COSTA MESA, CA (May 31, 2017) – Having tipped the scale at 141.5 lbs., former world title challenger, Michael “Hammer Fist” Farenas (44-5-4, 33 KOs), is ready to make his comeback fight a success. Farenas, who hails from Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines, will face Mexico’s Martin Angel Martinez (17-11-1, 11 KOs) who weighed in at 140.5 lbs.

The 8-ronund bout will take place on the “Fight Club OC” card at The Hanger at the OC Fair & Event Center located at 88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The “Fight Club OC” card, scheduled for this Thursday June 1, 2017, will be aired live on www.FITE.TV for only $9.99.

Tickets for the Thursday, June 1st Fight Club OC show in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA are on sale at www.fightcluboc.com.

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2017)- Former four-division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) and Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) today hosted a press conference ahead of their 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Light Middleweight World Championship that will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., presented live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

It was also announced at today’s press conference that Cotto will return to Golden Boy Promotions for a multi-fight deal starting with his battle against Kamegai on August 26. In addition, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions will partner with Cotto and Miguel Cotto Promotions on developing prospects, advancing boxing in Cotto’s Puerto Rico homeland and promoting the boxing legend’s upcoming fights.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s press conference:

MIGUEL COTTO, Former Four-Division World Champion:

“I’m very happy to be back and to be here. Our training camp starts on the first of July. Kamegai is a tough fighter, and he is coming with the victory on his mind. I’m going to do the best I can for this fight and fight with my heart as always. See you all on August 26.”

YOSHIHIRO “EL MAESTRITO” KAMEGAI, Junior Middleweight Contender:

“For me to fight someone I’ve been a fan of since I was 20 years old is an honor. I look forward to fighting him, and I’m out here to win this fight. I don’t speak English well, but I do speak boxing and I plan to put on a very entertaining fight. Please watch this fight on HBO on August 26.

“When I first heard that this fight had been made and that I would face Cotto, I thought to myself, ‘YES!'”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are happy to be partnering with Cotto and Kamegai for this event, but I do want to announce that our efforts to bring boxing back in a big way to Puerto Rico is one that will become a reality in the near future. I am happy to announce that with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, we will take our ESPN series to the island and bring back the excitement of boxing. Obviously, we couldn’t do it without Cotto’s help and his wonderful team. We are excited to take boxing back with ESPN internationally. As you’ve seen, our Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN series has had amazing fights and incredible ratings-we are giving the fans what they deserve.

“As one of the most entertaining junior middleweight contenders in the division today, Kamegai has been involved in some of the most memorable battles against former titleholder Roberto “The Ghost” Guerrero and back-to-back brawls with Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass. This is a fighter that never ever backs down, and we expect him to give Cotto an excellent fight on August 26. If you’ve never seen him fight, he fights with heart and passion, has dynamite in his fists, and never takes a step back.”

HECTOR SOTO, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

“I want to say thank you to the great family of Golden Boy Promotions. This is the beginning of many great fights that will develop between Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

“We are preparing very hard for this fight, and there is no doubt we will return to Puerto Rico in August with Miguel Cotto as a world champion.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

“We can be assured there will be many hours of great boxing on August 26. When we host fights at StubHub Center, our HBO subscribers are always happy.

“Miguel Cotto is headed to the Hall of Fame because he has always fought as a prize fighter. He has fought on HBO 22 times, and he has fought all the boxing greats-that’s why the fans are always so happy when he fights and why we are proud to have him in the HBO family. Kamegai is a warrior who is finally being given his chance for a world championship. We are very excited that this HBO World Championship Boxing® event kicks off fall boxing.”

BRENDAN HANNAN, Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Digital for StubHub Center:

“At StubHub Center, we always enjoy hosting great boxing fights. We are looking forward to an incredible event between Miguel Cotto and Kamegai on August 26 at the StubHub Center.”

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges and go on sale Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. PT. 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.

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, and www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/realmiguelacotto. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

New York, May 31, 2017

The undercard for the highly anticipated fight between Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin and “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis on Thursday, June 15th, at the Paramount in Huntington, NY has been announced. The fights will feature a bevy of Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® young prospects.

Highlighted bouts include the undefeated Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James (4-0 2KO’S Elmont, NY) taking on William Hill (2-2 Detroit, MI) in a 6 round Welterweight match.

Tyrone James will be making his 4th straight appearance at the Paramount and is developing a large fan base due to the exciting fights he has made there. The undefeated boxer-puncher is coming off a decision win at the Paramount on March 24th over the very tough Quincy Brown. This will be James’ first 6 round fight and he has accepted a very ambitious opponent from Detroit, William Hill. Hill has won 2 of his last 4 bouts and has faced an undefeated opponent in each of his fights, James will be his 5th undefeated opponent he will be up against.

Terrell Bostic (3-0 1KO Wyandanch, NY) facing off against Alexander Picot ( 2-3-1 Hartford, CT) in a 6 round Jr. Welterweight fight.

Bostic will also be making his 4th appearance at the Paramount and is also coming off a thrilling victory on March 24th against Grashino Yancy. Bostic is facing a very dangerous opponent, Alexander Picot. Picot has faced top prospects Richard Wiggins and Irving Torres, and has a reputation for always coming to fight hard. This will be another stern test for Bostic, a highly regarding prospect.

The always exciting Vincenzo D’Angelo (2-0 Queens, NY) will battle with undefeated Duquan Burgos (1-0 Bronx, NY) in a 4 round Super Middleweight fight. D’Angelo has had both his fights at the Paramount and has a huge following of enthusiastic fans who will be cheering for the new Italian Stallion. Burgos, a Bronx Bomber, is also looking to remain undefeated in this fight where ‘an O must go’.

Dan Cion (0-1 Farmingdale, NY) will be stepping in against pro debuter Abner Guadalupe of the Bronx, NY. Cion went to war with Vincenzo D’Angelo in his pro debut and the Boxer/MMA fighter gave it his all although being defeated. Guadalupe is managed by the former NY State Commissioner and current commentator, Randy Gordon, and promises to make his pro debut a successful one.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had these comments about the undercard, “We have again stacked our undercard with exciting, competitive bouts between hungry young pugilists. Unfortunately, due to the new insurance and medicals rules in place in New York which are very cost prohibitive to all of us in New York, we can only put on 5 fights but each and every one of them will have you on your feet cheering, as that has become the tradition here at the Paramount”.

The main event is a fantastic one where Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (19-0 16 KO’s Long Island, NY) takes on former world title challenger “Mighty” Mike Arnaoutis (26-10-2 13 KO’s Atlantic City, NJ) in what shapes up to be the most experienced and dangerous opponent the “Hebrew Hammer” has ever faced. The show will be the 27th edition of Joe DeGuardia’s acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series.

Tickets are on sale now at Star Boxing (718) 823-2000 or www.starboxing.com, The Paramount box office (631) 673-7300, or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000.

TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents another busy weekend of live events, beginning this Thursday, June 1 with M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey 2 from St. Petersburg, Russia, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Airing live exclusively across Canada, M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey 2 is headlined by a highly anticipated middleweight rematch between former Bellator MMA champions Alexander Shlemenko (55-9) and Brandon Halsey (9-2). In other featured bouts, German welterweight Arda Adas (7-2) enters enemy territory against Russia’s Sergey Romanov (11-1), Brazilian lightweight Michel Silva (18-5) throws down with Alexey Makhno (13-5), Spanish middleweight Enoc Solves Torres (19-9) meets Oleg Olenyechev (8-4) and Serbian featherweight Dragan Pesic (13-7) faces off with Khamzat Dalgiev (8-1).

The live M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey 2 main card will immediately follow the M-1 Selection prelims, which kick off at 12 p.m. ET and air live on Fight Network in Canada, the U.S. and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The M-1 Selection broadcast features American bantamweight Josh Rettinghouse (14-4) taking on Kyrgyzstan’s Bakhtiyar Toichubaev (7-3), while undefeated Temirlan Sharipov (3-0) meets Danila Prikaza (6-1) in an all-Russian welterweight affair.

The Russian city of St. Petersburg will play host to more live action on Friday, June 2 at 12 p.m. ET, as Fight Nights Global 68 airs live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The light heavyweight title is up for grabs in the main event as undefeated Sergey Pavlovich (10-0) takes on Mikhail Mokhnatkin (9-1-2). Meanwhile, a heavyweight superfight is set for the co-main event, with unbeaten Russian powerhouse Vitaly Minakov (19-0) taking on former EliteXC kingpin and UFC title challenger Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva (19-11). Rounding out the star-studded card, Stjepan Bekavac (19-6) welcomes UFC veteran Nikita Krylov (21-5) to the promotion, Tony Johnson Jr. (10-3) squares off with Baga Agaev (28-19) in a heavyweight encounter, Asif Tagiev (5-2-1) meets Dmitry Aryshev (5-5-1) in a welterweight bout, plus unbeaten Israeli prospect Jackie Gosh (7-0) looks to extend his perfect mark against Russia’s Oleg Dadonov (6-1).

On Friday, June 2 at 9 p.m. ET, Legacy Fighting Alliance invades Burbank, Calif. for LFA 13: Millender vs. Holland, featuring pivotal duels in the welterweight division, as Curtis Millender (11-3) takes on Kevin Holland (9-2), while Karen Darabedyan (12-6) faces Sam Liera (12-9). In light heavyweight bouts, Dominick Reyes (5-0) takes on Jordan Powell (8-6), while Alonzo Menifield (2-0) battles Khadzhimurat Bestaev (4-1). A bantamweight bout between undefeated American Kyler Phillips (3-0) and Mexico’s Jonathan Quiroz (2-1) will round out the card, which airs live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Finally, on Saturday, June 3, Fight Network presents extensive live pre and post-fight coverage for UFC 212: Aldo vs. Holloway from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But first, the live weigh-ins will be televised on Fight Network on Friday, June 2 at 6 p.m. ET, with all the stars tipping the scales ahead of their pay-per-view showdowns.

The UFC 212 PRE-FIGHT SHOW will air live on Fight Network in Canada on Saturday, June 3 at 7 p.m. ET leading into the LIVE PRELIMS on TSN3. The UFC 212 PRE-FIGHT SHOW will feature featherweight contender Cub Swanson, middleweight champion Michael Bisping and former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans working as desk analysts with host Karyn Bryant and reporter Laura Sanko conducting on-site fighter interviews in Brazil.

At the conclusion of Saturday’s pay-per-view broadcast, the live UFC 212 POST-FIGHT SHOW at approximately 1 a.m. ET on Fight Network features highlights, analysis and post-fight interviews.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

Oxnard, CA: Yesterday at Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California, former WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) opened his training session to the media in advance of his upcoming showdown with Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs). Below are quotes from this event. Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Click Here for Photos: Credit – Craig Bennett/Main Events

Kovalev Interview & Workout – Click Here to Watch or Download

Kovalev Short Interview – Click Here to Watch or Download

Kovalev Long Interview – Click Here to Watch or Download

Video Courtesy Roc Nation Sports & Main Events
Cleared for National & International Use

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – Former WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I don’t like this guy [Ward] and I want to punish him because he puts his nose really up right now. He knows that he lost.”

“I don’t care if [Ward] shows respect to me or not. I know only one thing: I will kick his ass! I want to destroy him. I want to destroy this guy as a boxer, as a champion. For me he is not a champion, he’s a fake champion. He lives right now with this status; he’s a fake champion. He believes in his victory over me and right now he’s trying to get belief of people of this victory. It’s wrong, for me, it’s wrong.”

“It’s not the first fight where I’m angry, I’m always angry when I am fighting, but last two fights were very disappointing for me. Right now, at this point, I am feeling good and I feel not any problem to get back my belts.”

“I was ‘over-trained’ for my first fight against Andre Ward. I did three workouts a day. I tried to do everything faster and stronger. Instead of running five miles, I did eight miles. I did more than I usually do all the time. I over-trained.”

“My preparation right now is doing great, much better than last time because I took care of all the mistakes I did in my last two fights. In those two last fights, I was over-trained, for Chilemba and for Ward, and I fought similar, you saw already. But this training camp I am doing everything very good.”

“Nothing changed with John David Jackson. We are doing same as usual. I just got over-trained last time with physical conditioning, but with boxing we’re doing the same, boxing, sparring, mitts. I do same as I did last fight [with John]; I don’t think I need to change something. I just to get back what gave me success. My two last fights were really not good and I delete these mistakes and I delete this [physical conditioning] coach from my training camps, he’s not a coach that helps me right now.”

“I am happy what’s happening around me, I mean in training camp, my family, my life and my boxing. That I have no belts is for me new motivation to kick more ass because he does not deserve these belts. This is gift for him from the judges for Christmas and Christmas already finished and belts should be back with me.”

How hard does Ward hit?

“One day in my hometown Chelyabinsk one day a girl, 25-years old, slapped me on my shoulder then Andre Ward punched me in the fight it was same. I didn’t feel any hard punches from him. I didn’t feel his uppercut and so I didn’t block his uppercut. I didn’t feel this punch but judges counted this punch. It is touches it is not punches. Punches is punches his was like a tap. Judges counted any tapping as punches.”

Did you watch a tape of the fight?

“I tried but I saw only six rounds. I don’t have patience to watch it. For me it’s much easier to fight than to watch it.”

“I think I should knock him out and I must to knock him out to get my belts back because anything can happen but I believe in judges. I think first fight they made mistakes but right now there will be other judges, not the same. I think they’re gonna be fair and honest to count our fight.”

Why didn’t you finish him in the second round when you knocked him down?

“I thought that if knock down can happen [once], it can happen again. I tried not to rush. But I didn’t know that my energy will finish in the fifth round. In the fifth round, I lost the speed, I lost the energy and I was empty, 100% empty. My body fought because my heart doesn’t say stop. I’ll be like fighting until I die. Andre Ward got like four rounds of victory with empty Kovalev, we’ll see what happens on June 17. I think will be everything on my side.”

What does this fight mean for your legacy?

“Everything. I want to live from this point of the boxing. It’s the highest level in the boxing. HBO Pay-Per-View was my dream someday be on this level. Everything this fight means to me.”

How do you stay focused at this point?

“It’s my job. I’m boxing since I am 11 years old and nothing can break me. Nothing, only kill me. If somebody will kill me, yes I will stop boxing. If I am still alive, you know I will do my job. God bless me and I have to fight and I’m ready for June 17, to get my belts back.”

“I want to prove that he didn’t deserve these belts and I want to get my belts back. It’s my goal. I want to punish Andre Ward too because he doesn’t deserve this money, these belts, this status and to be champion. He’s not champion. In my eyes, he’s not champion.”

“I have more motivation right now than first fight because I have a goal. Last fight I just had a test. Can I fight Andre Ward or no? But right now, I understand that yes, I can fight Andre Ward and I can beat him. Right now, I have a goal: to get belts back. It’s more to motivate me than any test.”

“My goal was, and still is, to collect all four belts. I got three and left to get just one. Right now, Andre Ward’s in my way to this goal and I should move him from my way to my goal. First of all, I must get back my belts. We’ll see what will happen after this.”

John David Jackson – Sergey Kovalev’s Trainer

What are your impressions of Ward from the first fight?

“He’s an intelligent fighter. We knew that going in. I’m not too impressed with much more than that. The fact that he didn’t get hit with a flush punch from Sergey, if it was a solid shot, he might not have gotten up. So, if I had to be impressed with anything I’d say it was the fact that he went the distance. He got up in the second half of the fight, he made the fight closer than it should have been, not close to where he should have got a decision, but I was impressed that he did get up and survive.”

There’s been a lot of talk in the aftermath of the last fight. Has that been a distraction to Sergey in training camp?

“I doubt that there’s been any distractions for Sergey from the last fight. He realizes that he lost the fight, not outright, but the judges didn’t give him the decision so you must accept that; it’s part of boxing and he must move on. I think that he’s accepted it and now he just wants to get his belts back.”

What adjustments do you expect Ward to make?

“In the first fight, he did just enough to survive and somehow the judges gave him the decision; he has to be Superman in the second fight. He has to be more aggressive, with less movement and he has to be willing to trade with Sergey. Can he do that? Maybe he can, but will he do it? I doubt that. That’s not his style. Most people have said now that Ward has survived the first fight, he solved the riddle of Sergey Kovalev. I highly doubt that because this wasn’t the best of Sergey Kovalev that you could have seen, not the second half of the fight. I think Andre has to do more than Sergey does to be even more successful in this second go round. Can he do that? We’ll find out on June 17.”

Sergey said he was over-trained in his physical training. You were in Big Bear, did you notice a difference?

“I noticed that this time around his conditioning coach was a bit different. He has him resting more. The other coach had him doing a lot of things that to me were unnecessary. I don’t get in the way of the conditioning coach’s job and I’m not doing that with this guy, but he seemed more interested in keeping Sergey a little more relaxed and not over-training. If we can just do that, he’s on course. For the next two weeks, if we do the same thing, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

###

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, sponsored by Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Jetlux, Life10 Water, Zappos and Powered by Monster. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” are available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

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MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
Alexander “Stormk” SHLEMENKO (55-7-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia 183 lbs. (83.3 kg)
vs.
Brandon “Bull” Halsey (9-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), USA 186 lbs. (84.4 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Arda “Boma Ye” Adas (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Germany 168 lbs. (76.5 kg)
vs.
Sergey Romanov (10-1-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (77.1 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Michael “Sassarito” Silva (18-5-1 (M-1: 0-0-0) Brazil 154 lbs. (69.9 kg)
vs.
Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (13-5-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia 154 1/2 lbs. (70.3 kg)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Oleg Olenichev (8-4-0, m-1: 1-0-0), Russia 184 lbs. (83.5 kg)
vs.
Enoc Solves Torres (19-9-1, M-1: 5-6-1), Spain 183 1/2 lbs. ( 83.4 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Dragan “Little Wonder” Pesic (13-7-0, M-1: 0-0-0), UK 147 lbs. (67.0 kg)
vs.
Dalgiev Khamzat (8-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia 148 1/2 lbs. (67.5 kg)

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Anton Vyazigin (7-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 257 lbs. (116.8 kg)
vs.
Yuri Protsenko (8-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine 255 1/2 lbs. (116.1 kg)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Dmitriy Mikutsa (6-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine 209 lbs. (94.9 kg)
vs.
Dmitry Tebekin (5-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 205 lbs. (93.1 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Dejan Stefanoski (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Macedonia 172 lbs. (78.1 kg)
vs.
Danila Prikaza
(6-1-1, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia 169 lbs. (77.0 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
“The Finisher” Josh Rettinghose (14-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0), USA 138 lbs. (62.9 kg)
vs.
Bakhtiyar “Baha” Toychubaev (6-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), 136 lbs. (62.0 kg)

“Hellboy” Won Jun Jang (4-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0) 134 1/2 lbs. (61.2 kg)
vs.
Bair Shtepin (3-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Russia 134 lbs. (61.0 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
Almog Shay (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Israel 135 lbs. (61.3 kg)
vs.
Alexander Ostetrov (1-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 134 lbs. (61.1 kg)

WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 2017

WHERE: St. Petersburg, Russia

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (12.00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT in USA)

INFORMATION:

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

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@M1GlobalNews
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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey – June 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 80: Kharitonov vs/ Lopes – June 15, 2017 in Habin, China

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

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

Bergen, Norway (May 31, 2017) Finishing up her training in the beautiful resort town of Torrevieja, Spain, ‘The First Lady of Boxing’, CECILIA BRAEKHUS, (30-0-0, 6 KO’s), is preparing for the toughest fight of her 10-year professional career against WBC Junior Welterweight World Champion ERICA ‘La Pantera’ FARIAS, (24-1-0, 10 KO’s) on Friday, June 9 at the Bergenhus Fortress – Koengen in Bergen, Norway.

A native of Bergen from childhood, Braekhus, universally recognized as the #1 Women’s Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World, will defend her WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO Welterweight World Titles in front of a massive crowd expected to reach over 15,000 fight fans.

Following the lifting of the decades long ban in Norway of professional boxing which Braekhus was instrumental in removing, she has defended her titles twice in her homeland.

On October 1, 2016, Braekhus knocked out Anne Sophie Mathis in the second round in front of a sold out crowd at The Spectrum in Oslo, Norway. Most recently she won a 10-round unanimous decision over Klara Svensson at the same venue on February 24, 2017.

Speaking from here training camp in Spain, Braekhus stated, “This training camp has been terrific with Johnathon (Banks), this is our fourth fight together and I’m continuing to learn a great deal from him.”

“In my last three fights I’ve become much more of an aggressive fighter and he’s truly brought that out in me, more of an American and Detroit style of fighting.”

“Erica Farias is the toughest opponent of my career. She’s moving up from the junior welterweight division where she’s the WBC champion and one of the best fighters in the division.”

“I know Farias is coming for all my belts and I’m up to the challenge. This is my true homecoming as I’ve lived in Bergen since the age of two and we’re expecting a huge crowd of close to 15,000 fans. No way I won’t be ready.”

LAS VEGAS (May 31, 2017) – Errol Spence, Jr. brought an exhilarating conclusion to the month of May with a resounding 11th round knockout victory over Kell Brook to win a 147-pound world championship on Brook’s home turf of Sheffield, England. Spence’s exciting victory was presented live by Premier Boxing Champions on SHOWTIME this past Saturday night.

“Errol Spence, Jr. scored one of the most impressive knockout victories in boxing this year to win a world championship. There is no better way for Premier Boxing Champions to spring board into June,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “From top to bottom the schedule of shows in June is loaded with exciting matches featuring a pair of world championship bouts in two of the hottest divisions in boxing, boxers on the comeback trail and young prospects and contenders climbing the ladder to a championship.”

Kicking off June will be a highly charged rematch between 175-pound champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada in Premier Boxing Champions action on SHOWTIME on June 3. Stevenson, one of the hardest punchers in boxing, won the first match by decision after 12 exciting rounds. Jean Pascal will take on Eleider Alvarez in the co-feature. Televised start time is set for 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In a special Sunday night edition of PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes, Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios returns to the ring after an 18-month layoff to take on Mexican brawler Aaron Herrera in a 10-round welterweight match at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California on June 11. Televised coverage begins on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and will feature unbeaten Mario Barrios in a 10-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez and undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego squaring-off against once-beaten Kevin Watts in an eight round super lightweight bout.

Eddie Ramirez will be featured in a 10-round junior welterweight match on the PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” as he takes on Erik Bone from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas on June 20. Also in action is tough veteran Lionell Thompson who will try to derail promising prospect Earl Newman in a 10-round light heavyweight match.

Unbeaten Miguel Cruz and once-beaten Alex Martin will meet in a 10-round welterweight rematch on Tuesday, June 27 in the main event of PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportesfrom Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa. In the first match in January, Cruz walked away with a split decision victory. Martin will be looking to even the score. In the co-feature Jamal James and Samuel Figueroa square off in welterweight showdown. Televised start time is 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The month will come to a thrilling conclusion when unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr. defends his title in his hometown against mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov in the main event of PBC on Bounce live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio on Friday, June 30. Julian Williams will take on Joshua Conley in a 154-pound battle in the co-feature with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Easter successfully defended his title in the same venue in February by knocking down Luis Cruz three times on the way to a unanimous decision.

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2017) : Four-division world champion and surefire first ballot Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will return to Golden Boy Promotions for a multi-fight deal starting with his 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Light Middleweight World Championship against Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs). The fight will be on Saturday August 26 from Carson, Calif’s StubHub Center and live on HBO World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 p.m. EST/PST.

In addition, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotion will partner with Cotto and Miguel Cotto Promotions on developing prospects, advancing boxing in Cotto’s Puerto Rico homeland and promoting the boxing legend’s upcoming fights.

“Miguel Cotto is not only a legend in the ring, but on the entire island of Puerto Rico, which has one of the richest boxing traditions around the globe,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Our new partnership will include Miguel’s upcoming fights; working with Miguel Cotto Promotions’ talented stable of fighters; and revitalizing boxing in Puerto Rico.”

A key element of the partnership will see boxing series Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN broadcast a number of cards from Puerto Rico in the coming months and years. This is the first time in 15 years that ESPN will put on a show from Puerto Rico.

“I’m very proud to establish a tremendous partnership with Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar,” said Cotto, who is shooting for his sixth world title on August 27th. “It couldn’t work better — from a boxer to a boxer. We share the same mentality and language of the sport and the business. We will create the perfect opportunities for the sport of boxing and the fans.”

Cotto has held world titles in the super lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight divisions and has fought and defeated a who’s who of elite fighters over the last 15 years including Kelson Pinto, Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Ricardo “Mochuelo” Torres, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.

“It’s a big pleasure to work together with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “We’ve always had a great relationship beyond boxing with them for more than 10 years. We look forward to make the best fights and best shows for the fans.”

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai will be priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges and go on sale on Thursday June 1st at 10am PT. 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.

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD.” The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 p.m. EST/PST.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com and www.hbo.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter at @cottopromotions, @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/RealMiguelCottp. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @realmiguelacotto and follow the conversation using #CottoKamegai.

SLOAN, IA (May 31, 2017) – An injury has forced NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (22-0-3, 16 KOs) to withdraw from his scheduled “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” headline event against Abdiel “Mortero” Ramirez, on Saturday, June 10, airing (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino. TITLE Boxing is the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.

WBC Oriental Super Lightweight Champion Zhimin Wang (8-1, 3 KOs), of China, will face Dallas lightweight Manuel Rey Rojas (14-3, 4 KOs) as an addition to the card. Elevated to main event status is the original 10-round co-feature being contested for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight title, matching former USBA champion Daniel “Twitch” Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), who fights out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Utah favorite Jose Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs).

The 25-year-old Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), who fights under the Roc Nation Sports banner, was a standout amateur boxer captured the vacant USBA featherweight title last November, knocking out previously unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1) in four rounds. He lost the belt in his following fight, stopped by veteran Christopher Martin (29-8-3) in the third round of their non-title fight in Los Angeles on March 23. Franco is currently rated No. 5 by the USBA and No. 11 by the NABO.

Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs), USBA No. 14-rated, is an all-action fighter with tremendous potential. The 29-year-old is presently riding a six-fight win streak with five victories and one draw. His lone loss as a professional was to highly-touted prospect Toka Kahn Clary (11-0) by way of a six-round decision in 2014.

The new 10-round co-feature will be an exciting match-up between Wang and Rojas (14-3, 4 KOs). Last January in China, Zhimin defeated Aekkawee Kaewmanee (16-6), by way of a 10-round unanimous decision for the vacant WBO Oriental crown. The only blemish on Zhimin’s otherwise perfect pro record is a 10-round loss by decision last September, to then 12-0 Russian prospect Ivan Baranchyk in Oklahoma.

“I honestly felt that Haro vs. Franco was a legitimate main event fight as the co-feature,” promoter John Andersen. “Injuries are an unfortunate part of boxing and we’re disappointed to lose a world-class fighter like Hooker. Now, though, Haro-Franco gets top billing and we’re fortunate to have a solid co-feature added to a very competitive, entertaining card.”

The TV opener features Chicago super bantamweight prospect Giovanni Mioletti (7-0, 1 KO) taking on Las Vegas’ upset-minded Sal Lopez (4-1) in a six-round bout. In a pair of four-round undercard matches, Sioux City, Iowa cruiserweight Shalyn Joseph will make his pro debut against Chicago’s Darrius Flowers (0-1), while Sioux Falls, South Dakota super welterweight Keith Cournoyer (0-0-1), squares off with Justin Likeness, of Minot, North Dakota.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are on sale at the WinnaVegas box office and online at www.tickets.winnavegas.biz. Advance ticket prices are $35.00 ringside (rows 1 & 2), $35.00 VIP Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4), $20.00 General Admission Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4) and $15.00 General Admission Standing Room Only. A special Resort/Hotel package for two is also available for $199.00, which includes two VIP Reserved Seats, WinnaVegas hotel room, two dinner vouchers and two $5.00 Sunday breakfast buffet-voucher.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is an all-ages event.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA

About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (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 @NeonstarSE or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. KO Night Boxing, LLC, REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC and KO Night Boxing LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.

Atlantic City, NJ (May 31, 2017)–Welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take on 54-fight veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez in the main event of of a stacked card on Saturday, June 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by Rising Promotions.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey will compete in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

The 25 year-old LaManna has a record of 22-2 with nine knockouts.

This will be LaManna’s 5th appearance at The Claridge, and 15th start in Atlantic City.

“I have something big planned for the rest of 2017, but I have to handle Velasquez first. I’m talking meaningful titles against meaningful names. I want to keep fighting guys with the experience this way going in to another big fight, I know I’ll be 100%.,” said LaManna

“Camp has been awesome with coach Charles Johnson, coach Vince Jackson and Strength and Conditioning with former IBF Cruiserweight Champion Imamu Mayfield.”

“We are looking for another great night at The Claridge,” said Debbie LaManna of Rising Promotions. “We continue to put on great shows, and June 10th will be no different. We feel that the momentum of our shows is starting to help the restoration of boxing in Atlantic City.”

“After Thomas gets through this fight, We will are going to be looking for a regional title belt in one of the the four recognized organizations. If we win that and defend that a couple of times and move through the ratings of the sanctioning bodies, Thomas can earn himself a world title shot,” said Vinny LaManna.

Velasquez of Managua, Nicaragua has a record of 24-28-2 with 15 knockouts.

The 37 year-old Velasquez has been a professional since 2005, and has some quality wins on his resume over Danilo Moises Solis (18-1), Maisael Castillo (20-0).

Velasquez has also been in the ring with former world champion Jose Alfaro (21-4), former world title challengers Daniel Estrada (17-1), Michele Di Rocco (25-1-1), Petr Petrov (24-2-2), Matt Zegan (38-5), Rene Gonzalez (28-4-1), Luis Cruz (20-2) & Hank Lundy (25-5-1) as well as contenders Luciano Cuello (25-1), Aaron Herrera (20-0), Mahonry Montes (22-0-1), Adrian Granados (12-2-1) & Dusty Hernandez Harrison (26-0).

In his last bout, Velasquez went the distance before dropping a decision to Josue Vargas on March 24th in Orlando, Florida.

In the eight-round co-feature, it will be a battle of welterweight’s as local favorite Anthony “Juice” Young will take on George Sosa.

Young of Atlantic City has a record of 16-2 with six knockouts.

Sosa of New Jersey has a record of 15-8 with all 15 wins coming via knockout.

The 30 year-old Sosa is a six-year professional, who began his career in the Dominican Republic with six consecutive knockouts.

Sosa’s losses have come to fighters who had a combined record of 87-7-1 and they included Three undefeated fighters plus contenders Ray Robinson and Ed Peredes.

Sosa has won two consecutive bouts by knockout as in his most recent effort he stopped Jesus Pascual in three rounds on October 29, 2016 in the Domincan Republic.

In six-round bouts:

Gabriel Pham (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ will take on Edgar Perez (7-20, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IL super middleweight bout.

Frederick Julian (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Cambaul, France will take on an opponent to be named in a light heavyweight bout.

Dan Pasciolla (9-2-2) of Brick, NJ will battle Lemarcus Tucker (4-2, 2 KO’s) of Batesville, AR in a rematch of heavyweights. Pasciolla took the first bout this past March via six-round split decision.

In four-round bouts:

Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Sidell Blocker (1-7-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a super featherweight bout.

Chris Thomas (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Toms River, NJ will take on Oscar Valdez (1-2, 1 KO) of Batesville, AR in a middleweight bout

Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’ts) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight tilt.

Tomas Romain (2-1) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Lamont White (1-7, 1 KO) of Washington, DC in a lightweight bout.

Marcus Lugo of Vineland, NJ will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.rspboxing.com

Wembley’s Gary Corcroan will face Stoke Newington’s undefeated Larry Ekundayo for the Vacant WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight strap at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 8th July.

Corcoran, 16-1 7 KOs, recently moved down to Welterweight after losing out in an eleven round thriller for Liam Williams’ Super-Welterweight Lonsdale belt in July 2016. Known as the ‘Hellraiser’ for his ferocious all-action style, 26 year-old Corcoran is now planning an assault on the domestic 147lbs division.

Nigeria-born Ekundayo, 34, is a former Prizefighter Champion and is undefeated in 12 outings since joining the professional ranks in 2012. ‘The Natural’ is eager to prove himself again on the big stage and is looking to make a statement against Corcoran.

“This is a fight I have wanted for a long time,” said Corcoran. “Larry will be the fourth undefeated fighter I have faced in my last six fights. Nobody wants to fight him, he is a very good fighter, slippery and awkward. I have done a lot of sparring with Larry and it’s a good matchup, I’d like to thank Frank for the opportunity.

“I’m a very strong Welterweight and I’m looking to clean up the division. After I beat Larry I want to take on the best Welterweight in the country and that is Bradley Skeete. He has the British title and I want it. I know I am a level above the rest of the Welterweights below Bradley and it would be a great test for me.”

“Everyone in boxing rates Gary as a top fighter,” said Ekundayo. “He is a tough tough man and will be in my face all night. This is a big test for me but I will be prepared for whatever he brings on the night. If I beat Gary I will get the respect I deserve in the boxing circuit.

“We have shared a lot of rounds in the gym but we all know there is a huge difference between sparring and fighting under the lights. Gary is as ferocious as they come but I’m going to give it my all to get the win and the belt.”

Tickets for July 8 priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Billy Joe Saunders has been warned that his dreams of facing the winner of Canelo Alvarez v Gennady Golovkin will be ruined by the desire of Avtandil Khurtsidze.

Undefeated Saunders, 27, makes the second defence his WBO Middleweight title against the colourful Georgian at London’s Copper Box Arena on July 8, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Khurtsidze sealed his status as mandatory contender for the Hatfield traveller’s World crown with a fifth round win over Tommy Langford in Leicester on April 30.

It was his sixth consecutive KO win since moving to Brooklyn and signing with Lou DiBella, one of the World’s leading promoters.

Saunders narrowly beat another DiBella boxer Artur Akavov in December and the New York promoter believes the Briton faces an even tougher night against Khurtsidze who has won 33 of his 37 fights.

DiBella said: “Billy Joe is a very skilled fighter, but you never know which Billy Joe is going to show up.

“The fight with Akavov was a close, competitive fight. No one predicted that and Billy Joe hasn’t looked the best of himself in a long time.

“The one thing about Khurtsidze is that he’s hungrier than Billy Joe, he’s relentless with his attacks and capable of doing damage at any stage of the fight.

“Khurtsidze could be down by four or five rounds and still mount offensive attacks that could win him the fight.

“He is dangerous from the first bell until the end of the 12th round.”

With the IBF, WBA and WBC belts on the line when Canelo and GGG meet in September, the winner of Saunders v Khurtsidze will be in line for a huge payday and the chance to become undisputed
World Middleweight Champion against the victor.

Saunders had hoped to face Golovkin instead of ‘interim’ WBO champ Khurtsidze, but the fight fell through when the Kazakh signed to face Canelo.

DiBella added: “I don’t think missing out on the Golovkin fight will affect Billy Joe. He knows the importance of this fight.

“If he does beat Khurtsidze there is a big, big money fight there for him.

“I give Billy Joe enough credit that he understands the importance of this fight and will be prepared and ready.”

Saunders clashed with Khurtsidze and his trainer Andre Rozier at recent press conferences, but DiBella believes the boxers could become close once their ring rivalry ends

“When I saw Frank Warren had called the fight ‘Mad Men’, I thought that was perfect because these are two crazy SOBs,” laughed DiBella

“It is hard to say who is the craziest. The irony of all the fire and craziness of their first press conference is that away from it all they would get along.”

Tickets for July 8 priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

MONTREAL (May 30, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara sounded off at the final press conference on Tuesday at Montreal Casino for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal also faced off for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Both Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) and Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) scored knockdowns in their all-action meeting in 2014, the only time Stevenson has been down in his eight world title fights since winning the WBC belt in 2013. While the local Montreal favorite was pushed the distance in his first bout with Fonfara, he has scored knockouts in five of his seven title defenses and stated on Tuesday that he expects a knockout in the rematch.

Since the close loss to Stevenson in 2014, Fonfara has picked up wins against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Nathan Cleverly and Chad Dawson, and enters the rematch with a new trainer, the renowned Virgil Hunter.

Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) is undefeated and the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, but he’ll face the toughest test of his career in Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs), a former WBC 175-pound champion who has faced some of the world’s best light heavyweights over the past decade.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

ADONIS STEVENSON
“I’m ready because I know Fonfara is dangerous. We’re not underestimating him. I’ve prepared for everything, everything he brings in the ring I’ll be ready for it.

“I’m training for the knockout. Emanuel Steward always told me ‘knockouts sell.’ When I get in the ring I’m going for a knockout. It’s not an option for me to go 12 rounds.

“I train for 12 rounds, and if it goes 12 rounds he’s going to get punishment the whole time, but I definitely am going for the knockout.

“I see some things I can exploit in the ring.

“I won the first fight, and I know him very well. I know what he can do. I know he changed trainers. Virgil Hunter brings a lot of experience, I know he trains Andre Ward, and I know he’s very intelligent.

“I know Andrzej Fonfara from 12 rounds in the ring. He can’t change his style right now. He may show some improved defense, but after a couple of rounds it will be the old Fonfara.

“This fight will be different. I expect a knockout. I hurt my hand in our first fight, but now I’m fully healthy and I expect to knock him out.

“I know Fonfara is training hard to take my belt. I know he’s a tough fighter, and I know it’s not going to be easy for me.

“My goal is to unify the titles with the winner of (Sergey) Kovalev and (Andre) Ward. I want the unification, but if not I’ll make my mandatory. If Ward wins I want to fight him, if Kovalev wins I want to fight him. I’m ready.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA
“I’m a much smarter fighter now. Mentally, I’m much strong and smarter.

“I bettered myself. Virgil (Hunter) has taught me a lot of new stuff. Some things worked in my last fight with Chad Dawson, some things didn’t. But that was our first fight together. Now I’m ready to show everything in this fight.

“I’ve had a lot of success against southpaws. I like fighting them. Chad Dawson was a southpaw, so the last two fights, the last four months, we prepared only for southpaws.

“I’m ready for the best Stevenson.

“My camp went well. Sparring was great. It’s my second full camp with Virgil Hunter and we’ve improved a lot since the first fight.

“I can’t make the same mistakes I did in our first fight. I must fight much smarter.

“Stevenson only has a good left hand. He’s the champ and he’s a good fighter, but his boxing isn’t amazing. He’s not easy, but he only has basic boxing skills. We must cut his left hand and be ready to throw my right. We need to control him.

“I must start good in the first round and let him know that I’m here to win the fight. And I’ll be the new champion.

“I’m always a fighter that goes forward and pushes guys back, but I am now ready to fight backwards if I need to. I’ll show the best Andrzej Fonfara this time.

“I’m going to win the fight. A world title is the only thing I’ve never had. I’ve imagined raising my hand after the fight and becoming the new WBC champion.”

“I’m ready to take the title. My time has come.

“I’m ready to be the new world champion and I’ll do that Saturday night. He wants the KO, and I want the KO, too.

“I respect him because he’s the champ. I came here to show that, this time, I’m the better fighter.”

ELEIDER ALVAREZ
“He has a lot of experience, but experience can be negative sometimes. He’s experienced, but he has negative experiences and losses, too. I don’t think it will be a factor Saturday night.

“My style will be an advantage. I’m taller, I have a longer reach, and a better jab. My footwork is better, too. So I think my style is my advantage.

“I’m fully ready for my title shot. I’ve been ready for 18 months, but for some reason it didn’t happen. I’m ready to face everybody. I’m probably in the toughest division in boxing right now, but once Stevenson comes I’ll be ready.

“I didn’t wait 18 months to become a world champion for nothing. I won’t give a victory to Pascal. I’ve waited for 18 months for my chance and I won’t give it to Pascal.

“Sparring with him (Pascal) is an advantage, but it was a long time ago and now he’s changed teams. So I don’t know what he’s done in his training camp this time.

“Marc (Ramsay) taught me some tricks, but I already know Jean Pascal because I trained with him and sparred with him for a while. It’s an advantage to have Marc, but it can be different and you never know what he’ll bring to the ring this time around.”

JEAN PASCAL
“Winning is the only option for me.

“I’ve been in some battles, but my tank is still full.

“I’ve faced way better opposition than him. I’ve been there, done that on the big stage. This is a big, big fight, and I’ve been here before. That’s the thing with experience – you can’t buy experience. You have to live it, and I’ve lived it many times. I’m ready to be on the big stage once again.

“Training camp went really well. I was with Roy Jones Jr. and Stephane Larouche and we stayed in Montreal for the whole camp. We had no injuries and we’re ready to go on Saturday.

“Sparring with Alvarez isn’t really an advantage for me. The last time we sparred was like two or three years ago. I know him, but he knows me also. I actually have two strikes against me – he knows me well, but his coach knows me by heart because he’s my former coach. But none of that matters. I’ve done my homework and I know what to do in the ring.

“Right now my focus is on Alvarez. After the referee raises my hand and we’ll see what’s next.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

The undercard has been announced for promoter Dmitriy Salita blockbuster “Detroit Brawl” on Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit and it features an impressive mix of local and international prospects in high-stakes match-ups.

Thus far, five exciting bouts are scheduled in support of the eight-round main event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (2-0, 1 KO) of Flint, Michigan, taking on Mery Rancier (7-8-3, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship and the 10-round co-main event between undefeated Detroit cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (9-0, 4 KOs) and Detroit via Russia’s Alexey Zubov (14-1, 9 KOs).

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $200, Box Seats $100, Floor Seating $100 & $55, and balcony seating $40, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.

In the night’s main supporting bout, undefeated welterweight pulverizer Bakhtiyar Eyubov (12-0, 10 KOs) of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, will look to stay busy waiting for his next high-profile step, as he attempts to inflict his crowd-pleasing style on always-tough Cesar Soriano (27-35-1, 16 KOs) Iztacalco, Mexico, over six rounds.

In another of the chief supporting bouts, Detroit’s rising talent and “Great Lakes King” Ja’Rico O’Quinn (6-0, 5 KOs) returns to action in a six-round bantamweight brawl against David Martino (2-2, 2 KOs) of San Felipe, Mexico.

Also scheduled is an all-action six-round super welterweight battle between Antonio Urista (7-2, 2 KOs) of Lansing, Michigan, and highly decorated former amateur star Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkey.

Opening the night will be a six-round super lightweight tilt between Staten Island, New York via Kazakhstan’s Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 4 KOs) and Grand Rapids, Michigan, veteran Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs); as well as a four-round welterweight bout between undefeated Jacob Bonas (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Bellville, Michigan, and Clinton Township, Michigan’s Tony Brooks (1-1).

“This is an exciting show from top to bottom,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Every fight has been chosen for its excitement level. I am proud to be presenting it to the boxing savvy fans of Detroit, America’s comeback city and home for world-class boxing.”

More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the fights begin at 8:00 pm.

###

For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and
Twitter: @DetroitBrawl

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

May 30, 2017 – Leading up to the highly anticipated light heavyweight rematch between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev – set for Saturday, June 17 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of their first showdown which sparked a hot debate in the boxing community as the hard-fought encounter resulted in a razor-thin triumph for the undefeated challenger from the Bay Area.

On Friday, June 9 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, June 10 at 9:00 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Kovalev vs. Ward I 2016. Last November in the bright spotlight of Las Vegas, Andre Ward won a hotly debated unanimous decision against the reigning 175-pound champion Sergey Kovalev in the most anticipated fight of 2016. After suffering an early knockdown, Ward rebounded in the second half of the fight with an incredible display of will and skill that the judges decided was the difference. Now the question is which fighter is more determined to impose his will in the rematch?

The fight will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers and on affiliate portals beginning Monday, June 5.

Ward vs. Kovalev 2 takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (May 30, 2017) — In a scenario that would’ve seemed virtually unthinkable during their careers, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee Erik Morales will be presented by 2015 Inductee Marco Antonio Barrera. The two great Mexican champions were among the most bitter rivals in boxing history, and their spectacular trilogy ranks with the sport’s greatest.

Morales and Barrera fought all three of their bouts in Las Vegas. The first was at Mandalay Bay in 2000 with the subsequent two rematches at MGM Grand in 2002 and 2004. Their intense dislike for each other was expressed frequently in press conferences and personal appearances, and spilled into the ring during their fights. All three decisions were close and disputed, Morales won the first by split-decision, Barrera the second and third by unanimous and majority decisions. The first and third bouts were each named The Ring magazine “Fights of the Year.” The rubber match was also accorded the same honor by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

While it seemed inconceivable that there would ever be peace between the two, time eased many of the wounds, aided by their working together on television in Mexico. Now the two will be back together again In Las Vegas for what will surely be one of the highlights of the fifth annual summer spectacular, and a sure-fire photo opportunity.

Morales expressed excitement to be Inducted in the NVBHOF, adding he is very happy that Barrera will present him.

“I am very happy that I was taken into consideration to participate in Erik Morales’ induction because he was my strongest rival. This tremendous rivalry made us give everything that we had and we were able to give boxing fans three memorable fights. For me it is an honor. I will attend this great event to be part of it,” said Barrera.

Morales was 52-9 as a pro and won World Championships in four weight divisions. “El Terrible” will be one of two Mexican greats inducted this year, joining the late great Salvador Sánchez in an amazing 14-person class.

Previously, the NVBHOF also inducted Mexican champions Julio César Chávez, Barrera, and Ricardo López.

“Having Marco Antonio induct Erik is in the best tradition of the NVBHOF,” said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, CEO and President of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. “Among our greatest moments have been the ceremonies where we brought past rivals together for the inductions. We have had Mike Tyson induct Evander Holyfield and Sugar Ray Leonard present Roberto Duran. There may however have been no more heated rivalry than Morales and Barrera, so this will be something really special.”

Additional stellar inductees in the NVBHOF’s Class of ’17 will include Thomas Hearns, who was chosen in the non-Nevada resident boxer category, along with Michael Spinks, Michael Carbajal, and women’s boxing star Lucia Rijker. Elected in the Nevada resident boxer category was Ken Norton, Leon Spinks and Richie Sandoval.

Chosen in the non-boxer category were referee Davey Pearl, public relations specialist Debbie Munch, promoter Mel Greb, trainer/cut man Rafael Garcia and Nevada Athletic Commission chair Dr. Elias Ghanem.

Norton, Sánchez, Greb and Ghanem will be inducted posthumously.

Remaining tickets for all events of the two-day NVBHOF Induction Weekend, August 11-12, including the Induction Gala Dinner on Saturday night, August 12th, may be purchased at nvbhof.com. They can be purchased separately or as part of a first-time ever Super VIP ticket which gains access to all of the weekend events. Follow the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame on twitter: @nvbhof.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2012 by sportscaster Rich Marotta. It is an IRS 501-c-3 charitable organization with proceeds going to boxing-related causes. Ticket purchases, raffle and silent auction purchases are tax-deductible.

Sam McNess will challenge Reading’s Asinia Byfield for the Southern Area Super-Welterweight strap at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 8th July, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The multi-titled former Repton and GB amateur prospect has raced to 7-0 (3 KOs) since turning pro in July 2015 and is delighted to be fighting for his first pro title in just his eighth outing.

McNess, a life-long West Ham fan, already has a strong ‘Hammers’ following and hopes to emulate fellow West Ham fanatic Kevin Mitchell by boxing at the home of his beloved team one day.

“To be challenging for my first professional title just around the corner from West Ham’s ground is great,” said McNess. “I’ve had a little look as Byfield and I don’t think he is in anywhere near my league and I’ll show that on July 8.

“He seems to have a lot to say for himself but I like to do all of my talking in the ring. Hopefully he can back up all of his talk on July 8 because he is going to look very stupid otherwise. It will be interesting seeing how he handles hundreds of mad West Ham fans.

“I was chuffed when I found out the West Ham Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and his son had ringside seats for my last fight. I’m expecting another big turnout from the West Ham boys and I’ll be sending them home happy with another win.”

Byfield, 27, beat Erick Ochieng to win the Southern Arena belt in October last year before making a successful defence of his title against John Brennan in February. Managed by Mickey Helliet, Byfield holds a record of 12-1 (4 KOs) with his sole loss coming against Arthur Hermann in April 2016.

“This fight is way too early for Sam,” said Byfield. “He definitely shouldn’t be fighting me, he could have waited and picked his opponents a little better. Sam has a good amateur background but he is going to be inexperienced at ten rounds. He is a good basic boxer but I think he is punching above his weight with me.

“I have been going at it with his fans on social media recently but none of that fazes me at all. At the end of the day it is only me and Sam stepping through the ropes. This is a huge opportunity for me to impress on TV and I won’t waste it.”

Tickets for July 8 priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Darryll Williams insists he is ready to conquer the World after teaming up British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

The South Londoner has moved his base to Manchester and is now being trained by the former two-weight World Champion at his Hyde gym.

Unbeaten Williams will have Hatton in his corner for the first time when he faces Leicester’s Jahmaine Smyle in an eagerly awaited rematch at London’s Copper Box Arena on July 8, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

“Ricky can take me all the way,” said Williams who joined Hatton this week.

“I don’t think there is anyone else in this country that will be able to do what he can with me because of my style.

“I never took up boxing until I was 18 and Ricky’s fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr was the first boxing match I ever watched from start to finish.

“It was watching Ricky in that fight that made me want to become a professional boxer one day.

“I didn’t know much about him, but it was his fighting style that I loved. I was gutted when he lost that fight.”

Hatton was ringside when Williams snatched Smyle’s English Super-Middleweight title in a Fight of the Year contender in April.

Williams, 27, who was previously trained by Eddie Lam, added: “Ricky took a bit of a liking to me and my fighting style.

“My manager, Mickey Helliet is a good friend of his and everything just fell into place from there.

“Considering the way I fight, I think Ricky will be the best person in this country to lay his hands on me.

“He will bring out all the aggression I have and make sure I use it in the best possible way.”

Hatton will be assisted by Blain Younis and Mike Jackson, and Williams says: “We have all gelled so quickly.

“I have only been here a few days, but I am surprised how much I have learnt from Ricky.”

Tickets for July 8 priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Mike Perez is promising to put it all on the line as he faces a crunch Cruiserweight clash against Tommy McCarthy at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday June 10, live on Sky Sports.

Perez makes his debut at 200lbs and goes straight into the Lion’s Den against hometown favourite, McCarthy, who is looking to bounce back to winning ways having been outpointed by recently crowned British champion Matty Askin in November.

Cork-based Cuban Perez won Prizefighter as a Heavyweight and held Carlos Takam to a draw in 2014 before reversals to former World champion Alexander Povetkin and World title challenger Bryant Jennings.

The 31 year old showed off a ripped physique on social media proving that he means business at his new weight, and knows he must come out on top in order to land titles fights at Cruiserweight.

“I’ve been working very hard behind the scenes and I’m very excited about the McCarthy fight,” said Perez. “Both of us need to win to move on to major titles and I’m happy to go into his hometown to get the opportunity. I’m ready to give the fans a great fight on June 10.”

McCarthy and Perez clash on a huge night of boxing in Belfast as unbeaten local talent Ryan Burnett challenges IBF World Bantamweight champion Lee Haskins.

An exciting undercard features Ian Tims vs. Luke Watkins for the Irish Cruiserweight title and local favourites James Tennyson, Paul Hyland Jnr, Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.

Tickets are on general sale at midday today priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 from the SSE Arena Belfast at http://www.ssearenabelfast.com/belfast-boy-burnett-v-haskins

VIP tickets priced at £150 are exclusively available from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/

Face value tickets for June 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

??30? May 2017 – Yangon, Myanmar: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returns to Yangon, Myanmar on 30 June for another blockbuster evening of world-class, authentic martial arts action. The Thuwunna Indoor Stadium is set to play host to ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION, featuring ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash, who will defend his title against hometown hero “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang in the main event.

Ticket information for ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION is available at www.onefc.com

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “The first bout was an absolute showcase of incredible skill and unwavering determination, and the rematch promises nothing short of another classic. Yangon’s favorite son, Aung La N Sang, will get another crack at the ONE Middleweight World Championship held by Vitaly Bigdash. This time, it will be on his home turf. Fans will not want to miss all the action that goes down at ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION this June!”

ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, has proven to be one of the most talented martial artists in the world. Making his ONE Championship debut in 2015, Bigdash captured the middleweight title with a resounding technical knockout victory over Igor Svirid, in one of the most action-packed contests in ONE Championship history. In his last bout, Bigdash successfully defended his world title for the first time against Aung La N Sang, winning by unanimous decision. With an unblemished professional record of nine wins and no losses, Bigdash is set to return to the ONE Championship cage in a rematch against the Myanmar hero.

Vitaly Bigdash, ONE Middleweight World Champion, stated: “Aung La N Sang is one of the toughest fighters I have ever faced, and it will be an honor to come into his hometown to perform. I am not worried about the hometown advantage, because a true champion can fight anywhere and under any circumstance. I am excited to get back inside the cage and expect nothing less than a spectacular showing in Myanmar. Although I respect Aung La N Sang and what he brings to the table, I am returning home victorious, and with my belt still over my shoulder.”

32-year-old top middleweight contender Aung La N Sang is one of the world’s most renowned athletes from Myanmar, whose constricting style has earned him the moniker of ”The Burmese Python”. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, he belongs to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. In his most recent outing, Aung La N Sang battled valiantly against reigning ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash, losing via decision. This time, the Myanmar national hero believes he can produce a different result with better preparation in a highly-anticipated rematch against Bigdash.

Aung La N Sang, ONE world title challenger, stated: “The last fight I took on short notice and I wasn’t at my best. This time, with better preparation and a full training camp, I vow to give a much better account of myself. Competing in Yangon in front of all my fans is such an honor, and I promise to do everything within my power to bring the belt back to Myanmar! It’s going to be an epic battle of attrition, and the better man will emerge victorious on the night.”

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.

ORENBURG, Russia (May 27, 2017) – A new M-1 Challenge lightweight champion was crowned last night as Damir Ismagulov knocked out former champion Maxim Divnich at the end of the fifth and final championship round in the M-1 Challenge 78 main event at Orenburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 78 was a true international event with fighters representing eight different countries: Russia, Brazil, Belarus, USA, UK, Sweden, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.

Ismagulov (11-2-0, M-1: 7-1-0), fighting out of Russia by way of Kazakhstan, fought Divnich (13-3-0, M-1: 7-3-0) at home, in Orenburg, for the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title, where Divnich had lost his title belt in 2015.

The title fight commenced with a “feeling-out process” of simple exchanges of blows with Ismagulov working more with his feet, and the round ended with the hometown favorite holding a slight advantage.

Ismagulov, however, dominated the next three rounds and Divnich, whose severely damaged, bloody face showed the ill effects of Ismagulov’s continued assault, was unable to turn things around in the fifth. As the finished neared, Ismagulov failed to submit his game opponent until a barrage of unanswered punched rained on a defenseless Divnich. The referee halted the action with 13-seconds remaining on the clock for a hard-fought Ismagoulov win by technical knockout.
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After the fight 5,000 fans celebrated, roaring their approval for Ismagulov, who said: “I’m from the Orenburg region. I won the belt! Thanks for coming. I want to thank the MMA Orenburg, my coach, Victor Frolov, who saw me as a talent, and Alexander Shlemenko for believing in me. I thank my coaches, my family, and our fans.

“I’ve proved that a simple guy from a small village without the Internet can become champion. If I can, you can. The belt in Orenburg, where it should be.”

Russian light heavyweight Mikhail Ragozin (8-2-0, M-1: 2-0-0) stopped Alan Bispo De Santana (5-2-0, M-1 0-1-0), of Brazil, via punches late in the third round.

Brazilian middleweight Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes (10-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) turned in an impressive M-1 debut, using a rear-naked choke hold to submit Dmitry Voitov (15-7-0, M-1: 4-2-0), of Belarus, in the opening frame.

American welterweight Keith “The One” Johnson (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) made an auspicious M-1 debut, also using a rear-naked choke to submit his opponent, former M-1 Challenge welterweight title challenger Maksim Grabovich (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0), of Russia, late in the third round.

Russian bantamweight Vadim “Bad Santa” Malygin (9-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1) won a three-round unanimous decision over veteran Brazilian fighter, Fabricio “Bill” Sarraff (23-10-0, M-1: 0-2-0).

In preliminary card action, Ukrainian bantamweight Alexksander Doskalchuk (7-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0) and Brazilian lightweight Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (17-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0) were three-round majority decision winners, respectively, over Swede Son Le “Buddha” Binh (5-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0) and Orozbek “Nomad” Maripov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan; pro-debuting Russian lightweight Roman Bogatov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) used a bravo choke to submit Brit Richard “Rico” Franco (2-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round, Russian featherweight Vitali Tverdokhlebov (4-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) punched out Ukrainian Oleg Mikhailov (0-3-0 (M-1: 0-1-0) in round two, and Salem Evloev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) took a three-round unanimous decision from Alexey Dubrovny (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in a pro-debut battle of Russian bantamweights.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Damir Ismagulov (11-2-0, M-1: 7-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
WTKO5 (4:47 – punches)
Maxim Divnich (13-3-0, M-1: 7-3-0)
(Ismagulov won vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Mikhail Ragozin (8-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0-), Russia
WTKO3 (4:32 – punches)
Alan Bispo De Santana (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Caio Magalhaes (10-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil
WSUB1 (1:16 – rear-naked choke)
Dmitry Voitov (15-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0) Belarus

WELTERWEIGHTS
Keith Johnson (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), USA
WSUB3 (4:22 – rear-naked choke)
Maksim Grabovich (5-4-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS
Vadim Malygin (9-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1), Russia
WDEC3
Fabricio Sarraff (23-10-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Brazil

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Roman Bogatov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (4:52 – bravo choke)
Ricardo Franco (2-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0-), England

Rubenilton Pereira (17-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Orozbek Maripov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

BANTAMWEIGHTS
Aleksander Doskalchuk (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0)
WDEC3
Son Le Binh (5-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0,), Sweden

Salem Evloev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Alexey Dubrovsky (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Vitali Tverdokhlebov (5-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 (punches)
Oleg Mikhailov (0-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

INFORMATION:

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

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey – June 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 80: Kharitonov vs/ Lopes – June 15, 2017 in Habin, China
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 200 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2017 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBO LATINO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10 rounds)
MANUEL “El Venado” CEBALLOS (12-1, 8 KOs), Merida, Yucatan, Mexico lbs.
vs.
CESAR HERNAN REYNOSO (14-8-4, 7 KOs, Mardel Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina lbs.

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (10 rounds)
(R) ROMAR ALEXIS ANGULO (21-0, 8 KOs), WBO #12 & IBF #13, Bogota, Colombia lbs.
vs.
(L) ROLANDO MANSILLA (13-3-1, 5 KOs), Parana, Entre Rios, Argentina lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6 rounds)
(L) TYRONE “King of the Heavyweights” SPONG (8-0, 8 KOs), Miami, Florida, USA 248 lbs.
vs.
(R) JUAN CARLOS “Nino” SALAS (6-11, 4 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico 279 lbs.

QUOTES OF NOTE

Pedro Luis Diaz, President, Mundo Boxing: “It will be a great night of fighting in the beautiful city of Merida.”

Tyrone Spong, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect: “I feel ready; I’m going to put on a good show. The fans know i always fight hard.”

Andy Perez, President & CEO, A & T Events: “A great card with national and international fighters. It’s going to be an exciting night.”

WHAT: “Brave Warriors In Action” PPV professional boxing event

WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 2017 – 9.00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT)

WHERE: Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

CO-PROMOTERS: A & T Events and Promotions and Mundo Boxing

PPV: Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Brave Warriors In Action” live in the United States, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH, in addition to being available in the US, Mexico and worldwide on the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv), for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

(All fights and fighters are subject to change)

INFORMATION:
www.integratedsportsnet.com
Twitter: @IntegratedPPV
ABOUT INTEGRATED SPORTS MEDIA: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Ricky Hatton, Christian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Kahn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, and Ruslan Chagaev. In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches showcasing teams like Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Kanat Islam 153.8 – Norberto Gonzalez 154
(WBO/NABO & WBA Intercontinental Junior Middleweight titles)
Zhonkosh Turarov 150.8 – Gustavo Garibay 151
Mike Balogun 240 – Terrance Marbra 217.6
Zhang Zhilei 250.6 – Curtis Harper 244
Dagoberto Aguero 118 – Gustavo Molina 123.8
Jonathan Perez 135.6 – Raul Chirino 134
Bruce Lutchmedial 156.6 – Christopher Salerno 159.8

Promoter: Nelsons Promotions
Venue: Boca Raton Resort and Spa
1st Bell: 7 PM ET
TV: Fite.TV and TvTibi at 8 PM ET

Photo: Lester Silva

For tickets, click:
https://www.showclix.com/event/FIGHTNIGHTBRRC/pre-sale

As part of ‘The Channel of Champions’ exclusive output deal with Golden Boy Promotions, BoxNation are pleased to announce the addition of Cotto-Kamegai, as well as a cracking card on July 15th with WBC super-featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt headlining.

Mexican Berchelt will make his first title defence against former champion Takashi Miura, with Bernard Hopkins’ conqueror Joe Smith returning to take on the Miami-based Sullivan Barrera in a heavy-handed slugfest.

Both these fights cards are set to be all-action affairs, with Puerto Rican great Cotto’s bout to be for the vacant WBO super-welterweight world title and taking place at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The only four-division world champion in the rich history of Puerto Rican boxing, Cotto will be out to show why he still has so much to give at the 154-pound weight class and will be looking to add Kamegai’s name to an outstanding list of opponents he has beaten.

“I’m very excited to be back and showcase a high level fight for the fans,” Cotto said. “Kamegai is a great, tough fighter, but I will be ready for him and to capture the world title. I can’t wait to start training for this fight and get back in the ring on August 26.”

Kamegai is known as one of the highest-action fighters in the sport having engaged in a fight of the year candidate against Jesus Soto Karass in 2016 and taking champions and contenders including Robert Guerrero, Alfonso Gomez and Johan Perez into deep water.

“I fully understand who I am going to be in the ring against, but Cotto’s record and history won’t matter once we are toe-to-toe,” Kamegai said. “I am looking forward to giving fans the kind of aggressive fight that they have seen from me before and having my arm raised in victory.”

For his clash on July 15th at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum, Berchelt will be looking to keep his 10-fight consecutive knockout streak going following his impressive stoppage over Francisco Vargas in January, in which he claimed the 130-pound world title.

“I took on this challenge because I only want to fight the best,” Berchelt said. “I know that Miura is a true warrior and always leaves it all in the ring, but I am young and hungry and am confident that I will return to Mexico with the world championship belt still around my waist.”

Miura, one-half of the consensus 2015 Fight of the Year with Vargas, returns after a dynamic 12th-round stoppage against Miguel Roman.

“I have wanted to regain my championship belt from the moment I lost it in November of 2015,” Miura said. “I know Berchelt is strong, and I know that we’ll go head-to-head for this world championship title that will prove to be a great fight.”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “Miguel Cotto is without doubt one of the greatest fighters of the modern era and we are delighted to showcase his upcoming fight on BoxNation exclusively live on August 26th. He’ll need to be at his best as Yoshihiro Kamegai is all-action and this fight will be a real test for Cotto. BoxNation are also very pleased to announce that the July 15th card headlined by super-featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt will also be aired exclusively live on the channel when he makes his first defence against a real warrior and former champion in Takashi Miura. These are two fantastic fight cards not to miss.”

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.

– 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

26 May 2017 – Singapore: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), once again electrified the Singapore Indoor Stadium as the organization played host to yet another evening of authentic martial arts action. ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS showcased the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent, featuring a packed card of compelling bouts that left the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the main event, ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee of Singapore retained her title with a spectacular submission finish over top contender Istela Nunes of Brazil. In the co-main event of the evening, ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren made quick work of Malaysia’s Agilan Thani to win via arm triangle choke.

Visit the official ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES photo gallery by clicking: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ivh34n9pza3q94o/AADwuMwRg-gnDecd5AIBoQyTa?dl=0

In an exciting main event showdown between two talented females, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee overcame a spirited performance from challenger Istela Nunes to win by submission in the second round. After catching Nunes with a twister in the first stanza, the bout appeared all but over. However, through sheer willpower and determination, Nunes was able to power through the situation and survive. In the second round, Lee went right back to work on the ground, finishing Nunes with an anaconda choke to retain her title.

“I really love you guys and it’s an honor to fighter here (in Singapore) as your champion. To everyone who is watching from all around the world, thank you guys so much, it means the world to me,” said Lee in the post-fight interview. “The anaconda choke is one of our favorites, so I was really happy to win with that submission tonight.”

In the co-main event, reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion and one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound, Ben “Funky” Askren of the United States easily took care of previously unbeaten Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Malaysia, taking his younger foe down to the mat at will with his world-class wrestling and finishing him with an arm triangle choke. On the mat, the former US Olympian caught Thani in a mounted crucifix and pounded on the Malaysian before locking in the fight-ending submission just past the two-minute mark of the first round.

“Agilan [Thani] has a great story, he’s a young kid, and this is not the last time we’re going to see him,” said Askren in the post-fight interview. Askren then proceeded to call out ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash for a possible cross-division showdown.

ONE Championship Newcomer Zebaztian Kadestam of Sweden took on American Top Team product Luis “Sapo” Santos of Brazil in a scintillating three-round affair. Kadestam, who lives and trains at the scenic beach locale of Boracay, Philippines, weathered the early storm from Santos, who is known for his fast and aggressive starts. Midway into the third and final round, Kadestam found himself in dominant position and drove two hard knees to Santos’ head, knocking the Brazilian out.

In a historical first for mixed martial arts, ONE Championship held the first ever Grappling Super-Match between former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki and American submission wizard Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon. After an entertaining display of grappling mastery, Tonon emerged victorious, catching Aoki in a heel hook halfway through the contest, forcing a tap from the former lightweight titleholder.

Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke returned to action against Adrian Matheis, needing only one round to author a thrilling knockout finish. The 3-time Lumpinee Stadium champion and Muay Thai legend stifled his Indonesian foe with lightning quick kicks and heavy-handed punches. Towards the end of the opening stanza, Dejdamrong landed a powerful left hand that floored Matheis, earning him the knockout victory.

In a highly-anticipated rematch between flyweight contenders, the Philippines’ Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio and Thailand’s Anatpong “Mak” Bunrad went to battle over three rounds to the delight of the capacity crowd. Eustaquio, operating behind his world-class wushu base, tagged Bunrad with pinpoint accurate punches and kicks. Bunrad, a karate champion, had his moments in the fight but it wasn’t enough to claim victory. In the end, it was another close split decision, this time in favor of Eustaquio who avenged his loss to Bunrad two years ago.

Lightweight prospect Amir Khan of Evolve MMA made quick work of opponent Rajinder Singh Meena, wasting no time in bringing the fight to the ground with a successful takedown. Once on the ground, Khan easily took full mount and punished Meena with punches and elbows. Meena succumbed shortly after, as the referee deemed him unable to continue. The technical knockout finish earned Khan his fourth straight victory.

Singapore’s Tiffany “Soul Crusher” Teo turned in another complete performance, dominating the United States’ Rebecca Heintzman-Rozewski over three rounds to claim victory in front of her hometown crowd. Teo used her accurate striking to tag Heintzman-Rozewski repeatedly with left and right hand combinations while threatening with various submissions on the ground. All three judges judges scored the bout in favor of Teo who wins by unanimous decision.

Thai-Japanese female atomweight prospect Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige returned to the ONE Championship cage against Indonesian wrestling champion Nita Dea, and her performance certainly did not disappoint. Ishige once again proved her mettle on the ground with another technical grappling showcase, catching her opponent in two armbar attempts, ultimately winning by rear naked choke midway into the first round.

Unbeaten Chinese prospect “Rock Man” Chen Lei and Indonesian national grappling champion Jeremy “Predator” Meciaz kicked off ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES in exciting fashion, blasting each other from the opening bell with wild punches. Both men wasted no time in going to battle at the center of the cage. With the two fighters spent after just a few minutes of action, it was Chen who came away with the win via referee stoppage in the first round.

Official results for ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES
ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship bout: Angela Lee defeats Istela Nunes by Submission (Anaconda Choke) at 2:18 minutes of round 2
ONE Welterweight World Championship bout: Ben Askren defeats Agilan Thani by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 2:20 minutes of round 1
Welterweight bout: Zebaztian Kadestam defeats Luis Santos by Knockout at 2:18 minutes of round 3
ONE Grappling Super-Match bout: Garry Tonon defeats Shinya Aoki by Submission (Heel Hook) at 7:47 minutes
Strawweight bout: Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke defeats Adrian Matheis by Knockout at 4:26 minutes of round 1
Flyweight bout: Geje Eustaquio defeats Anatpong Bunrad by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
Lightweight bout: Amir Khan defeats Rajinder Singh Meena by TKO (Strikes) at 1:29 minutes of round 1
Women’s Strawweight bout: Tiffany Teo defeats Rebecca Heintzman-Rozewski by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Women’s Atomweight bout: Rika Ishige defeats Nita Dea by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:39 minutes of round 1
Catchweight bout (69.0kg): Chen Lei defeats Jeremy Meciaz by TKO (Strikes) at 2:56 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

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.

Doors open at 4.30pm First bout – 4.45pm

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
ATIF SHAFIQ (9st 12lbs 5oz) v DEAN EVANS (9st 11lbs 5oz)
(Rotherham) (Hereford)

Followed By

4 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
NADEEM SIDDIQUE (10st 12lbs 4oz) v PAL OLAH (10st 4lbs 2oz)
(Bradford) (Budapest)

Followed By

6 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
KYLE YOUSAF (8st 2lbs 9oz) v LOUIS NORMAN (8st 5lbs 7oz)
(Sheffield) (Leicester)

Live on Sky Sport Box Office from 6pm

12 x 3 mins vacant Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Championship
ANDY TOWNEND (9st 5lbs*) v JON KAYS (9st 3lbs 2oz)
(Barnsley) (Ashton under Lyne)

*Townend failed to make the weight – title only on the line for Kays

Followed By

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Super-Middleweight Championship
JAMIE COX (11st 13lbs 3oz) v LEWIS TAYLOR (11st 12lbs 5oz)
(Swindon) (Dronfield)
Followed By

12 x 3 mins vacant Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship
DAVID ALLEN (17st 12lbs) v LENROY THOMAS (16st 8lbs 3oz)
(Conisborough) (Florida)

Followed By

4 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
ANTHONY FOWLER (11st 3lbs 6oz) v ARTURS GEIKINS (11st 6lbs 3oz)
(Liverpool) (Latvia)

Followed By

12 x 3 mins Super WBA Super-Middleweight World Championship
GEORGE GROVES (11st 13lbs 6oz) v FEDOR CHUDINOV (11st 13lbs 2oz)
(Hammersmith) (Russia)

Followed By

12 x 3 mins IBF Welterweight World Championship
KELL BROOK (10st 6lbs 7oz) v ERROL SPENCE JR (10st 6lbs 5oz)
(Sheffield) (Texas)

Floats
4 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest
LAWRENCE OKOLIE v RUDOLF HELESIC
(Hackney) (Czech Republic)

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
JOE CORDINA (9st 8lbs) v JOSH THORNE (9st 7lbs 7oz)
(Cardiff) (Bexleyheath)

Following the tragic events on Monday night in Manchester, organisers are doing everything possible to ensure Saturday’s world championship boxing event at Bramall Lane is a safe and enjoyable spectacular for all.

Sheffield’s Kell Brook defends his IBF World Welterweight title against American Errol Spence Jr. on a huge night of action in the Steel City, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Sheffield United Football Club, Matchroom Boxing, the British Boxing Board of Control and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely in organising the event. Stringent security measures were already in place before this week’s Manchester attack but further measures have now been put in place to ensure all visitors enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Bramall Lane.

United’s Operations Director, Dave McCarthy, says: “Many people have worked tremendously hard to ensure Kell’s dream of boxing at Bramall Lane comes true and we are delighted to welcome him, Matchroom and the boxing fraternity to S2.

“However, in light of recent events, it is of paramount importance that the thousands of visitors to Bramall Lane enjoy Saturday in the knowledge that the organisers have worked together very closely to make this a safe event for all. We ask visitors to be patient, understanding and vigilant to enable security personnel to do their jobs effectively.”

“I want to thank Sheffield United and South Yorkshire Police for all their help this week to enhance the safety of fans ahead of Saturday night,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “This is a major event for the city and the sport and I’m pleased we have put the important in provisions in place to move forward together.”

Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley, who will be overseeing the police operation of the boxing match, added: “We have been working closely with organisers at Matchroom Boxing and Bramall Lane throughout the planning of the event to review and ensure the appropriate security measures are in place on Saturday night.

“I would ask that you please arrive in plenty of time as specialist trained officers and security staff will be patrolling the stadium and searching everyone attending the event. Please also allow for extra time when travelling to the venue and use the dedicated taxi drop-off and collection point in the Decathlon car park on Eyre Street, as roads around the stadium will be closed to traffic.

“You can also expect to see high visibility and armed officers patrolling at the event and in surrounding areas. This is as a precautionary measure to offer reassurance to the community following the recent attack in Manchester and not in relation to a specific threat.

“This is a big event for Sheffield and we are looking forward to welcoming supporters and fans to our city.

“For updates and information about the event, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.”

Simon Roberts, of Security Alert UK, who heads up Matchroom’s security operation, comments: “Everything that we’ve requested from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom has been granted. We’ve got double the staff that we’ve ever had before. This will be a bigger operation with more staff than what we had at Joshua vs. Klitschko at Wembley.

“Supporters, as always, are encouraged to arrive early, give us plenty of time and if anyone sees anything suspicious then don’t delay, please let security know immediately.”

Amongst the security measures in place for Saturday’s event are:
* Extended stewarding operation in place
* Everyone who enters the stadium will be searched
* No re-entry policy enforced after admittance to the event
* Road closures in place around Bramall Lane
* No bags of any sort, including handbags, will be permitted
* Explosive detection dogs will be around the stadium

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT

Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr. – IBF Welterweight World Championship

Kell Brook – 146 ½ pounds

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¼ pounds

Live at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports Facebook page and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel.

George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov – vacant WBA Super Middleweight World Championship

George Groves – 167 ¼

Fedor Chudinov – 167

Philadelphia, PA (May 26, 2017) – Former two-time world champion Kermit Cintron will take on Tyrone Brunson in an highly anticipated ten-round junior middleweight bout that will headlined a packed night of boxing on Saturday, June 24th at the 2300 Arena in
Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Cintron of Reading, Pa. has a record of 39-5-3 with 30 big knockouts, and is a two-time world champion.

The 37 year-old Cintron is a 17 year professional who won his first 23 fights (20 via stoppage) by defeating the likes of Leon Pearson (9-1-1), Said Ouali (7-0), Omar Davila (12-2), Ian Mackillop (14-1), Luis Rosado (29-5), Elio Ortiz (25-6), & Teddy Reid (22-5-1).

On April 23, 2005, Cintron was stopped by Antonio Margarito in his bid to win the WBO Welterweight title.

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

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

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

Since 2011, Cintron has gone 8-1-1 with his only loss coming at the hands of Canelo Alvarez, while racking up wins over Antowne Smith (20-2-1), Jonathan Batista (14-1) & Ronald Cuz (20-2).

In his last bout, Cintron fought to a technical draw with David Grayton (15-1) on March 17th in Reading, Pa.

Brunson of Philadelphia has a record of 24-6-2, with 22 knockouts.

The 32 year-old Brunson turned professional in 2005, and started his career with 19 consecutive 1st round knockouts. Included in that streak was a stoppage over James Morrow (8-1-2). On October, 14, 2016, Brunson and undefeated Ismael Garcia (10-0) fought to a hard to a draw in Philadelphia.

In his last bout Brunson won an eight-round split decision over Brandon Quarles (18-3-1) on March 11th in Philadelphia.

The six-round co-feature will pit Anthony Burgin (10-3, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia taking on Victor Vasquez (7-3, 3 KO’s) of Yonkers, NY in a super lightweight bout.

Also in an eight-round bout,

Erik Spring (9-1-2, 1 KO) of Reading, Pa. will take on an opponent to be named later in a junior middleweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Jerome Conquest (7-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will see action against an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Steven Ortiz (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight fight.

Darryl Bunting (3-1-2, 1 KO) of Asbury Park, NJ will battle Blake Mansfield (4-1-1, 2 KO’s) Raleigh, NC in a middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Colby Madison (4-0, 3 KO) of Baltimore, Md. will square off with Randy Easton (4-9-2, 4 KO’s) of Sunbury, Pa. in a heavyweight tussle.

Brandon Robinson (3-1, 2 KO’s) of Upper Darby, Pa. will take on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight bout.

Nate Rivas (5-2, 2 KO’s) of Berlin, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at www.2300arena.com for $100, $75 and $50