Olympic hero Daniyar Yeleussinov has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Yeleussinov won Welterweight gold for Kazakhstan at the 2016 Rio games and was the standout fighter in the games – winning every round on his way to gold medal glory.

The highly decorated 26 year old won World Championship gold at Welterweight in his homeland in 2013 a year after competing in the London 2012 Olympics at Light Welterweight, and returned to the World Championships in 2015 where he picked up silver.

Yeleussinov promises to be a thrilling addition to the paid ranks and will make his professional debut at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 28 on the undercard of Daniel Jacobs’ Middleweight showdown with Maciej Sulecki.

“Words can’t explain how excited I am to sign with Matchroom Boxing,” said Yeleussinov. “I know Eddie along with my management team will work together to achieve my goal of becoming undisputed World champion.

“I’m excited so to box in the U.S, the U.K and at home in Kazakhstan and can’t wait for my debut in New York on April 28 and beginning my professional journey.”

Yeleussinov teams up with promoter Hearn and that link-up could provide a tasty rematch between the Kazakh and Josh Kelly, the Brit Yeleussinov beat in the first round in Rio, and Hearn is thrilled to add Yeleussinov to his stable of stars.

“I’m honoured to win the race to sign Daniyar,” said Hearn. “He is an unbelievable talent and a fighter that can become a huge star all around the World. We are looking to move him at a fast pace, beginning in New York in April before making his UK debut in the Summer. It’s going to be a lot of fun and fight fans are going to love watching this young man go all the way to the top.”

Ziya Aliyev, Managing Director of Boxing Stars Management Group LLC, added: “We are happy to bring Daniyar to the Matchroom Boxing family. We know Eddie is the promoter that can make the moves to not only make Daniyar a World champion but a star around the world.”

Yeleussinov’s debut is part of a huge night of action topped by Jacobs’ clash with Sulecki, while Jacobs’ fellow Brooklyn star Jarrell Miller meets Johann Duhaupas in a WBA World Heavyweight title clash and WBA World Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor aims to unify against IBF champion Victoria Bustos.

Tickets for Yeleussinov’s debut start at $42 and are on sale NOW. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Saturday, February 24 at noon. For information on group sales, call 844.255.9647.

BOSTON (March 6, 2018): Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN will be shipping up to the Boston area for a second time as IBA and NABA Super Welterweight Champion Mark “Bazooka” DeLuca (20-0, 12 KOs) returns in the 10-round main event against Cleveland, Ohio’s Michael Moore (15-1, 7 KOs) on Saturday, March 31 at Marina Bay Sportsplex in Quincy, Mass.

The televised co-main event will feature the long-awaited return of Ireland’s Jason Quigley (13-0, 10 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight fight against Puerto Rico’s Daniel Rosario (11-3, 10 KOs). ESPN2 will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN Deportes at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

DeLuca, a 30-year-old of Whitman, Mass., is a lifelong student of the sport of boxing, which was introduced to him by his father at the age of three. DeLuca’s only time away from the sport was as an enlisted Marine, for which he was deployed for nine months in Afghanistan. Since then, “Bazooka” has developed an impressive resume aided by a southpaw stance and knockout power in both arms.

“I’m really excited that Murphy’s Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions and ESPN got together again to host a fight in Boston,” said DeLuca. “The amazing boxing fan base in Boston that I’m lucky to have the support of deserves a big night like this.”

Moore, on the other hand, has only one blemish on a career that has spanned eight years. The 31-year-old promises to bring a competitive fight in his first bout before nationally-televised audience.

In the co-main event, Jason Quigley will return after his toughest test to date against Daniel Rosario. Quigley, one of the most promising boxers of the middleweight division, will return after suffering an injury in his right hand in a grueling victory against Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia to capture the NABF Middleweight Title in March 2017. This will also be Quigley’s first fight under the auspices of world-renowned trainer, Dominic Ingle.

“I’m ready to light up Boston,” said Quigley. “It’s will be amazing to fight again, but it will be even more special because I’ll be on the east coast with all my Irish fans. This is going to be special, and I will put on a great show.”

Brazilian southpaw Yamaguchi Falcao (14-0,7 KOs)will return to the ring in an eight-round middleweight fight. Falcao, a bronze medalist in the 2012 Olympic Games, will seek to remain undefeated as he works towards professional gold in the competitive 160-pounds division.

Damon “No Smilin'” Allen, Jr. (14-0-1, 5 KOs), the Golden Boy Promotions prospect who is a student of the Philadelphia school of boxing, will put his technique on display against Alex Del Bosque (13-4, 9 KOs) of Dallas, Texas in an eight-round bout in the 135-pound division.

Massachusetts’ best prospects will showcase their skills in front of a hometown crowd to complete this explosive card. Raymond Moylette (8-0, 3 KOs) of County Mayo, Ireland will face Matt Doherty (8-3-1, 4 KOs) of Salem, Mass. in a highly anticipated six-round swing bout in the lightweight division.

Mike Ohan, Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs) of Holbrook, Mass. will battle Anthony Everett (1-7) of Lawrence, Mass. in a fight scheduled for six-rounds at welterweight. Welterweight prospect Joe Farin (1-0, 1 KO) of South Boston, Mass. will take on Maleek Jackson (3-10-4, 2 KOs) of Newark, N.J. in a four-round welterweight battle.

Jillian Diauto (1-0, 1 KO) of Boston, Mass. will participate in a four-round battle against Karen Dulin (2-13, 1 KO) in the lightweight division. Julio Campusano (1-0, 1 KO) of Quincy, Mass. will take on Nathan Schulte (0-5) of Framingham, Mass. in a four-rounder in the 168-pound division. Travis Gambardella (2-1-1) of Revere, Mass. will open the night against Eric Palmer (10-13-5, 1 KO) of Uniontown, Pa. in a four-round middleweight clash.

DeLuca vs. Moore is a 10-round super welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Murphy’s Boxing Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will be held on March 31, 2018 at Marina Bay Sportsplex in Quincy, Mass. ESPN2 will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN Deportes at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: DeLuca vs. Moore are now on sale and start at $40. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.

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

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

6 March 2018 – Bangkok, Thailand: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the complete card at ONE: IRON WILL, set for 24 March at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. In the main event, reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil will defend his title against ONE Featherweight & Lightweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia.

Ticket information for ONE: IRON WILL is available at www.onefc.com

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I am super excited to announce another huge world title bout as reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes will face two-division ONE Featherweight & Lightweight World Champion Martin Nguyen at ONE: IRON WILL. It’s a tremendous matchup, and one that the whole world wants to see. I have no doubt that these two warriors will be putting on a great show for everyone watching live in Bangkok. This is the biggest martial arts event in the history of Thailand, and I can’t wait to be in Bangkok for this one. It’s going to be absolutely phenomenal.”

37-year-old Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil is the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion, and widely considered one of the best martial artists in the world bar none. He made his ONE Championship debut back in 2012 and captured the bantamweight world title in 2013. Since then, Fernandes has remained unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage, showcasing tremendous striking and grappling ability and an unwavering will to win. In his most recent bout, Fernandes made quick work of top divisional contender Andrew Leone, submitting the American with a rear-naked choke in the very first round. In his next title defense, Fernandes is set to face ONE Championship two-division titleholder, Martin Nguyen.

29-year-old Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen is one of the most highly-regarded martial arts champions in the world. With an impressive 10-1 professional record, which includes three submissions and seven knockouts, Nguyen’s all-around skill set allows him to perform at the highest level of competition. All of Nguyen’s wins have come by exciting finish. In his most recent bout, Nguyen scored a scintillating knockout victory over the Philippines’ Eduard Folayang to become the first man in the history of ONE Championship to hold two titles simultaneously in two different weight divisions. Nguyen now reigns as the ONE Featherweight & Lightweight World Champion, and this March in Bangkok, he attempts to make history once again in going for his third world title in as many divisions. Nguyen is scheduled to face ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes in his next bid for greatness.

Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon of the United States is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Tom deBlass and Ricardo Almeida. He is a No Gi specialist who has clinched multiple world titles at the IBJJF World and Pan American Championships. At age 14, Tonon fell in love with wrestling and grappling and has developed into a bonafide grappling superstar over the course of his career. He is a prominent fixture in submission-only format competitions such as Metamoris, Polaris and the Eddie Bravo Invitational. After defeating Japanese legend Shinya Aoki via heel hook in a Grappling Super-Match in May of 2017, Tonon announced that he would transition to the ONE Championship cage. He makes his cage debut against Richard Corminal.

Filipino lightweight competitor Richard “Notorious” Corminal is a Filipino martial artist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, training out of MuayFit. He holds a professional record of four wins and three losses, with each of his career victories to date coming by way of knockout. In his most recent bout, Corminal succumbed to Frenchman Arnaud LePont via first-round submission. Corminal now aims for redemption, as he aims to spoil the much-anticipated debut of Garry Tonon.

Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is a three-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai world champion with a Muay Thai record of 282-65-3 and an 8-3 professional record in ONE Championship. He is known as a technical striker with quick hands and lightning feet, employing some of the most unique and creative offensive combinations. As a martial artist with over 25 years of competitive experience, Dejdamrong is a seasoned veteran. Next, the Thai warrior goes up against Jeremy Miado.

Strawweight contender Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado of Manila, Philippines is a martial artist with a 6-2 professional record and a former Blaze FC Strawweight Champion. He is a Muay Thai and boxing practitioner who owns a Muay Thai record of 76-7. In his most recent bout, Miado went shot for shot with rising Thai star Pongsiri Mitsatit. Miado is now ready to get back in the win column, and will face Muay Thai legend and former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.

Light heavyweight knockout artist Alain “The Panther” Ngalani, who trains out of Impakt MMA in Hong Kong but is originally from Cameroon, is a terrifying combination of power and speed, and is always looking to end matches early. Owning a 25-7-1, 2 NC kickboxing record which includes 23 knockouts, Ngalani is a heavyweight world champion in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Last September, Ngalani scored a record-setting 11-second KO of former ONE Heavyweight World Title Challenger Hideki Sekine. Next for Ngalani is a matchup against Ariunbold Tur-Ochir.

28-year-old Ariunbold Tur-Ochir of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is set to make his ONE Championship debut. A boxing stylist with fast and powerful hands, Tur-Ochir is a Mongolian champion representing Irves Team. With a professional record of 4-1, Tur-Ochir joins a growing light heavyweight roster in ONE. He will be tasked to face the colossal Alain Ngalani in his first bout for the promotion.

29-year-old Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai of Thailand is one of the most thrilling offensive innovators in ONE Championship. The creator of the OneShin Striking System, Wiratchai developed his own style which incorporates various elements from Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Training out of Tiger Muay Thai and Bangkok Fight Lab, Wiratchai emerges as Thailand’s biggest and most exciting martial arts star. Wiratchai seeks to return to his winning ways as he faces Rahul Raju in his next contest.

“The Kerala Krusher” Rahul Raju of India is a 26-year-old Kung Fu stylist based in Singapore and trains out of the prestigious Juggernaut Fight Club. He is a former Ultimate Satira Champion and owns a professional record of 5-1. With heavy hands, Raju is known for his great knockout power and undeniable striking ability. He makes his ONE Championship debut against Shannon Wiratchai.

Jake Butler of the United States has firmly established himself as one of the top elite wrestlers in ONE Championship. He owns a highlight reel of victories with exciting finishes, and possesses some of the best wrestling and grappling in the sport having honed his skills as captain of the Princeton wrestling team. With a professional record of 7-2, Butler is unstoppable when he utilizes his signature techniques, but has also improved his striking skills by training with Muay Thai world champions in Asia. He takes on the tough Gilberto Galvao in his return to the ONE Championship cage.

Gilberto “Giba” Galvão is a martial arts veteran from Brazil, with extensive experience of over 30 professional bouts spanning over a decade in the cage. A solid top contender at middleweight, Galvao has competed largely in Brazil and has compiled 29 total victories, more than half of which have ended in submissions. A former Aspera FC Middleweight Champion, Galvao is looking to make run at the middleweight title, but will have to first go through talented American Jake Butler.

Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige is a 28-year-old female atomweight from Thailand who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and Bangkok Fight Lab. She is of mixed Japanese and Thai heritage, beginning her martial arts training at age 9 with aikido and taekwondo. Heavily influenced by her late father who trained in judo, Ishige went on to hone her skills as a martial artist, and turned professional earlier this year. All of Ishige’s victories have ended via impressive finish, showcasing her high-level grappling skills. In her last bout, Ishige defeated Rome Trinidad by second-round submission. Ishige will look for her second-straight win when she takes on newcomer Angelie Sabnal.

28-year-old Angelie Sabnal of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines is a former Muay Thai practitioner now making her professional cage debut. A national Muay Thai silver medalist, Sabnal hones her wide array of skills with other great talent at Mindanao Ultimate. The Filipino prospect is set to make her first appearance in ONE Championship. She will be taking on rising Thai star Rika Ishige.

Talented Turkish lightweight contender by way of Dagestan, Russia, Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev is rapidly making a name for himself as an unstoppable force inside the ONE Championship cage. He has just four victories and only one loss so far in his young martial arts career, but they are four of the fastest finishes in the promotion, resulting in an average cage time of just under a minute. Three of Saygid’s wins have come by technical knockout and one by submission, with all coming in the very first round. The 23-year-old from Istanbul will take on Tetsuya Yamada in his next challenge.

27-year-old Tetsuya Yamada of Kanagawa, Japan, is a promising young martial artist with a distinct ability to seek out highlight-reel stoppages. He made his ONE Championship debut in January of 2016 in an extremely high-level wrestling showdown against Eduard Folayang of the Philippines. A seasoned grappler, over half of Yamada’s 24 career victories have come by spectacular finish, with the ability to end bouts either by submission or knockout. In his most recent bout, Yamada made very quick work of Kyle Rozewski to win by first-round rear naked choke. Yamada will take on the dangerous Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev.

Kaji “Alpha” Ebin is a 26-year-old martial artist from Manila, Philippines and a bantamweight newcomer in ONE Championship. Primarily a kickboxer who stifles opponents with his quick strikes and fluid combinations, Ebin is looking to make an impact in his first appearance as a ONE Championship athlete, squaring off with Indonesia’s Sunoto.

Indonesian martial arts veteran “The Terminator” Sunoto is a ONE Championship bantamweight and a former WKF Indonesia Champion. Representing IndoGym and Team Phantom, Sunoto features a style that combines elements of kickboxing, karate, and jiu-jitsu. With a penchant for scoring spectacular finishes, five of Sunoto’s seven victories have ended before the final bell. The 32-year-old is known as an aggressive warrior who never backs down from a challenge. In his last outing, Sunoto continued to impress on the global stage as he submitted Rin Saroth in the second round. His next bout will be against Kaji Ebin of the Philippines.

Strawweight contender Kritsada “Dream Man” Kongsrichai of Thailand is a talented martial artist and one of the most promising young athletes in ONE Championship. He made his promotional debut in ONE’s first ever show in Bangkok in 2016, stopping opponent Kev Hemmorlor via first-round technical knockout. In his last outing, Kongsrichai made quick work of the Philippines’ Rabin Catalan, finishing his opponent via first-round technical knockout. Kongsrichai wants to give another spectacular performance, this time against Rabin’s brother, Robin Catalan.

27-year old Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, is a member of the Catalan fighting family and a martial artist competing in the ONE Championship strawweight division. He currently owns a record of six wins and three losses, which includes two wins by submission and two by knockout. In his last bout, Catalan dropped a TKO loss to former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. Now, Catalan is set to face Thailand’s Kritsada Kongsrichai.

Waqar “Psycho” Umar of Lahore, Pakistan is a featherweight with a 4-4 professional record. He is known as a Pakistani combat sports veteran. All four of his victories have come by submission, made possible by his well-established grappling skills. Inside the ONE Championship cage, he’s faced the likes of Peter Davis, Amir Khan, and Benedict Ang. His next task is to take on rising Chinese star Zhao Zhi Kang.

23-year-old Zhao Zhi Kang of Inner Mongolia is a top Chinese martial arts star with a professional record of 23-3. He is a former Chinese sanda champion. Although Zhao considers himself a striker first, the young competitor boasts of incredible submission skills, this in addition to his undeniable knockout power. In his most recent bout, Zhao submitted Thai Rithy in the first round. Representing Shanxi Xindu Martial Arts Club, Zhao will take on Waqar Umar in his return to action.

ONE: IRON WILL

Saturday, 24 March

Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand

Prelims start at 7:00 PM local time

Main card starts at 8:30 PM local time

Main Event

Bibiano Fernandes vs Martin Nguyen

ONE Bantamweight World Championship

Main Card

Garry Tonon vs Richard Corminal

Lightweight

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke vs Jeremy Miado

Strawweight

Alain Ngalani vs Ariunbold Tur-Ochir

Light Heavyweight

Shannon Wiratchai vs Rahul Raju

Lightweight

Jake Butler vs Gilberto Galvao

Middleweight

Rika Ishige vs Angelie Sabanal

Atomweight

Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev vs Tetsuya Yamada

Lightweight

Prelims

Kaji Ebin vs Sunoto

Bantamweight

Kritsada Kongsrichai vs Robin Catalan

Strawweight

Waqar Umar vs Zhao Zhi Kang

Featherweight

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.

Kazakhstan (March 5, 2018) – Boxing Stars Management Group LLC is proud to announce the signing of 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Daniyar Yeleussinov to an exclusive managerial contract.

As an amateur, Daniyar, was the dominant world amateur welterweight for the last 4 years.

Daniyar was also the 2013 world amateur champion

Going into the 2016 Olympics, the captain of the Kazakhstan Boxing Team was the favorite of the division, and proved his worth by winning all of his bouts via dominant 3-0 decisions including a win over undefeated top British prospect, Josh Kelly in the 2nd round.

His style has been compared to Vasyl Lomachenko and Floyd Mayweather as he has outstanding hand and foot speed, he works off angles, has an impeccable defense and has tremendous power in both hands.

Yeleussinov has continued his countries’ domination in one of boxing’s glamour divisions as he is the 4th straight Kazakhstan boxer to win Gold in the welterweight division, and he is the 1st of those Olympic champions to turn professional.

“When I was coming up, I looked up to the welterweights who won Gold medals before me. Bakhtiyar Artayev, Bakhyt Sarsekbayev, and Serik Sapiyev were my idols,” said Yeleussinov. “I know if they ever turned professional, all three of them would have been world champion, as well as pound for pound one of the best. By signing with my management team, I know they will lead me to the pros properly, and give me the opportunity to show that Kazakhstan not only produces the best welterweights in the amateurs but also the best welterweights in the professional ranks!”

“I want to thank the Kazakhstan Federation Boxing for they have been very supportive to both Daniyar and us with the decision to turn professional,” said Ziya Aliyev, Managing Director of Boxing Stars Management Group LLC. “Kazakhstan is among the elite amateur programs in the world as they have won the most medals in the past several Olympics. With that said, we are honored to have a fighter like Daniyar in our stable as he is not only a great Olympic boxer but also a great person out of the ring.”

“Daniyar is a talent that comes around once every 20 years, who is capable to win a world title in two years and then rule the division for years to come!”

“Many of the top boxing promoters and managers were trying to sign Daniyar because they see what we see, a future superstar in boxing.”

Details on Yeleussinov’s pro debut will be announced shortly

Clearwater, FL (March 5, 2018) – Lightweight standout William “Babyface” Silva masterfully outclassed ultra-tough Arkansas based Guatemalan Rogelio “El Loco” Casarez to become the NBA World and IBO Continental lightweight champion Saturday, March 3 at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL.

Headlining a six bout card promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions that was broadcast live across the world on Fite.tv, Silva was in control throughout the contest.

The Plant City, FL based Brazilian dictated the pace, peppering Casarez with jabs, straight rights, uppercuts and body punches. Casarez, who made multiple attempts to turn the match into a slugfest, repeatedly found himself on the end of Silva’s crisp punches. Casarez bled heavily from a cut that literally soaked the ring canvas but displayed tremendous heart and a remarkable chin.

All three judges scored the bout 100-90.

“I knew that Casarez was a tough opponent but I knew what I had to do to dictate this fight,” Silva said after his victory. “I’m pleased with my performance and want to fight the big boys at 135!”

With the victory, Silva improves to 25-1 with 14 KO’s. Casarez slides to 13-7 (5 KO’s).

Middleweight Antonio “T2” Tarver Jr. impressively overcame a 22 month layoff to down 14 fight veteran Carlos Dixon. Born and raised in Orlando, FL and now fighting out of Tampa, FL, Tarver Jr. quickly took control. After dominating the opening round, Tarver hurt Dixon in the second stanza and teed off until the bout was mercifully stopped.

With the victory, Tarver Jr. improves to 5-0 with 4 of those wins coming by knockout.

Popular cruiserweight Nick “The Showstopped” Iannuzzi of Tampa scored a highlight-reel third round knockout over Arkansas’ Lemarcus “Frieght Train” Tucker. Fighting for the first time in 3 ½ years, Iannuzzi looked to get reacclimated in the squared circle. Moments before the bell sounded to end round one, Iannuzzi dropped Tucker with a hard straight right hand.

In the third, Iannuzzi decked Tucker with another right. The game Tucker made it back to his feet but was in bad shape. Knowing a knockout was imminent, Iannuzzi put Tucker down for good with a massive right hand, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Iannuzzi improves to 19-4 (11 KO’s) as Tucker falls to 5-4-1 (3 KO’s).

Featherweight Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson of Thonotasassa, FL handed Baltimore, MD native Ernest “Lightning Bug” Hall his first defeat in an entertaining four round contest. With a huge group of supporters cheering him on, Tomlinson worked at a fast pace and was the busier fighter. Both fighters connected with clean shots in this action-packed bout but Tomlinson’s consistency earned him the victory by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Tomlinson ups his record to 6-3-1 with 2 knockouts and Hall slips to 3-1 (1 KO).

In other bouts, Macon, GA’s Rodriguez Cade, 1-1 (1 KO), knocked out Miami, FL’s Joseph White, 0-2-2, in the closing seconds of a four round bout and junior middleweight Ozodbek Aripov of Fort Myers, FL improved to 2-0 after shutting out ultra-game Savanah, GA native Chaklit Ali Redwood, 0-3 over four rounds.

“It was a great evening of boxing and I’d like to thank all the fans who came out or watched on Fite.Tv,” said Jody Caliguire, CEO of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “We had knockouts, great action and all around quality boxing. Fire Fist Boxing is just getting started and our plan is to feature top local and international talent.

Fire Fist’s next card takes place Saturday, June 16 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum and will be headlined by a showdown between Connor Coyle and Danny Pastrana for the NBA Intercontinental middleweight title.

For the latest updates, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

Philadelphia, Penn. (March 5, 2018)–Despite a driving snowstorm, fans packed a sold-out SugarHouse Casino to watch the continued rise of bantamweight Christian Carto, as the 21 year-old remained perfect with a eight-round unanimous decision over James Smith.

The show, which took place this past Friday night was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto was very sharp with his punches, and controlled the action against a willing opponent in Smith.

Carto used his full arsenal, as he was pinpoint with his jab, accurate with his books and worked the body effectively throughout the contest.

Carto thrilled his throngs of supporters as he constantly was on the offensive, and showed his dominance by cruising to the victory by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73.

Carto of Philadelphia is now 14-0. Smith of Detroit is now 12-2.

Christian Carto Post fight Inteview
Christian Carto Post fight Inteview

In the co-feature, Christopher Brooker wrestled the WBF Americas Super Middleweight title with a hard fought eight-round unanimous decision over Jamaal Davis in a battle of Philadelphia-based super middleweights.

Most of the fight was contested at close quarters with Brooker using his size on the inside to get the better of the action. Davis had moments using his uppercut, but it was Brooker’s uppercut and body work that was the difference in the battle.

Brooker won by scores 79-73 twice and 77-75 to raise his mark to 13-5. Davis 16-13-1.

Anthony Mercardo stopped previously undefeated Tyrone Crawley after Crawley could not continue due to a hand injury after round three of their scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Mercado of Arecibo, PR is now 11-3 with 10 knockouts. Crawley of Philadelphia is 7-1.

Ronny Hale spoiled the professional debut of Dominique Mayfield by scoring a 1st round knockout in the scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Hale went right after Mayfield and scored three knockdowns in just 100 seconds.

Hale of Austin TX is 4-11 with all of his coming by knockout.

Victor Vazquez needed just one round to stop David Gonzales in their scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Vazquez scored one knockdown before the bout was halted at 1:56.

Vazquez of Yonkers, NY is 10-3 with 4 knockouts. Gonzales of Philadelphia falls to 8-3-2.

Despite scoring two knockdowns, Jerrod Miner had to settle for a majority draw with Rondarrious Hunter in their four-round super flyweight bout.

Miner took a card 39-35, while two cards read even at 37-37.

Miner of Philadelphia is 1-1-1. Hunter of Atlanta is 1-2-1.

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Brooklyn, NY (March 5, 2018) Following a back-stage flare-up this past Saturday night at Barclays Center, former Middleweight World Champion DANIEL JACOBS was emphatic in his words to contender JERMALL CHARLO.

Said Jacobs, “All my focus right now is on Maciej Sulecki and I know it’s going to be a tough fight. This is the third undefeated fighter I have faced in a row and after I’ve taken his 0, then if I don’t get the ‘GGG’ vs. Canelo winner, I’m happy to take Jermall Charlo’s 0 too.”

‘Charlo is fighting a guy that Sulecki has already knocked out. These guys talk the talk but as you saw on Saturday when things get real it’s another story. Charlo is already beaten and the bell hasn’t even rung yet.”

Said promoter EDDIE HEARN, “I think Danny vs. Jermall Charlo is a great fight but we have plenty of business to take care of first. Sulecki is going to be a real handful on April 28 and ultimately, we want the ‘GGG vs. Canelo’ winner but there’s some real sauce in a ‘Jacobs vs. Charlo’ match up and it’s one the fans would love to see.”

BROOKLYN BOXING Ambassador JACOBS, (33-2-0, 29 KO’s), returns for a 12-round middleweight showdown against undefeated world ranked Polish contender MACIEJ SULECKI, (26-0-0, 10 KO’s) in the main event at ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’ on Saturday, April 28 at Barclays Center and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the HBO telecast, undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight contender JARRELL ‘Big Baby MILLER, (20-0-1, 18 KO’s) faces former world title challenger, JOHANN “The Reptile” DUHAUPUS, (37-4-0, 24 KO’s), of Abbeville, France, over 12-rounds in a WBA World Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

Also returning to Barclays Center, WBA Lightweight Women’s World Champion KATIE TAYLOR, (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) of Bray, Ireland will fight in a 10-round world title unification against IBF Lightweight Women’s Champion VICTORIA BUSTOS, (18-4-0), of Rosario, Argentina.

Emerging, unbeaten knockout artist SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV, (11-0-0, 11 KO’s), a native of Uzbekistan, now fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, will also fight on the undercard in a ten round bout against an opponent to be announced.

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

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The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame has announced the 2018 inductees. The eight honorees include five retired boxers, a referee, a boxing judge and a journalist. The fighters include Myriam Lamare, Belinda Laracuente, Jessica Rakoczy, Mary Jo Sanders and Vonda Ward; the boxing judge is Julie Lederman, the referee, honored posthumously, is Belle Martell and the journalist, the first male ever so honored, is Bernie McCoy.

The 2018 inductees bring the five-year IWBHF total to thirty-seven. The Hall was conceived and founded in 2014 by Sue Fox, publisher and editor of WBAN, the longtime site of record for the sport of Women’s boxing. WBAN, for over two decades, has spotlighted and brought awareness to the sport of female boxing and five years ago, Fox crystallized that focus with the establishment a Hall of Fame, centered solely on the sport.

The five boxers being honored represent headline fighters from the past two decades in the sport and represented an era when the best of the female boxers, more often than not, were matched with other top fighters in their weight class. The five inductees represent countries ranging from France, Puerto Rico and Canada and include two U.S. athletes, an indication of the burgeoning international flavor into which the sport has evolved.

Myriam Lamare epitomized the noun “fighter.” She had one gear, “all out” and knew only one direction, “straight ahead.” It is not an overstatement to call her two bouts with Anne Sophie Mathis fights that served to ignite interest in the sport of female boxing in Europe. Lamare fought 177 rounds over her career and was in the ring with every top boxer in the sport, ranging from Mathis to Holm to Braekus.

Belinda Laracuente set the bar high for a “go anywhere, fight anyone” reputation. The Puerto Rican born boxer fought every good fighter in the sport, including Christy Martin, Sumya Anani and Holly Holm in this country and Myriam Lamare in France, Esther Phiri in Zambia, Duda Yankovich in Brazil, Jelena Mrdjenovich in Canada and Emiko Raika in Japan. It was said that Laracuente, in the ring, had every move in the book along with some that were only in rare editions.

Jessica Rakoczy came out of Hamilton, Ontario and followed the pattern of the other inductees in looking up the rankings for opponents, fighting Layla McCarter, Jenifer Alcon and Jane Couch. But it was her 2007 loss to Ann Marie Saccurato that is often talked about when the subject is “best fights, ever,” in the sport. For Rakoczy, the bout was a text book example of the ring adage that even in defeat, the “good ones” often bring out the best in themselves and their sport.

Mary Jo Sanders had twenty-five wins over a sterling career coming out of the quintessential fight town of Detroit. She also had a loss and a draw on her record, both against the “face” of the sport, at the time, Holly Holm. The Holm bouts were the highlights of a career for a very fundamentally skilled fighter who had big wins against Layla McCarter and Chevelle Hallback.

Vonda Ward might well be considered the best all-around female athlete ever to box professionally. She was an outstanding high school basketball player in Cleveland before matriculating to the University of Tennessee to play for legendary coach Pat Summitt. In the ring, Ward compiled an estimable 23-1 record, beating heavyweight fighters such as Carleton Ewell, Martha Salazar and Marsha Valley, losing only to highly regarded Ann Wolfe.

Julie Lederman grew up in a boxing household. As such, it is fair to assume she was probably exposed to the sport from a young age. Those two circumstances may have had something to do with her gravitating to the sport as a boxing judge. Those two circumstances have nothing to do with her becoming one of the top officials in the NYSAC. Similar to the fighters honored by the IWBHF, she is a very good boxing judge, not a very good female boxing judge; she is also not a very good judge with a well- known last name. She is a very good judge well worthy of induction into the IWBHF.

Belle Martell, who is honored with induction posthumously, was the first female referee licensed in California in April,1940. She continued, along with her husband, Art, to be a factor in boxing for the following two decades serving also as an active promoter in the state’s amateur ranks along with being a highly-sought after ring announcer.

Bernie McCoy began writing while in the Army, serving with the Armed Forces Press Service. Upon discharge, he alternated between advertising (copywriting for the Reynolds Tobacco and Coca-Cola accounts) and the newspaper business (sports writing in St. Louis, New Orleans and various New York suburban papers) before retiring from two decades as part of the Media department at Pepsi Cola. Subsequently, he has written extensively about Women’s boxing for a number of Internet sites, most notably, WBAN. Founder and publisher, Sue Fox remarked “while always a staunch advocate and strong supporter of the sport, (McCoy) never pulled his punches in his writing.”

While the fifth class of the IWBHF may be slightly more diverse than previous groups, including three “non-participant” inductees, this ground breaking enterprise continues to forge ahead with its focus and mission, to provide recognition to a sport and it’s integral figures, past and present, who have contributed to the progress thus far achieved and to the future growth of the sport and it’s athletes.

We will have more information published soon. For more info on sponsorship opportunities, go to: http://www.wbanmedia.com/sponsor-page2.htm

BROOKLYN (March 5, 2018) – Four-division champion Adrien Broner will battle former welterweight world champion Jessie Vargas in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME tripleheader on Saturday, April 21 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Former champion Omar Figueroa suffered a shoulder injury in training that forced him to withdraw from his previously scheduled showdown against Broner.

Undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo clashes with once-beaten Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim 160-pound world title in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature. Also featured on the telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, are former champions Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jesus Cuellar as they square off for the WBA 130-pound Super World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at at $50, go on sale Wednesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Thursday, March 8 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“The April 21 card features Adrien Broner, Jermall Charlo and Gervonta Davis – three of boxing’s “must-see” attractions – in highly competitive matchups against top contenders,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Adrien Broner is once again proving that he’s willing to take on the toughest available opponent in consensus top-10 welterweight Jessie Vargas. Hugo Centeno Jr. represents another tough challenge for knockout artist Jermall Charlo as he continues his quest to become a two-division champion. Gervonta Davis vs. Jesus Cuellar is another great matchup, with two power-punchers facing off for the 130-pound world title.”

Broner (33-3, 24 KOs) is one of the most gifted boxers in the sport, having won world titles in four different weight classes by the age of 28. The Cincinnati, Ohio native has won championships at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds while facing top competition across the various divisions. In his last fight, Broner lost a unanimous decision to Mikey Garcia on July 29 at Barclays Center after previously defeating Adrian Granados earlier last year.

“I’m feeling really good and I’m excited that this is an even bigger fight than Figueroa,” said Broner. “I had to switch up some sparring partners but everything is going great in camp. We’re fighting at 144 pounds, so he’ll have a slight weight advantage, but it won’t matter. I’m going to be in great shape for this fight. Coach Kevin Cunningham is my head coach for this camp, but I did not fire Mike Stafford. I just added to my camp, because I needed the help. I know what I have to do at the end of the day to get back on top where I belong.”

Vargas (28-2, 10 KOs), a 28-year-old former welterweight champion who was born in Los Angeles and now lives in Las Vegas, is always up for a challenge. His only two losses have come in welterweight title matches against pound-for-pound greats. He lost a controversial fight to Timothy Bradley, Jr. and dropped a unanimous decision Manny Pacquiao in a world title defense. Vargas won the welterweight title with a TKO victory over Sadam Ali in 2016 prior to the Pacquiao fight. Vargas is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Aaron Herrera in December as he works toward another world title opportunity.

“This is a fight that should garner a lot of attention from boxing fans and they deserve a fight like this,” said Vargas. “We are two entertaining fighters who come in and give it their all. This is a fight that will have a lot of fireworks. I respect Broner and his skills, but he’s very beatable. The fight was presented to me and I didn’t think twice about taking it.. We as fighters and entertainers have to give the fans what they want. We had a fantastic fight on Saturday in Brooklyn and we’ll have another one in April. I will have my hand raised and let everyone know I’m still a danger to anyone I face.”

Charlo (26-0, 20 KOs) won his super welterweight title with a dominant knockout of Cornelius Bundrage in 2015 and eventually achieved the distinction of holding a world title in the same weight class (154 pounds) as his twin brother after Jermell won a title in 2016. After successfully defending his 154-pound title three times, Charlo of Houston, Texas, made the move to 160 pounds with the goal of becoming a d-division world champion. In his debut at 160-pounds, the 27-year-old scored a TKO victory over Jorge Sebastian Heiland at Barclays Center on July 29. Charlo vs. Centeno was originally scheduled for March 3 before being rescheduled due to a rib injury suffered by Centeno.

“I really love fighting in Brooklyn and at Barclays Center,” said Charlo. “The fans in Brooklyn always show me a lot of love. Since my last fight I’ve had a chance to work on my patience and work on improvements to my game. Before the injury to Centeno, I was having the best camp of my life. I’ve got the same feeling that I had before I won my first world title. I want to be a champion at 160 more than I did the first time at 154. Centeno is a tough fighter. He’ll be a hard test but he’s someone who isn’t at my level. I’m not taking anything away from him. But he’s just another fighter that’s in my way.”

The 26-year-old Centeno (26-1, 14 KOs) caught everyone’s attention when he scored a stunning knockout of Immanuwel Aleem in his last fight on Aug. 25. It was enough to springboard Centeno into middleweight title contention. Centeno of Oxnard, Calif., successfully rebounded from a tough TKO loss to Maiej Sulecki on June 18, 2016 with a victory over Ronald Montes before his match against Aleem. Centeno expects to be 100 percent healed and ready for the challenge by fight night.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Centeno. “I was really devastated when we had to reschedule the fight, but I know I have to be 100 percent for this challenge. I think my last outing had a lot to do with me getting this fight. It helped to put me in this position. Charlo is a great fighter with a lot of talent. I feel like we have similar statures. It’s going to be an interesting fight. I think it’s going to come down to who is the smarter fighter that night and who has more left in the tank toward the end. This is a life-changing, career-changing fight for me that could lead to bigger and better things. I’m coming to win.”

Davis (19-0, 18 KOs) is a proof that dynamite can come in a 130-pound package. The 23-year-old, of Baltimore, fought three times last year and ended all of his fights by stoppage. He won the 130-pound world title with a TKO victory over Jose Pedraza in a star-making performance at Barclays Center on Jan. 14, 2017. He traveled to London for his first title defense and stopped Liam Walsh by TKO on his home turf to retain the title on May 21, and most recently scored a knockout victory over Francisco Fonseca on Aug. 26 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor PPV undercard. Davis look to recapture a title in the 130-pound division after failing to make weight prior to the Fonseca fight.

“I’m the most exciting and skilled fighter on television and in 2018 I plan to show it,” said Davis. “On April 21 I’ll be back in the ring, live on SHOWTIME. Jesus Cuellar is arguably my toughest opponent to date. He is rough and tough, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m more than happy to be fighting at Barclays Center where I won my first world title. Brooklyn is very close to Baltimore, so all of my people will be there to witness me become a world champion again.”

Cuellar (28-2, 21 KOs) is seeking to win a world title in a second weight class when he takes on Davis. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 31-year-old Cuellar won a featherweight world title with a TKO victory against Vic Darchinyan on June 6, 2015. Six months later he made a successful defense by winning a unanimous decision against Jonathan Oquendo before losing the belt to Abner Mares by split decision on December 10, 2016.

“The time I’ve had off since the Mares fight has refreshed me for this new opportunity,” said Cuellar. “It took a lot out of my body to make 126 pounds for all of those years. Now I feel fresher and hungrier than ever before. I’ve been offered fights against lesser opponents in the last year but I’ve preferred to wait a little longer so that I can get a chance to fight the best. Gervonta Davis is one of the best in the world, so he’s the one I want to face and beat. Davis has never faced a fighter like me and he will see me at my very best on April 21.”

# # #

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

Nutley, NJ (March 5, 2018)–GH3 Promotions has signed undefeated junior middleweight prospect Joey Alday.

Alday, 23 years-old of Odessa, Texas has a perfect mark of 6-0 with all of his wins coming via knockout.

Alday began boxing at the age of eight years-old, and has his 1st amateur fight a year later. Alday’s family has been involved in boxing as his father and grandfather both competed. Alday started taking boxing seriously around the age of 12, and the sport became a passion.

Alday had a distinguished amateur career that saw him go 225-23 with many tournament wins which includes the 2013 U.S. National title. Alday competed in the 2014 and 2015 Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Alday was a 2013 Silver Medal winner in the Continental championships, and he placed 8th in the World Games.

Alday turned professional on June 25, 2016 with a 2nd round stoppage over Justin Henderson in Dallas, Texas. he is coming off a 1st round knockout over Michael Sanchez on November 4, 2017 in Hobbs, Texas.

Alday is a boxer-puncher with power in both hands. At 6’2″ he is a tall junior middleweight, and Alday likes to use his height and reach advantages.

“I am grateful for this opportunity. I had a lot of offers to sign with promoters, but this is the situation that fit me best,” said Alday . “I know GH3 will keep me busy, and get me those television bouts on Showtime. I am ready to get my career on the road.”

“I am also inspired by my 4-year old son. I believe in my faith, and I will be a world champion.”

Said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki, “I am very pleased to add Joey to our stable. He has a lot of ability and his amateur pedigree fits into the types of fighters that we have signed. He has shown power early in his career, but he has terrific boxing skills to go with it. We will move him the same way that we have moved the rest of our fighters, and within four or five fights, I expect to have him featured on national television.”

“We are really excited to be managing Joey,” said Lyle Green of Shear Sports. “He is a very talented kid, and has high character. If he wasn’t boxing, he would be successful in anything he did. We are very comfortable with GH3 Promotions. We know Vito can move Joey, and keep him active. He will be put in tough, which will get him ready to move up the ranks.”

Alday is trained by his father Joe Alday.

LOS ANGELES (March 5, 2018): As part of the voluntary testing program that Canelo Alvarez insisted on ahead of his May 5 fight, one of his results came back positive for trace levels of Clenbuterol, consistent with meat contamination that has impacted dozens of athletes in Mexico over the last years.

As Daniel Eichner, Director of SMRTL, the WADA-accredited lab that conducted the tests stated in his letter today, “These values are all within the range of what is expected from meat contamination.”

Upon receiving this information, Golden Boy immediately notified the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Gennady Golovkin’s promoter, Tom Loeffler.

As has been planned, Canelo will immediately move his training camp from Mexico to the United States and will submit to any number and variety of additional tests that VADA deems necessary ahead of and after May 5.

Added Canelo: “I am an athlete who respects the sport and this surprises me and bothers me because it had never happened to me. I will submit to all the tests that require me to clarify this embarrassing situation and I trust that at the end the truth will prevail.”

Canelo has tested clean dozens of times over the course of his previous 12 fights.

Kell Brook says he’s put the World champions at Super-Welterweight on notice after destroying Sergey Rabchenko inside two rounds to land the WBC Silver strap on his debut at 154lbs at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday night.

Brook admitted to nerves ahead of his return to the ring for the first time since losing his IBF World Welterweight title to Errol Spence Jr at Bramall Lane in May, but ‘The Special One’ soon got into his groove and stung WBC number five Rabchenko more than once in the opening session.

Sheffield star Brook wasted no time in ending proceedings in the second round where a stiff right hand was swiftly followed by a thudding right upper cut that shook Rabchenko and another jolting right floored the Belarussian who beat the count but was in no position to continue – leading Brook to roar to the crowd “I’m back.”

Social Media was abuzz after Brook slayed the Belarussian and WBC ruler Jermell Charlo has welcomed a possible clash with Brook while Spence tweeted to say he’d welcome a rematch at 154lbs if Brook can land a World title – leaving no doubt that the Super-Welterweight division has another top dog in the mix.

“The desire is there and you could see in my performance that I’m back and I’m putting the guys at the top level on notice,” said Brook.

“I’d fight anyone, I’ve got nothing to prove in that respect as I’ve boxed GGG, Errol Spence Jr and won my IBF title in America. I’d like another test at 154lbs to settle into the weight and get another great performance, and then any belt out there I want it.

“It’s my goal to become a two-weight World champion and I know I can do it. I’m accurate and I can land on anyone’s chin – there’s levels in boxing but if I hit them World champions with those shots, I will find their chins.

“I expected a tough night’s work and 12 hard rounds, and I was ready to do that. But once I got my range with the timing working, it was game over. You don’t get paid for overtime – rounds in the bank would be nice, but I know I could’ve gone on all night as I felt great in there.

“The longer the fight would have gone on the better I would have looked too, I was getting into my groove and my mojo is back. I was living next to the gym for the fight away from my family so I was training, eating and resting, nothing else.

“Walking back out in front of my fans in Sheffield, I was nervous tonight but once I walked out there and heard the fans, I settled right down. I’ll be straight back into the gym, no time off, I’ve got a little trip to Miami booked in but I’ll train when I’m there too. I have to stay in the gym and be ready.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn was emotional in the ring after seeing Brook dazzle and the Matchroom supremo is backing one of his first ever signings to return to the summit in 2018.

“There’s a lot of history for me and Matchroom with Kell and that emotion spilled out after that brilliant win on Saturday,” said Hearn. “He’s one of the first fighters I signed and the GGG and Spence losses plus the injuries have been hard for everyone, and Saturday night was a massive moment for the career of Kell Brook.

“If he’d lost the fight it was all over, if he didn’t look good it was probably all over, if he’d been injured it was probably all over. The way he dispatched Rabchenko with the sharpness and the combinations, it was great. There was a brilliant energy in the Arena and that was all generated because Kell Brook brings excitement every time he boxes.

“I’ve always believed that Kell Brook is one of the biggest talents in world boxing – but I’ve also always believed he was boxing at the wrong weight. Kell always thought he could do 147lbs and in this day and age of social media, he was almost goaded into getting back to 147lbs to defend his title against Spence after fight GGG at 160lbs, people saying he was ducking Spence if he vacated and he wouldn’t do that. Take nothing from Errol Spence, but I believe Kell beats him at 154.

“There’s some World class fighters at 154lbs, the champions are all elite and there’s some brilliant other fighters in the top five, but Kell can beat them all and be the man, Brook is a bigger name than Charlo but he’s the champion, so make us an offer.

“Rabchenko is a World class fighter but he’s not elite level, Kell proved he’s an elite level fighter and we need another step-up in June or July and then we’re ready for the big stuff in the winter.

“I was with Kell in October/November time and he was not in a good place. He was so overweight and he was going out and he didn’t care about boxing. He felt that a lot of the criticism he was getting was harsh but with the people around him and getting back into the gym, he realised that boxing saves him – he needs it in his life.

“When he’s in the gym he’s happy so previously when he’s won he’s just ballooned up and enjoyed himself, now he’s said he’s going straight back in the gym and you’ve seen today that he’s done exactly that – at 31 years of age you enjoy different things, spending time with the family over going out with the lads.

“He wants to feel healthy and spend time with the kids and be a role model in the gym, he’s at the stage in life where he wants to be settled and content and just get everything out of himself.”

New York City (March 3, 2018) World of Boxing has signed top amateur prospects Shakhram Giyasov and Murodjon Akhmadaliev to exclusive promotional contracts, it was announced today. Both will be making their professional debuts next Saturday, March 10 at the ‘Real Deal Showcase Series II’ event at the Kings Theatre presented by Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxing In association with World of Boxing.

“We are pleased to work together with The Real Deal Boxing and Boxing Legend Evander Holyfield on another event in the United States,” said World of Boxing’s Andrey Ryabinsky. “We believe that the fans in Brooklyn, New York, being one of the biggest Soviet communities in the United States, will be supportive of their countrymen boxers who will be featured in a series of events we are working on at the recently renovated Kings Theatre. We have a great team of boxers from Russia which we are expanding now with fighters from all over the world and hope to present all the fans with competitive and exciting matchups.”

Stated Vadim Kornilov of Brigade Sports Management, “It is a pleasure to introduce and to further expand our team with these two top prospects that both made a statement and stood out in Rio and other amateur championships in the recent years.”

“We’re excited to present the professional debuts of Shakhram Giyasov and Murodjon Akhmadaliev on our already stacked March 10 card at the Kings Theatre and look forward to working with Andrey Ryabinsky and the World of Boxing on many future events,” said Holyfield.

Giyasov and Akhmadaliev are trained by the renowned Joel Diaz in Indio, California. Both are also in New York City today to support their teammate, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol as he defends his title against Sullivan Barrera at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

The 24-year-old Giyasov was a Silver Medalist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero representing Uzbekistan. At the 2017 World Amateur Championships in Hamburg, Germany,he won the Gold Medal in the welterweight division and was voted the best boxer of the tournament.

Giyasov was also a Gold Medalist at the 2017 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships.

Giyasov will make his professional debut on March 10 against Argentina’s Nicolas Velazquez, (10-2-0, 3 KO’s) in a six-round clash in a scheduled six round welterweight battle.

Also representing Uzbekistan, the 23-year-old Akhmadaliev was a bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympics competing as a bantamweight. He was also a Gold Medalist at the 2017 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and a Silver Medalist at the 2015 World Amateur Championships and 2015 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships.

Competing as a featherweight in the professional ranks, Akhmadaliev will make his professional debut against David Paz, (4-4-1), in a scheduled six rounder next Saturday night at the Kings Theatre.

Advance tickets for ‘Real Deal, Showcase Series II’, presented in association with World of Boxing, priced at $150, $125, $75 and $50 are now on sale online through the Kings Theatre website, www.KingsTheatre.com. A 10% discount is available by using the code ‘WOB’ when purchasing tickets online.

The Kings Theatre is located at 1027 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m.

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WBC Heavyweight World Championship

Deontay Wilder – 214 ¾ pounds

Luis Ortiz – 241 ¼ pounds

Referee: David Fields; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.), Carlos Ortiz (N.Y.)

Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship

Andre Dirrell – 167 ¾ pounds

Jose Uzcategui – 166 pounds

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez; Judges: Bernard Bruni (Penn.), Tony Paolillo (N.Y.), Robin Taylor (N.Y.)

FLASH QUOTES

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I’m going to let the world know that the weight don’t mean a thing; it’s all mental at the end of the day. Like I’ve said, I’d rather be the part than look the part. I’ve said many a time that I put these guys on their ass, and that’s what I come to do Saturday night. Over and over again all my guys have out-weighed me. So that’s nothing compared to where I came from, and nothing compared to where I’m going come Saturday night. You’re all in for a treat and I can’t wait.

“On paper he’s looked good against the opposition he’s faced, but he’s never faced a Bronze Bomber; he’s never faced a guy who has more killer instinct than him. He’s never faced a guy who wants to just rip his head off, and I do mean rip his head off!

“I am the best and I’m ready to show on Saturday night that I’m the best in the world.”

LUIS ORTIZ:

“Our training camp was prepared for whatever Deontay Wilder was going to bring into the ring, whether it was a runner, or a puncher – whatever he wants to do we have trained for it so there’s no problem.

“You have to adapt and make changes come fight night, and I’m prepared to do that and I’m experienced to do that. I’ve been waiting my whole career to do this as a pro and as an amateur this is something I never dreamed I would do, and I’m not losing tomorrow. “

ANDRE DIRRELL:

“I just saw a piece of meat, and I’m hungry.

“The IBF demanded this. There were two wrongs from the last fight and I was hit after the bell, and he was hit after the bell. The IBF wanted to right that wrong and this is the only way to do so. He deserves this shot and I deserve this shot. It’s going to be a better fight this time around.

“It’s all about what [new trainer] Virgil [Hunter] has done with my mind. The ability is there, as we all know. We’ve perfected that. And we’ve changed the mind this time, as well.

“We all know that Jose Uzcategui is a fighter in full; that boy can throw, but that’s just not going to be enough come fight night.”

JOSE UZCATEGUI:

“The ref will not have to intervene; I’ll knock him out quicker this time.”

“Maybe if Virgil Hunter gets in the ring too because that’s the only way they’re going to win is if the corner gets in the rings. Because that’s the only way they will get the win.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW YORK CITY, (March 2, 2018) Top middleweight prospect Devaun Lee, (10-2-1, 5 KO’s) of Queens, New York will face undefeated Vaughn Alexander, (11-0-0, 8 KO’s) this Saturday night, March 3 at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. The ten-round clash will be part of an exciting non-televised undercard highlighted by the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title fight between Champion Sergey Kovalev and challenger Igor Mikhalkin in the main event.

At today’s weigh-in, Lee tipped the scales at 172.8 while Alexander weighed in at 167.8.

“This is a great fight for Devaun and I’m thrilled that he jumped at it when we asked,” Evander Holyfield of The Real Deal Boxing. “He’s a last-minute replacement but he’s always in the gym training and when the opportunity called he was ready.”

“I’ve stressed with every fighter we work with since we started this company a year ago,‘stay ready so you don’t have to get ready’ and now it’s Devaun’s time to shine.”

The event on Saturday night is promoted by Main Events. “We’re very grateful to Main Events for this opportunity and their professionalism in working with us.” Said Eric Bentley, COO of The Real Deal Boxing.

Lee is returning to battle following the biggest win of his four-year career, a third-round knockout of Carlos Jairo Cruz on December 2, 2017 in the Dominican Republic which earned him the vacant WBA Fedacaribe Middleweight Title.

Previously, Lee had stopped former world title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo in the fourth round on September 9, 2017 in Queens.

Brother of former world champion Devon Alexander, St. Louis native Vaughn Alexander is returning to battle following a seventh-round knockout of former world title challenger Elvin Ayala on October 5, 2017.

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(New York, NY) – Two-time Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 3 live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Kovalev (31-2-1, 26 KOs) will put his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title on the line against Igor Mikhalkin (21-1-0, 9 KOs) of Russia. Below is the scouting report for this battle of former amateur teammates:

Category
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Igor Mikhalkin
Age
34
32
Record
31-2-1 (27 KOs)
21-1-0 (9 KOs)
Strength
“Krusher” Kovalev has a pair of the heaviest hands in the sport. Seventeen of his 27 career knockout wins have occurred in the first and second rounds. He has a sharp jab effective in keeping his opponents at bay, and he also has plenty of big-fight experience.
Mikhalkin is a disciplined and crafty southpaw fighter with a rangy jab and solid defense. He is an accurate puncher who uses his jab to perfection, and he is also an excellent counter-puncher as well.
Weakness
Kovalev tends to leave openings in his guard, which could be costly considering his opponent is such an effective counter-puncher.
Mikhalkin lacks significant punching power in either hand. He lacks quality opposition on his resume when compared to Kovalev.
Experience
Kovalev has more professional bouts under his belt and has faced off with the best the competitive light heavyweight division has to offer. His previous 12 bouts have been world title fights.
Although he was active in 2017 with three fights, Mikhalkin will be at a disadvantage, as he has not faced the same level of opposition as his opponent.
Power
The Krusher’s most notable strength is his power. He has bad intentions in every punch he throws, and can end the fight in an instant.
The challenger Mikhalkin will be at a disadvantage. He is not known to be a knockout artist. However, what he lacks in power, he makes up for in accuracy and timing.
Speed
Kovalev has average speed. The velocity of his punches turn up a notch when he senses the end is near for his opponents.
Mikhalkin will have a slight advantage here. He releases fast combinations and is quick on his feet.
Endurance
Kovalev could find himself at a disadvantage. He has taken his foot off of the gas in the past and cannot afford to do so here, as his opponent is well versed in going the distance.
Mikhalkin has the advantage over the champion. He is a technical boxer who takes his time picking apart his opponents in route to decision victories.
Accuracy
Kovalev has a pinpoint accurate jab and delivers rigorous shots to the body that have ended fights in the past.
One of Mikhalkin’s main strengths is his accuracy. He has a precise, active jab he keeps in his opponent’s face all night.
Defense
Throughout his career, Kovalev’s best defense has been his offense and the power that comes with it. The brute force behind his shots has been a complete game-changer in bouts, forcing opponents to adjust their original game plan if it’s not too late.

Mikhalkin is a solid defensive fighter who is agile in the ring. He is always on the move, and sits behind his jab consistently, making it difficult for his opposition to set up their shots.
Chin
Kovalev has proven throughout his career that his chin is more than durable.
The strength of Mikhalkin’s chin has yet to be determined, Kovalev will be the biggest puncher he has faced thus far in his career.
Style
Kovalev is an offense-minded fighter who prefers not to leave it in the hands of the judges. He wastes very little time in walking his opponents down and ending the night as early as possible.
Mikhalkin is a technically sound southpaw fighter with a rigorous jab. He is an effective counter-puncher and likes to throw punches-in-bunches rather than loading up for the big shot.

Crowd Support
The popular Krusher should have the advantage. He spent over three years as the champion at 175 pounds. He earned his title back just three months ago in the very same venue where he will defend it on March 3.
There will be a large contingent of Russian fans at MSG to see Kovalev, so Mikhalkin will have the chance to turn his fellow countrymen to his side if he can inflict some damage on the champion and turn this into a dogfight.
Intangibles
Unlike many titleholders in the sport today, Sergey Kovalev has managed to stay active and consistently compete in high level bouts. He seized the opportunity in November 2017 to re-capture his WBO title. Just three months later, the Krusher waits for nobody and will continue his reign as champion by defending the title against a challenger who has not tasted defeat in eight years and is currently riding a 10-fight win streak.
The window of opportunity for professional fighters can be very slim, and earning a shot at a world title is even slimmer. Igor Mikhalkin fully understands this, which is why he is embracing the underdog role and seizing this opportunity to fight for a world title on March 3. He acknowledges this may be his only opportunity. He firmly believes he has the ability to defeat Sergey Kovalev and become the newly crowned king of the light heavyweight division.
The Match-Up
Will Igor Mikhalkin be able to handle the power of Sergey Kovalev?
Will Sergey Kovalev be able to handle the southpaw style of Igor Mikhalkin?
Will Mikhalkin be able to handle Kovalev’s come forward style?
Will Kovalev be able to cut off the ring and attack Mikhalkin like he has done to opposition in the past?

According Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone, “The last southpaw Sergey Kovalev fought was in 2014. I can’t emphasize enough how it could give a boxer problems, but it is the fighter’s job to solve those problems.
“With Igor Mikhalkin, you have to give him all the credit for stepping up and challenging himself against one of the best light heavyweights in the world. You have a fight that is made to see, a guy in Sergey Kovalev who’s fighting his way back and a guy in Igor Mikhalkin who needs to rise to the occasion. Both guys want to fight the best, and you don’t get that very often these days. Mikhalkin should be applauded for his courage, and Kovalev should be applauded for wanting to fight the best, although he can only fight guys like Mikhalkin who will accept a challenge.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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###

COLUMBUS, OH (March 2, 2018) — Fast-rising heavyweight prospect JERMAINE FRANKLIN (15-0, 12 KOs), who hails from Saginaw, MI, will make his 2018 debut taking on Ed Fountain (12-3, 5 KOs), from St. Louis, MO, in a 10-round heavyweight bout Tomorrow, Saturday March 3, at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio. Franklin, 24, who won the 2014 Golden Gloves National Championship in the super heavyweight division, won all six of his fights in 2017, with four of them coming by way of knockout. In his most recent fight, on December 15, he blasted out Corey Phelps in the first round. Fountain, 29, enters this fight having won two of his last three bouts. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Promoter Troy Speakman has put together a seven-bout card, including two ten-round title fights. Brian Holstein (13-7-1, 7 KOs), from Columbus, colliding with Nick Kisner (19-4-1, 6 KOs), from Baltimore, for the vacant NABA cruiserweight title and Jamie Walker (8-0-1, 3 KOs), from Columbus, rumbling with Skender Halili (15-2-0, 13 KOs), from Bronx, NY, for the vacant NABA super welterweight title.

“This is one of the better shows I put together for the classic.” said Speakman, who also noted that the show sold out in advance.

Founded in 1989, The Arnold now features more than 18,000 athletes from 80 nations competing in 70 sports and events..The Arnold Classic is named after former California Governor and movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Morgan Jones has landed a golden chance to shine on the big stage as he meets Mose Auimatagi Jnr at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Unbeaten Welshman Jones moved to 12-0 in July with a fifth KO in the paid ranks at The O2, and now the 27 year old wants to make a name for himself with a win on the biggest stage possible.

Auimatagi Jnr is unbeaten in his last eight outings and the 22 year old Auckland man will be hoping to kick-off a famous night for New Zealand boxing with fellow Kiwi Joseph Parker meeting Anthony Joshua MBE in a Heavyweight unification blockbuster – but Jones says he’ll stay unbeaten and send the fans home with a new star on their minds.

“As a Welshman it’s a dream come true to box at the Principality Stadium,” said Jones. “I’ve done my apprenticeship on the small hall shows with twelve straight wins and now I’m ready for the biggest stage.

“I hear Team Parker have high hopes for Mose Auimatagi Jnr but he’s coming to the lion’s den in Cardiff and it’s my time to shine. I want to be boxing for major titles later in 2018 and this is the next big step towards that goal. Sure, the fans are there for AJ but I hope they go home remembering my name too!”

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I really appreciate the opportunity to fight on such a big stage this early in my career!” said Auimatagi Jr. “If fighting on such an iconic promotion isn’t exciting enough, the challenge of becoming the first opponent of 13 to date, to beat formidable top local prospect Morgan Jones, in his own backyard, in front of up to 90,000 fans supporting him, sure helps me find the motivation in training.”

Jones’ clash with Auimatagi Jnr is part of a colossal night of action in Cardiff as Anthony Joshua MBE faces Joseph Parker in a World Heavyweight unification battle.

Ryan Burnett defends his WBA World Bantamweight crown against Yonfrez Parejo and Alexander Povetkin puts his WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International titles against Liverpool favourite David Price and Welshman Joe Cordina fights for his first pro title with the WBA International Lightweight belt on the line against Andy Townend.

Limited tickets remain on sale for the event priced at £40, £60, £80, £300 and £600 from www.stubhub.co.uk

Coach packages are on sale via www.seetickets.com with various pick up/drop off locations available throughout the UK.

For accessibility and wheelchair tickets – please contact the Principality Stadium via 02920 822432.

Official hospitality packages are available to purchase directly from Principality Stadium Experience. Both private suite and premium lounge packages are available to purchase, with prices starting from £450 per person + VAT. For further information please call the team on 02920 822 413.

Official Hospitality packages are also available via Sportsworld via www.sportsworld.co.uk or by calling 0208 9712966

Authorities are strongly advising fans to allow plenty of time to get into both Cardiff and Principality Stadium and to plan their travel before purchasing a ticket. Details can be found via the Information tab at: http://www.principalitystadium.wales/events/v/joshua-v-parker-2018-03-31

Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the telecast from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York is Dmitry Bivol defending his light heavyweight title against Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round showdown.

In the main event of the evening, titleholder Sergey Kovalev faces Igor Mikhalkin in a 12-round light heavyweight title bout.

Official Weights from New York:

Sergey Kovalev: 174.6 lbs.

Igor Mikhalkin: 172.6 lbs.

Dmitry Bivol: 174.4 lbs.

Sullivan Barrera: 173.6 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #KovalevMikhalkin & #BivolBarrera

Kell Brook is targeting World domination once again and a place in the history books as a two-weight World champion as he takes on Sergey Rabchenko for the WBC Silver Super-Lightweight title at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Brook has moved up from Welterweight to Super-Welterweight following his epic contest with Errol Spence Jr at Bramall Lane for his IBF Welterweight title last summer, and now ‘The Special One’ meets Sergey Rabchenko for the WBC Silver Super-Welterweight title, Brook believes it won’t be long until he has the chance to operate at the elite level he belongs.

“I want to be a two-weight World champion,” said Brook, who scaled 10st 13lbs 7oz – three ounces heavier than Rabchenko. “I’ve never been satisfied winning one World title. Even when I was a teenager, I always wanted to move up the weights and win belts as I grow. I want to win a belt at Super-Welterweight at least, I need to get the win and then we can start targeting the champions at 154lbs.

“I just want to be in the biggest fights that everyone is talking about. I love being in fights that grab the attention of the fans, like the Gennady Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr fights did. Proper boxing fans knew that Spence Jr was the next big thing in the States, no one believed that I would fight GGG then come back down to defend against him.

“I love beating the odds and getting in there and performing. The feeling I get from going out there, hearing ‘All of the Lights’ and doing my thing in front of all of the fans, it’s amazing for me, that’s my drug and I can’t wait to get back in there.

“I’ve had six months off so there was no way I was going to box at 147 anyway but I think that 154 is really going to suit me. I’m looking forward to having plenty in the tank at the weight and I’m excited to see how I perform at Super-Welterweight with the extra weight.”

Brook and Rabchenko clash on a huge night of action in the Steel City with the chief support provided by a crunch showdown between world-rated Super-Bantamweights Gamal Yafai and Gavin McDonnell.

David Allen is hunting revenge in his rematch with Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Lenroy Thomas, Rotherham Lightweight rivals Lee Appleyard and Atif Shafiq lock horns while Kid Galahad aims to get into the title mix at Featherweight after a meeting with Irving Berry – Leigh Wood and Rocky Fielding complete the line-up.

Tickets Brook’s clash with Rabchenko are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP and are available from the FlyDSA Arena at www.flydsaarena.co.uk and on 0114 2565656. VIP tickets are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for March 3 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.

Gamal Yafai and Gavin McDonnell meet in a huge Super-Bantamweight battle at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Yafai puts his WBC International Super-Bantamweight strap is on the line but both men acknowledge that the bigger picture is the winner going on to potentially fight for World titles in 2018 while the loser will need to rebuild.

McDonnell boxed Rey Vargas for the WBC title a year ago in February and harbours dreams of going for the famous green belt again, but Yafai says that this is his time to shine and feels his skillset will shine through in a tough night – while McDonnell says his experience will be the key.

“This is a good fight,” said Yafai. “We were offered the fight and accepted it straight away. He’s fought for a World title, so this is a good yardstick to see where I’m at in this stage. A good win puts me onto the World scene. If I get the win, it’ll prove I’m there or thereabouts.

“I’m taking it one fight at a time but that’s the plan. I’m not overlooking Gavin, he has the experience but I know I’ve got the tools to do a number on him.

“Gavin’s solid. He’s better than he looks. I made my debut on one of his undercards. He’s won the British, European so has proved people wrong and showed his calibre but it’s my time now. This is a big test now, on the big stage but I’m ready for it.”

“It’s a brilliant fight for my profile as Sky Sports have got right behind this kid and I’m going to show everyone that I’m at a level above him,” said McDonnell. “I’m someone who always says that experience is a big thing in this sport, arguably the most important thing, and for his entire amateur background with Team GB, I’m here to show everyone that I’m better than Gamal.

“This fight is the fight of the night if you ask me and I think we’ll prove that when the bell goes, and the reward for the winner is set to be a massive one because there’s no doubt that whoever wins will be worthy of another big fight.”

“I’ve been in the gym from the moment this fight was announced and I can’t have any complaints about the camp. I feel good, my diet is good, my fitness work is all good, and I’ve looked good in the gym.

“I’m so happy with the way things have played out in the build up to this, and now it’s just about getting in there and putting together everything that we’ve been working on. If I do that then I don’t think there’s any way that Yafai can live with me.”

Yafai and McDonnell clash on a huge night of action in the Steel City topped by the return of Sheffield hero Kell Brook in his debut at Super-Welterweight against Sergey Rabchenko.

David Allen is hunting revenge in his rematch with Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Lenroy Thomas, Rotherham Lightweight rivals Lee Appleyard and Atif Shafiq lock horns while Kid Galahad aims to get into the title mix at Featherweight after a meeting with Irving Berry – Leigh Wood and Rocky Fielding complete the line-up.

Tickets Brook’s clash with Rabchenko are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP and are available from the FlyDSA Arena at www.flydsaarena.co.uk and on 0114 2565656. VIP tickets are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for March 3 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.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March. 1, 2018)- Undefeated and world ranked welterweight contender Taras Shelestyuk is ready to go big game hunting in 2018.

The 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner from Sumy, Ukraine, who now fights out of Los Angeles, California, has won the major regional titles, and he feels he has been overlooked by the perceived elite of the 147 pound division.

Shelestyuk, 16-0 with 10 knockouts, continues to work on his craft while he waits for a major fight to materialize.

“I want to fight Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Errol Spence or the winner of the Jeff Horn – Terence Crawford fight,” said Shelestyuk.

“I know that I have the skills and pedigree to beat those guys. I just need my opportunity, and I know that will be coming soon. I have been working hard in the gym, and I sparred with Viktor Ortiz for his bout with Devon Alexander, as well as WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castano.”

Shelestyuk also has been helping with the career of his wife Alina. Alina is a runway model, who has done numerous photo shoots in Los Angeles.

Shelestyuk is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

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

LOS ANGELES (March 1, 2018) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs) met the media Thursday afternoon at Legendz Boxing Gym, where he worked out in preparation for his fourth title defense against veteran Scott Quigg, Saturday, March 10, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

He recently returned to California following training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he trained at more 5,000 feet above sea level and lived in a room above the gym. Along with manager Frank Espinoza and his stablemates, Valdez enjoyed the training camp calm before the storm.

“It was a perfect training camp. I’m already close to weight, so I’m ready to go,” Valdez said. “At training camp in Guadalajara, we were pretty much living in the gym. I didn’t have to stay here in California, where I had an hour or more drive to the gym. We put in the extra hours in the gym.”

Also appearing at the media day was Quigg’s trainer, Freddie Roach, and the pride of Central California, Jose Ramirez, who will be fighting Amir Imam for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight title on Saturday, March 17, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, remaining tickets for the Valdez vs. Quigg world championship event are priced at $206, $104, $53 and 27.50, including facility fees, and can be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

The Valdez vs. Quigg world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 10:30 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and streaming live on the ESPN App.

The Ramirez vs. Imam world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

This is what the fighters and their trainers had to say.

Oscar Valdez

“I’m ready. I’m more anxious than anything. I’ve been ready for a long time.”

“When I was a kid, I used to watch fighters like Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. I looked up to them. When I hear people say I’m an action fighter or a fighter they like to see, it makes me feel great. I want to carry the Mexican flag and be considered a warrior inside the ring that gives the fans great fights.”

“I’m going to keep working hard and give the people what they want, which are great fights.”

Freddie Roach (Trainer, Scott Quigg)

“Oscar Valdez is a good young fighter, but I think Quigg is better.”

“This is a perfect stepping stone for Scott to get a rematch with Carl Frampton and become world champion once again. Carl got lucky and broke Scott’s jaw in the first round. That won’t happen again. But right now, we’re not concerned with Frampton. We’re focusing on beating Oscar.”

“Scott is one of the best-conditioned fighters I have worked with, and it’s great working with fighters like him and Pacquiao.”

“Oscar says he’ll knock Scott out. I hope he believes that because if he comes forward and tries to knock Scott out, then Scott is going to put him on his ass.”

Manny Robles (Trainer, Oscar Valdez)

“Oscar is trying to be the best fighter out there, be remembered like Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and have his name go down in history.”

“Oscar is a crowd-pleaser. He likes to give the people what they want. He’s trying so hard to be one of the premier Mexican champions.”

“Oscar is happier than ever. He’s more relaxed and focused than he has ever been.”

“We found ourselves in a great situation with training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico. I couldn’t have asked for a better camp We had altitude training at more than 5,000 feet above sea level, and private facilities. We lived there, we trained there, and we had great sparring.”

“We have Scott Quigg in front of us, and that’s the only thing we’re thinking about right now.”

Jose Ramirez

“I had a tremendous training camp, sparring with very good fighters, some undefeated Russian guys who helped get me in great condition.”

“Imam has a good right hand. He’s a skillful fighter with a good jab, but I’m focused on what I’m able to do. “

“For me as a fighter, I’m always focused on the fight at hand and not worrying about the future. I think, after this fight, the sky is the limit. It will be possible to get 30,000 or 40,000 people in the stands at the football stadium in Fresno, California.”

“The fans in Central California see a little bit of me in them, the way I stand up with them and fight for the {California Latino Water Coalition} and immigration. I travel to the capital and talk to assembly members to try and get a reservoir built so we can have a better future for farming and water. I can be a voice for the people.”

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing,facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo @ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtags #ValdezQuigg and #DeLeonVences to join the conversation on Twitter.

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CHICAGO – March 1, 2018 – Hitz Boxing Entertainment, the Midwest’s longest-running boxing promoter, begins the year with a bang with a stacked card at the Belvedere Events Center in Elk Grove Village tomorrow night. The card is co-headlined by popular Chicago super middleweight Tommy “White Lightning” Hughes (5-0, 3KO), and Olympian Tervel Pulev (7-0, 7KO).

Hughes, who won a decision over Emmanuel Sanchez in Hitz Boxing’s last event in October, lived up to his moniker, White Lightening, in his fifth fight, with his lightning fast, powerful bodywork. He traded with Sanchez over six rounds, keeping the sellout crowd on its feet throughout the fight.

Pulev, who is the younger brother of Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13KO), is fighting for the first time in the United States since making his professional debut in December, 2013. The younger Pulev won the bronze medal for his home country of Bulgaria in the 2012 Olympics. “I’m very impressed how the Bulgarian community has come out and responded to the Pulev brothers being here in Chicago,” said Bobby Hitz, the promotion’s owner and namesake. “To me they’ve reached rock star status. We’re close to selling out the venue.”

Local fighters Matt Cameron, Oscar Ortiz and Gorjan Slaveski round out the card.

“We’ve got a great night of fights to kick off the new year,” said Hitz. “We are looking forward to continuing to showcase Tommy – he draws a great crowd and has a ton of support from the local Irish community.”

2018 promises to be a busy year for the Illinois Hall of Fame Promoter. “We’re looking at going back to Rosemont five more times this year with the return of Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez, and his recently signed stablemates, middleweight Vitali Kopylenko (27-1, 15KO), Detroit’s Taylor Duerr (5-0-1, 5KO) and Milwaukee’s Andre Sherard (4-1, 3KO).” Hitz returned to its roots last year, promoting two events in the Village of Rosemont, where Hitz got his start as a promoter in 1991.

Tickets for Fight Night at the Belvedere are priced at $150 and $50, and are available at hitzboxing.com. Doors to the Belvedere open at 7:00, and the first fight is at 7:30.

Christian Carto 118.9 – James Smith 118.9

Christopher Brooker 169 – Jamaal Davis 167.3
Tyrone Crawley, Jr. 140.8 – Anthony Mercado 143
Dominique Mayfield 229.1 – Ronny Hale 264.1
David Gonzales 143.1 – Victor Vazquez 139.8
Jerrod Miner 116.7 – Rondarrius Hunter 111.7
Rasheed Johnson 146.6 – Vincent Floyd 154.4******

***Floyd over weight, Bout cancelled

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: SugarHouse Casino
1st bell: 7 pm ET
TV: Eleven Sports (Delay)

Tickets are Sold Out!!!

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SANTA ANA, CALIF. (March 1, 2018): Local hometown hero and former world title challenger Ronny Rios (29-2, 13 KOs) and explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (13-2, 10 KOs) hosted a media workout at TKO Boxing Club in Santa Ana, CA ahead of their 10-round super bantamweight clash on the March 9 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif.

ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:00 ET/6:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT. ESPN 3 will live stream the fights beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 PT.

Younger sibling to Ronny Rios and hot welterweight prospect, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (10-0, 7 KOs) also participated in the workout, and will be featured in an eight-round welterweight co-main event against Miguel “La Amenaza” Dumas (10-1, 7 KOs). Mexico City’s L.A. transplant Marvin Cabrera (6-0, 5 KOs) will be facing Tamaulipas, Mexico’s Sergio “Marino” Gonzalez (6-4, 2 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight that will open the card.

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“After fighting for a world title, it feels a little different. I feel stronger and more motivated to get even further than what I accomplished and to become a world champion.

“Azat [Hovhannisyan] has a lot of heart. He comes forward a lot. We’ve seen a lot of strengths and weaknesses on tape. I can’t reveal too much, but we have a lot of different game plans. There’s no added pressure being the main event. I feel the determination to go in there and execute.

“I think this event will sell out. This is a fight city. After this fight I want anyone with a belt.”

AZAT HOVHANNISYAN, WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Champion:
“I’m switching things up a bit. I just started to train with Freddie Roach, and I’ve noticed a change.

“Ronny Rios is a great fighter, but I know what I need to do in the ring to win. I’m going to continue training hard and we’ll see what the future holds.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, Welterweight Prospect:
“It’s the first time I get to fight like this in my hometown. It’s an honor to be fighting with my brother as the co-main event and even fighting for the same title. I thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity.

“I’ve seen footage of Miguel Dumas. He’s a tough, durable guy. I know he’ll stay right in front of me. That could be dangerous-for him. After this I’d like to grab two more regional belts and then a world title the following year.”

MARVIN CABRERA, Super Welterweight Prospect:
“I came to this country to do what I love – and that’s boxing. I’m training hard, and with former world champion [Daniel] Ponce De Leon in my corner, I feel confident to take on any challenge.

“We’ve studied Sergio [Gonzalez] and we are more than ready to make sure we win against him. I’m just focused on building myself up, and taking on people who are going to challenge me in the ring. That will make me a great fighter.”

Televised fighters from the March 16 return of LA FIGHT CLUB on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar also participated in the workout. Recently signed prospect Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (11-0, 2 KOs) will make her debut under the Golden Boy banner in an eight-round flyweight bout against Sonia Osorio (8-5-1, 1 KO) at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Opening up the telecast will be Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight. Gonzalez was also recently signed to Golden Boy Promotions and is managed by Grammy Award-winning artist Lupillo Rivera.

(ABOVE: Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada hitting mitts before her main event on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar.)

SENIESA “SUPER BAD” ESTRADA, Super Flyweight Prospect:
“I’m really excited to be returning to LA FIGHT CLUB. This is home. I’m from East LA, so we’re in my territory. I also hope to gain new fans – I’m reppin’ all the female boxers, and hope I get to leave behind a mark. My goal is to always be in exciting fights.”

JOUSCE “TITO” GONZALEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:
“I’m glad LA FIGHT CLUB is back on. It’s close to home and my people, so it should be an exciting night.

“Since signing to Golden Boy, it’s been good. Lupillo [Rivera] and I talk on the phone and we’re building our relationship. I’m ready for anything. I’ll fight anybody and anywhere. We’ll see where it goes in the coming months, and maybe I can get a regional title.”

###

March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
Rios vs. Hovhannisyan is a 10-round fight for the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place on Friday, March 9, 2018 at The Hangar at The OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT. The first fight and the ESPN3 live stream begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:00 ET/6:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
Estrada vs. Osorio is an eight-round flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on EstrellaTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on April 6, June 1, July 6, Aug. 10, and Oct. 12.

TICKETS: March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
Tickets for Rios vs. Hovhannisyan are now on sale and start at $50. Tickets are available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, https://apps.vendini.com/u/dce97456af, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at the fan-friendly price of $25 and are available for purchase now at www.goldenboytickets.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.

SOCIAL
MEDIA: March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.thebelasco.com, and www.estrellatv.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA and www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV. Follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

MEDIA
ASSETS: March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/RiosHovhannisyan into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/EstradaOsorio. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video.

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events
“Hello everyone. It has been a very long, cold winter, but don’t worry. Main Events is now here to heat things up. You can count on us to bring you plenty of hot boxing action this weekend at the greatest venue for boxing in the world, Madison Square Garden.”

“Every single one of the fighters in our lineup for Saturday’s fight has sweated through harder workouts and tougher training than ever in their careers. Many will fight at the Mecca of Boxing for the very first time. Some of them are returning, and that is a big deal, whether you’re a champion, or just starting in a four rounder.”

“In our televised fights, four light heavyweights know that the eyes of the world will be on them and they want to make a big impression. You will want to be part of this.”

“Tickets starting at $50 are still available through Ticketmaster and at the Madison Square Garden box office. Although if you want to sit up in ringside, you can’t, because those are gone. You could also watch it live on HBO World Championship Boxing® starting at 10:05 PM Eastern and Pacific.”

“At the top of our card we have a pair of exciting fights in the red-hot light heavyweight division, which I think is the perhaps most competitive division in this sport. First, we have Sullivan Barrera and Dmitry Bivol. In our main event, two-time Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey Kovalev will face his tough Siberian countryman and former amateur teammate Igor Mikhalkin.”

“On our non-televised under card, three talented and undefeated Eastern Europeans out of Egis Klimas’ Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California, promise to light up the arena. We have Bakhram Murtazaliev of Grozny, who is co-promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions, facing Keith McNeil of Birmingham, Alabama in a 10-round super welterweight bout. We have two young gentlemen from Kazakhstan. One, a middleweight named Meiirim Nursultanov, who will be in a battle with Alejandro Torres of Mexico. Rounding out this trio is Madiyar Ashkeyev, also of Kazakhstan, who is making his Garden debut versus tough Dominican, Jose Antonio Abreu in a welterweight showdown.”

“As if that wasn’t enough, how about the return of Vaughn Alexander of St. Louis to New York? Vaughn fought here as a rising star in 2004 and now he’s back 14 years later after getting his life together. What an amazing story. He’s going to be fighting a new opponent because apparently the guy he had been scheduled to fight thought better of it yesterday, and so Jolene [Mizzone, Main Events’ matchmaker], as usual, comes through with a miracle…We may have actually ended up with an even better and more competitive fight.”

“You can expect a big, big show from our heavyweights on this card. Cassius Chaney, clearly, was born to box with that name or at least his father decided he was. First, he was an NCAA scholarship basketball player at the University of New Haven. He graduated, switched sports and now we’ve got him.”

“We never forget our New York fans and we are going to take good care of you on Saturday with the three born and bred local fighters who promise some smoking hot performances. They include Brooklyn’s Frank Galarza, who’s going to return to Madison Square Garden after his big win in November. Frank, when you get to the ring it’s sort of like the main event because it seems like everybody in the arena is there to see him. We’re going to hear a lot of noise.”

“We also have Long Island native LeShawn ‘Lightning’ Rodriguez. He’s generating a lot of buzz and electricity.”

“Back after winning in his professional debut, also from New York, will be Ismael Villarreal of the Bronx.”

“We would like to thank our sponsors, Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru. For this card, we are working with Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing, in association with EC Box Promotions. We have Vadim Kornilov, Dmitry Bivol’s manager, and Erol Ceylan of EC Box with us today and I am so happy to see you. Thank you. I also want to thank HBO and especially Peter Nelson, Tony Walker and Ray Stallone for their support. They always have our back, and we will prove worthy of the opportunity.”

Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports
“I want to thank all the members of the press for being here. I want to thank the fans for continuing to put together the pressure on these fighters to take great fights. I want to thank Madison Square Garden, Joel Fisher, you, your team, Sal Federico, everyone, and your continued support of the sport of boxing”

“Sergey Kovalev and Dmitry Bivol are two of the brightest lights in the light heavyweight division. Bivol is one of the most exciting new entrants at HBO. His career has been nothing short of meteoric in recent days. We’re excited to see what he does on Saturday night against a great opponent.”

“Sullivan Barrera and Igor Mikhalkin stand a shot at creating one of the biggest upsets this year. We’re excited to see what kind of fireworks fly on Saturday night. As Kathy mentioned, they’re going to be great fights the show underneath, so if you can make it into the arena and get a ticket, absolutely do that and set your DVR for HBO. Our start time is 10:05 Eastern. We look forward to seeing you all there Saturday night. Thanks very much.”

Duva
“I want to thank everyone here at the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden. Especially Sal Federico, Larry Torres and of course last, but certainly first, Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President of Madison Square Garden Marquee Events.”

Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President of Madison Square Garden Marquee Events
“First of all, it’s a great couple of weeks here at the Garden. We’ve got the Big 10 Tournament starting tonight, followed up by the Big East Tournament next week. Come Saturday night, we’ve got an incredible boxing match. Two world titles will be on the line Saturday night and it’s going to be a great start to what will be another great boxing season here at Madison Square Garden. Kathy and Jolene, it’s great to work with you again. You put together a great card, and the boxing fans will definitely have a great night here.”

“I’d like to welcome back Sergey Kovalev to The Garden. His performance in November was tremendous. It was a clear message that ‘The Krusher’ is back. We look forward to your resurgence continuing in the light heavyweight division. Igor Mikhalkin is a former European Light Heavyweight Champion and currently on a 10-fight winning streak. That will absolutely prove to be a great, great fight and an exciting night.”

“As Kathy and Peter mentioned, what a great co-main event. WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol, who we have gotten to know some. He’s an undefeated hot, young fighter, who some say, will be the future in this division. He makes his Garden debut here against his mandatory challenger Sullivan Barrera, who also was here recently and beat Felix Valera last November in a great fight.”

“Both of these fights are fights that you don’t want to miss. We’re thrilled to host this great event, to have another great night of boxing in front of the best boxing fans in the world. It’s a great card, top to bottom. As Kathy mentioned, we’re just thrilled to work with her. All of our friends at Main Events, and of course, Peter Nelson and HBO, and the great job they do. We look forward to seeing everybody Saturday night, which will definitely be a great night of boxing.”

Duva
“To the media present and watching live at home, thank you for your time. You have a lot of things competing for your attention. We know that. I say with confidence, you made the right choice coming here today to join us and you will make the right choice when you join us on Saturday.”

“I don’t have to tell anyone in this room that the light heavyweight division is on fire right now. We should invite the FDNY to be here on standby Saturday for the televised fights. Cuban Sullivan Barrera is currently 21-1, 14 KOs and he steps up to challenge WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol of Russia. Bivol has 10 knockouts in 12 fights and is undefeated.”

“Both Sullivan and Dmitry had distinguished amateur careers. Sullivan is a former member of the Cuban National Team. He defected from Cuba in 2009 and quickly made a name for himself in the light heavyweight division, winning his first 17 bouts, with 12 of those coming by way of knockout. He’s won four fights since his only loss. That includes a victory in 2017 over the very hot Joe Smith Jr. He is managed by Luis Molina, who tells me he will let trainer Derik Santos and Sullivan do the talking for him. First, I’m going to bring up Derik Santos.”

Derik Santos, Trainer of Sullivan Barrera
“Thank you everybody for being here. I would like to thank first of all, our manager Luis Molina, who allows us to make everything happen, to Main Events and Kathy for having us here. Peter, HBO, our home gym of Boca PAL, because they really support us and let us do what we need to do back at home. Mike Horner, Gil Gastelum, Ben Lira, Chris Algieri, who we brought into this camp. They’ve all been very supportive and helped us. Finally, to Sullivan Barrera who is absolutely as dedicated as you would want an athlete to be, as a coach.”

“We are here to do, once again, what we’ve been doing since we got together. Walking through the fire together. I’m going to keep it short. I know Bivol’s a talented young man, but we’re going to do what we’ve been doing, we are going to attempt to flip the picnic table right over and stop the party. That’s what we’re going to do here. That’s what we came to do here. Thank you.”

Sullivan Barrera
“Good afternoon, everyone. First, I want to say thank you, and my promoter Kathy Duva and Main Events, Peter Nelson, HBO, Bivol team, Bivol for taking the fight, for this opportunity. This is the dream for me. Fighting for a title fight. I hope Saturday night we can put great show for the boxing fans. Thank you.”

Duva
“This is truly a 50/50 fight, and Sullivan knows what he’s up against. Dmitry Bivol is the definition of a knockout artist. This is Dmitry’s first professional fight at Madison Square Garden. His English is really impressive after training in Los Angeles, and we also have Dmitry’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, who would like to say a few words.”

Vadim Kornilov, Manager of Dmitry Bivol
“It is a pleasure to have a fight at such a legendary arena. We appreciate the support of Madison Square Garden. It has been kind of a dream to have one of our fighters fight here one day and it’s coming true. We appreciate team Barrera. It’s going to be a great night. It’s definitely a 50/50 fight, like Kathy said, and anything can happen. It’s the first opponent of this magnitude that Bivol is fighting. It is this type of fight that we are very nervous about as well. I would expect fireworks from both of the main and the co-main event Saturday night.”

“Just wanted to say thank you to HBO and Peter Nelson for always having a great eye for talent and always bringing on these types of fights onto the network. I want to say thank you to Main Events. The whole team, it’s been a pleasure working with you, as well as World of Boxing, the co-promoter for Dmitry Bivol. Andrey Ryabinsky has actually asked to pass on a message to the press and everybody. He is not going to be able to be here. He wanted to make sure that we mention that it is a great pleasure for him to have one of his fighters fight on a TV network as large as HBO and he appreciates that opportunity. He appreciates the business with Main Events and how great that has been going. It’s been a very, very pleasant experience for all of us. Thank you to everybody, and I would like to bring up WBA World Champion in the light heavyweight division, Dmitry Bivol.”

Dmitry Bivol – WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion
“Hello everyone. I wanted to say thank you for coming, and thank you my promotion, World of Boxing, and promotion of Main Events, and I wanted to say thank you Madison Square Garden. I really glad to be here. Of course, thank you HBO for this chance for me and especially Peter Nelson. Thank you, Sullivan for taking this fight. I hope we will make good fight and people will be glad after. Thank you.”

Duva
“I also would like to thank Andrey Ryabinsky and all the people at World of Boxing. It has been a pleasure working with them and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

“Now for the main event. Sergey Kovalev is back. He’s back on top as the WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion but his opponent is not intimidated. He’s not intimidated by appearing here at Madison Square Garden for the first time, not by facing an old friend, someone he’s known since they were young boxers training as amateurs in Russia many years ago. Igor Mikhalkin says that now he looks back and he believes he was destined to fight Sergey Kovalev from the start and that day is Saturday.”

“Igor may not be familiar to you but one thing I can tell you, he’s hungry. He wants to introduce himself to the American fans by making a very big impression on Saturday. Igor is going to come up here now, but first I’m going to bring up his promoter Erol Ceylan, who will introduce the team.”

Erol Ceylan, Promoter EC Box Promotions
“First of all, I want thanks Kathy Duva for the opportunity to take this fight and also I want to thank HBO. What I want to say about Igor Mikhalkin, he has a lot of courage to take the fight against Sergey Kovalev. We want to thank Sergey for this opportunity and it is a pleasure to take the fight. I hope it will be a very great fight because Mikhalkin is a good worker and he proved himself in Europe, but there are not enough opponents who can move more. He thinks here in US, are the best of this division and he want to show a big fight. After that, he hopes to make a great career in the States. Thank you.”

Igor Mikhalkin
“Thank you very much for Madison Square Garden, for HBO, and Kathy Duva, to Sergey Kovalev for taking the fight. I am very happy to be in New York and fight in Madison Square Garden and I hope that on Saturday the third, we will have a wonderful, exciting fight for all of you to see.”

Duva
“If life is all about lessons learned, and I promise you it is, I am here to tell you Sergey Kovalev has earned his PhD and graduated with honors. To lose after being world champion, such a dominant world champion, it’s a bitter blow. Some guys never recover from that but a rare few take an honest look at the way they are doing things. They change what needs to be changed. No matter how difficult, no matter what you have to give up to do it, this is hard. Sergey is not afraid of hard, as we all know. Sergey was honest with himself about his travel and lifestyle. He brought in a new trainer, Abror Tursunpulatov, and he has handed over control to him.”

“Sergey is the most focused and probably in the best shape I’ve ever seen him. People who had seen Sergey in recent months keep telling us the same thing. How fresh and fit he looks and how happy. The truth is, Sergey has not just changed his attitude. He’s changed his life. Don’t get me wrong. He’s happy to keep crushing his opponents in the ring. For those of you who are as old as me, and know about this reference, as The Who say, ‘Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.’ Sergey is here with his manager, and my dear friend, Egis Klimas.”

Egis Klimas, Manager of Sergey Kovalev
“Good afternoon, everybody. Happy to be here back again at New York City. I wanted to thank the media, Madison Square Garden, HBO, Mikhalkin for giving this opportunity to Sergey to show up.”

“I wanted to talk a little bit about undercard, what there is going to be. Many people come just for the main event, or co-main event, televised fights, because fights are getting boring nowadays. Take my word, we have four undercard guys, which are represented by me. They are very, very excited. Don’t count just on the co-main event and the main event. If you have a chance, come over right from the beginning. You are going to see very, very excited fights. I don’t know whose mission was this for the main event, but as right now, all the things going on in the world, probably they wanted to put two Russians in the ring and looking at beating each other, just to represent American fans. Just a joke.”

“I don’t remember when we saw on the main event, Showtime, HBO, two Russians coming into the fight and trying to fight. I think it’s going to be a very good night, Saturday night. Don’t miss it!”

Duva
“Actually, to echo Egis’ comments, I think based on the looks of the light heavyweight division at the moment, two Russians fighting for the title is going to become pretty normal. Without further ado, as always, my deepest pleasure to be able to introduce to you the light heavyweight champion of the world, Sergey Kovalev.”

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, Two-Time Light Heavyweight World Champion
“I am really happy back to in New York at Madison Square Garden. This is right now my favorite place to fight. Really appreciate it, Joel Fisher, and also thanks to HBO to show this fight on TV, to my promoter, Kathy Duva. Also, to thanks to team of Igor Mikhalkin who came from Russia. Right now, I can say that we met with Igor since amateur, when I was maybe 17 years old. We were like friends, but only friends can beat each other and won’t be upset on each other, you know? I can say that, and be sure that Saturday night will be interesting fight because we will beat each other very, very hard and my goal to defend the title. His goal, to get this title. It will be very interesting fight. Thank you for your support, and I love you, boxing fans. God bless you. Thanks.”

Duva
“Thank you, Sergey. I think that about says it all. As far as we are concerned here at Main Events, the boxing winter is over. I think that we know there are two world champions on this card. Those of you who come early enough to see the undercard, I think you will be able to someday say that you saw more than two world champions on Saturday night because they are all terrific, young fighters. I think that quite a few of the guys in that position are going to make it someday.”

“Once again, tickets starting at $50 still available through Ticketmaster and at the Madison Square Garden box office. You can watch live on HBO World Championship Boxing® starting at 10:05 PM Eastern and Pacific. My thanks to all the talented and dedicated people working hard to put on this impressive show on Saturday. People you have no idea about working in the background, especially our 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone. The guys have to do the work, but Jolene makes the magic happen. Did it again this morning by finding a better replacement of pulling it out of her who knows what, better than the one we had in the first place. Will you please give Jolene and the rest of my staff an applause? They really are the best. Jolene is still making matches as we speak.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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BROOKLYN (March 1, 2018) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten contender Luis Ortiz exchanged words and went face to face at the final press conference in Manhattan Thursday ahead of their main event showdown this Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also participating in Thursday’s press conference and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui, who meet in a rematch of their May 2017 matchup on SHOWTIME as they fight for an interim 168-pound world title in the co-feature.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“The reason I wanted this fight is not only do I think Ortiz is one of the best technical fighters in the division, but he’s the boogeyman that everyone is running from. Champions have avoided him and I’ve always said I was the best and this is my chance to prove it.

“This result isn’t up to anyone but myself. Every time I get under the bright lights, I give the fans what they want to see. This is the best versus the best and that’s what boxing deserves.

“I had all the excuses in the world to run away from this fight after he failed the test. There are a lot of good, up-and-coming heavyweights out there, but I wasn’t interested in them. This fight is how I prove that I’m the baddest man on the planet.

“On March 3, with all the personal things put aside, it’s going to be an honor to fight Luis Ortiz, man to man and father to father. I know that family is his motivation, just like it is for me, and that’s why I blessed him with this opportunity.

“The exciting thing about Saturday night is for everyone to see what I’m capable of doing. Luis Ortiz is determined to get my WBC belt. This is my seventh defense of my title and I’ve enjoyed every one. It’s a lot of responsibility and I take it seriously. You’ll all see on Saturday night why I’ve said the things I’ve said.

“Everyone knows what I’m expecting Saturday night. I can’t say it enough. I have knocked every opponent out for a reason. I plan on continuing my knockout streak. That’s what I do and that’s what I’m best at.

“This is the best fight right here in boxing that can be made. It doesn’t get any better than this on Saturday night. You have to be here in person, because you won’t want to miss anything. You never know what you’ll see, but Saturday night will be bombs away.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I never say anything bad about fighters because inside the ring, anything can happen. I respect everyone who steps into the ring. This is my opportunity. This is my time. Deontay is a great champion but this is my chance.

“Like I always say, this is my time and it’s going to be a great triumph. This is big for all of Cuban boxing and I will make my country proud.

“This is going to be like two trains on the same track about to collide. I’m going to win and I’m going to take his belt.

“This is not a video game. This is not using controllers. You have to actually step into the ring with me on Saturday night.

“Deontay is scared. He’s talking a lot of nonsense. He’s worried about what I’m going to do. This is my time. I’m going to show everyone.

“I’m 100 percent ready to go. Sparring has been amazing and I’m totally prepared for Deontay Wilder. Deontay’s biggest mistake is that he talks too much.

“I looked into his eyes and I knew that I’m not going to lose this opportunity. I’m going to be the first Cuban and the first Latino born outside the country to win a title. Saturday night will be historic.

“The public gave me this opportunity to fight for the title and beat you for your belt. I’m going to make the most of my chance and knock Deontay Wilder out.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“It was a rocky start for me in our first fight. He caught me with a good shot in the early rounds, but I was able to fight through it. I started to dominate the second half of the fight but he had definitely thrown my game off. I still weathered the storm and made good things happen. This fight is very deserving of a rematch and I’m looking forward to it.

“This fight right here is one of the beautiful moments we have in boxing. There were two wrongs that night in the last fight. I’m really happy with everyone who has made this rematch and gave the sport what it deserves.

“Now Jose Uzcategui and myself both have chances to prove ourselves again. This is going to be the worst opportunity of Uzcategui’s life. But it will be the best opportunity for me.

“This is my opportunity to prove all of the critics wrong this time. I’m not the favorite, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’m going to change every single mind on Saturday night. I’m stepping up to the plate, and I’m preparing to hit a home run.

“Virgil Hunter has definitely helped me with my mental game. We’ve worked on a masterful game plan. Virgil is tough to work with but we did all of the necessary things we had to in order to accomplish what we have to on Saturday.

“The next two years or more will be the best years of my career. I’ve been blessed with an illustrious career. This is a new look for me and I feel good. I have a very tough, hungry fighter in front of me and I can’t wait to prove myself.”

JOSE UZCATEGUI

“We’re not doing anything differently heading into this fight. I’ve put the time in at the gym every day to make sure that the fight ends conclusively this time.

“Before I even got to the ring in the first fight I felt some animosity from the referee towards me and it kind of led to what happened in the fight.

“Saturday night you’re not just going to see that I’m a boxer-puncher, but you’ll see my full power on display.

“I’m happy to be in this rematch. I hope that Dirrell brings action like he’s talking about on Saturday. I don’t want to chase him around the ring all night.

“I’m ready to accomplish my dreams, and that involves beating Andre Dirrell more decisively than last night and leaving no doubt at all who the better fighter is.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“Deontay Wilder put everything aside to face one of the greatest amateur heavyweights in the history of boxing. This fight is happening because Deontay is that good and he’s that proud. Deontay is ready to prove that he’s the baddest man on the planet.

“There is a sensational off-television undercard beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Barclays Center that includes a group of top contenders and prospects. It’s really a loaded undercard from top to bottom.

“That great undercard includes a woman’s title fight involving Alicia Napoleon. Everyone involved in this fight has made an effort to have women’s boxing represented on our cards and I’m proud to be able to deliver that for fans.

“This will be Deontay’s third defense of his title in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. He successfully defended against Artur Szpilka and Bermane Stiverne, with two frightening knockouts. I’m proud to work with Barclays Center and promote boxing in Brooklyn. This is certainly one of the best venues for boxing in the world and certainly a venue that is dedicated to bringing the fans consistently excellent programming inside the arena.

“This fight is getting the kind of reception that it deserves. If you want to get tickets for Saturday night, I would call now because they’re moving fast.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“When we have a fight card like this, the network gets a lot of credit but these fights truly don’t happen unless fighters like Wilder and Ortiz are ready to take the fights.

“When we announced our schedule back in January, there was one fight that jumped out to everyone, and it was Wilder vs. Ortiz. They have 67 fights between them, 67 wins, 0 losses and 62 knockouts. This is part of what we’re calling ‘March Madness’ on SHOWTIME. All four heavyweight titles, the top four heavyweights in the world, including Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker on March 31, facing each other this month on SHOWTIME. There hasn’t been a lineup like that put together by any network in the history of the sport.

“The titles are great but these fights are about something else. They’re about legacy. When people look back and ask, ‘what kind of fighter was Deontay Wilder?’ This is the fight that they will talk about. More important than knockouts and unbeaten records, this is why fighters are remembered.

“Dirrell vs. Uzcategui 2 is good enough to be a main event and they deserve to have a great stage for this rematch. These are the kind of cards that people look back and say, were you there that night? If you’re not watching this card, you’re not a boxing fan. Because this is the best that the sport has to offer.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“I can’t tell you how excited I am for Saturday night. People are starting to realize how viable this sport is and that boxing is a sport on the rise. We’re thrilled to be a part of it

“Events like Saturday in Brooklyn are why this sport is thriving. It features a deep card from top to bottom, 50-50 fights and great fighters with magnetic personalities

“Deontay, even though you weren’t born in Brooklyn, we do consider you our own. We’re excited to have Luis Ortiz as well, for the first time, on Saturday night. This is a card from top to bottom that’s incredible and I’m thrilled to welcome Andre and Jose to Brooklyn.

“The seats are moving really quickly and this should be one of the biggest fights we’ve had at Barclays Center. We’re very excited for this show and look forward to seeing everyone there.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SAN ANTONIO, TX. (March 1, 2018) – An exciting night of undercard action comes to Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio on Saturday, March 10 featuring 2016 Olympians and rising prospects entering the ring for the Premier Boxing Champions event.

The night is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets live on SHOWTIME. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.

Additional action will feature 19-year-old featherweight prospect Luis Coria (6-1, 4 KOs), 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout, 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (3-0, 3 KOs) taking on Antonio Woods (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round heavyweight affair, Efetobor Apochi (2-0, 2 KOs) entering the ring for a six-round cruiserweight fight and unbeaten welterweight Yulian Tembotov (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round attraction.

Rounding out the undercard arelightweight prospect Alejandro Guerrero (6-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round fight, San Antonio’s Robert Rodriguez making his pro debut in a four-round super flyweight bout against Mexico’s Giovanni Noriega (1-1, 1 KO), San Antonio’s Joseph Rodriguez (13-0-1, 2 KOs) taking on Ramsey Luna (13-5, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight showdown and four-rounds of super featherweight action between unbeaten Xavier Wilson (7-0, 1 KO) and John Vanmeter (1-3, 1 KO).

The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator. Also in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum, unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa takes on Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado in an eight-round super bantamweight bout that, time permitting, will round out the SHO EXTREME telecast.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

New York, NY) – The upcoming Saturday, March 3 Kovalev vs. Mikhalkin HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast opens with a blockbuster battle of two top light heavyweights as WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (12-0, 10 KOs) faces Sullivan Barrera (21-1, 14 KOs) at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Below is the scouting report for this action-packed match-up:

Category
Dmitry Bivol
Sullivan Barrera
Age
27
36
Record
12-0-0 (10 KOs)
21-1-0 (14 KOs)
Strength
Bivol is a strong, hard-hitting light heavyweight. He has knockout power in both hands and has been successful overwhelming his opposition with his in-your-face attack.
Barrera has a strong jab he uses well, and has shown numerous times he can overcome the adversity that takes place in the squared circle, thanks to solid endurance and a granite chin.
Weakness
Although he had an extensive amateur career, Bivol is still only 12 fights deep into his professional career. His inexperience as a pro may come into play if his opponent takes him into deep waters.
Sullivan has great technical boxing skills, but also has a tendency to get into wild slugfests with his opponents. He needs to keep his composure and stay sharp in order to avoid one of Bivol’s thundering blows.
Experience
There is no question Bivol has been through the gauntlet for his first 12 professional bouts. However, he does not have the experience nor has he faced the level of opposition Barrera has faced thus far.
Although this is his first world title fight, Barrera has been in the ring with some of the best the division has to offer: Andre Ward, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, and Joe Smith Jr. He has overcome adversity in prior bouts, making him a stronger fighter to this point.
Power
Bivol’s power is one of his greatest assets. He throws vicious combinations and possesses significant power in both hands.
Barrera has a powerful jab and a devastating right hand, both of which have played roles in the majority of his stoppage wins.
Speed
The champion has solid speed, quick hands and is fast on his feet as well.
The challenger has average speed, and maintains a steady pace throughout the fight.
Endurance
Due to the way he has steamrolled through his opposition thus far, Bivol has only gone a full 12 rounds once, when he defeated Felix Valera in 2016.

Barrera proved he could go 12 rounds in a decision loss to former titleholder Andre Ward. He earned 10-round decision wins over ranked contenders Joe Smith Jr and Felix Valera.
Accuracy
Bivol’s style allows him to be an accurate puncher. He likes to close in on his opponents, leaving them with little room to run.
Barrera’s is very accurate when he gets his jab going and puts his punches together behind it.
Defense
Bivol’s best defense has been his offensive aggressiveness thus far in his short career.

If Barrera commits to the jab, it can be very effective in taking any fighter out of his element, making it that much more difficult to get anything going offensively.
Chin
We have yet to see a big puncher have any offensive success with Bivol, so his chin is still a question mark.

Barrera has a granite chin. He has been knocked down, but has never been stopped, and he hass risen to the occasion to finish strong.
Style
Bivol is an aggressive, in-your-face fighter who immediately enters attack mode from the start of the bout. He is heavy-handed and is making a name for himself in the division as a knockout artist.

Barrera is an extremely tough and technical fighter who likes to stick his jab and set up his shots. He also has a brawling style that inevitably comes out when his opponents show they are willing to engage.
Intangibles
Bivol makes his first WBA title defense against one of the hottest light heavyweights in the world in Sullivan Barrera. This is no surprise, however, as Dmitry has faced off against a who’s who of opposition in his short career. Although his Cuban opponent believes Bivol is in over his head taking on the WBA’s #1 ranked Barrera, Bivol thinks otherwise. He has full confidence in his abilities, and is well aware that if he has his way with Barrera, the sky is the limit for what he can do in the sport.

Barrera has been petitioning for a title shot for years. He has stepped up and faced off against the division’s best light heavyweights. After years of hard work and victories over the likes of Joe Smith Jr, Karo Murat, and Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, he has been offered his long-awaited opportunity. Barrera opted to face the less experienced Dmitry Bivol. Barrera feels his route to a title shot was much more grueling than that of the champion, and believes Bivol will not be prepared for such a seasoned and gritty challenger as Sullivan Barrera.
Crowd Support
Dmitry Bivol is one of the sport’s top prospects, but he lacks the television exposure of Barrera. Despite a loyal Russian following, he may be at a disadvantage here. If he can comfortably handle the challenger in this match, expect his crowd support to increase significantly.

Over the years, Sullivan Barrera has established himself as a crowd-pleasing fighter. He competed at Madison Square Garden in his last bout in which he earned a win over ranked contender Felix Valera. He can expect significant crowd support coming into this bout.
The Match-Up
Will Barrera be able to handle the power and speed of Bivol?
Will Bivol be able to handle the non-stop jab in his face and be able to make adjustments?
Will Barrera be able to focus on Bivol and not overlook him thinking about future opportunities?
Will Bivol be able to handle Barrera down getting up off the canvas after a knockdown and coming back stronger when he does?

According Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone, “This is the kind of fight more top light heavyweights should be taking. Here you have a young guy in Dmitry Bivol who is ready to take the challenge with a much more experienced Sullivan Barrera. You have Sullivan Barrera taking on the youngest light heavyweight champion in the division to prove he belongs there at the top too, belt or not. Both have a lot to prove, and I believe the real winners are the fans, who will get a real show in the ring from both come March 3.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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