COMBATE AMERICAS ADDS KYRA BATARA VS. VANESA RICO ATOMWEIGHT GRUDGE MATCH TO “COMBATE CLÁSICO” ON JULY 27 IN MIAMI

NEW YORK – July 6, 2017 – Combate Americas today announced the highly-anticipated atomweight (105 pounds) showdown pitting grappling sensation Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (5-4) against Judo black belt Vanesa Rico (2-2) at the upcoming “Combate Clásico” 10-bout professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Miami, Fla., on Thursday, July 27, televised live on Azteca America and ESPN LATAM.

Tickets for “Combate Clásico” are on sale online at Ticketon.com.

Nearly six months after failing to make weight for her Combate 11 main event, the 22-year-old Batara (5-4) of Las Vegas, Nev., a protégé of jiu-jitsu legend Eddie Bravo, will risk her undefeated record in La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, at Miami’s Mana Wynwood venue, following a bitter rivalry that continues to intensify on social media.

“It’s no secret there’s bad blood between us and I am excited to ‘bring the heat’ to Miami and ignite a ‘Fight of the Night’ performance on such a grand stage,” Batara said. “Being from Las Vegas, I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.”

Making her U.S. debut, the 36-year-old Rico (2-2) of Alicante, Spain, holds a second-degree black belt in Judo and is a 13-year member of the Spanish national Judo team and former national freestyle wrestling champion. Her two professional MMA career victories to date both came by way of submission.

“I was really looking forward to fighting for Combate in February but unfortunately, Kyra robbed me of that chance with her unprofessional behavior by missing weight,” Rico said. “I hope that Kyra comes ready this time because I am very motivated to show the world who I am. I’ve waited so long now to get in the cage at Combate, it’s my time!”

The “Combate Clásico” live MMA event will join a nearly week-long extravaganza that begins with a match between marquee soccer clubs Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain at Hard Rock Stadium on July 26 as well as concerts, parties and other interactive events prior to “El Clásico Miami” on July 29.

The event will air live in the U.S. on Azteca America and live on ESPN LATAM in Latin America at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. It will also air the following night, Friday, July 28 on TV Azteca in Mexico. Additional matchups for “Combate Clásico” will be announced soon.

For more information on El Clásico Miami fans can visit elclasicomiami.com and internationalchampionscup.com.

# # #

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas, LLC. is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

ABOUT TV AZTECA
TV Azteca is one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, operating two national television networks in Mexico, El trece and Azteca 7, through more than 300 owned and operated stations across the country. TV Azteca affiliates include Azteca US, a broadcast television network focused on the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic market, and Azteca Web, an Internet company for North American Spanish speakers.

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA’S NETWORK
Azteca America engages Spanish-language viewers by creating unique, passionate and enlightening content that is relevant to the daily lives of our audience. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V. one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language content in the world, Azteca America complements its Mexican programs with an innovative lineup of shows from third-party producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for its audience. The company provides tailored, multi-platform advertising solutions for clients seeking to reach the most dynamic consumer group in the country.




SUPERFLY HEADS TO THE STUBHUB CENTER SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9!


LOS ANGELES, CA (July 6, 2017) Southern California’s iconic outdoor boxing venue, The StubHub Center in Carson, California, home to numerous legendary nights of action over the last decade, will play host to the highly anticipated “SUPERFLY” triple header set for Saturday, September 9, it was announced today by TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 PROMOTIONS.

Tickets for “SUPERFLY” will go on sale Tomorrow, Friday, July 7 at 12:00 p.m. PT and are priced at $250, $150, $100, $60 and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425. Doors will open on the night of the event at 3:30 p.m. PT with the first bell at 4:00 p.m. PT.

“Since we announced this extraordinary triple header a couple weeks ago, the fans have demanded it take place at their favorite venue for action, and we are excited to confirm the show will take place at the StubHub Center” said Loeffler. “We look forward to another magical night on September 9 for what many fans and media feel is the best card of 2017.”

“This event will be a little less than four years since we promoted the Gennady Golovkin vs. Marco Antonio Rubio fight at The Stubhub Center, one of the most remarkable evenings in recent years that broke the boxing attendance record and we look forward to another memorable event on September 9.”

“I have to give a great deal of credit to the six promoters I worked with to put this event together; Teiken Promotions, Nakornloung Promotion, Ohashi Promotions, Salita Promotions, Promociones del Pueblo and Zanfer Promotions. The cooperative spirit of all parties was the key in putting together this outstanding, world-class international card.”

“Additionally I’d like to thank the team at the StubHub Center and Dan Beckerman of AEG for their help in presenting this event.”

Televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT, “SUPERFLY” is headlined by the WBC Super Flyweight World Champion SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI, (43-4-1, 39 KO’s), of Si Sa Ket, Thailand, defending his title against former champion “ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ (46-1-0, 38 KO’s), of Managua, Nicaragua, in a rematch of their epic battle this past March.

On March 18, 2017, ‘Chocolatito’, universally recognized at the time as The #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World and holder of the WBC Super Flyweight Title, battled Srisaket Sor Rungivisai in front of a massive crowd at ‘The Mecca of Boxing’, Madison Square Garden.

Despite being dropped in the first round, the valiant ‘Chocolatito’ battled back in a brutal war that included a tremendous amount of hard-hitting from both combatants along with a number of head butts due to the aggressive styles of the orthodox champion and southpaw challenger.

Sor Rungvisai was declared the winner by controversial majority decision, 114-112, 114-112 and 113-113 in a fight that many believe to be the leading candidate for this year’s “Fight of the Year.”

The World Boxing Council (WBC) ordered an immediate rematch so there would be no question who their champion would be.

Co-featured on the outstanding “SUPERFLY” card is the highly anticipated United States debut of NAOYA “THE MONSTER” INOUE, (13-0-0, 11 KO’s) of Yokohama, Japan defending his WBO Super Flyweight Title against top contender ANTONIO “CARITA” NIEVES, (17-1-2, 9 KO’s) of Cleveland, Ohio.

The 24-year-old Inoue is among the most popular fighters in Asia, having already made five defenses of his WBO Super Flyweight Title he earned following his second round knockout of Omar Narvaez on December 30, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan.

Earning his nickname, “The Monster” from his heavy handed knockouts, Inoue is seeking to grow his fan base from the huge Asian community of U.S. based boxing fans.

Inoue kicked off his 2017 campaign with a third round stoppage of Ricardo Rodriguez on May 21 in Tokyo, Japan.

Fighting out of Cleveland, Ohio, Nieves will be looking to join the long history of world champions of Puerto Rican heritage. Undefeated through the first six years of his professional career, Nieves suffered his first loss very controversially, losing a 10-round split decision to Nikolai Potapov on March 10 in Detroit, Michigan.

Opening the telecast, former WBC Super Flyweight World Champion CARLOS “PRINCIPE” CUADRAS, (36-1-1, 27 KO’s)) of Mexico City will battle fellow rival countrymen and former flyweight world champion JUAN FRANCISCO “EL GALLO” ESTRADA, (35-2-0, 25 KO’s) of Sonora, Mexico in a 12-round WBC Super Flyweight Title Eliminator.

In a 2016 ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, former WBC Super Flyweight Champion Cuadras would lose for the first time in his eight-year career on September 10, 2016 by unanimous decision to Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez. Fighting furiously over the course of the twelve epic rounds in front of a huge crowd at The Fabulous Forum, Cuadras would come up just short on the scorecards losing by unanimous decision.

Most recently, Cuadras won a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over fellow Mexican David Carmona on March 18, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

A former unified flyweight world champion, Estrada is best known for his action packed 12-round battle with Roman Gonzalez on November 17, 2012 in Los Angeles, losing a very close decision. Estrada also holds wins over former world champions Brian Viloria, Giovani Segura and Hernan Marquez.

The StubHub Center is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson CA, 90746 on the campus of California State University – Dominguez Hills. For directions and further information please visit their website at www.StubHubCenter.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Hashtag: #SuperFly

TWITTER:
@ChocolatitoBox
@CuadrasOficial
@GalloEstradaOficial
@TomLoeffler1
@HBO
@HBOBoxing
@StubHubCenter




JARRELL “BIG BABY’ MILLER RETURNS TO NATIVE BROOKLYN TO FACE FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER GERALD WASHINGTON ON BRONER vs. GARCIA UNDERCARD AT BARCLAYS CENTER ON JULY 29


NEW YORK (July 6, 2017) – Consensus top-10 heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller will make his hometown debut just down the block from where he was born when he faces former world title challenger Gerald Washington at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING, after an 11-month hiatus.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound undefeated Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs) will meet dangerous heavyweight contender and former college football player, Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, July 29. Highlights of Miller vs. Washington will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), part of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader headlined by Adrien Broner and Mikey Garcia.

Jarrell Miller is promoted by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Big Baby Promotions.

The confident and hard-hitting Miller has knocked out seven consecutive opponents since his pro debut in 2009. Following a voluntary layoff due to contractual disputes, the 28-year-old former professional kickboxer will take a step up in opposition when he faces Washington, a U.S. Navy veteran who challenged heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder earlier this year in a hard-fought bout.

“The day has been set and it can’t come soon enough,” said Miller. “Fighting is my life and being able to make my debut at Barclays Center is beyond monumental. This will be a night to remember for me, my family and for the fans.”

“Jarrell Miller is the heir to the heavyweight championship throne,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Like the great American heavyweights from Brooklyn, Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe, Jarrell has the skills and charisma to be the face of the heavyweight division. Following in their footsteps I believe he is the next boxing superstar from the world famous borough.”

Ranked No. 5 by the WBO and No. 7 by the WBA and IBF, Miller earned three stoppage victories in 2016, including a third-round TKO over veteran Fred Kassi in his 2016 headlining fight on ShoBox: The New Generation, where he landed 57 percent of his power shots.

“I’m a born, bred fighter,” Miller continued. “I’ve been fighting since Day 1. I’m good at everything – damn good at everything. I can box, I can slug, and I bring the pain. Every time I go into a fight, I look for the knockout. I’m fast, I’m powerful, and I’ve got a big damn mouth.”

Charismatic and eloquent with an outspoken affinity for cheeseburgers, Miller doesn’t hesitate to dole out trash talk, especially when it comes to his opinion on the state of the heavyweight division and its big names.

“The heavyweight division is gaining momentum overseas but it’s still wide open,” Miller continued. “Big Baby Miller has arrived to stay. I will shake up the division by turning it upside down and I will put not just my beloved hometown of Brooklyn on the map, but the entire United States of America.”

The 6-foot-6 Washington, 35, is a well-rounded athlete from Vallejo, Calif. who turned to pro boxing in 2012. He played football under Pete Carroll and Steve Sarkisian at University of Southern California and was part of the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks practice squads before turning to boxing. Washington holds victories over experienced one-time Wladimir Klitschko foe Eddie Chambers and veteran Ray Austin. He will be making his East Coast debut on July 29.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to personally welcome Big Baby Miller to big-time boxing,” said Washington. “Big Baby Miller has done a lot of talking, I’ll be looking to stop that talking from the moment the bell to start the fight rings.”

# # #
ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia, a 12-round super lightweight bout that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29. In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo meets Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a 12-round middleweight world title eliminator bout. The doubleheader will take place at Barclays Center, home of BROOKLYN BOXING® and will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the undercard, Jarrell Miller meets Gerald Washington in a 10-round heavyweight bout. The event is promoted by promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Charlo vs. Heiland bout is promoted in association with TGB Promotions.

Tickets to the event, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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




“Cancun Boxing” This Saturday night at 8 p.m. and 12 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network

CANCUN, Mexico (July 6 2017) – The third installment of the 2017 “Cancun Boxing” series, presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Star Sports & Entertainment, will air this Saturday night (July 7) in North America, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network. An encore presentation will follow at 12 p.m. ET.

The event took place this past June 3rd at Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, which hosts all series events.

Former IBF/WBO Minimumweight World Champion Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, Jr. (22-4-1, 14 KOs) fought late replacement Rolando “El Duende” Gusman (15-3, 9 KOs), of Argentina, in the 12-round WBC Flyweight World Title Eliminator. Rodriguez’ original opponent, “Lil” Oscar Cantu (14-1, 1 KO), was injured in a car accident only days before the scheduled event.

Rodriguez, 23, won his first world title in 2014, stopping previously unbeaten Merlito Sabillo (23-0-1), the defending WBO minimumweight title fight in Mexico, in the 10th round. Later that same year, Rodriguez successfully defended his WBO crown with a 12-round unanimous decision over IBF minimumweight title holder Katsunari Takayama (27-6) to become unified world champion. Rodriguez vacated both titles in late 2014.

The 23-year-old Rodriguez unsuccessfully challenged WBA Light Flyweight World Champion Donnie Nietes (35-1-4), the reigning IBF flyweight world champion, dropping a 12-round unanimous decision.

Rodriquez, 2-1 in world title fights, is 2-3 vs. past world champions, including the only knockout loss of his career, in 2015, to Roman “Chocolalito” Rodriguez (35-0), the future “Pound-4-Pound King” from Nicaragua.

Gusman is a former Interim WBO Latino Super Flyweight and WBA International bantamweight title challenger.
The eight-round co-feature is a female featherweight rematch between Mexican rivals Jack Calvo (10-2-1, 1 KO) and Yesenia “La Nina” Gomez (13-4-1, 6 KOs). The two fought to a six-round draw this past April on a Cancun Boxing card.

The televised opener is an eight-round, non-title fight between a pair of Mexican lightweights, WBC Latino champion Francisco “Paquito” Rojo (19-2, 12 KOs) and Mexican Pacific Coast titlist Jesus “Kiligua” Velazco (13-9-2, 5 KOs).

CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com

INFORMATION

Twitter: @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @NeonstarSE

Instagram: @pepegomez1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532

About Pepe Gomez: The first promoter in Mexico to bring together 100 world champions of all time in a night of stars called, NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS, on March 8, 2008, conducted in partnership with Don King’s first heavyweight fight in Mexico, where champions Oleg Maskaev, of Russia, faced Sam Peter, representing Nigeria, resulting in the Peter winning the WBC heavyweight title. He later defended and lost his title in Berlin to Vitali Klitschko. In his career as a promoter, Pepe Gomez has organized more than 1,000 boxing matches and other disciplines in contact sports, including MMA and Luca Libre. One of Pepe’s most important gratifying achievements is to have participated with Jose Sulaiman former president of the WBC at the 50th WBC convention where Muhammad Ali was given the honorary crown and green belt as all-time King of the Boxing World. Pepe Gomez has made many of these important and historical events possible from the wonderful vacation territory of Cancun, Mexico.

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. REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.

About Grand Oasis Cancún: Grand Oasis Cancun is a beachfront, all-inclusive resort and spa with an on-site 9-hole golf course that is perfect for the entire family! The Grand Oasis Cancun is only 25 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown Cancun. Grand Oasis Cancun is Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort. Grand Oasis Cancun is distinguished by the grand pyramid structure as the center point of the property with 613-rooms in the center pyramid, and two additional buildings. Under an impressive crystal cupola the lobby of the hotel is characterized by its hanging plants and exotic gardens.




FITE TV to stream Rizin Fighting Federation World-Grand Prix 2017 action

NEW YORK CITY (July 6, 2017) – FITE TV has announced it will stream Rizin Fighting Federation World Grand-Prix 2017 action Sunday, July 30, starting at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT (Saturday, July 29), live from Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features MMA, boxing and wrestling programming. FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv/v/2kfjw, on their mobile device or their WIFI connected television using the FITE app. The FITE app may be downloaded for free at Google Play or the ITunes app store.

The July 30th Rizin Fighting Federation (RFF) event, scheduled to feature 11 exciting fights, is available to watch on the FITE app and website for a suggested price of only $19.99.

“We are thrilled to be the exclusive digital distributor for the Rizin World Grand Prix,” FITE TV COO Michael Weber said. “This will be our second live event from Rizin and we are looking forward to seeing their exciting brand of action and presentation. This event continues our commitment to bringing the best of Asian combst sports to FITE TV viewers.”

Eight women fighters will be part of the loaded July 30th RFF card, headlined by the opening round of RFF Grand-Prix 2017, welterweight division, including former UFC title contender Kyoji Horiguchi (19-2-0) vs. Japanese fan-favorite Hideo Tokoro (34-9-2), former UFC standout Anthony Birchak (13-4-0) vs. DEEP Bantamweight Champion Takafumi Otsuka (22-13-2), and heavyweight standout Amir Aliakbari (6-1-0) vs. Bellator and WSOF veteran Tyler King (12-5-0).

No. 1 ranked female MMA heavyweight and multiple Jiu Jjitsu world champion, Gabi Garcia (4-0-0), takes on four-time Russian National Boxing champion Oskanda Gagloeva, who will be making her pro debut. The 5′ 9″, 225-pound Gagloeva will be the most accomplished striker Garcia has ever faced.

RFF has been putting emphasis on its women’s division, welcoming new talent in their professional debuts, such as San Francisco-native Shimju Auclair against Sheena Star, of Michigan.

Bantamweight Grand Prix
(opening round, bracket A)

Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Hido Tokoro
Anthony Birchak vs. Takafumi Otsuka
Keita Ishibashi vs. Khalid Taha

(Super Fights)

Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Kizaemon Saiga
Miyouu Yamamoto vs. Cassie Robb
Satoru Kitaoka vs. Yuseke Yachi
KING Reina vs. Seini Draughn
Amir Aliakbari vs. Tyler King
Teodoras Aukstuolis vs. Karl Albrektsson

(all fights and fighters subject to change)

MMA fans may watch the entire RFF card simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world iOS an d Android-devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.

Additional PPV fights are scheduled on FITE TV on a weekly basis.

ATTENTION WEBMASTERS

To become a FITE TV affiliate and earn $1.00 per download, put the video player on your website, and simply add this line of embedded code:

INFORMATION:
www.fite,.tv
Twitter: @FiteTV
ABOUT FITE TV: FITE TV (www.fite.tv) is a programming network that brings live and on-demand ring sports programs to MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling and boxing fans around the world. With only access to a smartphone and a connected TV, with the FITE app, viewers can watch live events, on-demand programming, interviews and fighting sports related movies and documentaries on the big TV screen.

FITE TV has worked with the leading combat sports promoters in the world including Golden Boy Promotions, Sauerland Boxing, Ring of Honor Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, Professional Fighters League, Rizin, Max Muay Thai and others.

FITE TC is a full-fledged TV programming network, FITE televises live pay-per-views and TV tapings on a weekly schedule.

FITE was launched on February 9th, 2016 as a product of Flipps Media Inc, a company that brings digital entertainment content (movies, news and video) on television with its patented tap-to-stream functionality. Flipps Media Inc. is funded by EarlyBird Venture Capital, Tim Draper and LAUNCHub.




ONE CHAMPIONSHIP POSTS IMPRESSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH FOLLOWING MYANMAR EVENT

06 July 2017 – Singapore: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), hosted a blockbuster event in front of a packed Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar last Friday, 30 June, posting record-high social media growth statistics. ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION saw Myanmar crown its first ever world champion in any sport, electrifying a raucous crowd cheering on its new champion in front of a global audience.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship stated: “The atmosphere in Yangon was absolutely incredible. It was an emotional moment for our new world champion, and an amazing achievement for the nation of Myanmar. Broadcast to millions of people all around the world, ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION was a magical evening of authentic martial arts action, true warrior spirit, and unbridled bravery.”

For the night of 30 June, ONE Championship posted record-breaking social media numbers, enjoying another sharp acceleration of its audience reach, scale, and engagement numbers. The organization gained more than 80,000 new fans on the evening — a four hour affair that featured nine spectacular martial arts bouts including the blockbuster main event. The overall social media statistics registered 5.4 million video views on the day, including over 3.2 million video views with 80 thousand shares for the main event recap.

In data sourced directly from Nielsen, Facebook and Repucom earlier this year, ONE Championship continues to experience exponential growth for 2017.

ONE has catapulted its video view numbers from 312 thousand video views in 2014 to a whopping annualized rate of 600 million video views for 2017 (based on actual results from the first half of 2017). Other key metrics across social media and TV broadcast registered similar exponential growth rates.

Furthermore, the annual TV broadcast per country and the peak TV ratings share numbers have increased dramatically based on the data. From an average of just 12-18 hours of TV broadcast in 2014, ONE has increased that number to 100-2800 hours. It has also seen its peak TV ratings share spike to 11-26% from 1-2% just three years ago.

ONE Championship has posted three blockbuster events in a row as of current, with Manila’s ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, Singapore’s ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, and now Yangon’s ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION, with each event garnering record-breaking numbers in the country of origin. As the promotion hits the next gear in the second half of the year, it is poised to continue this blistering pace beginning with shows lined up for Surabaya, Macao, and Kuala Lumpur.

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 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.




Robert Guerrero Training Camp Quotes


GILROY, CA. (July 5, 2017) – Former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is hard at work preparing for his main event showdown with unbeaten Omar Figueroa that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a matchup of unbeaten light heavyweights Marcus Browne and Seanie Monaghan plus an all-Polish heavyweight showdown between Artur Szpilka and Adam Kownacki.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

See below for what Guerrero had to say about training camp, his July 15 showdown and more:

On his recent training camp:
“I feel great going into this fight. Me and my dad have been working really hard on all aspects of my game. I hired a new CrossFit coach, Greg Amundson, and he’s gotten me in great shape. Everyone will see an improvement in my all-around game. With my back against the wall going into this fight, I did everything possible in camp to be ready for Figueroa.”

On facing another undefeated fighter in Omar Figueroa:
“I’m always looking to battle the best possible fighters out there and Omar Figueroa is no different. He’s undefeated and looking to take his career to the next level but I have other plans. Figueroa has a come forward style that I’ll be prepared for. Stylistically, we both like to go for it so fans should expect to see a lot of hard shots being thrown in this fight. It’s going to be a war.”

On fighting in front of a national TV audience on FOX & FOX Deportes:
“Fighting on FOX and FOX Deportes again is going to be incredible and I can’t wait to let my hands go and give the fans the entertainment they deserve. This fight is going to be one those fights where everyone will be on the edge of their seat. The fans deserve to see non-stop action from the opening bell, and this is going to be that type of battle. Everyone tuning in will witness a great action-packed fight.”

On traveling to New York to fight in front of the east coast fans:
“This will be my second time fighting on the east coast. The fans out there love boxing so I’m expecting a rowdy crowd. I love that we are fighting on neutral territory. I just want to put on a great show and come out victorious with my hands raised.”

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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, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.




“The Bosnian Prince” Armin Mrkanovic gets robbed in West Virginia


Queens, NY (July 5, 2017) – On June 24th, cruiserweight Armin Mrkanovic went into his UBF All-Americas title bout with Josh Himes, thinking that even though he was fighting in his opponent’s home territory of Moundsville, West Virginia, that he would receive a fair shake.

That was not the case as most ringside observers believed that Mrkanovic should have come out with the verdict, but instead it was Himes who came out with the unanimous decision by scores of 77-75, 79-73 and an inexplicable 80-72 tally.

“Before the fight, I knew I could and would beat him easily. Before the fight, i was told that my wife got stuck on the road on her drive to West Virginia, and I can admit that I lost the first two rounds,” said Mrkanovic. “I then clearly won five of the next rounds, so for those two judges to give zero and one round shows that something was not right with the fight.”

Mrkanovic claims that even Himes’ team agreed that wrong man had his hand raised.

“After the fight was over, his trainer apologized to me, and admitted the fight was at worst a draw, but said that I should have won the fight. The two other cornermen echoed the same sentiments.”

Mrkanovic wanted to view the fight for himself, but has received pushback from the local promotion.

“I asked for a copy of the fight, and the promoter has refused to show me. He did not want to share for fear that I would be able to look at what happened. It would have done two things, I would have even a more clear argument plus if there is a rematch, I could further expose Himes’ flaws and be even better the next time around. It is funny, I was told that there a handful of people filming it to Facebook Live, but mysteriously those videos are gone. The President of the UBF requested the video, and he can’t even view it.The local paper only mentioned the result of the fight, but made other fight’s more prominent in their story. I was lucky that I was able to download one of those copies to my phone. I am able to view it, but because the original copy is erased, it is not shareable.”

“My team is working on out options on what we can do about this miscarriage of justice.”




Amazing LA Coliseum MMA Show This Saturday, Save $10

In what could be the most amazing looking Mixed Martial Arts show layout ever, the Inaugural Coliseum Gladiator MMA Championship Series kicks off this Saturday night July 8th at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with eight big Semi Final bouts featuring some of the top young MMA fighters that Southern California has to offer and fighting in the shadow of the iconic Olympic rings and cauldron.

The first ever Southern California mixed martial arts show that will span four months and award eight Championship Belts is one MMA show fans don’t want to miss at the Greatest Stadium in the World.

Eight winners from this Saturday night show advance to the Championship Round on September 23th so fans can be assured of great MMA action at all eight bouts.

With the cage set up on the Peristyle Plaza end of the Coliseum and centered just in front of the center arch with the Olympic Rings and Cauldron overlooking all the action, the 1,400-seat venue will give fans access to a Plaza Park with specialty foods, a cigar lounge and the entire Coliseum will shine as the massive Coliseum video board will be lit up.

Reserve seat tickets are priced at $40 and $50 and can be purchased at www.coliseumgladiatormma.com. To get your $10 discount go to www.coliseumgladiatormma.com and click on Special Discount Offer and use code….COLMMA.

Coliseum gates open at 6pm with all the action beginning at 7pm.




POUND-FOR-POUND STAR VASYL LOMACHENKO RETURNS TO BOXNATION ON AUGUST 5TH WHEN HE FACES KNOCKOUT KING MIGUEL MARRIAGA


LONDON (5 July) – Pound-for-pound contender Vasyl Lomachenko will defend his WBO super-featherweight world title exclusively live on BoxNation against Miguel Marriaga on August 5th.

The two-division world champion and one of boxing’s hottest talents will take on top-10 rated Marriaga from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Following his ninth-round stoppage of former WBA super-featherweight world champion Jason Sosa in April, Lomachenko will be looking to impress once again against the big-punching Marriaga.

The Colombian has knocked out 21 opponents in his 25 wins, with his only two defeats coming in world title challenges against the highly-touted Oscar Valdez and the tough Nicholas Walters.

Taking on Ukraine’s Lomachenko he faces a two-time Olympic gold medalist, with a decorated amateur background, who has transformed that pedigree into the elite ranks as a professional.

Known for his exceptional footwork, timing and speed, the 29-year-old won his first world title in just three fights before adding his current WBO strap to the list in 2016 when he knocked out Puerto Rican ace Roman Martinez in five rounds.

That win was quickly followed by one of his most impressive to date when he totally dominated the much-feared and previously undefeated ‘Axe Man’ Walters, forcing him to quit on his stool after the seventh round.

30-year-old Marriaga will be looking to derail Lomachenko’s future plans by upsetting him next month, in a bout that can only be seen live on ‘The Channel of Champions’ as part of BoxNation’s exclusive output deal with promoters Top Rank.

“We are delighted to once again showcase the extraordinary talent that is Vasyl Lomachenko,” said Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director. “He is without doubt one of the best pound-for-pound talents in the world and we are pleased to be able to broadcast his fight with Miguel Marriaga exclusively live in the UK and Ireland on BoxNation. There are very few fighters in the world with his skill set but in Marriaga he takes on a knockout artist who will not back down. It’s an intriguing world title matchup and one BoxNation subscribers can look forward to watching exclusively live next month.”

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




Samuel Vargas vs. Ali Funeka Headlines “Face Off” in NABA title fight Aug. 19 in Brampton, Canada


TORONTO, Ontario, Canada (July 5, 2017) – North American Boxing Association welterweight champion Samuel Vargas has been on boxing’s biggest stage and he’s determined to prove that he still belongs there.

The 28-year-old Vargas (27-3-1, 14 KOs) steps up in one of the most significant fights of his career, August 19, as he defends his NABA title against three-time world title challenger Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka (39-6-3, 31 KOs) in the main event of Lee Baxter Promotions’ (LBP) second event at the Brampton Powerade Centre, “Face Off”, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
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Vargas-Funeka is inarguable one of the highest-level bouts to be staged in Toronto in several years.

“Sam is still at a stage in his career where he’s improving and to challenge a guy who’s been a world title contender for the better part of a decade shows that he’s still hungry and still wants to test himself,” promoter Lee Baxter said.
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The tough-as-nails Vargas, who fights out of Toronto, is riding the momentum of a dominant win by 10-round unanimous decision over Armando Robles (31-5-2, 18 KOs), at LBP’s first Powerade Centre event this past March, as well as a homecoming victory for Colombia-native’s fifth-round knockout this past May over former world title challenger Marco Antonio Avendano (30-10-1, 22 KOs).

An impressive victory over his battled-tested South African opponent will certainly re-position Vargas in the world boxing scene, where he was a little more than year ago, when he fought two of the premier welterweights in the world, former WBA Super World Super Lightweight titlist Danny Garcia (32-0, 19 KOs), and current International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Champion Errol Spence Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs), in losing yet invaluable fight experiences for Vargas against world-class opponents.

“We always have our eye on big fights for Sam. A win over Funeka would really resonate in the boxing world,” Baxter added.

Funeka has some unfinished business in the “Great White North” having lost in 2009 in one of the most controversial decisions in recent memory to Joan Guzman (29-0) in Quebec City. Although many viewers had Vargas defeating Guzman, including HBO’s unofficial scorer Harold Lederman, who scored the bout 117-111 for Funeka and called for an investigation into the judging that soon followed, resulted in a questionable 12-round majority draw for the vacant IBF World Lightweight Championship.

“Canadian fans have always had a soft spot for Funeka,” Baxter noted. “The crowd at the Pepsi Coliseum was on his side and they fell in love with him that night. He deserves this fight as much as Sam does.”

Nonetheless, Funeka has remained a fighting contender ever since, going on the road and battling some of the sport’s top stars. Last year, he upset previously undefeated Russian prospect Viskhan “Little Tyson” Murzabekov (12-0) by 12-round decision in his opponent’s homeland. More recently, the dangerous South African veteran fought a bloody battle with Jeff Horn (15-0-1), who last Saturday upset future Hall-of-Famer Manny Pacquiao to become the new World Boxing Organization (WBO) 147-pound division world champion. Funeka even dropped the tough Australian before being stopped in the sixth round of their fight last December in New Zealand.

Funeka represents a measuring stick for Vargas to gauge comparisons of him against some of the top welterweights in the world.

Will Vargas have an easier time with Funeka than Horn? The answer will be known Aug. 19.

Tickets, starting at $40.00, are on sale and available to purchase through Ticketmaster at this link.

INFORMATION:
Website: leebaxterpromotions.com
Twitter & Instagram: @LeeBaxterMgt
Facebook: /LeeBaxterTattoo
ABOUT LEE BAXTER PROMOTIONS: Lee Baxter Promotions is more than just a professional boxing promotional company. Founded in 2012, LBP was created to oversee all aspects of a professional boxer’s career. Committed to developing its fighters, mapping out their roads to success, negotiating contracts, ensuring their health, creating marketing and endorsement opportunities, giving financial advice and preparing clients for their careers after boxing.

Lee Baxter Promotions recruits, develops and guides elite fighters to the next level where they need to be while working with the athletes to achieve the best results for their boxing careers.




JOE SMITH JR – THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION IS BACK!!


Following his recent knockout of boxing legend BERNARD HOPKINS, Long Island fan favorite JOE SMITH JR. moved right into the mix in the light heavyweight division, boxing’s deepest and most exciting.

Working full-time as a union laborer in the New York City area, Smith (23-1-0, 19 KO’s) will take a short break from wielding the sledgehammer as he finalizes training for his upcoming 10-round showdown with fellow highly ranked contender SULLIVAN BARRERA, (19-1-0, 14 KO’s), on Saturday, July 15 from The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and telecast live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (9:50 p.m. ET/PT).
Most recently a new #1 Pound-for-Pound in boxing from the light heavyweight division was heralded as ANDRE WARD defeated SERGEY KOVALEV for the second time on June 17, defending the WBA/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight Titles. On June 3, longtime WBC Light Heavyweight Champion ADONIS STEVENSON stopped highly ranked contender ANDRZEJ FONFARA.
In addition to those two champions the division is filled with world class fighters and highly regarded contenders including ARTUR BETERBIEV, DMITRY BIVOL, OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK and ELEIDER ALVAREZ .
“It’s true the division is truly heating up and I’m honored to be a part of it,” said the 27-year-old Smith Jr. “The winner of my upcoming fight moves right into the top of the mix in the division.”
“With my last two knockouts I have the full confidence that the sky is the limit for me in this division, I want to achieve my dream of becoming a world champion.”
Smith Jr. is promoted by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING who has developed the heavy handed Long Island native over the last few years into a world ranked contender and holder of the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title.
“Timing is always very important when bringing along a fighter to a higher level,” said DeGuardia. “We started working together a few years ago and our plan was to continue developing Joe’s talents and present him with the right opportunities for success. This is a formula we’ve used many times in the past in building fighters the right way.”
“When the opportunity came to fight Andrzej Fonfara we believed as a team that Joe was ready and he was spectacular in the first round knockout victory. The same with fighting Bernard Hopkins, it was a great opportunity and Joe put on another star making performance.”
“With the Sullivan Barrera fight the stakes are even higher but we feel this is another great opportunity for Joe, back on HBO which has built many stars over the last forty years.”

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.
Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction union laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.
Sullivan Barrera is riding a two-bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016. His only loss was to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward by unanimous decision in March 2016, and Barrera is considered one of the top fighters in the stacked division.
Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Main Events. This fight is part of a sensational triple header featuring Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales defending his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Berchelt-Miura is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions.
Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.




DALE EVANS: “SKEETE’S NEVER FOUGHT ANYONE AS PHYSICALLY STRONG, OR WHO PUNCHES AS HARD AS ME!”

Carmarthenshire hard case Dale Evans warns Bradley Skeete that he’ll be infinitely better prepared and better equipped for his second British title challenge than he was for his first.

Twenty-one months ago, in only his 15th start and on just 10 days notice, the then 23 year old dumped reigning European king Sam Eggington heavily onto his rear in round two, before running out of petrol and conceding a clear decision.

But there have been significant changes since that ‘dummy run’.

‘Previously, I was doing a 180 mile round trip from Carmarthen to Gary Lockett’s gym in Cardiff, often after a 10 hour shift working on the concrete,’ claims ‘Big Boy’, who earned the right to a second bite after a fatal two knockdown fifth round stoppage of Dundee’s Mike Towell last September.

‘Prior to starting work, I’d have been up between 4.30 and 5 (am) to go for a run. Mentally, it was very draining. Horrible. It made me hate boxing, hate training.

‘But since the end of last year, I’ve been sponsored by Castle Scaffolding which allows me to live as a full-time boxer. If you’re decent and want to make it in the boxing, that’s what you have to do. Today I stay with my girlfriend at my sister –in-laws in Magor, a 15 minute drive from Tony Borg’s gym in Newport.

‘I get to train alongside the Selby brothers (IBF featherweight king Lee and British flyweight boss Andrew) plus Craig Evans and Robbie Turley. There’s great variety in the sparring and a real winner’s mentality at the gym. I’m really enjoying my boxing again.

‘I didn’t have a lot of confidence earlier in my career but, right now, I’m on cloud nine in the gym. The greater my confidence the better I’ll perform. I’ve the financial backing to train full time.

‘For my last British title challenge, I had just 10 days notice for a 12 round fight which simply isn’t enough time. I pretty much spent the time in my running gear just to get the weight off and my fitness up.

‘But for months now I’ve been working hard in the gym on a daily basis. The fitness is already there and I’ve had over four weeks to prepare for a particular opponent. Luxury.’

After scuffling with Brummie Eggington at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena, the St Clears’ strongman again travels to the champion’s yard, facing Penge’s Skeete at the capital’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday week.

‘Travelling to London won’t faze me,’ insists Evans who has lost just three of 18.

‘It’d be far more strange if I had massive home support. I always fight across the bridge and I’ll be taking my usual army of over 100 fans with me.’

The Welsh warrior has the misfortune of facing one of the most gifted of the current British champions but, having scalped Eggington in a 2013 Prizefighter sprint, he is not averse to a spot of giant killing.

‘Brad could have made a quick voluntary and vacated, leaving me to fight a lesser man for the vacant title but there’s far more kudos in ripping the belt off a quality champion,’ states the mandatory challenger.

‘Bradley’s a tall, rangy, slick boxer with a good engine. I’m not gonna out box him. I won’t win on points.

‘But I think I’m being overlooked. He’s telling everyone he’s world level and talking of fights with (Manny) Pacquiao when he’s got a VERY hard fight ahead of him. I bring real hunger and determination. I’ve got heart and an engine. There’ll be tough rounds for Bradley, guaranteed.

‘Shayne Singleton drew Bradley into a fight but only had four rounds in him then dwindled. I guarantee I’ll not get stopped by Bradley Skeete. I’ll only get stronger as the fight goes on.

‘My four stoppage wins in 18 fights doesn’t do justice to my power. If I can get inside and land clean, he’ll become very wary. I’m not sure that Bradley’s ever fought anyone as physically strong or who punches as hard as me. Sam Eggington doesn’t punch anywhere near as hard as I do.

‘My trainer Tony gave me a tape of Colin Jones knockout wins over Kirkland Laing to study. We see a similar Welsh victory. I intend shutting a few mouths and shaking a few people up!’

Elsewhere on the card Light-Heavyweight monster Anthony Yarde challenges Richard Baranyi for the WBO European belt; Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smyle rematch for the English Super-Middleweight belt after their Fight of the Year contender in April; Sam McNess gets his first pro title shot against Southern Area Super-Welterweight Champion Asinia Byfield; undefeated Heavyweight Hughie Fury makes his eagerly-awaited return and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois takes on Julian Fernandez for the Vacant WBC World Youth Heavyweight strap.

Tickets for Skeete v Evans priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk




ADDITIONAL BOUTS CONFIRMED AT ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS IN SURABAYA, INDONESIA

05 July 2017 – Surabaya, Indonesia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced additional bouts for ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS. The inaugural event in Surabaya is set to take place on 29 July, at the GOR Kertajaya Arena. In the main event, reigning champion Kairat Akhmetov will face interim titleholder Adriano Moraes to crown the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion.

Ticket information for ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS is available at www.onefc.com

An unbeaten flyweight contender from the famed Team Lakay, Danny “The King” Kingad is a professional martial artist with a perfect five-win record. A true warrior from the mountains of the Cordilleras and one of the top prospects to come out of Baguio City, Philippines, Kingad is a tremendous striker, and is a former 2015 Regional Wushu Champion. In his most recent bout, Kingad met a tough test in Malaysia’s Muhammad Aiman, putting on a complete performance en route to a unanimous decision victory. In his next contest, Kingad will take on Hexigetu.

32-year-old Hexigetu of Inner Mongolia, China, is a professional martial artist with a record of four wins and two losses. With an inherent ability to strike and grapple coupled with a highly-aggressive style, Hexigetu is eager to join a deep roster of talent to seek success inside the ONE Championship cage. Training out of China Top Team, the Chinese flyweight hopeful is making his promotional debut opposite top prospect Danny Kingad of the Philippines.

Top Indonesian prospect Stefer Rahardian impressed in his ONE Championship debut by winning the ONE: TITLES & TITANS Flyweight Tournament in August of 2016. Rahardian finished both Yotha Hutagalung and Hendrick Wijaya by first round rear-naked choke to become the Tournament Champion. In his last outing, Rahardian impressed with a thorough unanimous decision victory over flamboyant Filipino striker Eugene Toquero. Unbeaten at six wins and no losses, Rahardian puts his unblemished record on the line once more against Niko Soe.

Singaporean flyweight prospect Niko Soe is 24-year-old with a 3-1 professional martial arts record. He possesses a well-rounded skill set, complete with a great kickboxing base and a capable ground game. In his most recent bout, Soe defeated Malaysia’s Muhamad Haidar via first-round submission. Training out of Impact MMA in Singapore, Soe will look to impress once more in his next outing, as he aims for victory against Stefer Rahardian.

In addition to the exciting card, ONE Championship is also set to hold the 2017 Surabaya Bantamweight Tournament, which will feature Indonesia’s top martial arts talents as they battle it out for the distinction of being crowned Tournament Champion.

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 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.




PAUL BUTLER STATEMENT

As of today Queensberry Promotions are releasing Paul Butler from his current promotional contract.

As his manager and promoter, Frank Warren guided Paul to the British Super-Flyweight title, WBO Inter-Continental Super-Flyweight title, WBA Inter-Continental Super-Flyweight title, WBA Inter-Continental Bantamweight title, IBF World Bantamweight title and most recently the WBO International Super-Flyweight title.

We wish him all the best for the future.




THOMPSON VOWS TO SERVE UP SUCCESS IN THE RING

It could have been game, set and match for Jordan Thompson at the Wimbledon tennis championships, but the only ace performances he is bothered about now are in the boxing ring.

The unbeaten Manchester Cruiserweight gave up a promising tennis career in 2012, but now still plays in local club competitions despite his busy boxing career as one of the sport’s top prospects.

Punching opponents instead of punishing them with a racket has paid off and Thompson bids to make it a magnificent seven professional wins at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

“Could I have played at Wimbledon? 100 per-cent. I was in the wrong sport if I didn’t believe that,” said Thompson who had his first professional fight in December 2015.

“Grass was my best surface. I had the big serve, but I wasn’t the best at volleying. I would have given it a good go though if I played at Wimbledon.

“I am happy with the decision I made to give boxing a go instead of tennis. It was the best decision I made to be honest.

“Boxing is lot less stressful at the minute and easier. I feel more in control of my career.

“When I get in the ring it is down to me. I have the capabilities to end a fight. In tennis you can have a dodgy call against you. There are so many variables in tennis it is crazy.”

Thompson, 24, plans on spending some time at the Wimbledon tennis tournament if all goes to plan and he defeats Jan Hrazdira on Frank Warren’s ‘The Future is Now’ bill’

He added: “I love Roger Federer player because he makes it looks so easy and Nadal because he is the ultimate warrior, the complete competitor.

“I know people playing there so I am planning to go, but this week I will relax for the fight by watching hours of tennis on TV.”

Elsewhere on the card Bradley Skeete has the chance to win his British Welterweight strap outright against Dale Evans; Light-Heavyweight monster Anthony Yarde challenges Richard Baranyi for the WBO European belt; Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smyle rematch for the English Super-Middleweight belt after their Fight of the Year contender in April; undefeated Heavyweight Hughie Fury makes his eagerly-awaited return and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois looks to move to 4-0.

Tickets for The Future Is Now priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk




Taras Shelestyuk & Ruben Villa Successfully Defend Unbeaten Records on Saturday Night


PHILADELPHIA, Penn. /ORANGE, Calif. (July 3, 2017) – In the “Locked n’ Loaded” main event, welterweight Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (16-0, 10 KOs) made quick work of Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez (15-3, 11 KOs) by knocking him out in the third round Saturday night from Omega Products International in Sacramento, Calif.

Shelestyuk, who is ranked No. 5 by the WBO, predicted a knockout win in his prefight interview with the Olympic bronze medalist (London 2012) saying he planned to be aggressive from the start.

“I didn’t want this fight going the distance,” said Shelestyuk, who attributes the aggressiveness to new trainer Joel Diaz. “Joel and I worked on increasing our punch output and it showed in this fight.”

Shelestyuk, who is from the Ukraine but now makes his home in Los Angeles, rocked Rodriguez in the first round. He connected on a two-punch combination that sent the Mexican to the canvas. In the third round, Shelestyuk struck early and often, earning the knockout win at the 2:05 mark.

Top featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (7-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. delivered a beating to overmatched veteran Jonathan Alcantara (7-16-2, 1 KO) of El Salvador. Villa, who swept all three scorecards (40-36), looked equally comfortable fighting on the outside or in the pocket.

“I think this fight showed how versatile I am,” Villa said. “I boxed him well and mixed it up inside without taking any hits. It was a solid performance.”

Villa, indeed, looked the part of an elite prospect. He was aggressive the entire fight, yet was extremely disciplined on the defensive end.

“There’s no doubt I frustrated him,” Villa continued. “I could tell he was having a hard time. I never let him relax.”

Shelestyuk and Villa are co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

For more information, please visit Banner-Promotions.com.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing




ESPN’s Telecast of the “Battle of Brisbane” and The WBO World Welterweight Championship Fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn is Cable Television’s Highest-Rated and Most-Watched Boxing Telecast since 2006 and ESPN’s Highest-Rated Boxing Telecast since 1995

ESPN’s live telecast Saturday, July 1, of the “Battle of Brisbane” (10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET) averaged a total live audience (television and streaming) of 3.1 million viewers across the ESPN and ESPN Deportes networks, according to Fast National ratings from Nielsen. It was the highest-rated and most-watched boxing telecast on cable television since 2006 and ESPN’s highest-rated boxing telecast since 1995.
The WBO World Welterweight Championship main event between Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs), the Filipino legend and boxing’s only eight-division world champion, against undefeated No. 1 contender and Brisbane’s favorite son Jeff “The Hornet” Horn (17-0-1, 11 KOs) (12 midnight to 1 a.m. ET) peaked during the final half hour of their fight with 4.4 million viewers across both networks. Horn defeated Pacquiao by a controversial unanimous decision.
ESPN
On ESPN, the telecast averaged a 1.6 household rating and 2,812,000 viewers, making it the highest-rated and most-watched boxing telecast on cable TV since 2006. Carlos Baldomir vs. Arturo Gatti on HBO on July 22, 2006, earned a 1.6 household rating.
“The Battle of Brisbane” was also the highest-rated boxing telecast on ESPN’s networks since 1995. Danell Nicholson vs. Darren Hayden on ESPN, on December 21, 1995 earned a 1.7 household rating.
Highest Ratings for Boxing Telecasts on Cable in Last 10 Years
DATE
NETWORK
MAIN FIGHT
US HH Rating
7/01/2017
ESPN
Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn
1.6
9/26/2009
HBO
Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Arreola
1.4
4/19/2008
HBO
Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe
1.3
5/03/2008
HBO
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Steve Forbes
1.3
5/09/2015
HBO
Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland
1.3
ESPN Deportes
“The Battle of Brisbane” on ESPN Deportes averaged 206,000 viewers, including 308,000 viewers in the final half hour of the event, making it the most-watched fight on ESPN Deportes since Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares on August 29, 2015, which had an average minute viewing audience of 355,000.
Streaming
ESPN’s telecast had a streaming average minute audience of 78,000, with 392,000 unique viewers, and 14.4 million total minutes streamed. Based on all three measures, the fight was the most-streamed boxing event on record on ESPN’s networks. On ESPN Deportes, the telecast had a streaming average minute audience of 1,400, with 7,800 unique viewers, and 253,000 total minutes streamed. Based on all three measures, the fight was the most-streamed boxing event on record on ESPN Deportes. Streaming provided a combined additional 2.6% lift on top of the television audience for both networks.
“The Battle of Brisbane” is available to stream now on the ESPN app.




DYNAMITE DUBOIS TARGETS FIRST PRO TITLE AT COPPER BOX ARENA

Teen Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois will fight for his first professional title in only his fourth fight when he takes on Mexico’s Julian Fernandez for the Vacant WBC World Youth Heavyweight strap at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 8th July, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Dubois made a sensational start to his professional career by demolishing Marcus Kelly in just 35 seconds at the Manchester Arena. The Peacock Gym giant then blasted out former Olympian and Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Blaise Mendouo at the Leicester Arena before racking up another devastating first round KO against Dave Howe at the Copper Box Arena.

Undefeated Fernandez has raced to five professional wins since turning professional at the end on 2016. Three of his wins have come via knockout and the man from Tijuana has racked up eleven rounds, compared to 19-year-old Dubois’ four rounds.

“I’m coming for all of the belts,” said Dubois. “I have a chance to make a big statement by winning my first professional title in only fourth fight. Fernandez is another opponent with an unbeaten record and will be coming over here determined to win the belt.

“Looking at the current Heavyweight scene, I know I can go out there and make my mark. Winning the WBC World Youth strap will prove that I am one of the very best Heavyweight prospects in the World.

“This has been planned since I was five years old and it really has gone to plan. I’m working hard towards being the best the I can possibly be and I’m feeling good. I’ve worked very hard on my physical strength and that’s showing now.

“I’ve heard it has been very difficult finding me an opponent. Not a lot of guys want to get in the ring with me, I must be doing something right! There is still a long way to go, but I believe I will be number one in the World some day soon.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Daniel is one of the best, if not the best, young Heavyweight prospects in the World today. The fact that he is fighting for his first professional title in only his fourth fight tells you everything you need to know about his talent and determination.

“This is only the beginning of a long and exciting journey for Daniel and I am confident Saturday’s belt will be the first of many. There is a huge buzz around him at the moment and I think the fans will be in for another treat on Saturday.”

Elsewhere on the card Bradley Skeete has the chance to win his British Welterweight strap outright against Dale Evans; Light-Heavyweight monster Anthony Yarde challenges Richard Baranyi for the WBO European belt; Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smyle rematch for the English Super-Middleweight belt after their Fight of the Year contender in April; Sam McNess gets his first pro title shot against Southern Area Super-Welterweight Champion Asinia Byfield and undefeated Heavyweight Hughie Fury makes his eagerly-awaited return.

Tickets for Dubois v Fernandez priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk




ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 27: KARPERIS BATTLES CRUZ in MAIN EVENT for NYS Title

Star Boxing announced the main event for “Rockin Fights 27”, Friday, July 28th, at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Fast rising Jr. Welterweight prospect and New York State Champion Anthony “Showtime” Karperis, 14-2 5KO’S Hicksville, NY will take on former NY Golden Glove champion Louis Cruz, 11-3 5KO’S Bronx, NY, in a 10 round Jr. Welterweight match up.

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.




MCNESS VOWS TO HAMMER ‘DELUDED’ BYFIELD

Sam McNess is out to prove he is no daddy’s boy by hammering “deluded” rival Asinia Byfield on ‘The Future Is Now’ bill at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night.

The West Ham nut will be bidding to rip the Southern Area Super-Welterweight title from the Champion, just steps from his beloved club’s home ground.

Reading’s Byfield has riled undefeated McNess by claiming his challenger is getting the hype because of his dad, Steve, a former top amateur and then a professional.

Angry McNess said: “I read an article with him saying that I had been fed a silver spoon on the tail of my dad. Byfield’s deluded to be honest.

“I am not being fed from a silver spoon. I earned my way onto these shows because I had a long, successful amateur career.

“I deserve to be boxing on these big Frank Warren shows.

“I respected everything my dad did, but I am fighting for a professional title and he never fought for one so I am not trading on what he did.

“I used to be frustrated over it when I was a young boy. I would read the local newspaper and it would say, ‘following in Steve’s footsteps’, but I’m on my own journey.

“I like them mentioning dad because a lot of people tell me he was a good fighter, but after this fight people wont keep bringing dad up.”

McNess, 25, has had just seven professional fights and insists it is no gamble by contesting a title so early in his career.

McNess explained: “We were offered the fight, my trainer Mark Tibbs had a little look at Byfield and was confident I would win.

“I’ve been fighting a lot of journeymen, but I want a test. Someone who is there to win because that will bring the best out of me.

“I haven’t shown what I am about, but Byfield will come to win so you will see the best of me. I am confident in my ability and that I will do a good job on Saturday night.”

Elsewhere on the card Bradley Skeete has the chance to win his British Welterweight strap outright against Dale Evans; Light-Heavyweight monster Anthony Yarde challenges Richard Baranyi for the WBO European belt; Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smyle rematch for the English Super-Middleweight belt after their Fight of the Year contender in April; undefeated Heavyweight Hughie Fury makes his eagerly-awaited return and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois looks to move to 4-0.

Tickets for Byfield v McNess priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:




32RED EXTENDS DEAL TO SPONSOR FRANK WARREN’S SHOWS

32Red, part of the Kindred Group, are delighted to announce a 12-month extension to their current deal to sponsor Frank Warren’s blockbuster boxing shows, televised on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The new agreement, which begins with this Saturday’s ‘The Future is Now’ card from London’s Copper Box Arena, will cover all BT Sport and BoxNation televised events until July 2018.

The Copper Box Arena card will showcase the depth of young British talent in the Frank Warren stable, with Bradley Skeete looking to win the British Welterweight strap outright with a victory against Dale Evans, and the red-hot Light-Heavyweight prospect Anthony Yarde challenging for the WBO European title. If that’s not enough, Super-Featherweight and Heavyweight sensations Lyon Woodstock and Daniel Dubois are hoping to extend unbeaten starts to their pro-careers.

32Red have been headline sponsor of the televised BT Sport & BoxNation events since the first show of ‘The New Era’ for British boxing in March of this year. In the relatively short period of time since then, fans have enjoyed an enthralling mix of world-level fights involving Terry Flanagan, Josh Warrington, Liam Smith and Liam Williams, as well as the emergence of future superstars of the pro-ranks in Zelfa Barrett, Lyon Woodstock, Anthony Yarde, Daniel Dubois and two-time Olympic Champion Nicola Adams. With Billy Joe Saunders and Hughie Fury fights scheduled for later this year, things appear to only be getting better for British fight fans.

Gerry Murray, Director of Brand & Acquisition, 32Red PLC, commented: “We’re thrilled to have agreed a new long term deal with Frank Warren and his team. Since starting our relationship earlier this year, we’ve been fortunate to be involved with a number of excellent shows that have given our brand a superb platform to reach new potential customers.

“32Red is all about providing quality and excitement for our customers and we’re delighted to have found a long-term partnership where that’s being replicated on a regular basis. Despite the fact we’re only a few shows in, we’ve already seen classics like Daryll Williams v Jahmaine Smyle, a real grudge-match with Smith and Williams and the emergence of some of the most exciting talent in boxing today with Dubois, Yarde, Barrett and Woodstock. From both a commercial perspective and as a fan of boxing, it’s been a hugely encouraging start and we’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “We are delighted to have agreed a new long term deal with 32Red. I do believe boxing fans have been well catered for by the coverage on BT Sport and BoxNation of our promotions over the last few months. The fans at the venues certainly seem to be enjoying what they are seeing.

“This is just the beginning though and I fully anticipate everything going from strength to strength as our richly talented young fighters take more significant steps in the coming months and years. It has been a brilliant start to our partnership with 32Red and I am looking forward to putting on more World class events with them.”




ESPN’s Telecast of the “Battle of Brisbane” and The WBO World Welterweight Championship Fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn is Highest-Rated Boxing Telecast on Cable TV Since at least 2010

ESPN’s live telecast of the Saturday, July 1, “Battle of Brisbane” (10 p.m. ET to 1 a.m. ET) delivered a 1.8 metered market rating according to Nielsen, making it the highest-rated fight on record for a cable network this decade.*

The WBO World Welterweight Championship main event between Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs), the Filipino legend and boxing’s only eight-division world champion, against undefeated No. 1 contender and Brisbane’s favorite son Jeff “The Hornet” Horn (17-0-1, 11 KOs) (12 a.m. ET to 1 a.m. ET) delivered a 2.4 overnight rating. Horn defeated Pacquiao by a controversial unanimous decision.
Based on overnight Nielsen results, the “Battle of Brisbane” is likely to be the highest-rated fight on ESPN’s networks since the mid 1990’s.
Las Vegas was the top local market for the fight with a 4.0 metered market rating, including a 5.1 rating during the main event.
Metered Market Ratings for the Top Five Cities:
Rank
City
Rating
1
Las Vegas
4.0
2
Los Angeles
3.7
3
Raleigh-Durham
3.6
4
New Orleans
3.1
5
San Diego
3.0
Streaming results also broke ESPN records for boxing, making the fight the most-streamed boxing event on record for both the ESPN and ESPN Deportes networks. ESPN had a streaming average minute audience of 78K, 392K unique viewers, and 14.4 million total minutes. Based on all three measures, the fight was the most-streamed boxing event on record on ESPN’s networks. On ESPN Deportes, the fight had a streaming average minute audience of 1.4K, 7.8K unique viewers, and 253K total minutes streamed. Based on all three measures, the fight was the most-streamed boxing event on record on ESPN Deportes.
“The Battle of Brisbane” is available to stream now on the ESPN app. It will also re-air on ESPN2 tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

*Records date to 2010.




DIEGO DE LA HOYA OUTPOINTS ALAN LUQUES TO RETAIN WBC YOUTH SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE SOLD-OUT CROWD IN ARGENTINA


VILLA MERCEDES, Argentina (July 1, 2017) Fighting outside the U.S. for the first time in his professional career, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight World Champion Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) successfully defended his title and undefeated record with a unanimous decision victory over Alan Luques (21-6, 90 KOs) of Cordoba, Argentina before an electric, sold-out crowd at the Parque La Pedrera.

“Many thanks to all the people of Argentina for their great support and affectionate love that they offered us while here for this fight,” said Diego De La Hoya. “Thanks to Mario Arano and Parque La Pedrera of Villa Mercedes for being part of this historic inauguration also.”

Preceding the fight in the town of Villa Mercedes, Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, who was in Argentina to watch Diego De La Hoya’s fight, was honored by local dignitaries as the first boxer to get a star in its town square. The special event was hosted by the San Luis Province Governor Alberto Rodriguez Saa and was significant as Villa Mercedes is the home of famous Argentine boxer Jose “El Mono” Gatica who is also one of the country’s most well-known sports idols.

Back at Parque La Pedrera in the first of their 10-round main event bout, De La Hoya positioned himself as the bigger fighter, dominating Luques in the ring. The second round saw more activity with Luques showing agression and Diego putting in good combinations, looking for the knockout. With the action from round to round, the sold-out crowd at Parque La Pedrera continued to go crazy, screaming and chanting loudly for the fighters.

The third round produced great action, with Luques working his jab and counter punching though De La Hoya continued to lead. By the seventh round, De La Hoya remained ahead on the judges’ scorecards and continued to lead with Luques showing heart and good counterpunches.

De La Hoya showed good stamina through the ninth round and kept the momentum going. Luques, knowing he was behind on points, pushed forward to demonstrate his skills and abilities but came up short. The fight went the full 10 scheduled rounds, with De La Hoya declared the victor by unanimous decision with scores of 98-92, 97-93, 98-92.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya.




Weights from Sacramento


ORANGE, Calif./Philadelphia, Penn. (July 1, 2017) – Weights for Saturday night’s card at the Omega Products in Sacramento, California

Taras Shelestyuk 147.8 lbs – Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez 148 lbs

Ruben Villa 126 lbs – Jonathan Alcantara 127 lbs

Q & A with Taras Shelestyuk

How has training camp gone.

Taras :Training camp went very well, it was my first training camp with Joel Diaz, it took a couple weeks to get use to each other, but I felt great since day one with Joel. We did a lot of things I use to do when I was in national team. The things I was missing. I had great sparring sessions out there in Indio with Manuel Mendez, Omar Figueroa and many more.

What do you know about your opponent Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez

T: To be honest not much… I just know that he is a tough guy, and that he was stopped by my friend Ruslan Provodnikov who was prepared by Joel Diaz, so that’s basically it. Joel knows him better, so he knows what I have to do.

What does a win do for you.

The win means everything to me. It will help me to get a good fight against some one from the top of the division

You are ranked high in the WBO, do you feel you are close to a fight with a big name.

T: Of course I feel that I’m very close to the top. I’m number 5 right now, so if everything goes well on July 1 I’m ready for anyone up there, I hope that promoters can get a winner of Pacquiao – Horn, and I would love that fight. If not, some one from the top to fight for the mandatory for the winner of Pacquiao – Horn.

This fight will be shown on Facebook all over the world, are your family and friends in the Ukraine going to watch the fight?

T: I’m sure they will, and I hope that all the Ukrainian and Russian speaking people of Sacramento will came to support me on Omega Products International Arena.

Any final thoughts?

T : I want to thank my team ,my manager, my promoters and my coaches for all work that was done. My beautiful wife and my family and of course all my fans for the support!!! Thank you!

Shelestyuk vs. Rodriguez, Villa vs Alcantara and the entire 8-bout card will be streamed live on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded. Watch the action on ThompsonBoxing.com and Facebook Live beginning at 6:30 p.m. PST / 10:30 p.m. EST.

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

Shelestyuk and Villa are inked to promotional contracts with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing last July.

TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded broadcast team consists of Beto Duran on play-by-play and Steve Kim provides expert, color commentary.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:30 p.m. Omega Products International is located at 8111 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95826 and can be reached at 916-635-3335.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.

For more information, please visit Banner-Promotions.com.

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




THERE WILL BE BLOOD: MAURICIO HERRERA TO FACE JESUS SOTO KARASS IN MAIN EVENT ON GOLDEN BOY BOXING ON ESPN FROM FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2017): SoCal boxing in the desert will sizzle on Friday, August 4, as two of the longest reigning welterweight contenders meet in a true crossroads fight. Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (23-7, 7 KOs) of Riverside, CA and Jesus “El Renuente” Soto Karass (28-11-4, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico face each other in a 10-round bout. The August 4 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 P.M. EST/6 P.M. PST.

Herrera, a former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion, was last seen coming off a dominant unanimous decision victory over the rugged Hector “Charro Negro” Velasquez on the inaugural edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN in March. Now, Herrera will take a step closer to title contention territory when he takes on seasoned fight veteran Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass.

“This is life or death for me, because both Soto Karass and I potentially have our careers on the line in this ‘make or break’ fight,” Herrera said. “In order to catapult myself back to title contention, I know the most important step will be preparing harder than ever to ensure the victory come fight night.”

Having fought in back-to-back bloodbaths with Japanese warrior Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai, Jesus Soto Karass will be well prepared for the challenge to demonstrate he is still a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.

“Mark my words, on August 4, the fans will witness a comeback as they’ve never seen before in the ring. This could be one of my last chances to go all-out in the ring, and I want to be sure it happens in this fight,” said Soto Karass. “I know Herrera has accomplished a lot in his career, but this win means more to me and my legacy.”

The televised co-main event will feature Vyacheslav “Lionheart-Chingonskyy” Shabranskyy (18-1, 15 KOs) of Los Angeles against rising Philly contender Todd “2 Gunz” Unthank-May (10-0-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title. Having previously defended the title five times, the crowd can be sure Shabranskyy will be returning to the ring with a vengeance to reclaim what was once his.

Herrera vs. Soto Karass, a 10-round welterweight fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” and Hennessey, Never Stop, Never Settle. The ESPN and ESPN Deportes coverage begins live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 9:00 p.m. EST/6: 00 p.m. PST, and will stream live on ESPN3 via the ESPN App beginning 7:30 p.m. EST/ 4:30 p.m. PST.

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.FantasySprings.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.




Fight of the Year candidate between Kermit Cintron and Tyrone Brunson to air this TONIGHT on ELEVEN SPORTS at 8 PM ET


Philadelphia, PA (June 30, 2017) – Last Saturday night’s scintillating Pennsylvania Junior Middleweight championship bout between former two-time world champion Kermit Cintron and knockout artist Tyrone Brunson will air TONIGHT!!, June 30th on ELEVEN SPORTS at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

The bout, which was won by Brunson via 5th round stoppage had five knockdowns, and saw Brunson come back from almost-certain defeat and take out Cintron in what ringside observers are calling a sure-fire Fight of the Year candidate.The match is added to the list of classic fights in the long storied history of Philadelphia boxing.

“For the fans that were inside the 2300 Arena, they can witness this great fight again, and for those who only heard about it, they are in for a treat,” said King’s Promotions CEO, Marshall Kauffman.

That fight highlighted a truly incredible card top-to-bottom.

Five bouts will be shown in the two-hour broadcast including Victor Vazquez taking on Anthony Burgin and a toe-to-toe slugfest between Steven Ortiz and Tyrome Jones.

About ELEVEN SPORTS:

ELEVEN SPORTS is available in 70 million homes worldwide in Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Launched in the US in March 2017, ELEVEN SPORTS is dedicated to delivering world-class domestic and international sports and lifestyle entertainment ‘For The Fans’. Sports fans will be treated to a unique mix of emerging and established sports combined to provide engaging and compelling LIVE entertainment, placing the viewer at the very heart of the action.

Like us on Facebook: ElevenSportsUSA
Follow us on Twitter: @ElevenSportsUSA
Follow us on Instagram: ElevenSportsUSA




STAR BOXING ANNOUNCES JULY 28TH AS THE RESCHEDULED DATE AT THE PARAMOUNT

Star Boxing’s Joe DeGuardia has announced that Friday, July 28th will be the new date for “Rockin Fights 27” originally scheduled for June 15th at the Paramount in Huntington, NY.
Headlining an outstanding lineup of talent will be NY State Jr. Welterweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Karperis, 14-2 5KO’S Hicksville, NY against an opponent to be named shortly. The bout will be scheduled for 10 rounds. The remainder of the card will be announced soon.
If you purchased tickets for the June 15th date they will be honored at the door on July 28th.
Tickets are on sale now at The Paramount Box Office (631) 673-7300 or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000 or Star Boxing (718) 823-2000 or www.starboxing.com.
“Rockin Fights” are sponsored by Legacy Advisors, Montauk Iced Tea, Modell’s Sporting Goods stores, The Inn at Fox Hollow, Camelot Limousine.




“THERE ARE NO TOMORROWS IF I DON’T WIN TODAY” – PACQUIAO BELIEVES IT COULD BE OVER IF HE DOESN’T BEAT HORN IN FRONT OF RECORD AUSTRALIAN CROWD EXCLUSIVELY LIVE ON BOXNATION


LONDON (30 June) – Superstar Manny Pacquiao believes his illustrious career will be over if he does not get past Jeff Horn this Saturday night.

The eight-weight world champion insists that he is not overlooking his Australian foe as they gear up to face each other in front of a packed 55,000 fans at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane this weekend, exclusively live on BoxNation.

“We have a really good plan for this fight. We worked hard in training camp both in Manila and in General Santos City,” said Pacquiao.

“I’m totally focused for this fight. I am not looking past Jeff Horn because at this point in my career, every fight is the most important. There are no tomorrows if I don’t win today,” he said.

Though 29-year-old Horn is relatively unknown his undefeated 16 win record has seen him work his way into a mandatory position for Pacquiao’s WBO world title.

Impressive names on his record include American Randall Bailey, with Filipino ace Pacquiao believing he has earned the right to fight him but is out to teach him a lesson or two.

“It is good to fight in a country that you haven’t fought in before and to give a chance to Jeff – he is undefeated and it is good to give him a chance. He has earned it. He is a mandatory challenger,” said Pacquiao.

“I know Jeff Horn used to be a teacher. In the ring, I’m a teacher too. I am ready for Jeff to come out and be aggressive. If he does that it will be a great fight for the fans,” he said.

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach agrees with the 38-year-old ‘Fighter of the Decade’ and says Pacquiao is ready to impress in front of the largest crowd ever for a boxing event in Australia.

“One thing about Manny, we don’t take anyone lightly – Jeff is not that well known but he does have 16 wins and he has fought a couple of names out there, but we get ready for everyone and we are in great shape for this fight as we would be for anybody else in the world, “ said Roach.

“There is going to be a big crowd there and at the beginning they may be rooting against Manny Pacquiao but at the end of the fight everyone in the building will be on Manny’s side – everyone,” he insisted.

Irish Olympic hero Michael Conlan will also feature on the card in his third professional fight when he takes on Australian Jarrett Owen in a six-round featherweight contest.

The 25-year-old is delighted to be on Pacquiao’s undercard and will be looking to steal the show from one of his favourite fighters. “I’m honoured to fight on a Pacquiao undercard – it’s a special event.

He is one of my favourite fighters. I’m looking forward to seeing how I get on here on Pacquiao’s big show,” said Conlan.

Before the fights get underway in Australia, BoxNation will also be broadcasting the 12-round heavyweight contest between Russia’s Alexander Povetkin and Andriy Rudenko exclusively live from 4pm.

Both men have world title ambitions with BoxNation the only place to watch all the action unfold from the Russia Central Concert Hall in Moscow.

As part of this bumper weekend of boxing Sky TV customers can use the code PACMANFREE for free registration up until this Sunday midnight.

Pacquiao v Horn is exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night from 2am. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.
Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.
BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.
For more information visit www.boxnation.com
*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers




PARKER V FURY WBO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE SHOWDOWN CONFIRMED FOR 23 SEPTEMBER AT MANCHESTER ARENA

Hennessy Sports and Duco Promotions are delighted to announce that the highly anticipated showdown between British and Irish heavyweight star Hughie Fury and the WBO World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker will take place on Saturday 23rd September at the Manchester Arena.

Fury, the WBO #1 ranked and mandatory challenger, faces the hard-punching Parker in a thrilling match-up in boxing’s flagship glamour division between the undefeated young stars that has the potential to be one of the Fights of the Year.

Parker, the reigning and unbeaten WBO Champion said, “I’m excited that the next defence of my WBO World Title will be in England because it is now the home of heavyweight boxing and I need to be fighting there regularly. David has done a fantastic job of getting me the deal I want to fight in Manchester. Fighting away from home holds no fears for me. I will arrive having previously fought on the undercard of a Wladimir Klitschko world title fight in Germany and also twice in America. I believe that with so many kiwis and Samoans living in the UK, I may even have more supporters in the crowd on fight night than Hughie Fury.”

Manchester’s Fury said, “I’ve waited so long for this chance and my team have worked very hard to get me this fight and I’d like to thank everyone involved. I’m going to shock the world and prove all my doubters wrong and what better place to do it than in my home city of Manchester. Parker is a good fighter and I’ve no doubt we’ll both bring our A-game on fight night. The fight’s on! I can’t wait to be crowned world champion.”

Hennessy Sports CEO Mick Hennessy, promoter of Fury, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to secure the fight in Manchester for Hughie and I believe that right now this is the best place in the world for boxing, especially if you’re a heavyweight, which is why Parker is so eager to fight here. In my career as a promoter, this is right up there and very personal to me and we look forward to delivering a fantastic event for the fans. Hughie is an exceptional young talent and I’ve got every confidence that he will become the new WBO World heavyweight Champion.”

Peter Fury, father and trainer of Hughie, said, “Myself and Hughie are very pleased that the fight for the WBO World Title is now signed and even more thrilled the fight’s going to be in Hughie’s home town of Manchester in September. Hughie is a dedicated fighter and will be bringing the belt back home to the Fury family. We are all very excited about the news and training is already under way. Hughie is an outstanding talent in the heavyweight division and at just 22 is a rising star in world boxing and will prove to many on fight night he is one of the best in the world.”

David Higgins from Duco Promotions commented, “Peter and I have been able to bury the hatchet very quickly despite the Furys not coming to New Zealand on May 6. The goodwill between both parties has been such that we were always going to come to a deal which was mutually beneficial. I never once during negotiations felt this fight would end up in purse bid”.

Fury has recovered from the back injury that caused the date of the original fight against Parker on May 6th in Auckland to be postponed and will first feature at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 8th July before challenging Parker.

He was last in action on April 30th last year when he defeated Fred Kassi to win the WBO Intercontinental title on a seventh round Technical Decision following a clash of heads that opened a bad cut over Fury’s left eye.

The 22-year-old hotshot, cousin of the former Undisputed and current Ring Magazine World Heavyweight Champion Tyson, has a perfect record of 20 wins and 10 knockouts with 8 coming inside the first three rounds.

Aukland’s Parker created history when he became New Zealand’s first ever world heavyweight champion by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr. on points to win the Vacant WBO title in a thrilling night in December last year and become a national hero.

He currently holds an immaculate 23-fight record with 18 knockouts, 12 of those were inside three rounds and has held the WBO Oriental and Africa titles amongst other regional belts.

The 25-year-old defended his title for the first time last month against the tough and awkward Romanian Razvan Conjanu – who replaced the injured Fury – by unanimous decision.