Ahead of tomorrow’s Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event taking place at the Armory in Minneapolis, please see below two feature stories, courtesy of PremierBoxingChampions.com, on welterweight contender Jamal James and unbeaten prospect Chris Colbert.

The event is headlined by James stepping into the ring in his hometown to take on Abel Ramos in a 10-round welterweight contest. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features Colbert battling fellow unbeaten Austin Dulay in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

Click HERE for the story on Jamal James and HERE for the story on Colbert:

Jamal James wants to shine bright in homecoming bout against Abel Ramos

The sounds of a boxing gym can be intimidating. There is a rhythmic, cacophony of speed bags, and heavy bags and mitt work going on simultaneously-and all with authoritative whoomps!

It can reach such a pitch that you could barely hear yourself talk. Just imagine being four-year-old Jamal James and the wide-eyed wonderment he had when his mother took him to the Circle of Discipline gym on the south side of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The intimidation lasted maybe a second. The next thing the rambunctious James did was mimic the fighters he saw, throwing his tiny hands at the bags, fitting his whole arm into a glove. Twenty-five years later in that same gym, everyone now mimics James.

After a sea of amateur and professional wins, under the guidance of Sankara Frazier, who’s been as much a father as he’s been a trainer, James (22-1, 10 KOs) will be seen by not just the Circle of Discipline gym, but by the city of Minneapolis and the nation when he takes on Abel Ramos (18-2-2, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight on Friday, April 13, at the Minneapolis Armory on a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes live (9PM ET/6PM PT).

Also featured on the card will be veteran Edner Cherry against Dennis Galarza in a lightweight co-main event, and Austin Dulay taking on Chris Colbert in a matchup of unbeaten super featherweights.

For the 29-year-old James, this will mark the first time in five years that the 6-foot-2 welterweight has fought on his home turf. It’s been a long journey for someone who was once a kid introduced to boxing holding his mother’s hand.

“Jamal took to boxing, almost immediately,” Frazier recalled. “It’s kind of funny, because he had a little temper on him, just like I did when I began. There was one time a kid who was more experience than Jamal got the better of him, and Jamal jumped the boy, took his head gear off and tried to choke the kid.

“We still laugh about it today. But Jamal, at first, was a handful. He would whine and complain about doing certain things, and remember, he was still a kid. I would tell him to cut that whining out and it wasn’t so much for the purpose of learning boxing, but to get Jamal to understand at that age what work ethic and discipline was about. He could hardly hold his arms up when he had the big gloves on. You could see Jamal loved being around boxing.”

James’ goal growing up was to one day be an Olympian. Though what so often happens to other teenaged fighters coming up through the amateur system in the United States, James was discouraged. He needed to grow into his body, too, since he was always tall for his weight class.

“I had a meeting with the whole crew, who I had since they were little kids, when they were teenagers and I told them they could be really good,” Frazier recalled. “I let them know there would one or two of them that would go on and do further things. I told them what would get them there is discipline and focus.

“There were only a few kids that were working on that part of it, and one of them was Jamal. You see with him now. My thing is I don’t talk to my kids or fighting professional, but boxing is something a person has to want to do, and if money comes with it, great. Boxing is a tough game and you need to be disciplined and focused with it.”

James has one pro loss on his record, and it’s to the very talented Yordenis Ugas in August 2016. James was just coming off an impressive win against Wale Omotoso a month earlier.

“The loss against Ugas I take as a good lesson,” said James, whose rangy 6-2 frame makes it tough for any welterweight to get inside his jab. “I thought I was in shape against Ugas, and I was too slow on the trigger and I fought his fight.

“I found out there that you have to prepare fully for any fight you take. I tried to push the envelope a little too hard for that one. My reflexes weren’t there. I’ll say I wasn’t overlooking Ugas, I’ll say I was overly confident for that fight, at that time. I had no losses and I was feeling good about himself.”

Now James is on a great stage-his home. The renovated Minneapolis Armory is a historic venue that hosted nearly 100 cards between 1915-1973, including shows headlined by one of the greatest welterweights ever – Sugar Ray Robinson.

“I know Abel Ramos is a tough fighter, and I know he’ll come and bring it,” James said. “He’s not coming to my backyard just to lay down. I know he’s coming to fight and I embrace that challenge. If I’m going to be a world champion one day, I’m going to have to take on guys like this, and deal with this kind of pressure.

“I’m going to make sure the other guy is going to remember my name. The storm is coming right here at home. I’m opening the door for these guys coming up behind me.”

Like the older guys once held the door for him.

Article written by Joseph Santoliquito

Confidence not lacking in Chris Colbert’s arsenal

Doubt, they say, is the privilege of those who’ve lived a long time. At 21, Chris Colbert hasn’t earned that right yet. However, age may do nothing to blunt his hubris.

“In boxing you have to stay focused, stay humble and stay ready. I’m still working on the humble part,” Chris Colbert laughs.

His trash talking may offend some, but it’s hard to stay humble when your talent has you feeling like Cassius Clay in Olympic Village.

“I’m a ‘lights, camera, action guy,” he boasts. “I love the lights, I love the camera, and I’m definitely all about that action.”

Colbert (7-0, 2 KOs) has backed up his bravado so far. The undefeated featherweight prospect will make his television debut on FS1 and FOX Deportes against Austin Dulay at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday.

Some will watch hoping the cocksure kid gets knocked off. But Colbert is already a winner, no matter what happens going forward. His isn’t a story of one who did it the right way. It’s a tale of one who did it his way.

Colbert was born and raised in the harsh Flatbush area of Brooklyn. He, his mother, and nine siblings lived together under an ever-changing roof that included two stints in the local shelter.

“My family really wasn’t that close,” Colbert says. “I was the middle child, the independent one. So, I was always by myself, going out and being in the streets alone.”
Colbert was a good student growing up. But by the time he finished middle school, he was spending most of his time on corners, where his diminutive size made him an easy mark.

“I didn’t run from those fights,” he recalls. “I guess in a way, I took out my frustrations on others through street fighting. But that’s where it ended. I never got arrested or caught up with drugs and stuff. I knew what came after that and no matter what, I always believed my future would be bright.”

Colbert got his first taste of boxing at age 13, when he became hooked on the build-up for the Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley fight.

“I saw how much money Floyd makes fighting and I told myself, ‘I fight in the streets every day. Why don’t I get paid for it?'”

The universe agreed. Shortly after, Colbert got into an argument with a friend. The friend suggested they settle it in the ring at Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Gym. Atlas is a Brooklyn landmark, a mentoring center for neighborhood children started by retired New York police officer Pat Russo and former boxing trainer Teddy Atlas.

“I knew I was home soon as I walked in,” Colbert says. “I kept looking around, seeing the culture there, and I remembered watching Mayweather at the gym. I walked up to a coach and said, ‘I’m going to be the best fighter you got in this gym.’ He thought I was joking. I came every day for three years straight.

“Once I started going to the gym, my life was all about boxing. I used to go to school and I wasn’t focused, not doing the work. But I told the teachers, ‘I’m good. I’m going to be a boxer.’ They all told me that I wasn’t going to make it.”

Colbert would meet future trainer and father-figure Aureliano Sosa at Atlas. It was Sosa who christened him “Lil’ B-Hop.”

“They called me that because they said I fought like Bernard Hopkins; the way he taunts people and all that stuff,” Colbert says. “Then one day I’m at a press conference and someone shouted my nickname. Hopkins turned around thinking they were calling him. That’s how we met. We’ve been close ever since.”

Hopkins advises his namesake, sharing insights on the game and warning him of the pitfalls ahead. “Lil B-Hop” immersed himself in boxing, studying Mayweather, Pernell Whitaker and Andre Ward to incorporate parts of their style into his own. Colbert possesses fast hands and feet, and is comfortable fighting either orthodox or southpaw. He’s registered only two stoppages but believes that will change once he acquires “grown man strength.”

However, Colbert’s newfound love didn’t alter fortunes at home. Just as the U.S. Nationals were about to begin, he and his family were evicted.

“I was really going through it,” he says. “Like damn, I never wanted people to know my business. That’s how I am with everything. I always kept things to myself. Being in the shelter again, trying to get ready to compete in a fight was one of the hardest things I had to go through.”

Colbert went on to win that 2015 Nationals championship. He became the No. 3-ranked fighter nationally at 114 pounds and No. 1 at 123, earning an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics.

But “the politics of the game” and perhaps the allure of making money convinced him to turn pro at 18. It appears he made the right decision. Last November, he fought in his first eight-rounder, outpointing Titus Williams in a battle of undefeated Big Apple prospects.

On paper, Dulay is the toughest opponent of his career. Following an amateur career that included over 120 wins, the Tennessee native is 11-0 with 8 KOs as a pro.

“These aren’t fights they’re giving me,” Colbert says. “This is what I’m asking for. A lot of these world champions came up taking the easy route. They’ll be 27-0 and haven’t fought an undefeated fighter. I’m only 7-0 and I’m up to my third undefeated fighter. And I plan to keep wiping them out.”

Along with this early crossroads fight, his long-time girlfriend is pregnant with his first child, a son. Colbert’s approaching both the fight and parenting with the same confidence that got him to this point.

“After I turned pro, I said to my teachers, ‘I told y’all.’ Right now, I’m doing this to better myself, better my community and to give my son the kind of life I didn’t have. I’m just waiting on my turn to shine. You could hate it or love it, but no matter what, stay tuned.”

Article written by Kenneth Bouhairie

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (April 12, 2018): Romero “Ruthless” Duno (16-1, 14 KOs) of General Santos City, Philippines will fight Mexico City’s Gilberto “Flaco” Gonzalez (27-4, 22 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight in the main event of the May 17 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. This exciting main event will headline a night of two back-to-back battles between Mexican and Filipino fighters. ESPN2 will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights on Friday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

With more than 80% of his fights ending in a knockout victory, Duno is considered as one of the top prospects from the Philippines. Duno exploded onto the Southern Calif. fight scene when he pulled the upset that turned heads – a knockout victory of local hometown hero Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez in the main event of the popular LA FIGHT CLUB series. Since then, he’s won against noteworthy ring veterans including Juan Pablo “Lagarto” Sanchez and Yardley Armenta Cruz.

“I am happy to be back in the ring again, and I will train really hard for this fight because I know Gilberto Gonzalez is a good veteran boxer,” said Romero Duno. “I am confident that I will win this fight for my country. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions and Sanman Boxing for another opportunity. I will do my best to win and give a great show to the fans.”

Hailing from Mexico City, Gilberto Gonzalez will look for a comeback victory after a hard-fought battle against lightweight contender Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta. Since the devastating loss, Gonzalez has been out of the ring for a full year and will look to reestablish his status as a contender.

“I’m excited to return to the U.S. and go up against a notable Filipino opponent like Romero Duno,” said Gilberto Gonzalez. “It’s been more than a year since I’ve been in the ring, and the time off has given me extra motivation. I hope to give the fans a great show.”

The co-main event will feature another Philippines vs. Mexico match-up as Oscar Duarte (13-0-1, 9 KOs) of Parral, Chihuahua Mexico will fight Rey Perez (22-9, 6 KOs) in a lightweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds of action. Duarte’s last five fights have ended before the clang of the final bell, and will be tested against war-ready Perez.

In the night’s TV swing bout, Dallas TX’s Alex Rincon (3-0, 3 KOs) will fight in the California fight scene for the first time when he faces a soon to be announced opponent in a four-round middleweight affair.

Raymond Muratalla will make his professional debut in his home turf of Indio, Calif. in a four-round lightweight battle. Muratalla will begin the night’s festivities against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

The rest of this exciting undercard will be announced shortly.

Duno vs. Gonzalez is a 10-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. ESPN2 will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights on Friday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Duno vs. Gonzalez must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, May 11.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

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

Bethlehem, PA (April 12, 2018) – An intriguing co-feature bout that will pit hard punching cruiserweights Luther Smith (9-2, 8 KOs) of Bowie, Maryland and Elvin Sanchez (8-3-1, 6 KOs) of Paterson, NJ will take place TOMORROW NIGHT!! at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The bout, which is scheduled for six-rounds is the semi windup of a 6-bout card that is promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the main event, super featherweights will be on display as Frank De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) of Reading, PA taking on O’Shaquie Foster (12-2, 8 KOs) of Houston, Texas.

Below, both Smith and Sanchez talk about the impending fight, which most boxing pundits predict will end in an knockout one way or the other.

ON TRAINING CAMP:

Smith-“Everything is good. I had a full camp, and I am ready to go.”

Sanchez-“Training went well. The toughest part about it is making weight, but I am good now.”

ON HIS OPPONENT:

Smith-“Sanchez switches a lot. I know his record and six of his eight wins are by knockout. I am not the type of guy who talks a lot. I look forward to meeting him. A lot of opponents have turned me down, so I am grateful that he is fighting me.”

Sanchez-“I don’t know too much about him. I know he is a tall southpaw, so I prepared for that.”

WILL THIS FIGHT END IN A KNOCKOUT:

Smith-“I like knockouts, But I do not go into a fight looking for one. But when the opportunity presents itself, I seize it and jump on it.”

Sanchez- “I prepared very hard for this fight, so I am ready to go all six-rounds if I have to.”

WHAT DOES A WIN DO FOR YOU GOING FORWARD

Smith-“This is important for me. It will be my 10th win. I started boxing at 32, and I never expected to get this far to get 10 wins.”

Sanchez-“A win give me a lot of gratification. I work 2 jobs, so I do this for myself and it is fun for me.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Smith-“I want to give thanks to King’s Promotions for this opportunity. I am grateful for my fans and the support they give me.”

Sanchez-“I want to thank everyone who comes out to support me.”

In six-round bouts:

Craig Callaghan (17-1, 7 KOs) of Houston, TX will fight Cesar Soriano Berumen (28-37-2, 17 KOs) of Iztacalco, MX in a welterweight bout

IIn a battle of undefeated welterweights, Jesus Perez (3-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA squares off against Anthony Sonnier (3-0, 2 KOs) of Seattle, WA

James Robinson (4-9-4, 1 KO) of York, PA will take on Greg Jackson (8-5, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a junior middleweight bout.

In a four-round bout:

Martino Jules (3-0) of Allentown, PA will take on Vincent Jennings (5-4, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI in a featherweight bout.

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.

LOS ANGELES (April 12, 2018): Ryan “The Flash” Garcia (14-0, 13 KOs), the 2017 consensus prospect of the year and pride of Victorville, Calif., headlines a very special edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Garcia, who is the brightest rising star in the sport of boxing today, will kick off the Cinco de Mayo festivities as he faces seasoned Puerto Rican contender Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (26-4-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight fight in this spectacular arena that has become the home for great battles.

ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

At only 19 years of age, Garcia is the future superstar of boxing. After winning multiple national championships as an amateur and several professional fights in Mexico, Garcia signed with Golden Boy Promotions in Nov. 2016. Since then, he has won every fight by knockout, including a highlight-reel knockout of Miguel Carrizoza to win the Junior NABF Super Featherweight Title. In his most recent performance, Garcia defeated Fernando Vargas on the March 22 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN via a stunning first-round knockout victory.

“I’m back already and with high expectations,” said Ryan Garcia.”I’m glad to be headlining two times in a row and excited to be fighting in an iconic venue where there have been many wars. I’ve said all along that I was destined for greatness. I’m speaking it to existence, and I will show that on May 4.”

Velez is an experience contender of the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico, home of former world champions such as Wilfred “El Radar” Benitez, Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, among others. The 30-year-old pugilist has faced the toughest fighters of the competitive 126-pound division, including Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. and Ronny Rios. Velez is coming off three impressive victories, including a unanimous decision win against the previously undefeated Alberto Mercado and back-to-back stoppage victories over former contender Giovanni “El Ruso” Caroand former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez.

“I will not let my country down as it is a powerful force in boxing,” said Jayson Velez. “If anyone believes that I am only going for the paycheck, they are wrong. As I have proved before, I always give my best and this will not be the exception against Garcia. In the face of all predictions, I will defeat him.”

“Ryan Garcia is going to prove that he’s the next superstar in the sport of boxing,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “After an amazing performance in March, Garcia will now make his debut in an arena that is slowly becoming a legendary battleground for boxing, the StubHub Center.”

In the co-main event, Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (27-2, 19 KOs), the incomparable and explosive Irish contender, will make his Southern California debut in a 10-round middleweight fight presented in association with Murphy’s Boxing. O’Sullivan has faced the likes of current WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank, Jr., and he’ll returning after his most significant and impressive victory against Antoine “Action” Douglass via seventh-round technical knockout. O’Sullivan will be next in line for a middleweight title shot if successful on May 4.

Welterweight knockout artist Alexis “Lex” Rocha (11-0, 8 KOs), who without a doubt will be the first world champion to come out of Santa Ana, Calif., will participate in an eight-round 147-pound fight. Rocha has many tools in his southpaw arsenal as he can both fight at the distance and knock people out from the inside.

Ferdinand Kerobyan (8-0, 4 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. will battle across a scheduled six-rounds of action in the super welterweight division. Kerobyan is the latest prospect to be signed to the exclusive Golden Boy Promotions stable and the first fighter under the management of former UFC fighter and current WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey.

Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (1-0, 1 KO), a prospect originally out of Garden City, Kansas, will participate in a four-round super welterweight fight. This exciting puncher out of the Westside Boxing Club promises fireworks as he initiates this exciting card.

Opponents for this undercard will be announced shortly

Garcia vs. Velez is a 10-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, May 4, 2018 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Garcia vs. Velez go on sale Friday, April 13 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $75, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com
and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – April 12, 2018 -Paul Butler gets the chance to become two-time IBF World Bantamweight champion when he tackles undefeated Emmanuel Rodriguez at The O2 in London on May 5, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

Butler’s clash with Rodriguez is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich as Heavyweight rivals Tony Bellew and David Haye clash in a hotly-anticipated rematch.

Butler landed the IBF strap in April 2014 by taking it from Stuart Hall in Newcastle before vacating the strap to move down to Super-Flyweight in March 2015 to challenge IBF champion Zolani Tete.

The ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ returned to 118lbs and back into title contention when he comfortably saw off Hall in a rematch in Liverpool in September, and is rated at four in the IBF, one spot behind top-rated Rodriguez.

The unbeaten 25 year old visitor is hotly-rated having raced to 17-0 in the paid ranks with 12 wins inside the distance, a rise all the more impressive following an amateur background that was stunted by a car accident.

Rodriguez’s trip to London is his first outside the Americas since turning pro and his first over the championship distance, and Butler intends to make the trip a miserable one for the Puerto Rican and reclaim his title.

“I’m very excited for this,” said Butler. “It’s the reason we came over to Eddie in the first place, I knew he would deliver the big fights for me. We’re just four weeks away. It’s a big test but I’m confident.

“It’s an honor to contest the IBF title again. I want to win it back then hopefully defend which I didn’t have the chance to do last time.

“It sounded a good idea at the time to vacate but looking back now I should have kept hold of the belt. I should have worked on my strength and conditioning, filled out and defended my title. I’ve definitely got some unfinished business with this – it would be brilliant to go out there and win it again.

“It’s a tougher test the last time I won the title, but I’m up for the challenge. I’ve improved myself. He’s touted to be this next big superstar, but how many of them come over here and get turned on their heads?

“I never used to look at my opponents, but since I’ve linked up with Joe he’s always sending me little clips. He looks a good kid, he likes to work at midrange but in truth I don’t want to say too much about what he does and doesn’t do well.

“I don’t care how big and tough he is – we both have two arms, two legs, he’s from Puerto Rico and I’m from Ellesmere Port so let’s get it on. I can see this being a very good fight, we both like to go body to head, head to body but I’ll come out being the two-time IBF World Bantamweight champion.”

Super-Middleweights John Ryder and Jamie Cox clash in a crucial clash in the 168lbs division and Martin J. Ward defends his European Super-Featherweight title against James Tennyson.

Expected start time is 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT.

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visit www.klowdtv.com for additional information.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the first historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and DirecTV, ch 387, Frontier Communications ch 169 and 669 in HD, CenturyLink PRISM TV ch. 144 and 1144 in HD, and streaming on DirecTV NOW and KlowdTV. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com

Tyson Fury has signed an exclusive promotional deal with Frank Warren.

The former undefeated linear, WBA Super, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Heavyweight Champion of the World will make his highly-anticipated comeback at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 9th June.

Fury shocked the sporting World in November 2015 when he sensationally dethroned long-reigning Heavyweight icon Wladimir Klitschko in one of boxing’s biggest ever upsets in recent years at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

That unforgettable night bolstered a glittering resume which already included English, Irish, British, Commonwealth, European, WBO Intercontinental and WBO International Champion status.

The self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’, 25-0 (18 KO’s), has been back in full training working towards his long-awaited comeback fight and is determined to prove that he is still the man in the Heavyweight division by reclaiming all of the belts that rightfully belong to him.

“The King has returned,” said Fury. “I’m back to reclaim what is rightfully mine. This is going to be an interesting journey. There’s a lot of fascinating challenges out there for me and I’m looking forward to getting started. I can’t wait to get in the ring and put on a display for all of my fans.

“I’m the fittest that I’ve ever been. My timing and my reflexes are better than they’ve ever been. I’m coming into the prime of my career and I’m more confident than I’ve ever been. All of my focus is on my return at the Manchester Arena on June 9th.

“All of the current Heavyweight Champions out there are very vulnerable and very beatable.”

“The Heavyweight division should now be put on notice because the lineal Champion will be back on June 9th and will be looking to pick back up where he left off,” said Warren.

“I am thrilled that Tyson has entrusted us with the responsibility of recharging his career and to steer him back to where he once emphatically belonged.

“Were it not for his exploits in Dusseldorf on November 28th, 2015, the now thriving and fascinating Heavyweight scene might have remained stagnant, but Tyson’s comprehensive schooling of the long-standing Champion Wladimir Klitschko opened all sorts of doors from which others have ultimately benefitted.

“Now Tyson is back, in fantastic shape and full of beans, ready to take the first step on the road back towards World domination once again.

“I am certain the boxing public – who he never lost the affection of – will get behind him in force and support his journey – starting at the Manchester Arena on June 9th.”

Tickets for Fury’s long-awaited comeback fight will be available to purchase via the Manchester Arena on www.mancheser-arena.com and tel: 0844 847 8000 from 2.00pm today.

Tickets start from just £40.

Philadelphia, PA: When heavyweights Bryant “By By” Jennings and Joey “The Tank” Dawejko square off in their 10-round heavyweight bout Saturday, April 28, it will revive memories of the some of the great all-Philly matchups that helped to make the Quaker City one of the leading boxing centers in the country.
The Jennings-Dawejko match is one of three bouts at the Liacouras Center at Temple University to be televised live by ESPN, beginning at 7 pm EST. The card is being promoted by Top Rank and Peltz Boxing.
Topping the show is a 12-round contest for the WBO junior featherweight title between defending champion Jessie Magdaleno, of Las Vegas, NV, and mandatory challenger Isaac Dogboe, of Accra, Ghana. The 10-round semifinal features Jesse Hart, of Philadelphia, against Demond Nicholson, of Laurel, MD, for the vacant NABF super middleweight championship.
First live fight begins at 4 pm EST and all undercard bouts will be streamed on the ESPN App.
Always a leading center for boxing, Philadelphia built its reputation by matching fighters from different neighborhoods in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. Artist Jim Meehan’s drawing (above) lists several of those great matchups, among them the classic 1928 showdown at Shibe Park between Hall-of-Fame junior lightweight champion Benny Bass and unbeaten crosstown rival Harry Blitman in front of 24,000 raucous fans.
“My dad went to that fight with his dad,” promoter J Russell Peltz said, “and he’d always tell me about it. My dad went to school with Harry Blitman and he never got over the fact that Blitman smoked cigarettes and still was successful as a fighter. My dad sat on the second row and he used to tell me about the sweat that flew off Blitman’s hair every time Bass nailed him.”
Bass, who boxed from 1919 to 1940, won by knockout in six rounds and went on to a career record of 158-29-6 with 72 K0s. Blitman, who boxed from 1926 to 1934, finished at 53-11-4, 25 K0s, including a victory over Hall-of-Fame lightweight champ Tony Canzoneri.
“There were so many great all-Philly fights that you simply cannot list them all,” Peltz said. “The heavyweight bout between a couple of Joe Louis victims, Al Ettore, of West Philadelphia, against Gus Dorazio, of South Philly, belongs on that list, as well as the world lightweight title fight between Hall-of-Famer Bob Montgomery and Wesley Mouzon, who had knocked Montgomery out three months earlier in a non-title fight.”
Peltz, who began promoting in 1969, rates the first meeting between middleweights Bennie Briscoe and Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, a 10-round draw late in 1975 at The Spectrum, as one of the greatest action fights in Philly’s long and storied boxing history.
“Now we’ve got Jesse Hart, Cyclone’s son, on the card,” Peltz said. “I believe Jennings vs. Dawejko is the biggest all-Philly matchup in 36 years. That goes back to 1982 when Jeff Chandler successfully defended his WBA bantamweight title by knocking out former high school classman Johnny Carter in six rounds at the Civic Center. We’ve had some good ones since then, but none as big as Chandler vs. Carter.
“A lot of 21st century boxing ‘experts’ don’t like to see all-Philly fights. They wonder why we would want to knock off a local attraction. I guess they’d rather me import some scrub from the South or the Midwest to get his brains beat out. They’d rather watch that than a competitive all-local fight. The most recent major local showdown was in 2010 when junior middleweightDerek Ennis beat Gabriel Rosado at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. Guess who got knocked off in that one? The winner, Ennis, who soon faded from the scene. The loser that night, Rosado, went on to climb the ladder and make a lot on money and he’s still going strong.
“Jennings vs. Dawejko is my kind of fight. I guarantee there will be more action in one round than there was in 12 rounds of the recent heavyweight unification match between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.”

The final contender is #8 Ben Eland who hopes speed fighting beats speed dating in his quest for Ultimate Boxxer glory and finds love!

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

Born in Nottinghamshire and fighting out of Stoke on Trent, Ben Eland looks to be a sharp counter puncher who’s fans are eager to invade Manchester. Follow his journey @ultimateboxxer as all roads lead to the Manchester Arena on 27th April 2018.

Boxing bachelor Ben Eland is not only targeting the Ultimate Boxxer crown and prize money, but also hopes it will land him a girlfriend!

The unbeaten 28-year-old contender enters boxing’s fresh and exciting one night elimination contest on Friday 27th April at the Manchester Arena, but says being a boxing anorak has made it hard for him to find love.

Stoke’s Eland has done his pain-staking research on all his 147-pound rivals to find out their strengths and weaknesses in his bid to be crowned the first ever Ultimate Boxxer champion and capture life-changing prize money from a pool of £50,000.

Through watching YouTube videos, attending shows and reading up on the other competitors, combined with fights and training full-time, it has left him with no time for love and he hopes becoming the Ultimate Boxxer will change that.

He said, “Being a boxing junkie and focusing on my career and preparing for Ultimate Boxxer has meant that I’ve had to stay single,”

“Most weekends I go to a show, either amateur or pro, I’m either training or watching boxing on YouTube, or I’m sussing out my opponents by reading everything I can, it’s just that I’m a perfectionist in what I do and I prepare meticulously to win,”

“I’m single and ready to mingle. I’ve got two brothers and I share a house with one of them. We train together and live together – I can’t get rid of him!”

“I’ve tried speed dating but I was hopeless at that, but Ultimate Boxxer is like speed fighting and I know I’ve got the tools to win that and pick up the trophy, prize money and maybe a girlfriend along the way!”

Eland reckons his toughest opponent so far has been his own father.

“Growing up, I always wanted to box,” he said, “but my dad stood strong and wouldn’t let me, which I can understand,”

“But you can only say: ‘no’ for so long and in the end, he relented and I started at my local club and I’ve never looked back,”

Eland had a handful of amateur bouts for Retford ABC and took up the sport again after moving to Stoke around eight years ago.

“To start with, I just wanted to get fit,” he said, “but I ended up having a few unlicensed fights and then Former English Lightweight Champion Scott Lawton gave me a six-month trial,”

“He had me training alongside the pros so see how I shaped up and he must have been impressed because he ended up giving me a contract,”

Eland drew his pro debut –and has won all four since – and now will now count on strong support from his fans as he enters Ultimate Boxxer.

“Ever since I was an amateur, I’ve always had great support. I grew up in Ollerton in Nottinghamshire and it’s only a small community where everyone supports each other They are booking up hotels all over Manchester and I’m bringing plenty of support from Stoke as well,”

“This is a massive opportunity for me. I was looking to maybe step up to six rounds and now Ultimate Boxxer can launch me onto the bigger stage.”

BIO-FILE
Age: 28.
Record: 4-1-0.
Amateur pedigree: Had a handful of amateurs in his teens, then took a break and came back to have unlicensed fights before turning pro.
Trainer: Scott Lawton.
Cutman: Gareth Taylor.
Strengths: Flashy boxing skills.
Weaknesses: Can sometimes get dragged into a scrap when he could get the job done with his boxing.
Punch power: Not a dynamite puncher, but a sharp hitter.
Speed: Is slick. Sharp hands, good feet.
Stamina: Has yet to go beyond four rounds.
Anything else: Should have plenty of support from Nottinghamshire, where he grew up, and Stoke, where he’s lived for the last eight years.
Walk on music: ‘Jerk It Out’ by Caesars Palace.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Music: “Indie band The Twang. I go to watch them when I can.”
Fashion: “I like getting dressed up, but I spend a lot of time in tracksuits.”
Shoes: “I’ve got a cracking pair of brogues, but I’m an Adidas man really.”
Personal & Family life: “I’m single”
Toughest moment: “I’ve broken my knuckle twice and it’s hard to stay disciplined when that happens and when fights fall through.”
Best moment: “My pro debut. Walking out with my dad and brother was some moment.”
Aspirations: “I want to take it one step at a time. The first step is the Midlands title and once I have that, I will see what the next step is.”
Nutrition: “I’m pretty good when it comes to what I eat. I don’t eat junk food anymore.”
Family Make-up: “We are a close family. I live with one of my brothers and I’m close to my dad.”

Q&A
What got you into boxing? “My dad was a good amateur and I wanted to go to the gym. He wouldn’t let me for years – and when he finally gave in, I went to Retford ABC and never looked back.”
Who was your favourite fighter? “Kevin Mitchell. He’s one of the best British fighters to never win a world title.”
Amateur record and achievements? “I had 10 senior bouts – and won seven.”
Who’s the best boxer you have sparred? “I sparred Tyrone Nurse just after I turned pro and it was tough.”
What are your best assets as a fighter? “People say it’s my jab – but I think it’s my never-say-die attitude. I like it when it gets tough in there.”
What do you know about other fighters in Ultimate Boxxer? “They are all good lads and will be up for winning it, but I’m fit, prepared and hungry to win,”
Goals in boxing? “Short term is to win Ultimate Boxxer, long term who knows what could come way afterwards?”
Favourite TV show: “Peaky Blinders.”
Favourite meal when not in camp? “Chinese. You can’t beat sweet and sour chicken.”
Hobbies? “Boxing is my hobby too ! I go to all the amateur and pro shows.”

For an introduction to yesterday’s Ultimate Boxxer Contender #7 Tom Young CLICK HERE

For 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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Micki Nielsen (25-1, 15 KOs) challenges Artur Mann (13-0, 8 KOs) for the WBO International Cruiserweight title on June 2 at the Swiss Life Hall in Hannover, Germany.

Nielsen returns to the ring following a points win over Ricards Bolotniks in Riga, and enters the biggest fight of his career as he looks to engineer a World title opportunity by beating the previously undefeated Mann in his hometown.

“I’m excited to get the opportunity to fight Artur Mann in Germany,” said Nielsen. “He is a tough fighter and I’m sure he will give me a good test, but I’m confident I will win.

“I’ve had some good experiences recently fighting in Germany and Latvia, and sparring top names like Mairis Briedis. Now, it’s time for me to step up and show I have what it takes to challenge for a World title. By beating Artur Mann, I will prove I’m ready!

“I’m not worried about fighting in Germany. I’ve never backed down from a challenge and I’m willing to fight anywhere in the world. I have been training hard since my last fight and I will be in great shape come June 2.”

Mann will be defending the WBO belt he won in July 2017 with a majority decision over countryman Leon Harth, whose only previous defeats came at the hands of former WBC champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk and current IBF and WBA Super World ruler Murat Gassiev.

The 27 year-old from Hannover will be fighting for the first time in his hometown in a headline spot against his Team Sauerland stable mate Nielsen.

“I am very happy to be defending my title in my hometown,” said Mann. “Nielsen is a strong fighter, but with my fans behind me, the belt will stay in Hannover!”

Nielsen follows in the footsteps of his older brother Patrick in accepting a big fight in Germany. Patrick Nielsen meets former two-weight World Champion Arthur Abraham in a super middleweight showdown on April 28 at the Baden-Arena, Offenburg.

“Me and my brother both have big fights in Germany,” said the younger of the boxing Nielsen brothers. “I will come to Offenburg to watch Patrick beat Abraham, and then it’s my turn to defeat Mann in Hannover.”

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: “We’re delighted to deliver fans another exciting championship contest between two evenly matched competitors. This is a real 50-50 bout between two young, hungry contenders. The winner of this fight will not only take home the WBO International belt, but will also be positioned for a World title eliminator.”

Tickets for the WBO International Cruiserweight title contest between Artur Mann and Micki Nielsen on June 2 in Hannover are on sale now and available online via www.eventim.de.

New York City (April 11, 2018) Top undefeated Russian and Uzbekistan prospects will be showcased at The Real Deal Boxing event set for Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY.

Advance tickets for ‘Real Deal, Showcase Series III’, presented in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, priced at $150, $125, $75 and $50 are now on sale online through the Kings Theatre website, www.KingsTheatre.com.

Said Vadim Kornilov, manager of four of the international prospects fighting on April 21, “We are looking forward to building a fan base for our Soviet fighters in the Brooklyn area. We plan to bring them to Brooklyn against top opposition numerous times a year working with Evander Holyfield and The Real Deal Boxing.”

Fighting out of Saint Petersburg, Russia, massive heavyweight prospect Sergey Kuzmin, (11-0-0, 8 KO’s), will face an opponent to be announced in a scheduled eight rounder. The 30-year-old, heavy-handed Kuzmin will be making his New York City debut in front an expected huge contingent of Russian boxing fans.

Competing four previous times in the United States, Kuzmin holds victories over Malcolm Tann, Darnell Wilson, Rodney Hernandez and Keenan Hickman in those bouts.

In an eight round junior welterweight clash, 2016 Olympian Baturkhan Ahmedov, (3-0-0, 2 KO’s), fighting out of Crimea, Russian battles knockout artist Prince Lee Isadore, (16-3-1, 16 KO’s), of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Making his highly anticipated United States debut, the 27-year-old Ahmedov returns to action following a ten round unanimous decision over battle tested veteran Ricky Sismundo on March 17, 2018.

Riding a four-fight knockout victory streak, the 32-year-old Isadore will also be making his United States debut against Ahmedov.

In the junior middleweight division, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Shakhram Giyasov, (1-0-0, 1KO), will return to the Kings Theatre following his successful professional debut on March 10, 2018, a first round knockout of Nicolas Atilio Velazquez.

On April 21, the 24-year-old Giyasov will be challenged by battle-tested Hungarian veteran Gabor Gorbics, (24-10-0, 14 KO’s). Gorbics will look to return to the win column following a hotly contested eight round decision loss to perennial contender Ahmed El Mousaoui on March 24, 2018 in Marseille, France.

Also returning to the Kings Theatre after a knockout professional debut is 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Murodjon Akhmadaliev, (1-0-0, 1 KO). Now residing in Brooklyn, NY, the 23-year-old Akhmadaliev stopped David Michel Paz in the first round on March 10, 2018.

Akhmadaliev will face off against an opponent to be announced on April 21 in a six round junior lightweight bout.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @TheRealDealPromotions, @KingsTheatreBklyn

Twitter: @TheRealDealBox, @Holyfield, @KingsBklyn

Instagram: @TheRealDealBoxing, @EvanderRDHolyfield, @KingsBklyn

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

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. /ORANGE, Calif. (April 11, 2018) – Top featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs)looks to add the first championship of his young career when he battles Colombian Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) for the vacant WBO Youth Title this Saturday night from the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif.

Villa, who turns 21 next week, will be fighting in his hometown for the first time as a professional.

“There’s a lot of firsts for this fight,” Villa said. “It’s a great feeling to fight for a title and to do it in my home city with me as the headliner [also a first], it’s a dream come true. These are the types of fights I’ve been working toward ever since I was little.”

The southpaw with fast hands and high IQ split his training camp from the arid climate of Riverside, Calif., to the coastal weather of Salinas. Villa faced a variety of sparring partners to prepare for the quick hitting style that Olea will bring on Saturday night.

“The key to any training camp is to get tested against quality fighters,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I went against boxers that were real slick with their movements, and others that came forward and threw a lot of punches. I feel confident in what I want to do against Olea.”

In addition to making his first headlining appearance on “New Blood,” Villa also fights for the first time at 8-rounds. He is coming off three straight 6-round unanimous decision victories. Until recently, Villa had won every round on every scorecard in his six decision wins with the exception of dropping one round on one scoresheet against Juan Sandoval in February.

Olea, for what it’s worth, holds a unanimous decision loss to WBA world champion Danny Roman from November of 2016. That matchup was contested at 122-pounds, while Saturday night’s fight is set for 126-pounds. Villa would appear to have the size advantage, as he is a natural featherweight with room to fill out as he gets older.

“In this sport, you take any advantage you can get,” Villa remarked. “He’s still a talented guy so I can’t get over confident on that.”

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

Bethlehem, PA (April 11, 2018) – Junior lightweight contender Frank De Alba feels that 2018 could be his year. He first he must get past O’Shaquie Foster in the headline bout THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!! at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The bout, which is scheduled for eight-rounds tops a 6-bout card that is promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the six-round co-feature pitting cruiserweights Luther Smith (9-2, 8 KOs) of Bowie, MD taking on Elvin Sanchez (8-3-1, 6 KOs) of Paterson, NJ.

De Alba of Reading, Pa. will be making his first start in over a year as bouts fell through due to opponents not making weight, and De Alba suffering a cut in training just days before his last scheduled in February.

De Alba has been working hard through all of his bad luck.

“My training has been great. It’s been a long time. I was scheduled for November and my opponent missed weight by 14 pounds. Then in February, I got cut six days before the fight. Through it all, I have been training. I took a week off, and then I was right back in the gym, and for that, I don’t think I will have any ring rust. I have been training for fights in the last year, it may say I haven’t fought, but I have been staying busy,” said De Alba.

In Foster, he is facing a tough fighter who hopes to resurrect his career after a couple of losses set-back the one-time touted prospect.

“Foster is a slick fighter. I have seen him on film two or three times. He is a good test, a risky fight, but this is what this sport is all about. I need these fights to get to the next level. I just have to take the fight to him.”

De Alba feels that a win on Friday night will not only get him his 6th consecutive win, but a significant fighter later in the year.

“Whatever a win does, it will lead to something better in my career. Hopefully a regional title fight and a world ranking.”

Friday night will be the 5th start for De Alba at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center, and the 30 year-old is ready to put in a good performance for his fans.

“I love fighting there. It is a close commute for my family and fans. I expect there to be a nice crowd for me on Friday. I want everybody to purchase tickets, and they can expect fireworks.”

In six-round bouts:

Craig Callaghan (17-1, 7 KOs) of Houston, TX will fight Cesar Soriano Berumen (28-37-2, 17 KOs) of Iztacalco, MX in a welterweight bout

IIn a battle of undefeated welterweights, Jesus Perez (3-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA squares off against Anthony Sonnier (3-0, 2 KOs) of Seattle, WA

James Robinson (4-9-4, 1 KO) of York, PA will take on Greg Jackson (8-5, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a junior middleweight bout.

In a four-round bout:

Martino Jules (3-0) of Allentown, PA will take on Vincent Jennings (5-4, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI in a featherweight bout.

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.

LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2018) – The 154-pound division continues to heat up as undefeated world champion Jermell Charlo defends his belt against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout Saturday, June 9 in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by WBA Super World Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz battling WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Abner Mares in an anticipated world title rematch.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

Super welterweight is one of the deepest and most ferociously contested divisions in boxing with unified champion Jarrett Hurd and Charlo on a collision course for supremacy in the weight class. Virtually all of the most significant fights in the division are taking place in 2018 on SHOWTIME, with the three consensus best fighters, and at least five of the consensus top-10, facing off in what has become an unofficial tournament.

Charlo (30-0, 15 KOs) has blasted his way to the top of the division, having stopped four of his last opponents by knockout. The 27-year-old from Houston won the title with a knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. Since then he has successfully defended it twice, including scoring a devastating first round knockout victory over top contender Erickson Lubin in his last fight in October and a Knockout of the Year contender against Charles Hatley in April. Charlo and his twin brother, Jermall, were the only twin brothers to hold world titles in the same weight class simultaneously before Jermall relinquished his 154-pound championship to campaign at 160 pounds.

“Trout is no journeyman. He’s a former world champion, someone who has a name and he comes to fight. The name means he’s worthy of another title challenge,” said Charlo. “Trout is the man that has been chosen for me and I have to take care of him. I’m super excited to be fighting and defending my title again.

“The only thing I’m going to tell you about what I’m going to do against Trout is, I’m going to surprise you guys. I plan to show my skills and show why I’m the best at 154 pounds. The most important thing is to make my mark and claim my territory.”

The 32-year-old Trout (31-4, 17 KOs) is one of most accomplished boxers in the 154-pound division, having stepped into the ring against champions like Miguel Cotto, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd. Representing Las Cruces, New Mexico, he won the super welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Rigoberto Alvarez in 2011. He successfully defended the title four times, including a victory over Cotto, before losing the championship to Alvarez in 2013 and a decision to Lara eight months later.

After winning four straight, Trout stepped in for a world championship against Jermall Charlo but lost a close unanimous decision in 2016, although he is the only person to go the distance with Jermall since 2015. Last October he took on Hurd for the title, but lost via 10th round TKO – the first time in his career that he’d ever been stopped. Trout is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel on Feb. 17.

“I’m more than excited. I’m happy because I’m still a threat in this game,” said Trout. “People can write me off all they want. Even when I was a champion people wrote me off. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I’m approaching it is as my last opportunity. Everybody is counting me out and I’m hoping he is too. I’m going to shock him and the world.

“I feel like I’ve done this before because I fought his brother. Jermell uses more of his skills where Jermall uses more of his brute strength. I fought the bigger one and I fought Hurd who was like his bigger brother. Now I get to fight someone who is closer to my size.”

# # #

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NORFOLK, VIRGINIA – April 11, 2018 – Philadelphia super-prospect Jaron “Boots” Ennis returns to the ring this Saturday in Norfolk, Virginia in an eight-round welterweight bout. Twenty year-old Ennis, who is co-promoted by Now Boxing Promotions and Victory Boxing Promotions, will face Maryland’s Samuel Amoako (23-17, 17KO).

It’s the second fight for the young fighter this year. In January, Ennis impressed in his hometown, dominating Gustavo Garibay throughout their fight, originally scheduled for six rounds, before stopping Garibay at 2:15 of the fourth round.

Saturday’s bout versus Samuel Amoako has the makings of a tougher fight for Ennis. Amoako has faced top competition during his professional career, and has only been stopped twice. “We expect a tough fight on Saturday,” said Now Boxing Promotions’ Cameron Dunkin. “Boots has had a couple months to prepare, and I know he’s ready for whatever Amoako brings to Norfolk.”

Victory Boxing Promotions’ Chris Middendorf is impressed with Ennis’ progress. “Boots is a terrific fighter, and he’s coming along great. He’ll be ready soon to face top competition in his weight class,” said Middendorf.

In March, Ennis was honored as “The One to Watch” at Philadelphia’s famed Briscoe Awards. It was Ennis’ third Briscoe Award, having previously been named Amateur of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

For tickets to Saturday’s event at Norfolk’s Masonic Temple, call (410) 499-5361. Fans are encouraged to help “knock out hunger,” and bring non-perishable food for the promotion’s food drive.

New York City (April 11, 2018) DiBella Entertainment has announced the signing of undefeated and world-rated lightweight “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr. (13-0, 7 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, to an exclusive, multi-year promotional contract.

Kambosos will make his DBE and U.S. debut on May 5, 2018, at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut as part of DBE’s Broadway Boxing series. Tickets priced at $125, $75 and $45 are available online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-200-2882. Internet streaming details will be announced in the coming days, including details about how to watch the event live in Australia. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance. Foxwoods Resort Casino is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338. Doors will open to the Fox Theater at 5:30 pm with the first bell at 6:00 pm.

Kambosos, 24, is ranked #5 by the WBA and #11 by the WBO and is coming off the most impressive performance of his five-year professional career. On October 13, 2017, Kambosos stopped Krai Setthaphon in the ninth round in Victoria, Australia, earning the WBA Oceania Lightweight Title.

“It is a pleasure for me to sign and join American powerhouse promotional company, DiBella Entertainment at this exciting stage of my career,” said Kambosos. “I’m looking forward to making my long-awaited American debut and moving in the right direction of becoming a world champion under the guidance of Lou DiBella and his team at DiBella Entertainment.

“I’d like to thank Lou for this opportunity to join such a successful American boxing promotional company, my U.S. advisor Peter Kahn for the hard work behind the scenes with this contract and my father and manager, Jim Kambosos, for securing these opportunities. American boxing, welcome Ferocious Kambosos!”

Kambosos recently relocated to Los Angeles to train under the guidance of a fellow Australian transplant: former heavyweight contender, Justin Fortune. Now, he is less than four weeks away from his first professional bout on American soil.

“I have been a fan of George Kambosos from afar for a long time; he is a genuine talent,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “George is not only one of the most talented prospects in boxing, but he possesses the charisma and the character to become a star. I will continue to heavily promote George in Australia, but I have no doubt of his ability to conquer the United States and inevitably become a force the world over.”

Kambosos has achieved a lot in a short time as a professional. However, his upbringing was not as easy. Kambosos was bullied at a young age and has worked extensively in Australia, speaking to pre-teens and teenagers in the hope of helping others.

“Not only is George a tremendous, world class fighter in the ring but the strength of his character speaks volumes in wanting give back to his community,” said DiBella. “Bullying is a worldwide epidemic and George is admirably committed to sharing his childhood stories to help others.”

Kambosos is managed by his father, Jim Kambosos. Peter Kahn serves as his advisor.

“As the manager and father of George Kambosos Jr., it is a great pleasure and an exciting future ahead for George to be now signed to a very reputable and successful promotional company, DiBella Entertainment,” said Jim Kambosos. “At Team Ferocious, we all strive for success and securing a successful contractual agreement with DiBella Entertainment is the first step toward George achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a lightweight world champion.

“I would like to thank Lou DiBella for this opportunity as well as Alex Dombroff from DiBella Entertainment for making us feel comfortable in our negotiations. I would like to also thank Peter Kahn for his hard work and as our advisor to Team Ferocious and Justin Fortune for his training and conditioning George and having him in great condition and fight ready.”

“This process started in July of 2017 after my most recent trip to Australia and has finally materialized into a long-term promotional agreement. I have no doubt that DiBella Entertainment will guide George the rest of the way to a world title,” said Kahn. “DiBella Entertainment’s track record speaks for itself including their current stable of fighters being some of the most dominant in the sport right now in addition to their up-and-coming prospects. George and DiBella Entertainment are a good fit and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for Team Kambosos.”

Kambosos’ DBE debut will be the last bout of the Broadway Boxing event to ensure that Kambosos does not enter the ring earlier than 11 AM local time on May 6 in Sydney, Australia.

Social Media
Twitter: @GeorgeKambosos
Facebook: @GeorgeFerociousKambososJr
Instagram: @GeorgeKambososJr

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (April 11, 2018) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and unbeaten former champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis shared updates from their training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida as they prepare for their respective showdowns on Saturday, April 21 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Adrien Broner battling former welterweight world champion Jessie Vargas in a 12-round bout. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features Davis meeting Jesus Cuellar as they square off for the WBA 130-pound Super Featherweight World Championship plus undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo clashing with once-beaten Hugo Centeno Jr. for the interim 160-pound world title.

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.

Broner and Davis are sharing camp in West Palm Beach for the first time under the guidance of head trainer Kevin Cunningham, a former St. Louis police officer who has worked with former world champions Devon Alexander and Cory Spinks.

Here is what the fighters, plus coach Cunningham, had to say about camp, April 21 and more:

ADRIEN BRONER

On changing trainers…
“I felt like it was time to change. I hear people say, ‘You are expected to change but you don’t, that’s why you end up in the same spots over and over’. So, I have to change something to get a different result. That’s why I had to step outside of the box and go for it.

“I had to change things. I had to add to my repertoire because I’m getting all that I can do out of what I’m doing but I keep coming up short for these fights that I’m supposed to be winning. So, it was time for a change.

“Looking back at all of my defeats, the only real punishment that I’ve taken in this sport was against [Marcos] Maidana-I got a fractured jaw. In the Shawn Porter fight, he outwrestled me and in the Mikey [Garcia] fight, he just outworked me. So, it’s time to add to my team and that’s why I got coach Kevin Cunningham. He’s going to bring out the best of Adrien Broner.”

On why he chose Kevin Cunningham?
“I’ve known Coach Cunningham since my amateur days. We used to go up to St. Louis all the time and fight in his tournaments, on his shows. I have even fought for St. Louis in the Ringside Tournament. It was a great experience.

“I’ve known Coach Cunningham for a long time. He is the real deal He is not going to B.S. me. He’s going to keep me on my toes. I need that.

“There are coaches that change when their fighters get to certain levels. They still coach, but they don’t provide the structure the fighter needs. When I was fighting at 130, 135, Coach Mike [Stafford] will be at my door yelling ‘Get your butt up. We have to run. We have to train. Get up! Get up!’ But time went by and things changed.

“Coach Mike stopped being a coach and started being more of a friend. I needed him to keep being my coach. I need someone to keep me in line. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll always be like a father figure but when it comes to training and my career. I needed a change.”

On training camp…
“I’m very happy with this camp. It’s just what I needed. I’m catching up with sleep, eating well. The isolated training is really good. I love everything about this camp.

“Training in isolation is really good for me. I told everybody that they were not coming to Florida with me, that I will see them all after the fight and that if they really love me they will understand the situation and they will be cool with it.

“I actually did a camp with Coach Kevin before when Devon Alexander fought Timothy Bradley. And I’ve seen the way he is. We had our arguments and he cussed me out almost every day, but I was just missing the structure and that’s what I need.”

On how he felt after losing to Mikey Garcia…
“I was upset. At the end of the day, nobody fixes my problems but me. I can take care of everybody when they have a problem, but nobody fixes my problems. There are one or two people that are there for me but at the end of the day, I told myself I have to get my life and career together.”

Reflecting on his career…
“I started my career young. I won titles in four weight classes. I’ve accomplished a lot and there’s still more to come. I got a lot of fighting left to do.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

On why he decided to do training camp with Kevin Cunningham…
“I was actually going to go to Colorado to train, but Adrien invited me to come down here to West Palm Beach to check out the camp. He said I should come to Florida to train with him and Kevin. So I came down, I saw Kevin’s routine and I really liked it.

“There were a lot of distractions in Baltimore and I think they were a problem for me. I needed to straighten my head and focus on the things I have to work on. It was time to set my camp somewhere else.

“I needed a change after my last fight. I let myself down. I learned to be a different fighter, more responsible. I let others down, but think I let myself down more than anything.”

On becoming one of the youngest champions in boxing…
“I was one of the youngest world champions in boxing. It is not that I was not prepared for it. I was just so young and it happened so quickly. I had to adapt to it. Live up to the hype. It was hard.”

On his opponent, Jesus Cuellar…
“I’m not really into researching my opponents-or other fighters other than the ones that I like. I just train hard and fight who is in front of me. I know a little bit about him [Jesus Cuellar]. I know that he can hit, that he’s not going to back down and that he’s a tough opponent. I believe he’s my toughest opponent to date. On April 21, we will see if he is ready. I know for sure I will be.”

On life in training camp when not at the gym…
“We have a big house that the coach provided for us. We all live together-Adrien and I. We go swimming and to the movies. We just chill. We are being responsible. No South Beach, no clubbing. Just training hard.”

On his relationship with Adrien Broner…
“What people don’t know is that I’ve been around Adrien since I was younger. I looked up to him. When Adrien came on the scene, he was super sharp and fast. I remember him. He used to come to the amateur tournaments.

“Adrien is like a big brother to me. We are just like a little brother, big brother. We are very competitive. We do not say it but we always want to outdo each other. For example, I usually run faster than he does, but sometimes he beats me. Yesterday he ran so fast I could not catch him. So today, I took the lead and ran even faster. We push each other to our best.”

On his plans for the future…
“I want to win more belts. I want to become a big star in boxing. I am going to put my work in the gym, put on a great performance in the ring and get back on track to become a world champion again.

“Being a world champion again is just a step closer towards my goal: I want to be a pay-per-view star. I want to be able to fight on pay-per-view against the big fighters and do big numbers.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM

On his relationship with Adrien Broner…
“I’ve known Adrian Broner for a very long time. I think I’ve known him since he was like eight years old and 60 pounds. He’s always been an extremely talented fighter. When he was a kid he was one of the most talented kids. He has always had boatloads of talent.”

On Broner’s shortcomings as a fighter…
“I think sometimes, he could be a little more focused and have a little more discipline in a lot of the different things he’s doing. I think he’s trying to turn the corner and get things moving in the right direction.”

On what caused Broner to come up short in recent big fights at higher weights…
“There are several things that could cause him to lose focus and come up a little short in some of the major fights. Some of it is the focus but there needs to be a little more discipline in terms of the training aspect and more structure. I think that’s what we’re working on here.”

On what he can do to improve Broner’s game…
“I think coming over here with me, he’s finding a lot more structure in the training aspect. It’s a totally different training program that I have him doing. I think that he’s ready for some new leadership. He’s ready to be a little more disciplined in his profession and I think it’s going to show on the 21st.”

On why this time will be different…
“I’ve heard from him like everybody has, but this time Broner really has done everything possible to rectify the situations that needed to be straightened out to help him propel his career and get back moving in the right direction – and it’s not just his boxing career; it’s also as a person – his personal life – and I’m here to help him out with that. He’s really working hard to get it right this time.”

On his history and background as a trainer and how it applies here…
“I’m known to be a stern and disciplined trainer, coach, and teacher. I’ve got a military and police background, so I don’t play a lot of games. We’re serious and we’re about business. When Broner made the decision to come with me, I knew that he was ready to take his career seriously because he knows what it’s like being here with me. He has to be about business, he has to be serious, and he has to be focused and disciplined. He made the choice to have me take over his training and take the lead as his head trainer and that’s what he’s getting when he’s dealing with me.”

On how he and Broner came together…
“A couple of weeks after the Mikey Garcia fight, he called me and he told me he was thinking about making some changes and that he wanted me to consider being his guide and taking the lead as head trainer. He asked me what I thought about that and I said, ‘You know what you’re getting when you come to me and if you’re going to be serious and focused about this, I’ll give you all I’ve got.’ And he said, ‘I’m serious.’ We started training together before camp started and I just saw a different look in his eyes. Ever since camp started he’s been nothing but hard work, dedication, and focus.”

On if he had any fears about their partnership…
“I told him upfront what I expected and what we needed to do and how things had to go. I told him that if he wasn’t ready to adhere to what I’m expecting, he shouldn’t waste his time or mine. He has done everything I’ve asked of him. Everything and more. He’s going to show that he’s ready to get himself together. He’s going to show the world on April 21 that he’s rededicated himself, he’s ready to reclaim the thrown.”

# # #

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.

LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2018): Super lightweight contender Javier “El Intocable” Molina (17-2, 8 KOs) will return to the ring to face Jessie Roman (22-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-round 140-pound battle in the main event of the June 1 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. and televised live on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar.

Molina, a 28-year-old native of Norwalk, Calif., is one third of a trio of brothers with boxing in their blood. Molina and his twin brother, Oscar, participated in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, while his brother Carlos was a super lightweight contender in his own right. Molina has faced stiff competition in a professional career that has spanned almost ten years.

“I can’t wait to make my return,” Javier Molina.”I have the amateur and professional experience to make a name for myself in the 140-pound division, and I’m positive that fans will walk away from this fight satisfied from an exciting night of boxing. Jessie Roman has been in tough fights, but on June 1 he will face his biggest challenge yet.”

Roman, of Santa Ana, Calif., is an experienced 26-year-old with an aggressive style. After a tough war against Eddie Ramirez in 2016, Roman has scored two stoppage victories in a row. Molina and Roman have styles that will promise toe-to-toe action on the historic Belasco stage.

“It has been my dream to fight in a Golden Boy Promotions event,” said Jessie Roman.”So, I’m excited for the opportunity to fight Javier Molina in this main event battle. I’m confident I’ll walk away with my third victory in a row, and I’m hungrier than ever because there will be bigger and better fights for me when I walk away with my hand up in victory.”

In the co-main event, Pablo “The Shark” Rubio (10-0, 3 KOs) and Rafael “El Alikin” Gramajo (9-1-2, 2 KOs) will clash in an exciting eight-round super bantamweight fight between two hometown favorites. Rubio is an undefeated prospect who, despite his long arms, fights with an explosive inside style. Gramajo, originally from Garden City, Kansas and a member of the Westside Boxing Club, is a forward-pushing fighter who will without a doubt engage in a war against Rubio.

Niko “Baby Face” Valdes (6-0, 5 KOs) will open the EstrellaTV broadcast in a six-round fight at super middleweight. Herbert Acevedo (14-2, 6 KOs), the hard-hitting native of Garden City, Kansas who is also a member of the Westside Boxing stable, will participate in a six-round fight in the welterweight division.

Opponents for this event will be announced shortly.

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

Media interested in attending the June 1 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, May 28 at 5:00 p.m., and can be found here. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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

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

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

Hailing from Northampton, Ultimate Boxxer contender #6 Drew Brown aims to show he’s the real deal.

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

Former Leeds footballer Tom Young believes the fast, aggressive, KO format in #ultimateboxxer suits his attacking style perfectly. Follow his journey @ultimateboxxer as all roads lead to the Manchester Arena on 27th April 2018.

Leeds hotshot Tom Young turned his back on a lucrative football career to achieve glory in the boxing ring and says he will get that when he wins Ultimate Boxxer.

As a teenager, the talented striker was on the books with Leeds United’s Academy and could have been looking at playing potentially in the top-flight.

But he also loved to fight and he made the decision to swap his football boots for boxing gloves and will now eye the top prize in Ultimate Boxxer 1 at the Manchester Arena on Friday, April 27.

Ultimate Boxxer I pairs eight undefeated and hungry welterweight fighters to go toe-to-toe in an exhilarating new elimination tournament – backed by ambassadors Ricky Hatton, Anthony Crolla and Paulie Malignaggi – to win a cash prize from a pool of £50,000 – and the chance to become boxing’s newest star.

The event offers fans more that just boxing with live entertainment acts and celebrities at ringside to give a transformed boxing experience for the next generation.

Young said, “Leeds United has been a very big part of my life,”

“I grew up around five minutes’ walk from Elland Road and started going there when I was just a kid,”

“Playing for Leeds was all I every wanted to do and with little else to do around here, football was always the dream. Alan Smith was from Rothwell and was a big inspiration when I was growing up,”

“I was a striker and scored loads of goals. I used to score seven or eight goals in a game, regularly. I would get the ball, take it round everyone and stick it in the net,”

“The teams I played for always won the league and cups and I was playing for Guiseley when I was scouted by Leeds. I was only 14 at the time and thought it was going to be the rest of my life,”

“I was devastated when Leeds released me and I got a disheartened playing for smaller clubs and was never the same player again,”

“I had been playing football since I was eight years old and to be honest I got a bit bored of it and felt I was going backwards,”

“I decided I needed a new career and a new challenge. I got myself into a bit of trouble in a few street fights and thought I had better learn how to fight.”

As Young remembers it, he was far from a natural.

“I was so nervous before my first white-collar fight,” said the 24-year-old, “because I hadn’t been training for very long and I thought I wasn’t very good.”

Young was still good enough to win on his debut – and he kept on winning.

He won all seven white-collar fights before deciding to turn professional with Michael Marsden.

He’s now won all four professional fights – one inside the distance – and in his last fight he made a return to Elland Road to fight in the Centenary Pavilion where he defeated MJ Hall on points.

Young had to take a job as a binman when he turned pro to make ends meet, but he quit that to pursue his dream of becoming a champion and to commit to training full-time. That hunger and desire, he believes, will take him to victory in Ultimate Boxxer.

“Ultimate Boxxer’ suits me down to the ground,”

“I love a good scrap and the fights are all three, three-minute rounds on the same night so I can go in there and really go for it,”

“I know the other lads in Ultimate Boxxer will all be hungry to win it, but I want to win this so much it hurts. I have to win it, I’m not going back to football or the bins, boxing is my life so I’m fighting for life,”

“Winning Ultimate Boxxer gives me a great chance to boost my career. When I saw Ricky Hatton, Paulie Malignaggi and Anthony Crolla at the launch of Ultimate Boxxer it made me realise just how massive this is going to be,”

“I’ve only had four fights and didn’t expect to get into something so big so soon. I thought I would be selling tickets to fight on small-hall shows for another year or two – and then Ultimate Boxxer came up,”

“Winning Ultimate Boxxer will give me opportunities that I would never get so early in my career. I can’t wait for it.”

BIO-FILE
Age: 24
Record: 4-0-0 (1 KO)
Amateur pedigree: None. He had seven white-collar fights and won the lot
Trainer: Michael Marsden
Cutman: Mick Marsden
Strengths: Aggression. He loves to fight.
Weaknesses: Is still a bit raw technically. Lacks ring experience Punch power: Only one KO, but he’s known as a volume puncher
Speed: Quick fisted and likes to let punches go
Stamina: Trainer Marsden says he can keep churning out punches for round after round
Anything else: Was with Leeds United FC’s Academy when he was a teenager

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Football team: Leeds United.
Personal & Family life: “Currently single. I have two sisters, three half brothers and a half sister.”
Music: “I love everything from Frank Sinatra to rap.”
Fashion: “I wear designer clothes. I like to be smart.”
Shoes: “Gucci trainers or Nike.”
Toughest moment: “My white-collar debut. I had just started – and I felt I wasn’t very good.”
Best moment: “Fighting at Leeds Arena. I always wanted to box there. That was a real buzz.”
Aspirations: “To win Ultimate Boxxer and take it from there. I just take whatever fight (manager) Mick (Marsden) puts in front of me.”
Nutrition: “I’m sponsored by a clean-eating company and my mum makes sure I eat the right sort of foods.”
Family Make-up: “I live with my mum and dad.”

Q&A
What got you into boxing? “I got bored of playing football and decided I needed a new challenge. I got into a few street fights and decided I had better learn how to fight.”
Who was your favourite fighter? “Mike Tyson.”
Amateur record and achievements? “I didn’t have any amateur bouts, just seven white collar and I won them all.”
What are your best assets as a fighter? “Aggression and workrate.”
What do you know about other fighters in Ultimate Boxxer? “I haven’t looked at them much. I just want to get in there and do my own thing.”
Goals in boxing? “Winning a belt would be good.”
Favourite TV show? Reality TV like Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex
Favourite meal when not in camp? I like a good gourmet burger and cheesecake
Hobbies? Golf in the summer and just being out with my mates for meals and nights out

For an introduction to yesterday’s Ultimate Boxxer Contender #6 Drew Brown CLICK HERE

For 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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11 April 2018 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the complete card for ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS, set for 18 May at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The absolute best in local and international martial arts talent are ready to showcase their incredible skills on the largest global platform of martial arts competition. In the main event, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee makes her highly-anticipated return to action to defend her title against Japanese veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi in a rematch.

Ticket information for ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS is available at www.onefc.com.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I am thrilled to announce ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest nights in the history of martial arts. Three world title bouts are set to take place in Singapore. Headlining the card is Asia’s biggest martial arts star, ‘Unstoppable’ Angela Lee, as she continues to embody the true warrior spirit of martial arts. She returns to the ONE Championship cage to resume her incredible career. Mei Yamaguchi is ready to give her a tough challenge however, and the two have danced inside the cage once before. Also, I am pleased to announce that Martin Nguyen will face Christian Lee in defense of his ONE Featherweight World Championship title. Martin has just come back from a tremendous battle with Bibiano Fernandes last March, and has made a quick turnaround to defend his featherweight title like a true world champion. Finally, we are set to crown the inaugural ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Champion, as Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and Sergio Wielzen vie for the title. It’s going to be a phenomenal night of action for sure, and fans will not want to miss the excitement at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.”

21-year-old “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore is considered one of ONE Championship’s most outstanding athletes. She captured the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship with an awe-inspiring victory over Mei Yamaguchi in 2016, and has since then defended the title successfully on two occasions. Lee’s beautiful combination of elite striking and grappling has proven to be a potent formula for success, as she has remained unbeaten in her career. In the most recent bout of an impressive run, Lee dominated top contender Istela Nunes, showcasing her wide array of skills. She is widely-considered on a global scale to be one of the biggest names actively competing in the sport. She is set to defend her title next against Yamaguchi in a rematch.

35-year-old Japanese martial arts veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi is a female atomweight standout and a former ONE world title challenger from Tokyo. She is the DEEP Jewels Featherweight Champion, and owns seven submissions and two knockouts in her 28-bout professional career. In 2016, Yamaguchi challenged Angela Lee for the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship in an epic showdown that would later win multiple ‘Bout of the Year’ honors from international media publications. In her last outing, Yamaguchi thoroughly defeated Gina Iniong of the Philippines to win impressively by unanimous decision after three rounds. Yamaguchi is now set to take on champion Angela Lee in a highly-anticipated rematch.

34-year-old Sam-A Gaiyanghadao is a Muay Thai legend and multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium world champion who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. As a Muay Thai practitioner, Sam-A owns a record of 364-46-9, and was known for his strong defense and counter offense. An instructor at Evolve in Singapore and a member of the prestigious Evolve Fight Team, Sam-A made his first ONE Championship appearance last January against Joseph Lasiri in the first-ever Muay Thai bout inside the ONE Championship cage. Sam-A is set to lock horns with Sergio Wielzen, whom he will compete against for the inaugural ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Championship.

Lion Fight Muay Thai World Lightweight Champion, Sergio “Little One” Wielzen of Suriname is a Dutch-based martial artist training out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. With a professional kickboxing record of 45-18-2, Wielzen has built a reputation as being an explosive striker with stunning knockout power. Despite being physically smaller than most of his opponents, Wielzen has won many of his bouts by knockout. He is also a former It’s Showtime 61MAX world champion. Wielzen is set to make his ONE Super Series debut opposite Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.

29-year-old Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen is one of the most highly-regarded martial arts champions in the world. With an impressive 10-2 professional record, which includes three submissions and seven knockouts, Nguyen’s all-around skill set allows him to perform at the highest level of competition. All of Nguyen’s wins have come by exciting finish. Last November, Nguyen scored a scintillating knockout victory over the Philippines’ Eduard Folayang to become the first man in the history of ONE Championship to hold two titles simultaneously in different weight divisions, reigning as both ONE Featherweight & Lightweight World Champion. In his last bout, Nguyen figured in a historic showdown with ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes in Bangkok. Nguyen now makes a quick turnaround however, jumping right back into action as he defends his featherweight title against Christian Lee.

19-year-old Christian “The Warrior” Lee, younger brother of reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, began his professional career on an absolute tear, railing off five straight victories by thrilling finish. He has impressed fans with his ability to seek out stoppage wins over top-caliber opponents featuring an exciting fan-friendly style. A former Pankration World Champion, Lee toppled Japanese veteran Kazunori Yokota in his most recent bout, winning via second-round guillotine choke to improve his record to 9-1. Riding an impressive four-bout winning streak with all four wins coming by finish, Lee is set to showcase his skills once more inside the ONE Championship cage. In his next bout, Lee has the chance to become a world champion when he challenges Martin Nguyen, the only man to ever defeat him, for the ONE Featherweight World Championship.

32-year-old Yodsanklai Fairtex is one of the most recognizable names in the world of Muay Thai. Known by the moniker “The Boxing Computer” as a testament to his impeccable in-ring techniques, he has won numerous championships in his stellar kickboxing career, including the WBC Super Welterweight Muay Thai World Championship and the coveted Lumpinee Stadium World Championship. Yodsanklai will face Chris Ngimbi in his ONE Super Series debut.

Chris “The African Warrior” Ngimbi is a Congolese-Dutch kickboxer who hails from Eindhoven, Netherlands. Having nearly 70 bouts under his belt, Ngimbi has a long list of international accolades as a competitor. He looks to bolster his glowing repertoire as a global kickboxing superstar, as he battles Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai Fairtex in ONE Super Series.

Global martial arts veteran Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Shizuoka, Japan, is one of the world’s most decorated athletes. He is a DREAM Lightweight Champion, Shooto Welterweight Champion, and former ONE Lightweight World Champion. The 34-year-old Aoki is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the famed Yuki Nakai, and has won multiple grappling tournaments all over the world. Aoki also holds a black belt in judo and is widely considered one of the best pure grapplers in professional martial arts competition today. In his next bout, Aoki looks to regain his status among the promotion’s top lightweights as he takes on Rasul Yakhyaev.

26-year-old Rasul Yakhyaev of Grozny, Russia, is a lightweight competitor who has racked up a solid following over his seven-year professional career. A jiu-jitsu and combat sambo practitioner, he is adept in both striking and mat techniques, and is considered a solid contender with tremendous combat skills. A well-rounded warrior, four of Yakhyaev’s victories have come by submission while three have come by knockout. After establishing a name for himself in Eastern Europe, he made his ONE Championship debut in December of 2015. In his most recent contest, Yakhyaev defeated highly-regarded lightweight Shannon Wiratchai by unanimous decision. He now seeks to take his career to the next level against former world champion Shinya Aoki.

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the legendary Team Lakay in Baguio City is one of the Philippines’ most experienced martial artists. After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, Folayang has amassed an impressive 18-6 professional record. The 34-year-old veteran has reinvented himself by transitioning from a pure striker to an all-around martial artist, showcasing a highly-improved wrestling and grappling arsenal. Now set to return to the ONE Championship cage in Singapore, Folayang will face Kharun Atlangeriev with the intention of putting himself back in the world title picture.

25-year-old Kharun “Predator” Atlangeriev of Russia is an unbeaten martial artist with a perfect 11-0 record. Atlangeriev has gone the distance just once in his professional stint, as ten of his 11 career wins have come by way of finish. He eyes to make an impact in his ONE Championship debut by defeating a former world titleholder in Eduard Folayang.

23-year-old Singaporean top lightweight contender Amir Khan is a martial artist with a stellar professional record of 9-3. He is considered one of the most promising young talents to represent Singapore on the global stage of martial arts. Khan has won an impressive six of his last seven bouts, and owns eight spectacular finishes on his resume. A certified action star, Khan’s record includes one win by submission and seven devastating knockouts. Next in line for Khan is newcomer Sung Jong Lee.

Sung Jong Lee of Cheonan, South Korea, is a 32-year-old martial artist set to compete in the talented lightweight division of ONE Championship. Lee holds a professional record of four wins and one loss. Always looking to finish on the mat, Lee is a dangerous grappler who is capable of ending matches in a variety of ways. Lee steps inside the ONE Championship cage for the first time at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS as he is set to face Singaporean hometown hero Amir Khan.

Singtongnoi Por Telakun is one of the most popular Muay Thai practitioners in Thailand, winning numerous prestigious titles throughout his celebrated career, such as the Lumpinee Muay Thai World Championship and WMC Muay Thai World Championship. Famous for his relentless style in the ring, Singtongnoi has beaten some of Thailand’s biggest Muay Thai superstars. Singtongnoi will make his ONE Super Series debut opposite Joseph Lasiri.

A product of the flourishing Muay Thai scene in Milan, Italy, 26-year-old Joseph Lasiri has become one of Europe’s most well-respected kickboxing competitors. Under the tutelage of Diego Calzolari, the first Italian to ever win at the world-famous Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, he captured the WBA Super Bantamweight and interim WBC Super Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championships. Lasiri made his first ONE Championship appearance last January against multi-division Lumpinee World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in the first-ever Muay Thai bout inside the ONE Championship cage. In his next outing, Lasiri seeks to redeem himself as he takes on Thailand’s Singtongnoi Por Telakun in ONE Super Series.

Huang Shi Hao of Singapore is a 25-year-old martial artist set to compete in ONE Championship’s stacked bantamweight division. A decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, Huang hones his skills to be a complete martial artist at the Singapore BJJ gym. After dominating the amateur ranks with his exquisite talent, Shi Hao fully realizes his dream to be a professional athlete, as he is scheduled to make his ONE Championship debut against China’s Xie Bin.

20-year-old Xie Bin of China is one of the most talented young fighters to come out of Tianjin. He started off his martial arts career with a victory over compatriot Ma Shuang at ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS and has since put on several thrilling shows as a professional. In his last bout, Xie submitted Cambodia’s Chan Rothana with an impressive second-round Brabo choke. He is currently riding a two-bout winning streak and will look to push it to three when he takes on Huang Shi Hao.

Indonesian martial arts veteran “The Terminator” Sunoto is a ONE Championship bantamweight and a former WKF Indonesia Champion. Representing IndoGym and Team Phantom, Sunoto features a style that combines elements of kickboxing, karate, and jiu-jitsu. With a penchant for scoring spectacular finishes, five of Sunoto’s eight victories have ended before the final bell. The 33-year-old is known as an aggressive warrior who never backs down from a challenge. In his last outing, Sunoto continued to impress on the global stage, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision. His next bout will be against Roel Rosauro of the Philippines.

29-year-old Roel “Akiyama” Rosauro of Cebu City, Philippines, is a Filipino martial arts prospect who trains in the art of Yaw-Yan. A striking specialist, Rosauro is known for his powerful hands and lightning-quick punches. Rosauro made his promotional debut at ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD opposite China’s Li Kai Wen, joining a growing list of promising talents in ONE Championship. He now returns to action as a bantamweight, seeking victory against Indonesian martial arts veteran Sunoto.

ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS

Friday, 18 May, 7:00 PM local time

Singapore Indoor Stadium

Main Event

Angela Lee vs Mei Yamaguchi

ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship

Global Rule Set: 52.2kg

Main Card

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao vs Sergio Wielzen

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight World Championship

ONE Super Series: 61.2kg

Martin Nguyen vs Christian Lee

ONE Featherweight World Championship

Global Rule Set: 70.3kg

Yodsanklai Fairtex vs Chris Ngimbi

ONE Super Series: 72.5kg

Shinya Aoki vs Rasul Yakhyaev

Global Rule Set: 77.1kg

Eduard Folayang vs Kharun Atlangeriev

Global Rule Set: 77.1kg

Amir Khan vs Sung Jong Lee

Global Rule Set: 77.1kg

Prelims

Singtongnoi Por Telakun vs Joseph Lasiri

ONE Super Series: 61.2kg

Shi Hao Huang vs Xie Bin

Global Rule Set: 65.8kg

Roel Rosauro vs Sunoto

Global Rule Set: 65.8kg

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.

LOS ANGELES (April 10, 2018) – Featherweight world champions Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares met face to face at a press conference in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday and discussed their world championship rematch taking place Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Santa Cruz and Mares first battled in August 2015 at STAPLES Center with Santa Cruz earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. Now, Santa Cruz will put his WBA Super World Featherweight Title on the line against the WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Mares.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday at the open to the public press conference from STAPLES Center in Star Plaza in Los Angeles:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“It was a really close fight the first time. Before the fight, I told him I would give him the rematch, just like I would have wanted if I lost. Now is the time and I think this fight is going to be even better than the first fight. Mares will be better with Robert Garcia. He has many champions and I’ve seen the improvement. That’s great motivation for me.

“I know he’s going to seek revenge, but I’m not going to let that happen. My dad is a smart man too and he always knows how to send me to the ring with the right style.

“When two Mexicans get in there, you know it’s going to be a war. I hope everyone comes out June 9 because it’s going to be a fight to remember.

“Every time I step into the ring, I do it for the fans. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. I always want the fans to go home happy. I want to give the fans a great show on June 9 just like in the first fight.

“I think that Abner is going to be a little smarter than the first fight. He said in the first fight he didn’t train for the right fight. I know Robert Garcia will have him bring a smarter fight. We’ll be able to adjust and do what we have to do to win this one.

“I have to make some little changes. There will be adjustments. We have to be prepared to box. I’ll listen to what my dad tells me to do. We’ll know early and take it from there. I know how to fight different styles, but brawling is what the fans love. I’m going to do that while still being smart in the ring.

“This fight is dedicated to my dad as he battles cancer. The only way I can pay him back or try to lift his spirits is to train hard in the gym and give him this win. If he sees me not giving up, I think it will give him the courage to keep fighting his battle.

“It was hard after the loss to Carl Frampton. I got a lot of fan support that inspired me to get back to training and win my title in the rematch. My plan was to retire undefeated, but at the end of the day, the loss means nothing. As long as I give the fans great fights, that’s all that matters.”

ABNER MARES

“This is going to be another great one. Leo Santa Cruz is a great person and a humble guy. You have to be the bad guy against Leo. I could talk about what I’m going to do in the ring, but my fists and my brain will do the work for me.

“Once we get in the ring, you already know what it’s going to be. It was war from the first bell last time. Nothing could stop either of us. We pleased the fans and gave them a great night. This is going to be the same thing. We’re two young fighters, fighting for pride.

“The fight is here now and it’s official. I’m eager to get this win and get redemption. There were things I could have done that would have made the fight easier for myself. Once you get in there, I know we all have a plan, but once you hear the crowd, it can go out the window. I’m a warrior and that type of fighter who’s looking to get the win no matter what.

“I’m not worried about the decision in the first fight. I think he landed the clearer punches but it was definitely a close fight. I was happy with my performance as far as pleasing the crowd. I’ve moved on to the rematch. I’m going to make adjustments and get the win.

“I can talk about how I’ve changed, but you just need to look at my last two performances. People thought Jesus Cuellar was going to knock me out, but I was the one who dropped him That lets you know what type of team I have and what kind of Abner Mares you will see on June 9.

“It feels good to be back fighting Leo for the second time at STAPLES Center. Every time I fight here in Los Angeles the people show me love. This is my hometown and STAPLES Center is my house.

“I’ve always seen holes in Leo’s game that I can take advantage of. It’s a matter of going in there with the perfect game plan. I feel like there’s no way I can lose this fight. That makes it a more exciting fight. If he wants to box, I’m more natural than him doing that. We’ll see who’s done their homework and who can translate it to the ring.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer

“My fight with cancer is the toughest one of all. But I’m fighting very hard and I’m not going anywhere. I’m right there by Leo’s side all the way for this fight.

“For the first fight for Frampton, I had to try to prepare Leo from a distance. This fight is different because I’m right there every step of the way. I’m telling him what to do and guide him every day.

“I think Leo is even more prepared this time than for the first fight with Mares. Leo is doing great mentally because he’s such a brave kid. I tell him not to worry about me and to keep working hard. He seems really motivated right now. He knows he’s doing well.

“Right now we’re working on maintaining speed, being smart and not looking for too much of a clash of a fight. I know Leo can win with his speed and his brain. He’s learning and growing as a fighter. I think Mares has reached his peak. Robert Garcia is a great trainer, but at a certain point, there’s nothing the fighter can do to surprise anyone.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“I was there live for the first fight and it was a great matchup. I knew then that Abner was much better than the fight he gave that night. He left the fans happy, which is all that matters to him. But with me in the corner, it should be a different fight.

“I think the fans have seen what we’ve done with Abner for his last two fights and they know that it’s going to lead to a totally different outcome in this fight.

“Abner tried to blitz Leo from the first bell and he knows that was a mistake. Leo is a tremendous fighter and you can never count Leo out. He takes a great punch and throws a lot. I think working with me for three years now will work out in Abner’s favor.

“Leo always goes out and pleases the crowd. That’s what he loves to do. It’s my job to get Abner to fight smart and not focus on the crowd. He has to focus on what I’m telling him. I’ll do what I have to to make sure he is.

“We’ve been training already for a little over a month. Sparring will start next week. Having Abner in the gym, we’ve taken his strength and conditioning to a level where he’s really doing the right work. He’s giving me good work each day so I know he’s focused.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is one of the most anticipated fights of the sport. It’s a rematch we’ve all been waiting for between great warriors in Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.

“STAPLES Center has a rich tradition of bringing the best and biggest fights in Los Angeles here to this fantastic venue. STAPLES Center always seems to bring out the best in fighters as they fight under the brightest lights.

“Week after week we are witnessing great battles and great matchups on SHOWTIME. Every week is another ‘Fight of the Year’. They are pushing the best to fight the best and that is what we are going to see with these two great fighters on June 9 in Los Angles.

“We all witnessed the great first fight. Over 2,000 punches were thrown between these two fighters. It’s impossible when you have Leo and Abner in the ring to see a boring fight. We are going to have the pleasure of seeing these two guys going again. Once again, it’s a 50-50 fight. We don’t know who’s going to win, but we do know it will be all action here at STAPLES Center.

“Abner is a tremendous fighter inside of the ring and one of the most decorated fighters in recent history to come out of Mexico, but he’s equally impressive outside of the ring. He has a fantastic family and is truly one of the good guys in the sport of boxing.

“I’ve known Leo and his family for a long time and have been involved in many of his fights. He is truly, just like Abner, a family man who just so happens to be one of the best fighters in the world. He’s certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world and it’s my pleasure to be able to watch him fight again on June 9.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be an incredible night. Los Angeles has always been a great fight town going back more than a hundred years. Any time you put two Mexican warriors together like this, you can’t help but get another great fight night in Los Angeles.

“In the first fight, Santa Cruz won an incredibly hard fought decision over Mares. From the opening bell they blasted away at each other, the crowd went wild and there was an all-out brawl underway for 12 grueling rounds.

“The last fight with this kind of significance in Los Angeles was when Bobby Chacon stopped Danny ‘Little Red’ Lopez in a now legendary featherweight fight in 1974. They fought for the mythical city championship on that night. While there are world titles on the line in this fight, I also know that these fighters have a lot of pride in Los Angeles and they’ll be fighting for the championship of this city on June 9.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

It takes a big man to go into another undefeated fighter’s hometown and take him down, but as the biggest super welterweight in boxing history, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora is more than up to the task.

The 6-foot-6 Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) will face Minnesota-based KO artist Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 KOs) this Friday, April 13, in an eight-round showdown at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The pair will meet on the undercard of the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes event featuring hometown welterweight Jamal James taking on Abel Ramos (9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT)

Presented by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, the event will also see rugged veteran Edner Cherry battling rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert clashing in an eight-round match between unbeaten super featherweight prospects. Also appearing on the card is sensational 17-year-old 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion.

Tickets for the live event, which is, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com.

“I’ve fought in other people’s backyards and I’ve already beaten undefeated fighters too, so I’m used to this,” said Fundora, a confident 20-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California. “I don’t know much about Owens, but it feels great being able to fight tougher opponents. People are now able to view my full capabilities, instead of knocking guys out in the first round and it doesn’t mean as much.”

With a heavyweight’s reach and height, Fundora is massive for a 154-lb fighter… a natural gift he works on in the gym to its full advantage.

“We trained hard and worked a lot on distance and a lot more power and strength for this fight. I’m not just the biggest, I’m also stronger than anybody else. We started training for this in January. After my last fight, in Argentina, I took a week off and then started working on conditioning in Big Bear. It’s been a great camp.”

Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, says “The Towering Inferno” is more than a “gimmick fighter.”

“He’s for real,” said Lewkowicz. “He’s already beaten some good fighters. How he puts all that size and strength into 154 lbs., I do not know, but Fundora is too big for anyone at this weight. You have to get inside on him and it’s just too far to go because he’s punishing you for every inch you try to take.”

“I’m more than happy with the way things are going,” continued Fundora. “A victory in this fight would be a good stepping stone to hopefully fight for a regional belt next. I will have a lot of opportunities after I win.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

MINNEAPOLIS (April 10, 2018) – Premier Boxing Champions kicks off the 2018 season on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Friday, April 13 with five action-packed bouts on a three-hour televised show from the Armory in Minneapolis, featuring welterweight contender Jamal James battling Abel Ramos in a 10-round main event in front of his hometown crowd.

In the co-main event, rugged veteran Edner Cherry clashes with rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super featherweights Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert square off in an eight-round match.

Plus, exciting 6-foot-6 super welterweight Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) will take on Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round match of unbeaten prospects. Sensational 18-year-old, 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion, battles Ousmane Sylla (1-2, 1 KOs) in a four round match. The televised action starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The event marks the return of boxing to the Minneapolis Armory, a historic venue that hosted nearly 100 cards between 1915 and 1973, including a show headlined by all-time great Sugar Ray Robinson in 1942.

“This show is the perfect example of what Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes is all about – boxers at various stages of their career, each with something to prove in all action matches,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The stakes are raised for Jamal James because he’s fighting in front of his hometown crowd and yo get in title the mix at 147 pounds and Abel Ramos wants to spoil all of that.

“Veteran Edner Cherry, who has tangled with Paulie Malignaggi and Timothy Bradley, and Dennis Galarza are both looking fighting to get into title contention. And it’s rare for unbeaten prospects like Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert to clash this soon in their careers. It all promises to be an exciting night of boxing on a night when the sports calendar isn’t crowded.”

James (22-1, 10 KOs) is coming off the biggest victory of his career – a knockout over tough veteran Diego Chaves on Dec. 15. The 29-year-old James joined unified 147-pound champion Keith Thurman as the only boxer to have knocked out the durable Argentine. It was James second straight victory since suffering the only loss of his career – a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 12, 2016. James hasn’t fought in his hometown of Minneapolis since he scored a unanimous decision over Mohammed Kayongo in 2013.

Ramos (18-2-2, 13 KOs) will complete his move to the welterweight division by taking on James after making his welterweight debut with a stoppage of Emmanuel Robles last July. The 26-year-old out of Arizona has won three of his last four fights and his only pro defeats have come at the hands of top 140-pound contenders Regis Prograis and Ivan Baranchyk.

Cherry (36-7-2, 19 KOs) has defeated once-beaten contenders Haskell Rhodes and Omar Douglas since losing a split decision to Jose Pedraza in a 130-pound world title match in 2015. The 35-year-old Cherry of Wauchula, Florida has previously challenged Tim Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi during his career that included a 10-fight win streak after the Bradley bout.

Galarza (16-2, 9 KOs), an outstanding amateur boxer, is stepping up in competition with this matchup against the more experienced Cherry. The 25-year-old Galarza, who’s from Brooklyn but trains in Orlando, has won three straight fights since losing a split decision to Cesar Alan Valenzuela on Sept. 16, 2016.

Dulay (11-0, 8 KOs) was busy last year, fighting four times with only one fight going the distance. The 22-year-old southpaw from Nashville, Tennessee most recently scored a TKO victory over Carlos Padilla last August.

Colbert (7-0, 2 KOs) has one of the most decorated amateur careers in New York City as he fights out of the renowned Atlas Cops and Kids Gym in Brooklyn. The 21-year-old is noted for his blazing hand and foot speed and he enters this fight coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Titus Williams last November.

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 10, 2018) Irish welterweight prospect PADDY ‘Pat-Man” GALLAGHER,(13-3-0, 8 KO’s) of Belfast, Northern Ireland will now battle BRAD SOLOMON, (27-1-0, 9 KO’s), of Douglasville, GA in the first round of ‘The Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Tournament’ set for Friday, April 27, 2018 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY.

Gallagher replaces the injured RADZHAB BUTAEVwho suffered a right shoulder injury this past week.

“Radzhab Butaev was very much looking forward to competing in the ‘Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Tournament’ but unfortunately he suffered a shoulder injury in training that will require treatment and possibly surgery,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, promoter of Butaev. “He’ll be out of the ring for some period and hopes to be back as quickly as possible.”

“It’s unfortunate that Butaev injured his shoulder in training however Paddy Gallagher was training to fight Francisco Santana as alternates on April 27 and he’s very excited now to be fighting in the first round of the tournament against Brad Solomon,” said Evander Holyfield.

Presented by Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxing, in association with the World Boxing Council and Louisville’s Top Knotch, tickets starting at $35 are now on sale and be purchased through the KFC Yum! Center box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. The KFC Yum! Center is located at 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m.

Said Gallagher, “This is a dream opportunity to fight in this tournament. It was a big risk taking the alternative position but a risk that has paid off – sums up my career! The fight with Solomon will be a quality fight and one where I will come out on top.”

“A massive thanks to The Real Deal Boxing, the World Boxing Council and my management team MTK GLOBAL. The past year has been my best as a professional so far and this year will be even better.”

The 28-year-old Gallagher, a professional for six years will be making his United States debut when he battles Solomon. Two fights ago, he scored the biggest victory of his career stopping then undefeated Gary Murray in the tenth round on October 6, 2017 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The win earned Gallagher the British Boxing Board of Control Commonwealth Celtic Welterweight Title.

Gallagher has also beaten three other undefeated prospects; Tamuka Mucha, Tony Dixon and Johnny Coyle.

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

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

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

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

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

All bouts are scheduled for ten rounds. A new alternate will be announced shortly.

Included among the unique judging aspects set forth for the tournament;

–Development and implementation of a standardized scoring process that clearly defines how the judges should score each bout.

–Additional judges to minimize margin of error. A fourth judge will be placed at ringside and a fifth judge will be placed in front of a TV monitor with no audio commentary. All five judges’ scorecards will be used if the fight goes the distance.

–Employment of an Open Scoring concept to allow fighters the knowledge if they are winning or losing a fight.

–Assignment of Neutral and Experienced Judges throughout the tournament.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @TheRealDealPromotions, @WBCBoxing @KFCYumCenter

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

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

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

New York City, April 10, 2018

Star Boxing returns to Mohegan Sun on June 30th, for another edition of the exciting “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster!

“SLUGFEST at the SUN” promises to bring the summer heat, to Mohegan Sun. Be sure to get your tickets now, through Ticketmaster, HERE.

ABOUT “SLUGFEST at the SUN”:
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series is the premier professional boxing experience in Connecticut. Live from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” has seen some of the best and brightness in boxing. This includes, two-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, amongst many others.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Joe DeGuardia, has consistently given the boxing fans of Connecticut, world class fights, right in their own backyard. “SLUGFEST at the SUN” also gives the northeast’s rising boxing stars an avenue to world title contention. From world title fights, to world class boxing skill, Mohegan Sun has seen it all, delivered by Star Boxing.

The “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series offers an affordable, fan friendly, entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to have you on your feet from the opening bell.

On June 30th, Star Boxing plans to start your summer off right, with yet another thrilling “SLUGFEST at the SUN” experience.
GET YOUR “SLUGFEST at the SUN” TICKETS TODAY!
FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2018
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS:
Tickets starting at $30.00 are now on sale through Mohegan Sun Box Office, Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000. Additional information and ticket links available by visiting www.starboxing.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
For more information follow Star Boxing on Twitter and Instagram; @StarBoxing, Facebook; www.facebook.com/StarBoxing; visit www.StarBoxing.com or Mohegan Sun on Twitter and Instagram; @MoheganSun, Facebook; www.facebook.com/MoheganSun. Follow the conversation by tweeting #SLUGFESTattheSUN

Philadelphia, PA—Super middleweight contender Jesse Hart wants to be a world champion, not only for himself, but also for his dad, Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, the power-punching Philadelphia middleweight from the 1970s who never got his chance.
The younger Hart, 28, puts his world championship hopes on the line when he boxes Demond Nicholson, of Laurel, MD, in one of three ESPN-televised fights Saturday, April 28, from the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University.
“Before I’m finished boxing, I want to win the world title for my dad since he never got a chance himself,” Jesse said. “It would mean everything to me.”
The Hart-Nicholson 10-rounder is for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title and will serve as the semifinal to the 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight title fight between champion Jessie Magdaleno, of Las Vegas, NV, and mandatory challenger Isaac Dogboe, of Accra, Ghana. The 7pm (EST) televised opener features a pair of Philadelphia heavyweights, Bryant Jennings and Joey Dawejko, for the vacant Pennsylvania Heavyweight Title, also set for 10 rounds.
The nine-fight card, which begins at 4 pm (EST), is being promoted by Top Rank, Inc., in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc.
After turning pro in 1969, “Cyclone” Hart knocked out his first 19 opponents and 17 of those fights were promoted by Peltz. Overall, Peltz promoted 27 of Hart’s 41 fights.
“I began watching fights on TV in 1959,” Peltz said. “I was in Madison Square Garden the night Bob Foster knocked out Dick Tiger with that big left hook in 1969 and I also was the Garden when Joe Frazier dropped Muhammad Ali in the 15th round in 1971, but I still consider ‘Cyclone’ Hart to be the deadliest puncher with the left hook I ever saw. No one in my memory could turn a left hook over with power and speed and accuracy the way Hart did. No one!”
One month after knocking out veteran contender Stanley Kitten” Hayward in 60 seconds, ‘Cyclone’ had his knockout streak broken by Don Fullmer in June, 1971, though he still won by 10-round decision. He followed by knocking out Fate Davis in five rounds and he was 21-0, 20 K0s, and heading toward the middleweight title when his world turned upside down—literally.
In September, 1971, during a fight with veteran contender Denny Moyer, Hart and his Portland, OR, opponent were trading shots in close during the sixth round when both men fell through a sagging rope and landed on the concrete floor of The Spectrum. Moyer injured an ankle and Hart was knocked temporarily unconscious. The fight was declared a No Contest. Two fights later, Moyer challenged world champ Carlos Monzon and was stopped in five rounds in Rome, Italy.
Hart was never the same after fighting Moyer, going 9-9-1. He knocked out Matt Donovan in his next match, then was stopped twice by Nate Collins and Jose “Monon” Gonzalez. He beat Sugar Ray Seales in the summer of 1975 and followed that with a career-best 10-round draw against Bennie Briscoe at The Spectrum that November. Knockout losses to Briscoe (in the rematch) and to future world champs Marvin Hagler and Vito Antuofermo ended his career in 1977 at the age of 25. He made one ill-fated return in 1982 and lost to Tony Suero in Atlantic City. At the end, he was 30-9-2, 28 K0s.
The younger Hart is trying to win a world title for dad, even if it’s in an era where world titles are more plentiful. “Cyclone” had only one champion to deal with—Monzon–and there were plenty of quality challengers around—Briscoe, Tom Bogs, Emile Griffith, Jean-Claude Bouttier, Jose Napoles, Tony Mundine.
Jesse fought bravely last September in Tucson, AZ, getting off the canvas in round two to give Gilberto Ramirez all he could handling before losing a 12-round decision for the WBO 168-pound title. He is back as the No. 1 contender for Ramirez and as high as No. 3 for WBC champion David Benavidez.
If he is successful against Nicholson, chances are Hart will find himself in another world championship fight before the end of 2018.
And that should make him and dad happy.

Hailing from Northampton, Ultimate Boxxer contender #6 Drew Brown aims to show he’s the real deal.

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

Boxing since the age of 10, Drew Brown, a volume puncher believes he has the pedigree & passion to bring the trophy home to Northampton. Follow his journey @ultimateboxxer as all roads lead to the Manchester Arena on 27th April 2018.

Punching machine Drew Brown aims to stick the boot in and put Northampton on the world stage again by winning boxing’s exciting new tournament Ultimate Boxxer.

The undefeated 21-year-old enters the debut Ultimate Boxxer event on Friday 27th April at the Manchester Arena and believes he can win the tough one-night elimination contest and be crowned the first ever winner.

Usually boxers are born out of tough inner-cities, where hardship and few opportunities in life force them to fight their way out of poverty in a rags-to-riches story of world title glory.

However, Brown hails from the quiet market town of Northampton in the heart of England, often described as the Rose of the Shires, more known for its beautiful countryside, thatched cottages and parish churches.

Northampton was once the centre of the world’s boot and shoe making industry which gave rise to the nickname The Cobblers of the local football team. And Nearby Silverstone hosts the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at the iconic race track.

There’s never been a British boxing champion from Northampton and Brown intends to change that. The last Northampton fighter to challenge for the British title was hard-as-nails Alan Bosworth way back in 2002, Like Bosworth, Brown is a product of Far Cotton Amateur Boxing Club.

The diversity of contenders in Ultimate Boxxer gives all fighters who have not had the golden opportunities in their careers to really punch their way to glory and become boxing’s next big star – and Brown aims to be that man.

Brown, who has won all seven pro fights with exciting all-action style, said: “I can’t wait for Friday 27th April in Manchester and show everyone that I’m the Ultimate Boxxer,”

“I’m a fighter from a small town, maybe some people or my rivals in Ultimate Boxxer have never heard of Northampton, but they will do after this tournament,”

“I might not come out of an inner city, but I’ve still got the heart and desire for a fight, I’d warn them don’t mistake where I come from as weakness, underestimate me at your peril,”

“Ultimate Boxxer has given me an opportunity, regardless of my background, to be discovered, it’s a platform to showcase my talent to the world. When opportunities like this present themselves you have to grab it and that’s what I intend to do,”

“People in Northampton will remember me forever if I win it. That would put me in the history books,”

“I’ve been going to the boxing gym since I was 10 years old and I’ve been going there every day since with the aim of becoming a champion one day, the dream is the British title.”

The Danny Garcia fan won 32 of 42 amateur bouts and still trains at the gym where he started with ex-pro John Daly.

His gym mates include women’s world champion Chantelle Cameron, super-flyweight contender Nathan Reeve and Carl Fail, who last month won silver at the European Under-22 Championship.

“The vibe at the gym is amazing,” said Brown. “Everywhere I look I see champions and we all push each other.

“Chantelle is a machine. She is a real inspiration.”

“As soon as I heard about ‘Ultimate Boxxer,’ I thought; ‘This is right up my street.’

“The other fighters are six, eight and 10-round fighters. They want to jab and jab and walk you down, while I like to get stuck it and throw lots of punches.

“I’m confident I will be able to outwork them all and win this.”

BIO-FILE
Age: 21
Record: 7-0-0
Amateur pedigree: 42 bouts for Far Cotton Amateur Boxing Club in Northampton
Trainer: John Daly/Spencer McCracken
Cutman: Jon Pegg
Strengths: Loves to fight. Starts fast and throws lots of combinations. He will be big for the weight. Brown has been campaigning at super-welterweight
Weaknesses: His tendency to get into a fighter means he sometimes forgets to jab
Punch power: No KOs yet in his pro career, but scored a knockdown in his last fight and throws plenty of punches.
Speed: Good hand speed and pumps out punches in threes and fours
Stamina: Drew likes to start fights fast, win the opening round, and has proved he can fight at a good pace in shorter fights
Anything else: He started boxing aged 10 and trains at the same gym as women’s world champion, Chantelle Cameron

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

Football team: “You’ve got to back your local team so Northampton Town, but I also support Liverpool.”
Personal & Family life: “I’ve got a younger brother and sister. I live with my missus and our young son, Hunter. I work as a painter and decorator.”
Music: “I like a bit of everything but Kid Rock is my favourite.”
Fashion: “T shirt and trainers, designer labels.”
Shoes: “Trainers.”
Toughest moment: “I snapped my wrist during an amateur fight, but I didn’t tell my coach, carried on fighting – and I won.”
Best moment: “Beating (England international) Louis Claridge in the amateurs and boxing as a pro in Northampton.”
Aspirations: “One day I want the world title, but that’s a long way away. I’ve got to go for the Midlands title, then the English and work my way up.”
Nutrition: “Spence (McCracken) helps me with this. I eat a lot of chicken salad.”
Family Make-up: “I live with my missus and our little boy. He’s mad !”

Q&A
What got you into boxing? “It’s not all countryside and cottages were I’m from in Northampton, it was a tough area where I grew up and my mum and dad wanted me to be able to look after myself, so they took me to the gym.”
Who was your favourite fighter? “Danny Garcia does it for me.”
Amateur record and achievements? “I had 42 bouts for Far Cotton and won 32.”
Who’s the best boxer you have sparred? “Frankie Gavin and Sam Eggington.”
What are your best assets as a fighter? “I’ve got a high workrate and I’m big for the weight. I’m coming down from super-welterweight.”
What do you know about other fighters in Ultimate Boxxer? “They are all good lads, but I’m not thinking about them too much.”
Goals in boxing? “To be world champion one day.”
Who would you like to fight after UB? “I’m looking to step up to six rounds.”
Favourite TV show? “Big Bang Theory.”
Favourite meal when not in camp? “Indian.”
Hobbies? “Shooting game and taking out my four dogs.”

For an introduction to yesterday’s Ultimate Boxxer Contender #5 Jimmy Cooper CLICK HERE

For 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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Philadelphia, PA (April 10, 2018) – This past Friday night, super middleweight Brandon Robinson won his 10th straight bout as he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Oscar Riojas in the headline bout of a seven-bout card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Robinson dropped Riojas with a left hand in the first round, and he was never challenged against the awkward veteran Riojas.

Robinson, 167.3 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 80-71 twice, and 79-72 to rise his mark to 10-1. Riojas, 168.8 lbs of Monterrey, Mexico is 16-9-1.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights Raeese Aleem was impressive in winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Marcus Bates.

Aleem scored a knockdown in the opening frame from a left hand. Aleem continued to push the action by taking the lead, while Bates tried to counter, but it was the effective punching Aleem. Aleem won by scores of 80-71 & 79-72 twice.

Aleem, 121.9 lbs of Las Vegas is now 11-0. Bates, 122.9 lbs of Washington, DC is 8-1-1.

Colby Madison and Guillermo Del Rio battled to a six-round majority draw in a heavyweight bout.

Madison was able to draw blood from Del Rio’s right nostril in round three, but Del Rio was able to match Madison punch for punch. Madison took a card 58-56, while two cards read even at 57-57.

Madison, 247.9 lbs of Owings Mills, MD is 6-0-2. Del Rio, 198.8 lbs of South Houston, Texas is 2-2-1.

Poindexter Knight went the distance for the first time, but still came out with an a easy four-round unanimous decision over Vincent Floyd in a welterweight bout.

Knight knocked Floyd down in round one with a nice left-right combination.

Knight, 149.3 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 3-0. Floyd, 148.3 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-5-1.

Joshafat Ortiz remained undefeated by pounding out a four-round unanimous decision over Evgueny Metchenov in a junior light bout.

Ortiz landed hard shots that drew blood from the nose of Metchenov in round two. Ortiz won by 40-36 scores on all cards.

Ortiz, 131.5 lbs of Reading, PA is 3-0. Metchenov, 130.7 lbs of Forrestville, MD is 0-2.

Denis Okoth won a four-round split decision over Rasheed Johnson in a welterweight fight.

Okoth took two cards by scores of 40-36 and 39-37, while Johnson won a card 39-37.

Okoth, 143.9 lbs of Siaya, KEN is 2-0-1. Johnson, 147.3 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-2.

Kendall Cannida won a four-round unanimous decision over Carlos Villenueva in a light heavyweight bout,

Cannida sealed the fight with a final round knockdown that came from a nice three-punch combination, and won by scores of 39-36 on all cards.

Cannida, 178.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-0. Villenueva, 173.2 lbs of Philadelphia was making his pro debut.

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NEW YORK (April 10, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports added two featherweight bouts to its robust boxing schedule with two high-stakes matchups from the U.K. streaming live on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms, free to boxing fans in the U.S.

Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton will battle former four-division champion Nonito Donaire on Saturday, April 21 in Belfast, Ireland for the interim WBO Featherweight Title. Then, on Saturday, May 19, IBF World Champion Lee Selby will defend his 126-pound title against undefeated Josh Warrington live from Leeds, England. Both SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offerings will stream live in the U.S. on SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. The events are promoted by Frank Warren with live coverage provided by BT Sport and BoxNation.

The previously announced rematch between WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz and former three-division champion Abner Mares will take place just a few weeks later on Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME® from the Staples Center in L.A.

In all, five of the consensus top-10 ranked featherweights will clash on SHOWTIME platforms in two months, including two world champions and four former multi-division champions. These matchups between titleholders and top-ranked featherweights will give further clarity to a stacked division.

“As we’ve seen at welterweight, super welterweight and even heavyweight, the top fighters in the featherweight division are looking to prove that they are undoubtedly the best in the world,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “They are doing so by facing their toughest challengers and ultimately seeking to unify world titles. SHOWTIME proudly leads the industry with fights like these—the most competitive and important fights in boxing’s most talent-laden weight divisions. We commend the fighters who have dedicated themselves to this simple, yet dangerous premise. Their effort has been inspiring and contagious.”

Below are complete details on both upcoming events. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

April 21: Frampton vs. Donaire – SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Two Fighter of the Year award winners will meet in a 12-round bout for the interim WBO Featherweight Title. Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs), of Northern Ireland, will face Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) of General Santos, Philippines, on Saturday, April 21 from SSE Arena in Belfast live in the U.S. via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

Frampton’s all-action style and willingness to take tough challenges has made him a fan favorite all around the world and the 2016 Fighter of the Year. He handed featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz his only defeat after conquering rival Scott Quigg in their 122-pound unification bout in 2016. Fighting out of Belfast, the Irish national amateur champion became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Kiko Martinez to earn a super bantamweight title. Frampton, 31, lost his featherweight belt in a hard fought rematch against Santa Cruz on SHOWTIME in January 2017. He defeated Horacio Garcia via unanimous decision last November.

Donaire, the consensus 2012 Fighter of the Year, is working his way back to another world title fight. The two-time winner of The Ring’s Knockout of the Year award, “The Filipino Flash” turned pro in 2001 and has won championships in four weight divisions. Donaire has participated in nearly two dozen world title bouts thus far in his career. He lost his featherweight title to Jesus Magdaleno in 2016 and is coming off of a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision win over Ruben Garcia Hernandez at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The winner of this fight will be in position to challenge WBO Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez, who is recovering from injury following his fourth title defense, a UD win over Scott Quigg on March 10.

The livestream of Frampton vs. Donaire will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader that features former four-division champion Adrien Broner and former champion Jessie Vargas in a 12-round welterweight bout live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will face Hugo Centeno Jr. for the interim WBC Middleweight World Championship and Gervonta Davis will meet Jesus Cuellar for the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship.

May 19: Selby vs. Warrington – Elland Road Football Ground, Leeds, England

Featherweight world champion Lee Selby (26-1, 9 KOs) of Cardiff, Wales, will make his 2018 debut when he puts his IBF belt on the line against undefeated Josh Warrington (26-0, 6 KOs) on Saturday, May 19. This main event bout will stream live in the U.S. via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The fight will take place in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, at the Leeds United’s Elland Road Football Ground.

Selby, the 31-year-old Welshman, has held the IBF Featherweight Title since 2015 when he wrested it from Evgeny Gradovich with an eighth-round TKO. He has since made four successful defenses, the latest being a unanimous decision over Eduardo Ramirez last December.

Warrington, 27, won the British Featherweight Title in just his twelfth outing as he outpointed Chris Male in 2012. He stopped Samir Mouneimne in his hometown of Hull to win the Commonwealth Championship in 2013 and continued his campaign with victories over Martin Lindsay, David Dieli and Dennis Tubieron. He defeated Dennis Ceylan via stoppage in the 10th round in his last outing to earn his shot at the IBF title.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 9, 2018) – Lightweights Max Becerra (13-2-2, 8 KOs) and Pedro Moreno (7-0, 5 KOs), both recently signed to Thompson Boxing Promotions, are showcased in separate bouts on the “New Blood” undercard this Saturday, April 14, from the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif.

Becerra, a three-time Golden Gloves winner (2005-2007), faces Erick Martinez (14-11-1, 8 KOs) of Mexico in a 6-round bout.

Moreno, a former Silver Gloves champion, meets once-beaten Sergio Martinez (3-1, 3 KOs) in a 6-round fight.

Becerra and Moreno will have substantial support in the crowd, as both grew up in Northern California.

“It has been almost six years since I’ve last fought in this area,” said Becerra, who was born in the Bay Area enclave of Hayward. “It’s nice to fight close to home and not have to deal with the travel and the distractions that comes from it.”

“I hear the Salinas Storm House gets loud so I’m going to be looking forward to that,” said Moreno, who calls Sacramento home. “I haven’t fought since August so I’m more than ready to fight.”

The distinctively Northern California card was by design, according to matchmaker and general manager of Thompson Boxing, Alex Camponovo.

“We wanted to give Max and Pedro an opportunity to fight close to home,” Camponovo said. “Additionally, it’s an opportunity for us to gain a foothold in this area.”

Anchoring “New Blood” is Salinas native and undefeated featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs). Villa is in a showdown with Colombian Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) for the vacant WBO Youth Title (8-rounds).

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 our 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 Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions.

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (April 9, 2018) – Prince Ranch Boxing (PRB) is happy to announce the signing of undefeated flyweight contender, Casey “The Lady Hawaiian Punch” Morton (7-0-3, 1 KO). Morton joins a stellar group of fighters under the (PRB) management team, which include Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (13-0, 7 KOs), Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (8-0-1, 6 KOs) and Issac “Canelito” Avlar (14-0, 9 KOs) to name a few.

“After signing with Greg Hannley and Prince Ranch Boxing, I feel my career is headed in the right direction,” said Casey Morton, of San Francisco by way of Honolulu, Hawaii. “I’m going to take full advantage every opportunity that comes my way. I’m hungry to get to the top and I’m hoping to be fighting for a world title by the end of the year.”

“Casey is a sensational fighter with a great team behind her,” stated Greg Hannely, president of (PRB). “In addition to her tremendous fighting talent, she’s also got the image to transcend across all aspects of multimedia. She’s knocking on the doorstep of a world title and we want to get her in back in the ring as soon as possible.”

Morton, who trains out of the SNAC Research & Training Facility owned by Victor Conte, is coached by Nonito Donaire Sr., father of 2012 Fighter of the Year, Nonito Donaire Jr. Morton and Donaire Sr. have two fights together, and she couldn’t be happier.

“Working with Nonito Sr. has been a tremendous blessing to my career,” Morton continued. “Although we’ve only been together for a couple of fights, I’ve learned so much in that short period of time. I’m starting to sit down on my punches, which has added a significant amount of power to my punches. We are working great together.”

In her last fight on March 25, 2018, Morton, with Donaire Sr. in her corner, traveled to Manila, Philippines, and captured the WBO Asia Pacific title, winning by a shutout unanimous decision against Nongmuay Kokietgym (13-4-3).

“I have a tremendous team behind me,” Morton concluded. “I want to thank Victor Conte, Nonito Donaire Sr., all my family and friends, and last by not least, Greg Hannley for supporting me on my journey to become a world champion. I give all credit to God for my blessed career.”