07 February 2018 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its return to Malaysia’s bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur. ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY is set to ignite the Axiata Stadium with an evening of authentic martial arts action. While a main event is yet to be announced, ONE Championship has revealed a handful of compelling bouts featuring the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent.

Ticket information for ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY is available at www.onefc.com.

Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a 22-year-old martial artist and one of the top welterweights in ONE Championship. Thani’s quick rise through the ranks has seen him amass a stellar 8-1 professional record, including a title shot against former ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren in May of 2017. Although Thani fell short of victory against the American, he gained a great amount of experience as a result and has emerged as a more seasoned combatant. All but one of Thani’s victories have come by exciting finish. The young Malaysian has shown steady improvement in each outing and he will now face Amitesh Chaubey in his next assignment.

Amitesh Chaubey is a martial artist from India and a welterweight newcomer in ONE Championship. He owns a professional record of 8-5 and is a former SFL Welterweight Champion known for his knockout power. Primarily a boxing stylist who stifles opponents with his quick hands and fluid combinations, Chaubey joins a deep ONE Championship welterweight division looking for a new champion. He takes on former welterweight title challenger Agilan Thani in his promotional debut.

19-year-old Christian “The Warrior” Lee, younger brother of reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, began his professional career on an absolute tear, railing off five straight victories by thrilling finish. He has impressed fans with his ability to seek out stoppage wins over top-caliber opponents. A former Pankration World Champion, Lee toppled Japanese veteran and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu Boku in his most recent bout, winning by first-round technical knockout to improve his record to 8-1. Known as a creative and fluid striker with unorthodox grappling technique, Lee is now set to face another Japanese veteran in Kazunori Yokota.

39-year-old Kazunori Yokota of Chiba, Japan is a martial arts fixture with over 12 years of professional experience under his belt. A champion of Japanese promotion, DEEP, Yokota is one of the toughest competitors at featherweight as he has constantly punished his opponents and grinded out impressive victories. Yokota made his ONE Championship debut in May of 2016, challenging former ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov for the title. Yokota sports a stellar record of 26-7-3 and in his most recent bout, submitted his opponent in another promotion. Now, Yokota is set to take on the surging Christian Lee.

Malaysia’s Gianni Subba is a 25-year old flyweight talent from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. He spends time carefully honing his craft with talented teammates, including brother Keanu, at Bali MMA in Indonesia. A winner of six of his last seven bouts, Subba is a seasoned athlete with a stellar 9-2 clip in his young career. Five of his nine wins have come either by submission or by crowd-pleasing knockout. In his next assignment, the crafty wushu specialist Danny Kingad poses a stern challenge.

Top flyweight talent from the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Danny “The King” Kingad is a regional wushu champion with a wushu record of 29-1 and martial artist with a professional record of 8-1. A true warrior from the mountains of the Philippines and one of the top prospects to come out of the country, Kingad is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills. In his most recent bout, Kingad suffered the first defeat of his career after being submitted by reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes in the first round. Kingad will now return to action against Gianni Subba.

Former amateur standout Muhammad Aiman of Malaysia is one of the country’s fastest rising young martial arts talents. Featuring a well-rounded skill set, Aiman has impressed in his time inside the ONE Championship cage thus far, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first match in the promotion before stopping Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his second outing. In his most recent contest, Aiman thoroughly dominated Chinese prospect Yang Fei to win a unanimous decision. The 23-year-old is now set to take on his next challenge in Burn Soriano.

Burn “The Hitman” Soriano of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, is coming off a tough contest against China’s Chen Lei last November. The Filipino featherweight features an aggressive style, with solid power and seasoned grappling technique leading to all of his wins to date coming by way of stoppage. His 15-second spinning back fist knockout of Indonesia’s Mario Sitya Wirawan in 2016 was one of the fastest finishes in ONE history. A national kickboxing champion with a kickboxing record of 14-3, Soriano has shown steady improvement over his last few contests and now looks for victory next against Muhammad Aiman.

18-year-old Jihin Radzuan of Johor Bahru, Malaysia is a highly-touted young martial arts prospect making her ONE Championship debut. A well-rounded competitor, Radzuan is a Muay Thai and boxing practitioner with a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A former Southeast Asian Open Gold and Silver Medalist in Muay Thai, Radzuan is known for her varied striking skills and terrific knockout power. Radzuan will step into the ONE Championship cage in Kuala Lumpur to face Puja Tomar.

Flyweight competitor Puja Tomar is a martial artist from India with a professional record of three wins and two losses. With a knack for showcasing her solid striking skills, Tomar has recorded all three of her victories by knockout. Competing largely in her home country of India, the former India wushu champion Tomar now makes her second appearance on the biggest stage in Asian martial arts as she is set to face Jihin Radzuan in the ONE Championship cage.

Hisyam “Zephyrus” Samsudin of Malaysia is a former WBF Asia-Pacific Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion who trains at the highly-regarded Borneo Tribal Squad with former female strawweight talent Ann “Athena” Osman and coach AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor. Samsudin likes to pepper opponents with heavy handed strikes, utilizing his world-class boxing base to break down opponents. Samsudin’s next assignment is against Jerome S. Paye.

Liberian martial artist Jerome S. Paye made his ONE Championship debut in February 2016 against China’s Li Hao Jie. In the bout, Paye showcased a well-rounded set of techniques, stifling his opponent with an array of striking combinations. With the ability to make bouts difficult for any opponent, Paye has shown incredible heart and determination in his time inside the ONE Championship cage. This time Paye will take on Malaysia’s Hisyam Samsudin.

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. 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.

10 ROUNDS – VACANT WBC USNBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Noel Murphy vs. Mikkel LesPierre
Woodlawn, NY Brooklyn, NY
12-0, 2 KO’s 18-0-1, 8 KO’s
139.2 lbs. 139.4 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jude Franklin vs. Floriano Pagliara
Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn, NY
6-0, 5 KO’s 16-7-2, 7 KO’s
128 lbs. 129.6 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Oleksandr Teslenko vs. Keenan Hickman
Toronto, Canada Baton Rouge, LA
11-0, 9 KO’s 6-2-1, 2 KO’s
220 lbs. 269.2 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
Mykquan Williams vs. Preston Wilson
East Hartford, CT Parkersburg, WV
9-0, 5 KO’s 4-2-1, 3 KO’s
146 lbs. 142.8 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Stephan Shaw vs. Joel Caudle
St. Louis, MO Raleigh, NC
9-0, 6 KO’s 7-1-1, 5 KO’s
261.8 lbs. 265 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
Jonathan Arroyo vs. Andrea Crepaldi
Patchogue, NY New York, NY
1-0 Pro Debut
146 lbs. 142.2 lbs.

*The Jon Fernandez vs. Fatiou Fassinou bout was called off at today’s weigh-in due to Fassinou falling ill. Fassinou is expected to recover quickly and promoters will attempt to reschedule the bout.

All Bouts Subject to Change

Boxing fans can watch the entire card streamed live on DiBella Entertainment’s Facebook page starting at 7:00 PM ET:
https://www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

Tickets for tomorrow’s Broadway Boxing event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55. For tickets, please call the DiBella Entertainment office at 212-947-2577. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the venue on fight night for cash only. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the first fight scheduled for 7:00pm. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is located at 237 W. 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Times Square.

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 6, 2018) – Light heavyweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (18-1-1, 12 KOs), who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannely and promoted by Damien Vazquez’ Sugar Promotions, talks training camp and more ahead of his showdown with Thomas Williams Jr. (20-3, 14 KOs).

This 10-round bout, takes place on the undercard of Victor Ortiz vs. Devin Alexander, which airs live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas on Saturday, February 17 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Here is what Velazco had to say about training camp, making his USA debut, and more…

On his current training camp in Aguascalientes, MX …
“I’ve been training with former world champion Cruz Carbajal out here in Aguascalientes, Mexico. For the first time in my career, I flew out a durable sparring partner to help me prepare for this fight. We are finalizing the last few sparring sessions this week. My body is healthy and I’m in great shape. I’ll be ready for war on fight night.”

On facing opponent Thomas Williams Jr…
“All I know about Williams is he’s a southpaw, who is coming off a couple of losses, and has fought for a world title. He’s been in the ring with some elite fighters, so I know he’s a very good opponent. I know he’s hungry to get back in the win column so I’m preparing for his best. This is a big step up in competition and I’m ready for the challenge.”

On making his USA debut…
“Where I’m from, you always dream about what it would be like to fight in the United States of America. Now that dream is coming true and I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. There will be some very important people watching this fight. I promise I will not disappoint.”

On what a win will do for his career…
“A victory against Williams will be great for my career because I know it will lead to bigger fights. My goal is to make a statement in this fight and show those watching that I’m the real deal.”

NEW YORK (Feb. 6, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Regis Prograis and former world champion Viktor Postol will face off for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Championship on Friday, March 9 in the 12-round main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Prograis (20-0, 17 KOs), of Houston by way of New Orleans, has scored knockouts in 13 of his last 14 fights and is a rising star in the wide-open 140-pound division. The aggressive-minded southpaw will face the toughest test of his career in Postol (29-1, 12 KOs), a former WBC Super Lightweight World Champion with only one loss on his record.

In the 12-round co-feature, undefeated 140-pound contenders Ivan Baranchyk (17-0, 10 KOs) and Anthony Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs) will square off in a Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Sergey Lipinets. Lipinets will defend his belt the following day, March 10, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® against undefeated three-division champion Mikey Garcia.

The event is presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Elite Boxing, Fight Promotions Inc., Holden Productions and Sauerland Promotions. Tickets, priced at $200, $80 and $60, go on sale Friday, Feb. 9, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 907-4726.

“I feel I’m one of the best junior welterweights in the world and this is my chance to display my belief in myself,” Prograis said. “I’m very excited to be fighting Viktor Postol – he’s a very experienced fighter that previously held the WBC world title. I want to become a world champion this year, and I know Viktor Postol wants to reclaim his title, but we have to go through each other first. This is a great fight for boxing because you have two hungry fighters. It’s a can’t-miss fight.”

“My goal is to become a world champion again and I know a win over Regis Prograis will bring me one step closer,” Postol said. “I have been training hard for the past couple of months and I’m very excited for the opportunity to face Prograis on March 9.”

“My next fight is very important for my career and I am preparing for it very seriously,” Baranchyk said. “A few months ago, I moved to Miami, Fla., where I am now being trained by Pedro Diaz. I have strict discipline for everything in my training. I’m working on improving my skills, tactics for the fight, my skill set and physical strength. I’m also maintaining a much stricter diet and eating very healthy. I want every fighter to know if I am in the boxing ring you will never have an easy fight with me.”

“My dream is to become a world champion and I need to defeat Baranchyk to continue on my path,” Yigit said. “This will be my first time fighting in the United States but I’m ready to show the boxing fans that I have what it takes to become a world champion. From Stockholm, Sweden to Deadwood, South Dakota, onward my journey continues.”

“Two excellent super lightweight matchups highlight this SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on March 9. At the Deadwood Mountain Grand in South Dakota, the rising young gun will duel the seasoned ex-champion,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis can earn a world championship by beating his toughest foe, the respected and formidable Viktor Postol, with the interim WBC title at stake. Undefeated puncher Ivan Baranchyk is truly ‘The Beast’ in the ring and is determined to blaze a path toward a world title shot in his IBF eliminator, taking on Sweden’s European Champion, former Olympian, Anthony ‘Can You Dig It?’ Yigit.”

“Prograis and Baranchyk have appeared a combined nine times on ShoBox: The New Generation and it’s fulfilling to see their development from talented prospects to legitimate contenders,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME Sports. “We view this progression as a validation for the ShoBox series, and we’re thrilled to see their hard work pay off with these potentially career-changing opportunities. These are two tough fights that will determine who is ready to take the next step in this exciting division.”

“We are thrilled that DiBella Entertainment is bringing big time boxing back to South Dakota,” said Susan Kightlinger, General Manager at Deadwood Mountain Grand. “Deadwood is renowned for its rough and tumble past and professional boxing fits that mold perfectly. It’s an amazing card, great fighters and SHOWTIME is the ultimate name in boxing. It’s a perfect fit!”

A consensus top-10 ranked fighter at 140 pounds, the 29-year-old Prograis has beaten three previously undefeated fighters on the SHOWTIME developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation. Prograis stamped his arrival as a legitimate contender in the 140-pound division on June 9 scoring four knockdowns of previously undefeated Joel Diaz Jr., en route to a second-round TKO. Following the fight, Prograis called out the top players in the 140-pound division, including Terence Crawford and Adrien Broner, and on March 9, he’ll get his first chance to prove he’s ready to face the division’s elite.

Prograis’ nickname “Rougarou” originates from Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. Originally from New Orleans, Prograis relocated to Houston following Hurricane Katrina.

Postol won the vacant WBC 140-pound World Championship with a stunning and dominating 10th round knockout of Lucas Matthysse in 2015. The 34-year-old Ukrainian attempted to unify the division in his first defense, losing via unanimous decision to then-WBO champion Terence Crawford in 2016. He has since bounced back with a win over previously unbeaten Jamshidbek Najmiddinov last September in his native Ukraine. A win would move him one step closer to earning back the coveted WBC title he lost.

The co-feature also pits two of the top prospects in the 140-pound division, each with an opportunity to score the biggest win of their respective careers.

The aggressive-minded Baranchyk is a former amateur standout that packs power in both hands. The 25-year-old native of Belarus is currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF at 140 pounds and owns seven wins over previously undefeated fighters. He’s gone the 10-round distance three times and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over then-undefeated Keenan Smith last July on ShoBox in his adopted hometown of Miami, Okla.

The 26-year-old Yigit competed in the 2012 Olympics for Sweden, advancing to the second round before losing a very narrow decision to eventual Silver Medalist Denys Berinchyk. The Stockholm native has tallied 21 victories in just four years following the Olympics while campaigning in Europe. The southpaw will make his U.S. debut against Baranchyk as he looks to prove he’s ready to contend on the world stage.

The doors open and first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. More information on the Deadwood Mountain Grand can be found on their website at www.DeadwoodMountainGrand.com.

PHOENIX – February 6, 2018 – Two of Arizona’s most exciting prospects will face off in a 10 round bout at Super Bantamweight, vying for the WBC USNBC title, live at Celebrity Theatre and via Iron Boy PPV at ironboy.com. Local, undefeated prospect Carlos Castro (19-0, 8KO) will put his ‘O’ on the line in his toughest fight to date versus Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (21-5-1, 8KO).

Both fighters cut their teeth in South Phoenix gyms as kids. Castro began his boxing career at the age of seven, amassing over 180 amateur fights, and three national Silver Gloves championships training under the tutelage of Andrews Soto at Knockout Boxing Club, where he still trains today. Santiago trained with trainer Rudy Mata as a kid, and then trained with Soto, racking up over 130 amateur fights. He now trains with Rafael Ramos at Mayweather Boxing Gym. This bout brings Santiago full circle back to Celebrity Theatre, where he made his professional debut in 2009. Castro would debut three years later at the Celebrity, where he’s fought a majority of his fights.

The two fighters are friends, (as friendly as two opponents can be). The two have been sparring partners, and both plan to capitalize on this experience to best the other. At a recent press conference, the two were reticent to trash talk each other. “He knows me, and I know him,” said Castro of his opponent. “I know his mistakes, and he knows my mistakes. It is just going to come down to who capitalizes on the other’s mistakes better. We’ve known each other for a long time, but this is business. We’re friends and all, but as soon as we get into the ring, friendship is over. He knows that, and I know that.” Castro acknowledges that Santiago has faced stiffer competition during his career.

Asked whether his experience will be an issue for Castro, Santiago said “I’ve been in the ring with great fighters, two-time world champs. I know what it’s like to fight in that situation, so we’re going to have to see if he’s ready for that.”

If the crowd is any advantage, both fighters agree that Santiago has the edge. “It’s my town. Every time I fight at Celebrity Theatre, everybody knows how I pack that place. This fight is going to be nothing different. We’re going to bring everybody out, and put on a great show for everybody.” Castro vows not to be deterred. “This is what I’ve been fighting for. This is what I’ve been training for,” said the 23 year old.

When announced, the fight lit up social media in local boxing circles. Matchmaker Mike Sanchez was excited to put on a South Phoenix brawl. “It’s going to be a good fight. Beaver really thinks he’s going to win, and Carlos is ready for this test,” said Sanchez.

“I have worked with both of the boxers. When it was announced they were going to fight each other it was sentimental for me, but business is business,” said Coach Soto of the match.

“This is a great fight to kick off 2018,” said Iron Boy Promotions Promoter Roberto Vargas. “We’re expecting a sell-out crowd. Hats off to both fighters for not being afraid to fight the best in their hometown. We are going to work to put on fights like this one all year, and bring the best fights back to Celebrity Theatre.”

Tickets for Iron Boy 43: Castro-Santiago are priced $60, 40 and 30, and are on sale now at the Celebrity Theatre Box office, ironboy.com or by calling 602-267-1600. The fight will be available via ironboy.com pay-per-view.

“NEW ENGLAND’S FUTURE 5” FACT SHEET
WHAT: “New England’s Future 5” professional boxing event

WHO: MAIN EVENT – 8 ROUNDS
VACANT UBF NEW ENGLAND LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Richard Rivera (5-0, 4 KOs), Hartford, CT
Kevin Cobbs (10-2, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Bobby Harris, III (2-0), Worcester, MA
Saul Almeida (0-8-1), Framingham, MA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Ray Graceski (5-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA
Pawel Bansiak (pro debut), Hartford, CT

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Jose Rivera (4-1, 3 KOs), Hartford, CT
Troy Artis (4-7-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Jelame Garcia (6-0, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA
Nathan Schulte (0-4), Woburn, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS — — 4 ROUNDS
Derrick Whitley (2-0), Springfield, MA
Robert Blankenship (1-2), Cleveland, OH

Joseph Goss (pro debut), Bridgeport, CT
Samuel Vasquez (1-2, 1 KO), Montreal, Canada

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Omar Bordoy, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO), Danbury, CT
Seth Basler (0-4), Marion, IL

Wilfredo Pagan (3-0, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA
Bryan Abraham (6-28-2, 6 KOs), Schenectady, NY

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Carlos Marrera, III (0-1), Bridgeport, CT
Luis Rivera (3-3, 1 KO), Hartford, CT

(All fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2018

WHERE: The Palladium, Worcester, MA

PROMOTER: Rivera Promotions Entertainment

TICKETS: $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and
available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium
box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose
Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

DOORS OPEN: 6:00 p.m, ET

FIRST BOUT: 7:00 p.m. ET

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN: Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 – 3-6 p.m. ET
Pepe’s Pizza & Restaurant
274 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, KingRivera_
ABOUT RIVERA PROMOTION AND ENTERTAINMENT (RPE): Founded in 2017, Worcester, MA-based RPE is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion, RPE CEO/promoter Jose Antonio Rivera, and his son, RPE president/matchmaker Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera. RPE’s philosophy is to give young, local fighters a platform to develop and showcase their boxing skills.

LONDON (6 February, 2018) – BoxNation subscribers will be able to enjoy more exclusively live world title action this Saturday night when WBC super-featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt puts his title on the line against Ghanaian hotshot Maxwell Awuku.

‘The Channel of Champions’ will showcase the Mexican big-hitter as he looks to continue his destruction of the 130-pound division following a successful 2017 that saw him stop Francisco Vargas to win the title before defending it against Japan’s Takashi Miura.

With a record of 32-1, with 28 KOs, he now takes on the experienced Awuku who has amassed an impressive 44-3-1, with 30 KOs record, and will now be looking to snatch away Berchelt’s world title in front of his rival’s home fans in Cancun.

Pound-for-pound star Vasyl Lomachenko holds the WBO version of the world title at super-featherweight with Berchelt hoping a win over Awuku this weekend will help to set up a unification fight with the Ukrainian superstar.

However, Ghana has a rich history of producing world champions including the likes of Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and Joshua Clottey, something which the teak-tough Awuku will be looking to make Berchelt well aware of when they share the ring.

The relentless and all-action Berchelt can’t wait to face Awuku after a number of previous opponents fell through.

“We are ready for whomever, I have prepared myself at the top, it’s good that Awuku is coming to create an upset and wants to offer a great fight to my audience. My emotions grow knowing that I will be fulfilling my dream on Saturday night,” said Berchelt.

Southpaw Awuku is in no doubt that he will shock the Mexican crowd and return home with the world championship belt around his waist.

“The Mexicans believe that they will take me by surprise and I am not prepared, they have made a big mistake, I will spoil the party for their people, I will knock out their champion and then I will go to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cancun,” Awuku told Boxing Scene.

The challenger has genuine power in his hands, but he insists he is bringing a lot more than just that.

“I’m not just a puncher. I’m a natural and a quick counter-puncher. We Africans are brave, with a lot of professional shame. To fight for the world title and the WBC belt is a unique opportunity that will change my life and my family and I will not waste it. I want to thank everyone who intervened for me to be in Mexico to fulfil a dream,” said Awuku.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “We are expecting this to be a real toe-to-toe affair between two fighters who don’t know how to take a back step. Miguel Berchelt had a fantastic year in 2017 and will be looking to impress once again, but we all know the rich history of Ghanaian fighters and Maxwell Awuku will be looking to carry on that proud tradition. He has the chance to win the world title and BoxNation subscribers can expect both men to give everything to ensure it is their hand which is raised at the end of the night.”

BoxNation’s exclusively live coverage will start from 12am this Saturday night.

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

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

In just her fourth professional fight, rising female flyweight prospect Elena Savelyeva will take the leap to 10-rounders.

Formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world and a 2012 Olympian, Savelyeva (3-0, 3 KOs), of Pushkino, Russia, will face former world title challenger Nevenka Mikulic of Croatia on Saturday, February 10 at Qin Shi Huang Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

“I feel great,” said Savelyeva, “Everything has gone completely according to plan. The fight itself will show what great shape I’m in. My training is always very intense, and I always have planned-out goals in mind.”

Co-promoted by Salita Promotions and Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, Savelyeva went 134-15-1 as an amateur, winning the world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) championships She represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.

She has been preparing for her first 10-round fight between gyms in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

“I haven’t experienced any difficulties at all so far,” said Savelyeva of the transition to the professional ranks. “My opponents allowed me to develop and progress properly. I have an extensive amateur background, fighting and beating the best in the world. I expect to do the same in the pros and win a professional world title, hopefully by the end of this year.”

“Elena is progressing quickly, as any fighter with her amateur experience would,” said co-promoter Dmitriy Salita. “After this fight, she will be looking for world-title fight, especially if its against her former amateur rival, (UK-based) Nicola Adams.”

###

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe. For more information, visit salitapromotions.com.

Philadelphia, PA (February 5, 2018) – TODAY!! Lightweight contender “Hammerin” Hank Lundy and junior lightweight Frank De Alba will be guests on The Abrams Boxing Hour.

The show can be heard live around the world at 5:30 PM ET on www.wildfireradio.com and by clicking stream B.

Lundy (28-6-1, 14 KOs) will talk about his fight with former world champion DeMarcus Corley that takes place this Saturday night in Philadelphia.

De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) will discuss his bout with Carlos Padilla that will headline a great night of boxing at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center on Tuesday, February 13th.

Marc Abrams will also breakdown the news and results of the past week and preview the week ahead in the world of boxing.

SHOWTIME Sports will present the Heavyweight World championship unification between undefeated IBF and WBA World Champion Anthony Joshua MBE and unbeaten WBO World Champion Joseph Parker on Saturday, March 31 live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

British sensation Joshua, who has knocked out all 20 of his professional opponents, burst onto the global scene with a dramatic knockout of long-reigning Heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko in the universally acclaimed 2017 Fight of the Year at Wembley Stadium in London.

In two fights last year, Joshua drew 168,000 spectators combined to massive stadium events in the U.K. Now, he faces another significant challenge in Parker, a native of New Zealand with 24 wins, no losses and 18 knockouts. Parker is attempting the third World title defence of his WBO belt.

Joshua vs. Parker is just the second Heavyweight championship unification in history between undefeated World titleholders. The only fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten Heavyweight World champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

With the addition of Joshua vs. Parker, SHOWTIME will televise all four of the Heavyweight World titles in the same month as undefeated American Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) will defend his WBC belt against unbeaten Luis Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs) on Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The four top-rated Heavyweights–Wilder, Ortiz, Joshua and Parker–boast a combined record of 111 wins, zero losses and 100 knockouts.

Both Heavyweight championships are cornerstones of a remarkable 2018 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING schedule that now includes 16 undefeated fighters and 13 world titles fights across 11 marquee events through the first six months of the year.

“The Heavyweight division is in the midst of a renaissance and SHOWTIME is delivering the all of the pivotal bouts to our subscribers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Anthony Joshua is a global superstar and we’re proud to present his sixth, and perhaps most challenging, World title fight to the U.S. audience. Joshua vs. Parker will be the 12th Heavyweight World championship match on SHOWTIME since Deontay Wilder won his title in 2015, an undisputed industry-leading offering in boxing’s preeminent division.”

The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Duco Events. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will televise the event live from Principality Stadium where organizers expect a sell-out of 80,000 spectators. The host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Brian Custer. Mauro Ranallo calls the action from ringside along with International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division World champion Paul Malignaggi. A 2018 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Gray, serves as ringside reporter.

Bethlehem, PA (February 5, 2018) – Two-time world welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron will now face Marquis Taylor in a ten-round bout on Tuesday, February 13th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Already announced were two eight-round co-main events featuring Frank De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) taking on Carlos Padilla (16-6-1, 10 KOs) as well as Mykal Fox (15-0, 4 Kos) battling Ricardo Garcia (14-1, 9 KO’s) in a super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Taylor of Houston, Texas has a record 8-1.

The 24 year-old is a five year veteran, who has a victory over previously undefeated Oscar Torres (8-0). Taylor has won five fights in a row which includes his last fight when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Hector Mercado on November 11, 2017 in Houston.

Cintron of Reading, PA has a record of 39-6-3 with 30 KOs.

The 38 year-old Cintron is a 18 year professional who won his first 23 fights (20 via stoppage) by defeating the likes of Leon Pearson (9-1-1), Said Ouali (7-0), Omar Davila (12-2), Ian Mackillop (14-1), Luis Rosado (29-5), Elio Ortiz (25-6), & Teddy Reid (22-5-1).
On April 23, 2005, Cintron was stopped by Antonio Margarito in his bid to win the WBO Welterweight title.

Cintron scored two wins, which included a 10th round stoppage over contender David Estrada (18-2) before stopping Mark Suarez in six-rounds to capture the IBF Welterweight title on October 28, 2006 in Palm Beach, Florida.

Cintron made two defenses of the crown which was highlighted by a two-round destruction over Walter Matthysse (26-1), before being stopped by Margarito in their rematch.

Cintron then sandwiched wins over Lovemore Ndou (46-10-1), Alfredo Angulo (15-0) and Juliano Ramos (15-2) around a draw with Sergio Martinez (44-1-1) before dropping fights with world champions Paul Williams and Carlos Molina.

In his last bout, Cintron was stopped in five round by Tyrone Brunson.

The “Philly Fight of the Year” Candidate saw Cintron score two knockdowns in round four, but Brunson came back to drop Cintron three times in round five.

“This is a fight to comeback to get back where I need to be. After the Brunson fight, it was back to the drawing board. this fight will start to get me back to the top one more time,” said Cintron.

In an eight-round bout, heavyweight contender Joe Hanks (22-2, 14 KOs) of Newark, NJ will fight Nick Guivas (14-9-2, 9 KOs) of Topeka, Kansas.

In six-round bouts:

Colby Madison (5-0-1, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland will fight Dante Selby (2-3-1) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.

Blake Mansfield (5-1-1, 3 KOs) of Burlington, NC will fight Darryl Bunting (3-2-2, 1 KO) of Asbury Park, NJ in a middleweight tilt.

Chiase Nelson (6-1, 3 Kos) of Mansfield, OH will fight Vincent Jennings (5-4-1, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI in a featherweight battle.

In four-round bouts:

Michael Coffie (1-0, 1 KO) will take on pro debuting Nicoy Clarke of Jersey City, NJ in a heavyweight bout.

Martino Jules (2-0) of Allentown, PA will fight Malik Loften (1-0, 1 KO) of Suitland, MD in a featherweight bout.

Juan Sanchez (4-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will take on Sergio Aguilar (2-6, 2 KOs) of Homestead, FL in a featherweight bout.

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

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2018): Former Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion
Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe will be the special VIP guest for the Feb. 22 edition of
Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The highly anticipated headlining matchup will feature 126-pound contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (25-0, 13 KOs) defending his NABF and NABO Featherweight Titles against former world champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (38-4-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

Doors to the Special Events Center open and first fight begins at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and streaming on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

A certified Hall of Famer, “Big Daddy” Bowe is known as the only Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion to have earned belts from all four main sanctioning bodies – WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. The controversial heavyweight faced some of the best fighters of his era, including Andrzej Golota, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, Jorge Luis Gonzalez, Herbie “Dancing Destroyer” Hide, and Michael “Dynamite” Dokes. Bowe is also one of five former heavyweight champions to have never suffered a stoppage defeat in the span of more than 40 fights in his career. Bowe will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

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

Chief support to the main event battle will be knockout artist Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs), who will participate in the eight-round co-main event for the vacant Junior NABF Super Lightweight Title against the dangerous Jesus “Carambolas” Alvarez (15-3,11 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico. Ortiz, Jr. has never heard the final bell of a bout and will be putting his spotless record on the line as he takes a step up in competition and fights for his first regional title.

Lightweight knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (18-1, 15 KOs) will make his highly anticipated ring return over a scheduled eight rounds of action and will kick off the ESPN3 coverage.Gonzalez will face Rey “Flash” Perez (21-9, 6 KOs), a Filipino fighter who now calls Los Angeles home and who was last seen giving Lamont Roach, Jr. trouble in the main event of the Nov. 30 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN.

Manny “Chato” Robles III (14-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by his world-renowned father, Manny Robles, Jr., will participate in an eight-round featherweight affair. Power punching prospect Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (10-0, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl by way of South Central, Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in an eight-round battle in the 126-pound division.

San Diego’s Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (6-0, 4 KOs) will participate in an eight-round lightweight fight, and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr. (11-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will open up the stacked card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight fight.

Opponents for all these exciting prospects will be announced shortly.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, February 16.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABO featherweight titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Doors to the Special Events Center open and the first televised bout begin at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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

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

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

Conor Benn has signed a two-year promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Benn has raced to 11-0 with 8 KOs in the pros since turning pro with Eddie Hearn in April 2016, with his last fight proving to be a small-hall classic as he recovered from hitting the deck twice in the opening round with two knockdowns of his own against Cedrick Peynaud at York Hall in December.

‘The Destroyer’ is back out in April on the undercard of Amir Khan’s return to action at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and the 21 year old is itching to get back into action on Merseyside and start a big year on a high.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal with Eddie and Matchroom Boxing,” said Benn. “I can’t wait to get back out in action on the Khan undercard, Liverpool is a great fighting city and I’m looking forward to fighting in front of such a knowledgeable fanbase. I want to entertain the fans but I’m still a work in progress.

“The Peynaud fight was a real learning curve but there was a lot of things that went wrong in camp to the last fight, I had a severe skin reaction out in New York for starters. That aside, I had four great fights last year. I was flat on the night but I’ve learned a couple of lessons from the fight. One of which, I’ve got the will to win which deep down, I didn’t know I had. A rematch is due, he’s deserved that and I’m sure it’ll happen this year and I’ll win it convincingly.”

“I’m delighted to extend our agreement with Conor and am very excited about the future,” said Hearn. “Conor has become an exciting feature on our shows and at 21, he has so much potential in the sport. 2018 is the year he will begin challenging for titles and Sky Sports viewers are guaranteed action when he steps into the ring.”

Benn’s return is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Khan fights for the first time since May 2016 against Canadian Phil Lo Greco.

Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle, and former Team GB Olympians Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 from www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

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

Promoter Frank Warren returns to the World-famous York Hall on Saturday 24th February for an action-packed evening of boxing featuring some of the very best up-and-coming prospects in the UK, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Warren’s opening show of 2018 will star an array of young talent including Ilford Light-Heavyweight powerhouse Anthony ‘The Beast’ Yarde, Greenwich Heavyweight sensation Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois and Manchester’s undefeated English Super-Featherweight Champion Zelfa ‘Brown Flash’ Barrett.

Yarde (14-0, 13 KO’s) defends his WBO Intercontinental and European Light-Heavyweight titles against Frenchman Tony Averlant (26-9-2, 5 KO’s). A fruitful 2017 that saw Yarde pick up the Southern Area and WBO Intercontinental and European titles cemented his place as one of the hottest properties in British boxing.

“2017 was a good year for me,” said Yarde. “I picked up three belts and stopped all five of my opponents. This year is going to be bigger and better. My job is to keep my head down, work hard and enjoy the journey.

“I’m hoping that Averlant is a durable opponent, he’s only been stopped twice and one of those stoppages was against former WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Juergen Braeher.”

Knockout artist Dubois (6-0, 6 KO’s) fights at the historical East London venue for the first time in his professional career as he defends his Southern Area Heavyweight belt against Queensborough’s DL Jones (8-0-1).

Dubois is promising to start the New Year with another explosive performance at the iconic fight theatre that has hosted a number of current and former British Heavyweight World Champions including Lennox Lewis, David Haye and Anthony Joshua.

Already a Southern Area and WBC World Youth Champion, the young giant is aiming to add more belts to his growing collection before his 21st birthday in September.

“I want every belt,” said Dubois. “I won two belts in my first year as a professional boxer and I’ll be looking to win more in 2018. I’m ready to start the year with a bang.

“It’s an honour to be fighting at York Hall for the first time in my pro career. Lennox Lewis fought there in his seventh fight and I’ll be doing the same. He went on to win World Titles and that’s my aim too. It might be the first and last time I ever fight at the Hall so don’t miss out.”

Barrett (19-0, 12 KO’s) takes on former British Super-Featherweight title challenger Ronnie Clark (20-4-2, 10 KO’s) when he fights in the capital for the first time. ‘Brown Flash’ hopes his English title win against fellow Mancuanian Chris Conwell at the First Direct Arena in October will be the first of many belts.

The nephew of former British and European Super-Lightweight Champion Pat ‘Black Flash’ Barrett is already creating waves in the North West and is determined to justify the hype against Dundee’s Clark.

A product of the renowned Collyhurst and Moston boxing club, many pundits believe Barrett is a World Champion in waiting; and the man himself is aiming to prove them right by the age of 27.

“By the time I’m 27 I’ll be a World Champion,” said Barrett. “Becoming a World Champion is my main ambition and I have the right team around me to achieve that dream. I’m incredibly hungry and I’ll be looking to challenge for more belts this year.

“Clark has only lost to decent fighters including Martin Joseph Ward and Craig Evans. He’s a tough man and drew against British Featherweight Champion as well, he’s another step up and should provide me with a good test.”

Elsewhere on a stacked card hard-hitting Southampton Super-Welterweight Joe Pigford returns to the ring after a brutal KO win over Aaron Morgan in May 2017; all-action Welling Super-Featherweight talent Archie ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; former Southern Area Super-Featherweight Champion Boy Jones Jnr fights a Lightweight for the first time; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz fights in his second professional contest; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq and former Team GB Flyweight Harvey Horn both look to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets for Saturday 24th February priced at £40, £50, £60 and £80 are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.com and directly from fighters on the bill.

Media accreditation: Media and photographers wishing to attend the February 24 show can apply via the event page on the Frank Warren website.

New York, NY (February 5, 2018) Fight Promotions Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of 2016 Olympian, super heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov of Uzbekistan, to a promotional contract.

Jalolov, who was the flag-bearer for Uzbekistan for the 2016 Olympics, is a 6’6″ power puncher who participated in approximately 97 amateur bouts, winning 84 by mostly first round knockouts. The 23 year-old is a towering knockout artist who won a myriad of international tournaments including a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships, and a Gold medal at the 2017 Asian championships. Bakhodir represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympics. He holds wins over many notable prospects from Kazakhstan, Cuba and Europe.

Max Alperovich, the president of Fight Promotions, Inc. commented on the signing: “Bakha is one of the most decorated amateurs in the world and absolutely one of the best super heavyweight prospects in all of boxing. We feel that in one year’s time, he will be ready to fight on the highest levels in boxing. We are very proud to work with a fighter of this caliber.”

“I am very excited about my partnership with Fight Promotions,” said Jalolov. “They are one of the top promoters in boxing. It is my dream to become a World Heavyweight Champion, and I have the right team to help make that dream come true. I’m looking forward to fighting as a professional and challenging the best heavyweights in the world.”

According to Alperovich, Fight Promotions will work in full cooperation with the Amateur Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan. At the request of the Federation, Bakhodir may represent Uzbekistan at the Asian Games and/or 2020 Olympics.

Jordan Gill will face Jason Cunningham in an eliminator for the British Featherweight title on the latest installment of the JDNXTGEN series at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on Sunday February 25, live on Sky Sports.

Gill has cruised to 18-0 in the paid ranks but finally gets a big fight after over five years as a pro, as the 23 year old looks to close in on the Lord Lonsdale belt held by Ryan Walsh.

‘The Thrill’ has been frustrated in waiting for a crack at the English strap, but Gill believes victory against former Commonwealth champ Cunningham in his third fight with new trainer Dave Coldwell could be the launchpad for a big year.

“I want to be fighting regularly and I want to be in big fights,” said Gill. “This year I’m looking at all the top guys in Britain, and they know it. I’ve had two fights with Dave and it’s really clicking, I’m mandatory for the English title but Samir Mouniemne vacated the title because he didn’t want to fight me, then Ben Jones said no – these guys don’t want to face me. But I can take a step closer to the British title in Manchester so things are looking good.

“The gym is buzzing. We’re a tight group, I’m the youngest in there and I’ve got the most to learn, but I think that we’re all learning all the time, even Tony Bellew as an experienced World champion says he’s growing all the time. It shows in our fights and you’re going to see me get better in every fight.”

Gill takes on Cunningham on stacked bill of action topped by a first British Lightweight title defence for Lewis Ritson against Joe Murray.

Qais Ashfaq makes his debut under the Matchroom Boxing banner, with Tasha Jonas continuing her path to a World title shot, her Joe Gallagher gym mates Hosea Burton, Marcus Morrison and Sam Hyde tasting their first action of the year, as do unbeaten Commonwealth gold medal man Scott Fitzgerald and exciting Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40 and £60 with VIP tickets at £100 from www.stuhbhub.co.uk

A new sports entertainment organisation today descends on the United Kingdom. Born out of youth culture for a new era, and a new wave in British boxing.

Unique new fast paced format sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control
Single elimination tournament events with eight fighters who compete for big cash prizes on one night
ULTIMATE BOXXER 1 will take place on Saturday 28th April in Manchester with 8 undefeated fighters
Sign up at www.ultimateboxxer.com for access to ticket pre-sale on Feb 19 for event launch
Sports entertainment organisation will provide career propelling opportunities in each weight division along with the chance to win life changing prize money
Street youth culture brand with entertainment at the heart to broaden the sports appeal mainstream to a new generation of fans
21st century entrepreneurs create innovative online strategy for the promotion, brands and broadcasting rights. Online partners include UNILAD and Social Chain
ULTIMATE BOXXER first look teaser video – http://bit.ly/2DWHbGG
LONDON, UK – MONDAY 5TH FEBRUARY

ULTIMATE BOXXER, Britain’s first Boxing Entertainment brand, launched today in Central London, with ambassadors and non-directors Ricky Hatton, Paulie Malignaggi, Anthony Crolla and BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Charlie Sloth, presented by Rickie Haywood Williams.

The elimination tournament format, approved by the British Boxing Board of Control, is a unique, fast-paced concept for professional boxing. Each event has an initial eight fighters, who compete in four quarter-finals of 3 x 3-minute rounds followed by two semi-finals and one final, with the winner becoming tournament champion for their weight class.

As an independent sports entertainment organisation, the directors have created a transparent brand that focuses on providing an equal platform for fighters. BBBoC license-holders and promotors for ULTIMATE BOXXER include Carl Greaves, Jalal Kamani, Executive Director, and, Benjamin Shalom, founder & Managing Director.

ULTIMATE BOXXER was founded to provide a transformed boxing experience through their online power & flexibility. The product is designed to suit all boxing fans as well as those hooked on entertainment, event and celebrity experiences to catapult boxing in the 21st century.

‘ULTIMATE BOXXER 1’ will take place on Saturday 28th April at EventCity in Manchester with 8 undefeated WELTERWEIGHT fighters from around the United Kingdom.

Events will be a seated intimate experience with tickets are expected to sell-out. Tickets will go on pre-sale on the 19th February for the event launch, for those that have signed up at www.ultimateboxxer.com

ULTIMATE BOXXER is the emergence of the 21st century using leading digital brands to provide a transformed boxing experience for the next generation. ULTIMATE BOXXER will use cutting edge social media and internet broadcasting to appeal to mainstream and non-boxing purists. A major partner of the event is UNILAD, the largest Facebook page in the world who will broadcast the events to millions of people.

Ricky Hatton, Former three-time Light Welterweight & Welterweight Champion of the World, and ULTIMATE BOXXER ambassador, said:

“There is a huge amount of talented British fighters who do not get, or cannot get, the mainstream exposure they deserve. In boxing you have to wait for a lucky break and ULTIMATE BOXXER will give them the opportunity for exposure and to show everyone what they are about. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened in ULTIMATE BOXXER could have done for my career when I was making my way through in the early days.”

Paulie Malignaggi, Former Two-Weight World Champion, and ULTIMATE BOXXER, Non-Executive Director, said:

“ULTIMATE BOXXER will provide a golden opportunity for unbeaten fighters to test themselves on the big stage regardless of background, trainer or promotional contract. We see this as the future of boxing promotion, and the solution of how we take the sport of boxing to the British public interest. With credible, competitive bouts each fight and a truly modern age experience to build stronger connections with fans in venue and at home.

“ULTIMATE BOXXER offers something new, exciting and different to the fight game landscape. The boxers involved are hungry and determined to take a risk in their careers due to lack of opportunity; ULTIMATE BOXXER will enable them to test themselves against rival boxers in the same position and give them an opportunity to towards their ultimate goal of becoming a tournament champion or to open other opportunities that may not have been available to them before.”

Benjamin Shalom, Founder and Managing Director, ULTIMATE BOXXER, said

“ULTIMATE BOXXER is a completely unique brand designed to offer something necessary for fighters by providing a platform to help with recognition of talent. We aim to provide a transparent and independent platform for boxers who aren’t getting the fights they need and deserve to take it to the next level.

“ULTIMATE BOXXER is more than a boxing brand, representing 21st century culture we aim to create an amazing spectacle to engage with multiple audiences. With casual fans only engaged a handful of times per year our entertainment experience and online power allows us to create something special for the consumer and importantly solve current restrictions for fighters in British Boxing. A cutting edge experience.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

*If using quotes or materials from the press please use the following tagline, thank you*

ULTIMATE BOXXER 1 will take place at EventCity Manchester on April 28. Sign up at www.ultimateboxxer.com for access to ticket pre-sale on Feb 19.

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Russia’s Murat Gassiev dropped Yunier Dorticos three times in the 12th round and dramatically stopped the previously unbeaten Cuban with just eight seconds remaining of a highly entertaining Ali Trophy semi-final at Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi, Russia.

The unbeaten champion retained his IBF cruiserweight title and won the WBA cruiserweight championship and proceeded to the final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he faces Ukraine’s Aleksandr Usyk in May.

“He did a great job,” said Gassiev said of Dorticos. “He’s a great champion. He’s really a very hard hitter. I respect him a lot.”

“There was big pressure on me in the fight. He has 21 knockouts. He has heart, and he is a warrior. He never gave up. He takes punches but continues fighting.”

Said Dorticos:

“I gave my best, but Murat is a strong fighter. I think we made history with a spectacular fight. It is tough right now, but I promise I will come back strong.”

Usyk was ringside and joined Gassiev in the ring for a face off after the fight.

“I want to say congratulations on your last fight. Great job,” Gassiev told him. “I will do my best against you, and I hope we will make a good fight for all boxing fans.”

Usyk unified the WBO and WBC cruiserweight titles January 27 by beating Mairis Briedis on points in Latvia.

Usyk said: “I want to congratulate Murat on his victory, and I expect a spectacular and beautiful fight in Jeddah.”

Said Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer, Kalle Sauerland:

“I think we saw for a second week in a row the product you get when you put the best against the best. I think we saw an absolute action-packed battle. This fight was a great advert for the sport, the tournament and the cruiserweight division. People will talk about this fight for many years, especially in Russia.”

The winner of Usyk vs. Gassiev will become the first cruiserweight to unify all the titles in the four-belt era.

SLOAN, IOWA (Feb. 3, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Ronald Ellis and Junior Younan fought to a split draw in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

While Ellis was the ShoBox veteran with the stronger resume, Younan entered the fight as a highly touted prospect who had never been tested. He faced his first test on Friday in what was the first scheduled 10-round bout for both fighters.

The fight was fought in flurries, with Younan scoring from the outside and Ellis the aggressor. Except for the eighth round where Brooklyn’s Younan displayed his best work, Ellis seemed to push the action and win the second half of the fight. Ellis had a slight edge in power punch percentage and total punches, but Younan was slightly more accurate. The fighters were even with 96 total connects entering the 10th round, but Ellis (14-0-2, 10 KOs) won the 10th on all three judges’ scorecards by out-landing Younan 21-9.

The 10-round fight was scored 96-94 Ellis, 96-94 Younan, and 95-95.

“I thought I pulled it out. I closed the show at the end,” said Ellis, of Lynn, Mass. “I was pressuring him and the fans know I won. In the eighth, he landed a couple of shots but he wasted his energy. As you saw, he didn’t do anything the rest of that round, and after that round he had nothing left.

“He was running from the start, so I knew I could land shots on him anytime. My only regret is I wish that I got him out of there. It’s all knockouts from here on out. I would definitely fight him again, but I’ll do whatever my promoter lines up for me.”

After the fight, an emotional Younan (13-0-1, 9 KOs) pleaded his case for a rematch.

“I thought I won the fight, I thought [Ellis] won maybe three rounds,” Younan said. “My best round was the eighth round – I had him in the corner and I really thought they were going to end the fight then. I was surprised they didn’t stop the fight.

“I can improve a little bit, I feel I can finish stronger. I’ve only had one eight-round fight before this so this was a big step up for me. I’m growing and learning every fight.

“I’m heartbroken right now. I wanted to win that fight. I want him in a rematch. I know I would win. I know what to do and what not to do.”

Undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice rallied from behind to score a seventh round TKO of ShoBox veteran Rolando Chinea in the telecast’s co-feature.

Chinea pushed the action as expected from the opening bell, throwing 90 punches in the first round to set a blistering pace for the scheduled eight-round fight. Chinea, who entered having beaten three previously undefeated fighters in his last four bouts, cut the ring off and pressed forward, keeping Mattice largely against the ropes. Mattice did his best work in the center of the ring, but the undefeated Cleveland native was unable to keep the fight from being contested against the ropes.

Down 59-55 entering the seventh, Mattice (11-0, 9 KOs) caught Chinea with a huge right to the chin and, sensing Chinea was hurt, unloaded with a series of combos to the head. With Chinea seemingly out on his feet and falling sideways to the canvas, referee Adam Pollack stepped in to stop the fight at 1:31 of the seventh.

“It was a rough fight,” Mattice said. “I felt like I was behind and my corner told me I needed a knockout. He buzzed me a few times. I caught him in the seventh and he wobbled. At first I was trying for one shot, then I remembered to start using the one-two. Then I landed a body shot, then a hook, and we got what we came here for, which was a knockout.”

Chinea (15-2-1, 6 KOs) was active, throwing an impressive 678 punches over seven-and-a-half rounds, compared to 414 for Mattice. But while he was aggressive and effective on the inside, his neglect of defense is what ultimately hurt him.

“I think I did well pressuring him and sticking to my game plane,” Chinea said. “I just got carried away and got caught with the right shot and, unfortunately, it ended the way it ended.

“I’m a little disappointed it ended the way it did, but that’s boxing and a lot of things can happen in the sport and that’s just the way it went.”

In the opening bout of the three-fight telecast, super lightweight prospect Montana Love kept his unblemished record intact with a majority decision over Sam Teah, scored 78-74, 78-74, 76-76.

The southpaw Love (9-0, 4 KOs) pressed the action from the start, utilizing superior speed and polished footwork to dictate the pace. Cleveland’s Love, who took the fight on just four days’ notice, was seemingly talking trash during rounds, telling Teah what was coming next. But even with the advance warning, Teah was unable to get inside or land anything of consequence. Teah (12-2-1, 5 KOs) seemed to come alive in the sixth but it was too little, too late for the Philadelphia fighter.

“I just kept boxing and pushing him back,” Love said. “I hurt three of my knuckles in my left hand in about the third round. I’m not sure if they’re fractured or not, but if I hadn’t hurt them I would have ended that fight early.

“I felt strong. I just came from a great camp with Robert Easter, which I think helped in this fight tonight. Sparring with Robert and Adrien [Broner], I’ve learned a lot from those guys.

“I give my overall performance a B or a C+. I think I could have done a lot more.”

Teah made no excuses about facing a last-minute opponent.

“He was a crafty southpaw. I knew he was slick, but he was quicker than I expected,” Teah said. “I would ball up to try to come inside and he was sharp with his right hook. Fighting guys on short-notice is the way I expect it. That’s the sport. I was preparing for a southpaw and I got a southpaw. No excuses.”

The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports, Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket.

# # #

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 73 fighters who have appeared onShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, and more.

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 2, 2018) – Tonight at the Explanada de Expoplaza in Aguascalientes, MX, Sugar Promotions presented “New Blood”. In the 10-round main event Issac “Canelito” Avelar (14-0, 9 KOs) captured the WBC FECOMBOX
Featherweight title with a TKO victory over Alejandro Frias (6-3-1, 3 KOs).

Avelar, a southpaw who was fighting in front of his hometown fans, applied pressure from the opening bell, forcing Frias to fight going backwards. Avelar used a lot of faints to keep Frias off balance, giving him opportunities to a land a lot of power shots. In the middle rounds, Avelar was overpowering the taller Frias, forcing him fight off the ropes. As the fight entered the later rounds, Frias was starting to fade, as Avelar maintained a steady attack. In the tenth and final round, Avelar landed a flurry of punches to the head and body of Frias, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the .40 second mark. Avelar, who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannely, remained undefeated.

“I wanted to give my hometown fans a great victory,” said Issac Avelar. “Capturing the WBC FECOMBOX title is a goal I set for myself at the beginning of this year. I know with hard work, I’ll be able to fight for more WBC titles as I march up the rankings. I’m very grateful to all the people who helped me get to this point in my career. I’m also thankful to all my family and friends who came out and supported me tonight. My career is about to take off.”

In the 8-round co-main event, NABF Junior Flyweight champion, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (13-0, 6 KOs), remained undefeated with at fifth round knockout over Miguel Lizardo (0-2-1). Vazquez was landing at will and wobbled Lizardo in round three. Vazquez stayed patient and used a nice counter punching attack to dominate the fight. A straight left in round five sent Lizardo to the deck, ending the bout at the 1:57 mark.

UNDERCARD RESULTS

6-round Super Flyweight Female Bout
In a very competitive action fight, Cristina Mora (7-0-2, 4 KOs) and Gabriela Sanchez (3-2-1) battled for six hard rounds. Mora used her superior boxing skills to land clean shots from a distance. Sanchez had her moments as she used her pressure style to get inside of Mora, landing some nice power shots. More landed a straight right in round two that bloodied the nose of Sanchez, who was bleeding the rest of the fight. Mora edged Sanchez in the later rounds giving her a split decision victory. Scorecards read 58-55, 57-56 for Mora and 57-56 for Sanchez. Mora remains undefeated.

6-round Featherweight Bout
Local native Edwing Davila (17-0, 10 KOs) defeated Carlos Rocha (3-2-1) with an impressive fourth round TKO. Davila dropped Rocha in round three with a vicious body shot. Rocha survived the round only to get stopped after being dropped three time in round four. Fight was stopped at the 2:24 mark of round four.

6-round Super Lightweight Bout
Denver Colorado’s Donovan Estrella (11-0, 4 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory against Antonio Camacho (1-5, 1 KO). Estrella controlled the fight with precise punching, lateral movement and a constant body attack. Scorecards read 60-54 twice, 59-55.

4-round Light Flyweight Female Bout
In an all-out war, Mayran Salazar (7-2) defeated Naomi Arellano (4-1, 1 KO) by unanimous decision. Arellano, who suffered her first loss, was in every round, but was out gunned by Salazar, who landed the cleaner shots. Both fighters landed nice power shots, but it was Salazar who wobbled Arellano in round three. Scorecards read 39-37 twice and 40-36 all in favor of Salazar.

4-round Light Heavyweight Bout
Las Vegas’ Kye Brooks improved to (2-0, 2 KO) with a devastating first round KO over Antonio Reyes, who was making his pro debut. A left-hook, right hand combo sent Reyes to the canvas in the opening minuet. After Reyes got up, Brooks then ended the bout with a powerful straight right hand. The bout was stopped at the 1:47 mark of round one.

# # #

IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (90,3 kg) (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (90,7 kg) (22-0, 21 KOs) made weight ahead of Saturday’s Ali Trophy semi-final at the Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi.

“I would like to thank every who came to the weigh-in,” said Gassiev. “I don’t feel any pressure at all. I am looking forward to fighting in front of my family, friends, and fans.”

“The stare down was intense, but that is normal. I see a future in the tournament after this fight. I will do my job.”

Said Cuban Dorticos: “I will end the fight before the fifth round. I will kick his ass in front of his own fans.”

“On Saturday the Russian fans and boxing fanatics all over the world will learn what the ‘KO Doctor’ is about!”

Saturday’s winner will face Ukraine’s Aleksandr Usyk in the final of the cruiserweight edition of the World Boxing Super Series. The final takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in May.

Doors Open – 17:00

6 x 3 mins Super Bantamweight contest

SEAN McGOLDRICK 8st 10lbs 4oz v MICHAEL BARNOR 9st 1oz

(Newport) (Ghana)

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest

CHARLIE EDWARDS 8st 4lbs 7oz v RICKY LITTLE 8st 3lbs 7oz

(Croydon) (Southampton)

LIVE ON FACEBOOK – 6pm

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest

PAUL BUTLER 8st 12lbs 1oz v JEFFERSON VARGAS 9st 4lbs 4oz

(Liverpool) (Spain)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS – 7pm

8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest

FELIX CASH 11st 8lbs 6oz v JAMES HAGENIMANA 11st 5lbs 8oz

(Wokingham) (Belgium)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

NICK WEBB v ANTE VERUNICA

(Chertsey) (Croatia)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Featherweight Championship

REECE BELLOTTI 8st 13lbs 9oz v BEN JONES 9st 1lb*

(Watford) (Crawley)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Super-Welterweight Championship

TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 8oz v CARSON JONES 11st 4lbs 8oz*

(Bermondsey) (Oklahoma City)

*Jones failed to make the weight – cannot win the title

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest

JOSHUA BUATSI 12st 9lbs 5oz v JORDAN JOSEPH 12st 7lbs 5oz

(Croydon) (Hemel Hempstead)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Cruiserweight Championship

LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 5oz v ISAAC CHAMBERLAIN 14st 1lb 8oz

(Hackney) (Brixton)

LIVE FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest

DANNY DIGNUM 12st 2lbs 7oz v DARYL SHARPE 12st 2lbs 3oz

(Bowers Gifford) (Middleton)

6 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest

GAMAL YAFAI 8st 12lbs v JOSE HERNANDEZ 8st 10lbs 7oz

(Birmingham) (Spain)

Undefeated British super-middleweight Zach Parker (14-0, 10 KOs) has been confirmed as the reserve for the blockbuster World Boxing Super Series semi-final between domestic rivals George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. on February 17 at the Manchester Arena.

Parker, who was recently announced as the mandatory challenger for Rocky Fielding’s British Super Middleweight title, will be on standby to enter the tournament in the unlikely scenario of one of the original participants being unable to continue.

Assuming Parker is not called upon to participate, the 23-year old from Derbyshire will face Spain’s Adasat Rodriguez (16-6-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round contest on the undercard of Groves and Eubank Jr.’s hotly anticipated clash.

“It’s been a crazy year for me. It’s all come so quickly,” said Parker. “18 months ago I was boxing on the small-hall shows, and now I’m boxing on the biggest stage possible. I want to show people that I’m the best of them all!”

However, Parker faces a formidable opponent in former Spanish Light Heavyweight champion and WBC Mediterranean Super Middleweight titleholder Adasat Rodriguez.

The 31-year old from Tenerife, who has previously shared the ring with World Boxing Super Series quarter-finalist Erik Skoglund, suggests his British opponent is in danger of overlooking him.

“This is a massive opportunity for me on the biggest stage,” said Rodriguez. “Boxing people all over the world will know about me after I beat Parker. People like to talk about Parker’s power, but I’m the bigger puncher!”

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. as well as the exciting undercard will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17. Fans can purchase the fight now at www.itvboxoffice.com where they can also get full details of how to watch.

Global Sports Streaming (GSS) @GSStreaming is announcing a 6 Live Fight Broadcast partnership with Fight Hub TV @FightHubTV starting with their upcoming February 16th show. Fight Hub TV will live stream the undercard fights from Global Sports Streaming’s show Best in Boxing @bestinboxing. Best in Boxing broadcasts 12 to 13 fights per show and now with a pay per view model in place will work with Fight Hub TV as the lead in to the PPV broadcast. Fight Hub TV will live stream six to seven fights on their YouTube channel youtube.com/fighthub. Fight Hub TV has over 300,000 subscribers and is the largest independent boxing YouTube channel.

“This is a great partnership for Global Sports Streaming. Marcos Villegas has built a quality channel with a loyal following and we are honored to be working with his company.” Armando Bareño founding member of Global Sports Streaming is on a mission to expand the sport of boxing and working with Fight Hub TV is only accelerating the process. “I’ve always felt that the sport of boxing does a disservice to itself by not broadcasting the developmental stages of a fighters career.” Armando and his Global Sports Streaming team are working to broaden the viewership by broadcasting fights that are overlooked by television networks.

“I’m very happy in joining Global Sports Streaming and Borizteca Boxing in this venture. It’s the perfect opportunity to provide live fights that provide knockouts to our core subscribers and fight fans via our platform. We look forward to this event and others that will see Fight Hub TV move into broadcasting live fights and events in 2018.”

Marcos Villegas created Fight Hub TV in 2009 and since than has built Fight Hub into the largest and most subscribed to digital platform for boxing in the world and second biggest in all of combat sports. Boxing fans and combat sport fans have truly found Fight Hub TV to be a great source of information on their favorite fighters and events.

Fight Fans can watch the undercards on youtube.com/fighthub and change over to bestinboxing.com to watch the pay per view portion of the card. Exciting prospect Dewayne Beamon (13-0 10KOs) of Goldsboro, North Carolina will be fighting Angel Francisco Ramos Serrano (17-1-1 12KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico in the main event.

The pay per view platform is just step one for Global Sports Streaming as they are preparing to launch their own Netflix style sports streaming service in the second quarter of 2018. “This is an idea I’ve had in my head for years and it’s finally in the process of being built. We will be expanding our sports coverage to an assortment of sports programming. We will be developing our own programming as well as working with sports producers to develop content for the platform,” stated Armando.

Other fighters scheduled to appear on the broadcast are super featherweight Mario Ramirez (9-1, 3 KOs), super lightweight Armando Tovar (8-1, 6 KOs), super welterweight Kevin Torres (6-0-1, 5 KOs) and opening up the Pay-Per-View portion will be super featherweight Roberto Meza (8-1, 4 KOs)

The show begins at 7 PM PST on www.youtube.com/fighthub, and at 10 PM PST on www.bestinboxing.com for $2.99

TORONTO, ON—Due to an injury sustained during training camp, super featherweight contender Logan Cotton McGuinness will not be able to compete as originally scheduled on February 10 at 17 Steakhouse in Mississauga, ON.

As a result, Lee Baxter Promotions has added former world title challenger Tyson Cave to the bill.

“It’s very unfortunate that we won’t be able to see Logan’s return in Mississauga, a town he helped turn into a hotbed for boxing,” said Baxter. “That said, we still needed to ensure that we had a world-class caliber card to offer, and adding Tyson Cave does exactly that.”

One of Canada’s top pound-for-pound fighters, Cave has gone undefeated over the past four years. After a stellar career that has seen the Halifax native rise to the top of the super bantamweight rankings, he is now looking to secure another world title shot.

Most boxing fans remember Cave for his 2015 world title bout against Oscar Escandon. Although nearly all ringside observers and viewers on television saw the contest as a relatively one-sided affair for Cave, the judges incomprehensibly scored the bout for Escandon and awarded him the interim WBA super bantamweight title. It remains regarded as one of the biggest robberies not just in recent memory, but in boxing history.

“The Canadian boxing community at large will always be angry about Cave-Escandon,” said Baxter. “We’re happy to host Tyson and give the boxing fans in Ontario a chance to see him up close.”

Cave’s bout will be the co-feature on the night alongside Alex Dilmaghani’s clash with Andy Almendras.

The UK-born product has honed his craft all over the world, including at the Romanza Gym in Mexico City under the guidance of Hall of Famer Nacho Beristain, but has made his fighting home in the Toronto region. Dilmaghani most recently defeated the rugged Tuomo Eronen on November 11, showing a world-class punch output and sublime defensive skills.

Dilmaghani is climbing the super featherweight rankings himself, and Baxter hopes to make a bout between him and Cave before the end of the year. Negotiations have already started, with the bout being eyed for a date in Toronto in 2018.

“Alex has been waiting for an opportunity to display his skills against one of the best in the world, and Tyson is exactly that. That’s the kind of fight we want to put on,” said Baxter.

The night will also feature the professional debuts of both Roland Membreno, taking on Francisco Hernandez, and 135-pound prospect Morgan Hughes, who will battle Luis Alcaraz.

In addition, the Canadian super welterweight champion Kevin Higson will be in action, fresh off his first title defense over Phil Rose. Higson hasn’t lost a fight since 2016, a loss to Martin Islas which he has since avenged. The Hamilton native will take on Sergio Castellano of Argentina.

About the event:

Having made its primary home at both Powerade Centre in Brampton and the Danforth Music Hall in downtown Toronto, LBP will make its debut in Mississauga in an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. Fans seated at ringside tables will be treated to not just world-class boxing, but world-class cuisine from the 17 Steakhouse chefs. Guests will be treated to a four course meal from the restaurant named Peel Region’s top steakhouse four years in a row, as well as complimentary wine.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM ET, followed by dinner at 7:00 and the first bell at 7:30.

Tickets are available by calling 416-797-3375 or emailing sales@leebaxterpromotions.com

Carson Jones has warned Ted Cheeseman that he’s coming to the UK to KO his title dreams as they clash at The O2 in London tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Jones has beaten Brian Rose and Ben Hall in Britain following a pair of fights with Kell Brook, the first of which he became close to handing the Sheffield star a first career defeat.

The 31 year old harbours ambitions at a higher level and with the WBA International Super-Welterweight title on the line, Jones can return to the States with fresh momentum behind him.

“I can’t afford to lose,” said Jones. “Beating Cheeseman puts me in the limelight and opens doors for bigger fights. A World title shot is something I still want before I quit.

“The years that go by mature you and I am closer to the end now. I’m not done, but I’ve been in this game for years.

“I like to knock guys out. That’s what I’m known for when I win fights. That’s always my goal – If it’s not a knockout, I’m not happy.”

Cheeseman is 12-0 having enjoyed a fine year in 2017, picking up the English Super-Welterweight title. The Bermondsey youngster admits that this is the biggest test of his fledgling career, and Jones feels he can capitalise on his lack of experience and claim a big win.

“He’s just 22 years old and hasn’t fought competition like me,” said Jones. “It will be a good fight for me and a win propels me into a bigger fight.

“I couldn’t get my music to work whilst I was working out recently, I found a full fight of Ted’s for the first time and watched it. He’s not a bad fighter! I have my work cut out but I’ve been preparing professionally to get the job done.”

Jones has the bit between his teeth for tomorrow night’s action after a frustrating night on his last big occasion. The Oklahoma man travelled to Mexico to take on Antonio Margarito in September and looked on the verge of adding a huge scalp to his CV, only for the referee to halt the contest after seven rounds with an exhausted Margarito badly cut from an accidental headclash that afforded the host a TD win.

“I was robbed against Margarito,” said Jones. “It happens too much in boxing. I was on my way to stopping him, he couldn’t stand up during one of the rounds. They found a way to steal the fight from me.

“Mexico is the only place on earth where you can quit on your stool and still win. It’s in the past, it’s a defeat on my record through a TD and I have to solider on.

“I had a tick over fight a couple of weeks ago. I had nothing on the table at the time so it was to stay busy, a few weeks after it was made Eddie got in touch and we made this fight. Rather than pulling out we wanted to build some momentum. I was back in the gym the next day preparing for Cheeseman.

“I always come over to bring it and it won’t be any different. It’ll be a good show.”

Jones’ clash with Cheeseman is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich as unbeaten Cruiserweight talents Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain settle their ‘British Beef’.

Watford’s Reece Bellotti puts his Commonwealth Featherweight title on the line for the first time against Crawley’s Ben Jones, Team GB Rio Olympian Joshua Buatsi laces them up for a fourth time in the paid ranks, Paul Butler gets valuable rounds as he hunts a shot at the WBA World Bantamweight crown, former World title challenger Charlie Edwards looks to get back on the road to major honours, and Felix Cash is full of confidence after moving to 7-0 with a second successive first round KO win last week and is looking to land a first title shot at Middleweight in 2018.

Limited tickets remain on general sale at www.theO2.co.uk priced at £40.

Face value tickets for February 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.

Reece Bellotti has warned Ben Jones to be careful what you wish for as he promises another powerful display in the first defence of his Commonwealth Featherweight title at The O2 tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Bellotti won the crown in stunning fashion in a thrilling fight against defending champion Jason Cunningham with a sixth round stoppage win at York Hall in October.

Bellotti defends the strap for the first time against Jones, who Cunningham beat to win the title – and he wants to shut the experienced Crawley man up after Jones and his gang irritated Bellotti on social media.

“Ben, his team and fans were quite persistent on Twitter goading me into taking the fight calling me rubbish,” said Bellotti. “I don’t really get too involved so I said to Eddie Hearn if it makes sense I’ll take the fight no problem.

“He’s been around for donkey’s years. It’s one of the reasons the fight made sense to me and the team, to fight someone with his experience. It’s something I need to gain as I go along. He’s been in with the likes of Lee Selby, Stephen Smith and other tough fighters. He knows how to deal with certain things in a fight which I might not be used to so it’ll be another test.

“I haven’t seen the Jones vs Jason Cunningham fight. To be honest, I’ve been trying to fight that fight for quite a long time now. It would have helped me prepare for Cunningham and now for this fight but I can’t find it anywhere! That’s his most recent fight – I’ve spoke to a few people who were there, it could have gone either way. Sounds like it was a close fight but it’s only opinions.

“I couldn’t go too mad over Christmas with the fight in the pipeline, but that’s part and parcel of being a fighter – You have to be disciplined. I’ve been sparring with the likes of John Joe Nevin in the build-up which has been great and helped me prepare, I’m more than ready for this.”

Bellotti’s clash with Jones is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich as unbeaten Cruiserweight talents Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain settle their ‘British Beef’.

Rising Essex force Ted Cheeseman faces a real step-up in international class against a familiar face in Carson Jones, the Oklahoma man who twice met former Welterweight World ruler Kell Brook and Brian Rose, and won on his most recent visit, stopping Ben Hall last November and comes into the fight after facing modern great Antonio Margarito in September.

Team GB Rio Olympian Joshua Buatsi laces them up for a fourth time in the paid ranks, Paul Butler gets valuable rounds as he hunts a shot at the WBA World Bantamweight crown, former World title challenger Charlie Edwards looks to get back on the road to major honours, and Felix Cash is full of confidence after moving to 7-0 with a second successive first round KO win last week and is looking to land a first title shot at Middleweight in 2018.

Limited tickets remain on general sale at www.theO2.co.uk priced at £40.

Face value tickets for February 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.

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 2, 2018) – Tonight Sugar Promotions will have multiple free live stream channels for their fight card titled “New Blood”, on Facebook Live (Canal 26 en Vivo) and (Nextime Channel), at 6:30 p.m. CT.

In the 10-round main event Issac “Canelito” Avelar (13-0, 8 KOs) faces Alejandro Frias (6-2-1, 3 KOs) for the WBC FECOMBOX Featherweight title. In the 8-round co-feature, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (12-0, 6 KOs) and Miguel Lizardo square off in a super-flyweight bout.

Rounding out the rest of the card will be Edwing Davila (16-0, 9 KOs) vs. Carlos Guardado in a 6-round featherweight clash. Cristina Mora (6-0-2, 4 KOs) battles Gabriela Sanchez (3-1-1) in a 6-round super flyweight bout. Denver, Colorado’s Donnovan Estrella (10-0, 4 KOs) will square off against Antonio Camacho (1-4, 1 KO) in a 6-round super lightweight bout. Mayran Salazar (6-2) faces Naomi Arellano (4-0, 1 KO) in a 4-round light flyweight bout. Las Vegas’ Kye Brooks (1-0, 1 KO) battles Antonio Reyes (Pro Debut) in a light heavyweight bout.

Avelar, Vazquez, Davila, Mora, Estrella, Salazar and Brooks are all managed by Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing. Sugar Promotions is ran and operated by Oscar Vazquez.

Tommy Langford (19-1, 6 KOs) will defend his British Middleweight Title against Jack Arnfield (25-2, 6 KOs) at the Manchester Arena, February 17.

The thrilling domestic encounter will take place on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight Semi-Final clash between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr.

Tommy Langford, the 28-year old current title holder from Birmingham, is making the first defence of his British crown, after first capturing the title when defeating Sam Sheedy in 2016.

“This is an unbelievable event to be apart of,” said Langford. “The World Boxing Super Series is fantastic for boxing, and Groves vs Eubank is an exceptional fight. So it’s an honour for me to defend my British title on the undercard.”

“I know Jack Arnfield well, he’s a good fighter. But there’s no way he has enough to beat me. He better be ready come fight night!”

Arnfield, the 28-year old mandatory challenger from Blackpool, is making his second attempt to win the prestigious British title, after an unsuccessful challenge in 2015.

Said Arnfield: “I’m over the moon to be boxing on this massive show. I always perform my best on the biggest stage.

“I have sparred Tommy Langford before, so I know exactly what he’s going to bring. I’m not worried at all!

“It’s every boxer’s dream to win the British title. It will be the biggest achievement of my career to capture the British title on Feb 17.

“I’m going to beat him up and punish every move he makes. I just hope there are no excuses after he loses.”

The Ali Trophy super middleweight semi-final between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. as well as the exciting undercard will be live on ITV Box Office on February 17. Fans can purchase the fight now at www.itvboxoffice.com where they can also get full details of how to watch.

Alexander Povetkin will defend his WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International Heavyweight titles against David Price at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Former WBA ruler Povetkin is the mandatory challenger for the WBA Super title held by Anthony Joshua MBE, who meets Joseph Parker in a unification blockbuster at the top of the bill. The Russian powerhouse will be targeting a showdown with the main event winner, but must first make a second successful defence of his titles having seen off Christian Hammer in December after winning the belts in July against Andriy Rudenko.

“I’m very excited to be fighting on this huge show,” said Povetkin. “I expect to put on a great performance and then go on to fight the Joshua vs. Parker winner later this year.”

Price has other ideas as he lands a golden opportunity to take a seat at the top table in the Heavyweight division. The Liverpool favourite returned to action in December in Essex after his loss to Hammer in February, and the 34 year old is determined to take this golden chance on a ‘life changing’ night.

“It is a massive, massive chance for me and it has come from nowhere,” said Price. “I wasn’t expecting an opportunity like this to appear so it was a no-brainer.

“It is a big ask for me to go out and win this fight but upsets do happen in sport. I have been on the wrong end of upsets in boxing and I think I am due a bit of luck. I have a belief that this fight has come at the right time for me and I have a belief that I am going to win the fight.

“Without doing myself a disservice, every dog has its day and I have a feeling that this is doing to be my day and everything that has happened has led to this.

“I have never found myself in this position where I have been the big underdog and I have everything to gain. I will go in there completely free of any pressure and I think people will see the best of me for that very reason.

“Make no mistake, I am coming to win. At first, I was just grateful for the opportunity but now in my mind I have to win this fight. There is plenty to gain and too much upside for me not to win this fight – it could be life changing. I am desperate to win this fight and I will do everything in my power to do so.

“I know it will be a hard fight, anything can happen in a fight and I may have to get off the floor to win. It is going to be the hardest fight of my life but something is telling me it is going to be my night.

“Sparring will be key for me. I am going to have to take myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to sparring for this fight. I need to bring in world-class sparring partners who will test me every day. We will go away to Germany for some sparring, we haven’t got any names yet but we are having a look.

“In the past I have performed my best when I have been really tested in the gym and in sparring, so that will be key for this fight. I need to be prepared for what is to come because it is going to be a hard fight and as long as I am prepared physically and mentally then nature will take its course.”

Povetkin and Price clash on a huge night of boxing in Cardiff as Joshua and Parker battle for the IBF, WBA Super, IBO and WBO World titles.

Limited tickets remain on sale for the event priced at £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