OXNARD, CALIF. (July 25, 2017) — Next week, two-division world champion and pound for pound superstar VASYL “Hi-Tech” LOMACHENKO (8-1, 6 KOs), of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine, who has won his last five fights by knockout, returns to a Los Angeles ring for the first time in over three years when he headlines an all-action card, Saturday, August 5, at Microsoft Theater, located at LA Live! Lomachenko will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight world title against two-time world title challenger and Top-10 contender MIGUEL “Escorpión” MARRIAGA (25-2, 21 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia. He won 15 of his previous 20 fights by way of knockout.

Top Rank® stopped by Lomachenko’s Oxnard-based training camp today. Here are a few quotes and photos from his workout.

PHOTO CREDIT: MIKEY WILLIAMS / TOP RANK
https://app.box.com/s/4b20sag5bgbkv8vg1qp5wlmn3k85ohl4

LOMACHENKO QUOTES

“It’s so exciting to be fighting on ESPN. So many more people are going to learn a lot about me and what I am capable of doing in the ring on Saturday night.

“When I face Marriaga on Saturday, I will need to find the right keys to unlock his defensive door and do what I do best in the ring.

“Marriaga is a strong fighter. He has heart. I have prepared hard to face him

“I need to look again at Marriaga’s full fight video against Oscar Valdez to get the best battle plan in my mind to fight him.

“People ask me about Orlando Salido. My answer is that I fight for Top Rank and will take on who they schedule for me. But I would like to welcome Salido to Lomachenko University in the ring some day..

“While growing up, my dream and my goal was to win an Olympic gold medal. I did that and both times they were the proudest moments in my amateur career.

“Now my professional goal is to be recognized as pound for pound, the world’s best fighter. To do this I must defeat Marriaga and then to be recognized as the pound for pound best I must fight champions and unify world titles.

“I like living and training in Oxnard. It reminds me of the small town I grew up in Ukraine”

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The co-main event will feature three-time world title challenger and top-rated lightweight contender RAY “Sugar” BELTRAN (33-7-1, 21 KOs), a native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico who resides in Phoenix, AZ., defending his NABF and NABO lightweight titles against former two-time interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight world champion and current No. 1 contender BRYAN VASQUEZ (36-2, 19 KOs), from San Jose, Costa Rica.

The four gladiators boast a combined professional record of 102-12-1 (67 KOs).
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Both title fights will be televised live and exclusively at 10 p.m. EDT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN app.

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets to the Lomachenko vs. Marriaga / Beltran vs. Vasquez championship event are priced at $130, $105, $80, $55 and $30. They may be purchased at microsofttheater.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-929-7849 or at the STAPLES Center Box Office.

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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 the hashtags #LomachenkoMarriaga and #BeltranVasquez to join the conversation on Twitter.

VENTURA, CA. (July 25, 2017) – Former world champion Victor Ortiz held a media workout in Ventura, Calif. Wednesday as he prepares to return to the ring and battle Mexico’s Saul Corral in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, July 30 live from Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, California.

Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will feature super welterweight contender Justin DeLoach taking on once-beaten Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in his second pro fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $80, $45 and $30 and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

Here is what Ortiz had to say Wednesday from the Knuckleheadz Boxing Gym:

VICTOR ORTIZ

“The hunger is definitely still there inside of me. When I became world champion, it was a short-lived experience. I had reached a high pinnacle and lost it in a fashion that I was never satisfied with. I’m blessed to be healthy enough to come back.

“Having my son be born (Victor Royal Ortiz) is probably part of the reason that this hunger grew inside of me and motivated me to get back in the ring. I have goals and accomplishments that I want to reach.

“I know that Saul Corral will be ready for me. This is a camp where I made sure to listen to everything my coach said. I went to work 110 percent every day. I didn’t take any shortcuts and I’m feeling great.

“I still feel like I can be one of the best in the 147-pound division. It’s there for the taking. There are some gifted fighters in there and I respect them, but I believe that I have what it takes to be right up there. I’m a complete fighter.

“I’ve been written off before. People have said I should retire since my first loss. I came back from that loss and became a champion. I don’t care what people have to say about me. I could go act full-time if I wanted, but I truly love this sport.

“When I took a step back, I realized that boxing has always been my true passion. I can’t walk away from something that I’m so gifted at and that I enjoy doing so much.

“I never get too worried about who is going to be in front of me on fight night. I just need there to be a ring. I’m excited to get back in there and get in the swing of things. I’m ready to fully pursue my goal of getting another world title.”

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

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

LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2017) – Four-division world champion Nonito Donaire will join forces with Ringstar Sports as the international boxing star attempts to add another world championship to an already illustrious list of career accomplishments.

“Exploring what was out there in the new landscape of boxing was unnerving and exciting at the same time,” said Nonito Donaire, “I have known Richard for many years and have always respected what he has been able to do for the fighters he promotes. At this point in my career I want the biggest fights possible and Richard’s track record to deliver them speaks for itself. The thought of the mega-fights against the likes of Mares, Santa Cruz, Selby or Frampton gets my blood boiling. The next chapter of my career is starting now and I am excited to say that it is with Ringstar! I am grateful to my fans and team for their continued support!”

“Nonito is one of the modern day legends of our sport,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “One of these rare fighters that always delivers and always knows how to entertain! I am convinced that he will again become one of the pound for pound best fighters in the world. No doubt about it! I want to thank his wife and manager, Rachel Donaire as well for the trust she places in me. We can’t wait to get going!”

Born in the Philippines and living in California, Donaire burst onto the scene in 2007 after a stellar amateur career when he stopped previously unbeaten Vic Darchinyan in the fifth round to capture a flyweight world title. Donaire would defend the title with three more knockouts before he moved up to bantamweight and defeated unified champion Fernando Montiel in 2011 to becoming a two-division world champion.

Donaire’s next challenge came at super bantamweight as he made it 27 consecutive victories by knocking down and defeating Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in 2012 to become a champion at 122-pounds. A banner year for Donaire continued with a title-unifying victory over Jeffrey Mathebula and knockouts over Jorge Arce and Toshiaki Nishioka. After the impressive run Donaire was recognized as the 2012 Fighter of the Year by the BWAA, ESPN and Ring Magazine.

A loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux ended a 30-fight win streak for Donaire, but he continued to add to his resume as he won a world title in a fourth weight class by winning a featherweight championship via technical decision over Simpiwe Vetyeka in 2014.

Another world title was added to Donaire’s ever-growing trophy case in 2015 when he defeated Cesar Juarez to capture a world title at super bantamweight. He defended the title successfully in the Philippines before losing a close decision to unbeaten Jessie Magdaleno last November.

Donaire, who is currently training in Japan, will be returning to the ring in September. Further details will be communicated as they become available

NEW YORK, NY(July 25, 2017) – RingTV.com and Flipps Media today announced a partnership to stream the most anticipated boxing showdown of the year, “Supremacy,” on Saturday night, September 16, as two-division and current Ring Magazine and lineal world middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) takes on IBF/WBA/WBC Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) in the 12-round main event on Mexican Independence Day.

“Canelo vs. Golovkin”, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions, will air live on www.ringtv.com Pay Per View in the United States, Mexico and Canada, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, from an already sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The PPV broadcast will be available to watch in HD, in both English and Spanish.

Watch Canelo vs. Golovkin here

RingTV.com will be the online programming apparatus for purchasing and viewing the “Supremacy” PPV with Flipps Media providing technology to drive the Sept. 16th event programming.

“Over the past two years Golden Boy Media and Entertainment has changed how fight fans watch boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We were the first boxing promotion company to live stream fights on Facebook. We were the first to stream live on Twitter, and we have invested heavily in making sure that boxing fans can choose how they watch their favorite fighters on RingTV.com. Bringing fans across the globe Canelo vs Golovkin on a world-class platform that provides a premium viewing experience helps fulfill my vision to make boxing accessible everywhere.”

“This once-in-a-lifetime boxing event continues our goal to provide top combat sports events from around the world at the highest level of digital programming,” Flipps Media COO Michael Weber said. “The Ring magazine has been known as the ‘Bible of Boxing’ since 1922. We’re proud to be partnering with RingTV.com, which has grown Ring’s powerful influence in pro boxing to a rapidly changing, increasingly younger audience, by streaming the best available boxing events and news.”

“We are looking to continue the momentum of our past online pay-per-view offerings. We have proven with the Canelo vs Chavez Jr, GGG vs Jacobs, Canelo vs Liam Smith, and the Canelo vs Amir Khan online pay-per-views that fans are looking to watch these fights on their device of choice,” said Scott Tetreault, Vice President of Golden Boy Media and Entertainment “We feel that the excitement behind this fight will surpass all records of past online pay-per-views, and partnering with Flipps will bring fans the best online viewing experience possible on September 16th.”

Watch Canelo vs. Golovkin press tour video
here:

The non-PPV undercard and other fight week programming, including the “Canelo-Golovkin” final press conference and official weigh-in, will be streamed live globally, FREE on the FITE app, available for iOS and Android devices, as well as on www.FITE.tv. (event schedule to be determined)

Watch “I Am Boxing” here

About Ring TV:

The Ring was founded in 1922 by Nat Fleischer. The first issue, dated February 15, 1922, was 24 pages and cost 20 cents. The cover featured black and white photographs of American promoter Tex Richard and Lord Lonsdale, a British aristocrat and boxing patron. Originally located in New York City, the magazine relocated to Long Island, New York, in 1990, and then moved to suburban Pennsylvania in 1993. It is now based in Los Angeles.

There have been only seven editors-in-chief in the magazine’s history. Michael Rosenthal is the current editor. The Ring began awarding championship belts in 1922. The first Ring belt was awarded to heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, the second to flyweight champion Pancho Villa. The magazine stopped giving belts to world champions in the 1990s, but began again in 2002 when it launched its new championship policy intended to reward fighters who, by satisfying rigid criteria, can justify a claim as the true and only world champion in a given weight class.

About Flipps Media:

INFORMATION:
www.flipps.com, www.FITE.TV
Twitter: @FiteTV

Flipps delivers on-demand entertainment to any nearby connected TV from your mobile device without any additional hardware. The company has offices in New York and Sofia, Bulgaria and is backed by Tim Draper, Earlybird Venture Capital, and LAUNCHub. Flipps’ patented technology immediately works with over 350+ million connected TVs and is compatible with over 7,000 manufacturer models requiring no set up, no pairing devices, no cables, no dongles and no set top box.

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. (July 25, 2017) – Rising super welterweight contender Justin DeLoach (17-1, 9 KOs) will now face once-beaten Nathaniel Gallimore (18-1-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round showdown featured on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, July 30live from Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, California.

DeLoach was original schedule to face former title challenger Fernando Guerrero, but Guerrero was forced to withdraw due to illness.

Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in his second pro fight and is headlined by former world champion Victor Ortiz meeting Mexico’s Saul Corral.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $80, $45 and $30 and are on sale Friday, June 30 for purchase online at AXS.com.

The 23-year-old DeLoach is one of the fastest rising contenders in the 154-pound division as he enters this bout the winner of his last seven contests, including three wins over previously unbeaten fighters Domonique Dolton, Junior Castillo and Dillon Cook. His most recent outing saw him deliver a second-round knockout of then once-beaten Christopher Pearson. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica and fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, Gallimore won his last five bouts, all by knockout. The 29-year-old has fought professionally since 2014 and was unbeaten in his first 14 outings before losing a narrow split-decision last June. Gallimore will make his third start of 2016, looking to build off of his impressive performance his last time out that saw him stop then unbeaten Jeison Rosario in the sixth round.

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

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

Summer sizzles when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: MIGUEL COTTO VS. YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI AND REY VARGAS VS RONNY RIOS is seen SATURDAY, AUG. 26 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The doubleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

The main event features boxing legend and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico taking on Tokyo’s Yoshihiro Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight title contest. Making his 23rd appearance on HBO, Cotto has been a dominant force in the sport for more than a decade, and is seeking his sixth world title spanning four weight classes. Though he hasn’t fought since Nov. 2015, Cotto’s return opens up intriguing possibilities at 154 and 160 pounds.

Known for his brawling style, Kamegai brings high energy into the ring and boasts a 75% knockout-to-win ration. His last bout was a TKO victory over Jesus Soto Karass that followed their previous meeting, which ended in a split-decision draw when Kamegai suffered a cut over his right eye in the second round from an accidental head butt.

The opening bout features undefeated Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs), from Otumba, México, taking on top contender Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs) from Santa Ana, Cal. in a scheduled 12-round super bantamweight title contest. Defending his title for the first time since defeating Gavin McDonnell, Vargas will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time, and fighting outside Mexico for the fourth time. Making his first world title challenge, Rios is on a five-bout win streak following his only professional loss.

The doubleheader will be followed by the debut of the two-part behind-the-scenes series “24/7 Canelo/Golovkin,” which previews the Sept. 16 middleweight championship pay-per-view bout in Las Vegas.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

DETROIT (July 25, 2017) – On Friday, August 4, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields will make another significant stop on her historic journey through the sport of boxing.

In the 10-round main event of Salita Promotions’ “BATTLE OF THE BEST” event at MGM Grand Detroit and televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation (10;30 p.m. ET/PT) Shields (3-0, 1 KO) will challenge for her first world title in just her fourth fight against reigning WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler (16-0, 9 KOs) of Germany.

Already considered a national treasure and award-winning female role model, Shields’ boldly quick world-title quest will catapult her to superstar status and into boxing history once again. By comparison to other female boxing stars from past and present, Shields is way ahead of the curve for a typical rise through the ranks:
Laila Ali: Won IBA Super Middleweight title in her 12th pro fight
Christy Martin: Won WBC Jr Welterweight title in her 21st pro fight
Lucia Rijker: Won WIBF Super Lightweight title in her 9th pro fight
Regina Halmich: Won IBF Flyweight title in her 10th pro fight
Ann Wolfe: Won IFBA Jr Middleweight title in her 10th pro fight
Cecelia Braekhus: Won WBC Welterweight title in her 11th pro fight
Christina Hammer: Won WBO Middleweight title in her 8th pro fight
Holly Holm: Won IBA Super Lightweight title in her 11th pro fight

The historical significance of this fight is not lost on the 22-year-old Flint, Michigan native.

“It’s a great honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as Lucia Rijker, Christy Martin, Laila Ali and Ann Wolfe, among others,” said Shields. “I want to lift boxing to new heights and help open doors for women in boxing. Beating Nikki Adler is a must for me to achieve my goals.”

Shields’ co-manager, Mark Taffet, says this rocket ship to the top is all part of the plan set out for Shields. “We want every one of Claressa’s fights to occupy a special place along her historic journey. August 4 against Nikki Adler, and the opportunity to win a world title in just her fourth pro fight, is an important ‘first’ in what will be a career of game-changing firsts for Claressa Shields.”

In the night’s televised co-main, junior welterweight KO artist Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) will face undefeated prospect Sonny “Pretty Boi” Fredrickson (17-0, 11 KOs) over 10-rounds and to open the telecast, world-ranked super bantamweight Vladimir Tikhonov (16-0, 9 KOs) of Russia will face Texas slugger Jesse Angel Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs) over eight rounds.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $350, $250, $125 and $60. They are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

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 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

NEW YORK (July 25, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer three separate boxing presentations on Saturday, July 29, delivering two digital live streams preceding the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING televised doubleheader. The digital-only offerings will be available on Facebook Live and YouTube prior to the live SHOWTIME® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, as the network continues its unrivaled commitment to boxing.

The full day of high-stakes boxing will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with streaming coverage from Belfast, Ireland as 2016 Fighter of the Year Carl Frampton makes his long-awaited homecoming. The former two-division titlist Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) will face once-beaten Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) in a 12-round featherweight bout, his first since splitting a par of slugfests with three-division world titlist Leo Santa Cruz. Coverage of Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be provided by Channel 5, a television station in Northern Ireland.

SHOWTIME Sports will then deliver live coverage from Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT with “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims”. The two-fight live stream will feature former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) against Brooklyn native Jarrell Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs), plus the U.S. debut of female boxing star and Irish Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Taylor (5-0, 3 KOs). Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the live streaming fights from Brooklyn alongside former world champion Daniel Jacobs.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims and Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be available to U.S. audiences only.

The July 29 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a blockbuster matchup between two of boxing’s biggest stars as three-division world champion Mikey Garcia moves up to 140 pounds to face four-division champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator. The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims is an extension of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME, which is the first premium television series to offer live undercard coverage. Both offerings provide bonus bouts to viewers at home, delivering an experience that was previously available only to fans in arena. Via SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims, viewers are afforded the unique opportunity to interact with the boxing community during the event in real time.

SHOWTIME Sports also will live stream the Broner vs. Garcia final press conference on Thursday and the official weigh-in on Friday across digital platforms, including Facebook Live and YouTube.

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com

Philadelphia, PA—Junior lightweight Avery Sparrow, who insists on “meaningful fights” to boost his resume, finds himself in with another toughie when he boxes former four-time Canadian national amateur champion Joey Laviolette in the scheduled eight-round main event Friday evening, Sept. 8, at the 2300 Arena.

The Sparrow-Laviolette contest tops a nine-bout card which begins at 7.30 pm.
The 23-year-old Sparrow (right) is having a good year. In his last fight June 27 at the Sands Casino Bethlehem (PA), Sparrow scored two knockdowns and was knocked down twice himself while earning a unanimous six-round decision over previously unbeaten (6-0) southpaw Isaelin Florian, of the Dominican Republic. Earlier in 2017 at the 2300 Arena, Sparrow scored the fight’s lone knockdown while scoring an eight-round split decision over crosstown rival Anthony Burgin.
A pro since 2014, Sparrow is 7-1, 3 K0s, having lost only by disqualification (repeated low blows) to Jerome Rodriguez, of Allentown, PA, late in 2015 at the 2300 Arena.
Laviolette, 29, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is 6-0, 4 K0s, as a pro after a prolific amateur career in which he won 85 out of 111 bouts and was a member of the Canadian National Team from 2009 to 2011.
“It’s a big opportunity to showcase my skills against a good fighter,” Laviolette said. “This will be my first professional fight outside of Canada, but going to somebody else’s hometown to fight never bothered me as an amateur and I don’t think it’ll bother me as a professional.”
“I feel I’m right where I need to be at 6-0 and this is a perfect point in my career to have a true test against Sparrow.”
A pro since 2012, Laviolette (below left) has boxed twice this year against a pair of Mexican featherweights. He out-pointed Juan Manuel Benitez over four rounds and stopped Emmanuel Villamar in six. Both fights were in New Brunswick, Canada.
“I really don’t care how many amateur titles he (Laviolette) won,” Sparrow said. “For all I care, he could have gone to the Olympics and won a Gold Medal. But this in Philadelphia and I’m a Philadelphia fighter.”
The six-round junior middleweight semifinal features the return of Philly-Killer Roque Zapata, of Culpeper, VA. In two previous trips to the 2300 Arena, Zapata (4-1-3) has beaten local standouts Isaiah Wise and Fred Jenkins, Jr. This time he goes against Elijah Vines, of the Germantown section of the city, who is 4-0, 4 K0s.
Fighting unbeaten opponents in their hometowns is nothing new for the 21-year-old Zapata, who upset previously undefeated local hero Justin Steave (6-0) on June 24 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Vines represents the fifth undefeated fighter Zapata has faced, all on the road. The 22-year-old Vines stopped Harry Tyrone Paige, of Batesville, AK, in his last fight June 10 in Atlantic City, NJ. The fight with Zapata will be Vines’ first local appearance, having boxed twice in Atlantic City and twice in Bristol, PA.
Seven additional fights complete the Sept. 8 card. Among those featured will be Wise, welterweight Marcel Rivers and junior welterweight Victor Padilla.

ABOUT SEPTEMBER 8

The Sparrow-Laviolette contest tops a nine-bout card at the 2300 Arena. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets priced at $40, $50 and $75 are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and online at 2300Arena.com. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., BAM Boxing, Raging Babe and Joe Hand Promotions

DENVER – July 25, 2017 – The unprecedented showdown between legendary boxing champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and UFC® superstar “The Notorious” Conor McGregor will be broadcast live to U.S cinemas on Saturday, August 26. “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR” will feature a 12-round super welterweight contest that marks the first time champions from both boxing and MMA will meet in a sanctioned boxing match.

Fathom Events and Mayweather Promotions partner to give fans nationwide the opportunity to view undercard bouts and the unprecedented main event in movie theaters nationwide on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. PT/ 7:00 p.m. MT/ 8:00 p.m. CT/ 9:00 p.m. ET. The fight will originate from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and the event will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

“The buzz that my fight against Conor McGregor is getting has been great already, so what better way to watch this larger than life event than on the big screen?” said Mayweather. “We brought boxing back to movie theaters eight years ago and it was a huge success, but this event is on a different level and I’m so glad we are giving fans another way to see all the action. Grab your popcorn because this is a fight no one will want to miss.”

“I’m going to knock him out inside of four rounds,” McGregor said. “Mark my words…I don’t care about a ring or an octagon. Put me in there and I’m going to kick ass.”

Tickets for “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“Mayweather Promotions is very proud of its longstanding partnership with Fathom Events and we’re glad to be able to once again bring a Floyd Mayweather fight to movie theaters nationwide,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “If you can’t make it to T-Mobile Arena, but want to feel like you’re sitting singside, watching this mega-event on the big screen will be an experience fans won’t want to miss.”

“We are excited to once again partner with Mayweather Promotions and all promotional partners to be part of what is shaping up to be the most anticipated match up in years,” Fathom Events VP of Programming Kymberli Frueh said. “Since our first bout broadcast to cinemas, fans of boxing and MMA have come together and enjoyed a larger-than-life ring-side experience on the biggest screens around. This will certainly be one for the history books for fans and all involved.”

For artwork/photos related to “MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR,” visit the Fathom Events press site.

Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/UFC

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio César Chávez, Jr.,” concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series, inspirational events such as To Joey With Love and Facing Darkness, and anime titles such as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 897 locations and 1,387 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Team Sauerland are pleased to announce the signing of British cruiserweight prospect Mikael Lawal on a long-term promotional contract.

Based in Shepherds Bush and fighting out of Stonebridge Boxing Club, Lawall has claimed back-to-back first-round stoppages since joining the paid ranks in on April 22, 2017, and now signed with Team Sauerland, the 22 year-old has already set his sights on World domination.

‘’I’m really happy that Team Sauerland have given me this opportunity,’’ said Lawal. ‘’Words can’t really describe it. Coming from where I come from, people don’t usually get these kinds of opportunities so I’m going to grab it with both hands and make them proud. I want to repay them with a lot of success in the ring. I know I’m still young and I have a long way to go, but my plan is to dominate the cruiserweight division. I want to win all the titles!”

Describing his fighting style, Lawal says: ‘’I can box, I can fight and I’m definitely not boring to watch! I know I’ve got a big punch, but I’m not just looking for knockouts. I’m always looking to get the rounds in and get more experience, but if the knockouts come, they come!’’

Lawal is one of the success stories coming out of Stonebridge Boxing Club, which having been struggling for funding and close to closure in 2009, has since gone from strength to strength thanks to the financial support from Team Sauerland.

‘’We’ve had a relationship with Team Sauerland since 2009,’’ explains Stonebridge Boxing Club Director, Aamir Ali. ‘’Nisse Sauerland came to us after seeing a story in the newspaper about the gym closing down, and has supported us ever since. They’ve kept us going, they’ve kept us alive and they’ve been a big part of Stonebridge Boxing Club, and one of the products of this is Mikael.’’

Lawal is the first fighter from Stonebridge Boxing Club to turn professional, but insists he won’t be the last. ‘’I might be the first to turn pro at Stonebridge Boxing Club, but I definitely won’t be the last. There is so much talent in the gym, and I hope I can inspire others to follow in my footsteps,’’ he says.

Promoter Nisse Sauerland has expressed his delight at signing Lawal, and says he believes the young fighter can develop into a future World Champion.

‘’I’m very happy to welcome Mikael to the team,’’ said Sauerland. ”I’ve been keeping an eye on his progress over the past few years and I think we’ve found a very special talent. He has the power and ability to go a long way in this sport, and even more importantly the dedication and will to win. We plan to keep Mikael busy and get him as much experience as possible. He is still young and needs to develop, but with our support, I believe he can become a future World Champion.’’

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 18 Sports Emmy® Awards, will return for its 23rd multi-part boxing installment with 24/7 CANELO/GOLOVKIN, it was announced today by Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports. The two-part behind-the-scenes series follows two elite fighters – Canelo Alvarez and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin – as they prepare for their middleweight championship megafight title showdown Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

24/7 CANELO/GOLOVKIN debuts SATURDAY, AUG. 26 (midnight-12:30 a.m. ET/PT), immediately following the previously announced “World Championship Boxing” doubleheader that begins at 9:45 p.m. (ET/PT).

The show will also be available on HBO On Demand, HBO NOW, HBO GO and affiliate portals.

“The boxing world has eagerly anticipated this middleweight showdown between two of the best fighters and biggest stars in the sport,” said Bernstein. “We now get to present them and their preparations for this long-awaited encounter in the ring.”

Episode two of 24/7 CANELO/GOLOVKIN debuts one week before the high-stakes bout, on Saturday, Sept. 9 (1:00-1:30 a.m. ET/PT), immediately following the “HBO Boxing After Dark” tripleheader that begins at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT).

24/7 CANELO/GOLOVKIN will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as the fighters gear up in Southern California for their Las Vegas collision in the ring. Both men rank high on many pound-for-pound lists and have been dominant in the middleweight division.

Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is again holding camp with renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso. The 27-year-old phenom is coming off a dominant victory over fellow countryman Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in May and is on a seven-bout winning streak that has reinforced his elite standing in the middleweight ranks. His drawing power as the sport’s top pay-per-view attraction has been demonstrated both at the box office and in pay-per-view performance.

Gennady Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now living in Los Angeles, is training with the acclaimed Abel Sanchez. The undefeated 35-year-old has compiled an extraordinary knockout-to-win ratio of 89%, while only three of his fights have gone past the eighth round and only one has lasted the full 12 rounds. Golovkin’s dramatic ring style has transformed him into one of the sport’s brightest stars in a few short years and he has sold out arenas from New York to California.

Canelo’s fourth “24/7” appearance and Golovkin’s second, 24/7 CANELO/GOLVKIN is the latest installment of the acclaimed franchise that began in 2007. Among the most-honored sports series on TV, it was called “a masterfully entertaining reality show” by ESPN The Magazine.

“Canelo vs. Golovkin” will take place at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/5:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

The executive producer of 24/7 CANELO/GOLOVKIN is Rick Bernstein; senior producers, Dave Harmon and Bentley Weiner; producers, Harley Glantz, Abtin Motia and Christine Wilt; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

MMA heavyweight star Alexander Volkov recently spoke about the preparation of his teammate, Mikhail Zayats (22-8-0, M-1: 12-5-0), for his M-1 Challenge 82 main event fight vs. Marcus “Caveman” Vanttinen (24-6-0, M-1: 2-2-0), August 5, in Helsinki, Finland. This Q & A story appeared online at mixfight.ru.)

(L-R) — World-class Russian MMA fighters Sergei Kharitonov, Mikhail Zayats and Alexander Volkov from a recent training session

You have been training on the same team for so many years. How would you describe Mikhail as an athlete?

Volkov: “He works very hard as a fighter, completes all workouts to the end, and is among the last to leave the gym.”

What did you learn from him during sparring and training sessions?
Volkov: “How to work to the utmost extent, both in training and in combat. When I watch Mikhail train, he inspires me to work harder and not to be lazy.. We always have small competitions while training and we push each other to work even harder.”

Which of you is more helpful to preparing for battle?
Volkov: “When Michael had no fights, he helped me a lot, of course. In my training camp, he was like a wrestling coach, helping me work on physical exercises as well. I would say that during these last few years, he was more involved in my training than I was in his. But, now he has an upcoming fight and I’m fully involved in his preparations. Moreover, his future opponent is 6 ft. 4 inches tall. So, I imitate his opponent’s style to help Misha prepare for the fight.”

What prediction do you have Mikhail Zayats’ upcoming fight?
Volkov: “I personally hope for the best. I expect him to end his fight with a bright victory, by knockout or submission. Although this won’t be an easy fight for him because his last fight was a while ago (Feb. 28, 2014,). I know from my own experience that even a one-year gap between two fights can make it very hard to show your best fighting qualities. Mikhail has a huge motivation now. He is very hungry for battles and victories too. So, I’m waiting for the triumphant victory of Mikhail Zaytz.”

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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 200 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2017 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

LAS VEGAS – July 24, 2017 – September, 16th is a huge day for boxing in Las Vegas, with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez facing Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a must-win contest for the king of the middleweight division. As boxing’s elite descend on the Las Vegas Strip, the Raging Babes of Boxing will once again gather to network, laugh and bond over brunch.

This year’s event will be held at the Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill, with views of Mandalay Bay’s beach, and the unlimited mimosas that brunch attendees have come to expect over four years of Raging Babe events. More importantly, attendees will enjoy opportunities to meet and network with some of boxing’s top executives, most important behind-the-scenes players and inspirational women from across the industry.

The event continues to grow, with over 50 women attending the last brunch “New York, New York,” in 2016, and Raging Babe founder Michelle Rosado expects a full house for September’s brunch. Rosado settled on “Shine Bright” for the event’s theme. “Who shines brighter than the women of boxing,” said Rosado. “This event has grown to be so much more than a bunch of women sharing a meal. Experiences, talents and stories of heartbreak and triumph are shared at these events. They have come to mean a lot to the women working tirelessly to advance this sport of ours.”

As past events have done, Shine Bright will honor one of boxing’s most influential women with the Luminary Award. “I can’t wait to share our honoree’s story,” said Rosado, who indicated the award winner would be announced soon.

Shine Bright will benefit a cause close to Rosado’s heart – the recovery of boxer Prichard Colon. “Prichard has made some great strides in his recovery, but the fact remains that the therapy he needs, the medical expenses, the support that his family needs, doesn’t end. His family has sacrificed everything to help him get better, and he sacrificed everything to entertain us in the ring.” Rosado, along with boxing manager and entrepreneur Livvy Cunningham, created the Facebook group, “Pray 4 Prichard,” which has been a place for the Colon family to find encouragement and support via messages from boxing fans all over the world. A percentage of the proceeds from Shine Bright will benefit the Prichard Colon Foundation, which funds the hefty monthly insurance premiums that are essential to Colon’s recovery.

New York, July 24, 2017
Star Boxing will present another exciting supporting undercard this Friday July 28th to the Anthony “Showtime” Karperis- Louis Cruz main event for the acclaimed “Rockin Fights” series, at the Paramount in Huntington, NY.

The co-feature bout will be Brooklyn’s Dean “Bad Newz” Burrell (12-1 9KO’s) who returns to The Paramount in a scheduled 8 round Lightweight fight against tough veteran Carlos Osorio (13-7 5KO’s) by way of El Viejo, Nicaragua.

Burrell is making his second consecutive appearance at The Paramount, returning from a big time knockout of prospect Johnny “The Hitman” Hernandez March 24th of this year. Dean’s exciting style and power continue to develop, having KO wins in 9 of his 12 victories. He looks to improve on his winning streak of 11 straight verses the hard-nosed Carlos Osorio who had previously fought for the interim WBC Latino Super Flyweight Title.

In another anticipated undercard bout, undefeated Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James (4-0 2KO’S Elmont, NY) takes on Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-3-1 Hartford, CT) in a 6 round Welterweight match.

Tyrone James will be making his 4th straight appearance at the Paramount and is developing a large fan base due to the exciting fights he has made there. The undefeated boxer-puncher is coming off a decision win at the Paramount on March 24th over the very tough Quincy Brown. Tyrone James will need to bring his A-game when he takes on Alexander Picot who has fought highly regarded prospects in Richard Wiggins and Irving Torres. With Picot’s reputation for coming to fight, and James’ reputation for exciting bouts, this is shaping up to be yet another exciting battle at The Paramount.

Simon Saye (0-1 Newark, NJ) will have the honors of taking on pro debuter Abner Guadalupe of the Bronx, NY in a 4 round Super Welterweight contest. Guadalupe is managed by the former NY State Commissioner and current Sirius radio commentator, Randy Gordon, and promises to make his pro debut a successful one.

Opening the show will pro debuter Harrison Barba hailing from NYC who will face Rochester’s Sequan Felton a 4 round Super Featherweight match. Both fighters are looking to put a win on their pro records and matchmaker Ron Katz promises this fight will round out an exciting undercard at the Paramount.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had these comments about the undercard, “Ron Katz tells me he has put together a great undercard, which will bring extremely competitive and fan favorite fights from beginning to end. Unfortunately, because of the recent insurance and medical rules in place in New York, it has constrained our ability to put on more then 5 fights, but Ron promises that each bout will be sensational from the opening bell as become custom at The Paramount. We are proud that we have been able to keep these club shows from becoming extinct in New York.”

The main event features Hicksville’s Anthony “Showtime” Karperis (14-2 5KO’s Hicksville, NY) as he returns to The Paramount for the 14th time. This may prove his toughest battle to date as he fights against former NY Golden Glove champ Louis Cruz (11-3 5KO’s Bronx, NY) who will look to steal the show. This will be the 27th edition of Joe DeGuardia’s acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series.

Karperis is coming off a career best effort in his last fight stopping fellow prospect Scott Burrell on March 24th at the Paramount. Karperis has won 10 of his last 11 bouts, all at the Paramount and is following in the footsteps of Star Boxing’s Chris Algieri, Joe Smith, and Cletus Seldin, becoming the next big attraction developed at the Paramount. The Hicksville native has a huge fan base supporting him each fight and has steadily shown improvement from fight to fight. On July 28th Karperis will be taking on his most dangerous opponent to date in Louis Cruz.
Cruz, a former NY Golden Glove champion, a Bronx native, has never shied away from a challenge as he has taken on solid opposition throughout his career and knows he will have to be at his best when he takes on the exciting Karperis on July 28th.
Promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the July 28th main event “This is what New York boxing used to be like and is supposed to be like. Two young kids, one from Long Island, one from the Bronx, putting it on the line to try and further their careers. This is a good match-up and I expect another sellout at the Paramount– so get your tickets early”.
Tickets are $50 and up and are available now at Star Boxing 718 823-2000 or by going to www.starboxing.com, the Paramount Box Office 631 673-7300, or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000.
“Rockin Fights” are sponsored by Legacy Advisors, Montauk Iced Tea, Modell’s Sporting Goods stores, The Inn at Fox Hollow and Camelot Limousine.

LONG BEACH. Calif.
(July 24, 2017) – Former junior boxing prodigy and undefeated professional prospect, undefeated Junior “The Young God” Younan, will be showcased in the “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” co-feature this Saturday (July 29), airing (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary’s outdoor venue in Long Beach, California. The Queen Mary will be hosting its first pro boxing show.

The 21-year-old Younan (12-0, 9 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, takes on former USA California super middleweight champion Mike Guy (9-2-1, 5 KOs), of Sacramento (CA), in the eight-round co-featured event.

“This will be a coming out party for me,” Younan said. “I’m going to go out there and try to make a statement. It’s been a great start to the year – it’s my third fight this year – and I feel like I’m getting better and better each one.”

In the night’s 10-round main event, undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (11-0, 4 KOs), of New Haven (CT), squares off against former world title challenger William “Chirizo” Gonzalez (30-7, 26 KOs), of Nicaragua.

“KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2”, presented by Black Tree, is promoted by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC and Roc Nation Sports.

Fighting under the Roc Nation banner, Younan was a highly-decorated amateur boxer, compiling an outstanding 90-5 record. Given his success, Younan elected to turn pro in 2013 as an 18-year-old, rather than wait several years for an opportunity to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team.
Younan started boxing competitively as an eight-year-old and, only two years later, The New York Times crowned him a “boxing prodigy”. During his impressive amateur career, he collected several belts, medals and awards, including nine championship performances in the Junior Olympics as well as the Junior Metros, eight in the New York State Silver Gloves, and five more in the Regional Silver Gloves. He was also a four-time National Silver Gloves recipient, three-time Ringside World winner, three-time National PAL, and two-time National Junior Golden Gloves champion. In 2011, he was crowned the National Junior Golden Gloves champion, in addition to being USA Boxing’s No. 1-rated junior boxer in his weight class.

Nagging injuries somewhat curtailed Younan’s development, limiting him to one fight in 2015. After a nine-month layoff, he returned triumphantly on March 26, 2016 to defeat Cristian Solorzano, of Sonora, Mexico, on the Andre Ward vs. Sullivan Barrera undercard at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. With a win by way of a four-round unanimous decision, Younan improved his unblemished record to 8-0.

Three of Younan’s last four fights have ended in the opening round, including his most recent on June 17 on the Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev 2 undercard at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The Brooklyn bomber made quick work of the Hungarian veteran Zoltan Sera (28-14, 20 KOs) at the 1:39 mark.

“It was an amazing experience for me as a 21-year-old to fight in Vegas on Andre Ward’s card,” Younan added. “Coming off that knockout, I have great momentum and confidence heading into this fight. I can’t wait.”

California heavyweights Rodney Hernandez (10-5-2, 2 KOs), of Modesto, and Los Angeles’ Jonnie Rice (6-2-1, 4 KOs), a former Winthrop College (SC) basketball player, will open the televised segment of the card in a six-round bout.

Fighting on the undercard in four-round matches are Los Angeles featherweight Sergio “El Nino” Quiroz (3-0) vs. Lupe Arroyo (2-0), of Huntington Beach (CA), Whittier (CA) lightweight George Acosta (2-0), and pro-debuting welterweights Eric Gomez, of Santa Ana (CA), and Long Beach’s Raul Calderon.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

All tickets are priced at $60.00 and on sale to purchase by calling 949.760.3131.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.

INFORMATION:

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About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc. (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution. In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media.

ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS:
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company, which represents Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre Ward. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay, Leonard Fournette, Juju-Smith-Schuster, Isaac Rochell, Nick Kwiatkowski, Josh Hart, Dwayne Bacon, and Chris Boucher.

Paul Butler vs. Stuart Hall – eliminator for the WBA World Bantamweight title and rematch of their clash for Hall’s IBF crown in June 2014 which Butler won via split decision

Paul Butler: I am on the biggest platform for boxing now and I’m straight into the deep-end in a massive fight with Stuart. I think I can win in better fashion this time and end his career. The team around me is better now, I’m improving every day with Joe Gallagher and I don’t see that improvement in Stuart.

Stuart Hall: I’m over the moon to get the fight. I thought I beat Haskins and I should be champ, but that’s boxing, Our first fight I thought I won but he took the title, so now it’s my chance for revenge. This is the final push for me, if I lose this I think that my career is over, so that pressure on me should make for a great fight.

Rocky Fielding vs. David Brophy – Fielding defends his British Super-Middleweight title for the first time against Brophy, who puts his Commonwealth crown on the line (Brophy was unable to attend the press conference).

Rocky Fielding: Brophy is coming off a great win in Australia. I was his last spar for that fight and I know what he’s about. He’s a fit lad, he comes forward but I am confident that I’ve got the goods to beat him and he’ll bring the best out of me. I feel really fresh for this camp and I can’t wait for it.

Tom Farrell vs. Ohara Davies – unbeaten Liverpool man Farrell defends his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Hackney’s Davies, who is straight back into title action after his loss to Josh Taylor.

Tom Farrell: When you first start boxing these are the nights that you want to be in. He’s got to where he’s has by opening his mouth. This is a real 50-50 fight and he rubs people up the wrong way but he needs to know his place: I’m the champ, he’s the challenger and I’m at home. It’s going to be hostile in there and it will remind him of a few weeks ago in Glasgow.

Ohara Davies: These things happen, you win some and you lose some. I’m back in the gym already and I’m working hard. I’m used to getting stick wherever I go, I’m going to go in there and take his belt and that’s it. I did a lot of things wrong in the Taylor fight but I’m going to put that right. This is a must win fight and I will win, I need to get back to what I used to do, my mind wasn’t in the right place last time out but I’ve learnt from that.

Sean Dodd vs. Tom Stalker – Dodd defends his Commonwealth and WBC International Lightweight titles against Stalker.

Sean Dodd: I didn’t really want to fight him but this is a business. There were names out there that are tougher than him – Matty Fagan, Andy Townend – kids that are better than Tom. The pro game is about fighting and he cannot fight to save his life. It’s a tough fight, he was GB captain and he wants the fight so he thinks he can beat me easy. I get the credit from my fans and that’s all that matters to me. I will fight anyone to forward my career, and Tom’s next – he doesn’t respect me now but he will at the end of the night.

Tom Stalker: I will punch his head all over the ring. I will give him a rematch when I smash him. I’ve wanted this fight for a year and now we’ve got it. He’s got titles but I think he’s terrible. He wins because he’s awkward, but I will outbox him easily. I don’t rate him.

Natasha Jonas – Team GB Olympian from London 2012 makes her hometown bow as a pro in her second fight in the paid ranks: “It’s brilliant to be out in Liverpool and I can’t wait for all the fans to come out. They all supported me as an amateur and I am sure they will as a pro. It’s always nice to box at home, there’s added pressure but I love performing in Liverpool.”

Anthony Fowler – Team GB Olympian from Rio 2016 fights on home turf for the first time in his third pro outing against Irishman Jay Byrne. “I’m so glad to be fighting home now. It’s a good test and he’s been in with some top boys, but I’m going to knock him out, simple as that. The lad in Newcastle was no mug so for me to stop him was a good statement. I hit very, very hard for a Middleweight.”

Tickets go on sale at midday today (July 24) to Matchroom Fight Pass members via www.stubhub.co.uk priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 VIP

Tickets go on general sale at midday tomorrow (July 25) at www.echoarena.com and on 0844 8000 400 – with VIP tickets exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for September 30 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

ENDS

Paul Butler has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and will face bitter rival Stuart Hall in an eliminator for the WBA World Bantamweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on September 30, live on Sky Sports.

Butler took the IBF crown from Hall via split decision in May 2014 in Newcastle and now Hall gets the chance to gain revenge in the Ellesmere Port man’s backyard – with a route to the WBA belt that’s in the hands of Jamie McDonnell, who is set for his own rematch with Liborio Solis.

“I’m very happy to be teaming up with Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports on the biggest and best platform in boxing,” said Butler. “I’m craving those big nights and more World titles and I feel now I have the team in place to deliver that.

“I’m excited to be straight in a big fight against Stuart Hall on a rematch of our World title fight in Newcastle. The winner will be in place to fight the McDonnell v Solis winner and I plan on beating him in great style this time – I don’t expect him to hear the final bell.

“It’s a stacked card with some great 50-50 fights and I’m expecting to bring big numbers from my hometown for this must-win fight.”

A stacked bill in support of the main event sees Liverpool’s Rocky Fielding defend his British Super-Middleweight title for the first time against Scotsman David Brophy, who puts up the Commonwealth strap he won in fine fashion in Australia in March.

Controversial Hackney man Ohara Davies looks to get back to winning ways as he challenges Tom Farrell for the unbeaten local favourite’s WBA International Super-Lightweight belt.

Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth and WBC International Lightweight titles against former Team GB captain and Liverpudlian Tom Stalker.

Two more Team GB Olympians Anthony Fowler and Natasha Jonas fight on home turf for the first time in their second fights in the paid ranks, and there’s also action for Craig Glover.

Tickets go on sale at midday today (July 24) to Matchroom Fight Pass members via www.stubhub.co.uk priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 VIP

Tickets go on general sale at midday tomorrow (July 25) at www.echoarena.com and on 0844 8000 400 – with VIP tickets exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com
Face value tickets for September 30 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

24 July 2017 – Macao, China: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced three additional bouts to ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS, set for the Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macao on 5 August. The main event features ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes of Brazil who will defend his title against top contender Andrew Leone of the United States. In addition to the blockbuster headlining bout, Kairat Akhmetov will face Adriano Moraes to crown the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion in the evening’s co-main event. Also added to the card is Toni Tauru and Leandro Issa, who will be competing in a bantamweight contest, as well as middleweights Marcin Prachnio and Gilberto Galvão.

Kairat Akhmetov of Kazakhstan is undefeated inside the mixed martial arts cage. He boasts an unblemished 23-0 record over his six years as a professional. Akhmetov employs a devastating attack with power in both hands, as well as a tenacious wrestling game that overpowers his opponents. In Akhmetov’s last bout, he defeated top flyweight and former champion Adriano Moraes to capture the ONE Flyweight World Championship. Now, the two are set for a much-anticipated rematch in Macao.

Interim ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes had his initial title reign cut short, when he met Kairat Akhmetov in November of 2015, losing via split decision. It was a close bout, but Akhmetov’s wrestling proved difficult to handle, even for an athlete of Moraes’ caliber. As champion, Moraes was skillful and dominant, and was rarely opposed inside the ONE Championship cage. In his most recent bout, Moraes secured the Interim Flyweight World Title with a victory over Tilek Batyrov. The rematch with Akhmetov will determine the rightful owner of ONE Championship gold in a highly-anticipated title unification bout.

32-year-old Toni “Dynamite” Tauru of Utti, Finland, is a professional martial arts athlete competing in ONE Championship’s bantamweight division. He owns a record of 11 wins and five losses, including one draw, with eight of his wins coming impressively by submission. A feared grappling specialist, Tauru is a former European MMA champion and has shown an incredible ability to finish his opponents with high-level techniques. Now, Tauru is tasked to take on Leandro Issa.

Leandro “Brodinho” Issa is a 33-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion black belt from Sao Paulo, Brazil, who trains and competes out of the world-renowned Evolve Fight Team in Singapore. With a record of 13 wins and six losses, including nine wins by submission and one by knockout, Issa has proven to be an exciting competitor with a penchant for spectacular victories. A pioneer of ONE Championship’s bantamweight division, Issa returns to the cage to face Toni Tauru.

Marcin Prachnio is a Polish martial arts athlete with an impressive 12-2 professional record. He’s on a seven bout win-streak, including five wins by devastating technical knockout. He is currently unbeaten in ONE Championship, overcoming three tough challenges in Alexandre Machado, Leandro Ataides, and most recently, Jake Butler. Prachnio is now ready to make his return to the ONE Championship cage to stake his claim as one of the top contenders for the middleweight title. Prachnio’s next assignment is the veteran Gilberto Galvão.

Gilberto “Giba” Galvão is a 35-year-old martial arts veteran from Sao Paulo, Brazil, with extensive experience in the sport of mixed martial arts. A solid top contender at middleweight, Galvao has competed largely in Brazil and has compiled 29 total victories, more than half of which have ended in submissions. In his last bout, Galvao debuted for the promotion with a stunning victory over Japanese veteran Tatsuya Mizuno. The exceptional grappler is back and will take on Marcin Prachnio.

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 sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 128+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, Claro, Bandsports, HTV, Mediacorp, Premier Sports, OSN and more.

ORANGE, Calif. (July 23, 2017) – After suffering a draw and two split decision losses in his last three outings, featherweight Isaac Zarate (13-3-2, 2 KOs) got back on the winning track with a strong performance over recent world title challenger Carlos Carlson (22-3, 12 KOs).

Zarate opened up a lead in the closing seconds of the second round when he connected with a right hook that dropped Carlson.

“I knew I could beat him,” said Zarate after the fight. “I could tell my punches were wearing him out. I stunned him quite a few times.”

Throughout most of the 8-round fight, Zarate and Carlson eschewed defense, preferring to let the leather fly, much to the delight of the sold out crowd. Zarate kept his foot on the gas from start to finish. He landed strong shots in each round and as a result, Carlson never developed any kind of momentum. Scores: 78-73 all around.

Carlson is now winless in his last two fights. His previous loss, a stoppage defeat at the hands of WBC bantamweight champion Shinsuke Yamanaka in March.

In the “New Blood” 8-round co-feature, Cristian Ayala (12-1, 4 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico thoroughly dominated fellow countryman Pedro Melo (17-15-2, 8 KOs). Ayala peppered Melo with body shots early and often. Ayala was so focused on the midsection that he was deducted one point for a low blow in the seventh.

The point deduction, however, didn’t affect the final score, as Ayala won the lopsided decision 79-73 across all three scorecards.

Junior lightweight prospect Roberto Meza (8-0, 4 KOs) of Temecula, Calif. received a stern test from veteran Juan Sandoval (7-18-1, 4 KOs) of Bakersfield, Calif. Meza and Sandoval exchanged heavy shots throughout the four round fight, but it was Meza that landed the more telling blows.

Two judges scored the bout 39-37 for Meza, while one judge had it 39-37 for Sandoval.

Super bantamweight Mario Hernandez (3-0) of Santa Ana, Calif. protected his unblemished record by winning a unanimous decision (39-36 x3) against Larry Kloak (0-1) of Modesto, Calif.

In the third round, Hernandez landed a left hook upstairs that deposited Kloak on his back. Hernandez followed up with additional pressure in the following round to seal his dominating win.

Daniel Guzman (1-1) of Los Angeles tasted victory for the first time in his young career by outpointing Bakersfield’s Giovanni Noriega (0-1) through four rounds. Guzman, a bantamweight, threw a steady diet of jabs and power punches to sweep the decision win (40-36 x3).

Junior welterweight Wesley Diana (1-0, 1 KO) of Las Vegas barely broke a sweat in his professional debut. Diana knocked out the still winless Carlos Apodaca (0-5) of Mexico at the 1:04 mark of the first round. Diana landed a crushing body shot that sent Apodaca to his knees.

Diana is promoted by Top Rank and managed by former world champion “Ferocious” Fernando Vargas.

Thompson Boxing Promotions’ next show is slated for Friday, Aug. 25 from Omega Products in Corona, CA. A formal announcement is forthcoming.

Photo Credit: Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing Promotions

“New Blood” was presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.

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 Zarate, right, got back on the winning track Friday night in Ontario, CA

Isaac Zarate, right, dropped Carlos Carlson in the waning seconds of the second round

“New Blood” Co-feature: Cristian Ayala, right, cruised to a UD win over Pedro Melo

Cristian Ayala, right, lands against Pedro Melo

Prospect Roberto Meza, right, extended his unbeaten streak against Juan Sandoval

Roberto Meza, left, connects against Juan Sandoval

Mario Hernandez, left. remained unbeaten by outpointing Larry Kloak through four rounds

Mario Hernandez, left, lands against Larry Kloak Friday night from Ontario, CA

Daniel Guzman, right, defeated Giovanni Noriega by unanimous decision (40-36 x3)

Wesley Diana after his first round knock out of Carlos Apodaca Friday night

Wesley Diana started his career with a first round KO of Carlos Apodaca

INGUSHETIA, Russia (July 23, 2017 – Undefeated Movsar Evloev is the new M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion after he defeated defending champion Pavel Vitruk in the M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6 main event, last night in the Republic of Ingushetia.

The international MMA event – fighters represented 11 different countries — coincided with the 25th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ingushetia.

(L-R) — M-1 Global promoter Vadim Finkelchtein &
new M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion Movsar Evloev.

Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), who was the interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion, is a Russian fighter whose entire pro career has been in M-1 Global competition. Last night, he won a five-round decision over defending M-1 Challenge bantamweight titlist Vitruk (14-3-0, M-1: 8-3-0), the Ukrainian-born fighter who fights out of Russia.

Movsar Eloev (R) defeated Pavel Vitruk

In the co-featured event, Russian heavyweight star Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (26-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) continued his M-1 dominance, using an ankle lock to force Brazilian veteran Geronimo “Mondragon” Dos Santos (39-19-0, M-1: 0-1-0) into a submission.

Sergei Kharitonov (R) was too much for Geronimo Dos Santos

American middleweight Joe “Diesel” Riggs (44-17-0, M-1: 1-0-0), fighting out of Phoenix (AZ), won his M-1 debut in impressive fashion, using his ground-and-pound attack for powerful third-round knockout of Russian Samoilov (19-11-1, M-1: 10-6-0).

The M-1 debut of Canadian welterweight Spencer “Judge” Jebb (12-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0) wasn’t successful as Russian Ingishhan Ozdoev (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0) used a spinning wheel kick to KO Jebb midway through the opening round.

In the main card opening fight, Brazilian heavyweight Kleber “Orgulho” Raimundo Silva (14-7-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won a three-round decision over Konstantin “Lacplesis” Gluhuv (31-17-0, M-1: 2-6-0), of Latvia.

On the preliminary card, Russian welterweight Khamzat Sakalov (7-2-0, M-1: 6-0-0) took a decision from French welterweight Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kazakhstan bantamweight Arman Ashimov (9-2-1, M-1: 1-0-0) punched out previously undefeated Russian Gadzhimurad Aliev (6-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0) in the second round, and unbeaten Russian welterweight used knees and punches to stop Spaniard Alberto Vargas (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round.

Georgian light heavyweight Giga Kukhalashvile (7-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) knocked out previously unbeaten Nurbek Islailov (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan, in the first round on punches, while Russian welterweight Movsar Bokov (2-1-0, 2-1-0) took out Ukrainian Igor Onoprienko (1-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) with punches in the opening round.

Russian lightweight Alik Albogahiev (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and Georgian welterweight Amiran Gogoladze (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) both used first-round, rear naked choke holds to defeat their respective opponents, Russian Filip Narizhny (6-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) and Russian Ibrahim Sagov (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0).

Complete results below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Movsar Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), Russia
WDEC5
Pavel Vitruk (14-3-0, M-1: 8-3-0), Russia
(Evloev won M-1 Challenge bantamweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Sergei Kharitonov (26-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (2:13 – ankle lock)
Geronimo Dos Santos (39-19-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Joe Riggs (44-17-0, M-1: 1-0-0), USA
WTKO3 (0:24 – punches)
Dmitry Samoilov (19-11-1, M-1: 10-6-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS
Ingiskhan Ozdoev (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Russia
WKO1 (2:25 – spinning wheel kick)
Spencer Jebb (12-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Canada

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Kleber Raimundo Silva (14-7-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Konstantin Gluhuv (31-17-0, M-1: 2-6-0), Latvia

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Giga Kukhalashvili (8-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Georgia
WTKO/KO1 (0:59 – punches)
Nurbek Islailov (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

WELTERWEIGHTS
Khamzat Sakalov (6-3-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-6-1, M-1: 0-1-0), France

Akhmadkhan Ozdoev (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WTKO1 (2:45 – knees & punches)
Alberto Vargas (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Spain

Movsar Bokov (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia
WTKO1 (3:43 – punches)
Igor Onoprienko (1-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0, Ukraine

Amiram Gogoladze (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Georgia
WSUB1 (0:53 – rear naked choke)
Ibrahim Sagov (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Alik Albogahiev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (1:36 – rear naked choke)
Filip Narizhni (6-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS
Arman Ashimov (9-2-1, M-1: 1-0-0), Kazakhstan
WKO2 (1:08 – punch)
Gadzhimurad Aliev (6-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 200 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2017 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

Chris Weidman thrilled his hometown fans as he made Kelvin Gastelum tap from a choke in round three of their scheduled five round middleweight bout at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New Yor.

Weidman controlled most of the action save for getting drilled with a shot at the end of round one. Weidman dominated with seven takedowns and got Gastelum on the ground, and made him tap from a choke at 3:45.

Weidman, 186 lbs of Baldwin, NY is now 14-3. gastelum, 185.5 lbs of Yuma, AZ is now 13-3-1.

Darren Elkins won a split decision over Dennis Bermudez in a featherweight bout.

Elkins was cut under his left eye but was able to win on two cards by 29-28 scores. Bermudez won a card 29-28.

Elkins, 145.5 lbs of Portange, IN is now 23-5. Bermudez, 145.5 lbs of Lidenhurst, NY is now 16-7.

Patrick Cummins won a split decision over Gian Villante in a light heavyweight bout

Cummins was cut in round one from a headbutt that drew blood from his forehead on the left side. Cummins bled badly around both eyes as the fight progressed, but he landed the harder blows and took two cards by 29-28 tallies, while Villante took a card 29-28.

Cummins, 205.5 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is 10-4. Villante, 206 lbs of Bellmore, NY is 15-9.

In a battle of top-ten rated bantamweights, Jimmie Rivera took a unanimous decision over Thomas Almeida.

Rivera dropped Almeida twice in round one, and cut him on the nose and around the left eye.

Rivera, 136 lbs of Ramsey, NJ won by scores of 29-28, 30-26 and 30-27 and is now 21-1. Almeida, 135 lbs of Sai Paulo, BRA is 22-2.

Zaleski Dos Santos won a bloody split decision over Lyman Good in a welterweight bout.

Dos Santos took two cards 30-27, while Good took a card 29-28.

Dos Santos is 17-5. Good is 17-4-1.

Eryk Anders remained perfect as he stopped veteran Rafael Natal in the 1st round of their middleweight bout.

Anders landed a perfect kick to the face, and followed that up with two crushing left hands that put Natal down and out at 2:54.

Anders, 185.5 lbs of Birmingham, AL is now 8-0. Natal, 185 lbs is now 21-9-1.

Alex Oliveira scored a sensation one-punch knockout over Ryan LaFlare in the 2nd round of their welterweight bout.

Oliverira landed a perfect right hand as LaFlare ran in and the punch caught him flush on the jaw and he sprawled down face first and the bout was stopped at 1:50.

Oliveira of Tres Rio, BRA is nnow 18-3-1. LaFalre, 171 lbs of Farmingdale, NY is 13-2.

Chase Sherman won a unanimous decision over Damian Grabowski in heavyweight bout.

In round three, Grabowski was cut under his left eye.

Sherman, 241 lbs of Díbsville, MS won by scores of 30-27 twice and 30-26 and is now 11-3. Grabowski, 261.5 lbs of Opole, POL is 20-5.

Queens, NY (July 21, 2017) – Cruiserweight Armin Mrkanovic continues to try to uncover the injustice of his June 24th bout against Josh Himes.

Mrkanovic dropped a disputed unanimous decision to Josh Himes in Moundsville, West Virginia in a bout for the UBF All America’s title.

Not only does Mrkanovic dispute the decision, but members of Himes team also told Mrkanovic that they felt it worst it was a draw, and that Mrkanovic deserved to have his hand raised.

Despite many attempts to secure a tape of the fight, Mrkanovic was shut down by the promoter of the event.

That prompted an exchange on Facebook between Mrkanovic, Himes, the Promoter Tommy Wilson and UBF President Richard Spilotro

CLICK TO READ FACEBOOK CONVERSATION

Mrkanovic of Queens, New York is looking for an immediate rematch with Himes. His requests have gone silent from both Himes and his promoter.

“I don’t know why they keep protecting this guy Himes,” said Mrkanovic. “They won’t send me the tapes or even post it anywhere for the world to see, I am hoping that I can get the rematch, and I will show him who really deserved the victory on June 24.”

“They gifted him this belt. The two times he ventured outside of West Virginia, he lost. That says a lot about him. When I asked him for a rematch, he said he did not know if he wanted one because it was a war, and he does not want to go through that again.”

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE BANTWAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
Pavel Vitruk (14-2-0, M-1: 8-2-0), Champion, Russia 134 lbs. (61.1 kg)
vs.
Movsar Evloev (7-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), Interim Champion, Russia 134 lbs. (61.2 kg)

HEAVYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia 260 lbs. (118.8 kg)
vs.
Geronimo “Mondragon” Dos Santos (39-18-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 273 lbs. (124 kg)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 5 X 5
Joe “Diesel” Riggs (43-17-0, M-1: 0-0-0), USA 180 ½ lbs. (82.9 kg)
vs.
Dmitry Samoilov (19-10-1, M-1: 10-5-0), Russia 185 lbs. (84.7 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Spencer “Judge” Jebb (12-5-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Canada 167 lbs. (76.8 kg)
vs.
Ingiskhan Ozdoev (4-3-0, M-1: 3-3-0), Russia 167 lbs. lbs. (76.9 kg)

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Kleber “Orgulho” Raimundo Silva (13-7-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 218 lbs. (99.2 kg)
vs.
Konstantin “Lacplesis” Gluhuv (31-16-0, M-1: 2-5-0), Latvia 246 ½ lbs. (112.4 kg)

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Nurbek “Klitschko” Islailov (3-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Kyrgyzstan 202 ½ lbs. (92.4 kg)
vs.
Giga Kukhalashvili (7-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Georgia 202 ½ lbs. (92.8 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-5-1, M-1: 0-0-0), France 169 ½ lbs. (77.1 kg)
vs.
Khamzat Sakalov (6-2-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia 171 ½ lbs. (78.5 kg)

Alberto Vargas (4-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Spain 180 ½ lbs. (82.8 kg)
vs.
Akhmadkhan Ozdoev (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 185 lbs. (84 kg)

Igor Onoprienko (1-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0, Ukraine 167 lbs. (76.4 kg)
vs.
Movsar Bokov (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia 167 lbs. (76.4 kg)

Amiran Gogoladze (3-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0) Georgia, 167 lbs. (76.,9 kg)
vs.
Ibrahim Sagov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia, 169 ½ lbs. (77 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Filip Narizhni (6-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 152 lbs. (69.9 kg)
vs.
Alik Albogahiev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 152 lbs. (69.9 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Gadzhimurad Aliev (6-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 123 lbs. (56.7 kg)
vs.
Arman Ashimov (8-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Kazakhstan 123 lbs. (56.7 kg)

WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 2017

WHERE: Ingushetia, China

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 81: July 22, 2017 in Ingushetia, Russia
M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 200 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2017 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

INDIO, CA (July 21, 2017): As temperatures begin to swelter in Coachella Valley, so will the ring at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a true crossroads fight between Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (23-7, 7 KOs) of Riverside, CA and Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass (28-11-4, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico. The two will face each other in a 10-round make-or-break welterweight war on the August 4th edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, to air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 P.M. EST/6 P.M. PST. Doors to the action at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center will open at 4:00 p.m. PT.

Special guest and VIP of the night will be former three-time WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez (44-5, 32 KOs) who is revered for his series of four legendary fights against fellow Mexican compatriot, Rafael Marquez. Vazquez was also a longtime holder of the IBF, Lineal and Ring Magazine titles twice from 2005 to 2008. Vazquez will be in attendance for the fights and will be on site to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN broadcast begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

As chief support, heavy-hitter Vyacheslav “Lionheart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (18-1, 15 KOs) of Los Angeles will be up against rising Philly contender Todd “2 Gunz” Unthank-May (10-0-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title. “Chingonskyy” will be on the lookout to take back the light heavyweight belt he lost to Sullivan Barrera this past December.

Hoping to make TV, undefeated Niko “Baby Face” Valdez (5-0, 5 KOs) will face Jaime “Zarco” Solorio (7-3-2, 5 KOs) of San Quintin, Mex. in a six-round super middleweight bout in hopes to continue his impressive knockout streak.

In a six-round super welterweight bout, LA’s Marvin Cabrera (4-0, 4 KOs) will take a massive step up in competition with Esau Herrera (19-8-1, 10 KOs) of Tlaquepaque, Mex. Cabrera was last seen knocking out Quantavious Green at the prestigious 8th Annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” charity boxing event hosted by legend Sugar Ray Leonard this past May.

Riverside, CA’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (7-1, 7 KOs) will be fighting Durango, Mex.’s Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez (8-17-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round super flyweight match up. Known to bring the action, East L.A’s Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (10-0, 6 KOs) will participate in his first eight-round fight in a super lightweight bout against Durango, Mex.’s Angel Sarinana (7-6-2, 3 KOs). Opening up the night’s festivities and representing Palmdale, CA, Cesar Diaz (5-0, 4 KOs) will go up against Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-9-1, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, Mex. in a six-round bantamweight affair.

Herrera vs. Soto Karass, a 10-round welterweight fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, Born BOLD and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 9:00 p.m. ET/6: 00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 coverage of the undercard fights will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 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 and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

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

LOS ANGELES (July 21, 2017) – Tickets for closed circuit viewing in Las Vegas of the battle for middleweight supremacy between lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) will go on sale today, Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

“Closed circuit viewing is a phenomenal way to watch mega-events in Las Vegas like Canelo vs. Golovkin and provide an exciting, electric atmosphere that fans love,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort and Casino, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel and Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and go on sale Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Fred Loya Insurance, Fathom Events, Tsesnabank, and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 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.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @GGGBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @HBOBoxing, @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/GGGBoxing,
www.Facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @GGGBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @HBOBoxing; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

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

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of explosive Mexican lightweight Bryan “The Kid” Figueroa to a promotional contract.

Before turning professional in 2014, undefeated Figueroa (12-0, 5 KOs) had an accomplished amateur career in his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico. A highly skilled boxer with matinee-idol good looks, Figueroa is trained by Coach Joe Vargas at The Arena Gym in San Diego, California and managed by Gregorio Ambriz.

He joins an ever-growing stable of Sampson Boxing Mexican and Hispanic fighters that includes boxing’s hottest fighter, super middleweight top contender David Benavidez, former WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Hugo Ruiz, top super featherweight contender Jorge Lara, former multiple-time world champion Javier Fortuna, and WBC Latino welterweight Champion Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo.

“I am honored by this opportunity to join the Sampson Boxing stable,” said Bryan Figueroa. “It is my dream to be world champion and he is the promoter who can get me there. We have seen what he’s done for other fighters like David Benavidez and this is the right move for me. I will work very hard to become another of his champions.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says he has high hopes for Figueroa.

“Bryan is a good-looking fighter with world-class skills. He can make a big splash in the lightweight division with his star potential. I am happy he and manager Gregorio Ambriz have chosen to work with me and my company. I look forward to plotting out his road to the title.”

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.

Dynamite-punching Light-Heavyweight ‘Beast’ Anthony Yarde has gate-crashed the World Boxing Organisation’s Top Ten World Rankings.

It took the Ilford man just 2 minutes and 35 seconds to demolish his latest victim Richard Baranyi at London’s Copper Box Arena.

A huge right hand sent the Hungarian visitor sprawling and the follow-up attack persuaded referee Steve Gray to step in and end the contest.

Yarde was stunning again – mixing levels between body and head, the sound of leather on shuddering skin bellowing out around the ringside seats.

With the crunching win, undefeated Yarde claimed the WBO European Light-Heavyweight strap and a number eight ranking in the organisation’s World rankings.

“It did go completely to plan, the only thing that didn’t was I said I was going to stop him with a straight right hand,” he joked after his demolition job.

“I dropped him with one but he got up and I was a bit upset from that and that’s why I was aggressive after that.

“All of my hard work is paying off,” added Yarde. “I don’t put a time limit on anything. As I always say, everything is timing.

“Everyone knows that I only focus on myself. I still haven’t shown anywhere near my full potential, I’m looking forward to stepping it up now.

“I feel good, I feel healthy and I feel fit. I can’t wait to get back under the lights on September 16th.”

Full undercard details for September 16th, including confirmation of Yarde’s next opponent, will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Yarde’s next fight priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £250 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

DETROIT (July 21, 2017) – German WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler is hard at work for her Friday, August 4 title defense against two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields.

Adler (16-0, 9 KOs) will make the third defense of her WBC 168-pound title, and try to add the IBF Super Middleweight belt to her collection, against Flint, Michigan’s Shields (3-0, 1 KO) in the 10-round main event of Salita Promotions’ “BATTLE OF THE BEST” event at MGM Grand Detroit and Televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation (10;30 p.m. ET/PT)

In the night’s televised co-main, junior welterweight KO artist Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) will face undefeated prospect Sonny “Pretty Boi” Fredrickson (17-0, 11 KOs) over 10-rounds and to open the telecast, world-ranked super bantamweight Vladimir Tikhonov (16-0, 9 KOs) of Russia will face Texas slugger Jesse Angel Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs) over eight rounds.

Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions are on sale now and are priced at $350, $250, $125 and $60. They will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Adler says the only adjustment to fighting in the North America for the first time is to improve her English. And if she’s concerned about facing Shields, the only American to capture back-to-back boxing gold medals at the Olympic Games, she’s not showing it. She hasn’t even watched tape of Shields’ meteoric three-fight professional career. In fact, Adler and trainer Rene Friese are asking Americans not to take it personally when their hero falters against her.

How is training going?
It is going great! I work hard and I am very focused. My trainer is very satisfied with me and my progress. We entered training camp a few weeks ago, already had great tough sparring and I will be very well prepared to defend what’s mine: the green belt.

Did you prepare any differently for this fight compared to your others?
Yes, but it has nothing to do with Claressa. At the beginning of the year, I changed my trainer who brought me and my boxing skills to a new incredible level. I am better, faster and stronger. This feels amazing!

What do you think of Shields as a fighter?
To be honest, I’ve never watched her fight, but I am sure Claressa is a fighter from the bottom of her heart. So am I. This will create magic moments on August 4.

Does it make any difference to fight in North America for the first time?
Yes, because I need to improve my English. I speak German and Croatian fluently and will do my very best to thank Claressa personally for a great fight and to tell her without any translator that she can be proud that she took the challenge and one day she will be a champion too – maybe at middleweight.

What would a victory over Claressa Shields mean to you?
17-0

How do you feel about the recent resurgence of women’s boxing?
Our fight announcement rocked the media, the fans and lot of other boxers who want to be a part of the event. It is great to see and it will get better. But, just a warning, America needs to be strong when I take my belts back home to Germany. I said it once before and I will say it again and again: The higher the quality, the more attractive is the fight for the fans. The state of woman’s boxing needs tough woman like Claressa and me who are not afraid of a challenge.

How does it feel to be fighting on Showtime and in front of the world?
It is the biggest woman’s boxing fight in 2017. Winning is the only thing I’m concerned with.

What can the fans in Detroit and on television expect to see from you?
Fans will see a fit fighter, they can expect a tough puncher and, finally, a dominating reigning champion.

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 69 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, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren has announced further details of his plans for the new season ahead.

Boxing fans have been well catered for following the landmark deal between BT Sport and pioneering boxing channel BoxNation. A successful spring schedule delivered on both quality and entertainment value; and the new season promises to be even better.

On Saturday 16th September fight fans will be treated to a blockbuster World Title bill from London’s Copper Box Arena. Hatfield star Billy Joe Saunders makes the second defence of his WBO Middleweight crown against dangerous New Yorker Willie Monroe Jr.

lford Light-Heavyweight knockout king Anthony Yarde and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois will feature on an action-packed undercard.

Yarde picked up the WBO European strap and a number eight World ranking with a first round KO win over Richard Baranyi last time out at the Copper Box Arena while 19-year-old Dubois claimed the WBC World Youth Heavyweight belt in only his fourth contest.

Leeds Warrior Josh Warrington headlines in his home city again on Saturday 21st October, supported by the long-awaited Super-Lightweight British title clash between Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse and Chorley’s Jack Catterall.

Undefeated Warrington retained his WBC International Featherweight strap against Spaniard Kiko Martinez after twelve gruelling rounds last time out. Nurse and Hughes were ordered to meet for the British title in 2016 but the fight never materialised as Catterall has just switched trainers.

Bitter Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams will lock horns again on Saturday 28th October following their bloody war at the Manchester Arena back in April. Both men will be looking to settle the score after the controversial ending of their first meeting.

Social media exploded after their fight as fans called on promoter Frank Warren to match the foes together again. Smith and Williams are chomping at the bit to get at each other for a second time; with a shot at the WBO Super-Welterweight title on the line.

Full details of the above dates, as well as confirmation of opponents, will be announced at regional press conferences across the country in the coming weeks.