Sloan, Iowa (Feb. 2, 2018) – TONIGHT on the GH3 Promotions Facebook page, the non-televised undercard of a terrific ShoBox: The New Generation card will be streamed LIVE beginning at 8 PM ET.

The ShoBox telecast begins at 10 PM ET/PT.

Headlining the stream will the pro debut of Joel Flores taking on Charles Johnson in a lightweight bout scheduled for four rounds.

The four-fight undercard can be accessed by clicking:

https://www.facebook.com/GH3Promotions/

LAS VEGAS (February 1, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday ahead of their world championship rematch Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Also in attendance at Thursday’s workout and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT was welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas, who meets Ray Robinson in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator. The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by two-division world champion Danny Garcia facing former world champion Brandon Rios in a WBC welterweight title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“He’s a tough opponent, he came ready to fight last fight and I respect that. But I am ready to show everyone why I’m the best fighter in my division.

“I am not focused on anything except for this fight. He says it’s going to end in a knockout, but I promise you I will finish him with a knockout come fight night. I’m here to give the fans what they want, and that’s another great fight.

“I think we’re definitely going to steal the show February 17. It was a great fight last time and I have no doubt it’s going to be exciting again, as long as it lasts. There’s only one way this fight ends and that’s with me knocking him out.

“We’ve been working really hard in training camp. We’ve made some adjustments off the last fight and I think I’m going to give an even better performance.

“I knew Gavril was a tough fighter the first time we faced each other. I didn’t take him lightly, but this time I feel even more prepared. I’m going to take advantage of everything I’ve been working on.”

RONALD GAVRIL

“I’ve been working and training really hard for this fight. I still believe I did everything to win that last one, but I am ready to prove everyone wrong.

“Last fight I was able to figure him out toward the middle rounds. This fight I will be quicker to download his plan and attack.

“I proved that I have the skills in the first fight. Now I have to make my adjustments to get the win. I am here for a reason. It’s not going to be an easy fight for him.

“I feel quicker, stronger, and more mentally prepared. I know he is going to try and switch up his game plan for this fight, but my team has been preparing me for anything that he may try and bring on fight night.

“I will be the next WBC Super Middleweight Champion. Last fight was a battle, but this fight will end in a knockout”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I am blessed to have this opportunity. I have been given so many great opportunities and all I can do is give the fans a great fight.

“My team has prepared me for this next test, which will get me one step closer to becoming a world champion.

“This is a chance to reach my dream. I can’t cut any corners. I’ve been working hard each day to be ready for anything my opponent is going to bring.

“This fight is for my family back home in Cuba. I am ready to take the victory. My opponent is tough but I believe I am the better fighter.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SLOANE, IOWA. (Feb. 1, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Ronald Ellis and Junior Younan made weight on Thursday for their 10-round main event matchup tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New live on SHOWTIME® (10p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloane, Iowa.

Younan (13-0, 9 KOs), a former amateur standout, is a highly-touted prospect from Brooklyn taking a major step-up in class against Ellis (14-0-1, 10 KOs), the 2010 National Golden Gloves Champion with two ShoBox appearances under his belt. Both prospects will fight in their first scheduled 10-round bout in Friday’s main event.

Cleveland native Thomas Mattice (10-0, 8 KOs) and seasoned prospect Rolando Chinea (15-1-1, 6 KOs) meet in the eight-round lightweight co-feature. Mattice, a former sparring partner of Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter, faces his toughest opponent in Chinea, who enters Friday’s co-feature having beat three previously undefeated fighters in his last four bouts.

In the opening bout of the telecast, Philadelphia’s Sam Teah (12-1-1, 5 KOs) takes on Cleveland’s undefeated Montana Love (8-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight matchup. Love, the 2012 National Golden Gloves Bronze Medalist, makes his national television debut on just four days’ notice, while Teah returns to ShoBox looking to hand another opponent the first loss of their career.

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports, Victory Promotions, and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2. For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Super Middleweights – 10 Rounds
Ronald Ellis: 166 ½ Pounds
Junior Younan: 166 ½ Pounds

Lightweights – Eight Rounds
Thomas Mattice: 133 ¾ Pounds
Rolando Chinea: 132 ¾ Pounds

Super Lightweights – Eight Rounds
Sam Teah: 139 ¼ Pounds
Montana Love: 141 ½ Pounds

FINAL QUOTES:

RONALD ELLIS:
“This fight means the most to me because it’s my first main event. I’ve got to win and win decisively, and look real good for the fans watching on TV. If I win, I’ll be right there with the guys like David Benavidez and Ronald Gavril. I’ll be ready to take that next step.

“I let him do all the talking. We’ll just get cracking when we get in there. I’m smarter than him, and I’ll let my hands do the talking.

“He says he might bring it to me but that’s going to be bad news for him. He likes to fight in flurries and then backs off. We’re not going to let him get away with it.

“We sparred years ago, but he was just warming me up though.

“It’s another fight, another day. I have been here before, and he hasn’t.

“We have to make it look good. The main goal is to win decisively. After this, I want to mix it up with all the top guys in the super middleweight division.

JUNIOR YOUNAN:
“I’m looking to make a statement. This is a step-up test for me. But I’m coming here to pass the test.

“I feel like this is the right time. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. If I’m not ready now I’m not ever going to be ready. It’s time to go.

“He comes in good shape and he comes to fight, but I don’t think he has anything special though.

“My best talent is I can adjust. I’m not a one-dimensional fighter. At the end of the day, I can do whatever he wants to do, and I can do it better than him.

“We sparred and I honestly don’t think he’s that good. I didn’t think much of him. We’re sparring with elite fighters. He isn’t bringing anything we haven’t seen.

“This is my time. I’m fully focused now. I’ve dedicated my entire being to this fight. Before I was young and I wanted to have fun. The past 12 weeks I didn’t miss a day in the gym.

“At the end of the day, I want a world title. And I’m not far from reaching my dream. I can’t make mistakes right now.”

THOMAS MATTICE:
“You have to have tunnel vision. I’m not worried about the lights and TV. When I get in there it’s a fight.

“Sparring with (Adrien) Broner, (Shawn) Porter, (Robert) Easter, it’s been a great learning experience. I probably learned the most from Easter and Broner. With Shawn, he was strong and I held my own.

“It’s a big step up for me, but I’m ready.

“I am going to box and follow my game plan. Chinea is a durable guy – he puts the pressure on you, and tries to break you down in the second half of the fight.

“If everything goes as I plan, the fight not go the distance. This will be a good win.”

ROLANDO CHINEA:
“People keep looking past me. I don’t know when they are going to learn, but if they keep looking past me I’m going to keep bringing it.

“At the end of the day, you can come in with a name but that doesn’t make you a name. I’m living off nobody’s legacy. I bring my A-game every time. Some things in this sport you can’t teach and I think I have those qualities.

“I always liked watching guys that like to keep the action going. In this sport if you’re going to win you have to dictate a fight and throw punches. You have to keep throwing if you’re going to win.

“My experience is an advantage. I been here and done that and he is just getting his feet wet.

“My mindset is that I have this chip on my shoulder. Nobody believes in me and I just keep proving everyone wrong. This won’t be an upset when I win.”

SAM TEAH:
“I’ve progressed so much mentally and physically since my last fight on ShoBox. My team has really developed and they help me get better every day.

“He’s a slick southpaw, but we’ve been in the gym preparing for southpaws. I’ve been working with Tevin Farmer, Ray Robinson, (Sergey) Lipinets. We’ve been getting good work in the gym.

“At the end of the day, I was getting ready for a southpaw. We’ll make whatever adjustments we need to make when we get in the ring. We’ll do whatever it takes to win.

“Every name they’ve thrown at me I’ve accepted. After this fight, I’m ready for whatever.

“We’re going to start it off for Philly this weekend. After I win on Friday we’ll enjoy the Eagles’ win on Sunday.

“I am in the same boat as the last ShoBox fight. I’m facing another undefeated fighter and I’m ready to take another ‘0’.”

MONTANA LOVE:
“When I heard I was on TV I said ‘let’s go, sign the contract.’

“Teah is a boxer-mover. We’re going to outshoot him with sharp shots.

“I’m versatile. If an opponent comes and wants to crack, we can crack. But if you want to box I can pick you apart.

“I think the time is right for me. I’ve been getting great sparring, I just left camp with Robert Easter. I’ve been in with Broner, Devin Alexander. The time is right. I’ve been doing this since I was five years old.

“We train to go eight, 10 rounds. It’s not a problem for me.”

# # #

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is 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.

Damian Vazquez 117 vs. Miguel Lizardo 118
Cristina Mora 114 vs. Gabriela Sanchez 112
Edwing Davila 125 vs. Carlos Guardado 123
Donovan Estrella 138 vs. Antonio Camacho 136
Maryan Salazar 108 vs. Naomi Reyes 108
Kye Brooks 185 vs. Antonio Reyes 186

Promoter: Sugar Promotions
Venue: Explanada de Expoplaza
Facebook Live Stream: Canal 26 en Vivo
First Fight Starts at 5:30 p.m CT

WHAT: “KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory”

WHO: Main Event – Vacant IBA Americas Flyweight Championship (8) — CBSSN
Nico Hernandez (3-0, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS
Jozsef “Little Red” Ajtai (19-9, 12 KOs), Budapest, Hungary

Co-Feature – Welterweights — (6) — CBSSN
Javonte Starks (13-2, 7 KOs), Minneapolis, MN
Cesar Soriano (28-36-1, 17 KOs), Iztacalco, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Junior Middleweights (4) — CBSSN
Akeem Black (3-1, 1 KO), Milwaukee, WI
Derrick Clayton (pro debut), Bakersfield, CA

Middleweights (4) – CBSSN Swing Bout
Jeff Strum (pro debut), Wichita, KS
Brian Clements (0-0-1), Topeka, KS

Junior Welterweights (4)
Chazz Macias (pro debut), Tehachapi, CA
Corey Roberts (0-3), Omaha, Nebraska

Heavyweights (6)
Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm (13-2-1, 9 KOs), Washington D.C.
Richard “Silverback” Carmack (15-12-1, 12 KOs), Kansas City, MO

WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2018

WHERE: Hartman Arena, Park City, KS

PROMOTER: KO Night Boxing LLC in association with Hartman Arena

SPONSORS: Park City (KS), Twister City Harley-Davidson and Metro PCS.

TELEVISION: Taped live for future airing (TBD) on CBS Sports Network

DOORS OPEN: 5:00 p.m. CT

FIRST BOUT: 6:00 p.m. CT

TICKETS: $115.00 (VIP), $75.00, $50.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $20.00 (prices do not
include service fees). Student tickets are available – kindergarten through
college – for $15.00 dollars but are only sold at the arena (buy in advance and
get a complimentary Nico Hernandez T-shirt and rally towel while available).
Student Identification is required. Available to purchase at the Hartman Arena
box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/50551?Brand=Hartman.
This is an all-ages show.

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN: Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 @ 6 p.m. CT
Twister City Harley Davidson
5427 Chuzy Drive, Wichita, KS
PUBLIC WELCOME

INFORMATION:

https://www.hartmanarena.com/events/upcoming-events/1.html, www.internationalboxingassociation.com

Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @IBABoxing

Facebook: /NeonStar, /IBABoxing

Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
About KO Night Boxing LLC
KO Night Boxing is an emerging combat sports promotional company whose core value is “Fighters First!” KO Night Boxing produces live events for CBS Sports Network. Follow us on Twitter @KONightBoxing.

About Hartman Arena
Hartman Arena, with a total seating capacity of 6,750, is the home to great live entertainment, indoor sports and community events, and is managed by VenuWorks, America’s emerging leader in venue management.

About VenuWorks
VenuWorks is a leader in venue management, providing customized solutions for multi-purpose sports, entertainment and recreation facilities, theatres and conference and convention centers throughout the country, offering full service management services including operations, event booking and marketing. VenuWorks is headquartered in Ames, IA and was founded in 1996. For more information, please visit www.venuworks.com.

Passaic, NJ (Feb. 1, 2018) – GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of 19-year-old lightweight prospect Joel Flores.

Flores, of Passaic, New Jersey, is set to make his pro debut this Friday night when he takes on Charles Johnson (0-0-1) in a four-round bout on the non-television portion of ShoBox: The New Generation at the Winnavegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Flores, who has two older cousins who were boxers, became interested in the sport after seeing “Rocky” when he was 6 years old.

Flores went 45-6 as an amateur and won the New Jersey Diamond Gloves.

“It feels surreal to be turning professional,” said Flores. “I have been dreaming about this, and this is finally happening.”

Flores has patterned his style after Miguel Cotto. His favorite weapon is a body shot.

Flores sees each fight as a step closer to providing a better his life for not only him, but also his mother.

“I live with my mother in the projects of Passaic. It’s not a good neighborhood, and my goal is to get her out of there and buy her a house.”

Flores is trained by James Mouzone and former middleweight contender Ossie Duran. He is managed by Pete Festa.

Said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki, “Joel is a very good prospect with an exciting style. I have known about him for a while being that he is from North Jersey. I look forward to his pro debut on Friday night, and I have high hopes for him in the future.”

Lawrence Okolie says he will make ‘jealous’ Isaac Chamberlain pay for disrespecting his amateur achievements when they clash at The O2 on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Okolie represented Team GB at the Rio games in 2016 before turning pro with Matchroom Boxing under the management of Anthony Joshua’s AJ BXNG.

Chamberlain has been vocal about Okolie’s amateur success in the build-up to the clash, downplaying the Hackney talent’s journey that took him from flipping burgers in McDonald’s to amateur success and the 7-0 record he puts on the line in Greenwich.

“The rivalry on his side stems from jealousy,” said Okolie. “They say that they’ve been watching me since I went to the Olympics as we’ve known each other a long time. They see me as a big money fight and here it is – we’ll see if it’s too early for him or too early for me.

“Can Isaac take my power? Can Isaac take me into the later rounds? We’re all going to find out the reality. I see boxing in a different way to most people. Isaac is a good fighter, he’s fast, good boxing IQ and he’s resilient, but I don’t see that being enough as I am going to get to him and get to him viciously.

“People in Isaac’s gym know what it takes to get into the Olympics because they didn’t get there. He has never taken a risk as an amateur or a professional. He’s been the a-side in all of his fights and all bar two of his opponents have come in off a loss. He’s done nothing to show levels of pedigree, he’s had a life-or-death with Wadi Camacho at Southern Area level.

“They say that everything has been given to me. I get the praise and attention because of what I did in the amateurs and the performances I’ve put in as a pro. If I’d been putting in the performances in the pros that he has, I wouldn’t get this attention.

“I dislike what Isaac represents, it’s a cult of Cruiserweights who are active, come together on social media and backing each other up to talk down to me, “so what he was in the Olympics he’s rubbish” blah blah, they discredit everything I have done.

“They say I’ve had an easy ride, but Eddie Hearn didn’t come to Hackney and take me out of McDonalds, take me to Team GB then take me to Rio for the Olympics.

“Team GB didn’t say ‘only 10 GB fighters can go to Brazil and only 16 fighters can fight in the tournament at each weigh – but do you know what, we’re going to give you the golden ticket and you don’t have to qualify or work hard’.

“The reality is, I’ve worked so hard to get me and it annoys me that he and his team have disrespected what I’ve achieved and how hard I’ve worked to get here and how hard I will work to get to where I want to be.”

Chamberlain and Okolie clash on a huge night of action in Greenwich as Watford’s Reece Bellotti puts his Commonwealth Featherweight title on the line for the first time against Crawley’s Ben Jones.

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.

Lewis Ritson makes the first defence of his British Lightweight title against Joe Murray in the latest installment of the JDNXTGEN series at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on Sunday February 25, live on Sky Sports.

Ritson landed the crown in impressive fashion in October when he stopped Robbie Barrett with a seventh round stoppage in Manchester, and the unbeaten Newcastle ace takes the first steps to landing the title outright against local man Murray.

‘Genius’ Joe challenges for a British title for a second time having taken on Liam Walsh for the Super-Featherweight strap in 2015, and the 31 year old will be confident of ending Ritson’s reign at the first hurdle with an unbeaten eight fight run since taking on Walsh, but the champion is ready to be unleashed after waiting patiently to defend the belt.

“It’s been very frustrating; a few people have been offered to fight me since the Barrett win and have turned down the chance to challenge for my British title,” said Ritson. “That has been disappointing but I’m pleased to have a date locked in.

“I’ve read an article for Murray saying he would knock me and Barrett out in under two rounds so it’ll be interesting to see if he can back up his words. It’ll be a nice change to fight someone that will come to fight.

“The plan is to bank three defences and win the belt outright then hopefully look to push on and look at the European. I’m not overlooking Joe, he’s a good fighter but I think I’ll have too much for him. It’ll be a good fight for the fans I’m sure.”

A stacked bill of talent joins Ritson on the card, as 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, unbeaten Dave Coldwell trained talent Jordan Gill is in action as is 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

Qais Ashfaq has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Ashfaq represented Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the culmination of a blossomgin amateur career that included Commonwealth Youth Games gold and silver in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

The Leeds talent can now focus on getting his career up-and-running in the paid ranks with a debut to be announced shortly, and Ashfaq is determined to make up for lost time and build a fan base all over the UK.

“I’m so happy to be joining Matchroom Boxing and be on Sky Sports, it’s the best place for me to be to showcase my skills and I so excited to have a date in place for my debut,” said Ashfaq, who will campaign at Super-Bantamweight.

“I’m out to prove a point and I want to be part of the big shows coming up in the next few months. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do and I want to be as busy as possible.

“It’s been stop start and I’ve lost a year of my pro career so I feel that I have something to prove, not just to the public but to myself. That’s why being with Matchroom is great because there’s so many fight nights coming up all over Britain and I think I can progress quickly and pick up fans everywhere. I’m a Leeds boy though so of course I would love to box in my city.

“I really want to fight on Amir Khan’s comeback show in April. He’s got at least three fights with Matchroom and it would be amazing to be on those bills. When I was a kid, I hadn’t had any fights and I walked in the gym, I looked at Boxing News and Amir was in the middle of a Team GB pic as he was the only one to qualify for the Olympics. My coach said ‘if he can do it, you can do it too’. Amir’s been such a huge inspiration for me and it’s great to be part of the same stable as him.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Qais to the team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Qais is a richly talented fighter and one that will become an instant hit with fans all over Britain. I’m looking forward to his imminent debut and then showcasing him all over the UK.”

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 31, 2018): Tickets for the showdown between former world title challenger Ronny Rios (29-2, 13 KOs) and explosive 122-pound contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (13-2, 10 KOs) are now on sale. This exciting and competitive battle, which is scheduled for 10 rounds of action for Hovhannisyan’s WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title, will be the main event of the March 9 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:00 ET/6:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT. ESPN 3 will live stream the fights beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 PT.

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

Rios, 29, is a long-time member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable who has wins against tough competitors such as Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez, Efrain Esquivias and Andrew “El Chango” Cancio. The pride of Santa Ana, Calif. earned his first world title opportunity against Rey Vargas for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship in the HBO-televised co-main event to Cotto vs. Kamegai in August 2017. Though unsuccessful in what was a spirited effort, Rios will use his hometown advantage to remind fans why he is one of the top contenders in the super bantamweight division.

Hovhannisyan is a fiery contender who is hungry for title glory. In his last fight, Hovhannisyan fought with an injured right hand across 10 rounds of grueling action to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title on the undercard of Linares vs. Campbell in September 2017. This all-action fighter will without a doubt have the support of the Armenian community as he invades the home turf of the local favorite.

The March 9th show will be a family affair Rios’ younger brother, power-punching prospect Alexis Rocha (10-0, 7 KOs), will be featured in the televised co-main event, an eight-round welterweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. Rocha will return after his devastating first-round knockout victory against Pascual Salgado on the Nov. 16 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN in Cancun, Mexico.

In the night’s TV opener, Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (1-0) of Monaghan, Ireland will return after a successful professional debut in a four-round welterweight clash. Maricela Cornejo (9-2, 2 KOs) will fight for the second time since signing with Golden Boy Promotions in a six-round swing bout in the super middleweight division. Marvin Cabrera (6-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

Opponents for all three fighters will be announced shortly, as will the full undercard.

Rios vs. Hovhannisyan is a 10-round fight for the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place on Friday, March 9, 2018 at The Hangar at The OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT. The first fight and the ESPN3 live stream begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:00 ET/6:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.

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

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: Rios vs. Hovhannisyan must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, March 5, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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

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

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2018) – Danny Roman (23-2-1, 9 KOs) is inching closer to his first world title defense when he puts his WBA super bantamweight title on the line against No. 13 rated challenger Ryo Matsumoto (21-1, 19 KOs) of Japan on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The 12-round world championship fight, dubbed “The Challenge,” is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Ohashi Promotions and will take place from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Roman, who lives and trains in Los Angeles, caught up with the Thompson Boxing team to discuss how he handles the new found pressure of being a world champion, the sacrficies that entails, and how he plans to fight Matsumoto.

After winning a world title, some fighters have a tendency to become complacent. How do you fight that off and remain motivated?

“I’ve always been one to train hard so that part hasn’t changed. My focus and dedication remain strong, but I still think I have a lot to prove. I want to be the best in the division. I know that I’m in the conversation, but I don’t want there to be any questions. That’s my goal, to be the best.”

The new place that you occupy – WBA champion – came at you fast. A world title eliminator last January, followed by the title shot in September. Now it’s your first title defense. How have you handled all the pressure? It seems like you never get rattled.

“As a challenger, you’re so hungry for those moments that you kind of just get lost in the sport. You find yourself in such a comfort zone because you know you’ve prepared for the best. Now that I’m in title defense mode, it puts me in a more focused mindset because Matsumoto is after my championship. I know how hungry those guys are because that was me just a few months ago.”

Your career didn’t start out the way you planned. You had some early setbacks that promoters held against you. How did you remain focused and not lose confidence when basically the best judges of talent were telling you no.

“My manager [Eddie Gonzalez] was shopping around for a deal. Most of the promoters wanted undefeated fighters. Even if you had one loss, or two, they didn’t want anything to do with me. I was mad about that because I knew I had the talent and desire to be great, it just was going to take me a little longer. In the end, it gave me more motivation to get better.

What’s the toughest part about training camp?

“Being away from family is probably the toughest. When I’m in camp, I have very little time to do anything outside of boxing. I’m at the gym twice a day for long hours at a time so when I’m not at the gym, I’m at home resting. My older brother just had his first child a few weeks ago and I’ve only seen them once because I’ve been so busy. That’s the sacrifice.

Your opponent, Ryo Matsumoto, stands nearly six feet tall. Will that pose a significant challenge for you?

“I don’t think so. Shun Kubo, who I beat for the world title, was tall and I was able to out box and out maneuver him. The plan is to do the same thing that we did against Kubo and that is to knock Matsumoto out. Can’t let it go to the judges.”

To watch Roman’s KO win over Shun Kubo that earned him the WBA championship, please click here.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

Isaac Chamberlain wants to celebrate three years as a pro by inflicting a first career to Lawrence Okolie at The O2 in London on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Chamberlain headlines at The O2 after making his debut there three years ago today (January 31) and the unbeaten Brixton talent has grafted hard to get to his place at the top of the bill.

The 23 year old passed a gut-check in his sixth fight when he battled through a dislocated shoulder to take the Southern Area Cruiserweight title from Wadi Camacho in September 2016 – and it’s that grit and determination that Chamberlain feels is the difference between the pair.

“It’s going to be an amazing experience headlining my own show at The O2,” said Chamberlain. “From coming from nothing to this stage is humbling. I’m not one of these guys that goes out partying after fights and blow all my money, I’m trying to buy a house, get a mortgage, set my life up and live right, and this is a big fight and one that pays well.

“I want to be great, I want to win belts and I want to fight top fighters. I’ve tasted titles against Camacho and I’m fighting on top of a big bill at The O2, this is what I am in the sport for.

“Nothing has been given to me in boxing, that’s been the case from day one and it still is. I will always have that underdog mentality and go into fights to take everything. I won’t stop at any cost, I’m always going to be in the gym and living right because I don’t want this journey to end.

“I think it’s a good thing that I’ve had to work hard for what I’ve got. Boxing is hard at every level, from bottom to top. When you are a World champion there’s a target on your back and everyone hunts you down, that’s not easy.

“My ride has made me mentally stronger, if I’d had things handed to me, I wouldn’t know what it’s like to dig deep and grit my teeth to get through the tough moments. I know that when it gets tough, I can bite down on the gumshield and get to the other side with the win.”

Chamberlain and Okolie clash on a huge night of action in Greenwich as Watford’s Reece Bellotti puts his Commonwealth Featherweight title on the line for the first time against Crawley’s Ben Jones.

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.

PHILADELPHIA (January 31, 2018) – Philadelphia-native and two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia has thrived in the underdog role several times throughout a career that has seen him defeat a slew of top champions. Just like Garcia triumphed over Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse in two of his greatest wins, Garcia’s hometown Philadelphia Eagles will look to upset the odds this Sunday in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.

“When you’re an underdog, it’s all about using that energy and that anger to show the doubters that you can do anything,” said Garcia. “You just have to have that absolute belief in yourself and you can win anything.”

For the fighter who still lives and trains in his hometown, just like so many sports fans in the area, the Eagles bringing home a Super Bowl victory would be the culmination of childhood dreams.

“I’ve been watching the Eagles since I was a little kid,” said Garcia. “When I was little I moved to a neighborhood where football was really important and that helped me fall in love with the sport.”

Garcia has represented his city throughout a career that has saw him win titles at super lightweight and welterweight, while defeating top fighters such as Khan, Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Zab Judah, Robert Guerrero, Erik Morales and Paulie Malignaggi. Garcia fought in Philadelphia two fights ago when he delivered a knockout victory for his hometown fans at Liacouras Center at Temple University.

“There’s a toughness to Philly sports fans,” said Garcia. “‘Rocky’ helped mold that similar image of our people. I named my daughter Philly because it means so much to me to represent this city. Everything I do is for Philly. I’ve always dreamed about the Eagles winning the Super Bowl.”

Garcia hopes to be following up a Super Bowl victory for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles with a win of his own when he takes on former champion Brandon Rios in a welterweight world title eliminator Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

“This is going to be a big month for Philadelphia,” said Garcia, “I think we’re going to beat New England 28-17. I still remember the first Super Bowl against New England like it was yesterday. That loss stuck with me and I know it has for the team and city too. This is our chance for payback.

“I can’t wait to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl and then I’m going to go out to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, with Philly on my back, to beat Brandon Rios.”

Garcia vs. Rios headlines the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that also features the rematch between unbeaten super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby and Mandatory Challenger Josh Warrington came face-to-face at a press conference at Elland Road today ahead of their all-British blockbuster World Title showdown on Saturday 19th May, to be shown live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Below are a selection of quotes from both fighters and Promoter Frank Warren.

Lee Selby, current IBF World Featherweight Champion:

“Coming here (Elland Road) doesn’t faze me in the slightest. If you’re banking on me falling apart before the first bell goes then you have another thing coming. I think it’s a great fight, Josh Warrington has done everything that has been asked of him. This time he actually has the chance to win one of my titles rather than buy it off me. I’m the Champion and no one has given me anything. His fans won’t be in the ring with him on the night. If Josh comes steaming out with all of his fans behind him then I’ll just box his head off.

“He kept calling me out time after time after all of my fights, and then he turned the fight down when it was offered to him. It won’t be easy, no fight is easy. It’ll be a tough fight like all of the rest of them but I believe that my class will show on the night. I’ve been the away fighter many times before and I’ll thrive off it again in May.”

Josh Warrington, IBF Mandatory Challenger:

“This is my destiny. Two years ago Lee said that I’d never get another opportunity to fight for a World Title but I’m here, I won my Eliminator. You can’t mess with destiny. This is just meant to be. On May 19th I know there’s going to be a few things; there’s going to be a royal wedding, there’s going to be an FA Cup final and Leeds’ are going to have their first World Champion.

“This is a chance for my fans to make a few quid. I’ve been the underdog before and it doesn’t faze me one bit. Lee is not the big be all and end all superstar that he thinks he is. He’s been shaky in all of his defences and he won’t be making another one after May 19th.

Frank Warren:

“This is a fight that we have been working very hard to put together for a while. Josh signed with me a while ago and he’s one of the best fighters I have had the pleasure of working with. We have a great World Champion here in Lee Selby, he’s showed a lot of balls accepting this fight here in Josh’s backyard and in front of his fanatical Leeds supporter. We have got all of the ingredients for a fantastic fight on May 19th here at the home of Leeds United. Josh had to go through an Eliminator to get himself into the number one spot, he has forced the issue.

“The Featherweight division is one of the most exciting weight classes at the moment, not only in the UK but the World. Over in Belfast Frampton has a tough fight against former four-weight World Champion Nonito Donaire, the winner on May 19th may well find themselves taking him on next.”

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce a radio broadcast deal with talkSPORT for SEVEN huge fight nights – including Anthony Joshua MBE’s World Heavyweight unification battle with Joseph Parker.

The deal begins on Saturday night as unbeaten Cruiserweight talents Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain settle their ‘British Beef’ at The O2.

Next up, Kell Brook makes his debut at Super-Welterweight in Sheffield on March 3 against Sergey Rabchenko and a week later, Scott Quigg aims to become a two-weight World champion as he challenges Oscar Valdez for the WBO Featherweight crown in Los Angeles.

Heavyweight boxing is the focus in a huge fortnight of action at the end of March, starting at The O2 on March 24 where Dillian Whyte defends his WBC Silver title against Lucas Browne before Cardiff takes centre-stage as Anthony Joshua MBE and Joseph Parker clash in a huge unification battle.

Amir Khan returns to action for the first time since May 2016 as he meets Phil Lo Greco at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 21, and then Tony Bellew and David Haye renew hostilities at The O2 on May 5.

Liam Fisher, National Radio controller at talkSPORT, said: “Another day and more mouth-watering boxing rights for talkSPORT. Our team of pundits will be there for a host of exciting clashes as talkSPORT cements its place as radio’s home of boxing.”

Eddie Hearn said: “Fights don’t get much bigger than this and I’m delighted that we have talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station, to broadcast all the drama. There’s nothing quite like two titans meeting in the ring and this will be one not to miss.”

New York City (January 31, 2018) Boxing legend Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York to bring at least four boxing events to the venue.

The first anticipated date under the new partnership is slated for March 10, 2018 with events following in the subsequent three quarters in 2018. The events are meant to provide an opportunity for local boxers to be able to fight consistently in front of their fans in their hometown, which has been a rarity on a grass-roots level since state-implemented policies have drastically raised the cost of promoting events.

Details on the March 10, 2018 event including fights and ticket information will be announced shortly.

Said Holyfield, “Our company is based in New York and it’s very important that we do events right here. Being able to find an amazing venue that is committing to and partnering with us is a blessing, and we’re really excited to have a place to call home. I want to invite all the up-and-coming fighters in the area who are willing to take competitive fights to appear on our cards.”

“We are very excited to announce this partnership with the Kings Theatre,” said Real Deal Sports and Entertainment COO Eric Bentley. “It’s a beautiful venue with a rich history and holds over 3,000 people; it’s the perfect mid-sized venue and we appreciate the support and enthusiasm of Tyler Bates and his team at the Kings Theatre. We’re going to work extremely hard to bring quality and entertaining fights so that people want to continue to come back every time.”

“Through our partnership with Real Deal Sports and Entertainment, the Kings Theatre is very excited to bring boxing to Flatbush. We are thrilled to be adding boxing to an already diverse program here at Kings. With four fights already scheduled in 2018, we are proud to support the local boxing community and feel that Kings is the perfect home for the sport, “said Tyler Bates, General Manager of the Kings Theatre.

Further details on the March 10, 2018 event will be announced shortly, but it will certainly include a plethora of local talent being able to showcase their skill.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @TheRealDealPromotions, @KingsTheatreBklyn

Twitter: @TheRealDealBox, @Holyfield, @KingsBklyn

Instagram: @TheRealDealBoxing, @KingsBklyn

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

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

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

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I am super excited to announce another huge world title bout as reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes will face two-division ONE Featherweight & Lightweight World Champion Martin Nguyen at ONE: IRON WILL. It’s a tremendous matchup, and one that the whole world wants to see. I have no doubt that these two warriors will be putting on a great show for everyone watching live in Bangkok.”

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

37-year-old Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil is the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion, and widely considered one of the best martial artists in the world regardless of promotion. He made his ONE Championship debut back in 2012 and captured the bantamweight world title in 2013. Since then, Fernandes has remained unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage, showcasing tremendous striking and grappling ability, and an unwavering will to win. In his most recent bout, Fernandes made quick work of top contender Andrew Leone, submitting the American with a rear-naked choke in the very first round. In his next title defense, Fernandes is set to face two-division ONE Championship titleholder, Martin Nguyen.

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.

New York City (January 30, 2018) Earlier today, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) announced that it has signed Ukrainian heavyweight OLEKSANDR “Sasha” TESLENKO. In the spirit of “Two For Tuesday”, DBE has also added fellow undefeated heavyweight prospect STEPHAN SHAW, of St. Louis, Missouri, to its roster. Shaw will make his DBE debut on the February 7 edition of Broadway Boxing at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, in Times Square, Manhattan. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House.

The 25-year-old Shaw, undefeated with a record of 9-0 with six knockouts, will be fighting in New York City for the first time in a scheduled six-round clash against JOEL CAUDLE
(7-1-1, 5 KOs), of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Following a stellar amateur career that included 2013 PAL and USA National Championships titles, Shaw turned professional in December 2013. A graduate of Hazelwood Central High School in nearby Florissant, Missouri, Shaw gravitated to the sport at a young age coming from a family of boxers. He trains with four-time Olympic Boxing coach Basheer Abdullah out of Arena Gym in San Diego, California. Abdullah was a family friend and has known Stephan for his entire life, having grown up with his parents. Stephan’s grandfather, Buddy Shaw, was a renowned trainer in Missouri and acted as a mentor to Abdullah.

“I am very happy to sign a promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment,” said Shaw. “The fans in New York City will get an up-close look at me next Wednesday. I am thrilled to be fighting there and will not disappoint.”

“I’ve watched Stephan fight and, just as important, I’ve seen him spar with Deontay Wilder, so I know what he’s capable of,” said LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Boxing fans in attendance are in for a real treat to see both Stephan and Sasha fighting in separate bouts on our February 7 Broadway Boxing show.”

“I am very excited to have another boxer managed by Split-T working with Lou,” said DAVID McWATER of Split-T Management. “He is a friend and a brilliant promoter. Shaw is going to handle his business inside the ring and Lou and I will do the same outside of it. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City is the perfect venue to make his DiBella Entertainment debut. It’s an intimate atmosphere that will allow for a great introduction to the fans and media.”

The February 7 installment of the acclaimed Broadway Boxing series is headlined by a crosstown clash between undefeated welterweights NOEL MURPHY (12-0, 2 KOs), of Woodlawn, New York and Brooklyn’s MIKKEL LESPIERRE (18-0-1, 8 KOs).

Tickets for BROADWAY BOXING, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are currently on sale and are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55. Tables are also available for purchase for this event, with VIP tables going for $1,000 per table (5 seats at $200 per seat), Ringside tables for $500 (5 seats at $100), and $375 tables (5 seats at $75). Tickets are available for purchase by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first bout 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter
@DiBellaEnt
@LouDiBella
Facebook
/DiBellaEntertainment

LAS VEGAS (January 30, 2018) – Welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson will clash in a 12-round IBF 147-pound title elimination bout live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 17 from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Ugas vs. Robinson kicks off a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT that is headlined by a battle between two-division champion Danny Garcia taking on former world champion Brandon Rios in a welterweight title eliminator. The co-feature will see 168-pound world champion David Benavidez defending his title in a rematch against top-rated super middleweight contender Ronald Gavril.

This welterweight showdown will be contested for the IBF’s number two position for the title held by undefeated champion Errol Spence Jr.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Additional action inside the arena will feature 175-pound contender Lionell Thompson (19-4, 11 KOs) battling hard-hitting Edwin Rodriguez (29-2, 20 KOs) in a 10-round matchup, lightweight contender Ladarius Miller (14-1, 4 KOs) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (24-5-1, 12 KOs) clashing in a 10-round showdown and former top-ranked amateur Joe Spencer will make his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (1-2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round 154-pound bout.

Ugas (20-3, 9 KOs), who was born in Cuba and now lives in Las Vegas, is one of the busiest boxers in the sport and a fast-riser in the welterweight division. After losing a unanimous decision to Amir Imam in 2014, the 31-year-old Ugas took a year off from boxing and came back on a tear. During a 12-month span from August 2016 to August 2017, Ugas won five straight fights, knocking off top contenders and prospects including Jamal James, Bryant Perrella, Levan Ghvamichava, Thomas Dulorme and Nelson Lara, including multiple wins on short notice assignments.

Robinson (24-2, 12 KOs) is the epitome of a Philadelphia fighter – a consummate boxer who always comes to fight and likes to stay busy. Ugas will represent one of the toughest challenges of Robinson’s career. The 32-year-old southpaw fought three times last year and is coming off a seventh round technical decision victory over Breidis Prescott in Atlantic City on June 30.

Rounding out the night of fights are unbeaten Andres Cortes (6-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round lightweight fight, undefeated Brian Gallegos (6-0, 4 KOs) in six rounds of super featherweight action, super flyweight contender Ava Knight (14-2-4, 5 KOs) in a six round attraction and unbeaten prospect Jonathan Esquivel (6-0, 5 KOs) battling Cameron Burroughs (4-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round middleweight fight.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2018) – Featherweight Erick Ituarte (19-1-1, 3 KOs) kicks off the 2018 Thompson Boxing schedule with an intriguing matchup against the well tested Jose Ramirez (27-6-2, 16 KOs) on Friday, Feb. 16, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

The 8-round “Path to Glory” main event holds championship implications, as Ituarte will make the second defense of his NABF Junior title.

Ituarte is in the midst of a 12 fight winning streak that dates back three years. His last win, in November, was a first round destruction of Gustavo Molina.

February’s showdown with Ramirez, who fights out of Mazatlan, Mexico, projects to be a far more difficult assignment. Ramirez is as battle tested as they come, having gone up against world champions Vasyl Lomachenko, Abner Mares, and Oscar Valdez.

“I’m expecting a tough fight there’s no doubt about that,” said Ituarte, who lives and trains in Santa Ana, Calif. “Ramirez doesn’t back down from a challenge and I’ve never been in a boring fight. It’s going to be a back and forth fight and I’m ready for that.”

Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or visiting ThompsonBoxing.com.

In the 6-round co-feature, rising featherweight talent Ruben Villa (9-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. puts his unblemished record to the test against fellow southpaw and veteran Ruben Tamayo (26-11-4, 18 KOs) of Ciudad Obregon, Mexico.

Villa has enjoyed a stellar start to his career. After turning professional in the second half of 2016, the former back-to-back Golden Gloves champion recorded three wins that year and followed it up with six in 2017. Tamayo, on the other hand, is in a career tailspin having lost seven straight.

“My last two fights have come against veteran boxers,” said the 20-year-old Villa. “Even though Ramirez might not be in his prime anymore, he still knows how to use angles and set traps. I have to fight smart, but also be aggressive. It’s a good challenge for me.”

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

In the 8-round special attraction, free swinging super bantamweight Isaac Zarate (13-3-3, 2 KOs) of San Pedro, Calif. fights Mexico’s Christian Ayala (12-1, 4 KOs). Zarate holds a recent win against former world title challenger Carlos Carlson and routinely spars with WBA titleholder Danny Roman.

Undefeated bantamweight Saul Sanchez (6-0, 4 KOs) of Indio, Calif., who recently signed with Thompson Boxing, gets the toughest challenge of his young career when he takes on veteran Pedro Melo (17-17-2, 8 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico (6-rounds).

Also on the card, bantamweight Mario Hernandez (4-0, 1 KO) of Santa Ana fights the hard charging Francisco Lapizco (8-6, 2 KOs) of Mexico (4-rounds).

Lightweight Ruben Torres (3-0, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles, who earlier this month signed a promotional deal with Thompson Boxing, battles Marco Resendiz (2-1-1) of Mexico in a fight set for 4-rounds.

The “Path to Glory” show opens with lightweight prospect Zhora Hamazaryan (8-0, 6 KOs) of Armenia. An opponent for Hamazaryan will be announced at a later date (4-rounds).

During the event, Thompson Boxing will hold a fundraising raffle for injured boxer Daniel Franco. Franco, who is from nearby Riverside, Calif., suffered a significant brain injury in June when he was knocked out in the eighth round by Jose Haro. Since then, Franco has undergone multiples brain surgeries.

Thompson Boxing will match the total that is raised by the raffle and promoter Ken Thompson respectfully encourages other promoters to help in any way they can. Prizes for the raffle will be announced as the event draws closer.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory via our Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 8:00 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave. in Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“Path to Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.

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

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

NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice is preparing in Cleveland for his matchup against Rolando Chinea that is part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Mattice (10-0, 8 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Chinea (15-1-1, 6 KOs) will clash in the eight-round co-feature of the three-fight telecast.

Mattice has been working hard for his national television debut.

“Camp has been going great. We finished everything up over the weekend, and now we are just relaxing and getting ready for Friday.”

Despite this being Mattice’s first fight in front of the camera, the 27-year-old is treating this like any other fight.

“I am going in like this is any other fight. The only difference is that this is a progression, a step up. Like all the other fights, I am just focused on getting the win.”

Mattice is letting his team do all the scouting, while he focuses on his own business of training and getting ready for the opportunity ahead of him on Friday.

“I am just letting my team handle the scouting of Chinea. We drew up a gameplan based on that, and now I am just going to go in there and execute it.”

“I just expect a great performance. For the fans that haven’t seen me, they can expect a fighter who can box and can bang. I just want everyone to tune in, and see a great fight. I have a lot of confidence that I will get the job done on Friday.”

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports, Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2. For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.

# # #

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

About ShoBox: The New GenerationSince 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 74 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox 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.

IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (25-0, 18 KOs) and WBA World Champion Yunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) met at a press conference before their Ali Trophy semi-final at the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi, Russia on Saturday.

“Dorticos is a well-schooled fighter,” said Gassiev.

“He has many amateur fights, good speed, and fast hands. He is a great opponent and I have prepared for 12 tough rounds.”

Murat ‘Iron’ Gassiev, the Russian second seed, earned his spot in the semi-final when he blew away Polish Krzysztof Wlodarczyk with a powerful performance to produce a third-round KO.

“The World Boxing Super Series is a great tournament that gives me the opportunity to unify all the cruiserweight titles. On Saturday I am going to take another step towards that dream in front of my proud countrymen.”

Cuban Dorticos has been oozing confidence in the built up for the fight:

“On a personal level I have no problems with Gassiev, but right now he has a problem. He has to find a defence against the missiles that are going to land on that big head of his. Gassiev will learn to respect ‘The KO Doctor’ on Saturday night.”

Cuban Dorticos aka ‘The KO Doctor’, the tournament’s fourth seed, impressed in his quarter-final with a devastating KO victory in the third round over Russian Dmitri Kudryashov.

“I will put on another show on Saturday for the fans in Russia and around the world. I have nothing to worry about. Gassiev has.”

The cruiserweight final of the World Boxing Super Series will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in May 2018.

New York City (January 30, 2018) DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT (DBE) has signed highly touted undefeated heavyweight prospect OLEKSANDR “Sasha” TESLENKO to an exclusive promotional contract. Teslenko will make his DBE debut on Broadway Boxing, next Wednesday, February 7, at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Times Square, New York City. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House.

The powerful 25-year-old Teslenko, who stands 6’5″, sports a record of 11-0 with 9 KOs, and will face KEENAN HICKMAN (6-2-1, 2 KOs), of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in an 8-round bout.

Born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Teslenko took up boxing at age eight when his father brought him to a gym to learn how to defend himself. As an amateur, Teslenko became a three-time Ukrainian National champion while accumulating an impressive 224-23 record. During this time, Teslenko also earned a degree in Marketing from the University of Chernivtsi and served in the Ukrainian Army alongside DBE stablemate Ivan Golub.

Teslenko took a bold step in search of success as a professional boxer, leaving his family behind, relocating to Canada with little contacts and settling in Toronto. Sharing a house with three other Ukrainians and sleeping on a mattress on the floor, Teslenko worked construction to earn extra money while taking classes to learn English. He made his pro debut in September 2015.

“My goal is to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World and I know by working with Lou DiBella that is now possible,” said Teslenko. “I’m very happy to be making my New York debut on February 7 and will put on a great performance. The fans in attendance will know they are witnessing a future threat to the heavyweight throne.”

“Sasha is one of the most talented heavyweights that I’ve come across,” said LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He had an impressive amateur career and possesses the tools to someday fight for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. We look forward to working with Sasha and his team as he strives to become one of the best heavyweights in the world.”

Said GARY FREEDMAN, manager of Teslenko, “I am excited that Sasha will be fighting on DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing event on February 7 in New York City and look forward to working with Lou and the entire team with the goal of making Teslenko the Heavyweight Champion of the World.”

Teslenko is coming off a second-round knockout of Nick Guivas on October 14, in Ontario, Canada. Earlier in 2017, Teslenko was victorious in two fights held in California with an eight-round decision against Bernardo Marquez on February 24, followed by a third-round knockout of Juan Goode on July 22.

The February 7 installment of the acclaimed Broadway Boxing series is headlined by a crosstown clash of unbeaten welterweights NOEL MURPHY (12-0, 2 KOs), of Woodlawn, New York and Brooklyn’s MIKKEL LESPIERRE (18-0-1, 8 KOs).

Tickets for BROADWAY BOXING, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are currently on sale and are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55. Tables are also available for purchase for this event, with VIP tables going for $1,000 per table (5 seats at $200 per seat), Ringside tables for $500 (5 seats at $100), and $375 tables (5 seats at $75). Tickets are available for purchase by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first bout 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.

NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2018) – Undefeated super lightweight Montana Love will face streaking Philadelphia prospect Sam Teah in the opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT)
from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

Cleveland native Love, who was originally scheduled to fight on a non-televised undercard bout on Feb. 2, replaces Wellington Romero, who was forced to withdraw on Monday with a back injury.

Teah (12-1-1, 5 KOs) vs. Love (8-0, 4 KOs), is an eight-round super lightweight matchup that will serve as the opening bout of what is now a three-fight ShoBox telecast.

In Friday’s main event, undefeated 168-pound prospects Ronald Ellis (14-0-1, 10 KOs) and Junior Younan (13-0, 9 KOs) will clash in a 10-round super middleweight bout. In the co-feature, Thomas Mattice (10-0, 8 KOs) will face two-time ShoBox winner Rolando Chinea (15-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

NOTE: A previously announced matchup between Devin Haney and Harmonito Dela Torre was pulled from the ShoBox telecast after the Filipino Dela Torre encountered visa issues.

Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record and won a bronze medal at the 2012 National Golden Gloves Championships. The 22-year-old southpaw recently sparred with Adrien Broner and served as head sparring partner for Robert Easter Jr. as the IBF Lightweight World Champion prepared for his title defense against Javier Fortuna on Jan. 20.

Teah, of Philadelphia by way of Liberia, has won five in a row and owns a 2015 ShoBox victory over previously undefeated O’Shaquie Foster.

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports, Victory Promotions, and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2. For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.

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

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow 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 74 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox 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.

Lee Selby will make the fifth defence of his IBF World Featherweight Championship against Mandatory Challenger Josh Warrington at the home of Leeds United, Elland Road on Saturday 19th May, live and exclusive on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The Barry stylist and Warrington have been embroiled in a long-running rivalry, with Selby accusing the Yorkshireman of ‘bottling’ an opportunity to face him in 2016. But now the bitter foes will settle their feud once and for all in the first ever World Title fight to be held in Leeds.

Leeds hero Warrington (26-0, 6 KO’s) brought the blockbuster all-British showdown closer to reality by stopping previously unbeaten Dane Dennis Ceylan in a Final Eliminator clash at the First Direct Arena back in October.

Welshman Selby (26-1, 9 KO’s) claimed the IBF Featherweight crown against Russia’s Evgeny Gradovich in 2015 and will be defending his belt on away soil for the fifth time when he steps into the lion’s den on May 19th.

Both men know there is potentially a greater prize on offer than the belt itself, with victory in May likely to provide a passport towards a summertime showdown with former two-weight World Champion and Frank Warren stablemate Carl Frampton MBE.

“On May 19th I’ll achieve my dream of becoming a World Champion at the home of my beloved Leeds United,” said Warrington. “The city of Leeds is craving a World Champion and I’m going to give them what they want.

“With the support of an entire city behind me I’m going to create history. I’m going to give absolutely everything to get my hands on that World Title. I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands!”

“Fighting away from home in his backyard doesn’t bother me in the slightest,” said Selby. “This is a huge fight and it makes sense to take it to a football stadium. There will be tens of thousands of his fans backing him on May 19th but it’s only me and him in the ring.

“Let’s see what Josh is really made of. He’s done everything that has been asked of him and he’s earned his shot at my World Title. Josh is standing in the way of my opportunity at joining the boxing elite. I’m going to thrive off the hostile atmosphere.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “I’m delighted that we can finally announce Elland Road as the venue for Lee Selby vs. Josh Warrington. I’d like to thank the Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani for making this all possible.

“May 19th is going to be a huge event for the city of Leeds and I know that they will turn out in their thousands to back one of their own. This fight has been in the making for years and Elland Road is a fitting venue for it.

“This is a fight that has all the ingredients of a classic. It’s the one that we’ve all been waiting for and on May 19th the pair of them will have the opportunity to settle their feud once and for all.”

Angus Kinnear, Leeds United Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to host Josh Warrington’s World Title fight. Josh is very much a part of the Leeds United family and we are proud to be able to help him fulfil his ambition to fight at Elland Road. We are also very pleased to add the fight to the growing number of high profile sporting events happening at our iconic home in 2018.”

Information on how to purchase tickets for the night of boxing under the Elland Road floodlights will be released shortly.

*subject to licensing

SELBY V WARRINGTON ELLAND ROAD PROMO VIDEO

Click HERE to watch the epic Lee Selby v Josh Warrington Elland Road announcement video!

Media wishing to download the video can do so by clicking HERE

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated super welterweight prospect Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora to a promotional contract.

The 6′ 7″, 20-year-old southpaw Fundora, from Coachella, California, is the tallest fighter in his division in the world. Lewkowicz was, at first, reluctant to sign a virtually unknown commodity in Fundora, whose tall statue and low weight make him look deceptively emaciated.

So, always having been a great eye for talent, Lewkowicz put the young fighter in some tough match-ups and was very impressed by the results.

In September of last year, Fundora took on then undefeated Victor Toney and dominated him over six rounds. Looking to evaluate him further, Lewkowicz then put Fundora in a couple tough tests in South America and he won both by near shutout.

“I thought he would be too frail against better competition,” said Lewkowicz, “but he barely lost a round in his last four fights. Sebastian is nearly impossible to fight at this weight, with his reach and southpaw stance. And he took enough shots for me to see that he also has a world-class chin. He is going to be a major factor in the division very soon and I’m happy to have signed him to my stable.”

“I am fortunate to have met and signed with a great boxing promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, who has exciting plans for my future and who will guide me to conquer the dream of becoming world champion,” said Sebastian Fundora. “I have trained all my life to become a world champion, step by step and day by day. I am looking forward to seeing what the future awaits.”

Fundora has worked as a sparring partner for the world’s youngest super middleweight world champion in history, David Benavidez… also a Sampson Boxing fighter. It was members of Benavidez’ camp who initially directed Lewkowicz to the fighter.

“I now have boxing’s youngest super middleweight champion in history and the tallest junior middleweight in history,” said a proud Lewkowicz of his promotional stable.
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 29, 2017) – Dream fulfilled for Ancajas! World champion Jerwin ‘Pretty Boy’ Ancajas — a protege of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao — just scratched another item off his bucket list, as he fulfilled his dream of training at the legendary Wild Card Boxing Club, the same place where his idol and now co-promoter has trained for his most famous battles.

Ancajas (26-1-1, 18 KOs), of Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines, is getting ready to make the fourth defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Bantamweight World Title against Top-10 contender Israel Gonzalez (20-1, 8 KOs), of Cabo San Lucas, México. The fighter who says he would like to follow in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao will make his US debut in a world title event that will take place this Saturday, February 3, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX.

“I am here! My dream just came true. At last, I am at the Wild Card Boxing Club,“ said Ancajas after walking into the gym. As he kept walking around the gym while reviewing all the historic Pacquiao memorabilia on the walls, he specifically stopped in front of one. “What a warrior Manny was in this fight against Barrera. I never forget when I saw that fight,” added the Jr. Bantamweight champ that first saw a ‘Pacman’ fight when he was 11-years-old.

The Ancajas – Gonzalez world championship fight will be the co-main event to the GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMÍREZ -HABIB “Wild Hurricane” AHMED World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight world title rumble. Both fights will be televised live and exclusively at 10:15 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN App.

“Israel Gonzalez holds his gloves high and is very good defensively. I will have to figure him out in Corpus Christi next Saturday night on ESPN,” said the power puncher, who like Pacquiao plans to fight in multiple weight divisions.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said, “Jerwin is an action fighter who has Knockout power. I am anxious to see him perform in front of the fans at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi and those that will be watching on ESPN.”

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions and MP Promotions. Remaining tickets to the Ramírez vs. Ahmed / Ancajas vs. Gonzalez world championship event priced at $152, $102, $62, $42, and $27, including facility fees, may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

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

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 29, 2018): A sequel to the most anticipated boxing event in years will arrive on Cinco De Mayo as Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs) will clash in a historic and highly anticipated 12-round rematch Saturday, May 5. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Details regarding venue and tickets will be announced shortly.

In September of 2017, Canelo and GGG met in a battle of the world’s two top middleweights, battling toe-to-toe over 12 rounds of high drama that ended in split draw. The fight drew a record crowd for an indoor boxing event in Las Vegas, selling out the T-Mobile Arena in less than two weeks and bringing legions of fans from Mexico to Kazakhstan and everywhere in between.

Alvarez, the 27-year-old native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is the veritable face of boxing. After capturing two world titles and the lineal championship in the super welterweight division, Alvarez moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBC, Lineal and Ring Magazine World Titles with a Nov. 2015 victory against Miguel Cotto. Alvarez has maintained his status as the lineal champion ever since, and in a historic Sept. 16 showdown last year, Alvarez fought to a 12-round split draw against Golovkin. Alvarez is eager to erase all doubts regarding his status as the best middleweight in the world on May 5.

“I’m delighted to once again participate in one of the most important boxing events in history,” said Canelo Alvarez. “This second fight is for the benefit and pleasure of all fans who desire to see the best fight the best. This time, [Gennady] Golovkin won’t have any excuses regarding the judges because I’m coming to knock him out.”

Golovkin, the 35-year-old wrecking ball of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, was a dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006. Since then, Golovkin has been on an historic trajectory, knocking out one opponent after another to unify the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO World Middleweight Titles. During this run, Golovkin maintained an unblemished record that included a 23-fight knockout streak, which ended with a unanimous decision victory against Danny Jacobs in March 2017. In September of the same year, Golovkin went the distance in a historic split draw against Alvarez, which has merited a much-desired rematch in the eyes of boxing fans.

“I am ready to battle Canelo again and am happy he took this fight again,” said Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “This is the fight the world wants. This is the fight boxing deserves. I didn’t agree with some of the judges’ decisions in the first fight. This time there will be no doubt. I am leaving the ring as THE middleweight champion of the world.”

“Canelo vs. Golovkin 2 will be boxing’s biggest and best event of 2018 as these two elite fighters once again go head-to-head to determine who is the best middleweight in the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “I expect we will see even more fireworks in the rematch as both fighters know there more is at stake now than before.”

“This is the fight boxing fans have been waiting for since the controversial outcome of last September, and the ONLY fight Gennady has wanted since that decision,” said Tom Loeffler, promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “Gennady is ready for this historic record-tying 20th title defense where he will demonstrate his superiority over Canelo. Gennady is on a mission to prove he is still the best middleweight in the world today and one of the best fighters of his era.”

“It’s a special moment for the sport when two of boxing’s most accomplished competitors-both in their prime- agree to meet again in the ring to settle who is the man in the middleweight division,” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “Canelo vs. GGG2 is the boxing event of the first half of 2018 and we are pleased to present it live on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,“THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” Fred Loyal Insurance, Tsesnabank and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, May 5 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comand www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin2 into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (January 29, 2018) – Two-division World Boxing Association (WBA) World Champion Beibut Shumenov announced his comeback today at a press conference held in his native Kazakhstan.

“I thought a very long time before making this decision,” Shumenov explained. “Having weighed all the pros and cons, in addition to consulting with my family and team, I have firmly decided to return to professional boxing. Ahead is a lot of work but our goal is obvious. I want to express my thanks to all those who’ve supported me. I will keep everyone up to date with more news and details of my return to the ring.”

The Las Vegas-based Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs), a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, retired last June due to an eye injury., forcing him to relinquish his WBA cruiserweight world title.

“I want to tell you why I decided to interrupt my career.” Shumenov announced at today’s presser conference. “The trauma of my eye affected my decision. Fatigue and emotional tension accumulated. I just needed a break. Now, I have recovered, and I am going to resume my boxing career. Negotiations are now underway for my next fight.”

Shumenov also revealed that he is working with a Kazakh group to develop a domestic pro boxing program in Kazakhstan for young children in Kazakhstan to help them reach their heights.

In only his 10th pro fight, Shumenov established the fewest-fights record for the light heavyweight world champion 10 years ago, when he decisioned Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas.

Shumenov became the only two-division world champion from Kazakhstan in his last fight, when he stopped Junior Wright in the 10th round of their May 2, 2016 title fight, capturing the WBA Cruiserweight World Championship.

During the 34-year-old Shumenov’s professional career, he has defeated four world champions (Campillo, Byron Mitchell, William Joppy and Montell Griffin), as well as seven world title challengers (Epifanio Mendoza, Vlacheslav Uzelkov, Danny Santiago, Enrique Ornelas, Tamas Kovacs, BJ Flores and Wright).

SOCIAL MEDIA:Twitter @Beibut_Shumenov, Instagram – @BeightShumenov, Facebook – BeibutShumenov/fanpage.

Rising female star, Elena Gradinar of Saint Petersburg, Russia, will compete for the first championship belt of her professional career when she takes on former world champion Olivia “The Predator” Gerula for the IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Championship.

The 10-round Gradinar vs. Gerula battle will take place on Saturday, March 24, at the Energia Sport Hall in Narva, Estonia.

The undefeated 27-year-old Gradinar (8-0, 2 KOs) went 73-8 as an amateur, winning numerous national and international amateur tournaments. Gradinar has also attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia.

A well-respected and accomplished professional, Gerula, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the former WBC World Female Super Featherweight Champion and made two successful defenses. She has also held the well-respected WIBA World Championship.

“I am very glad to fight for IBF Intercontinental belt against former WBC World Champion Olivia Gerula,” said Gradinar. “We will bring for boxing fans a dramatic and exiting clash between us. I am very proud that I will represent my country Russia and I hope that IBF Intercontinental belt will find residence in the glorious Russian city of St. Petersburg!”

“I am very excited about what’s to come. I look forward to visiting Estonia and soaking up some of its culture while proudly representing Canada,” said Olivia Gerula. “I know Elena has an impressive amateur record and an undefeated professional record, but I don’t believe she has ever been in the ring with a fighter of my quality and experience, so I expect to shake things up.”

Gerula’s co-promoter Dmitriy Salita, along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, says the Gerula fight will prove a lot about Gradinar’s transition to the professional ranks.

“This will be the toughest test of Elena’s young career,” said Salita. “Olivia Gerula has fought and beaten many top-level female fighters in the division. I am looking forward to a great fight and, with a victory, the continued development of our future world champion.”

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.