David Jackson for the next step in my career as I look to conquer another division.”

Two-division champion Gabriels (18-1-1, 11 KOs) is the reigning WBA and WBO World Champion. The native of Costa Rica won her first world title at welterweight in 2009 and has since fought in an astounding 11 consecutive world title fights. The 35-year-old won her first belt in the 154-pound division in 2010 and became unified champion in 2016. In her last bout, Gabriels avenged the only loss on her record, a 2013 defeat to then-undefeated title challenger Oxandia Castillo. She looks to become a three-division world champion on June 22.

“I’m really excited and grateful to have the opportunity to showcase my skills against Claressa Shields on SHOWTIME,” said Gabriels. “This will be a great battle of two world champions, a great night for my country, and a great fight for women’s boxing. I only know one thing – the woman in front of me will lose. I take nothing away from Claressa’s accomplishments, but on June 22 she is facing a three-time world champion and I will take the ‘0’ in her record and prove I am the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.”

“This main event is yet another example of SHOWTIME Boxing’s commitment to delivering the best fighters in the best matchups,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “We have two unified champions, the top fighters in their respective divisions, facing off for a championship in a new weight class. Will Claressa Shields be as dominant as a middleweight? Can Hanna Gabriels shock the world and hand Claressa her first loss since she was an amateur in 2012? We’ll find out on June 22.”

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).

If both Shields and Hammer are victorious in their 160-pound bouts on June 22, they will meet in a fall blockbuster on SHOWTIME to determine the undisputed women’s middleweight world champion.

“I’m glad Christina Hammer will be fighting that night as well. After I beat champion Hanna Gabriels, I want to unify all the middleweight belts against Hammer,” Shields said. “I’ve never been so motivated. This will be a great year for women’s boxing. It’s our time!”

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division for nearly eight years, having won the WBO title at 160 pounds in 2010. The 27-year-old became unified champion in 2016 with a unanimous decision over WBC titlist Kali Reis and has made two defenses as unified champion. Hammer won the WBO title in 2010 in her eighth professional fight and has dominated the middleweight division since, losing just a handful of rounds in her reign as champion at 160 pounds. Hammer, who also models professionally and was recently featured at Fashion Week in New York City, has campaigned mostly in Germany since turning professional in 2009.

“I have been training intensively for months for my first fight in the U.S.,” Hammer said. “I can’t wait to show my skills, desire and hunger to America and prove that I am THE middleweight champion of the world. While I have great respect for Tori Nelson, I promise I will defeat her in spectacular fashion on June 22 and send a message to Claressa Shields. It’s my time to shine!”

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.

“Women’s boxing will shine brightly on June 22 in Detroit as the best fight the best,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Claressa Shields, in just her sixth fight as a professional, is once again showing her willingness to take on all challenges when she competes for a second world title against one of the best female fighters in the sport. Hanna Gabriels is a long-reigning world champion and a national hero in Costa Rica. This fight and this card, which features four women’s world champions battling each other, is the definition of world-class boxing. June 22 will be their time to shine, live on SHOWTIME in Detroit.”

TORONTO (April 24, 2018) – Undefeated knockout artist Adonis Stevenson, the longest reigning light heavyweight world champion, will defend his title against two-division champion Badou Jack on Saturday, May 19 live on SHOWTIME from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The showdown between Stevenson and Jack is one of the most intriguing matches in the light heavyweight division as Jack, a former 168-pound and 175-pound champion, has relinquished his title for the chance to challenge one of the hardest hitters in the sport. Both men are looking to make their claim as the class of the division.

Stevenson vs. Jack is part of a split-site SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT with featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. defending his title against mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz from the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, May 19.

Tickets for the Toronto show, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale Friday, April 27 and will be available at www.ticketmaster.ca.

“It is the second time that we will come to Toronto to promote a WBC world championship fight with Adonis Stevenson,” said Yvon Michel, President of Groupe Yvon Michel. “If you found the first event to be spectacular, be sure not to miss the second one as it will be a real firework! Badou Jack is a two-division world champion and an Olympian. He is dangerous and by far the biggest challenge for Adonis since he won the title against Chad Dawson in 2013. We are confident that ‘Superman’ has what it takes to defend his title successfully for the ninth time.

“I would also like to give thanks to our co-promoter Lee Baxter. This event would not have been possible without his collaboration. In addition, I am grateful for Lee and Wayne Zronik from MLSE, who are providing great support for this event and has opened the doors of the Air Canada Centre to us.”

“Mayweather Promotions is looking forward to partnering with Groupe Yvon Michel to pull off this highly anticipated matchup,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Adonis Stevenson has been a reigning champion in this division since 2013. Badou Jack has risen to every challenge he’s faced in his career. Now, he has an opportunity to become a three-time world champion and that raises the stakes for him. I predict two confident, hard-punching and highly skilled fighters will enter the ring at Air Canada Centre on May 19, both determined to walk away a champion.”

“We are looking forward to hosting this spectacular event at Air Canada Centre,” said Wayne Zronik, Senior Vice President, Music and Live Events at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “It is the first title fight that the venue will host. We’ve worked with this group before to bring world class boxing to the city and are excited for the return of championship boxing to Toronto, and to Air Canada Centre in particular.”

Stevenson (29-1, 24 KOs) owns one of the most powerful left hands in boxing and goes by the ring moniker “Superman”. The 40-year-old Stevenson has made eight successful defenses of his title since winning it with a knockout victory over Chad Dawson in 2013. The lineal 175-pound champion most recently defended his title with a second-round stoppage of Andrzej Fonfara last June and delivered a third round TKO over Tommy Karpency in his most recent defense in Toronto in 2015.

“I’m definitely excited and hungry to get into the ring and perform,” said Stevenson. “I’ve trained very hard for this fight against Badou Jack. I’m looking forward to winning this fight by knockout. I’m from the Kronk Gym and we always look for the knockout. Jack is a good, technical boxer. He was a world champion and he has done very well. He’s tough and I won’t underestimate him. I’ll be prepared for anything he brings in the ring.

“I’m fighting him at home in Canada, so I’m looking to give the fans a good show. I’ve got power and I’ve got the best left hook in boxing. I’ve got 12 rounds and I just need to touch you once to end it. It’s not complicated. I don’t need three or four shots. I just need one shot and you’re not going to recover. I’m going to finish you.”

The 34-year-old Jack (22-1-2, 13 KOs) relinquished his 168-pound world championship following a majority draw against James DeGale in 2017 to move up to light heavyweight. He made a successful debut at 175 pounds by knocking out Nathan Cleverly for the light heavyweight championship last August. Jack then relinquished that title to seek out this challenge against the division’s heaviest hitter. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, a 2008 Olympian for his father’s native Gambia and now residing in Las Vegas, Jack is looking to become a three-time world champion on his opponent’s home turf on May 19.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to fight for my third world title against one of the division’s best, Adonis Stevenson,” said Jack. “I’ve been asking for this fight for a long time and was willing to fight him anywhere, including his backyard. I know he’s good and very dangerous and that’s the reason I want to fight him. I’m all about the best fighting the best and come May 19th, I’m bringing the WBC belt back to Las Vegas. My newborn son, Malik was born just before training camp so now I have two children to fight for, which gives me all the motivation I need to get this win.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, mayweatherpromotions.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @BadouJack, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahamas (April 24, 2018) – Bahamian boxing icon Sherman “Tank” Williams and Bahamian Sons Promotion presents live professional boxing, “Backyard Rumble”, on May 26 at A Social Affair and Convention Center in Freeport, Grand Bahamas.

“Bahamian Sons Promotions seeks to create an exciting venue in Freeport and across the Bahamas for live and televised professional boxing,” said Kimberly Williams, Sherman’s wife and president of Bahamian Sons Promotion. “Easy access to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas are the perfect place to train and get away.”

Fighting at home in the 10-round event, Williams (39-15-2, 1 NC, 21 KOs) takes on former world light heavyweight title challenger Epifanio “Diamante” Mendoza (43-26-1, 37 KOs), the Colombian knockout artist.

Williams has been stopped only once in 57 pro fights, extending former world champion Joseph Parker and Ruslan Chagaev, as well as top contenders Christian Hammer, Robert Helenius and Manuel Charr, the full distance in their fights. “Tank” defeated former world cruiserweight champion Al “Ice” Cole, fought world title challenger Jameel McCline to a draw, and was leading Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield until their 2011 fight was stopped due to questionable referee decision and declared a “no contest.”

During his 20 ½-years pro career, Williams has used his vaunted “conch (overhand right) punch” to knockout 21 opponents. His many heavyweight titles have included World Boxing Organization (WBO) China National, Oriental and Asia Pacific, PABA, World Boxing Council (WBC) Caribbean Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedecaribe and World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental championships.

Mendoza lost his world light heavyweight title fight in 2007 to Chad Dawson. The still dangerous Colombian defeated previously undefeated Rubin Williams (19-1). He has fought world champions Jeff Lacy, Beibut Shumenov, Yunier Dorticos, as well as world title challengers Sullivan Barrera, Luis Ortiz and BJ Flores.

Popular Florida heavyweight Chris Vendola (8-6, 8 KOs) faces former Mid-American cruiserweight champion Terry Porter (15-26-3, 9 KOs) in a six-round bout. Porter, a veteran boxer from Arkansas, has been in the ring with world champions James Toney, Samuel Peter and William Guthrie, in addition to infamous Ike Ibeabuchi.

Texas heavyweight Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill (34-1, 22 KOs), a former World Boxing Association International champion, meets an opponent to be determined. Hill is unbeaten in his last 19 fights (18-0-1).

Also fighting on the “Backyard Rumble” undercard is Houston (TX) super welterweight Star Johnson (6-28-1), Vero Beach, Florida welterweight Johnathan Pierre (2-0), and New Providence, Bahamas heavyweight Amron “Sandman” Sands (3-0, 3-0).

All fights and fighters subject to change.

Lewis Ritson defends his British Lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jr and Josh Kelly challenges Commonwealth Welterweight champion Kris George on a bumper bill at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on June 16, live on Sky Sports.

Ritson is aiming to capture the coveted Lord Lonsdale for keeps in what has been a stunning reign as British ruler, landing the crown in October by stopping Robbie Barrett in the tenth round in Manchester before the Newcastle ace displaying his awesome power with a first round demolition against Joe Murray in February and coming out on top in a two-round shootout with former champion Scotty Cardle at The O2 in March.

Hyland Jr is the mandatory challenger for Ritson’s title and the unbeaten Belfast star will be confident of taking the title home having tasted title glory himself in 2017 landing the IBF European strap at home in June with a first round KO over Adam Dingsdale and then defending it against Dublin’s Stephen Ormond.

Kelly landed his first pro title at Principality Stadium in Cardiff in March, beating former IBF World champion Carlos Molina to claim the WBA International Welterweight title in just his sixth pro fight. The Team GB Rio Olympian is one of the hottest properties in world boxing and the Sunderland star now aims to bag his second strap against Australian George, who makes the second defence of the title he landed in November 2016 in his first fight away from Australia.

There’s a stellar card in support of co-headliners as former World champion Stuart Hall challenges former World title challenger Gavin McDonnell for the WBC International Super-Bantamweight title. Hall has been chasing a rematch with McDonnell’s twin brother Jamie after falling to the Doncaster man in 2011, two years before he landed the IBF World Bantamweight title. There’s added spice to the fight as Darlington’s Hall also looks to gain revenge for gym-mate Gamal Yafai who McDonnell beat in a career-best performance in Sheffield in March to land the title he defends in Newcastle.

Another former World title challenger in Surrey’s Charlie Edwards faces an important clash against South Shields’ Anthony Nelson for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title, while Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily takes on English Cruiserweight champion Derby’s Arfan Iqbal.

FIGHTER QUOTES FROM TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE

Josh Kelly: “It’s great to be fighting on a massive bill in the north east. when you are from here, you are fighting from day one, you don’t get the big opportunities that there are elsewhere so it’s great to bring the boxing back. Lewis and I are doing great things and I know the other north east boys on the bill are going to entertain so I can’t wait for a big night and the first of many here. Boxing brings the north east together, I can’t see the crowd being split, the fans are going to get behind us all and big-time boxing hasn’t been up here for a while and I feel now it’s the time to bring it back and the Metro Radio Arena is going to go off on June 16.”

Lewis Ritson: “It’s been a rollercoaster from the Barrett fight to now, three good performances and hopefully a fourth to come on June 16 in front of my home fans. Paul is unbeaten and he’s definitely my toughest test to date. But I’ll be ready with my great team behind me, he’s confident and so am I, our styles will gel so that should make for a great fight for the fans. I want to go all the way to the top. You need a bit of luck in this game but hopefully I can get past Paul, who is a good fighter and one that I am not looking beyond.”

Gavin McDonnell: “It’s a massive fight. Stuey has been looking for revenge over my twin brother and he’s been asking for that fight for a long time, but this is the nearest he’s going to get and I know he’ll bring his A-game and that’s all I want. I am after big fights that people want to watch and this gets the bit between my teeth and another step towards a World title fight – Eddie has said that if I come through this he will deliver another shot at a World title and that’s all the motivation I need. When you are on the journey you don’t believe that you are as good as you are, but I genuinely believe I can win a World title. I’ve had a close one with Vargas but it might have come a bit too soon. I didn’t think it at the time but looking back on it now, I think I’m more prepared and I’ve learnt so much. In boxing, you can be so close only for it to all be taken away, that’s what is driving me on and this time I will 100 per cent take my chances against Stuey and beyond.”

Stuart Hall: “When the fight was mentioned I thought ‘I’ve been chasing Jamie for years so this might be the closest I get to a rematch’ so I jumped at the chance. Gavin and I know each other and we’re quite friendly really, we know what each other is about. Gavin’s on a great run, he just had a good win over my gym-mate Gamal and I think I have got the tools to beat him in a great fight. I think Super-Bantamweight is really going to suit me. In the Paul Butler fight I did a lot of things wrong, it’s mad to say that I’ve been in the game this long and I am still learning things. I’ve changed a few things and let’s see if it works on the night.”

Charlie Edwards: “This is a great fight and one I’m really looking forward to. I’ve been wanting to fight Anthony since he had that great fight with Jamie Conlan and it’s a fight that I’m very confident in showcasing my skills. I believe he’s made for me, he needs someone to stand there, ‘you hit me, I hit you’ – so I’m going to give him a boxing lesson in front of his home crowd. The last year has been a bit frustrating with fights falling through so I’m buzzing to be back in a big fight.”

Anthony Nelson: “I’ve been out for a while, semi-retired, just sitting back and seeing what’s going on. I’m back now with a comeback fight on Saturday and then straight back into a big fight with Charlie. That’s the sort of fight that I want to be in and I think I deserve to be in. I’ve proved myself in my last couple of fights that I belong at that higher domestic level so it’s a massive opportunity. These sorts of chances don’t come around that often and if you don’t take them they may never come again.”

Eddie Hearn: “It’s fantastic to be back in the north east and this is a brilliant card from top to bottom with five excellent title fights.

“We’re back here in a big way and I’m really excited about this bill. Every time you come to a place like Newcastle you feel like the city really wants you to be here and you want big shows with the Sky Sports cameras – it feels like a Belfast or a Liverpool, it feels that the city is ready for a great night of boxing and that’s what we’ve delivered.”

Tickets are on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members now priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 VIP at www.stubhub.co.uk.

Tickets go on general sale at midday tomorrow from the Metro Arena at www.metroarenaonline.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

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.

NORWALK, Calif. (April 23, 2018) — World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight champion Jessie Magdaleno has spent his latest training camp running the mountains near Guadalajara, Mexico, and alongside some of the world’s best fighters at Legendz Boxing in Norwalk, Calif. Magdaleno is preparing for the role of main event headliner against No. 1 contender and interim champion Isaac Dogboe (18-0, 12 KOs) on Saturday, April 28 at The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

“I’m mentally ready. I’m physically ready,” Magdaleno said. “Being here with {trainer} Manny Robles keeps me ready. The sparring has been great, but I get impatient sometimes and just want to get in the ring for real. I have to stay calm and wait until the fight comes.”

Said Robles: “Dogboe is a real tough opponent. Jessie definitely has to be ready for this fight, and it should be a fan-friendly fight.”

Magdaleno (25-0, 18 KOs) won the world title with a unanimous decision over four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire on Nov. 5, 2016. He has defended his belt once, a second-round stoppage over Adeilson Dos Santos last April. When Magdaleno steps into the ring against Dogboe, it will have been 371 days since the Dos Santos fight.

“It’s been a long training camp, and I’ve been training with some excellent fighters,” Magdaleno said. “I was with {WBO featherweight champion} Oscar Valdez in Mexico, and now, it’s the home stretch. We’re more than ready to get back in the ring.”

The pre-fight drama escalated last month when Dogboe’s father/trainer, Paul Dogboe, told Ghana’s Pulse website: “We hope Magdaleno will not run like a chicken. We hope he makes the weight and comes in with no excuses because we are ready for him. We are ready to eat him like a chicken. We are focused, and our only mission is to devour him, eat the crazy chicken, throw him over the wall of Mexico and present the title to Donald Trump. Magdaleno will run when he sees Isaac.”

Paul Dogboe has since apologized, and Magdaleno is intent on doing his talking inside the ring.

“It’s about experience, staying focused, and doing our job,” Magdaleno said. “Manny keeps me focused on the fight, and that is my main concern.”

Magdaleno-Dogboe will be televised LIVE on ESPN and stream in English and Spanish on the ESPN App at 7 p.m. ET. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, available on the ESPN App, beginning at 4 p.m. ET. ESPN Deportes will air the fight at 10 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Peltz Boxing, tickets, priced at $100 (ringside), $65 and $35, are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased at The Liacouras Center Box Office and www.liacourascenter.com, or by calling Peltz Boxing at 215-765-0922.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing, Facebook :facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo @ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #MagdalenoDogboe to join the conversation on social media.

Queens, N.Y. (April 23, 2018) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions will be making its long-awaited return to New York on Friday, May 18, hosting a night of boxing at the lavish Club Amazura in Queens. This evening of action-packed entertainment will be presented by Uprising Promotions in association with New Mexican Promotions.

In the feature attraction, Brooklyn bantamweight Elton Dharry (22-5-1, 14 KOs) makes his return to the ring, taking on Oscar Mojica (11-4, 1 KO) of Dallas, Texas. Additionally, Brooklyn featherweight Ronica Jeffrey (15-1, 1 KO) will fight in New York for the first time in nearly three years when she hosts 15-bout veteran Jasmine Clarkson of Cedar Hill, Texas.

“We are happy to finally come home to New York,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We originally started our promotion to provide local fighters with an opportunity to showcase their skills, so it is very gratifying to host another show here in New York. We have some exciting fights that we are lining up, and we really hope that the boxing community comes out in big numbers to support all of the fighters on the card.”

After starting his professional career with a 3-5-1 record over his first nine bouts, Dharry has rattled off 19 consecutive wins and has remained unbeaten for nearly nine years. In just his sixth professional contest, Dharry took on Leo Santa Cruz, who has since won world titles in three different weight classes and currently resides in the top 10 of many pound-for-pound lists. Dharry fought at Club Amazura once before in 2015, where he thrilled the crowd with a stoppage win over Miguel Robles.

Mojica will most definitely be coming to win when he meets Dharry on May 18, which will be his second outing of 2018. The Texas native last fought in Dallas this past February, where he fell in a razor-thin split decision to undefeated Ernesto Delgadillo for the USNBC Super Flyweight Title. Over the course of his 15-bout career, Mojica has never been stopped and has faced a total of eight undefeated opponents.

A former International WBF World Super Featherweight and interim IBA World Super Featherweight titleholder, the once-beaten Jeffrey will end a two-year absence from the ring when she returns on May 18. A highly-popular and well-achieved Brooklyn native, Jeffrey last fought in in 2016 when she traveled to New Zealand and defeated Gentiane Lupi for the vacant WBC Silver Female Featherweight Championship.

The sister of Uprising Promotions light heavyweight Samuel Clarkson, Jasmine Clarkson is a hard-nosed competitor who is known to take on any opposition and push the pressure in doing so. Clarkson has traveled all over the country to take on fan favorites on their home soil, and the April 18 fight with Jeffrey falls right in line with that mentality.

Additional fights for the April 18 card at Club Amazura will be made over the coming weeks, and fans can expect another compelling night of boxing courtesy of Uprising Promotions and New Mexican Promotions. Club Amazura is located at 91-12 144th Place in Jamaica Queens.

Sponsorship opportunities for this exciting night are available now for any companies or local businesses who are interested in showcasing themselves. To inquire about becoming a sponsor, call (516) 939-7861.

This Uprising Promotions card will continue the initiative to KO Autism, with proceeds from the night getting donated to The School For Language and Communication Development (SLCD) in Glen Cove, New York. For ticket information, call us today at (516) 939-7861.

Keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and @UprisingNYC for all of the latest information from Uprising Promotions.
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Brooklyn, NY (April 23, 2018) Saturday night at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxingin association with World of Boxingpresented an action-packed nine-bout card entitled ‘Real Deal, Showcase Series III’. The entire card was streamed live on CBS Sports Interactive.

In the main event, Josue ‘The Prodigy’ Vargas, (11-1-0, 7 KO’s), of Bronx, NY via Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and Victor Vazquez (signed to Kings Promotions), (10-4-0, 4 KO’s), of Yonkers, NY clashed in an epic battle that epitomizes what The Real Deal Boxing stands for. Fighting almost entirely in the proverbial phone booth through the first six rounds, Vargas would finally gain the upper-hand as Vazquez’s corner saw their warrior endure too much punishment and stopped the bout at the 2:28 mark of the seventh round. With the fans on their feet throughout, both warriors displayed the type of courage that should make them fan favorites moving forward.

In the junior middleweight division, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Shakhram Giyasov, (2-0-0, 1 KO), went the distance but looked sensational in a six-round decision win over the valiant Gabor Gorbics, (24-11-0, 14 KO’s) of Hungary. Giyasov impressed the crowd of Russian supporters displaying a wealth of world class talent in only his second professional bout.

In a controversial move by the New York State Athletic Commission, the eight-round bantamweight clash between undefeated 2012 Olympian Duke Micah(21-0-0, 18 KO’s), of Accra, Ghana and Yoan Boyeaux, (41-5-0, 26 KO’s), was cancelled after the weigh-in. With Micah weighing in at 117.2 and Boyeaux at 121.6, the commission declared the weigh disparity too great to let the fight contracted at 122lbs. continue. The bout will hopefully be rescheduled with an announcement pending.

Heavyweight prospect Sergey Kuzmin, (12-0-0, 8 KO’s), of St. Petersburg, Russia knocked Jeremiah Karpency, (15-2-1, 6 KO’s), of Adah, PA, in the sixth round (1:57) of their scheduled ten rounder. Making his local debut, the 30-year-old, Kuzmin dropped the game but outgunned Karpency three times enroute to the victory.

2016 Olympian Batyr Akhmedov, (4-0-0, 3 KO’s), fighting out of Crimea, Russia stopped Oscar‘Verdugo’ Barajas, (18-6-1, 9 KO’s), of Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico in the fourth round (0:56). The heavy-handed southpaw displayed a full arsenal dropping the valiant Mexican three times to earn the stoppage.

Making his second straight appearance at the Kings Theatre 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Murodjon Akhmadaliev, (2-0-0, 2 KO) looked sensational with a fourth-round stoppage (1:19) of battle-tested veteran Carlos Gaston Suarez, (7-5-3, 2 KO’s), of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

Welterweights saw action in a hotly contested battle as Mathew Gonzalez, (5-0-0,3 KO’s) of Ridgewood, New York, won a four-round unanimous decision over Demetrius Wilson, (2-7-0), of Florissant, MO. Scores were 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Former amateur standout, Brooklyn’s Justin Biggs, (4-0-0, 4 KO’s), continued to impress as a professional with a fourth-round stoppage of previously undefeated Hungarian prospect Dominik Csaba Karoly(2-0-1, 1 KO.) The bout was stopped at the end of the stanza on the advice of the ringside physician.

In a very spirited four-round junior featherweight clash, Oscar Moreno, (6-0-0, 5 KO’s), of Mexico City, Mexico, stayed undefeated with a six-round split decision over Rafael Castillo, (1-2-0) of Bronx, NY. Scores were 39-37 twice for Moreno and 40-36 for Castillo.

Opening the night in the cruiserweight division, 2016 Olympian Kennedy Katende, (4-0-0, 1 KO), of Rubaga, Ghana, stayed undefeated, winning a six round split decision over Luther Smith, (10-3-0, 9 KO’s), of Bowie, MD. Scores were 58-56 twice for Katende and 58-56 for Smith.

Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to partner with Medical Arts Radiology (www.medicalartsradiology.com) and Venum (www.venum.com).

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Website: www.TheRealDealBoxing.com, www.KingsTheatre.com

PROVIDENCE, RI (April 22, 2018) – World-rated featherweight Toka “T Nice” Kahn-Clary (24-1, 17 KOs) has graduated from prospect to world contender. To fully develop, Kahn-Clary recently shifted his training camp from the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island, to the second-largest city in America, Los Angeles, where he has started working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Fighting out of Providence (RI), Kahn-Clary made the six-week move to Roach’s famed Wild Card Boxing Club to receive fine tuning from Roach, avoid any potential distractions at home, and have an opportunity for world-class sparring sessions.

The chemistry was there right away between Roach and Kahn-Clary. After his first day working with Kahn-Clary, Roach said the following: “Today was a very good day. Toka has great ring-generalship, footwork and speed. I was impressed.”

“Freddie is very precise,” Kahn-Clary reported after a few days with New England native Roach. “Sometimes I get a little lazy on the ropes. No, no, not with him. I wanted to prove right away that I listen. We were working on the pads and Freddie said, ‘You’re not as dumb as you look.’ I thought that was cool coming from him and took it as a compliment. He’s working on me being in total control in the ring. I’m not really going to learn anything too new from him, but it always helps to add a new move here and there. He saw that I’m fast and work the angles. He’s not changing my style, just sharpening my tools.

“When there is sparring, the gym is packed with fighters from 122 pounds up to heavyweight. Not just two or three, but a whole lot of guys, and the competition between everyone is great We’re working on my next opponent. Right now, I’m just preparing for my next fight, and then we can focus on my opponent when we know who that will be.”

Toka-Kahn’s remarkable life story started in his native Liberia, where he knew very little about his real mother as a child, or how many siblings he has in his family. When his father moved to the United States and in 1998, six-year-old Toka Kahn and his younger sister joined him there in Philadelphia.
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His father, though, was later shot to death, leaving Toka and his sister alone. In 2000, they moved to Providence (RI) to live with a family that, frankly, didn’t really care what happened to them. All signs led to him falling in with the wrong crowd and getting into serious trouble. He was homeless for a while but, fortunately, he found boxing and that became his salvation.

Saved the day his friend first took him to Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket, RI, when boxing trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr., USA Boxing/New England president Jim Perella and the couple that eventually adopted him, Andrea Watson and Ron Clary, all became key parts of Toka’s dramatically changed life.

No matter the weather, including snow and freezing conditions, Toka always rode his bike seven miles each way to the gym from his residence, which didn’t even have electricity. He never told anybody, never complained. One day, Andrea told the quiet, private kid in the gym that Christmas was coming, and she had a present for him – an extra bedroom. He was adopted and proudly changed his name to Toka Kahn-Clary.

A decorated amateur boxer, who registered a 131-11 record, Kahn-Clary collected numerous medals at national tournaments, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 2010 U.S. National Golden Gloves Championships. He was also a silver medalist at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2011 U.S. National Championships, as well as a bronze medalist at the 2012 U.S. Nationals Championships.

Kahn-Clary arrived in LA on April 16 and he will remain there until May 25. “At this point in his career,” Toka’s manager Seth DeRobbio explained, “he had to make this move to position himself for a world title shot. There’s no quality sparring in New England in his weight class. Freddie is one of the best, if not the best trainer in boxing. Toka is going to benefit from working with Freddie. No distractions out there, either. Toka is going to eat, sleep, wake-up, run, strength train and box. That’s it, all boxing, 24/7.”

“I’m excited to see what my friend Freddie is going to do with one of our star fighters,” remarked Kahn-Clary’s promoter, Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield. “Toka is ready for anybody in the 126-pounds division and Freddie is going to bring out the best in him.”

Manfredo, Sr. remains involved in Toka’s career, working his corner with chief second Roach for his next fight, hopefully, June 2nd in Atlantic City (NJ) on his promoter’s (The Real Deal Boxing) proposed card.

“I was involved in this decision and I’ve worked with Freddie before (with Peter Manfredo, Jr.),” Manfredo, Sr. remarked. “It is the right move to advance his career. Toka is probably the best fighter I’ve ever trained. He’ll be away from distractions at home and get quality sparring. Freddie is a top-notch trainer, who I have nothing but admiration and respect for. Freddie will teach him more and we work well together. He’s so knowledgeable and a great guy, too. Freddie is a teacher and I’ll learn more as well.”

Kahn-Clary recently became a father for the first time, but he understands the sacrifice he’s making for his pro boxing career will payoff sooner rather than alter for his family.

“I talk to my daughter every day,” the affable Kahn-Clary concluded. “Thank God for technology. I facetime because she’s five months old and I don’t want her to forget my face. I don’t know how fighters used to go away to camp.”

The 25-year-old Kahn-Clary is world rated by the International Boxing Federation (#11) and World Boxing Federation (#13). In his last two fights, Kahn-Clary defeated a pair of undefeated opponents, David Berna (13-0) by way of a second-round technical knockout in Louisville (KY for the interim North American Boxing Association (NABA) featherweight title, adding the NABA USNBC featherweight crown to his growing display case this past December, when John Vincent Moralde (19-0) was unable to continue after seven rounds of punishment in Providence.

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram: @TokaKahnClary
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/tokakahn.

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GLENDALE, CALIF. (April 20, 2018) — Two-time world title challenger and 2004 Olympian VANES “THE NIGHTMARE” MARTIROSYAN (36-3-1, 21 KOs), from Glendale, Calif., challenges undefeated World Middleweight Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (37-0-1, 33 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan. The recently announced world championship rumble between the 2004 Olympians is only 14 days away and takes place on Cinco De Mayo — Saturday, May 5 — under the stars at StubHub Center and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Martirosyan was one of a handful of boxers in the conversation as Golovkin’s May 5 opponent following the cancellation of the Canelo rematch. Martirosyan was ready to go when the call came. He had been sparring with a couple of undefeated Russian boxers.

“Throughout the year, two camps started on and off. Every time we started somebody pulled out.,’ said Martirosyan. ‘The last was the WBC mandatory against Sulecki on March 17. We were getting ready for that and that didn’t happen because Sulecki pulled out to fight Danny Jacobs. So then we took a week off and got back in the gym again. It’s been like that for the past year – we would start camp then the fight falls through, then we take a week off and get back to camp again.

“Every time I talked to my promoter Don King, I would tell him my passion. I would tell him ‘give me a fight, let me show you what I can do.’ I knew he had been working hard to get me a fight then he got me this fight. When they asked me if I wanted it I said ‘of course.’ They asked me if I could be 176 by Friday and I said I am 176 right now. Thank God we were training and in such good shape. King got me the biggest fight and now it’s time to go.

“As a fighter, we train to fight and we are getting paid to fight. I am so happy because GGG is a fighter and he comes to fight. The fights that I didn’t look good in are against the people that ran from me like Lara and Andrade (recent decision losses) – they just try to run and outbox. I couldn’t make them fight. But GGG is coming to fight and that’s what I’ve been looking for – to show the boxing world what I can do.

“Styles make fights – everyone is human. I am fighting a person. Everyone is beatable – everybody.

Former UFC world champion and current WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey has shared the gym with Vanes for several years. “Ronda is a close friend of mine,” Martirosyan explained. “She’s always been a hard worker and gives us a lot of support. We came up together. We trained together when she only had one fight and was also working in a graveyard with dogs. Then she became a superstar. Ronda made it big in the UFC and now it is my turn to shock the world and let the boxing world hear my story. When she heard about the fight she told us she is very happy and real excited for us. ”

Golovkin and Martirosyan together boast a combined record of 73-3-2 (54 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with close to 3/4 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Golovkin, boxing’s longest-reigning world champion (since 2010), and coming off consecutive title defenses against Canelo Alvarez and Danny Jacobs, will be making his 20th consecutive and record-tying middleweight title defense. Martirosyan’s resume boasts NABF, NABO, WBO Inter-Continental, WBA International and WBC Silver championship victories against the likes of former world champions Ishe Smith and Kassim Ouma, as well as a draw against Erislandy Lara. Standing at six-feet tall, Martirosyan will enter the ring as the taller and the younger gladiator. He is currently the WBC’s No. 1 world-rated super welterweight contender.

Promoted by GGG promotions, in association with Don King Productions, and sponsored by Tecate, Chivas Regal, Jordan and Hublot, remaining tickets to the Golovkin vs. Martirosyan world championship event are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100 (sold out) and $50 (sold out), and may be purchased online at https://www.axs.com/events/353331/golovkin-vs-martirosyan-tickets?ref=edp_twpost, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

For more information, www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @gggboxing, @hboboxing, @VanesBoxing, and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @gggboxing, @vanesboxing,and @HBOboxing.

NEW YORK, NY (April 21ST, 2018) – TONIGHT, two undefeated prospects under the El Matador Management banner will be in action as part of a big card at the King’s Theatre in Brooklyn, New York.

Welterweight Mathew Gonzalez will take on Demetrius Wilson, while super welterweight Justin Biggs will take on fellow undefeated Dominik Csaba Karoly in a six-round bout.

Gonzalez (4-0, 3 KOs) of Queens, New York is ready for the eight-fight veteran, Wilson.

“Everything is doing well. I had excellent sparring, and my weight is good. I am just ready for Saturday,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez does not know much about much about his foe, but he is ready for whatever Wilson will bring to the squared circle on Saturday.

“I know he fought on the same show of my last fight. He fought a stablemate (Cesar Francis) of mine. That is about all that I know about him.”

This will be the 3rd consecutive fight for Gonzalez in Brooklyn, and the Queens native is happy to perform in front of familiar faces.

“It means a lot to fight in Brooklyn because I can fight in front of my family and friends. I had over 150 people at my last fight, and it means a lot to perform in front of them.”

Gonzalez would like to give himself a belated birthday present with a win on Saturday night.

“I feel good. Thursday was my 23rd birthday. I will have five fights in 11 months, and I am with good people with Real Deal Promotions and El Matador Management. I am hoping by my 25th birthday that I am 15-0. Right now, I just want everyone to keep their eyes on me. Saturday there will be fireworks in my bout, and I will guarantee excitement.”

Biggs of Brooklyn will look to keep his perfect knockout streak in-tact as he looks to go to 4-0 when he takes on fellow undefeated foe Dominik Csaba Koroly (2-0-1) of Hungary.

“My camp went great. I am in good spirits, and I am confident. I am excited to perform on Saturday,” said the 26 year-old Biggs.

“I have seen tape of Koroly. He is slick, and he is coming from Hungary. He is a fighter who has good defense and he likes to come forward, so this should be an exciting test for me.”

While most fighters are reluctant to take on an undefeated fighter so early in their career, Biggs knows that taking on good competition will serve him in the long run.

“I relish this opportunity. I have been getting respect for facing an undefeated guy. I am taking the appropriate steps to become great.”

This will be Biggs’ 2nd straight bout at the King’s Theatre, and 3rd straight in New York. Biggs, who is trained by championship trainer Yoel Judah, and the brother of former top prospect Raymond Biggs, Jr., enjoys being home, and feels that gives him aura of being comfortable as he heads into his 4th bout.

“Fighting at home is amazing. I had a big turnout for my last fight at The King’s Theatre, and the best part about it, I can sleep in my own bed and not have to get used to different surroundings the week of the fight.”

“I want to thank Real Deal Promotions Eric Bentley and Kevin O’Sullivan along with Felipe Gomez of El Matador Management. Because of them, I am getting known. People are catching on to who I am, and that is because of them. I just want to thank everyone who has supported me and those who will come out on Saturday. It is going to be an exciting night on Saturday.”

“It’s going to be an exiting night for my guys” said Felipe Gomez. “They both are stepping up their competition which I firmly believe will help them get better and build their confidence in the future. I am happy to see my guys staying busy and I want to thank The Real Deal Boxing for continuing to put on these great shows!”

www.elmatadormanagement.com

Frank Warren, in association with Top Rank, is delighted to announce the long-awaited homecoming fight of Irish amateur hero Michael Conlan.

The undefeated former Olympian will fight on home soil for the first time as a professional at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday, June 30th, live on BT Sport.

Conlan, 26, has raced to 6-0 with five spectacular early finishes since making his professional debut with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and Top Rank on March 17, 2017.

Belfast native Conlan stopped heavy-handed Hungarian David Berna in two rounds at New York’s Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden last time out and will be looking to push on again in June.

The rising Featherweight star, who is also scheduled to fight Ibon Larrinaga May 12th as part of the Jorge Linares-Vasyl Lomachenko card at Madison Square Garden, is aiming to continue his impressive form and put on a show-stopping performance for his hometown fans.

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

“Belfast is a city that loves boxing, and I’m very grateful that I can bring a big show to these shores that I call home. I feel I need to pay back all the fans that have been traveling to the U.S., time and time again, to see me fight. This one is for them, and I hope to bring many more fights to Belfast again in the future.

“I would like to give a shout-out to my management team MTK Global and promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum for making this possible. See you all on June 30th!”

“I’m thrilled to be bringing Irish amateur hero Michael Conlan back to his hometown,” Warren said. “The Irish have been desperate to see him in action back home, and on June 30th, they will get the chance to watch one of the best Featherweight prospects in the world in the flesh.

“There is no doubt he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Carl Frampton and Wayne McCullough – two of Ireland’s finest. He has made an explosive start to life in the professional code, and I’m predicting fireworks from him on his big homecoming.”

Ticket information for Conlan’s highly-anticipated homecoming will be announced soon.

James Cantu 146 vs. Jairo Castaneda 146.5
Daniel Baiz 155.5 vs. Isai Mireles 157
Gregory Morales 125 vs Jahaziel Vasquez 127
Frank Brown 142 vs Joe Sambrano 143
Vicente Loredo 127 vs Omar Rangel 126
Steven Ramos 163 vs Rudy Lozano 164
Abraham Flores 124 vs Manuel Rubalcava 128

On April 21, 2018, the Mi Mercado Event Center in San Antonio, TX, will host
“WHOSE “O” MUST GO”, a boxing event presented by TMB & PRB Entertainment. San Antonio TV, ABC’s local digital channel, will air the event live on devices such as Roku, Amazon, and Apple TV. Subscribers can watch their live feeds for FREE.

Ringside tickets priced at $100, and general admission $30, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Mi Mercardo Event Center is located at 227 New Laredo Hwy, San Antonio, TX. Doors open at 6:00 PM, first bell at 7:30.

Evander Holyfield/The Real Deal Boxing and World of Boxing
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Real Deal Showcase Series III
Kings Theatre
Start time 7pm
Telecast live on CBS Sports Digital Website
http://www.collegesportslive.com/?media=574482

Josue Vargas, 141.6 vs. Victor Vazquez, 141.6 — 8 Rounds
Peter Dobson, 148.8 vs. Martin Wright, 148.8 — 8 Rounds
Duke Micah, 117.2 vs. Yoan Boyeaux, 121.6, –8 Rounds
Shakhram Giyasov, 148.6 vs. Gabor Gorbacs, 148.6, — 6 Rounds
Sergey Kuzmin, 247.8 vs. Jeremiah Karpency, 226.8, — 10 Rounds
Baturkhan Ahmedov, 142.6 vs. Oscar Barajas, 141, — 8 Rounds
Murojdon Akhmadaliev, 128.8 vs. Carlos Gaston Suarez, 132.6, 6 Rounds
Mathew Gonzalez, 144 vs. Demetrius Wilson, 141.8, — 4 Rounds
Justin Biggs, 155 vs. Dominik Csaba Karoly, 154, — 4 Rounds
Oscar Moreno, 118 vs. Rafael Castillo, 119.2, — 4 Rounds
Kennedy Katende, 198.6 vs. Luther Smith, 198.8 — 6 Rounds

In the co-main event, top contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will meet Lateef Kayode in a 10-round cruiserweight attraction. Smith and Tabiti, both Las Vegas residents, will be fighting on their home turf and looking to impress their hometown fans.

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale Monday, April 23 at 12 p.m. PT and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

“Mayweather Promotions has had a busy year thus far and the momentum isn’t slowing down with May 11th at Sam’s Town Live right around the corner,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This venue is certainly one of the local properties that we enjoy working with and have made it our home over the past few years.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ishe Smith back in the ring after the stellar performance that he put on against Julian Williams to close out 2017. I know that he is physically and mentally prepared to take on Tony Harrison and will not disappoint. Andrew Tabiti is a young talented fighter that is on track to have a bright future. He will look to build upon his flawless record in the co-feature against Lateef Kayode on May 11.”

The 39-year-old Smith (29-9, 12 KOs) became the first Las Vegas-born boxer to win a world championship when he defeated Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight title by majority decision in 2013. He lost the title by split decision to Carlos Molina in his next fight before earning another title shot against Erislandy Lara in 2014, that he lost lost by decision. Smith most recently dropped a competitive contest on Bounce against Julian Williams last November.

“I picked up right where I left off from my last fight. I’m back in camp. I didn’t take any time off since my last fight,” Smith said. “This will be the second fight in a row where I am bringing in a strength and conditioning coach. I credit my strength & conditioning coach, who played a major role in my last performance being one of my career best. It was no question, before I had a date I was back working with my team. I feel younger, I feel great – I’m the modern day Benjamin Button. I felt great in my last fight and I’m going to continue to bring it.

“I don’t feel like I’m approaching 40, I actually feel younger and in the best shape of my life. This camp I’m focused on not leaving anything into the judges hands like last time. I can’t allow another bad call against me. It’s time for me to make a statement, dominate, and get this guy out. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’m going to make him fight my fight.”

Harrison (26-2, 21 KOs) is a heavy-handed 154-pound contender from Detroit, Michigan who has put together two strong victories since suffering a KO loss to unified super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd in 2017. Harrison most recently scored a KO victory over George Sosa on Feb. 17 in El Paso.

“It’s about time for me to get back into the loop. This is a tough fight against Ishe, who is coming off of a good performance for himself against Julian Williams,” Harrison said. “I’ve been wanting to fight Ishe since my early days as a pro, and this is exactly the kind of fight that I need. This is definitely going to be a good one.

“Ishe is almost 40 years old, but that makes no difference to me. Ishe’s been a world champion, and in order for me to become a world champion, I’ve got to go through one. It’s a difficult task, and there is definitely no way that I’m taking Ishe lightly. I’m the ultimate competitor, and there’s not a fight in the world that I wouldn’t take. I’m ready to lay it all on the line in this fight, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile when I get the win.”

Tabiti (15-0, 12 KOs) has used his punching power to make a steady climb up the cruiserweight ladder. The 28-year-old, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Las Vegas, took a major step forward in his last fight when he scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Steve Cunningham on Aug. 26. A win against the veteran Kayode will further solidify his position among the top cruiserweight contenders.

“My last fight I showed everyone that I’m a smart boxer,” Tabiti said. “I think a lot of guys expect me to just go in the ring and knock guys out but I feel like it’s important to show that I’m versatile. I can box with you or I can use my power and get a guy out.

“This camp, my goal is to focus on targeting the body plus using the IQ I gained from my last camp and fight. This guy is older, he’s coming off two losses, he’s on his way out, but I can’t overlook him. My last opponent was a lot older so I’m going to take the tools and experience and put it all together to bring the fans a great performance.”

The 35-year-old Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) is looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses, including a unanimous decision loss to Keith Tapia in his last fight on Sept. 23. Kayode, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and now lives in Hollywood, California, dropped down to cruiserweight after his match against heavyweight Luis Ortiz was declared a no contest due to Ortiz failing his post-fight drug test for performance enhancing drugs in 2014. His last victory was a unanimous decision against Nick Kisner in 2015. That paved the way for a shot at the cruiserweight world title later that year, which he lost by knockout to Denis Lebedev.

“Tabiti has absolutely no experience compared to me and his opponents have been less than formidable,” said Kayode. “I will show him why I’m in a completely different class of fighter!”
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Welterweight Main Event – 12 Rounds

Adrien Broner: 144

Jessie Vargas: 143 ¾

Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Julie Lederman (N.Y.), Eric Marlinski (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.)

Interim WBC Middleweight World Title – 12 Rounds

Jermall Charlo: 160

Hugo Centeno, Jr.: 158 ½

Referee: Steve Willis; Judges: Don Ackerman (N.Y.), Carlos Ortiz, Jr. (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

WBA Super Featherweight World Championship

Gervonta Davis: 129

Jesus Cuellar: 129 ¼

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

FLASH QUOTES:

ADRIEN BRONER: “We had a helluva camp. It was the first time doing a full camp with Uncle Kev, which is what I call him. You know him as Coach Kevin Cunningham. It was very militant, but we got through it. It’s something that was always there [urgency]. You know, something had to be brought out of Adrien Broner and tomorrow night I will be victorious and I will put on a good show.”

JESSIE VARGAS: “All of the hard work is done. Now all I have to do is go out there and entertain my fans. I have a great team behind me that keeps me focused and helps me avoid any distractions or negativity.”

JERMALL CHARLO: “I was just frustrated at the moment [when the fight was postponed in March]. This time I’m having fun. Turn up Brooklyn!”

HUGO CENTENO JR.: “My last fight against Aleem gave me confidence and catapulted me back into the conversation of the best fighters in the division. My confidence is through the roof right now and I’m focused on the task at hand. I know the Charlo brothers like to play mind games but at the end of the day it’s me against Jermall.”

GERVONTA DAVIS: “I had a great camp and I’m focused. I’m a dangerous Tank. I’m ready. Moving my camp from Baltimore to Florida, there were no distractions. Just waking up boxing, and going to sleep boxing. I knew what I was going to do when I woke up in the morning. I’m ready.”

JESUS CUELLAR: “I feel very good. I had a great camp and I feel very sure of myself that I will become a world champion. We’ve done everything necessary in training camp to face Gervonta’s speed and power and I will show that on Saturday night.”

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For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com. Follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JVargasBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.