THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY kicks off its seventh season WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has hosted HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988, the show is a provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing.

The show is also available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming services.

Segments on this edition of THE FIGHT GAME include: an examination of Canelo Alvarez’s temporary suspension after testing positive for the PED Clenbuterol, which has postponed his mega-fight with Gennady Golovkin; new correspondent Kelefa Sanneh’s in-depth look at one of the toughest challenges in boxing, making weight; Daniel Jacobs’ sit-down with THE FIGHT GAME’s Andre Ward before his April 28th middleweight showdown with Maciej Sulecki at Barclays Center; and a survey of the latest news with Lampley.

Immediately following the show’s April 18 debut, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for an exclusive overtime segment hosted by Lampley.

One time GB amateur standout Sam Maxwell has no cause to fear any of the runners or riders in Britain’s white hot super-lightweight division.

Five years ago, the MTK managed Merseysider twice dipped between the ropes to confront the Ukraine’s formidable dual Olympic champion Vasyl Lomachenko over five rounds and remained vertical throughout.

Now unbeaten in six as a pro, the straight-shooting stylist is chasing ‘Loma’s’ tail in the commercial code.

You were born in Hackney, east London before moving to Prescot (eight miles east of Liverpool city centre)when you were eight. Must’ve been tough growing up on Merseyside with a Cockney accent.
Not really. I grew up in a good area surrounded by the right people. When you’re young you have to prove yourself but I was basically a mellow kid, a bit of a nerd. From 11, I was always training at the boxing gym rather than out on the streets.

Remind us of your amateur credentials.
I had about 150 bouts and won around 120. In addition to my (2014) Commonwealth Games bronze, I won the National Universities gold, two Senior ABAs and a British title, beating (2016 GB Olympian)Joey Cordina in the final. I also beat (undefeated pros) Josh Kelly and Josh Leather.

I spent five years on the Team GB set-up in Sheffield. I travelled all around the world, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Morocco, Algeria, Brazil and made some amazing friends who I still communicate with on a daily basis.

At the 2012 Olympic qualifiers, I beat the number one seed Albert Selimov from Russia – the only man to defeat Vasyl Lomachenko in almost 400 amateur bouts – but then lost to the Turk in Turkey. That was gutting. I also had 13 bouts in the WSB during two seasons with the GB Lionhearts and won about half of them.

It was in the World Series of Boxing that you twice swapped leather with a certain V.Lomachenko from the Ukraine!
Yeah. First fight I was a bit overwhelmed. I was supposed to fight someone else but there was a ‘pull out’ and ‘Loma’ was thrown on me at short notice. I did much better second time and it was a great experience. I’ve always got that on my CV.

He’s just an unbelievable talent; his feints, his angles, his intelligence. He’s always a few steps ahead of you, knows your movements before you do. He just destroys opponents mentally. That’s why they all ‘No Mas’!

I went 10 rounds with him and got paid about 400 quid for the two fights combined. You could put a good few noughts on the end of that if we ever meet in the pros. I definitely wanna make it a trilogy (laughs)!

You’ve made a storming start to your pro career since debuting in October 2016, winning six straight with five victims failing to finish.
The WSB acclimatizes you to fighting five rounds at a high pace against class opposition. You learn to save your energy, use the jab, avoid the heads.

I know from the pads that I have the power to hurt anyone with my long jab and back hand. I stopped barely a handful in the amateurs. However, it’s very hard to land a clean strong shot against the top amateurs whereas, in the pros, almost every shot connects with power. George (Vaughan, his veteran coach)has taught me not to be so bouncy and awkward. He’s really got me believing in myself.

You’re already 29 so might be required to make your move quicker than most. What’s the SP?
I’m with a great promoter in Frank Warren. Each fight his team ensure I face a better opponent yet I’m dealing with them and getting a bit more hype each time.

The domestic light-welter division is littered with talent like Josh Taylor who beat me in the (2014) Commonwealth Games semis plus Jack Catterall, Tyrone Nurse, Ohara Davies, Glenn Foot and Josh Leather. I believe I’m a very good boxer and a stiff puncher myself. There’s loads of entertaining fights to be made down the line.

There’s no need to rush but it’s great to see so many of my Team GB squad mates doing so well and fighting for titles before they’ve reached ten pro fights. Hopefully, it won’t be long before I’m joining them. I rate myself just as highly.

What can the packed Belfast crowd expect to see from Sam Maxwell on Saturday night?
The Irish fans are amazing so it’s crucial I look good before such a knowledgeable crowd. Hopefully, they’ll see a technically sound boxer, with a tight guard, good feet, a sharp jab and good power in my straight right hand.

I was in the ExCel (Arena) for the London Olympics when Katie Taylor was boxing and it was just unreal, a sea of green. Frampton is their favourite star so hopefully I can get on before him and really savour the atmosphere. I can’t wait.

I always train to do the rounds but if I clip ‘em clean and see they’re hurt, I won’t back off. My fight’s scheduled for six so hopefully I can showcase my skills, get four good rounds under my belt to bank for later in my career, then put ‘em away in style in the fifth or sixth.

Maxwell fights on a huge night of boxing at the SSE Arena in Belfast topped by the WBO Interim Featherweight World Title clash between two-weight Word Champion Carl Frampton MBE and four-weight World Champion Nonito Donaire.

WBO Bantamweight Champion of the World Zolani Tete also features as he makes the second defence of his title against former three-time World Champion Omar Andres Narvaez after his Word recording-breaking KO win at the SSE Arena in November.

WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings and Irish champion Luke Keeler go toe to toe in what promises to be an all-action Middleweight affair while Tyrone McKenna and Light-Welterweight rival Anthony Upton clash in an exciting all-Belfast match-up; with Belfast’s Marco McCullough keeping busy after Jono Carroll’s injury forced him to pull out of their IBF Intercontinental showdown.

Undefeated prospects David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward, Lewis Crocker, Tyrone McCullagh, Troy Williamson, Ryan Hatton and Alex Dickinson complete an unmissable card.

A very limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

17 April 2018 – Manila, Philippines: Asia’s premier martial arts organization, ONE Championship, is back in Manila for its second of four shows in 2018. In a press conference held at the Grand Ballroom of the City of Dreams in Manila, the promotion kicked off its latest event, ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, which is set for Friday, 20 April, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Photos of the event can be downloaded here.

In attendance were Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong, main event combatants Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Baguio City, Philippines and Andrew Leone of Cortland, New York, USA, global kickboxing superstar Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan and opponent ‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut of Thailand, among others.

Belingon (17-5), who is currently riding a four-bout winning streak, takes on former bantamweight world title challenger Leone (8-3) in a contest with huge title implications. Both Belingon and Leone are seeking a rematch against reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, but will have to go through each other to secure it.

“I know Andrew Leone is a tough opponent, and I need to be at my best to win. It’s going to be one of my biggest matches to date,” said Belingon. “I am very thankful to ONE Championship for allowing me to be a part of this historic event. I can’t leave anything to chance. I have to give another great performance. Beating Leone would be the next step to the title.”

Belingon’s opponent Leone also knows what’s at stake in this matchup, and he isn’t taking the Filipino lightly by any means.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me. I can’t wait to go up there and show what I can do, to perform to the best of my ability,” said Leone. “Kevin Belingon is a tough guy. He’s a hard puncher and he has power. But I’m not worried about his striking. I’ve faced tough guys before. All I can say is that I’ll be ready.”

ONE: HEROES OF HONOR also marks the world premiere of the highly-anticipated ONE Super Series. Announced earlier this year, ONE Super Series aims to provide the world’s best martial artists a prestigious global platform to showcase the beauty of Asia’s striking arts such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, Kung Fu, wushu, sanda, silat, lethwei, and more.

“It’s an open invitation to the greatest strikers in the world,” said Sityodtong. “Fans will witness the absolute elite in striking martial arts, as they go head-to-head on the biggest and most prestigious global stage of competition.”

With ONE Super Series, ONE Championship is now considered the largest martial arts organization in the world. While competing promotions do offer a similar product, according to Sityodtong, they only offer one flavor of martial arts as opposed to ONE Championship which hosts bouts across all styles of martial arts.

“Aside from the many great bouts this Friday night, what I’m most excited about is the launch of ONE Super Series. ONE Championship is the only global player to encompass all styles of martial arts,” said Sityodtong. “We have the best in all styles going up against each other. That’s definitely something to look forward to.”

Making his appearance in the co-main event of the evening, kickboxing elite Giorgio Petrosyan is elated at his chance to leverage ONE Championship’s massive worldwide audience reach. Broadcast to a potential 1.7 billion on any given night to over 136 countries worldwide, ONE Super Series will harness the full potential of ONE Championship’s global influence in order to highlight the greatest in striking martial arts.

And while the promotion is gearing up for a very busy mid-year, Sityodtong teases that there are plenty more surprises to come, including the highly-anticipated launch of ONE Championship’s new mobile app, slated to arrive in the coming months.

“The new ONE Championship mobile app is a true game changer in the world of martial arts,” said Sityodtong. “Soon, fans will have access to all our blockbuster live events and complete library of Hi-Definition content in the palm of their hands, all for free, and you can watch from anywhere in the world. It’s going to take ONE Championship to the next level.”

Before the end of the press conference, Sityodtong also revealed plans to establish a professional boxing league in addition to ONE Super Series, inviting the greatest boxers from the Philippines and around the world to join the promotion.

Also in attendance at the press conference were main card competitors Honorio “The Rock” Banario of Team Lakay, opponent Adrian “The Hunter” Pang of Australia, as well as various ONE Championship athletes who mixed in with the crowd and participated in the festivities.

ONE: HEROES OF HONOR goes down this Friday, 20 April at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. Gates open at 6:30 PM local time.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™

ONE Championship is the largest global sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Championship is the home of martial arts and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. The world’s most exciting martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7-billion potential viewers across 136 countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, and more.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (April 16, 2018) – Prized prospect Ruben Villa (11-0, 4 KOs) continued his upward trajectory by thoroughly dismantling Marlon Olea (13-3, 12 KOs) to win the vacant WBO Youth Featherweight Title Saturday night from his hometown of Salinas, Calif.

Villa, just days before his twenty-first birthday, headlined his first event and won his first title in front of a raucous home crowd. The southpaw delivered an impressive performance, winning every round on all three scorecards (80-72 x3).

“It’s exactly how I wanted to end this night,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I blocked out the crowd and just did what I had to do. Olea moves around a lot, but I was able to land whatever I wanted.”

After a feeling out first round, Villa turned up the heat in the second. Both hands began to split Olea’s guard, which became a constant theme throughout the 8-round title fight.

As in his other fights, Villa consistently landed a seldom used punch by most boxers, a stiff jab to the midsection that neutralized the Colombian’s attack.

In the third round, a “Ruben” chant broke out in the Salinas Storm House, just as the former back-to-back Golden Gloves champion started to land heavy combinations. Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora, thrilled the sold-out crowd with his aggressive punching.

“I thought Ruben had a terrific performance on Saturday,” said Artie Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions. “It was a great night for him to perform in front of his hometown fans, and capture his 1st title. This is the 1st of many titles in Ruben’s future, and by the way, the fans turned out for him. I see Salinas being the home of many more fights for Ruben.”

“Ruben put an exclamation point on what turned out to be a fantastic event,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “It’s the best I’ve seen him fight since he turned professional. He showed the skill and confidence of a veteran, yet he’s barely turning 21. The sky is the limit for Ruben.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 16, 2018) – When undefeated lightweight sensation, Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs), makes his ShoBox: The New Generation debut on Friday, May 11, 2018, against Mason Menard (33-2, 24 KOs), the vacant USBA/IBF lightweight title will be on the line. The 10-round main event bout will air live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Haney, who fights out of Las Vegas, NV, is looking to become the youngest boxer to possess a world championship belt, and acquiring the vacant USBA/IBF title would get him one step closer to eventually fighting for the IBF World Championship.

“Capturing the USBA lightweight title against a tough opponent like Mason Menard, who has 35 fights under his belt, will certainly inch me closer to fighting for the IBF championship crown,” said Devin Haney, who captured the WBC Youth title in his 14th pro fight. “This fight against Menard is very important to me and my brand. I want to show the world that I’m the next big star in boxing. A dominating win against Menard on SHOWTIME will give the fans a taste of what I’m all about.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Devin Haney Promotions & Hard Hitting Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $75 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

Brooklyn, NY (April 16, 2018) The previously announced 10-round clash between fast-rising, unbeaten knockout artist SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV, (11-0-0, 11 KO’s), a native of Uzbekistan, now fighting out of Brooklyn, NY and China’s ZHIMIN WANG, (10-2-0, 3 KO’s), has now been elevated to a WBA International Junior Welterweight Title bout, it was announced today by Matchroom Boxing USA, promoter of “Straight Outta Brooklyn”,the massive international boxing event set for Saturday, April 28 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

The 26-year-old Ergashev, training out of the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit, has quickly impressed boxing fans in the United States with two recent show-stopping knockouts and 100% knockout ratio, building a huge following in the New York City area.

In his U.S. debut, the hard-hitting southpaw stopped Marquis Hawthorne in the second round on November 11, 2017 at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Making his nationally televised debut on January 12, 2018 in roaring style, Ergashev knocked out undefeated, highly regarded contender Sonny Fredrickson in the third round in Verona, New York. He is promoted by Salita Promotions.

Wang will be looking to stay in the win column returning to action following a dominant 10-round decision over Anthony Sabalde on December 10, 2017 in Guangzhou, China. The victory capped a four-fight campaign for Wang last year which included two additional decision victories.

“I had a great training camp at the Kronk Gym in Detroit and look forward to making a statement on April 28,” said Ergashev. “I pushed myself to the limits because I know that a world title is in my destiny. Zhimin Wang is a very skilled, strong fighter and I look forward to this great match-up and an opportunity to win my first title.”

Said Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Boxing USA, “I watched this young man at our last show in Long Island and he immediately caught my attention. He is a pure puncher and is going to be a real danger to the division. He has a great following already and I’m looking forward to watching him challenge for his first title in Brooklyn on April 28.”

“Shohjahon has all the ingredients to dominate the junior welterweight division and be a star in the ring,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “His work ethic, punching power and desire for greatness is very special. Zhimin Wang is a very skilled, durable fighter and I expect a great fight on April 28.”

Advance tickets for ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’starting at $42 may be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or calling 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For information on group sales, call 844.255.9647.

Headlining‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’on the HBO World Championship Boxing®telecast beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT,former Middleweight World Champion and BROOKLYN BOXING Ambassador DANIEL JACOBS, (33-2-0, 29 KO’s), makes his highly anticipated return to Barclays Center for a 12-round middleweight showdown against undefeated, world ranked Polish contender MACIEJ SULECKI, (26-0-0, 10 KO’s) in a WBA Middleweight World Title Final Eliminator.

Co-featured in a 12-round heavyweight battle on the HBO World Championship Boxing®telecast, Miller,(20-0-1 ,18 KO’s), faces former world title challenger JOHANN ‘The Reptile’ DUHAUPAS, (37-4-0, 24 KO’s) of Abbeville, France. The fight will be contested as an WBA Heavyweight World Title Eliminator.

Previously announced in an outstanding women’s world title unification bout, WBA Lightweight World Champion KATIE TAYLOR,(8-0-0, 4 KO’s) of Bray, Ireland returns to Barclays Center battling over 10-rounds against IBF Lightweight Women’s Champion VICTORIA ‘La Leona’ BUSTOS, (18-4-0), of Rosario, Argentina.

From the boxing rich country of Kazakhstan, the sport’s next big star, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, welterweight DANIYAR YELEUSSINOVwill compete in a six-round bout in his can’t misspro debut.

Also featured at ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’ event, undefeated lightweight prospect and Brooklyn police officer DIMASH ‘Lightning’ NIYAZOV, (13-0-3, 6 KO’s)will be making his Barclays Center debut in a six-round bout.

Additionally, fighting in a six-round bout on the undercard, exciting welterweight prospect JULIAN SOSA, (11-0-1, 4 KO’s), originally from Mexico, now fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, will fight for the fifth time at Barclays Center.

A native of the boxing rich Clones, Ireland, ‘Lethel’ Larry Fryers, (6-0-0, 2 KO’s), is coming off an outstanding 2017 campaign which saw him post five big wins from California to New York. The 27-year-old will compete in a six-round clash at ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn.’

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BROOKLYN (April 16, 2018) – Former bantamweight world champion Raushee Warren and top prospect Fabian Maidana will step into the ring at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, on Saturday, April 21 in separate attractions as part of an exciting night of undercard fights.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by four-division champion Adrien Broner battling former welterweight world champion Jessie Vargas. The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo clashing with once-beaten Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim 160-pound world title and former champions Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jesus Cuellar as they square off for the vacant WBA 130-pound Super World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Warren (15-2, 4 KOs) will return to action in an eight round bantamweight fight against Juan Medina (10-2, 9 KOs), whileMaidana (14-0, 10 KOs) steps in for a 10-round super lightweight showdown against Hevinson Herrera (22-14-1, 16 KOs). The undercard attractions also include popular local female contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy (20-0, 4 KOs)as she competes in a featherweight contest against Mexico’s Paolo Torres (10-2-1, 3 KOs).

The action inside the arena will also feature a pair of 2016 Olympians in separate six-round super lightweight attractions as U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (4-0, 4 KOs) enters the ring against Andrew Rodgers (4-2-1, 2 KOs) and Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins (4-0, 2 KOs) battles Alexander Charneco (4-4, 4 KOs).

Brooklyn’s unbeaten Chordale Booker will step into the ring for a six-round super welterweight fight against Daniel Calzada while the Bronx’s undefeated heavyweight George Arias competes in an eight-round attraction against Tyrell Wright.

The action rounds out with unbeaten super featherweight Desmond Jarmon battling Kendrick Latchman in a four-round showdown, unbeaten prospect Shyngyskhan Tazhibay in a four-round welterweight contest against Justin Savi (31-15-2, 21 KOs) and undefeated prospect Dylan Price, who meets Edson Noria for a six-round super flyweight bout.

The 31-year-old Warren became a world champion in 2016 when he defeated Juan Carlos Payano to capture the WBA Bantamweight World Championship. The Cincinnati-native represented the U.S. three times at the Olympic games during a prolific amateur career and most recently defeated former champion McJoe Arroyo last July at Barclays Center. He returns to Brooklyn to face the 25-year-old Medina, who fights out of the Dominican Republic.

The brother of former welterweight champion Marcos Maidana, Fabian will look to remain unbeaten when he makes his 2018 debut on April 21. The 25-year-old from Santa Fe, Argentina most recently defeated former interim champion Johan Perez by unanimous decision last November in his first fight to go 10 rounds.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, 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.

Team Usyk has informed Comosa AG that Mr Usyk suffered a minor elbow injury whilst training for his World Boxing Super Series Final against Murat Gassiev, for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

It has been confirmed by all parties, including Comosa AG appointed independent medical staff, that Mr Usyk is unavailable for the scheduled date of the event, May 11th.

As such, the May 11th event, due to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed.

Comosa AG is working in partnership with Team Usyk and Team Gassiev as well as Sela Sport, the local event organisers, to establish a new date for the event.

Comosa AG wishes Mr Usyk a good and speedy recovery. Further information on the rescheduling of the Final will be released in due course.

In the meantime, Comosa AG looks forward to announcing the weight classes that the World Boxing Super Series will employ for Season 2 of the Ali Trophy. Fans can expect to find out the divisions in the coming weeks.

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 16, 2018) – Opponents have been announced for Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 13 KOs) and Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (13-0, 7 KOs), who are both scheduled to fight on April 28, 2018 in Aguascalientes, MX, on the “Feria de Campeones” card, promoted by Sugar Promotions.

Velazco, who hails from Aguascalientes, will face Columbian power puncher, Davis Caceres (25-8, 20 KOs), in a 10-round main event bout, for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight title. Vazquez, from Las Vegas, NV, will battle Venezuela’s Luis Golindano (9-0, 6 KOs), for the WBC Jr. Bantamweight Youth World title, in a 10-round co-main event clash.

In his last fight on the undercard of Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander, Velazco scored an impressive 4th-round knockout over, Thomas Williams Jr. (20-4, 14KOs), who was ranked top ten in the world one time. Velazco’s powerful straight left to the head of Williams ended the bout, and the punch was the knockout of the night. For this fight, Velazco, who is currently ranked WBC #17 at light heavyweight, will go down to super middleweight against Caceres.

“Although my last fight was at light-heavyweight, I’ll be campaigning at super-middleweight when I face Caceres,” said Velazco, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I’m very thankful to Sugar Promotions and the WBC for letting me fight for the vacant Silver super-middleweight title. Caceres is a big puncher, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. But make no mistake about it, I’m going for the knockout. I’m very confident that in the very near future, I’ll be knocking on the doorstep of a world championship bout.”

The winner of Velazco vs. Caceres, will face the winner of Dmitrii Chudinov vs. Azizbek Abdugofurov. That winner, will be one step closer to fighting for the WBC super-middleweight title against David Benavidez.

Damien Vazquez, age 20, will be looking to make a statement against Luis Golindano.
Against Miguel Lizardo in his last fight, Vazquez scored a 5th round TKO. Damien, who is the younger brother of former two-time world champion Israel Vazquez, has been training in Aguascalientes for the last two weeks.

“I wanted to host camp in Aguascalientes since I’m going to be promoting a lot of fights out here,” said Damien Vazquez, whose father Oscar Vazquez runs his promotional company, Sugar Promotions. “My goal is to win impressively against Golindano and let everyone in my division know that I’m coming.”

“Feria de Campeones”, will take place at the world-famous Plaza de Toros San Marcos in Aguascalientes, MX. Stadium View Network (SVN) will distribute the entire fight card to its network in the U.S., which include Racetracks, Casinos, and bars. In addition, Sugar Promotions will be live streaming the event over the internet on Facebook Live, and Nextchannel.tv.

Swedish boxing expert Olof Johansson expects ‘history to be written’ on Saturday in Sundsvall as heavyweight rivals Otto Wallin (19-0, 13 KOs) and Adrian Granat (15-1, 14 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the European Union title at the Gärdehov Ice Hockey Arena.

Wallin, the hometown hero, and Granat his opponent from Malmo, have been on a collision course since joining the professional ranks in 2013, and following years of speculation, finally the time has come to see who is Sweden’s number one heavyweight.

Johansson tells fans to expect a ‘classic clash’ as he compares their Swedish showdown to other great domestic rivalries, and predicts the winner can go on to challenge for the biggest prize in boxing – the World Heavyweight Championship!

“I expect history to be written here in Sundsvall! I have a feeling that this is going to turn into a classic clash and a fight for the ages,” says Johansson.

“Its right up there, comparable to the great fight between Armand Krajnc and Paolo Roberto for the WBO World Middleweight title in 2001, or a stranger comparison would be the huge heavyweight clash between Anders Eklund and Roger Andersson, who fought in an Olympic qualifier in 1980 and attracted a crowd of 7,200 for an amateur fight!

“It’s as big a sport rivalry as you could ever hope to see, two of the best fighters of their generation going head-to-head – it’s not something that happens very often in this country.”

Johansson believes it is the differences between the two men’s fighting styles and personalities that turns this rivalry into such as a fascinating contest.

“It’s a case of opposites colliding,” explains Johansson. “Adrian and Otto are two very different fighters, both very good at what they do, but truly unalike in boxing styles and personalities. A solid puncher vs. a technician. An outspoken, loud and somewhat arrogant lad against a more laid back, softly spoken opponent. A southerner vs. a northerner. A bit of a bad boy against a good guy. It’s going to be dynamite!”

Neither fighter will be looking past Saturday’s EU title tussle, but for the winner, Johansson can see a road to glory and a chance to challenge for the division’s biggest belt.

“I believe the winner of this fight can go on to challenge for the World Heavyweight crown,” he says. “But as always with the big fellows, it takes good people behind them to steer the ship the right way. It will be no easy task, but the winner in Sundsvall, will be on the verge of something big. The European title, for sure, and beyond that the sky is the limit!

“There are no easy ways forward, but the opportunities will be absolute. Can a World title shot be reached? Why not? Can it be won? That’s the big question. It all depends on the road and their journey, but once they’re there, who’s to say?!”

Otto Wallin and Adrian Granat meet in a Swedish super fight for the European Union Heavyweight title on April 21 at the Gärdehov in Sundsvall on the same night Mikaela Laurén challenges Verena Kaiser for the IBO Female World Super Welterweight strap.

Sven Fornling defends his IBF Baltic title against Karel Horejsek, while rising Swedish stars Oliver Flodin, Robin Safar, Simon Henriksson, Rocco Wadell and David Loy, and international heavyweight talents Albon Pervizaj and Agron Smakici return to action.

Wallin vs. Granat and Laurén vs. Kaiser will be shown live and exclusive on Viaplay PPV in Sweden. For more information, please visit: https://viaplay.se/ppv

Tickets are available online via www.ticketmaster.se or by calling 077-170 70 70.

Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd says he’s finally getting the respect he deserves as he defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle at the Echo Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Dodd puts his title on the line for the second time having seen off Liverpool rival Tom Stalker in September, another key win in his remarkable rise in the three years since seeing off Gary Buckland in September 2015.

‘Masher’ shared two great fights with Scotty Cardle for the British title, narrowly missing out on both occasions before picking up and defending the WBC International crown then defeating Lee Appleyard last April to pick up the Commonwealth crown.

The Birkenhead man’s rise now sees him pitted as a slight favourite against all-action Hull man Coyle, and Dodd believes that’s recognition for the fairytale ride he’s on – that he doesn’t plan to let Coyle stop.

“It’s nice that people think that I am going to win and start to believe that I’m for real,” said Dodd. “I adapt and that’s what champions do, I’ve never won every fight in just one way; I’ve had to box on the front foot, be on the back foot, been the aggressor, counter-punched – I’ve got a lot of strings to my bow to win fights.

“People think that I am crap and easy to beat – so whenever I win there’s always a queue of people that want to fight me. I don’t need to shout at anyone, they’ll be lining up, so I leave that to the team and what’s on the table.

“I just try be a better boxer and a better person every day. Coming up against people like Scotty Cardle, Tom Stalker and Tommy Coyle – top fighters that have won belts and had good amateur backgrounds. To beat them and get the respect is all I need and when I fight them, they always say that I am better than they thought I would be.

“It’s a massive fight for me, the lads who have beaten him are top names. I don’t have the punch of Derry Mathews but I’ve got a good chin and a big heart, I am prepared for a war and we’ll see what happens.

“I pinch myself when people talk about being Commonwealth champion let alone other titles, but if we do get a shot at Lewis Ritson for the British it would be fantastic. If not, two successful defences of the Commonwealth might be time to move to European titles.

“Tommy’s an obstacle for me to move onto better things and keep food on the table, to keep me on this momentous journey that I am on. Tommy is coming to upset that and take what I’ve worked very hard for but there’s not a hope in hell that he’s going to take it, whether he’s the underdog or I am the underdog, it doesn’t matter.”

Dodd’s clash with Coyle is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Amir Khan returns to action against fiery Canadian Phil Lo Greco.

‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas fights for her first pro title with the WBA International Super-Featherweight title against Taoussy L’Hadji, former British and European Welterweight champion Sam Eggington begins life at Super-Welterweight, Rio Olympian Anthony Fowler boxes in front of his hometown fans for the second time as a pro and is joined by fellow Mersey hitters Tom Farrell and Craig Glover.

Exciting Welterweight Conor Benn returns, Qais Ashfaq is in his second pro fight, unbeaten Bolton Super-Bantamweight Osman Aslam and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Limited tickets remain on sale priced £40 and £80 via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

Face value tickets for April 21 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.

Slammin’ Sandy Row slaughterman Lewis Crocker intends to extend the explosive start to his professional career at the SSE Arena in his home city on Saturday evening.

Thus far, the 21 year old has blitzed all four welterweight adversaries early, with only Bulgaria’s seasoned Radaslav Mitev making it through the opening session.

‘To date, I’ve only fought five rounds as a pro but I really enjoy knocking people out,’ quips the mild mannered ‘Croc’ whose bite is certainly bigger than his bark.

‘At this stage, I don’t think the early knockouts are inhibiting my development. I’ve had plenty of rounds of sparring in the gym. The objective is to win and the kayos are a big bonus. If you could get out of work early, wouldn’t you?!

‘If you’d told me a year ago that I’d have had four wins, and four stoppages plus all the publicity I’ve generated, I’d certainly not have complained.

‘It’s in my head to fight for the big titles eventually but I leave all that to my management. Right now, I’m so happy, really enjoying my boxing. Life’s great. I just want to keep improving in camp; building up my stamina, getting physically stronger, faster, more tactically aware. Gradually, I want to get more rounds, be involved in longer, harder fights.’

Lethal Lewis entered the paid brotherhood under the standard of Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren 13 months back, following a stellar amateur innings that brought 90 victories in 97 starts, seven All-Ireland junior titles and a European Schoolboys bronze medal.

And the young Ulsterman claims he learnt to punch before he learnt the alphabet.

‘My earliest memory of boxing was watching Rocky IV when I was just four years old and then training frantically afterwards. My sister Alanna, who’s 11 years older, was a boxer (two-time Commonwealth Games rep)so it was always around me,’ recalls the lean and lithe 5ft 11in Crocker who is managed by MTK and coached by ex pro Ray Ginley.

‘Names like Wayne McCullough were bandied around when I was a kid and, at school, I’d spend a lot of time watching Frampton fights on the computer. Carl was a real inspiration to me.

‘I’d always tell the careers people that when I left school I was going to be a boxer. Nothing else remotely interested me. I’ve been travelling around the world with the boxing since I went over to Russia with an Irish squad when I was only 13.’

Born and raised in the infamous Sandy Row district of south Belfast, ‘The Croc’ was no stranger to violence and conflict throughout his formative years. Boxing, he acknowledges, proved instrumental in helping him to integrate.

‘Sandy Row got a lot of bad publicity during ‘The Troubles’ and there were certainly ‘higher class’ suburbs in the city but for me it was ‘dead on’. It really made me appreciate what I had and it toughened me up. If I’d been raised elsewhere, I doubted I’d have the balls that I do!’ he claims.

‘Though I initially boxed for a protestant club (Cairn Lodge), I went to a cross community school attended by both Catholics and Protestants, then moved to the Holy Trinity club in the heart of the nationalist community. Nobody there cared what your religion was. The coaches Harry and Mickey Hawkins treated me so well, did so much for me.’

The once conflicting communities will come together in harmony this weekend to pay homage to the city’s favourite fighting son as Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton bumps beaks with seven-time world champion Nonito Donaire for the interim WBO Featherweight strap.

Before the inevitable pyrotechnics begin, expect crunch puncher Crocker to detonate a few fireworks of his own in a six round undercard slot.

‘I’m buzzing for Saturday. This is the longest and best camp I’ve ever enjoyed,’ says left hooker Lewis who once iced a Spanish teenager in just 13 seconds including the full ten count!

‘The people of Belfast love their fighting. I recall watching a few of ‘Big Rogie’s’ (ex Commonwealth heavyweight champion Martin Rogan) fights at the Odyssey Arena and I was in The Ulster Hall the night Martin Lindsey won the British title. There was some atmosphere.’

‘They’ll be respectful to Nonito – a great fighter – but they’ll really get behind Carl. One day I intend to headline there myself. That’s the dream. Stepping stones.

‘It’s great to be a small part of the occasion and I’m desperate to put on another explosive performance for them. Hopefully it’ll be five wins, five kayos.’

Lewis Crocker v Scott James is part of a huge night of boxing at the SSE Arena in Belfast topped by the WBO Interim Featherweight World Title clash between two-weight Word Champion Carl Frampton MBE and four-weight World Champion Nonito Donaire.

WBO Bantamweight Champion of the World Zolani Tete also features as he makes the second defence of his title against former three-time World Champion Omar Andres Narvaez after his Word recording-breaking KO win at the SSE Arena in November.

WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings and Irish champion Luke Keeler go toe to toe in what promises to be an all-action Middleweight affair while Tyrone McKenna and Light-Welterweight rival Anthony Upton clash in an exciting all-Belfast match-up.

Undefeated prospects David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward, Tyrone McCullagh, Sam Maxwell, Troy Williamson, Ryan Hatton and Alex Dickinson complete an unmissable card.

A very limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

Natasha Jonas can land her first pro title on Saturday night when she takes on Taoussy L’Hadji for the WBA International Super-Featherweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports.

Jonas moved to 5-0 in February in Manchester in her first fight to go the distance, and now the 33 year old will look to land her first hardware in her first ten round contest.

‘Miss GB’ will face a stern test in the shape of L’Hadji, the former French champion who challenged for the European title last April, and Jonas is thrilled to be getting her first shot at a belt on home turf.

“To be fighting for my first title in Liverpool is fantastic,” said Jonas, who faces L’Hadji after Viviane Obenauf injured her foot. “It’s always an honour to box at home. Last time for my second fight, I perhaps rushed my work a little bit. But there were some hometown nerves there which is only natural. This time I’ll be looking to settle earlier and get my shots off.

“Whatever belts come, I’ll take, and I want this to be the first of many. That’s all down to Eddie Hearn and Joe Gallagher to map out though. All throughout my amateur boxing career you get told what you are doing and it’s not too dissimilar now. I’ve just got to make sure I’m in the best shape possible going in to these fights.

“In women’s boxing at the moment there isn’t too much depth with all due respect. After you’ve had the learning fights, it’s sort of straight in to the World level – there’s a lack of quality in between.

“Everyone wants to fight for a World title, I know I’ve got it in me to win one. The better opponent, the better Tasha Jonas you’ll see.”

Jonas’ clash with L’Hadji is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Amir Khan returns to action against fiery Canadian Phil Lo Greco.

Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight crown against Tommy Coyle, former British and European Welterweight champion Sam Eggington begins life at Super-Welterweight, Rio Olympian Anthony Fowler boxes in front of his hometown fans for the second time as a pro and is joined by fellow Mersey hitters Tom Farrell and Craig Glover.

Exciting Welterweight Conor Benn returns, Qais Ashfaq is in his second pro fight, unbeaten Bolton Super-Bantamweight Osman Aslam and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Limited tickets remain on sale priced £40 and £80 via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

Face value tickets for April 21 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.

St. Petersburg, FL (April 15, 2018) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions will take over The Coliseum in St.
Petersburg when they present a seven fight card Saturday, June 16.

This exciting evening is headlined by unbeaten middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle as he looks to capture his first championship when he meets Danny “El Bebo” Pastrana for the NBA Middleweight title.

Tickets are on sale now at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0D00548D9F1C967E.

One of Ireland’s top amateurs, Coyle captured a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. As a pro, the 27-year-old has a perfect 7-0 ledger with 2 wins by knockout. Representing his native Derry, Northern Ireland and his adopted hometown of Tampa, FL, Coyle’s two most recent victories came against previously unbeaten foes in Calvin Metcalf (6-0) and Joshua Maxwell (2-0).

Fighting out of Orlando, FL, Pastrana is 6-4 with 1 KO. Pastrana has wins over two previously unbeaten foes and lost a close decision against future world title contender Wilky Campfort. On June 16, Pastrana looks to upset the applecart by conquering Coyle.

Coyle-Pastrana is scheduled for ten rounds.

“We’ve had a great local response to this scheduled main event,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Danny came to our last fight card and we did two face-offs with Connor. There is definitely a lot of pride at stake and I have no question this will be an action-packed fight. Both men have strong crowd support and are coming into the fight with plenty of confidence but only one will go home as the new NBA champion.”

In the highly-anticipated eight round co-feature, popular cruiserweight Nicholas “The Showstopper” Iannuzzi, 19-4 (11 KO’s) of Tampa meets Georgia-based Puerto Rican Vincent Miranda. Out of the ring for close to four years to help care for his special needs child, Iannuzzi made his emotional return March 3 and scored a dramatic third round knockout of Lemarcus Tucker. Miranda, 17-2 (9 KO’s), has a win over former NABO and USBA champion Brian Barbosa.

Exciting featherweight Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson of Thonotosassa, FL goes for his second straight victory when he challenges Washington DC’s Jordan “The Kidd” Peters in a six rounder. Tomlinson, 6-3-2 (2 KO’s), looked good in his last bout, a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Ernest Hall.

Junior middleweight Ali Tarah of St. Petersburg looks to end his career with a victory in his six round fight against West Palm Beach, FL’s Jose Cortes. A veteran of 31 professional fights, Tareh owns a gym and promotes fights under the Pahlavan Promotions banner.

In other bouts, Joseph Fernandez will face an opponent to be announced in a junior welterweight matchup, heavyweight Rodriguez Cade faces Nathaniel Copeland in a four rounder and junior lightweight Kendrick Thomas looks to win his pro debut when he squares off in a four round tilt with Patrick Gutierrez.

All bouts are pending Florida State Athletic Commission approval.

For more information on Fire Fist, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.

Johnathon Banks has revealed the tough sparring tests Adrian Granat (15-1, 14 KOs) had to endure at the famous Kronk Gym ahead of his Viking showdown with domestic rival Otto Wallin (19-0, 13 KOs) on April 21 at the Gärdehov in Sundsvall, Sweden.

Having first met in Hamburg while Granat was sparring British heavyweight Dillian Whyte, Banks was suitably impressed to invite the Malmo-boxer to join one of former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko’s training camps.

At Klitschko’s camp, Granat continued to impress, and when the 26 year-old called upon Banks to help him prepare for his biggest career test, the American was happy to accept, and Granat spent a month in Detroit training with Banks at the Kronk Gym.

“I think Adrian was kind of shocked when we were on our way to the gym,” says Banks as he recalls their first journey through Detroit. “He was looking around and asking ‘what’s wrong with all these houses?’ Most of them burnt up, ran down or broken into. You go to some neighbourhood blocks and there might not be four houses worth living in. He’s seen all that and he’s like wow, but that’s just Detroit.

“People from that kind of background don’t care where you’re from or how big you are. When I first got into the ring with Wladimir Klitschko, I didn’t care where he was from. I didn’t care about his accomplishments. I just wanted to hit him as hard as I could. That’s the same mentality Adrian had to face at the Kronk. People didn’t care who he was or where he was from. But he passed the test. He stepped up when it was time to step up. I was worried for a minute but he definitely stepped up, and that was kind of impressive.”

As a figurehead for the Kronk Gym, Banks continues to push the philosophy of his mentor Emanuel Steward, the iconic coach who guided multiple World Champions including Thomas Hearns, and heavyweight legends Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko.

“It’s not just about winning. It’s about how you win,” explains Banks. “It’s about going for the knockout. That’s what the great Emanuel Steward was about. He wanted entertaining fights, he wanted knockouts, and that’s something I try to instil in all of my fighters.

“Why walk into a fight if you just want to look at your opponent and go the distance. The purpose of boxing is to either make your opponent quit or to knock them out. It’s got to be one of the two. That’s what I’ve been drilling into Adrian. If he knocks his opponent out, he’s done his job. If his opponent knocks him out, he’s done his job. That’s just the sport.”

Banks says he believes the Swedish showdown, branded the ‘Battle Of The Vikings’, will come down to a ‘battle of wills’ with the victor being the one who ‘wants it more’.

“It’s going to be a great fight,” says Banks. “Adrian’s opponent Otto Wallin is another top Swedish fighter. He’s actually one of the better fighters to come out of the Scandinavian countries. I have utmost respect for the guy and for his coach Joey Gamache.

“Instead of just a ‘Battle Of The Vikings’, we’re going to see a battle of wills, and whoever has the strongest will is going to win, because both fighters are in shape, both fighters will be equally prepared so whoever wants it more is going to have the most success.”

Otto Wallin and Adrian Granat meet in a Swedish super fight for the European Union Heavyweight title on April 21 at the Gärdehov in Sundsvall on the same night Mikaela Laurén challenges Verena Kaiser for the IBO Female World Super Welterweight strap.

Sven Fornling defends his IBF Baltic title against Karel Horejsek, while rising Swedish stars Oliver Flodin, Robin Safar, Simon Henriksson, Rocco Wadell and David Loy, plus international heavyweights Albon Pervizaj and Agron Smakici return to action.

Wallin vs. Granat and Laurén vs. Kaiser will be shown live and exclsuive on Viaplay PPV in Sweden. For more information, please visit: https://viaplay.se/ppv

Tickets are available online via www.ticketmaster.se or by calling 077-170 70 70.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 14, 2018) – Below are media links about undefeated featherweight prospect Ruben Villa. Villa fight’s tonight for his 1st title, the WBO Youth Featherweight title against Marlon Olea in Villa’s hometown of Salinas, California.

https://www.boxingscene.com/ruben-villa-i-feel-like-my-time-kicking-right-now–127133, Ruben Villa: I feel like my time is kicking in right now, Thomas Gerbasi, Boxingscene.com

http://ucnlive.com/thompson-boxing-promotions-goes-storm-house/, Thompson Boxing Goes Storm House, Steve Kim, UCNLIVE.COM

http://www.kion546.com/news/salinas-boxer-back-home-for-title-fight/727855313 , Salinas Boxer Back Home for Title fight, KION, CBS affiliate in Salinas

https://www.thecalifornian.com/videos/sports/2018/04/12/salinas-ruben-villa-iv-coming-home-his-title-fight/509441002/, Salinas’ Ruben Villa IV, Coming Home for His Title Fight, The Californian

https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/sports/2018/04/12/homecoming-salinas-ruben-villa-iv-returns-fight-his-career/501586002/, Homecoming: Salinas’ Ruben Villa IV Returns For The Fight of his Career. Angel Ostly, The Californian.

https://www.ringtv.com/533294-ruben-villa-im-pretty-sure-shakur-stevenson-will-fight/, Ruben Villa: I’m Pretty Sure Me and Shakur Stevenson Will Fight Aagain, Joseph Santoliquito, RINGTV.com

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $75 & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, CA 93907.

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

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

ORANGE, Calif. (April 14, 2018) – Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs) cleared the final hurdle in his first attempt at a title by weighing in at 124.8 lbs., while Colombian Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) measured 124.9 lbs. at Friday’s weigh in from 2 Steps Ahead Fitness in Salinas, Calif.

The pair fight for the vacant WBO Youth Featherweight Title TONIGHT from the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif. The “New Blood” main event is set for 8-rounds.

Villa, a southpaw from Salinas, is making his professional hometown debut.

“There’s been a lot of build up to this moment,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I need to stay focused and do what I need to do to win.”

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $75 & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, CA 93907.

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

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

Photo Credit Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Philadelphia, Penn. (April 13, 2018)–Undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox will continue his towards being a top contender when he takes on Anthony Mercado in the eight-round main event of a card that will take place on Friday, May 11th at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the eight-round co-feature, junior welterweight’s Tyrone Crawley, Jr. will take on Zack Ramsey

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has a record of 16-0 with four knockouts.

The 22 year-old Fox is a four-year professional, who has been a min event fighter for the better part of two years.

Fox is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Garcia (14-1) on February 13th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Mercado of Arecibo, Puerto Rico has a record of 11-3 with 10 knockouts.

The 23 year-old Mercado is a six-year professional, who is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Crawley (7-0) in a bout that took place on March 2nd at The SugarHouse Casino.

Crawley of Philadelphia has a record of 7-1.

The 32 year-old son of former world title challenger Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley is a six-year professional, who will be looking ti get back in the win column after being forced to retire in his bout with Mercado with a wrist injury.

Ramsey of Springfield, Massachusetts has a record of 8-3 with 4 knockouts.

The 28 year-old Ramsey is a six-year professional who has wins over undefeated fighters Edwin Soto (9-0-2) and Divante Jones (9-0).

Ramsey is coming off being stopped by Josue Vargas on March 10th in Brooklyn, New York.

In a six-round heavyweight bout, undefeated heavyweight’s Colby Madison (6-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland takes on Michael Coffie (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, New York.

Returning to the ring will fighter-turned ring announcer, Alex Barbosa (5-3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a four-round super bantamweight bout.

Also scheduled to appear will be bantamweight Romuel Cruz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

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ULTIMATE BOXXER I will take place at the Manchester Arena on April 27. Tickets are available from www.ultimateboxxer.com

As the excitement builds towards the premier of ULTIMATE BOXXER on Friday 27th April at the Manchester Arena, the official draw took place today at the offices of online broadcast partner UNILAD.

ULTIMATE BOXXER I matches eight undefeated welterweight boxers who will fight it out in toe-to-toe action in four quarter-finals of 3 x 3-minute rounds, followed by two semi-finals and one final to crown an ULTIMATE BOXXER.

Not only will the winner get his hands on a life-changing cash prize from a pool of £50,000, he has a golden shot to become a star and put himself in a position for big career opportunities.

ULTIMATE BOXXER is backed by ambassadors Ricky Hatton, Anthony Crolla and Paulie Malignaggi and celebrities will be at ringside and big music acts will perform on an electric night in front of millions of internet fight fans.

At the draw, with hosts Andrew Ellis and Geordie Shore reality star Abbie Holborn, the four mouthwatering quarter-finals all guarantee plenty of action for fans and viewers.

Fight #1 sees Northampton punching machine Drew Brown take on Southampton battler Jimmy Cooper. Out to emulate his uncle Gary – a former British Super-Welterweight Champion – Cooper believes his amateur pedigree will be able to tame the high work-rate of the relentless Brown who does not stop.

Fight #2 pits Leeds hero Tom Young against Stoke-on-Trent warrior Ben Eland in a fascinating fighter v boxer clash. All-out aggressor Young learned to fight on the streets of his home city in Leeds, whilst sharp counter-puncher Eland has a more cerebral approach to boxing.

Fight #3 matches Birmingham’s answer to Vasyl Lomachenko against the new Ricky Hatton: Kaisee Benjamin v Sam Evans. Benjamin admits he’s borrowed a few moves from pound-for-pound great Lomachenko – and Evans served his pro apprenticeship under British great Hatton who said Evans’ all-action style reminded him of himself.

Fight #4 is set to be a cracking clash between Sunderland puncher Isaac Macleod against local Manchester favourite Andy Kremner. Macleod has the best form over the three-round distance, having won European Youth gold and World Youth silver as an amateur, but Mathew Hatton trained Kremner hopes home support and all-out aggression will make him unstoppable.

For full information, bios and videos of each contender and the latest news and exclusive content on ULTIMATE BOXXER I go to www.ultimateboxxer.com; you can follow us on all social media @ultimateboxxer and join in the conversation with #ultimateboxxer

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LONDON (13 April, 2018) – BoxNation have renewed their long-standing output deal with promoters Top Rank which will see the highly anticipated world title showdown between pound-for-pound star Vasyl Lomachenko and WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares screened live and exclusive.

The May 12th clash will see Ukrainian star Lomachenko move up to the 135-pound weight division as he looks to become a three-weight world champion in only his 12th outing as a professional.

However, he faces one of boxing’s very best in Venezuelan hotshot Linares who is riding a 13-bout unbeaten streak dating back to 2012 and will be looking to prove to 30-year-old Lomachenko that he has bitten off more than he can chew with his move up.

“This is the fight that boxing fans wanted. This will be a super fight between two of the best champions,” Linares said. “Not only will I demonstrate why I’m the best lightweight in the world, but also that I’m one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I have the speed, skill and power to win this battle. This May 12, Vasiliy Lomachenko will bow down to ‘King’ Jorge.”

Taking place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko can’t wait to grace the famous arena.

“We are very excited about the fight. It should be a great one. Fans from around the world have been waiting for Jorge and me to fight,” Lomachenko said. “We appreciate the work Top Rank did to put this fight together, and thanks to the television networks that helped make it happen. I am looking forward to May 12 in New York to make my debut in the big arena at Madison Square Garden.”

In addition to Lomachenko v Linares, BoxNation have added a further two fights to an already action packed schedule as part of the Top Rank deal with rising world champion Jessie Magdaleno defending his WBO super-bantamweight title against Isaac Dogboe.

Both men will go into the fight on April 28th unbeaten with only one of them set to emerge with their record intact.

Following that on June 9th live and exclusive from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas one of the very best fighters on the planet Terence Crawford will be aiming to win his first world title at welterweight as he takes on Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff Horn.

Horn’s WBO welterweight world championship belt will be on the line when he makes his US debut against the formidable Crawford, with the American adamant he will be victorious.

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring on June 9 and win the WBO welterweight championship,” Crawford said. “Jeff Horn and his team better be ready because they are going to see a bigger, stronger, and more powerful Terence Crawford. I am going home with that belt.”

Australian Horn may be going into the bout as an underdog in their summer sizzler but he is undefeated and used to upsetting the odds as his 2017 win over Pacquiao demonstrated.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “BoxNation are delighted to renew our long-standing output deal with Top Rank. Top Rank continues to produce world class boxing cards as the additions to our thrilling upcoming schedule demonstrates. Vasyl Lomachenko v Jorge Linares is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights this year and will be one that will have BoxNation subscribers glued to their screens on May 12th. Pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford will be looking to show why he is so highly regarded when he challenges Manny Pacquiao’s conqueror Jeff Horn for the WBO welterweight world title on June 9th. And later this month on April 28th two undefeated super-bantamweights will battle it out as Jessie Magdaleno defends his WBO title against Ghana’s Isaac Dogboe.”

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

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437 – changing to Ch.427 on 1 May 2018), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), TV Player, online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

BROOKLYN (April 13, 2018) – Undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo and once-beaten contender Hugo Centeno Jr. discussed their upcoming matchup before they step into the ring on Saturday, April 21 for the WBC Interim Middleweight Title live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by a showdown between four-division world champion Adrien Broner and two-division world champion Jessie Vargas. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former world champions Gervonta Davis and Jesus Cuellar battling for the WBA 130-pound Super Featherweight World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The Charlo vs. Centeno bout was moved from an original date of March 3 due to a Centeno rib injury, and now the rescheduled bout is just over a week away, with Centeno fully recovered from the ailment.

“My ribs are fine,” said Centeno. “It was a minor injury, but there was no way I could have fought on our originally scheduled date when it happened. I feel great now though. It healed perfectly.”

Centeno will now finally face Charlo, the former 154-pound champion and one half of the devastatingly powerful Charlo twins, along with his brother, current 154-pound champion Jermell. For Jermall, this fight is a chance to begin making his mark in a second division.

“I want to send a message to the world that I’m going to dominate the 160-pound division, while my brother proves he’s the best 154-pounder on the planet,” said Charlo. “Once I get my shot, you will all see what I’m talking about. Hugo Centeno Jr. is just in the way of that process. After April 21, you’ll be able to see what I’m really made of.”

As Centeno winds down training camp at Wild Card Boxing in Hollywood with head trainer Eric Brown, he has made sure to focus on what will happen April 21 instead of any pre-fight talk or hype.

“I am just excited by this opportunity,” said Centeno. “Charlo can say whatever he wants. None of it is going to affect me. On April 21, it’s just me and him in that ring and anything can happen.

“This has been another great camp for me, even with the injury hitch. I’m a night owl who likes to train at all hours. We go late into the night and I think that helps me on fight night.”

Centeno put himself back into the ranks of middleweight contenders with a highlight reel knockout of Immanuwel Aleem last August. Charlo, however, knows that he will pose a different set of problems for Centeno.

“I’m not Immanuwel Aleem and I’ll let you all see that when April 21 gets here,” said Charlo. “It’s a whole different ball game when you get in there trying to trade with me. You better have power, so I hope he’s ready for it.”

Charlo has been hard at work in his hometown of Houston, working with head trainer Ronnie Shields. With the extended training camp, Charlo has had time to improve on his already lethal arsenal.

“I’m still improving as a fighter,” said Charlo. “I’ve gotten faster, sharper and I’m able to take more punches than I used to. I’ve been working hard to increase my punch output as well. Nobody can do what I’m doing in the ring.

“Boxing is all about adjusting and that’s what I’m good at. That’s my best attribute and my team has worked with me so I can make that adjustment on fight night. We always go into the ring ready to fight a different fight than the time before.”

With fight night nearing, both fighters are gearing up to head to Brooklyn with the hopes of announcing themselves as a danger in the 160-pound division on April 21.

“I’ve fought on some big stages in my career, but nothing compares to this,” said Centeno. “This is my first title shot and I’m going to take full advantage. I’m not worried about Charlo or being the underdog or anything really. I know I have what it takes to win this fight.”

“Hugo is in the way of my process right now,” said Charlo. “I’ve got to go through him to get to my goal. We’ll see if he’s able to hold up against the power, speed and athleticism that I have. If not, I’m going to hurt him, real bad.”

NEW YORK (April 13, 2018) – Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased up-and-coming professional fighters since its inception 11 months ago, and next, the fan-friendly combat sports series looks to give fans a true preview of some blockbuster coming attractions. Boxing fans who want a first look at the future of the sport can tune in on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET via any device wherever Facebook is available and catch upstate New York’s Olympic hopefuls live from Rochester on “The Road To Gold In Tokyo.”

“It’s been our mission since Day 1 to provide a platform for those young fighters who can really benefit from exposure to an audience of 100,000 or more on our Facebook channel,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE now takes this effort one step further by showcasing a young star in National Silver Gloves Champ Manny Gonzalez, and other U.S. National Team/USA Boxing hopefuls, live from the Main Street Armory in Rochester this weekend.”

Now approaching 1.4 million views for the series, Saturday’s “Road To Gold” continues FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s meteoric 11-month rise, which has already included six live shows in the first three months of 2018.

“As someone who has managed six world champions and numerous other boxing contenders over a thirty-year span, I am proud and excited to be an adviser to Fight Factory in presenting this unique program in conjunction with Linacre Media. Having managed three former American Olympians – Oscar De La Hoya, Larry Donald and Lawrence Clay Bey – I know that this series has a true opportunity to discover Olympic talent with the hope of bringing Olympic Gold back to the United States,” said Road To Gold adviser Stephen Nelson.

This Saturday’s three-plus hour show will feature Angel “Manny” Gonzalez, who captured the 110-lbs. crown at the 2018 National Silver Gloves Tournament, following up on his 2017 Silver Gloves national title. Other promising young amateurs to watch include the No. 1-ranked nine/ten year-old at 70 lbs. and 2018 Silver Gloves champion Fynest Cummings, the No. 2-ranked eight year-old and 2018 Silver Gloves silver medalist Javier Mitchell and four-time National Golden Gloves champion Lawrence “I Have A Dream” King, who works in the Monroe County Sherriff’s Department when not serving as a sparring partner for notable professional boxers.

“The Road to Gold is going to be a top-shelf amateur event that will create a solid platform for many local fighters. As the head trainer of Top 10 ranked professional boxer Willie Monroe Jr., and a positive role model in the community, we are just trying to give back to these kids who work so hard inside and outside of the gym,” said T.J. Nolan of Rochester Fight Factory. “These young athletes deserve to showcase their talents to the world and we are providing an opportunity for them to do so through this event. I am excited to see these young athletes get a chance show the world what they are made of.”

Over the first 10-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 16-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 86,393 fight fans tuning in per event and almost 1.4 million fans served.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) and the March 17 Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (150,001) all logged 150,000 or more views, and collectively the 16-show series has seen a total of more than 29,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,382,290 users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 171,000 collective live post engagements (more than 10,500 per show), including more than 115,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 29,000 comments and more than 9,000 shares.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17 Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 83,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/success-stories/fightnight

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat Water, Montauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made (mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).

On Saturday, April 14, live from live from the Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network. Joining Flores is Rochester native and two-time world title challenger and top contender Willie “Mongoose” Monroe, Jr., and area sportscaster John DiTullio from The Brother Wease Show and DiTullio and Moran, both carried via I Heart Media stations. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

“As someone who is proud to represent the Rochester community, I couldn’t be more proud of our own local boxers who will be participating in this weekend’s Road to Gold in Tokyo amateur boxing event at the Main Street Armory,” said Monroe. “I know the hard work and dedication it takes and I know that they have what it takes to make us all proud. I salute each and every one of them.”

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Spring and Summer 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow@LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

Brooklyn, NY (April 13, 2018) Former Middleweight World Champion and BROOKLYN BOXING Ambassador, DANIEL ‘The Miracle Man’ JACOBSand Brooklyn’s Undefeated Heavyweight Contender JARRELL ‘Big Baby’ MILLERheld spirited workouts in Brooklyn on Thursday for a large crowd of local media leading up to their highly anticipated fights at ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’, the massive international boxing event set for Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Barclays Center and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

In the main event on April 28, Jacobs, (33-2-0, 29 KO’s), will make his long-awaited return to Barclays Center in a 12-round clash against undefeated Polish contender MACIEJ SULECKI, (26-0-0, 10 KO’s) in a WBA Middleweight World Title Final Eliminator.

Co-featured in a 12-round heavyweight battle, Miller,(20-0-1 ,18 KO’s), faces former world title challenger JOHANN ‘The Reptile’ DUHAUPAS, (37-4-0, 24 KO’s) of Abbeville, France. The fight will be contested as an WBA Heavyweight World Title Eliminator.

Presented by Matchroom Boxing USA, advance tickets for ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’starting at $42 may be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or calling 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For information on group sales, call 844.255.9647.

DANIEL JACOBS

“I’m very aware of how tough Maciej Sulecki is but I do see myself being victorious. Whether it’s by knockout or decision my goal is to win.”

“I’m just staying focused on my fight and not paying too much attention to the Golovkin and Canelo situations. I know I’ll be the mandatory for the WBA if I win this fight and that’s what I’m focused on.

“I’ve watched Sulecki’s fights, he’s entertaining and with our styles the fans will see a terrific fight on April 28 at Barclays and on HBO. I’m looking forward to having someone truly bring it and bring out the best in me.”

“I have a big opportunity in front of me with Sulecki, anything after that we will talk about it then.”

“I think very highly of Sulecki, he’s one of the top guys I’ve fought, he has the heart, the drive and the will for a very competitive fight.”

“This is Brooklyn, it’s been too long since I’ve been at Barclays and I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere on April 28.”

“I want the champion, I want the belts, I want Golovkin next, if not him than Charlo. My job is too stay focused however on Sulecki.”

JARRELL MILLER
“I’m coming at Duhaupus like a tornado. I’m not going to compare my performance against Duhaupas against anything Deontay Wilder did in their fight, I know what I’m going to do and that’s to look spectacular.”

“It’s lights out time on April 28, plain and simple.”

“I’m ranked #3 by the WBA, WBO and IBF so I’m not on a particular track other than to fight for a world title as soon as possible, whether that’s Anthony Joshua or someone else.

“Eddie Hearn has made it known that the fight with Anthony Joshua is a possibility and I’d love to have that fight next after I beat Duhaupas.”

“I’m not impressed by anything Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder have done, they haven’t faced me yet and I’m going to keep knocking guys out.”

“I’m glad Tyson Fury is back but if he fights me I’m knocking him out.”

“Every opponent is tough, he’s probably one of the toughest in my career but I’m going to knock him out on April 28.”

“Fighting at Barclays Center is great, I can’t wait to get back there and put on a show for the hometown fans and those watching on HBO.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

#JacobsSulecki

Twitter

@DanielJacobsTKO

@BigBabyMiller

@SuleckiMaciej

@KatieTaylor

@MatchroomBoxing

@EddieHearn

@HBOboxing

@BarclaysCenter

@Brooklyn_Boxing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 13th, 2018) — “CES MMA NY” is shaping up to be one of the most highly-anticipated fight cards of the year as a world-class assemblage of Big Apple brawlers take center stage next month at the historic The Space at Westbury Theater.

CES MMA’s New York debut, scheduled for Friday, May 4th, 2018, features a main event showdown between former UFC and Bellator welterweights Matthew Secor (9-5) of Glens Falls and Brazilian Renee Forte (8-4, 2 KOs) of Long Island, plus the long-awaited New York debut as a professional for Oyster Bay welterweight John Gotti III (1-0).

Tickets for “CES MMA NY” are priced at $100.00, $115.00, $175.00 and $200.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Secor-Forte main event is one of seven confirmed bouts at “CES MMA NY.” Gotti III, who debuted in Rhode Island at “CES MMA 46,” faces Eddie Haws (0-1) of Schenectady. He last fought at The Space in his final amateur bout in February of 2017, defeating Anthony Wolter by unanimous decision in a vacant title bout.

In the co-main event, longtime Bellator vet Kenny Foster (12-12, 1 KO) of Corona makes his third appearance with CES MMA in a featherweight showdown against Jacob Bohn (5-5) of Le Roy, who returns to CES MMA following his debut with the promotion in May of 2017. Foster recently scored an upset win over fan-favorite Joe Pingtore at “CES MMA 42.”

Unbeaten flyweight Josh Ricci (4-0), who has played spoiler twice against hometown fighters for CES MMA, gets the chance to fight in his backyard for just the second time as the Whitesville native battles two-time CES MMA vet Miguel Restrepo (4-4-1), now fighting out of Brooklyn. Ricci defeated Remo Cardarelli and David Baxter with CES MMA before winning his Bellator debut at Bellator 182 in August.

Heavyweight Jahsua Marsh (2-3, 1 KO) of Brentwood fights in New York as a professional for the first time at “CES MMA NY” when he battles unbeaten South Portland, Maine, veteran Ras Hylton (2-0, 1 KO). Marsh also fought in his home state as an amateur, most recently in Queens in his amateur finale in 2016, but has since toured Mississippi, New Jersey and Indiana on the professional circuit. May 4th will be Hylton’s CES MMA debut following two first-round knockout wins as a pro in 2017.

Also on the “CES MMA NY” undercard, bantamweight Sergio Da Silva (6-9) of New York City battles Milford, N.H., native Walter Smith-Cotito (5-5, 1 KO) and Al Jones (2-3, 1 KO) also of New York, faces Elmira veteran Quentin Gaskins in a bantamweight bout.

A two-time Bellator vet, Da Silva last fought for the promotion in June of 2017 at Bellator NYC at Madison Square Garden. Smith-Cotito also starred on two Bellator preliminary cards against regional rivals and CES MMA alumni Kin Moy and Blair Tugman. Jones hopes to build off his win over Jack Hartenstine in December in Atlantic City.

Stay tuned for more fight announcements by visiting www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma, or following CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker will clash for the vacant WBO Super-Lightweight World Championship at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 9th June.

The exciting match-up lands on the same card that features the return of former Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury.

Flanagan is stepping up to 140 pounds after vacating his WBO Lightweight World Title, and is confident of becoming a two-weight World Champion.

He currently holds the longest undefeated record in British boxing (33-0, 13KO’s) and will be aiming to unify the Super-Lightweight division once he triumphs at his ‘home’ Arena on June 9th.

“Winning this fight will prove that I’m a legitimate 140 pound fighter,” said Flanagan. “I’ll be looking to unify all of the belts later in the year. I’m looking for the likes of Mikey Garcia after I win the WBO belt on June 9th. It’s a massive unification fight and I hope those are the fights Frank can make.

“He is a very good unbeaten fighter, he fights on the back foot and looks to catch you from distance. I’m not looking past Hooker but I’m very confident I’ll be able to deal with anything he throws at me to become a two-weight World Champion.”

American challenger Hooker has been training with pound-for-pound star Terrance Crawford in preparation for his showdown with Flangan and has had plenty to say about the Ancoats star since their match-up was first announced earlier this year.

“I’m gonna wake him up,” said Hooker. “He’s weak and he’s soft. He hasn’t fought anybody. He fights little guys. I hit hard with both hands. He’s never fought anyone with skills like me. He runs a lot. He does that real good. Power? He hasn’t got any power. He pitty-pats!”

Hooker, whose record reads 23-0-3 (16 KOs) has claimed that ‘Turbo’ is a dirty fighter and has torn into the Mancunians tactics.

“I’ve been watching his fights. He holds a lot, he uses his forearm to the head. He does a lot of stuff dirty. I’m going to stop him and I’m going to show him who’s the best at 140! It could be the first round, second round or third round… but he’s going down!”

Tickets for Flanagan v Hooker are available purchase NOW via the Manchester Arena on www.manchester-arena.com and tel: 0844 847 8000.

Tickets for this unmissable event start from just £40.

(Toronto, Ontario. April 13, 2018) – In a marriage between leading boxing innovators, Lee Baxter Promotions, and Boxcaster Inc. have teamed up to bring the world Canada’s best boxing talent, in action-packed match-ups that will hone the next wave of Canadian boxing stars.

Things kick off live, Friday, April 20th, with Light ‘Em Up II, topped by a must-see match-up between bitter local rivals, with NABA Canadian Welterweight champion Kane Heron (10-0, 5 KO’s) defending his belt against hard-hitting fellow Torontonian Jaff Tabrizi (8-2, 7 KO’s). The can’t-miss firefight, as well as the stacked undercard, will be streamed live worldwide on Boxcaster’s Official YouTube channel.

With tickets to the event totally sold out, watching online is the only option if you don’t already have a ticket!

Heron is coming off the biggest victory of his career, a smoking eight round war with Dwayne Durel on December 8. Many ringside observers and media members dubbed it one of the best Canadian fights of the year, and Heron drew the praise of world-renowned trainer Dominic Ingle, who handles WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders and former welterweight champion Kell Brook. The win capped off an impressive 2017 run, which saw Heron notch six wins, making him one of the busiest fighters in all of Canada.

Tabrizi on the other hand rebounded from a rocky career start to run off eight straight wins, seven of which never made it to the final bell.

“It’s the perfect match-up to launch our partnership with Boxcaster,” said promoter extraordinaire Lee Baxter, CEO of Lee Baxter Promotions. “Kane is the perfect TV fighter. He’s slick, yet so gritty, and he fights with his heart on his sleeve. Boxcaster viewers are in for a hell of a show.”

Lee Baxter Promotions has become Canada’s most influential and innovative boxing promotional outfit, presenting the country’s best young talents, reviving the professional boxing scene in Toronto.

Boxcaster Inc. is one of boxing’s fastest growing sources of news and information, utilizing some the best boxing media minds in the country to produce content that is thought-provoking, entertaining, and cutting edge, and become essential viewing for hardcore and casual fans alike.

“Lee Baxter Promotions and Boxcaster are the perfect fit for each other, and the perfect combination for fight fans,” said Boxcaster’s Technical Director Shawn Gardner.

“Lee and his team are easily the leaders in presenting elite Canadian talent to the world. And Boxcaster provides both the perfect vehicle to present it and the perfect audience to truly appreciate it. It’s a win-win-win scenario.”

For more information visit: leebaxterpromotions.com, boxcaster.tv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdS5fPfgn6PBPH0C8BGvZw
Facebook: facebook.com/leebaxterpromotions/, facebook.com/BoxcasterTV;
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leebaxterboxing, https://twitter.com/BoxcasterTV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leebaxterpromotion, https://www.instagram.com/boxcasterboxing/

FULL EVENT DETAILS
420 Light Em Up 2
8:00 PM (Doors Open at 7:00 PM)
Friday, April 20, 2018
The Danforth Music Hall – 147 Danforth Avenue, Toronto

Bethlehem, PA (April 13, 2018) -TONIGHT’S King’s Promotions 6 bout card will be streamed on King’s Boxing Facebook page live beginning at 7:05 PM ET.

The show, which originates from the Sands Bethlehem Event Center is headlined by an 8-round junior lightweight bout between Frank De Alba and O’Shaquie Foster

Full Lineup:

8 Rounds–Junior Lightweights–Frank De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KO’s) vs O’Shaquie Foster (12-2, 8 KOs)

6 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Luther Smith (9-2, 8 KOs) vs Elvin Sanchez (8-3-1, 6 KOs)

4 Rounds–Featherweights–Martino Jules (3-0) vs Vincent Jennings (5-4, 4 KOs)

6 Rounds–Junior Middleweights–James Robinson (4-9-4, 1 KO) vs Greg Jackson (8-5-1, 2 KOs)

6 Rounds–Welterweights–Jesus Perez (3-0, 1 KO) vs Anthony Sonnier (3-0, 2 KOs)

6 Rounds–Junior Middleweights–Craig Callaghan (17-1, 7 KOs) vs Cesar Soriano Berumen (28-37-2, 17 KOs)

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

MANILA–World Boxing Association welterweight champion Lucas “La
Maquina” Matthysse is set to arrive in Manila on April 18 to formally
accept the challenge of eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao at the
City of Dreams Grand Ballroom here.

Pacquiao, the challenger, expressed his elation as his MP Promotions
company has completed preparations for the two-city press conference
and media tour ending in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 20.

Dubbed “Fight of Champions,” the mega-fight will usher in Pacquiao’s
debut as a fight promoter at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur
featuring three other world title fights in the undercard.

“It is all systems go for the Pacquiao Vs Matthysse fight,” said
Pacquiao, who is hoping to equal if not surpass the expectations
leading to the grandiose Muhammad Ali-Joe Bugner fight which was also
held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 1975.

“We have assembled the biggest fight card Malaysia has been waiting
for in the last 43 years since Ali-Bugner,” added Pacquiao.

Matthysse, the dangerous 36-year-old champion from Argentina who
tallied 36 knockouts out of his 39 wins, and against only four losses,
has started training with Joel Diaz. Diaz also trained Timothy
Bradley, whom Pacquiao has faced thrice in the past.

“This is the fight I have always wanted. The opportunity to fight a
future Hall of Famer such as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao inspires me to
work harder than ever to earn a victory for my fans. I know that it
will not be easy. But I will defend my title with honor and represent
my country Argentina with pride,” said Matthysse.

Pacquiao is also set to welcome Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO
Oscar Dela Hoya, the promoter of Matthysse. “This early, we would like
to thank the people who have made this event happen and I thank all
boxing fans for their support,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao will be joined by his new promotions team along with trainers
Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez and Raides “Nonoy” Neri.

Bethlehem, PA (April 12, 2018) – Weights for Friday Night’s card at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center

Frank De Alba 130.1 – O’Shaquie Foster 131.2

Luther Smith 199.1 – Elvin Sanchez 198.7
Martino Jules 128 – Vincent Jennings 126.7
James Robinson 156.7 – Greg Jackson 150.9
Jesus Perez 142.9 – Anthony Sonnier 143.2
Craig Callaghan 152 – Cesar Soriano Berumen 151.6

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: Sands Bethlehem Event Center
1st Bell: 7 PM ET
TV: Eleven Sports (Delayed)

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2018) – Two-division world champion Jessie Vargas hosted a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday as he prepares for his main event showdown against four-division world champion Adrien Broner on Saturday, April 21 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING.

The Premier Boxing Champions event will also feature unbeaten former champion Jermall Charlo and once-beaten Hugo Centeno Jr. squaring-off for the WBC Interim 160-pound title. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former world champions Gervonta Davis and Jesus Cuellar battling for the WBA 130-pound Super Featherweight World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The April 21 showdown against Broner will be Vargas’ second fight being guided by head trainer and former three-division world champion Mike “The Bodysnatcher” McCallum.

Vargas conducted the media workout from Mayweather Boxing Club as he prepares for the pivotal matchup against Broner. Here is what Vargas, McCallum and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe had to say Thursday:

JESSIE VARGAS

“Adrien Broner and I are entertaining fighters who come in and give it our all. This is a fight that will have a lot of fireworks.

“I brought in a nutritionist for camp who has done a great job informing me of some things that I’ve never done before in my career. I feel stronger and I’ve been finishing up this camp stronger than normal.

“If he comes to fight me on the inside then that’s going to feed right into my game plan. Bring it on. If he wants to come and fight, then we’ll pick him apart bit by bit. We’re ready for any type of fight. Once he feels my power, he’s going to back up and choose a better route.

“I’m going to switch it up. I’m here to give the fans entertainment. Some moments I’ll go after him and some moments I’ll be the counter-puncher. It’ll be based off what he brings to the ring and we’ll take it from there.

“If Broner feels that he’s going to perform better with coach Kevin Cunningham, then good for him. I want to face the best Adrien Broner. I don’t want any excuses after this. I’m looking forward to beating the best Broner possible on April 21.

“Adrien is fast and explosive, but we’re prepared for it. I have those same skills too. We’ve had great sparring including Devin Haney and Phil Lo Greco just to name a couple. These guys have been able to elevate my skills.

“I feel very fortunate that coach McCallum was able to take on the task of training me and I’m happy to be in my second fight with him. We feel like we’ve already accomplished so much in this relatively short amount of time we’ve been working together.

“Coach McCallum is a tremendous trainer who’s been able to teach me some different techniques. Obviously he’s known as ‘The Bodysnatcher’, so we’ve worked on body shots, but he also knew how to maintain his distance and he emphasizes the mental game. He tells me how he saw every situation during a fight.

“Throughout every round and every day coach is on top of me to make sure I’m feeling good and that my energy is at the right level. He tells me exactly what I need and it’s gotten me here and in the best shape of my career.

“This is a fight that should garner a lot of attention from boxing fans. They deserve a fight like this. It’s two guys coming in at the top of their game and only one of us can take this step forward in our career.

“I’m planning on having my hand-raised in victory. I’ve worked hard in camp so that I can go out there and prove to everyone that I’m a threat to any fighter out there.”

MIKE MCCALLUM, Vargas’ Trainer

“We picked up where we left off from Jessie’s last fight in December. He has all the tools he needs, I’m just here to make sure he knows how and when to use them in the ring.

“Everybody knows Broner is a good fighter. It’s going to be an exciting matchup because Jessie is in shape and ready to go.

“We’re ready to fight any kind of style that will beat Broner. We know we’re going to have to box, if he has to do it for 12 rounds, Jessie will be ready. Once they get in close, Jessie has a good punch too and that might surprise Broner.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is the best card in the sport right now. The main event is a sensational bout. This is a 50-50 fight. Both guys need to win this. In Jessie’s case, this win will elevate him with the other elite welterweights that are out there.

“This is a huge fight. It’s a great fight for the fans and we’re very proud to be helping promote this event. It’s going to be a great night and thrilling main event.”

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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/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.