Bethlehem, PA (April 9, 2018) – A terrific eight-bout card has been assembled for THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!! at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

6 undercard bouts have been added to the already announced eight-round super featherweight main event that will pit Frank De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) of Reading, PA taking in O’Shaquie Foster (12-2, 8 KOs) of Houston, TX.

Also previously announced is 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.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

The 30 year-old De Alba has a six-year professional who has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0), Jose Bustos (8-2-3), Bernardo Gomez Uribe (16-3), Kiun Evans (12-2-1), De Alba has had some tough luck as he has had several fights fall through for different reasons. This will be his 1st bout in just over a year as in his last bout where he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczewski (26-2) on April 4th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. De Alba has won five straight.

Foster, 24 years-old, was a highly decorated amateur standout. Foster advanced to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials where he lost to unbeaten contender, Joseph “Jo-Jo” Diaz. Before that, Foster was a 2010 PAL National Champion, a five-time Ringside National Champion and two-time National Junior Golden Gloves Champion.

Foster is a six-year professional who won his first eight bouts. Foster has wins over three undefeated fighters including Devin Parker, Lavisis Williams, and his last bout when he defeated Kaylen Alfred on January 20th in Houston.

Smith, 39, is a three-year professional, who has stoppage wins over two undefeated foes Mike Marshall and Darnell Pierce.

Smith is coming off a 4-round split decision loss to perennial spoiler Lamont Capers on November 30, 2017 in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The 37 year-old Sanchez is a 10 year professional who has knockout wins over undefeated Venroy July (13-0-2) and in his last bout when he stopped Khalib Whitmore (6-1) on August 11, 2017 in Philadelphia.

In an eight-round welterweight fight, Craig Callaghan (17-1, 7 KOs) of Houston, TX will fight Cesar Soriano Berumen (28-37-2, 17 KOs) of Iztacalco, MX.

In six-rounds bouts:

Juan Sanchez (5-0, 2 KOs) of Allentown, PA takes on Vincent Jennings (5-4, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI in a featherweight bout.

In 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

In four-round bouts:

Denis Okoth (2-0-1) of Siaya, KEN fights Greg Jackson (8-5, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia in a welterweight bout.

Martino Jules (3-0) of Allentown, PA will take on Phillip Davis (1-1-1) of Worcester, MA in a featherweight bout.

James Robinson (4-9-4, 1 KO) of York, PA will look to upend Laured Stewart (3-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY in a junior middleweight 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.

ESPN and Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International today announced today an extensive line up of exclusive boxing programming for ESPN+, the new direct-to-consumer sports streaming service launching April 12. Additionally, through an expansion of ESPN’s agreement with Top Rank, ESPN+ will add 12 exclusive world-class Top Rank on ESPN cards to the annual line up.

The monthly live ESPN+ events start Saturday, June 9, with a world championship bout showcasing pound-for-pound superstar Terence “Bud” Crawford as he seeks to win a world title in a third weight class when he challenges welterweight world champion Jeff “The Hornet” Horn at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. ESPN+ will also exclusively stream six international Top Rank on ESPN cards per year, giving subscribers access to some of the sport’s best international fights. The first international live event to stream on ESPN+ will be Saturday, April 21, when former unified junior welterweight world champion Amir Khan faces Phil Lo Greco in a welterweight battle, live from Liverpool, England.

The agreement sets the table for an integrated alliance between Top Rank and ESPN’s industry-leading networks and platforms to allow all forms of Top Rank content, including additional original programming and library content, to reach more fans in a variety of new ways.

The 12 additional Top Rank on ESPN cards and six international live events are exclusive to ESPN+. Subscribers of ESPN+ will also have access to a variety of new and existing boxing content throughout the year, including:

· A consistent studio show covering all the latest news, results and storylines

· The unmatched, on-demand treasure chest of the greatest fights of all time, including hundreds of fights from the ESPN Big Fights Library and the Top Rank archive, including Ali vs. Frazier I-III, Ali vs. Foreman, Leonard vs. Duran I-III, Hagler vs. Hearns and Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, among many, many more

All Top Rank on ESPN undercard fights
· Re-airs of all Top Rank on ESPN and Top Rank on ESPN PPV bouts

· Weigh-ins, post-fight interviews and press conferences

· News, information and opinion across ESPN platforms

“ESPN is thrilled to take our relationship with Top Rank to a new level via this innovative and exclusive distribution on ESPN+,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice President of Programming and Scheduling. “By distributing more Top Rank events and boxing content than ever before, we are showing fans our commitment to boxing through a more personalized and targeted manner.”

“Top Rank is thrilled to extend our agreement to include these additional world-class events for ESPN+,” said Todd duBoef, Top Rank President. “This addition offers a 360 approach to the entire boxing vertical, including live world class events, unparalleled coverage, as well as access to historical moments in the sport.”

Launching April 12, ESPN+ will be an integrated part of a completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App will be the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App will curate all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ will also be available through ESPN.com.

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International in partnership with ESPN and featuring ESPN branded content. It will offer fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA Tour golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or a discounted annual price of $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Last August, ESPN and Top Rank announced a vast and exclusive, multimedia agreement to make ESPN the home of Top Rank in the U.S. and Canada. Under the agreement, ESPN currently televises live fights on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and streams them on the ESPN App. It also airs all Top Rank content in English and in French on Canadian sister networks TSN and RDS.

–30–

About Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International

Comprised of Disney’s international media businesses and the Company’s various streaming services, the Direct-to-Consumer and International segment aligns technology, content and distribution platforms to expand the Company’s global footprint and deliver world-class, personalized entertainment experiences to consumers around the world. The recently announced segment is responsible for The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer businesses globally, including the ESPN+ sports streaming service, programmed in partnership with ESPN; the upcoming Disney-branded direct-to-consumer streaming service; and the Company’s ownership stake in Hulu. As part of the Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, BAMTECH Media, developer of the ESPN+ and Disney-branded streaming platforms, oversees all consumer-facing digital technology and products across the Company.

About ESPN

ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN Plaza includes 950,000 square feet in 16 buildings on 123 acres (116 contiguous), with additional office space (400,000 sq. ft.) rented nearby. The company is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. For more information, visit www.espn.com/boxing, @ESPN and @ESPNBoxeo.

About Top Rank

Innovation has been the mantra at Top Rank since it was established in 1966 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors and television networks, Top Rank launched in 1980, Top Rank on ESPN which ran for a historic 16 years. Top Rank then launched another very popular televised boxing series in 1996 titled Solo Boxeo.

Some of the most legendary and spectacular events in boxing history were promoted by Top Rank, including: 26 Muhammad Ali events; Leonard vs. Hearns, Arguello vs. Pryor, Duran vs. Leonard; Hagler vs. Hearns, Leonard vs. Hagler, Foreman vs. Holyfield, Morales vs. Barrera, De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, and the most lucrative fight in boxing history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. In addition to the previously mentioned super fights, Top Rank possesses one of the largest sports libraries, which includes nearly 10,000 fights and dates back over 50 years.

Top Rank has been an architect of the global growth of the sport by staging high profile events in landmark settings around the world, including every major arena in Las Vegas, The Venetian Macao, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The “Fabulous” Forum and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans while also producing live telecasts that generate high ratings for television partners.

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, @TRBoxing, and www.facebook.com/trboxing.

Amir Khan says that the personal attack from Phil Lo Greco in the build-up to their clash on April 21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, live on sky Sports, has fuelled his fire in training camp.

Khan is back in England from training in San Francisco and is ready to lace them up for the first time in nearly two years – and in his first fight at home since April 2013 – against the Canadian.

Lo Greco and Khan clashed at the launch press conference for the fight, where Lo Greco made comments about Khan’s personal life that riled the former unified Super-Lightweight king, and the Bolton ace says those comments and subsequent altercation lit a fire under him to get in great shape and deal with Lo Greco in brutal fashion on Merseyside.

“I am going to make a big statement on April 21,” said Khan. “I’m not going to make any mistakes. No fight is easy and I’m very focused on beating Phil and beating him well. The hard work has been done and I hope he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in – we gave him enough notice so there’s no excuses, he’s had 11 weeks so he better be looking good because I want to beat him badly at his best.

“He got personal at the press conference and that’s not right – he’s going to pay for that. Talk about boxing, talk about me getting KO’d or getting beat – but going into my personal life is disrespectful and that’s made me angry.

“I wanted to show him who’s boss and put it on him, he needs to watch what he says. He’s an idiot and he’s going to be put in his place on April 21.

“The fans hate him now and he’s going to be in for a hostile night from the fans in Liverpool. British fans are the best in the world and he should’ve come here wanting to getting them on his side, but there’s no chance that will happen.

“There’s pressure in every fight and I know that lose and it’s game over for getting those huge fights. I cannot make any mistake and what he’s said in the press conference has only added more fuel to the fire.

“I’ve felt great in camp and I know that I need to be at my sharpest as I’ve been out for a while and I know that he’s going to think he can take advantage of that and upset the odds – but that’s not happening.

“Welterweight is where I want to be winning World titles at. The next two fights are going to be huge marquee names that make me a two-weight World champion. Eddie knows what I want and he’s got the plans down, I know I can win that World title this year but I cannot look past Phil, he’s coming to smash my dreams.”

Khan’s clash with Lo Greco is part of a huge night of action on Merseyside as Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle and Ryan Mulcahy defends his Central Area Super-Lightweight title against Bilal Rehman.

Former Team GB Olympians Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler box in front of their hometown fans for the second time as pros and are joined by fellow Mersey hitters Tom Farrell and Craig Glover. Exciting Welterweight Conor Benn returns, Qais Ashfaq is in his second pro fight, and former European Welterweight king Sam Eggington, unbeaten Bolton Super-Bantamweight Osman Aslam and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

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

Face value tickets for April 21 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

ENDS

Leeds United and Frank Warren are delighted to confirm the Kaiser Chiefs will be playing live at Elland Road, during the unmissable night of World Championship Boxing on Saturday 19th May.

Josh Warrington is looking to become IBF Featherweight World Champion when he takes on Lee Selby, in what is set to be one of the biggest sporting events of the summer.

Warrington famously walks into his fights to ‘I Predict a Riot’ and the Leeds Warrior will enter the ring in May with the Kaiser Chiefs playing the track live at Elland Road.

The event will mark nearly ten years to the day since the Kaiser Chiefs played live at Elland Road, with their last appearance at the venue coming on 24th May 2008, in front of a capacity crowd of over 30,000.

With six studio albums to their name, their first, ‘Employment’, released in March 2005, sold over two million copies alone.

Other Kaiser Chiefs hits including ‘Never Miss a Beat’, ‘Modern Way’ and ‘Ruby’ and the band are one of the most successful to come out of the city of Leeds.

With a packed undercard, entertainment around the stadium and concourses, it promises to be a night to remember.

Fans wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets for this unmissable event as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.

Further pre-fight entertainment will be announced in the coming weeks.

General admission tickets are available from just £40 per person.

For more information please contact the Leeds United Ticket Office on 0371 334 1992.

Hospitality is available starting at £130+VAT.

Tickets are available to purchase online via the club’s official website www.leedsunited.com and via the Leeds United Ticket Office on 0371 334 1992

Jimmy Cooper carries his family name and honour into battle when he enters Ultimate Boxxer: New Era, New Fighter, Same Name?

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

?Previously in sparring, Southampton’s Jimmy Cooper has impressed three-weight world champ Ricky Burns. Known for his sharp jab & explosive pace Jimmy continually excites the fans. Follow his journey @ultimateboxxer as all roads lead to the Manchester Arena on 27th April 2018.

Ultimate Boxxer contender Jimmy Cooper aims to emulate his uncle and become a British Champion through winning the exciting new tournament set to revolutionise British boxing.

The towering featherweight from Southampton competes in the premier of Ultimate Boxxer I on Friday 27th April at the Manchester Arena and wants to continue the family boxing success.

His uncle Gary reigned as British Light-Middleweight in 1988 in a tough and hard era with very few title opportunities. He only earned his first title shot seven years and 17 fights after turning professional when he challenged for and won the Southern Area belt – then still considered a major domestic title.

Three years later, Gary got his British shot and defeated Michael Harris on points at Wembley’s Grand Hall to win the vacant crown, but he cruelly lost it in his first defence against 80s golden boy Gary Stretch.

His next and final fight was probably his biggest win against future British champion and World title challenger Ensley “Bingo” Bingham who he defeated on points before hanging up his gloves.

Considered one of the most under-rated British Champions, Gary would have been more than a match for most of today’s British 154lb division fighters.

Jimmy, 25, now looks to carry the Cooper name into the new era and be crowned the first ever Ultimate Boxxer.

Standing at 6ft, Jimmy has a massive reach, but also carries heavy hands with it. A top amateur with 83 bouts, he defeated some big names like Mitchell Smith (2015 Boxing Writers’ Best Young Boxer), current Commonwealth Featherweight Champion Reece Bellotti and represented England.

“I’m extremely proud of my uncles achievements, to challenge for a British title, let alone win one was a massive feat in that era,” Said Jimmy.

“They were very hard and tough men in that time and my uncle had to duck and dive until he worked his way to get his opportunities and breaks,”

“I think now there are more opportunities in boxing and you can win titles a lot earlier, but it’s still a very tough world unless you’re with a top promoter who can give you the breaks and guide you”

“So in that respect it’s still like my uncle’s era, but that’s why Ultimate Boxxer is a fantastic concept because it gives a fighter like me a golden shot,”

Ultimate Boxxer I matches eight undefeated welterweight fighters to go toe-to-toe in an exhilarating 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.

“I’m young, hungry and determined to win Ultimate Boxxer, I don’t care who I’m matched against and I’m sure that a lot of them won’t want to get me in the draw,”

“I believe I have the ability to go all the way to the top and this is just the sort of exposure I was looking for in my career,”

“My plans for this year were to step up to six rounds and target the Southern Area title, but now this fantastic opportunity knocked on my door and I’m going to smash it down,”

“I’m stepping up a couple of weights, but I believe in myself and the three-round distance suits me down to the ground. I’m fast and explosive and I’m going to enjoy the experience.”

BIO-FILE
Age: 25
Pro-record: 6-0-1 (1 KO)
Amateur pedigree: Started boxing at 11 and went on to have 83 bouts and represented England. Defeated Mitchell Smith and Reece Bellotti.
Trainer: Steve Tyrell
Cutman: Glenn Bradley
Strengths: Height, reach and heavy hands. Is a skilled combination puncher with a wealth of three-round experience from the amateurs
Weaknesses: Is just settling into the weight having started his pro career at super featherweight, but more weight could mean more power.
Punch power: Has a whirlwind 27-second win on his record, but every other fight has gone the distance. Throws lots of quality punches.
Speed: Throws fast rat-a-tat combinations
Stamina: Has yet to go beyond four rounds in pro career, so untested.
Anything else: Jimmy’s uncle, Gary Cooper, was British light-middleweight champion in the 1980s. Jimmy had a spell training with Tony Sims and sparred the likes of Ricky Burns.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Walk on music: “Usually ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond
Football team: Manchester United
Personal & Family life: “I’m from a Travelling background, so I have lots of relatives. I have two sisters and loads and loads of cousins.”
Music: “Blossoms and The Courteeners and Manchester bands.”
Fashion: “I’m a tracksuit man!”
Shoes: “Trainers.”
Toughest moment: “Once when I was an amateur, the scales were wrong and I ended up having to lose 3kgs before a fight. I didn’t have anything left after the first round.”
Best moment: “Boxing for England as an amateur.”
Aspirations: “I want the Southern Area, then English title – and then work my way up.”
Nutrition: “I have a nutritionist and sports scientist who put wires on me and tell me how much water and protein I need.”

Q&A
What got you into boxing? “I played in a football team that won the league three or four years on the trot and then they split up. My dad and uncle were boxers and I ended up going to the gym to box.”
Who was your favourite fighter? “Sugar Ray Leonard and now it’s Jorge Linares.”
Amateur record and achievements? “I had a 72-11 record, won the NABCs twice, Haringey Box Cup and boxed for England and had a spell up in Sheffield with the Great Britain squad.”
Who’s the best boxer you have sparred? Former Three-Weight World Champion Ricky Burns
What are your best assets as a fighter? “My hand speed, work rate and feet.”
What do you know about other fighters in the comp? “I don’t need to study them, I will work them out on the night.”
Goals in boxing? – “The pinnacle is the world title and every boxer aims for that.”
Who would you like to fight after UB? “I want 50-50 fights that will push me on. I feel I’ve served my apprenticeship.”
Nickname? “Super Cooper or Golden Boy.”
Favourite TV show? Ibiza Weekender
Favourite meal when not in camp? Roosters’ piri piri
Hobbies? Football, running, golf

09 April 2018 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that it has partnered with Japanese internet TV station AbemaTV. With the partnership, ONE Championship live events and digital content will be broadcast to AbemaTV subscribers.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I am pleased to announce ONE Championship’s partnership with AbemaTV. As sports media distribution experiences a digital shift, more and more viewers are opting for live digital content over traditional television mediums. Our mission is to unleash superheroes across Asia to ignite passion, hope, strength and dreams across all segments of society, and offering our unique Hi-Definition content for digital consumption is an integral part of that mission. We hope to provide AbemaTV subscribers compelling and engaging high quality content on their mobiles and computers. We are thrilled to partner with the largest internet TV station in Japan.”

Yuji Kitano, Executive Producer of AbemaTV, stated: “AbemaTV is proud to partner with ONE Championship, the worldwide leader of martial arts. Martial arts is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. We have a very rich background and history of martial arts, and our people embody the true values of martial arts in their everyday lives. We are excited to showcase ONE Championship’s world-class content on our live sports channel. And in the second season of Surrogacy Battles, we will be searching for the next ONE Championship superstar in Japan.”

The partnership will cover more than 20 live ONE Championship events in 2018, as well as offer a reality TV series called “Surrogacy Battles”, which aims to discover fresh young Japanese martial arts talent. The program will run 12 1-hour episodes featuring young martial arts prospects no older than 22 years of age. The winner of the show will receive JPY 3 million and a ONE Championship multi-bout contract amounting to over USD $100,000.

ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosts 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. It is home to some of the biggest names in martial arts, including Japanese superstars Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito, Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi, and Koji “The Commander” Ando, among others.

Established by Cyber Agent in conjunction with TV Asahi, AbemaTV was created to provide millions of Japanese consumers with a content streaming service that offers scheduled and live programming for a wide range of smart devices which include Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, as well as PC and Mac machines. Content streams in Hi-Definition and links with Twitter to provide viewers an interactive platform. As of 2018, AbemaTV has become the largest internet television provider in Asia with over 28 million app downloads.

AbemaTV offers a linear programming schedule, as well as Video-on-Demand (VoD) featuring a large variety of shows including news, drama, anime, family-friendly programs, music, radio, live sports, and martial arts.

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.

About AbemaTV

“AbemaTV” is the biggest Internet TV station in Asia. And a joint venture between CyberAgent and TV Asahi, creating an Internet TV station based on a new type of video broadcasting business model launched on April 11, 2016. “AbemaTV” will offer original live programming, news, music, sports, and a variety of other programming across a range of genres. In all, over 20 different channels are available to consumers free of charge. Content will be available for smartphones, PCs, tablets, and other devices, delivering convenient TV-like viewing experience at any time, in any place towards many viewers.

DERRY, N.H. (April 8, 2018) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow (Saturday) evening’s “Fight Night at the Zone,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at The Sportszone in Derry, New Hampshire.

In the main event, Dorchester, MA junior middleweight Gabriel Duluc (12-3, 3 KOs) used a vicious body attack to stop veteran Texas fighter Larry “Slomoshun” Smith in the fifth round. A right to the liver put Smith down, but he beat the referee Mike Ryan’s count. Smith was unable to recover as he was pinned on the ropes by Duluc, who reeled off a dozen unanswered punches, forcing referee Ryan to end the fight.

New England’s hardest hitter is unquestionably UBF N.E. light heavyweight champion Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs), who knocked out cruiserweight Randy “The Rattler” Campbell (3-19, 2 KOs) with the first punch in their non-title fight, a lethal right that broke Campbell’s lower right ankle.

Flashy Worcester, MA prospect Irvin Gonzalez (9-0, 8 KOs) overwhelmed his Mexican opponent, junior welterweight Francisco “El Mono” Medel (12-13, 8 KOs), blasting him from every angle en route to a first-round technical knockout, in which Medal went to the canvas twice.

New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), also the co-promoter, pounded “Jammin” James Morrow (12-23-3, 5 KOs) from pillar to post until referee Leo Gerstel halted the action in their non-title fight for a third-round technical knockout.

Irish junior welterweight Paddy McGee, fighting out of Dorchester, MA, landed only two punches in his pro debut, both flooring Bardraiel Smith (0-4), for a quick first-round knockout.

Stoughton, MA welterweight Travis “The Outlaw” Demko (6-1, 1 KO) outclassed Paul DeSouza (0-11), of Somerville, pitching a six-round shutout decision.

With former world champion Wilfredo, Vasquez, Jr. supporting him, Springfield, MA welterweight Anthony Velasquez (2-0, 2 KOs) needed only 43 seconds to finish off Shavonte Dixon (0-3).

Danbury, CT junior welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated, taking a four-round unanimous decision from a game Carlos Galindo (0-2).

Local favorite, Ricky Ford (2-1-1), fighting out Claremont, NH, dropped Woburn, MA junior middleweight Jaco Matsos (0-2) twice before the fight was stopped by referee Mike Ryan.

New Jersey super middleweight Chris “Sandman” Thomas improved his pro record to 8-0-1 (5 KOs), when John Hantzopoulos (0-2) failed to answer the bell for the third round.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Gabriel Duluc (12-3, 3 KOs), Dorchester, MA
WTKO5 (1:40)
Larry Smith (10-35-1, 7 KOs), Dallas, TX

CO-FEATURE – CRUISERWEIGHTS
Richard Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs), Hartford, CT
WKO1 (0:37)
Randy Campbell (3-19, 2 KOs), Bowerston, OH

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), Quincy, MA
WTKO3 (0:53)James Morrow (12-23-3, 5 KOs), Lafayette, IN.

SUPER MIDDEWEIGHTS
Chris Thomas (8-0-1, 5 KOs), Beechwood, NJ
WTKO2 (3:00)
John Hantzopoulos (0-2), Lynn, MA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ricky Ford (2-1-1, 1 KO), Claremont, NH
WTKO1 (1:47)
Jaco Matos (0-2), Woburn, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Travis Demko (6-1, 1 KO), Stoughton, MA.
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Paul DeSouza (0-11), Somerville, MA

Anthony Velasquez (2-0, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA
WTKO (0:43)
Shavonte Dixon (0-3), Philadelphia, PA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Irvin Gonzalez (9-0, 8 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (1:57)
Francisco Medel (12-13, 8 KOs), Sonora, Mexico

Paddy McGee (1-0, 1 KO), Dorchester, MA
WTKO1 (1:12)
Bardraiel Smith (0-4), Philadelphia, PA

Omar Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO), Danbury, CT
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-36)
Carlos Galindo (0-2), Woburn, MA

Sponsors included Betley Chevrolet, Tobin Scientific, Matrix Aerospace, TownPlace Suites, Manchester Monarchs and Cars.com

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Ostend, Belgium (April 6, 2018)

On Saturday, May 12th, Belgium cruiserweight sensation JOEL ‘BIG JOE’ DJEKO (12-2-1 7KO’s) will take on undefeated Argentinian, MARIANO ANGEL GUDINO (12-0 7KO’s) for the IBO CONTINENTAL CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE at the Versluys Dôme in Ostend, Belgium.

Djeko is coming off of a dominate TKO performance over Tamas Kozma in his hometown of Belgium in September. Ahead of the May 12th tilt, Djeko went abroad to train in Cypress at the famous Touch Glove Gym. As a highly regarded prospect in the Cruiserweight division, Djeko knows that a victory on May 12th will not only win him a title, but will be the next step towards the ultimate goal of fighting for a world title.

Djeko will look to use his massive frame, and quick feet to cut the ring off to attack Gudino. With seven KO’s in twelve wins, Djeko will certainly bring the power to the Versluys Dôme, on May 12th.

Djeko had this to say about his upcoming bout, “It is an important date because a victory would bring me closer to my ultimate goal, which is a world chance. He is a high level opponent but I advise the public to be on time because I intend to solve the problem very quickly.”

The undefeated, thirty year old, Gudino, is currently ranked 39th by the WBC, holds the WBC Latino Cruiserweight Title and will be fighting in Belgium for the first time. This bout will have no shortage of power as Gudino has knocked out more then half of his opposition during his undefeated streak. As his first bout outside of Argentina, Gudino looks to use a victory to increase his global appeal.

Gudino had these comments about May 12th, “Joel Djeko is a very good boxer. Despite his height, he is very fast and very mobile. I think it will be a very intense fight that should please the public. He must know that I am ready for war and that I intend to add this title to my record.”

YASSINE MAATALA, Djeko’s manager had this to say about Djeko’s opportunity, “We know that the task will be tough in front of us because we have a very well ranked opponent who is undefeated and holds a WBC title. We also know that a victory would give us a lot of opportunities and we are doing our best to keep the belt at home.”

President of Star Boxing, JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say, “We are excited about Djeko’s upcoming bout, and the future of his career. A win on May 12th is another stepping stone to the ultimate goal of fighting for a cruiserweight world title. I expect a very exciting fight and congratulate both fighters. It’s refreshing to see two highly regarded prospects put their great records on the line. It is a testament to their desire to get to the top.”

The Co Main Event will be a much anticipated fight for the Middleweight IBO Mediterranean title between two undefeated rising stars when, Danish, Landry “Hard” Kore (7-0 3KO’s) faces Armenian, Armen Ypremyan (8-0-2 3KO’s).
Pound 4 Pound Boxing is presented by Maatala Production and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

WBA and IBF 154-Pound World Championship Unification

Erislandy Lara – 153 ½

Jarrett Hurd – 153

Referee: Kenny Bayless; Judges: Burt Clements (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Dave Moretti (Nev.)

IBF Super Middleweight World Championship Rematch

Caleb Truax – 167 ¾

James DeGale – 167 ¼

Referee: Robert Byrd; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Nev.), John McKaie (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

IBF Junior Middleweight World Title Eliminator

Julian Williams – 154

Nathaniel Gallimore – 153

Referee: Tony Weeks; Eric Cheek (Nev.), Max Deluca (Calif.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.)

NOTE: Full bout card with weights attached.

FLASH QUOTES:

ERISLANDY LARA: “He’s not in the top 10 fighters I’ve fought. I fight for my family and for my kids. And that belt is coming home with my kids.”

JARRETT HURD: “They are over here saying I’m not ready. I went from fighting a top contender to an Olympian to another world champion contender to a former world champion and now fighting a world champion. I’m more than ready. This is my time right now. I’m ready to get on that stage and show the world why I’ve been asking for this fight. We know he’s going to use the entire ring, but you can’t run from ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd for 12 rounds. We know we are going to be in his face and know he’ll have to engage at some point.”

CALEB TRUAX: “I thought I did the job pretty well last time and beat him pretty convincingly. From what I see I’m a 6-to-1 underdog, so there are a lot of people who are going to make some money on me. There are some things that I could have done better, and there are things that he could have done better. So I’ll be prepared for those things and adapt to whatever he throws at me.”

JAMES DeGALE: “I don’t know why [I’m favored]. The boxing people know that I’m above Truax. He did the job, so you’ve got to give the man the credit. But I believe I’m so much better than him and on Saturday night I have a chance to get back my title and show the world that I’m back. My career is in the balance right now. If I lose, where do I go? For the past two and a half years I was the world champion and I fought the best and I got the results. Then I lost to a guy that is not on my level. I’m so honest to myself and I’m very real, and if I can’t deal with Truax in a good way, then we’ll have to see.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS: “I don’t really care about it getting personal, but we could do one thing: we could bet his purse. Let’s bet the purse. I’m talking about the whole purse. Where’s your manager? I don’t want to fight now, I want to fight tomorrow.”

NATHANIEL GALLIMORE: “[Holding a box of Fruity Pebbles cereal]. He ain’t serious. He ain’t no rock. I’m gonna eat him come Saturday. Saturday night you’re going to have to tune-in to see it. It’s going to be a fight to remember, but it’s not going to go the distance.”

# # #

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

Nutley, NJ (April 6, 2018)-Two of GH3 Promotions top fighters remained undefeated last Friday night at The Fillmore in Philadelphia.

Super Middleweight Ronald Ellis won a six-round unanimous decision over Taneal Goyco, while Joey Alday, Jr. kept his perfect knockout record intact by stopping Michael Crain in the 3rd round of their junior middleweight bout.

Ellis battered the upset-specialist Goyco for much of the fight, and almost had the tough Philadelphian stopped several times during the fight. Ellis of Lynn, Massachusetts cruised home by with the victory by scores of 60-53 twice and 59-54 to raise his mark to 15-0-2.

Alday, who was making his debut under the GH3 Promotions banner, fought as expected by using good boxing skills while mixing power shots. He just needed a wicked body shot to end things at at 1:28 of round three to keep unblemished at 7-0 with 7 knockouts.

“Ronald came back very nicely after a tough fight in February,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki, who was referring to Ellis’ disputed draw with Junior Younan in February. “His next fight will be another significant fight against a top opponent. He is a couple fights away from something big in the super middleweight division. As for Joey, he performed terrific. He is a big junior middleweight who displayed both boxing skills and power. We will bring him along nicely, and have him back in May.”

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of a pair of Romanian contenders, world-rated heavyweight Bogdan Dinu and world-class featherweight Viorel Simion, to promotional contracts.

Undefeated WBA #14-rated Dinu (18-0, 14 KOs) is a powerful boxer/puncher with enormous potential. Standing six-foot five and weighing in at 250 lbs, Dinu has the size and strong amateur pedigree to compete with any big man in the world.

The only career losses for all-action featherweight Simion (21-2, 9 KOs) came against world champions Scott Quigg and Lee Selby in their backyards and both fights could have gone either way. A world-class talent with a “made for TV” style, Simion never stops throwing punches.

The goal, says Greg Cohen, is to relocate both to Las Vegas and begin the next phase of their career journeys by training under the tutelage of highly respected former world champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

“Bodgan Dinu is the real deal and is ready to take on the top talent in the world. He has the size, power and boxing skill to win the heavyweight title now,” said Cohen. “And Simion just needs the promotional backing to become champion. Both fighters are very welcome additions to my promotional stable.”

The signing of both fighters comes as a result of a chance meeting with Romanian business magnate, and both fighters’ manager, Sorin Florea.

“Sorin and I met in Bucharest two months ago,” continued Cohen, “and we instantly hit it off. He is the most committed, knowledgeable, and passionate manager in the sport. We both agree that in order for Bogdan and Viorel to realize their maximum potential/exposure, they need to relocate to the US. I am happy to make that happen for them.”
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes Undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, Undefeated WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Robert Brant, WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Mason Menard, former WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Ismael Barroso, top 10 world-rated contender Rico Mueller, undefeated WBA International Bantamweight Champion and world-rated contender Mzuvukile Magwaca, WBO Oriental Super Welterweight Champion and world-rated contender Dennis Hogan, IBO World Featherweight Champion Lusanda Komanisi, former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion Kendall Holt, as well as current top 10 world-rated contenders cruiserweight Olanrewaju Durodola, Filipino Jr. Lightweight star Harmonito Dela Torre, Filipino Super Lightweight Czar Amonsot, and top 15 world-rated contenders featherweight world title challenger Eric Hunter and Guyanese bantamweight Elton Dharry.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

LONDON (6 April, 2018) – The “real” James DeGale is ready to stand up on Saturday night and reclaim his super-middleweight world title, according to the man himself.

The 32-year-old faces Caleb Truax in a rematch live and exclusive on BoxNation following his shock points loss to the American last December in London.

Ahead of this weekend’s fight, DeGale has been scathing at his previous performance but is adamant that he will right that wrong and regain his IBF world title.

“My last performance was horrendous. It was shocking and embarrassing. I’m not going to make excuses about my shoulder and what went wrong. On Saturday night, I will be a two-time world champion – I promise you that,” said DeGale.

“I would say 90 percent of the loss was because of what I didn’t do. I looked past him. I came back too quickly from the injury, but he still had to get in there and take my belt. There’s no disrespect to Caleb, but I’ve fought the very best of the division and come out on top. The real James DeGale will be back on Saturday.

“It’s been a long, difficult training camp. I had a gray cloud above my head the last couple of months, but I’m ready to become a world champion again,” DeGale said.

Londoner DeGale had held his IBF crown for over two years and was hotly-tipped to beat Truax before they faced each other the first time round at the Copper Box Arena.

The last few months have been very difficult for the British super-middleweight but he says the loss has allowed him to take stock and come back stronger.

“This time has turned me into a beast. I’ve had to take everything even more seriously than before. I might have gotten a bit complacent being a champion those last few years. I’ve locked myself down and I’m ready to go,” said DeGale.

“I’ve boxed at the top level my whole life and put on some good performances. I know what was wrong with me and why I performed how I did in the first fight. I’m going to put it to rest when I become a world champion again.

“It’s going to be a dominant performance on Saturday. If I don’t beat Truax and beat him easily I can’t get to the level that I want. I know that’s what is coming. No excuses,” he said.

Despite being on home soil this time around 34-year-old Truax will go into this fight at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as the underdog once again but he is out to prove that he is no flash in the pan.

“I just want to go out there and silence people who said it was a fluke the first time I won. I want to prove that I belong at the top of the division. I’m going to put on a good show for the fans and retain my title,” said Truax.

“We’ve had four months to prepare for James DeGale. Normally I have six to eight weeks, so it was nice to have a drawn out and specific training camp. We really focused on the conditioning and making sure I’m reaching my peak.

“I’ve been through a lot in this sport. I’ve fought top guys in big fights but it finally came together last December. It meant a lot to me and now I’m prepared to put on an even better performance. I know DeGale is going to be hungry so I have to be ready for him,” he said.

DeGale v Truax 2 will be part of a fantastic night of boxing that also sees 154-pound world champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd meet in an enthralling unification showdown.

Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore, two young, skilled contenders in the stacked light-middleweight division, will also clash on the card in a 12-round world title eliminator.

BoxNation’s live and exclusive coverage will start from 3am this Saturday night.

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

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

Darren Tetley and Mason Cartwright will clash for the vacant WBO European Welterweight title on the undercard of the blockbuster IBF Featherweight World Title showdown between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington at Elland Road on May 19th.

Bradford’s Tetley, who has won all fifteen of his professional bouts, stopping six opponents, is determined to claim his first belt before targeting a shot at the British Welterweight title currently held by Bradley Skeete later in the year.

“This is a fight that has got a lot of people excited,” said Tetley. “Two undefeated prospects are putting it all on the line, it has all the makings of a great fight. This is a massive fight for me and one that I’ll shine in.

“Cartwright is a good fighter and likes to come forward, I’m expecting him to put it on me from the very first bell. If they think I’m going to shy away from a fight then they’ve got another thing coming.

“He’s coming down from Light-Middleweight so I reckon he’ll try and blast me out of there early. When it gets to the late rounds and I’m still right there in front of him I can see myself taking him out.”

Ellesmere Port’s Cartwright (13-0-1, 5 KO’s) is fresh from a two-round destruction of Zaurs Sadihovs at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool and is predicting another show-stopping KO win over Tetley next month.

“I’m ready for this step up,” said Cartwright. “This is an amazing opportunity and I’m going to grab it with both hands. If I win this belt I’ll get a World ranking with the WBO and that’s a huge incentive for me.

“I think the strength and power that I bring at this weight overwhelms a lot of people. I respect Darren as a fighter but I think he’s going to struggle with my strength, especially over ten rounds. If I can get him out of there I’m going to get him out of there.

“Fighting in front of thousands of people at an historic stadium like Elland Road is going to be a special experience and it’s a real chance to get my name out there and show people what I can do.”

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Leeds, double Olympic Champion Nicola Adams OBE fights for the fourth time as a professional as she continues to work towards a World Title shot.

Further exciting undercard additions will be announced in the coming days.

General admission tickets are available from just £40 per person.

Ticket prices:
West Stand Blocks
B3, B4, C16, C22, D13 £40
C17, C21, D12 £60
C18, C20, D11 £80
C19 £100
North Stand Blocks SOLD OUT

East Stand Lower Blocks
L28, L34, L35 £40
L29, L33, L32 (Rows EE-C) £60
L30, L31 (Rows D-V), L32 (Rows EE-C) £80
L31 (Rows EE-C) £100
Pitch
Category 3 £100
Category 2 £150
Category 1 £200
Please note, not all areas listed will be initially available for sale and will open subject to demand.

For more information please contact the Leeds United Ticket Office on 0371 334 1992.

Hospitality is available starting at £130+VAT.

Tickets are available to purchase online via the club’s official website www.leedsunited.com and via the Leeds United Ticket Office on 03

t’s been a hard road for Ultimate Boxxer contender #4 Issac Macleod, but fighting in memory of his late brother is firing him to victory.

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

Originally from Sunderland and fighting out of Matchroom Boxing’s gym in London, the ruthless brawler that is Isaac “Can Bang” Macleod aims to ignite the ring come April 27th. Follow his journey as all roads lead to the Manchester Arena.

Undefeated boxer Isaac Macleod has more than just glory driving him to win Ultimate Boxxer on Friday 27th April at the Manchester Arena, he wants to keep the memory of his late brother Luke alive.

The date is also significant to Isaac as it’s on the day of Luke’s birthday, which he believes is his destiny to be crowned the Ultimate Boxxer.

Isaac admits he nearly hung up his gloves following Luke’s death in 2009 at just 19, but by continuing his career and becoming a champion will be a fitting tribute.

“Luke stayed over at his friend’s house and he never woke up,” said Macleod.

“I was devastated. We were best mates as well as brothers. I was depressed and had to take a break from boxing. I’ve never been able to forget what I saw.

“I decided in the end that rather than quit boxing, I should carry on and fight for Luke’s memory.

“I’m sure it’s my destiny to win ‘Ultimate Boxxer.’ I just think it was meant to be.”

Ultimate Boxxer I pits eight undefeated welterweight fighters to go toe-to-toe in an exhilarating 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.

Isaac believes that he will be the last man standing from the eight entrants and is likely to be the bookmaker’s favourite.

The 23-year-old has an outstanding amateur pedigree having won European Youth Gold and World Youth Silver.

Unbeaten in all nine fights since turning professional, he said: “I’m a good, seasoned all-round fighter and I know how to win fights,”

“The others will think: ‘It’s three rounds, I have to go for broke’ and I’m just going to keep my cool and capitalise on their mistakes.

“I’m not worried about my rivals in Ultimate Boxxer, I’ll let them worry about me.”

This looks set to be a breakthrough year for Isaac after a frustrating start to his professional career – also a reason why Ultimate Boxxer was created to give pro fighters like Isaac, who don’t have the exposure, a golden opportunity to become a star.

Trained by Darnell Smith in Essex, Isaac is the mandatory challenger for the English welterweight title.

“There’s not an awful lot of pro boxing in the North East,” he said, “and I haven’t really been able to show people what I can do yet.

“’Ultimate Boxxer’ is a fantastic concept and will raise my profile and then I’m looking to push on.

“The target is the world title and I think that’s the difference between me and the other lads in ‘Ultimate Boxxer. I’m aiming for the top.”

BIO-FILE
Age: 23
Pro-record: 9-0-0 (3 KO’s)
Amateur pedigree: Won 60 of 69 bouts, including gold at the European Youth championship and silver at the World Youth championship
Trainer: Darnell Smith
Cutman: “Tony or Peter Sims.”
Strengths: Slick skills and boxing IQ. He’s only 23 – but has been boxing for a long time.
Weaknesses: Gets dragged into fights and has been cut
Punch power: The nickname is ‘Can Bang’ and he’s a stiff hitter with both hands
Speed: Sharp hands and feet
Stamina: Unproven, but fought five times in seven days during his amateur career

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Walk on music: “Only Fools Rush In, the Sunderland FC anthem.”
Football team: “Sunderland.”
Personal & Family life: “I’ve got two sisters and six brothers.”
Music: “Relaxing stuff like Bob Marley and Tracy Chapman, stuff that relaxes me and takes my mind off boxing.”
Fashion: “Jeans and T shirt.”
Shoes: “Trainers.”
Toughest moment: “The hardest thing for me has been the lack of opportunities since I turned pro. I have been wanting to push on and show what I can do, but haven’t had the chance and Ultimate Boxxer will give me that.”
Best moment: “Coming to Essex and starting to train with Darnell Smith.”
Aspirations: “To be a world champion. That’s the difference between me and the other lads in Ultimate Boxxer.”
Nutrition: “I have a nutritionist who looks after me. Every meal is calculated so I have the exact amount of calories. It’s all fish and chicken and sometimes I have a vegan diet.”
Family Make-up: “I’ve got a big family. I lost my older brother, Luke, in 2009. We were best mates and it hit me hard.”

Q&A
What got you into boxing? “Growing up, I was always fighting my brother and watching the ‘Rocky’ films. I always wanted to fight.”
Who was your favourite fighter? “Manny Pacquiao. He went from the very bottom to the top. He proved anything’s possible.”
Amateur record and achievements? “69 bouts, 60 wins. I won European Junior gold and World Junior silver and was part of the Great Britain Development squad.”
What are your best assets as a fighter? “I can adapt. Whatever anyone brings, I can do it better.”
What do you know about other fighters in Ultimate Boxxer? “I will let them worry about me. I’m confident in my abilities and
Goals in boxing? “The world title.”
Who would you like to fight after UB? “I’m mandatory for the English title, so I guess that will be next. I want the fights that let me show people how good I am. Ultimate Boxxer is perfect for me.”
Nickname? “Isaac ‘Can Bang’ Macleod. My lass gave me the name!”
Favourite TV show? “I used to watch Jeremy Kyle all the time, but now I’m addicted to ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.’”
Favourite meal when not in camp? “Thai food.”
Hobbies? “I’ve got a couple of close friends I like to go and see and we sometimes go to watch the football.”

For yesterday’s introduction to Ultimate Boxxer contender Kaisee Benjamin 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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“Justify and I are alike. We are unbeaten, we are champions, and in training we both eat like a horse,” said Golovkin.

Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez added his horse sense: “I agree with Gennady that Justify is the best athlete in the field. And like Gennady, Justify is not just the favorite every time he competes, he is a winner. But Justify also has a great corner in trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Mike Smith, who are both Hall of Famers. Pound for pound, Justify is No. 1”

Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, is boxing’s longest-reigning world champion. The kingpin of the middleweight division since 2010, Golovkin’s 19 consecutive title defenses are one shy of the middleweight division record,

Admission gates to Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby Day will open at 10 a.m. First post time is 11:30 a.m. to accommodate a 13-race program. The approximate post time for the Santa Anita Derby is 4:12 p.m. PT. For additional information regarding Santa Anita Derby Day, please visit www.santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 5, 2018) – Unbeaten heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (16-0, 14 KOs) faces a stern test when he defends his Junior NABF title against once-beaten Eugene Hill (34-1, 22 KOs) on Saturday April 14, from the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif.

The “New Blood” co-feature is scheduled for 8-rounds.

Mitchell, a southpaw from San Francisco, last appeared in August when he knocked out Mike Bissett in the third round, and with the win, recorded his first successful title defense.

The full-time physical education teacher, who began his career with thirteen straight knockout wins, is in prime shape to defend his title for a second time.

“Training camp is real hard, real intense just like always,” remarked Mitchell, who is 37-years-old, and at 6’4″ boasts excellent size for the division. “I’m excited to be back in it.”

Hill, 40, is still a force despite his veteran status. He hasn’t lost since 2009 and has won eighteen straight heading into his title fight against Mitchell.

“He’s dangerous, he’s a big puncher,” said Mitchell, who signed with Thompson Boxing five years ago. “I have to be ready because he comes forward with heavy punches. The plan is to meet him in the center of the ring and we’ll go from there. I’m bringing it.”

Since turning professional in 2013, Mitchell has passed every test placed in front of him. He outpointed the fast-handed Scott Alexander to win his current championship and credits a consistent mentality for his recent success.

“It’s an important title fight, but I can’t place too much emphasis on it because I train with the same focus and determination every time out,” Mitchell said. “But still, it would be sweet to get another win and defend my title in the process.”

In the main event, Salinas native Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs) headlines his first event when he battles fellow prospect Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) of Colombia in a bout set for 8-rounds. The pair will vie for the vacant WBO Youth Featherweight Title.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $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.

LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2018) – World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their 154-pound world title unification this Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME® from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

WBA Champion Lara and IBF Champion Hurd will meet for just the sixth unification bout in division history in a fight that will help define the future of the 154-pound class. The winner of Lara-Hurd will join Hall of Famers Terry Norris, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya and Winky Wright, as well as Canelo Alvarez, as the only fighters to unify 154-pound titles.

Thursday’s press conference also featured IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Truax and former champion James DeGale, who meet in an immediate rematch of what was the near-universal upset of the year in 2017. In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, super welterweight contenders Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore will face off in an IBF 154-pound world title eliminator.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Vanity Nightclub at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas:

ERISLANDY LARA

“Everyone knows I love to fight his style. I’ve fought better and taller fighters than him and you’ve seen me dominate them. It’s going to be nothing different on Saturday night.

“I want him to come forward. That’s what I’m prepared for. I’m going to give him a lesson on Saturday night.

“I have to give Hurd credit for taking the fight. It’s been hard to get fighters in the ring with me. There’s no need to talk because on Saturday we will find out everything we need to know.

“Everyone here talking from Hurd’s team can’t get in the ring with him. It’s different once you’re in the ring with me. You’ve never been in a big fight. We’ll find out what you have Saturday night. Right now, you’re all talk.

“I’m absolutely ready for this fight. This is going to be a great battle for the fans on SHOWTIME. I’m excited to get in the ring and finally unify the decision. I’m preparing to make history.

“I haven’t watched much video on Hurd, but as we saw from the Trout fight, he’s very hittable. Come Saturday night, he better have worked on some defense or it won’t last very long.

“I don’t want to hear anything about Jermell Charlo, because Jarrett Hurd is the one who stepped up. On Sunday, Charlo can sign the contract and we can get ready to rumble.”

JARRETT HURD

“Lara has been the longest reigning champion and he was on top when I first turned pro. We’ve studied him a lot. I didn’t get into this sport to be anything but number one. Lara is the top guy, but after Saturday night, it’s going to be me.

“It’s been a great training camp. We’re well prepared. This is the fight I’ve been asking for. After I beat Tony Harrison, Erislandy Lara had some words on Twitter for me. So I’ve wanted the fight since then. Somebody has to pay for that.

“This fight is coming at the right time for me because my confidence is very high right now. He’s a little older so I’ll be the younger and fresher fighter. I just feel like it’s my time. I’m going to be relentless. I’m not stopping until I get what I want.

“Lara is a veteran with a lot of experience. He knows how to win rounds and he can make you look bad no matter how good you are. I’m going to use my own awkward style and do what I do best.

“With my power and skill set, I can stop any fighter in the division. That definitely includes Erislandy Lara.

“Lara has great discipline in his game plan. No matter if he’s up on the cards or down or anything, he’s not going to switch it up. It’s hard to break a fighter when they’re disciplined like that. We have a plan for everything though and we’re confident that we’ll come up with something that will get us the victory.

“Lara is a guy who can’t take pressure fighters well. I have some of the best pressure in the game. I’m younger, stronger, taller and longer. He’s not going to be able to run for 12 rounds.

“Nobody wanted to fight this guy. I stepped up to the table because I know what I can do. He’s living the ‘American Dream’, but my dream has just begun. Saturday night I’m going to show you why nobody can survive 12 rounds with Jarrett Hurd. There’s a storm coming.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I’m honored to be here with these great fighters and back on SHOWTIME. Training camp was perfect for this fight. This is the longest camp I’ve had in my career and the most focused I’ve been.

“I just want to go out there and silence people who said it was a fluke the first time I won. I want to prove that I belong at the top of the division. I’m going to put on a good show for the fans and retain my title.

“We’ve had four months to prepare for James DeGale. Normally I have six to eight weeks, so it was nice to have a drawn out and specific training camp. We really focused on the conditioning and making sure I’m reaching my peak.

“I’ve been through a lot in this sport. I’ve fought top guys in big fights but it finally came together last December. It meant a lot to me and now I’m prepared to put on an even better performance. I know DeGale is going to be hungry so I have to be ready for him.

“I had a great camp this fight. I knew we were going to have a rematch so I was right back in the gym in a couple of weeks. My trainer put together a great plan to help me improve and prepare for what DeGale is going to improve on. I’ll be ready for him to be 100 percent.

“I just want to get to Saturday night and put on another great performance to retain my belt. I’m going to give it my all to bring that belt back home to Minnesota.”

JAMES DEGALE

“My last performance was horrendous. It was shocking and embarrassing. I’m not going to make excuses about my shoulder and what went wrong. On Saturday night, I will be a two-time world champion. I promise you that.

“I’ve boxed at the top level my whole life and put on some good performances. I know what was wrong with me and why I performed how I did in the first fight. I’m going to put it to rest when I become a world champion again.

“It’s been a long, difficult training camp. I had a gray cloud above my head the last couple of months, but I’m ready to go become a world champion again on Saturday.

“This time has turned me into a beast. I’ve had to take everything even more seriously than before. I might have gotten a bit complacent being a champion those last few years. I’ve locked myself down and I’m ready to go.

“I would say 90 percent of the loss was because of what I didn’t do. I looked past him. I came back too quick from the injury, but he still had to get in there and take my belt. There’s no disrespect to Caleb, but I’ve fought the very best of the division and come out on top. The real James DeGale will be back on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a dominant performance on Saturday. If I don’t beat Truax and beat him easily I can’t get to the level that I want. I know that’s what is coming. No excuses.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“We had a really good camp. I didn’t want to get into the trash talk this camp. He’s a solid fighter and I don’t underestimate anyone. But he seems like a bully. You can’t bully me. He’s obsessed with me on social media. I just have to focus on what he can do as a fighter.

“He’s a nobody who wants some attention. I’m going to give him lots of attention on Saturday night. I’m going to shut this guy up.

“He’s going to lose every single round and probably get stopped late. Every time he gets pushed he loses, gets a draw or gets knocked down. I’m drowning him in deep waters.

“I’m calm right now but also anxious to show everyone what I have. I know I’m a world class fighter, I just have to go do it. I’m making sure I stay patient right now.

“He lost to a journeyman, got a draw with a journeyman and got dropped by a journeyman. There’s nothing else to say. I’m taking him out on Saturday.”

NATHANIEL GALLIMORE

“Saturday night is judgment day and it starts with ‘J-Pebbles’. It’s going to be a night to remember for me.

“It’s going to be a spectacular fight. I’m going to demolish him in grand fashion. He’s never faced anyone like me before. When I touch him, it’s over.

“You better worry about what’s going to happen to you on Saturday night. It’s going to be nasty. This fight is going to show everyone who I am in this division.

“I had the best training camp of my entire career. We covered all the bases. Saturday night I’m going to wipe the smile off his face. You think Charlo hits hard? You’re going to see on Saturday night.

“This opportunity is huge. The division is mine for the taking. I study my opponents and I stalk them in the ring. Everyone will see what’s going to happen on Saturday.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a great card from top to bottom. We have none other than the longest reigning 154-pound world champion, Erislandy Lara, taking on one of the toughest tests of his career in the very exciting, young and hungry world champion Jarrett Hurd.

“The co-main event is another important fight with a rematch featuring Caleb Truax, who will be looking to hold on to the belt he took from James DeGale last year, while DeGale will look to get back to where he was before they met last December.

“The show opens up with a high-octane 154-pound title eliminator with Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore. This is the fight that could really steal the show. The winner of this fight will no doubt have their eye on the winner of Saturday’s main event.

“These are some of the best fights that can be made in each weight class. We can’t wait for everyone to see these fighters put it all on the line on Saturday night.”

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

Philadelphia, PA /White Plains, NY (April 5, 2018) — Two-time undefeated world champion, Demetrius Andrade is ready should Gennady Golovkin choose to fight him on May 5th at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Like I said last week, I am in the gym, and if Gennady does the right thing and choose the best available fighter, and that is me, he and his team should know that I am ready to fight him for his middleweight titles on May 5th. I have been working extra hard in the gym to prepare myself for May 5th. Last week your promoter texted my promoter asking if I was in the gym, well the pictures are the proof that I have been. I think Gennady knows that I am the best option right now. Based on all the comments about all of the names out there, this is the fight that the fans prefer. Gennady and his team have always talked about fighting the best, well it is time he stays true to his word and let’s fight on May 5th,” said Andrade.

NEW YORK (April 5, 2018) – Highly regarded undefeated lightweight Devin Haney will face the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The 19-year-old Haney, who was a seven-time national junior amateur champion, has been considered a blue-chip prospect since turning professional at the age of 16 in Mexico. Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) will face by far the toughest opponent of his career in his ShoBox debut against Menard (33-2, 24 KOs), a two-time ShoBox veteran whose only loss in nearly a decade came to current WBO Lightweight Champion Ray Beltran.

“The boxing world will see something they’ve never seen a 19-year-old professional boxer do,” Haney said. “I’m intimidating and I know it. I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and Mason Menard for giving me this opportunity, unfortunately for him, he will get a chance to see first-hand what all the hype is about. I’ve been sparring with former world champions like Jesse Vargas in preparation for this fight. The fact that I’m fighting in the main event is bringing out the best in me. It’s my time to show the world what I’m made of and I’m coming to make a statement in this fight. Mason Menard is in trouble!”

The young and flashy Haney fights out of Las Vegas, where he has earned a reputation as a prodigy having sparred with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Rances Barthelemy. He compiled an amateur record of 130-8 and received a special exception from the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he was just 17 years old to make his U.S. debut on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley III.

Haney, who is trained and managed by his father, William Haney, has been active since turning pro with nine fights in 2016 and seven in 2017. In his last fight on Nov. 4, he scored a fifth-round TKO against Hamza Sempewo in Atlanta.

Menard had an emphatic win in his ShoBox debut in 2016 with a brutal Knockout of the Year nominee of previously unbeaten Eudy Bernardo. He returned later that year with a knockout victory of Bahodir Mamadjonov before facing Beltran on short notice. Prior to the 2016 loss to Beltran, Menard’s only blemish was a 2008 defeat in just his third professional fight.

“It’s a privilege for me to be able return in a fight on national television again,” Menard said. “My all-around game will be different. I have a new team, a repaired shoulder and a different outlook on things. Haney may be undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me. If everyone expects me to fold against an untested prospect they are in for a big surprise.”

After facing Beltran, Menard changed trainers and is now based in Los Angeles with trainers John Pullman and Buddy McGirt.

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

MINNEAPOLIS (April 5, 2018) – A showdown between unbeaten super welterweights highlights undercard action on Friday, April 13 as Sebastian Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) meets Minnesota’s Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The event is headlined by welterweight contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown against Abel Ramos in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes. The telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will 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 promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com.

The action continues with veteran contender Haskell Rhodes returning to action to take on Wisconsin’s Mikey Fowler in a six-round lightweight showdown.

Also entering the ring on April 13 are a trio of unbeaten Minneapolis-natives as Marlin Sims faces Trevor Marmon in a four-round lightweight bout, Celso Ramirez battles Brandon Baue in a four-round super welterweight contest and Giezwa Pierre Hobbs takes on Raymond Chaco for a four-round super featherweight duel. The action concludes with Coon Rapids, Minnesota’s Uriel Lara in a four-round super welterweight fight against Thomas Amaro.

The 6-foot-6 Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno”, is unbeaten since turning pro in 2016 and picked up seven victories during a busy 2017 campaign. The 20-year-old fights out of Coachella, California and will make his 2018 debut against the Minneapolis-native Owens. The 26-year-old Owens picked up four victories by stoppage in 2018.

A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes (25-2-1, 12 KOs) bounced back from decision losses to former champion Sergey Lipinets and Edner Cherry to defeat Lenwood Dozier and most recently stop Jonathan Nelson. The 30-year-old Rhodes was unbeaten in his first 23 pro fights and will look to make it three in a row when he faces the 25-year-old Fowler out of Milwaukee.

# # #

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.

VERONA, NY. (April 5, 2018): Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs), the undefeated world champion of Mexico City, Mexico, will make the third defense of his WBC Super Bantamweight World title against explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event to Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Liam “Beefy” Smith for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship on Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Vargas is a 27-year-old world champion who brings a considerable height and reach advantage to every fight, which he has used to defeat all of his previous opponents. In February 2017, Vargas traveled to the United Kingdom to defeat Gavin McDonnell for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight Title. For that fight, Vargas enlisted the help of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, who has been training him ever since. Vargas then defended the title against Ronny Rios and Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete, and he’ll look to make his third defense against yet another tough contender in Hovhannisyan.

“I’m ready to make the third defense of my world title in what will be the next step of a historic career,” said Rey Vargas. “I’ve faced the best contenders since becoming world champion, and May 12 will not be the exception. Hovhannisyan is explosive and fast, but I will be prepared to win in exciting fashion to show that I’m the best super bantamweight in the world.”

Hovhannisyan is a fiery contender who has worked hard for his title opportunity. In September 2017, the 29-year-old fought with an injured right hand across 10 rounds of grueling action to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title on the undercard of Linares vs. Campbell. Hovhannisyan then returned in March for his most impressive victory yet, a sixth-round technical knockout win against former world title challenger Ronny Rios. After defeating a common opponent of Vargas via a more impressive manner, Hovhannisyan will look to use his quick and aggressive style to earn his first world title.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Azat Hovhannisyan. “I’ve prepared for this fight my entire life. Vargas is a great champion and this will be a hard fight, but I will do anything it takes to win this title.”

“Both of these world championship fights on May 12 will provide action from the opening bell,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Rey Vargas is the man to beat in the 122-pound division, and Azat Hovhanniysan has put in the work to potentially dethrone him.”

“Promociones del Pueblo and Golden Boy Promotions are dedicated to making great fights like this one,” said Oswaldo Kuchle, President of Promociones del Pueblo. “Rey Vargas has all the tools to walk away with the victory and will remove all doubts regarding his position as the best fighter in the 122-pound division.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that talks are in progress for WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders to face WBA, WBC and IBF Champion Gennady Golovkin in the autumn, should he come through his fight with Martin Murray at London’s 02 Arena on June 23rd.

Golovkin was due to fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on May 5th in Las Vegas, but the Mexican withdrew from the rematch on Tuesday, causing widespread rumours that Saunders would step in as a late replacement.

However, Saunders’ promoter has confirmed that the undefeated Hatfield star will make the fourth defence of his World Title against domestic rival Murray on June 23rd as originally planned.

“I’ve spoken with Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeffler and Golovkin v Saunders is in play for this Autumn,” said Warren. “May 5th was never going to happen because of Bill’s hand injury and Golovkin’s team are going ahead with a fight on that date so couldn’t make a fight in June.

“Bill will definitely be defending his belt against Martin Murray on June 23rd.

“If he comes through his fight against Martin then we are hoping he will get the chance to unify the Middleweight division against Golovkin in the autumn. That would be a huge fight and one we would love to make here in the UK.

“Golovkin has said many times that he wants to add the WBO belt to his collection and it’s a fight that Bill would jump at. There should be no problem making it – on paper it is a brilliant fight and one fans have been calling for.

“This is a fight that will define Bill’s legacy and I genuinely believe he will win. If anyone can beat Golovkin then it’s Bill, he has the style and the boxing skills. But first he has to deal with Martin on June 23rd.”

Tickets for Saunders v Murray priced form £40 (Tier) to £300 (Hospitality) are available to purchase via www.axs.com.

Long Island, New York (April 4, 2018)

After three fights in as many months and becoming only the third fighter to ever appear on HBO in consecutive months along side legends MIKE TYSON and ROY JONES JR., CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (21-1 17KO’s) now finds himself in a battle of a different kind.

Having aggravated an elbow injury after his 10-round unanimous decision win, in September, at The Paramount in Long Island, Seldin took HBO and NYCB Live by storm as the opening bout of the DANNY JACOBS vs LUIS ARIAS card, destroying ROBERTO ORTIZ (35-2-2 26KO’s) in front of a rowdy, Hammerhead filled crowd.

In November, Seldin yet again pushing pain aside, went north of the border, fighting in Montreal, Canada, against highly touted prospect YVES ULYSEE JR. (15-1 9KO’S) on HBO. Having been knocked down three times, Seldin showed immense strength, fighting through the pain of his elbow, and the first adversity in his career, finishing the 10-round fight, losing by unanimous decision.

Seldin was diagnosed with a UCL tear and elected to have an alternative to the common Tommy John surgery on February 8 at Stony Brook Hospital on Long Island. This surgery conducted by Dr. James Paci, placed an internal brace, ulnar nerve transposition and olecranon osteophyte excision in Seldin’s left arm. By electing to go this route, Seldin has the potential to cut rehabilitation time in half.

Seldin had these remarks on his surgery and future, “After my most recent appointment with Dr. Paci, he has stated that I’m ahead of schedule and hopefully within the next 4 weeks i will be able to hit a speed bag. I’m more excited then ever to get back in shape and back in the ring to do what I do best. Thank you to all of my fans for their continued support.”

You will be able to see Cletus ringside at “Rockin’ Fights” 31, live from The Paramount, in New York on June 8th, cheering on his fellow Star Boxing stablemates as he continues to recover from his surgery.
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Today’s Ultimate Boxxer contender Kaisee Benjamin explains how his brains (a little beauty) and admiration for Vasyl Lomachenko will take him to crowning glory in Ultimate Boxxer.

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

Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin KO’d everyone enroute to the ABA Novice final with his pro debut resulting in the same fashion. Often switching stances, Kaisee is highly unpredictable. Follow his journey @ultimateboxxer as all roads lead to the Manchester Arena on 27th April 2018.

Boxing brainbox Kaisee Benjamin aims to show fight fans that he’s the new Vasyl Lomachenko when he competes in Ultimate Boxxer I at the Manchester Arena on Friday 27th April.

The MENSA member will put his head-scratching skills to the test in boxing’s new edge-of-your-seat tournament that brings together eight undefeated welterweights who contest for a prize pool of £50,000 and the chance to break through as boxing’s newest star.

Celebrities will be at ringside and big music acts will perform on an exciting new concept merging boxing with entertainment to bring a new generation of fans to the sport.

The winner of three, three-round fights will win the top prize – and 22-year-old Benjamin from Birmingham says he will be taking a few of Lomachenko’s moves into the ring with him.

The brilliant Ukrainian is near the top of most pound-for-pound lists and aims to become a three-weight world champion in only his twelfth fight when he challenges WBA World lightweight boss Jorge Linares next month.

Benjamin, who also mixes beauty with his brains by working as a part-time model, said, “I have my own unique style, but people have said there are bits of Lomachenko in my boxing,”

“I do watch a lot of boxing on You Tube. I see it as a good way of adding to my boxing IQ. I see what works for the great fighters and look to add it to my boxing,”

“I like to be unpredictable. I like to improvise, the way Lomachenko does, and I don’t think anyone really wants to fight someone like me, as my rivals in Ultimate Boxxer will find out,”

“I’ve got the skills – and I’ve also got the heart as well. I can stand and fight if I have to. Sam Eggington will tell you that. Sam doesn’t pull his punches when we spar. We’ve had some real wars,”

“I’ve shown I can do the fancy stuff on the small-hall shows, but now it’s time to take it to the big stage on Ultimate Boxxer,”

Benjamin and Eggington are stablemates at the Eastside gym and chief Jon Pegg has said that Benjamin “can be a big name.”

“This is a massive opportunity for me,” Said Benjamin.

“I have been told that I’m an entertainer and the crowd get involved when I box and I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for the fans.”

Tickets for the show are available from Benjamin’s Instagram and Twitter pages, kaisee_official

BIO FILE
Age: 22
Record: 4-0-0 (1 KO)
Amateur pedigree: Won 20 of 25 amateur bouts, won the ABA Novice championship boxing for Eastside ABC.
Trainer: Paul Counihan.
Cutman: Jon Pegg.
Strengths: Is a real box of tricks, very hard for opponents to read. He says there are traces of Vasyl Lomachenko in his boxing. He switches stances, throws punches from everywhere and can punch with both hands.
Weaknesses: Has a risky but exciting style of boxing – he drops his hands and switches stances.
Punch power: On his pro debut, he flattened tough-as-old-boots Paul Cummings and as an amateur, he had a puncher’s reputation.
Speed: Has quick hands and good feet.
Stamina: Untested. Has yet to get out of second gear in his pro career yet. He stopped his debut opponent and has dominated a pair of experienced journeymen who couldn’t fathom him out.
Anything else: Is a member of MENSA for people with high IQs – and works as a part-time model. Knocked out all his opponents on his way to the final of the ABA Novice championship in 2015. Didn’t knock out his final opponent, but dropped him on the way to a wide points win. Coaches at the Eastside gym regard him as one of their best prospects.

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Football team: “Birmingham City. We are all Blues fans at the Eastside gym and I go to watch them when I can.”
Personal & Family life: “I’ve got a younger brother and a younger sister. They are both at college and I’m clever myself. I’m a member of MENSA and a junior chess champion.”
Music: “I like rap and UK hip hop.”
Fashion: “I dress to impress!”
Toughest moment: “So far, the ABA Novice championship final, that was tough, but dropping the lad in the last few seconds of that final. I knew then I had won the fight and the title.”
Best moment: “Being selected to enter Ultimate Boxxer and the chance to become a big name,”
Aspirations: “The world title is the plan, but I have to work my way up. I’ve got to win Ultimate Boxxer, then move on.”
Nutrition – “I try to eat and drink as healthily as I can.”

Q&A
What got you into boxing? “My stepdad, Mark Williams, was a pro cruiserweight and he took me to the gym when I was 10 years old.”
Who was your favourite fighter? “Vasyl Lomachenko is my favourite fighter now. People say there’s a bit of him in my boxing.”
Amateur record and achievements? “I won 20 of 25 bouts and won the Novices.”
Who’s the best boxer you have sparred? “Sam Eggington. We’ve had some real wars and that will prepare me for anything in Ultimate Boxxer.”
What are your best assets as a fighter? “I’m unpredictable and I’ve got a big heart. Sam (Eggington) will tell you I’ve got a big heart.”
What do you know about your Ultimate Boxxer rivals? “They are all unbeaten, they will all think they can win it and the best man will come out on top. It’s going to be a good night.”
Goals in boxing? “To win the world title.”
Favourite TV show? “Game of Thrones.”
Favourite meal when not in camp? “I like a Chinese.”
Hobbies? “Having a kickabout with my mates and going to watch Birmingham City.”

For yesterday’s introduction to Ultimate Boxxer contender Sam Evans 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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Dee Lee Promotions, LLC in association with Night Night Promotions Inc,
presents A Night of Live Boxing at the Hockessin PAL Center in Hockessin, DE, Saturday night, May 12, 2018. Delaware native “Jolt’n” Joey Tiberi Jr. (15-3-0) headlines a 10 bout professional fight card featuring a strong contingent of Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania boxers. Tiberi is hoping to restart his winning ways and has been refocusing his efforts through an extremely aggressive training regiment. Only time will tell but, Tiberi seems very determined.

This 10 bout fight card is dominated by contests in the light heavy, cruiser and heavyweight divisions and promises to deliver the type of power punching that brings a fight crowd to its’ feet. Fighters like Kennett Square cruiser weight Anthony “The Bull” Caputo Smith (15-8-0), light heavyweight Brandon Mullins(1-0-0) and Delaware’s Dan “Bada Bing” Biddle (9-7-0, 4 KO’s) provide plenty of the knockout power that can make for a short night’s work.

Elsewhere on the fight card Middletown, DE. southpaw Maurice “The War Time” Horne, (2-0-0), has his own plans to provide fireworks for Delaware fight fans and don’t plan to disappoint the crowd. In addition Maryland’s Dionte Burts (1-2-0), young guns Celestine Agustine (NY), Bryant Costello (NY), Faeji Moorer (PA), and Atlantic City’s Isiah Hart have all chosen to make their Pro Debuts on this Delaware fight card.

The fight card also features a rather unique pro debut by Delaware heavyweight Stefan “The Freak” Talabisco. He originally began training with matchmaker Nick Tiberi in the 90’s and briefly fought Golden gloves. Stefan’s boxing plans took a small detour (20 years or so) during which he participated in; Joined the USMC, had 2 combat tours (Iraq & Saudi Arabia), spent a stint with a drug task force unit, served as a state constable and got married and welcomed a baby. So, rest assured fight fans, “The Freak” is more than anxious to get in the ring and down to business.

Doors open at 6:00 P.M. and first fight is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.

For Tickets, call
Dee Lee Promotion, 609-868-4243, Joey Tiberi 302-650-8678, Todd Mulvena 302-339-0648,
Nick Tiberi 302-540-7203
Prices; General Admission – Advance $45.00 at Door $50.00, Ringside Advance $60.00 at Door $65.00

Sponsored by; Delaware Park, Auto Equity, Pini Masonry, R.E. Excavation & Recovery Centers of America

LAS VEGAS (April 4, 2018) – World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd began fight week with a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday before their 154-pound world title unification that headlines action this Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also in attendance Wednesday was super middleweight world champion Caleb Truax, who rematches former champion James DeGale in the co-featured attraction. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with a 154-pound title eliminator between Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore, who were also at the Mayweather Boxing Club Wednesday for the media workout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ERISLANDY LARA

“Everything in training went how it was supposed to. We did our job and now it’s time to fight. I did everything in the gym that I needed to prepare for anything that Hurd can bring.

“All of my opponents are taller than me. His size means nothing to me. I have the experience and I’m the best boxer in the division. He’s never seen anything like me.

“He has to beat me to get the top spot in this division. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“I’ve earned everything in this sport the hard way. I’ve fought the tough fights for no money. I think everyone knows how talented I am and that I belong up there with the best in the sport.

“I don’t watch film in training camp. A fighter can look one way on video, but totally different in the ring. He has to prepare for what I’m doing. I’m not worried about what he brings. I saw a little bit of his fight against Trout while I was warming up to fight Terrell Gausha, but that’s about it.”

JARRETT HURD

“There was something in me that always wanted this fight. Once I defended my title against Austin Trout, I was quick to get on top of this opportunity.

“This is going to be a difficult fight. Lara is the type of fighter who has a lot of experience. It won’t be easy so I have to be well prepared and on top of my game come Saturday night.

“We’ve been in the gym working a lot on our hand movement and footwork. I took too many punches against Trout and I knew what it was going to take to make those improvements.

“Every fight is the most important fight of my career because I’m protecting this undefeated record. This is going to be a tough fight but I promise I’m going to give it my all and bring it to Lara all night long.

“Being back in Vegas and back at Hard Rock where I beat Frank Galarza to really get this whole journey started means a lot to me. I’m planning to give everyone a great show just like I always do.

“No matter what kind of fight he brings; I’m going to stick to my game plan. He has to fight at my pace. No matter what he comes with, I’m going to be in charge in the ring.

“It’s always going to be fireworks when I’m in the ring. I have a fan-friendly style. At the end of the day, you don’t have to worry about Lara running away, because I’m going to be in his face for 12 rounds.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I think DeGale has been making excuses. He couldn’t stop talking about how great his shoulder felt heading into our first fight. Then right after the fight he said he felt fine. Now I guess he came back too early. He was in a tough fight not too long ago, so we’ll see how he is on Saturday night.

“I’m prepared for a better James DeGale. I took his belt and I know he’s going to come back hungry. I expect him to give it his all to get it back. He’ll be in top form.

“As far as I know, I’m still an underdog for this fight. A lot of people think I was a fluke the first time around, so it’s up to me to prove them wrong. I’m ready to silence the critics and silence DeGale.

“I felt like I was going to win the whole time, but a lot of people said it was one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history. It still hasn’t really sunk in. Nothing has really changed. I’m a busier man but I still keep it really low key.

“Boxing isn’t a huge sport in Minneapolis because it’s such a great sports scene. Hopefully my win on Saturday and Jamal James on April 13 on PBC on FS1 will get some more kids into the gyms.

“There were plenty of things that I had to improve on after the first fight. I’ve had four months to really dig down and prepare for this fight. I’ve known the rematch was coming and I’ve been able to get ready.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I had a really good camp. I really was just focused on getting better and moving forward in my career. I got a lot of great rounds in with some quality fighters and it was a really productive camp.

“I love fighting in Las Vegas. The electricity is always there and the fans are always welcoming. I love putting on a show for these fans.

“I think Gallimore has performed decently against the competition he’s had. He got beat by a journeyman and had a draw with another journeyman. He seems to have gotten hot at the right time, but we’ll see if he brings it on Saturday night.

“He’s backing himself into a corner. He has to back up those words he’s saying. Overall I think he’s a solid fighter, a good test and it should be an entertaining fight.

“He said he’s going to knock me out, but that’s really the only way he could possibly win. One lucky punch. That’s all he’s banking on. I’m going to out class him and out dog him.

“I’ve always known I had guts, I’ve always known I’m a really good fighter with all the tools to become a world champion. I didn’t need to learn anything about myself after the loss, I just had to correct some things and move forward.”

NATHANIEL GALLIMORE

“I feel great right now, I’m ready for the world to see the improved ‘Nate The Great’. I treat every fight like a world championship fight. Julian Williams has nothing for me. He has to worry about what I bring to the table. On Saturday night, it’s going to be judgement day. The truth will come out.

“This fight means a lot to me. This is what I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little kid. This is my chance to become great. I’m going to show the world I’m a different beast in the 154-pound division.

“I’m bringing total domination for this fight. I don’t care what he’s training for. He could be training on Mars. He has to get up to my level. I’m tearing him apart.

“I’m taking this fight so seriously. Julian Williams is quiet now, but he was loud before he fought Jermall Charlo. He has to figure out who he is. I’m going to show the whole world.

“The game plan is to show off my whole arsenal. We’ve covered everything in the gym. I’m a different animal. Everyone in this division better look out for me. They’re going to have to crown me real soon.”

LAS VEGAS (April 4, 2018) – Mexican bantamweight Tony Lopez, Jr. (13-3, 4 KOs) believes an impressive victory April 20th over his Roy Jones Jr., Boxing Promotions (RJJ) stablemate, unbeaten bantamweight prospect “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Max Ornelas (10-0-1, 4 KOs), will get him back in the mix.

Ornelas vs. Lopez, Jr., presented RJJ Boxing Promotions, will air live on beIN Sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Cox Pavilion on the University of Nevada at Las Vegas campus.

The vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) North American Boxing Association (NABA) USA bantamweight title will be on the line in the eight-round main event.

A UNLV sophomore who lives in Las Vegas, the 19-year-old Ornelas is ranked by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at No. 14 in the world. “I’ve had several fights where my role was reversed, and I was fighting in my hometown in front of my fans, friends and family,” Dallas resident Lopez, Jr. spoke about fighting Ornelas on the road. “I wanted to put on a show and they were screaming like crazy before the opening bell. Once the fight started, though, I didn’t see or hear them. It was just me and my opponent. I’ve fought in Las Vegas a few times and I’m comfortable fighting him (Ornelas) there. I understand that this is part of my job, a requirement, regardless of fighting him in his hometown. I like pressure.”

Lopez, Jr. was born in Mexico, but he’s lived nearly his entire life in Texas. His father, Tony Lopez, Sr., was an ex-fighter from Mexico who got his son into boxing when he was six. Now, Lopez, Jr. fights for Roy Jones, Jr.

“It’s surreal,” the rugged southpaw admitted. “I’m fighting for a living legend, arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time. He knows me, he’s seen me fight. It’s an honor to wear his gear, not only as a fan of his, but to represent his company. It’s one of the coolest things in this business.”

Ornelas is also promoted by RJJ Boxing Promotions and they’ve fought together on two RJJ cards. They’re familiar with each other and, if styles truly make great fights, this one could turn out to be an instant classic.

“He’s (Max) a very clean fighter, by the books, not wanting to get into scrapes,” the 24-year-old Lopez spoke about his opponent. “He strides and moves, not looking to bang or exchange. He likes to fight on the outside, using his size and length. He’s fast but doesn’t have a lot of power. It’s hit and not get hit for him. He has a lot of holes and me being the more experienced fighter, I plan to expose some of those holes.

“Back in May of 2016, I fought and undefeated opponent, Jerren Cochran (11-0-1), and I knew it was an audition for Roy and RJJ. I came out in a full attack mode because I wanted to make a statement. ((Lopes knocked our Cochran in the second round.) I’m looking to make another statement this time around by fighting like I did earlier in my career.

“I’m faster, stronger and have better head movement than him. I’m still young but I have more life experience than him (Ornelas). I’m still young, only 24, but I have more experience than him going into this fight. I’ve fought a former world champion (Rico Ramos). I’m part of a new team and my FHG Gloves teammates are John Vera, who just fought for a world title, and Edwin Vasquez. An impressive victory will put me right back in the mix for a big Saturday night fight for an even bigger title.”

Unbeaten World Boxing Council (WBC) United States welterweight champion Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (14-0-1, 5 KOs), a former college football player from New Haven, Connecticut, tangles with Houston’s Marquis Taylor (8-1, 0 KOs) in the eight-round, co-featured event..

Highly-touted Uzbekistan-native Elnur Abduraimov, now fighting out of Las Vegas, will make his professional in a four/six-round bout versus an opponent to be determined, opening the televised segment of the card. Abduraimov won a bronze medalist at the 2015 World Amateur Championships, as well as gold at the 2015 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships.

Australian super welterweight and past world title challenger, Tommy “The Titan” Browne (35-7-2, 13 KOs), faces Carlos Hernandez (15-17, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, in an eight-round bout.

2016 World Juniors Championships silver medalist Gabriel Flores, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), a 17-year-old sensation from Stockton, CA, squares off against Mexico-native Alejandro Rochin (5-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Oklahoma City, in a six-round match.

Also scheduled to be in action in six-round fights are Las Vegas super lightweight Kevin Johnson (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. TBA, and undefeated Roy Jones protégé Shady Gamhour (6-0, 5 KOs), a Swedish middleweight now living in Jones’ hometown of Pensacola, FL, will be tested by Mexican Erasmo Garcia (5-2, 3 KOs).

Pro-debuting Las Vegas junior lightweight Jaime Gomez and Ivan Ortiz (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, will clash in a four-rounder.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $100.00 Ringside, $40.00 Reserved Seating & $25.00 General Admission, and available to purchase online at http://www.unlvtickets.com/eventInfo/spe/687/ornelas-vs-lopez/Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com http://www.beinsports.com/us
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @beINSPORTS ,
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @beINSportsusa, @artofmusiclv, @cervezatecate, @rivalboxinggear, use #RoyJonesJr, #RJJ, #MaxLopez
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing http://www.facebook.com/beinsportsusa

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven to that we conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as, Super Bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, Super Flyweight Aston Francis Palicite, Lightweight Demond Brock, Super Lightweight Emmanuel Robles, Super Welterweight John Vera & Daniel Rosario Cruz, Super Featherweight Randy Moreno, Bantamweight Max Ornelas & Tony Lopez, Cruiserweight Adrain Taylor and Middleweight Shady Gamhour, Featherweight Edward Vazquez, Super lightweight Kendo Castaneda & Heavyweight Alexander Flores.

About beIN Sports: Launched in 2012, beIN SPORTS is the fastest growing sports network in the world and is offered on the 10 largest cable/satellite TV providers in the U.S., as well as other systems across the country. beIN SPORTS offers viewers premium sports content and entertainment across multiple platforms including TV channels beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español and live streaming on beIN SPORTS CONNECT. A cornerstone of beIN SPORTS is its unrivaled live soccer coverage, which includes live matches from LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, NASL, and CONMEBOL/CONCACAF/CAF World Cup Qualifiers, as well as news and in-depth analysis of all the top leagues from around the world. In addition to soccer, beIN SPORTS serves as a haven to fans of motorsports, tennis, rugby, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and volleyball, among others. With the recent addition of Conference USA coverage, beIN SPORTS will also broadcast College Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Soccer, Baseball, Softball and Volleyball. Thru beIN SPORTS CONNECT, authenticated subscribers can also enjoy all the exciting action from the two networks and stream live overflow matches offered in HD on your computer, tablet or smart phone.

About the Cox Pavilion: The Cox Pavilion is a 78,300-square-foot, multi-purpose indoor arena connected to the Thomas & Mack Center which is located on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. In 2001, Cox Communications secured the naming rights for the facility as well as opportunities for sponsorship and hospitality. The pavilion is a two-level structure. The ground floor features men’s and women’s locker facilities, player lounges and practice courts for basketball and volleyball. The top level is a multi-purpose venue with a seating capacity of 2,500 to 3,100 for sporting events. The Cox Pavilion is home to the UNLV Lady Rebels women’s basketball and volleyball programs and host to great live events such as the annual NBA Summer League, Tuff-N-Uff Amateur MMA, cheerleading competitions, local community events and more. For additional information visit www.unlvtickets.com. For the latest news and events happening at the Cox Pavilion, visit www.facebook.com/CoxPavilion and follow on Twitter (@CoxPavilion).

EL PASO, TX (April 4, 2018) – Fighters competing on an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes hosted a press conference in El Paso, Texas Wednesday ahead of their respective showdowns on Saturday, April 28 from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso.

In attendance Wednesday was former title challenger Josesito Lopez and unbeaten welterweight Miguel Cruz, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus El Paso’s Abraham Han, who battles former champion Anthony Dirrell in a super middleweight contest, and unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara, who faces exciting brawler Claudio Marrero in a featherweight matchup.

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

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from the Wyndham El Paso Hotel:

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I feel really good physically and I’m excited for this fight. This is the kind of fight I’ve been looking for. I have a good undefeated opponent in front of me who’s coming to win. That motivates me.

“I’m completely focused and I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. On April 28 I’m going to give it my all and come out with this victory. I refuse to lose this fight.

“It’s been a dream to fight in Texas and I’m so happy to be here in El Paso. I’m going to embrace this challenge and give the fans what they deserve.

“I know that I have to be ready for anything and with Robert Garcia in my corner, there’s no doubt I’ll be prepared. Cruz is young and hungry but I just have to show why I’ve been competing at a high level for so long.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“I’m very excited to be here in this fight. I have a lot of respect for what Josesito Lopez has done in this game. There’s no doubt he’s an accomplished fighter. I believe this is my time.

“I’m going to leave everything in the ring to win this fight. That’s what I feel in my heart. I believe in my training. I’ve been working and working and I know what’s in front of me.

“This isn’t going to be easy. It won’t be easy for me and it sure won’t be easy for him. Don’t miss this fight on April 28.

“This is going to be a great show from top to bottom. I know the Mexican fans in El Paso will be out in full. It’s an honor to compete on this stage against a great competitor. I’m ready for the test.”

ABRAHAM HAN

“I’m fighting a former world champion at 168-pounds. Anthony Dirrell is a great fighter and I know that I’m going to have to avoid his power. I’m going to be quick and use all my skills.

“This is going to be a great fight on April 28. I’m fighting in my hometown of El Paso, and I do not lose here. Something about this town turns me into a ‘super saiyan.’

“I’m going to be strong and when I get the opportunity, I’m looking to hurt Dirrell. This is a fight that can get me to a world title fight.

“My sister, (IBF Featherweight World Champion) Jennifer Han, was the first women’s world champion from El Paso. I’m looking to become the first male world champion from here. El Paso needs to come out and support one of its’ own on April 28. This is a great fight town and we have a chance to show everyone on fight night.”

JORGE LARA

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here in El Paso. I’m very motivated for this fight and honored to battle with Claudio Marrero.

“We will leave El Paso with my hand raised. I know that this will be a tough fight, but I’m training very hard to get this win. This is a chance to prove that I deserve a world title shot.

“I feel I’m ready to challenge anyone in the division right now. I’m going to earn it in the ring and keep working hard every day until I have that belt around my waist.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Lopez’s Trainer

“We have a great team in the gym and we’re focused on Josesito’s fight on April 28. We know Cruz is a tough fight. He’s an undefeated fighter that knows a win over Josesito could get him a title fight.

“Since Josesito’s been with me we’ve been working hard and training for over two years. He’s improved so much and come April 28 he’s going to show everyone that he’s ready to challenge the world champions. We have to beat guys like Cruz to get to those fights.

“The fans in Texas are always great. This is a great boxing city and every time we’re in El Paso we get nothing but love. We appreciate it and hope to see you all at the fight.”

O’NEIL WATSON, Cruz’s Trainer

“I have a young fighter who I’ve been with since he was twelve years old. He got his first win with me. I’ve been there to guide him through everything he’s done in boxing.

“If you want to be a world champion, you have to be willing to fight guys like Josesito Lopez. We know what we’re preparing for and I know that Miguel Cruz is going to end the night with the win.”

# # #

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

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

LOS ANGELES (April 4, 2018): Former pound-for-pound king and future Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr. will be the special VIP guest for the April 12 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The main event will feature two-time Fight of the Year winner and former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (24-1-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight fight against “Lightning” Rod Salka (24-4, 4 KOs).

Doors to the Special Events Center will open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:45 pm PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes 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.

After a stellar trajectory as an amateur, Roy Jones, Jr. begin his legendary career in 1989, defeating one opponent after another with the kind of blinding speed and devastating power that made him invincible in his prime. The native of Pensacola, Florida defeated the likes of Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and James “Lights Out” Toney, and captured world titles in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. These accomplishments have made many consider Jones, Jr. to be very best fighter of the 1990s, especially as he only lost one fight during that entire decade via a controversial disqualification loss against Montell “Ice” Griffin that was quickly vindicated in their rematch. Jones, Jr. will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Aidar Sharibayev (7-0, 6 KOs) of Miami, Florida will take on Andrew Cancio (17-4-2, 13 KOs) of Blythe, Calif. in a 10-round fight for the WBA Intercontinental Super Featherweight Title. Sharibayev is a native of Almaty, Kazakhstan who is quickly moving up the 130-pound rankings and is already battling in 10-round fights in just his eighth fight.

Hometown favorite Rommel Caballero, the younger brother of former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero, will make his professional debut against Eric Rodriguez (1-2) of Los Angeles, Calif. in a four-round 130-pound fight. Javier Padilla (5-0-1, 5 KOs) of Indio, Calif. will face Ricardo Arias (1-2-1) of Mexico City, Mexico in a four-round fight in the 122-pound division.

Irish prospect Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (2-0, 1 KO) will make a quick return as he battles in a scheduled four-round welterweight fight, while Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (7-0, 5 KOs) will return in an eight-round clash in the lightweight division. Opponents for both will be announced shortly.

Jonathan Navarro (13-0, 7 KOs) of East Los Angeles, Calif. will face Japanese pugilist Shoki Sakai (22-7-2, 12 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight battle that will open the night of action.

Vargas vs. Salka 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.” Doors to the Special Events Center will open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:45 pm PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes 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.

Tickets for the event start at $25 and are 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: Vargas vs. Salka must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, April 6.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
www.espn.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook atwww.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/VargasSalka into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

HARTFORD, Conn. (April 4, 2018) – Professional boxing’s newest promotional company, Hartford Boxing Promotions, has announced its official formation, as well as tentative plans calling for its inaugural event this summer in Hartford.

Boxing trainer Tony Blanco and his Hartford-based House of Boxing gym partner, Michael Tran, have teamed with their undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (6-0, 5 KOs), to form Hartford Boxing Promotions. Rivera is one of the best and most popular pro fighters in New England.

“We want to bring boxing back to Hartford,” Blanco addressed why they founded this new promotional company. “Hartford is a hotbed of boxing. There’s a lot of talent here and Hartford has a rich boxing history.

“We hope to promote our first show on June 16th, subject to Connecticut Boxing Commission approval, at Xfinity Theatre in Hartford. It’s owned by Live Nation and has been used only as a concert hall, but it has an old-school feel and will be an awesome venue for boxing. We’re excited about promoting events in this new venue for boxing.”

Boxing’s roots in the Hartford market dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega, “Iceman” John Scully and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.

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