Fort Washington, MD (May 15, 2017)- on Saturday night June 3rd, undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox take on battle-tested Daniel Sostre in the main event of a nine-bout card at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has become a popular headline attraction in the Beltway

The 21 year-old Fox has a record of 13-0 with four knockouts.

The three-year professional has continuously stepped up the competition, and will be making his seventh start at the Rosecroft Raceway, and is coming off a eight-round majority decision over Tre’Sean Wiggins on February 11th.

Sostre of Highland, New York via Vega Baja, Puerto Rico has a record of 13-12-1 with five knockouts.

The 33 year-old is a 12 year veteran, and is known for fighting top competition.

Fox will mark the 11th undefeated opponent that Sostre has faced.

Sostre has wins over Kenny Galarza (16-3), Chris Gilbert (11-0), Jay Krupp (14-3), Tommy Rainone (12-2), Mike Ruiz (8-2) & Broderick Antoine (2-0).

Sostre will be looking to get back in the win column after dropping his last three fights to fighter’s who have a combined record of 45-2-1. In his last bout, Sostre dropped an eight-round majority decision to Derrick Cuevas (12-0-1) on December 10th in Catono, Puerto Rico.

In six-round bouts:

Luther Smith (8-1, 7 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland battles an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.

Greg Outlaw, Jr. (2-0) of Bowie, Maryland will fight an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Marcus Bates (6-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Roberto Pucheta (10-10-1, 6 KO’s) of Jalisco, Mexico in a super bantamweight tussle.

In four-round bouts:

Justin Hurd (2-0, 1 KO) of Accokeek, Maryland takes on Jonathan Garcia (4-15-1,1 KO) of Aguada, Puerto Rico in a junior middleweight bout.

Tyrek Irby (2-0, 1 KO) of Forestville, Maryland battles Brandon Sanudo (5-3, 2 KO’s) of San Felipe, Mexico in a junior welterweight contest.

Malik Loften of Suitland, Maryland makes his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.

Lamont McLaughlin (0-1) of Philadelphia boxes against Jessie Singletary (0-2) of Washington, DC in a super middleweight fight.

Jordan Peters (1-0-1) of Washington, DC will take on an Bryan Perez Nevarez (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a super bantamweight contest.

Tickets are on sale for $75, $60 and $40 at www.kpboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430

The reviews are in, and the numbers are in, and the decision is unanimous: the debut of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, on Facebook Live Thursday evening from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, was a KO victory.

Watchers of the stream, which drew 37,000-plus “uniques” on fight night, and continues to draw clicks, enjoyed a Star Boxing main event topped by a junior middleweight scrap between vet Delvin Rodriguez and up ‘n comer Courtney Pennington.

More numbers: Almost 3,000 comments were shared by watchers during the four plus hour show, which provided incredible value for fans of the sweet science. Fans said things like, “This is the future of the sport, live FREE streaming.” “This stream is giving expose to young guns that would not ordinarily get it on broadcast TV!” “After tonight’s streaming many will talk about it and many more will watch if there’s a next time, this is the bomb!”

“I was inundated with complimentary texts, emails and calls almost as soon as the stream started, and it was a lot of fun watching the numbers swell from 27 views at the start of the broadcast to 40,000-plus by now,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Like many others, we believe that the present and future of ‘televised’ boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and really all live sports is digital. Further, by putting these events on Facebook we’re providing an interactive environment for fight fans to not only view the events, but to connect with each other and provide their own real-time commentary during the bouts. We believe in high-quality, cost-efficient production that can give fans free access to hundreds of global, national and regional live fight nights without breaking the bank of the promoter and also without sacrificing what sports fans have come to expect from their viewing experience – multiple camera angles, graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. We don’t want traditional fans, digital customers and cord-cutters to be relegated to trying to watch other spectators’ live feeds off their cell phones.”

Promoter Joe DeGuardia went on air during the main event. He was visibly impressed and shared his enthusiasm while watching Pennington spring the upset.

“This has been incredible,” DeGuardia said. “It is great that fans will now be able to see more fights on a platform with massive reach. This is good for everyone and a perfect way for fighters to expand their fan base. I am pleased to be involved.”

Said boxing fan-favorite Ray Flores, who sat in the blow-by-blow chair, “It was an honor to be a part of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE and work with such talented individuals. I’m extremely excited about what the future has in store for the series. More than anything, thank you to all the fight fans who tuned, shared it, and commented. Fan interaction and world class fights is the basis for FIGHTNIGHT LIVE. I cannot wait for the next show!”

“We want to have something of a distinct identity,” said analyst Michael Woods, who publishes NYFights.com and does the TALBOX podcast for Everlast. “We want watchers to be able to interact with us, be part of the show, have a voice. We also want to have fun, keep it loose at times, as well. We will be incorporating that interactivity even more going forward. This series aims to be and I think is well on its way to establishing a paradigm in the space.”

“We firmly believe this new series is beneficial to all parties involved. More exposure for the sport and for the fighters,” said Fratto, whose production services company does 200 live events each year. “This production model is designed to be lean and cost-effective. And that enables us to cover more events, and with Facebook, we know we are being seen world wide and on a platform with a great deal of potential.”

Future FIGHTNIGHT LIVE dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 12, 2017 – Weights for the WBA Super Flyweight world title bout between champion Kal Yafai and Suguru Muranka that will take place TODAY!!! LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 2 PM ET / 11 AM ET

For fans who do not have AWE, they can access the fight on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com

Khalid Yafai 114 1/2 vs. Suguru Muranaka 114 1/4
(WBA super flyweight title)
Ceferino Rodriguez 145 3/4 vs. Sam Eggington 146 1/2
Sean Davis 121 1/4 vs. Gamal Yafai 121.6
Frankie Gavin 148.6 vs. Renald Garrido 145
Ryan Kelly 153.6 vs. Adam Harper 152.6

Bristol, PA (May 13, 2017) – Weights for Tonight’s card at The Grundy Arena

Derrick Webster 167 – Frankie Filippone 166.6
(WBF International Super Middleweight Title)
Ikram Kerwat 134 – TBA
Mikkel Lespierre 145.7 – Jerome Rodriguez 143.8
Vidal Rivera 132 – Jesus Salas 132
Mike Hilton 199.2 – Eric Cason 186.9
Brandon Robinson 166 – Phillip LeGrand 168.3
Gowar Karya 125.5 – Jose Homar Rios 132.9

Promoters: Deuce Promotions, Mis Downing Promotions and Kane 5 Promotions
Venue: Grundy Arena
1st Bell: 7 PM ET (Doors 6 PM)

Tickets for this night of championship boxing cost $125 for VIP, $75 for Front Row, $50 for Floor seating & $30 for General admission and can be purchased by calling 215-688-3546

The Grundy Arena is located at :
475 Beaver St, Bristol, PA 19007

Here are the highlights from tonight’s live broadcast of AXS TV FIGHTS: CES MMA 44. Headlining the night was featherweight champion Matt Bessette, whose powerful striking scored him a TKO victory over challenger Rey Trujillo when the doctor called a stop to the fight after the second round of the main event.

Full highlights are available to embed via YouTube here: http://bit.ly/CES44_Highlights

Earlier in the night, UFC veteran Sean Soriano stopped Jacob Bohn with leg kicks in the second round – http://bit.ly/CES44_Soriano

Photos for media use are available to download via dropbox here. Please photo credit Will Paul/CES MMA – http://bit.ly/CES44_Photos

CES MMA 44 Official Results:
Main Event – Featherweight Title Fight – Matt Bessette (22-7) defeated Rey Trujillo (20-19) via TKO due to doctor’s stoppage at 5:00 in round two.
Co-Main Event – Heavyweight Fight – Greg Rebello (22-7) submitted Kevin Ray Sears Jr. (6-4) at 4:47 in round three.
Featherweight Fight – Sean Soriano (10-5) stopped Jacob Bohn (5-4) via TKO due to leg kicks at 3:21 in round two.
Welterweight Fight – Manny Walo (12-2-1) outlasted Jon Manley (9-4) to win by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light Heavyweight Fight – Mike Rodriguez (8-2) out-struck Alec Hooben (5-3) tow in by TKO at 4:46 in round one.
Flyweight Fight – Carlos Candelario (6-0) scored a first round TKO over Timothy Wheeler (2-2) 1:12 into the fight.
Middleweight Fight – Justin Sumter (4-1) defeated Brian Sparrow (2-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Atlantic City, NJ (May 12, 2017)–Welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will headline a stacked card on Saturday, June 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by Rising Star 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.

LaManna won his first 16 bouts, where enjoyed wins over Ashanti Gibbs and Jamaal Davis.

After suffering his first professional defeat to undefeated middleweight prospect Antoine Douglas, LaManna ripped off five consecutive victories that was highlighted by by a 4th round stoppage over Kendal Mena (20-3).

On September 15, 2016, LaManna engaged in a hotly contested bout with undefeated Dusty Hernandez Harrison in Philadelphia. The bout, which was for the USBA Welterweight title was a close fight and LaManna fought well, but came up just short via unanimous decision.

LaManna will be looking for his 2nd consecutive victory, as in his last bout, he won a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over Ecuadorian veteran Eduardo Flores on January 28th at The Claridge.

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

“I’m happy to be back in the ring, I was supposed to fight on April 14th, but unfortunately the promoters did not live up to their word so I ended up not fighting. I gone through some personal issues that kept me down and out for a while, but I bounced back. I’m now with a new teacher Mr. Charles Johnson, leading my training. Charles has shown be a new side of boxing that I’ve never been around and I can’t wait to show it on June 10th. I feel like I have a whole new start.””I was strongly considering stepping out of the promotion field, but it’s obvious that what I’m doing is working, so why give myself up to someone else. I’m keeping myself busy and gaining knowledge and experience, while at the same time packing The Claridge Hotel and fighting in front of my fans. I’m a strong believer in “If you want things done right, you got to do it on your own”.

LaManna’s opponent will be announced shortly,

In the eight-round co-feature, it will be a battle of New Jersey based welterweight’s as local favorite Anthony “Juice” Young will take on Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez.

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

Young is a six-year professional and is coming off a career best performance against Samuel Amoako (21-13, 15 KO’s). That bout took place on March 11th. The 29 year-old will be making his 10th appearance in Atlantic City and 3rd at The Claridge.

Rodriguez of Union City, New Jersey has a record of 13-4 with five knockouts.

Rodriguez is an eight-year professional who has wins over Greg Jackson (3-0-1), and in his last bout he took an eight-round split decision in a all out war over Alex Perez (18-2) on August 27, 2016 in Bayonne, New Jersey.

“This is going to be a great fight card! You have Thomas who’s on the edge of getting another big opportunity and the Young/Rodriguez fight is a all out Crossroads.” Debra LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions.

“Not to mention the under card. Ennis, Smith, Thomas all these fighters have tremendous fan bases and they can really fight. I expect great match ups on this card and the fans will really get their moneys worth.”

In six-round bouts:

Jaron Ennis (10-0, 8 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a Welterweight bout.

Gabriel Pham (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight bout.

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.

Rocco Salimbene (1-0) of Waretown, NJ will fight pro debuting Marcus Lugo of Vineland, NJ in a New Jersey lightweight bout.

Chris Thomas (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Toms River, NJ will take of rough and rugged Dawond Pickney (1-4-2) of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Pickney’s last outing at the Claridge, he dropped a very close MD defeat to Philadelphia’s Greg Jackson (7-3-1 2 KO’s).

Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Henry Tyrone Page (0-4) of Batesville, Arkansas in a junior middleweight title.

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

Philadelphia, PA—Visa problems in Mexico have forced a change in the June 2 main event at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.
Daniel Evangelista, of Mexico City, will replace Ricardo Lara, of Jalisco, Mexico, after Lara was unable to obtain a visa in time for the June 2 main event against Hank Lundy, of Philadelphia.
The 27-year-old Evangelista has boxed twice in the United States and brings a 19-7-2 record with 15 knockouts into the fight with Lundy, who makes his first start in Philadelphia in nearly eight years.
Lundy, 33, is 27-6-1, 13 K0s. He is the former NABF lightweight champion and last year he lost to Terrance Crawford, of Omaha, NE, for Crawford’s WBO world junior welterweight title.
The six-round semifinal matches junior middleweights Isaiah Wise, of Philadelphia, against Mark Daniels, of Crandon, WI, while another six-rounder features cruiserweights Alvin Varmall, of Catskill, NY, against Juan Reyna, of Brownsville, TX.
Seven additional bouts complete the card, including matches featuring welterweight Marcel Rivers, junior welterweight Scott Kelleher and featherweight Crystian Peguero.

Fight # 1 – 16:30 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
BOB AJISAFE V JOSEF OBESLO

Fight # 2 – 16:55 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
KALAM LEATHER V YOUSSEF AL HAMIDI

Fight # 3 – 17:20 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
REECE MOULD 9st 3lbs V ALEKSANDRS BIRKENBERGS 9st 2lbs

Fight # 4 – 17:45 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Flyweight Contest
JOE MAPOSHA V GARY REEVE

Fight # 5 – 18:10 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
THOMAS KINDON 8st 10lbs V ASHLEY LANE 8st 10lbs

Fight # 6 – 18:45 hrs
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
TYRONE NURSE 10st 10lbs V ANDY KEATES 10st 9lbs

Fight # 7 – 19:20 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
TOM YOUNG V ALEX BAZZA

Fight # 8 – 19:35 hrs
THE VACANT IBF EUROPEAN SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 140 lbs
JOSH LEATHER 9st 13lbs V PHILLIP SUTCLIFFE JNR 9st 13lbs

Fight # 9 – 20:30 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
RYAN GARNER 9st 5lbs V RAFAEL CASTILLO 9st 5lbs

Fight # 10 – 20:55 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Flyweight Contest
NICOLA ADAMS OBE 8st 2lbs V MARYAN SALAZAR 7st 13lbs

Fight # 11– 21:20 hrs
THE BRITISH SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs
JAZZA DICKENS 8st 10lbs V THOMAS PATRICK WARD 8st 9lbs

Fight # 12 – 22:20 hrs
THE WBC INTERNATIONAL FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 126 lbs
JOSH WARRINGTON 8st 13lbs V KIKO MARTINEZ 9st

Fight # 13 – LIVE FLOATER
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest
ZAK CHELLI V CHRIS DUTTON

Fight # 14
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
DARREN TETLEY 10st 9lbs V LUKE KELEHER 10st 10lbs

Louisville, KY – May 12, 2017 – Four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and his company Real Deal Sports & Entertainment announced today that he will kick off his “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series on Saturday, June 24, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY, in partnership with locally based Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues.

The undercard at Freedom Hall will consist of three amateur and eight professional bouts, including local boxers. Participants in the main event and undercard will be announced within the next 10 days.

The first installment of the “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series on June 24 will be branded as “Evander’s Tribute to Ali” that will air live on CBS Sports Net at 10pm ET. The fight card will be a part of the locally based “I Am Ali” Festival, which is a six-week celebration of the one-year anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing and his global impact and legacy.

“I’m proud to bring the inaugural event for the ‘Real Deal Championship Boxing’ series to Louisville, KY, and I am especially pleased to have it take place during the ‘I Am Ali’ Festival,” said Evander Holyfield. “I share many of the same principles as Ali, and this event allows me to pay tribute to his legacy.”

“Ali was an inspiration to me as I started my professional career; the integrity and sportsmanship that this event brings to boxing is one way I can give back to fighters to help them succeed, both in the ring and in life,” Holyfield continued.

“We are thrilled to welcome Evander Holyfield and Real Deal Sports & Entertainment to Kentucky for this exciting night of boxing,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. “Our state has a rich boxing heritage, and we have worked hard in recent months to cut red tape and remove unnecessary bureaucracy hampering the industry. As a result, Kentucky is able to once again host large scale, combat sports events. We anticipate that this will be the first of many to come and are grateful to Real Deal Sports & Entertainment for their vote of confidence.”

The CBS Sports Net broadcast will open with a tribute to Muhammad Ali hosted by Holyfield and narrated by CBS Sports Net commentator Benny Ricardo.

“Louisville loves sports, and we love to win,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “This event is a big win for our city, and another chance for us to welcome folks from around the nation and the world to the hometown of Muhammad Ali.”

The last professional boxing event held at Freedom Hall took place on July 30, 2004, when a relative unknown from England named Danny Williams shocked Mike Tyson by stopping him in the fourth round. Among the fights on the undercard that night, Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, defended her IWBF super middleweight title with a ninth-round TKO against Monica Nuñez.

“Freedom Hall is a major venue in boxing history, starting with Muhammad Ali’s professional debut in 1960 through Jimmy Ellis’ heavyweight world title elimination battle against Argentinean Oscar Bonavena in 1967, and Mike Tyson’s defeat in 2004,” said Jason Rittenberry, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “We are very proud and excited to partner with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment and Joe Reeves’ Top Knotch Boxing to bring the next generation of champion boxers to Freedom Hall and to the world.”

“I’m thrilled to be able to play a role in bringing championship-level boxing back to Louisville,” said Joe Reeves, founding partner of Top Knotch Boxing and board member of Louisville TKO, one of two beneficiaries of the event. “Louisville TKO strives every day to empower young men and women to build positive futures by offering a structured boxing program, positive reinforcement, academic support, and connection to the community. This event allows us to continue this focus on youth development.”

“Evander’s Tribute to Ali” takes place during the week of the “I Am Ali” Festival that highlights Muhammad’s core value of respect.

“Since losing The Champ in June, there has been a renewed interest in Muhammad Ali’s life from the community and the world. His work, both in and out of the ring, truly exemplifies why he earned the title of the ‘Greatest of All Time’,” said Muhammad Ali Center President and CEO Donald Lassere. “It is appropriate to bring back championship-level boxing to Muhammad’s hometown of Louisville, KY, where his professional career was launched. We’re excited to host it as part of the community-wide ‘I Am Ali’ Festival, running June 3 through July 15, which will celebrate Ali’s life and legacy.”
Part of the proceeds from the June 24 event will be donated to Louisville TKO and the Muhammad Ali Center to help support youth development activities in the Louisville area.

“Experience and history tell us that sports often change the lives of young people for the better,” said Karl Schmitt, Jr., President and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission. “Boxing provided Muhammad Ali the opportunity of a lifetime, and we especially are thrilled to help bring championship-level boxing back to Louisville to benefit two worthwhile causes.”

For media outlets interested in covering this event, please email: info@therealdealboxing.com.

###

ABOUT REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment will promote world-class and entertaining boxing events and will strive to be a company that does what is best for the sport and the fighters. With Holyfield’s vision to provide mentorship to athletes, prioritize fighter health and safety, and create innovative and interactive platforms for the fans, Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is at the forefront of revolutionizing the sport of boxing.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE TKO
Founded in 2015, Louisville TKO is a nonprofit organization that strives to empower youth by giving them tools to build positive futures. It depends on the support of individuals to fulfill its mission to transform the lives of youth through structured boxing programs and positive reinforcement.

ABOUT KENTUCKY VENUES
Under the Kentucky Venues brand of venues, entertainment, events and agriculture, two major convention and exhibition facilities — the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center — serve regional, national and international clients. Governed by the Kentucky State Fair Board, Kentucky Venues produces the Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show, North American International Livestock Exposition, Championship Tractor Pull, World’s Championship Horse Show, North American Championship Rodeo, and All-In Hoopfest.

For more information, please visit www.therealdealboxing.com and visit us at Facebook.com/TheRealDealBoxing, on Instagram @therealdealboxing and on Twitter @therealdealbox.

PARIS (May 12, 2017) – French Olympian and 2016 super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka will make his highly-anticipated pro debut on Friday, June 2 as he faces unbeaten Travis Clark (12-0, 8 KOs) from Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris and live in France on Canal Plus at 7:30 p.m. CET.

“I can’t wait to step into the ring for the first time as a professional in front of all my fans in Paris,” said Yoka. “This is a dream come true, but it’s also just the first step. I’ve been improving every day in the gym with Virgil Hunter and I can’t wait to show everybody what I’ve got. I know that my team is going to put me into the positions that I want, so it’s up to me to deliver in the ring. It all starts on June 2 and you don’t want to miss it.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar France and sponsored by Unkut Paris, start at 25 € and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 0825 038 039, or visiting www.ticketmaster.fr and www.FranceBillet.com.

“This is truly a momentous occasion to have the 2016 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist making his pro debut in front of his hometown fans,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Tony Yoka’s outstanding performance in Rio was just the start of what I know will be a spectacular career. Tony is training with the renowned Virgil Hunter and along with his swagger and personality outside of the ring, he is putting all the pieces in place with an eye towards becoming a huge star in this sport. I’m excited to help Tony reach his full potential and elevate the French boxing scene to the next level.”

“This is a great opportunity for Tony to start his pro career in style and for the French boxing fans to get a look at the next superstar in this country,” said Jerome Abiteboul, President and CEO of Unkut and CEO of Ringstar France. “Tony has all of the elements of a superstar in the making. Combined with the training of Virgil Hunter and the guidance of Richard Schaefer, there is no doubt that he is going to reach his full potential in this sport.”

One of the most exciting stars to emerge from the Rio games, Yoka followed up his 2012 Olympic appearance by beating fighters from Croatia, Jordan and the U.S. Virgin Islands before defeating Great Britain’s Joe Joyce in the gold medal showdown. Now trained by Virgil Hunter, Yoka will look to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua, who went from Olympic super heavyweight gold to heavyweight world champion.

Born in Paris, France, Yoka began boxing at six-years-old and was trained by his father Victor, a former professional boxer in the Congo. The 24-year-old made a splash by winning the French Junior National Championship in 2008 and 2009 before claiming a silver medal at the 2010 Youth World Championships. He continued his rise to prominence by winning French National Championships in 2012 and 2014 while also defeating current heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker at the 2010 Youth Olympic games.

Born in Morristown, Ohio, Clark is unbeaten since beginning his pro career in 2009 with a second round stoppage of Andrew Snow. Now fighting and training in West Virginia, Clark won the state’s heavyweight title by stopping William Shahan. He won three times in 2016 before making his 2017 debut in March with a third round TKO over Branden Lee Hinkle.

For more information visit www.ringstar.com or follow in Twitter @Ringstar, @laboxesurcanal, @TonyYoka and @Swanson_Comm.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 12, 2017 – Kal Yafai believes he can build something special in Birmingham and wants to unify the Super-Flyweight division as he prepares to make the first defense of his WBA title against Suguru Muranaka at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 2 PM ET / 11 AM ET

For fans who do not have AWE, they can access the fight on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai became the second city’s first World champion in December with a punch-perfect display against Luis Concepcion in Manchester, and the unbeaten 27 year old wants to turn the Arena into a fortress – starting this weekend.

“It’s such an honor to be Birmingham’s first World champion. I consider myself to be the flag bearer for Midlands boxing now, I just want to make sure there’s more talent and inspire more fighters to achieve the same.

“I want to be a big role model for Birmingham and the Midlands all together. Birmingham has been craving World Championship boxing for some time, for me to be bringing the World title back and with being born and bred in Birmingham is an honour.

“Walking out in front of my fans with the belt is a privilege and I can’t wait. I’d love to turn the Barclaycard Arena into my fortress.”

Yafai is in a talent heavy division with Muranaka’s countryman Naoya Inoue holding the WBO crown, Jerwin Ancajas the IBF and the WBC belt in the possession of Wisaksil Wangek, who edged out pound-for-pound star Roman Gonzalez in March – and Yafai wants to face the best to add more belts to his collection as soon as possible.

“Unification bouts are very much part of my plan – and sooner rather than later,” said Yafai. “Whatever my team puts in front of me, that’s what I’ll take. I’ve got the best team in the business around me who advise me what to do and when to do it, so I listen to them first and foremost but I like to take it all one fight at a time. I’ve got to concentrate on this fight solely and then we’ll go from there and see what is next.

“I haven’t really studied Inoue much. I’ve seen a couple of his fights when he’s boxed lately. Obviously, he’s massive talent and a very good fighter. If that could happen down the line then that would be great.

“I thought Gonzalez nicked the fight with Wangek by a couple of rounds. In the rematch which seems to be on the cards, I think he’ll win convincingly. Before that fight Gonzalez was up there at number one on my pound for pound list and he’s still up there in my top three.

“Ancajas could be the likeliest of unification’s but it depends what and when they are available. Either or, I’m not really bothered. I’d love to fight Gonzalez, obviously he’s the name in the division. If I had to hold out and wait, have another defence or two before fighting Gonzalez then I’d do that.”

Yafai’s World title defense is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, where Sam Eggington challenges Ceferino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title.

Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

Frankie Gavin is back in action in his first fight with trainer Jon Pegg, and there’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.

Photos By Lawrence Lustig

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.

Jamie Cox will face Lewis Taylor for the WBA Inter-Continental Super-Middleweight title on his Matchroom Boxing debut at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Saturday May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Cox signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last month and is set to meet Rocky Fielding this summer as mandatory challenger for the British Super-Middleweight title.

The unbeaten Swindon ace is in Fuerteventura sparring with Bramall Lane headliner and IBF World Welterweight champion Kell Brook, and Hearn has made it clear that the Lord Lonsdale belt is not the only target with the WBA Inter-Continental strap opening doors for major honours for the 30 year old.

Former English Middleweight champion Taylor has mixed in good company having taken with the likes of Eamonn O’Kane and Tommy Langford the distance, and Cox is looking forward to fighting on Sky Sports for the first time.

“My profile will go through the roof with Matchroom and it’s really exciting,” said Cox. “The world of Boxing has all eyes on the UK right now.

“We’ve just put on the biggest show in the world at Wembley Stadium and that was down to Eddie. The future is very exciting and I’ve got the platform to be part of something very big.”

Cox and Taylor clash on a huge night of boxing as Brook defends his IBF strap against highly rated American mandatory challenger Errol Spence.

George Groves faces Fedor Chudinov for the vacant WBA World Super-Middleweight title and Dave Allen clashing with Lenroy Thomas for the vacant Commonwealth Heavyweight title.

Tickets for the night are still on general sale priced as follows: tiered seating at £40, £60 and £80 and pitch seats at £80, £100, £150 and £200 –VIP Packages are sold out.

Tickets are on sale from Sheffield United’s Box Office at http://www.sufc.co.uk/tickets/, on 0114 253 7200 and in person from the box office at Bramall Lane – all tickets purchased from Sheffield United are subject to a 10 per cent booking fee.

Face value tickets for May 27 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.

NEW YORK (May 12, 2017) — Undefeated World Junior Welterweight Champion and top pound for pound fighter TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD (30-0, 21 KOs), of Omaha, Neb., will make his 2017 debut, Next Saturday! May 20, at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. This will also be his debut headlining in the big room — a testament both to his talent and his growing popularity. Crawford will be defending his unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) / World Boxing Council (WBC) / Ring magazine titles against former Olympic gold medalist and top-rated contender FÉLIX DÍAZ (19-1, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a marquee all-action fight. It will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Crawford and Díaz, along with their respective promoters, Bob Arum and Lou DiBella, made themselves available in training camp on Thursday for a pre-fight week Q&A Session. Here is the transcript.

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I am very excited for this fight and looking forward to fighting in the big arena where all of the greats have fought. I am looking to put on a great show next week.

Most boxers do not call you out. Diaz has been calling you out for the last couple of fights. How do you feel about that? Do you get annoyed?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: When you are at the top of the division, everyone wants to fight the guy at the top, especially when they can get their name out there to boost their ratings. I didn’t take it as nothing really.

So it didn’t take much to get the fight done?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Yes, of course, I never ran away from any challenge. He’s got the skills, he’s a good fighter, he is an Olympic Gold Medalist and this is the fight that a lot of people were calling for, and we are here now.

Diaz lost a razor close decision to Peterson that a lot of people thought he won. Did you see the fight and what did you think?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: It was a real close fight. Lamont was the favorite in that fight and he did what he had to do to get the job done, and this fight could be different.

Is Diaz the type of opponent that can bring out the best in you? Unlike Molina and Postol, do you think Diaz can give you a better challenge?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: We shall see. A lot of people look a the fights and ask who will bring out the best in Terence Crawford, who is going to bring out this in Terence Crawford – we want to see Terence Crawford in these types of fights. But again, I make my adjustments and it’s just that. So we are going to have to see how the fight is going to go or what is going to happen. I just fight the fight.

Bob, what are your thoughts about going up against Diaz, and maybe he is the guy that can bring out the best in Terence?

BOB ARUM: Felix Diaz in an Olympic Gold Medalist and that means something. A Gold Medalist has a lot of confidence and a lot of credentials and ability. I am delighted that he stepped up to the plate. His promoter Lou DiBella was very helpful in making the fight and very cooperative. It is going to be a terrific fight for the fans and Terence only wants to fight the best. Whoever is the best that steps up is the one Terence is going to fight. Terence has never ducked anybody. The whole time he has been with Top Rank he has never ducked an opponent. It’s not a question of matching him correctly. It’s not a question of being cautious. Terence will fight anybody who steps up to the plate.

Are you looking forward to the day where you get in a big like, a la Chavez-Taylor or Hagler-Hearns where you have to dig deep? Would you like that kind of fight?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: That’s what training is for. That’s what you train hard for. That’s what you prepare for because again, you never know what is going to happen in the ring. You have to prepare yourself for whatever your opponent might bring. I am prepared to go to hell and back to get the win. I train to prepare for whatever.

Even though Diaz is a Gold Medalist – there have been many Gold Medalists before him that didn’t make it as a pro such as Gamboa – do you think he can bring this out of you?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: We have to see. Like I said I have never fought the man yet, so I can’t say if he is my toughest opponent or not.

When you look at Diaz’ resume, what stand out to you?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I don’t look at a fighter’s record. If a fighter can fight, he can fight, and that’s that.

Do you feel as though he has enough power to make you worry?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I never underestimate any opponent. I just go in there and make sure I don’t get caught with anything – I don’t want to go in there and be careless.

If you were to give a report on his strengths and weaknesses, what would you say?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I don’t know if I can give that because every fight is different. Each fighter fights every opponent different. If he had one weakness in his previous fights that might be different when he fights me. I have to make sure that I am prepared 110% for whatever he brings to the table.

You have been moving up in the P4P lists – do you pay attention to that? What do you think about the Canelo-GGG fight?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I pay a little bit of attention to it but at the same time I look at it as status playing a big part in ratings but at the same time I just worry about winning and everything else will fall into place. GGG and Canelo – that is going to be a tremendous fight. I am looking forward to watching it whenever it happens, and yes, I think my name should be mentioned up there with theirs.

What do you think fighting in the big room will do to elevate your status in the boxing world?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: For me, going from the Theater to the big arena right now – that says a lot right now. I have to keep winning and putting on great performances and eventually my name is going to be bigger than it is right now.

Is there anything new in preparation for this fight?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Nothing really new. Just trying to get better and working on the things that we know that we have to do to be the best.

RED SPIKES: I have no concerns. Terence trains hard. He listens. We get better in each camp. We make the proper adjustments to adjust to the opponents – his size his strength, his speed – and just making sure that Terence is the best person himself and properly prepared for the fight and after all the hard work is done in training camp there is nothing to be concerned about.

Gamboa has never been the same since you fought him – what do you think about that?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I don’t know what I may have done to him in the fight. I can’t say I did this to him or I did that to him – you will have to ask him that.

Have you notice in his performance that he hasn’t been the same fighter?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: He’s been going through a lot of promotional battles and he can’t seem to stay active – that is one thing that I have noticed.

Bob, what does it mean for Crawford to fight in the big arena?

BOB ARUM: Obviously fighting in the main arena as the main event makes a statement and it’s what our plans are, and our plans are that Terence Crawford, before he hangs up his gloves, will be recognized as the greatest fighter of his time. That’s going to be up to Terence but he has the tools, the personality and the ability to reach that goal. And our job as a promoter is that he has every opportunity to show the world that he is the best fighter of his era. Fighting on the big stage that is Madison Square Garden where Ali fought and where Marvin Hagler fought, where Oscar De La Hoya fought and now where Terence Crawford is fighting is a step in that direction. It’s clear – obviously we could have taken the fight to Omaha and have a massive sellout like we always do, but we decided that we wanted to showcase Terence at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. We are going to have a tremendous crowd – tickets are going extremely well and we have dressed up the card with really great young fighters – like Shakur Stevenson; like Fazliddin Gaibnazarov the Olympic Gold Medalist in Rio who comes from Uzbekistan; Teofimo Lopez, a rising star in the sport; and it will all come down to the main event, which will feature Terence Crawford and it will be a statement that he will make in his quest to become the best fighter of our era. Simple as that – there is no place else in boxing, with all due respect to Las Vegas and other arenas, there is no place in boxing that has the symbolism and the history of Madison Square Garden. Now Terence will have the opportunity to perform on the biggest of all stages – the Mecca of Boxing.

Terence, can you speak about fighting outside of Omaha and becoming a draw in other places?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Yes, I have been fighting away from home all of my career – basically all of my life, that I never really had a lot of amateur tournaments in Omaha, Nebraska, so it says a lot. I have been traveling and traveling and traveling to fight here and there. The first time I had the privilege to fight in Omaha, it was a big turnout, so big that everybody that came in felt like this was the only place that I ever fought at – in Omaha. So for me to go to other cities and being able to sell out, and have a lot of people from Omaha follow me, shows the type of career that I am having – and it’s a tremendous career.

What do you think people will learn about you in the “Camp Life” video?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: You can learn that I train real hard and that I am a real humble guy. You should watch the “Camp Life” and you can be the judge.

The fight many would want to see is Pacquiao-Crawford, is that a fight you could see happening if they get through their opponents?

BOB ARUM: I don’t like to project too far ahead, but I would agree with you. I am not content with guys fighting once or twice a year. That is BS. Guys have to fight regularly. Terence will fight in May and Manny is fighting in July. Terence would I think if he gets through this fight well, to get back in the ring again in the summer and then we will look to the fall. Would Pacquiao and Crawford be a good fight, a big fight, a big attraction? You bet your ass it will and we will, all things being equal, we will do our best to make that fight. I think the public wants to see it and the public will support it. Manny Pacquiao has been a great fighter and a great attraction. I love Manny Pacquiao. Manny Pacquiao is the kind of guy who is not afraid to step up and fight anybody. Terence Crawford is the rising star in boxing. Everybody would love to see that fight, but that’s all I can say about it. I agree with your assessment, that it’s a fight that the fans want to see, and if it’s a fight that the fans want to see, a promoter has the obligation to make it happen.

Would that fight, if it came about, be at 140 or 147? Terence, do you have thoughts about moving up in weight?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Well, right now I am fighting at 140 and that is my main focus right now and who knows what the future may hold. If I need to fight at 147, I’ll fight at 147 and if I need to fight at 140 I’ll fight at 140. Right now I am focused more on Felix Diaz than anything else.

Is Pacquiao on your radar? Is that somebody you’d like to fight?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: No question Pacquiao is someone I would like to fight, but if it’s not in front of me then I am really not worried about it.

Barring Pacquiao and assuming you get by this fight, who else is at 140 that you could fight that could bring you A) the kind of money that you could make (B) the kind of attention hat you would like and (C) in your weight class. Is there anyone?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Julius Indongo is.

So you would like to unify the titles?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Of Course

CARL MORETTI: Indongo will be at the fight.

BOB ARUM: He is a good fighter this kid. That’s a guy that people haven’t heard of because he hasn’t fought in the United States but our matchmakers say he is a damn good fighter and apparently looking forward, down the line. I disagree that there are not any fighters at 140 that want to fight. Mikey Garcia keeps shooting his mouth off about going up to 140 to fight Terence – I mean that’s a possibility. Again, if we put him in with Manny – Manny is a 147 pound champion, but Manny goes into the ring at 144 pounds and to even go in the ring at 144 he has to eat about 5000 calories a day, or more, when he is training, because Manny is not a big welterweight.

How about besides Pacquiao?

BOB ARUM: Besides Pacquiao, there is this kid, Julius Indongo that is coming on that is a very good fighter that I think holds the other two titles now at 140 – that’s a possibility and there is the possibility of Mikey Garcia.

There was an announcement with Indongo after he beat Ricky Burns, that his promoter was going to work with Eddie Hearn – have you spoken to them?

BOB ARUM: Indongo is coming to the fight and we will all talk to him when he comes to the fight. If the kid wants to fight Terence, then that’s the time to talk to him. If he doesn’t want to fight Terence then Eddie Hearn or the African promoter or any other promoter, then there is no sense talking. If the kid says he wants to fight Terence, and that’s the fight, then we’ll make it happen. And you will have the opportunity, I assume, to interview this kid on Saturday at The Garden.

Would he be coming to the fight if he wasn’t interested in fighting Terence?

BOB ARUM: Well, there you go.

There has only been one other time in boxing history where the fighter has unified all four titles so it is extremely rare…

BOB ARUM: For people that think that’s important, that would be a great thing.

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Well, I never kept track of how many people have ever had held all four titles, but it is one of my goals to say that I am undisputed champion.

Bernard knocked out Oscar to unify the four middleweight titles and then Jermaine won to win those four titles, so those were the two guys but only the one fight to unify the four titles. Did you watch the Indongo-Burns fight and what did you think?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I watched the fight and he put on a great performance. He did what he had to do to get the job done. He’s tall and rangy and he can box. It would be a good fight.

Stylistically it seems like it would be a crowd pleaser – do you think?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: Of course.

This will be the first time in a long time you have fought a true left-hander. Did it change preparation?

TERENCE CRAWFORD: I prepare for whatever. I have fought left handers before in both the amateurs and pro and it won’t be any different come Saturday night.

RED SPIKES (Assistant Coach): Just what Terence said. He was No. 1 in the amateurs for three years in a row and fought all over the world against, Cubans, Canadians, Venezuelans, left hand, right hand, tall, short – he is one of the best in the game at adapting. He’ll be OK Saturday night.

LOU DiBELLA: I am really looking forward to what I think is a really good fight and I am really happy with all of the karma coming out from the media with this fascination with Indongo who has never fought in the US and does not have the resume that Felix does because the more you talk about Indongo, the more mojo is thrown in our direction. I know how good Crawford is. Felix knows how good Crawford is. The media knows how good Crawford is, but he is not G_d, he is not unbeatable. He’s had tough fights and I think he’s had tough fights with guys like Gamboa, who was a little guy who gave him a tough fight for a while and Diaz has a lot of the same attributes when it comes to pressure and style which could make it a very difficult night for Bud. Felix has wanted this fight forever. This is a kid that grew up with nothing. A poor kid from the Dominican Republic that became a top amateur and became the Dominican’s only Olympic Gold Medalist in the history of the country in 2008. The only gold medal for boxing in the Dominican. This is the culmination of a professional boxing career that began in 2009. Joel Diaz in California trains him. He moved up to welterweight and had a big win against Sammy Vazquez. He had to move up to welterweight to get that opportunity. He’s got a lot of other quality wins and I thought he beat Lamont Peterson. He’s beaten Emmanuel Lartey and Adrian Granados and Gabriel Bracero before he lost to Peterson. I think this is the toughest challenge that Terence Crawford has ever had and I’m looking forward to it – it is going to be in New York and there will be a nice Dominican contingent there to support Felix.

Felix, you worked hard to call out Terence, which a lot of people do not do. How do you feel now that you have the fight?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I called out Terence because Terence is the best in the division. It is a big opportunity for me to fight at Madison Square Garden against Terence Crawford.

What is it about Crawford that you think you can beat him?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: With his style, I know I can beat Terence Crawford. Crawford has fought no one like me. Stylistically, I can beat him.

Indongo is going to be ringside for the fight and Bob Arum hopes that if all goes well they can set up that unification fight.

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I am definitely motivated that I am being overlooked and that I am the underdog. But I have my own plans. I am going to destroy Top Rank’s plans.

What could you take away from the Lamont Peterson fight – that many people thought you won?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I learned a lot in that fight and got the experience of fighting one of the great fighters in the division. It is great to have the experience to go in there and go 12 rounds with that guy. Adapting to each fighter is different for each fight but having that experience of 12 tough rounds will really help me.

Do you feel that you have the power to scare Crawford at all?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: There is going to be a difference. I feel a lot stronger at 140. If you look you will notice that every person I fought at 140, I knocked them out, except for Granados, who I knocked down twice (rounds 9 & 10).

What did you see in the Postol fight that impressed you?

LOU DiBELLA: I didn’t see much about Postol that impressed me at all. Postol was fighting a really good fighter and that may have had something to do with it, but I don’t care if he was fighting Bozo the Clown, Postol brought nothing to that dance.

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I saw nothing from Crawford in the Postol fight – he did not impress me.

What were you not impressed with the Postol fight?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I did not get to see the whole Postol fight but the parts I did see I was not impressed.

Do you think Crawford is overrated?

LOU DiBELLA: I think he is a damn good fighter. Do I think he is overrated? I think he has fought some smaller guys. I don’t think his resume screams of the best in the world but in this day and age not a lot of resumes do. Until someone proves otherwise he is a terrific fighter and Felix wanted this fight because he views Crawford as the best. I do believe that now he will be in there with a guy with real credentials who is a real 140-pounder. He has maybe fought a lot of guys that were smaller and not at the level of Felix. But I take nothing away from the guy – he is certainly one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the game today. Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of resumes that look like Hearns, Leonard, Duran, Whitaker or those kinds of situations any more because we have to do a better job of getting the best in with the best. I think the people should come out to The Garden on May 20 because this is an example of the best fighting the best.

How much do you think Crawford will switch back and forth to southpaw?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: It all depends on Crawford. When he sees what I am bringing in, he is going to have to adjust to me. I really can’t answer that question until we get in the ring to really see. I cannot anticipate what he is going to do until we get in the ring.

What does it mean to fight at The Garden?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: It is great to be able to fight at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing and the Mecca of history. I know that a lot of the Dominicans from Manhattan and the Bronx and the Dominican communities will be coming out to support me.

What did you take away from the Peterson fight in Virginia?

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I don’t feel that I lost the fight. I did everything possible to win that fight. The judges were not on my side, maybe it was because of the style of the fight, but I feel I did enough to beat Lamont Peterson. I regret that I didn’t knock him out but

LOU DiBELLA: I think we learned that it’s not an ideal situation to fight a Virginian fighter in Virginia.

In Closing…

LOU DiBELLA: It took a long time to make this and maybe not under all of the terms we would have liked, but thank you to Top Rank and Terence Crawford’s team for giving Felix the opportunity and Felix is going to make the most of it on May 20.

FÉLIX DÍAZ: I would like to thank everyone that has made this fight possible and you will see on May 20 what I am able to bring to the table and I hope that people take notice.

****************

The HBO telecast will open with RAY “Sugar” BELTRAN (32-7-1, 20 KOs), of Phoenix, AZ by way of Ahome, Mexico, and JONATHAN “The Last Inca” MAICELO (25-2, 12 KOs), of North Bergen, New Jersey by way of Callao, Peru, going mano a mano in a high-stakes battle of world-rated lightweight contenders. Sanctioned by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) as a world lightweight title elimination bout, the winner of the 12-round rumble will also lay claim to the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) International and the NABF and NABO lightweight titles, currently held by Beltran. The world championship event will also feature the Pride of Newark and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist SHAKUR STEVENSON (1-0). Stevenson’s bout and all the undercard bouts will be streamed live exclusively via www.toprank.tv.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Tecate and Madison Square Garden, remaining tickets to the Crawford vs. Díaz world championship event are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo Facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, https://www.facebook.com/felixmanuel.diazguzman, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014790258442 or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, www.twitter.com/LouDiBella, www.twitter.com/felixmldiaz or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordDiaz to join the conversation on Twitter.

Philadelphia, PA. (May 11, 2017) -Weights for Friday night’s card at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

Christopher Brooker 168.4 – Oscar Riojas 169
Jerome Conquest 133.6 – Daniel Perales 137.2
Blake Mansfield 164.7 – Henry Beckford 167.1
Kyle McNutt 188.1 – Sam Orapeza 194.4
Kashon Hutchinson 142.2 – Jeffrey Torres 139.5
Harold Lopez 111.7 – Basyzbek Baratov 112
Bryan Perez Nevarez 129.1 – Chaise Nelson 125.9

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: SugarHouse Casino
1st Bell: 7:00 PM ET

Photo: Marc Abrams / King’s Promotion

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 11, 2017) – Featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. hosted a media workout Thursday along with his brothers and rising prospects Gary Antuanne Russell and Gary Antonio Russell before all three brothers enter the ring on Saturday, May 20 live from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Coverage on SHOWTIME is headlined by Russell Jr. defending his featherweight world title against top challenger Oscar Escandon. The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

The 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne and unbeaten bantamweight prospect Antonio Russell (7-0, 5 KOs) will compete in separate undercard attractions on May 20 as the three brothers will fight on the same card for the first time as pros.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from the Enigma Gym in Capitol Heights, Maryland:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“My weight is perfect. We did a 30-day weigh-in and I was about 132. I’m about 128 right now. I feel comfortable. If we can’t get a unification bout, I’ll move up in weight though. I understand why people haven’t wanted to fight me. It’s a business and I understand that.

“The postponement didn’t bother me. I can’t get upset about stuff that I can’t control. When you have two elite athletes pushing themselves to the limit, injuries occur. It gave me more time to rest my body properly. We’re definitely ready now.

“I haven’t fought anyone as short as him, but that’s the purpose of training camp. We bring people in who have a similar style to Escandon. We’ve gotten great work in and I feel prepared.

“It’s easier against a more aggressive guy. It’s hard to go after someone who is retreating. He’s going to bring it right into my face.

“We come to the gym and grind every day so we can be the best we possibly can. On fight night, it’ll all come to fruition.

“It’s going to be history in the making. We’re in familiar territory with making history. We were the first set of four brothers to win the National Golden Gloves and I don’t see anyone breaking our record any time soon. I believe in a dynasty and I’m excited for my dad to see all of his hard work come together on fight night.

“When you focus on the magnitude of an event you take away from the true focus that we’re supposed to have. My goal is to become victorious. But it’s definitely cool that the people from my hometown will be able to be a part of the event.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“We plan on giving our father a gift that he can’t buy on his birthday May 20. There’s been a lot of sets of two brothers but there’s never been three as far as I know. There have been the Klitschkos, the Dirrells and the Charlos, but those are just two. We’re breaking new ground.

“This sport is brutal. Anyone who steps into that ring has to have a certain amount of intelligence, heart and character. It takes a different kind of individual to get in there alone knowing the other person is trying to take your head off.

“Gary Jr. is my vision. I needed a role model and there he is. I needed someone to keep my humble and keep me out of trouble.

“Me and my whole family talk a lot and about everything. Not just about the sport of boxing. Boxing is what I do, but it’s not who I am. I’m a class valedictorian and I graduated with the highest GPA in Prince George’s County. Don’t just look at me as a jock. That’s what we tell anybody.

“Real estate is in my future. We’re going to own our own properties and be the shot callers. I’ve been getting educated from my brother and my father.

“It’s amazing what my dad did, but you can’t forget about my mom. Behind every king is a strong queen. My mom is the most important woman in my life. Other than that, it’s tunnel vision. Tunnel vision in school and in the gym or anything else I do in my life.

“I want to give back to my brother. A lot of families leave their children with nothing. We’re all working to leave something with substance for our families.

“What makes the Russell brothers different is that we’re all equal and we get our energy from each other. It’s never about being better at something than your brother, we all want to get through every obstacle together.

“I’d say I should be on the world title level in the next five years. This is a business. We’re going to do this well. That’s what my team talks about.

“We’re looking to build a dynasty and I believe that May 20 will be a memento to our dynasty building. I hope I’m at the championship level in the next five years. We’re going to run this thing correctly.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“It means a lot but it was all expected. We put in hard work in the gym so I expected us to reach these levels.

“It’s even better to be able to come home and compete. Not all of our fans could make it to our other fights. But being at MGM in Maryland, it’s all coming together.

“I watch everything that my older brother does and I learn from his mistakes. He makes sure that I don’t make those same mistakes. He critiques me every way, through life and in the gym.

“My career is going up. I know my father has my best interest at heart. He’s going to get me the right fights and put me in good positions.

“There is a sense of order in our house. Iron sharpens iron. We all help each other no matter what. We’ll all be victorious on May 20 and it’s going to be a wonderful birthday present for our dad.”

GARY RUSSELL SR., Father and Trainer for the Russell brothers

“The D.C. and Maryland area has always produced great boxers. Right now it’s their time. With Gary, Jarrett Hurd and Gervonta Davis, this is as good as it’s ever been. They represent the sport as gentlemen.

“Gary Antuanne is coming in fresh off of the Olympics. We know he won that fight in Rio, but politics got him. He’s not a normal young fighter. He was a class valedictorian which I don’t think a lot of boxers can say. Antonio has a lot of talent as well and he’s on the rise. It’s going to be a great opportunity to show their skills.

“I’m really excited. It’s unique to have all of these guys from the area showcasing their talent at the same time. I’ve known Jarrett and Tank since they were kids and I’m proud of how far they’ve come.”

# # #

ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON

Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TOLEDO, OH (May 11, 2017) – Unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter (19-0, 14 KOs) will defend his title in his hometown when he takes on mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov (38-2-1, 20 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio on Friday, June 30.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will be headlined by the hometown star Easter, who last defended his title in the same venue and on Bounce by knocking down Luis Cruz three times on his way to a unanimous decision.

“I am always happy to fight at home, but I think the excitement in Toledo will be even bigger this time and I can’t wait,” said Easter. “I also have a baby on the way and the due date is June 5, so I will be able to fight knowing my son is here and I am extra pumped because of that. I know that I have a tough opponent, but I am not afraid of any fighter. This is what boxing is about. Shafikov is coming to take my belt, but I know that I will be victorious once again.”

“I’m looking forward to this fight on June 30,” said Shafikov. “I know that I have a very tough opponent in front of me. I have been waiting for this opportunity to get this belt and I plan on doing everything in my power to make it happen.”

“This is going to be Robert’s biggest challenge yet,” said Ravone Littlejohn, CEO of About Billions Promotions. “Shafikov is a tough fighter and this is exactly the type of fight Robert needs as he steps up to the next level of championship boxing. This fight is going to prepare him for his future and we’re excited to be back in Toledo for it.”

“This bout has Fight of the Year written all over it,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Both fighters gained their position by beating the same fighter, Richard Commey, by identical split decisions. That, plus the enthusiasm of Robert Easter’s hometown fans, will make June 30 a night to remember.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $225 $125, $100, $75, $55 and $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 26-year-old Easter picked up five-straight victories dating back to the beginning of 2015 before earning his world title opportunity against Richard Commey in September 2016. Easter was successful in holding off the unbeaten Commey as he was able to earn a split-decision victory in a memorable fight. Now, Easter will step into the ring as the fighting pride of his hometown for the second time, looking to dispatch arguably his toughest opponent to date.

A 31-year-old brawler from Russia, Shafikov brings an exciting style to the ring as he prepares to capitalize on his third world title opportunity. A pro since 2003, Shafikov was unbeaten in his first 34 pro contests and has challenged Rances Barthelemy and Miguel Vazquez in his previous title fights that both went to decisions. Shafikov impressed in his two outings last year, first earning a stoppage victory over then unbeaten Jamel Herring in July before earning this title fight by beating Richard Commey in December.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

NEW YORK – Gervonta Davis, America’s youngest world champion, and No. 1-ranked challenger Liam Walsh participated in an international media conference call on Wednesday in advance of their clash for Davis’ IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship on Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from Copper Box Arena in London. Davis vs. Walsh is part of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. In the main event, Gary Russell Jr. will make his second featherweight title defense and long-awaited homecoming against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren also joined the call to talk about their fighters.

Here is what the principals had to say on Wednesday:

GERVONTA DAVIS
Thoughts on going to London to make his first title defense on foreign soil:
“I believe it was the right business move as far as getting me to the UK in my early career and giving the fans what they want to see. I have a lot of UK fans after the [Jose] Pedraza fight so I think it’s a good change. It’s good for me to fight in the UK. I fought overseas when I was an amateur so now I’m going as a pro and I feel like it’s a great opportunity.

“I’m actually excited to fight in the UK. I believe that I will have a crowd over there and I’m excited to put on a show for the UK fans.”

Have you watched Liam Walsh’s tapes? Do you think his style is sort of made to order for a fighter liked you?
“He’s a good fighter; I can’t take that away from him. He’s my mandatory so I’m taking him seriously. I’ve actually looked at a couple of his fights. He’s a decent fighter, but I’m just on another level. My mind, my skills, I’m on another level than what he’s saying and what his fans are saying too.”

What has it been like since you won the title?
“It’s been pretty good. I’m actually staying level headed, staying focused. Getting the world title is a step closer to where I want to be. Having a belt is cool, but I’m trying to do more in the sport. I want to be the next star of boxing. I want to do more in the sport. This is just one more step to me.”

Do you feel like you need to win by knockout?
“Of course. I can’t rely on his mistakes, he’s capable of going down.”

On finishing camp with Floyd Mayweather in Vegas:
“When I got back to Vegas, Floyd Mayweather was hands on more than usual, working with me in the gym late nights. I’m working extra hard. Having him back in the gym gives me that extra push and has my mind on another level.

“Having him in my corner makes me feel like I have that chance. I have one of the best in the business backing me. It means a lot. It makes me work harder.”

How has your experience growing up in inner-city Baltimore influenced you?
“Just growing up in that inner city, it gave me the hunger I have today. My folks struggled. I knew that when it was time for me to turn pro, it was time for me to help feed my family. I’m ready to do big things in the sport of boxing and outside of the sport.

“I believe I have the youth right now. Right now I’m one of the youngest (world champions), and believe I have the youth right now. I believe that as I continue to keep winning and crowning myself, a lot of young kids will look up to me and it will help get them on the right track.”

Going into this fight do you think Liam Walsh is your toughest opponent so far?
“I believe so. I’ve fought a world champion. He’s undefeated. I don’t know, I have to see when I get in there. On paper he might seem like a tough opponent. I won’t know until I get in there and see what he brings to the table.”

Is there pressure to try and make statement against him and knock him out or wait to see if the knockout comes?
“I don’t think I have to make a statement by knocking him out. I would rather beat him in 12 rounds. We’re going to look for the knockout and if it comes, it comes. But I would rather go on 12 rounds.”

Would you like to make a prediction?
“I’m coming out on top and keeping my world title.”

LIAM WALSH
Can you tell us what you think of Gervonta Davis?
“He certainly has potential and star quality – that was clear to see when he beat [Jose] Pedraza. But he has to come through me first. I don’t see any other way than me winning. If he’s going to be a star in the future, it’s going to have to be with a loss after fighting me.”

Are there advantages to fighting at home?
“I thank Frank Warren for that and giving me that advantage. I think it all depends on his mental capacity. He’s coming to a foreign country. Provided that he adapts to the environment and change of scenery, then we’ll find out that night.”

You were Pedraza’s mandatory so were you surprised that Gervonta won that fight and in that dominant a fashion?
“I was to be honest with you. My prediction was Pedraza to win on points. I thought Pedraza had all the attributes and tools to get the job done. But then on the night watching the fight, I was surprised by the way Pedraza went about his work. I thought Gervonta looked brilliant and mature beyond his years. I think he put on a really good show but I thought Pedraza could have gone about it a little bit better.”

What are your advantages in the fight against Gervonta Davis?
“First and foremost, I don’t think he’s completely overrated, but I think there are still a lot of questions to be asked of him. He looked very good and brilliant against Pedraza. The only other reputable fighter on his record is Cristobal Cruz. There are a lot of question marks lingering on.

“I feel like I’ve been in tougher fights than him. I feel like I’ve been in longer fights. I think I have a better boxing IQ than him. He’s very powerful, very physical and very fast, but we haven’t seen him in a long fight or a dog fight or a grueling fight though. I will certainly ask all these questions. I’ll do it any which way that it has to go. I’m more than confident I’ll get the job done.”

Is it key to take the fight into later rounds?
“I think possibly, yeah. I think that could be one angle to look at it. We’re not going to really know until the first bell rings. We all have game plans, but good fighters have to adapt. There’s going to be ebbs and flows in this fight, but I think the better fighter will prevail and I think that’s me.”

Boxing is hot in UK, how much of a benefit do you think will that be for you?
“I think it’s definitely beneficial to be fighting at home. I don’t live far from London so I won’t have to leave my house until a couple of days before the fight and obviously my sons will be there in support for me. It’s definitely beneficial. I want us both to get a fair crack and I’m sure it will be. When you’re the home fighter, you feel more obliged to dig a little bit deeper for your home fans who are cheering for you. So that’s what I’ll do.”

What is your prediction for the fight?
“Like 21 previous times, I’ll always predict I’ll win. So that’s what I’ll predict again. One thing is factually certain, I’ll give my absolute all. My prediction is I’ll come away with victory and the belt, whichever which way I have to. I’ll find a way to come away with that belt.”

Over here in the U.S., the sentiment is that Gervonta is the favorite in the fight. Do you think you’re the favorite because of the experience that you bring to the ring?
“I don’t think I’m the favorite but I’m not a 3-1 underdog. When I was told that, I thought I must be fighting three people. I’ve never been a 3-1 underdog. I’m a big underdog apparently, but certainly not in my eyes. In my eyes it won’t be a massive shock if I win this title. The U.S. fans think it will be a walk-over, but that couldn’t be more further from the truth. I can understand him being the favorite with all the hype and Mayweather behind him, but I’m baffled by being that much of an underdog. But we’ll find out.”

Is there extra motivation in being the underdog?
“Yes, it’s extra motivation. My friends are betting on me and when I win, they’ll have a great night. This is the first time I’ve been the underdog in my pro career, and I’m really enjoying being the underdog. I’m really thriving on it.”

LENOARD ELLERBE, Davis’ promoter and Mayweather Promotions CEO:
“This is going to be an unbelievable fight and we are looking forward to promoting our first event on foreign soil. We expect a sold-out crowd and this is going to be a very, very exciting fight.

“We think this is a wonderful opportunity and a tremendous platform for [Gervonta] to be able to showcase his skills across the world. With him being a young champion I think he has an advantage, and working alongside someone like Floyd, someone who can explain to him what it’s like to go into hostile territory and what to expect coming into a big fight. All those intangibles, along with his hard work and preparation he’s done, I think he has a tremendous advantage and has the perfect team in his corner to get the job done.

“We are very comfortable with the judges and we expect a very level playing field. Tank just has to go in there and stay focused and do what he does. I think his skills will speak loud and clear. Liam Walsh is a tremendous fighter and he has a tremendous following and he has been in some good fights.

“This is similar to back in 2005 when Floyd went into Atlantic City and beat Arturo Gatti. But this is a little different in that, as Tank mentioned, he has a lot of fans in the UK. I don’t think it’s going to be one-side. Because one thing I do love about the UK fans is that they are very, very knowledgeable boxing fans. They can appreciate skill level and fighters that are really, really good. Tank has a tremendous social media presence and a tremendous following in the UK. As far as the crowd is concerned, I’m not so sure it’s going to be all Liam Walsh. Tank is going to have a lot of support there. And, again, when you have the kind of preparation he has had, and you are focused, that’s what it’s going to come down to.

“The focus right now is Liam Walsh and Saturday night. As long as Tank stays focused and does what he does, the sky is the limit. He has a tremendous team and he’s working with the best promoter in all of boxing. We are really excited about this young man’s career and in our eyes he’s the most exciting fighter in all of boxing. And soon he’s going to be the biggest star in all of boxing.”

FRANK WARREN, Hall of Fame promoter:
“The Copper Box Arena is where they held the boxing for the London Olympics. It’s a fantastic venue with the crowd right on top of the ring. That atmosphere is going to be fantastic and it’s going to be a sellout. This fight is a great opportunity for the American public watching on SHOWTIME, and for those in England, to see a really good quality fight. In some ways this fight reminds me a lot of when Joe Calzaghe fought against Jeff Lacy, who was a big favorite, and Joe took him to school.

“I think it’s always best to have the home advantage. You got your fans there and your home support. The British boxing fans are passionate fans, and they are going to get behind their man. Sometimes when you’re away from home, you may not get the best out of you. When you are at home, you have to do your best because those fans are there for you. I much prefer the home advantage and it’s worked well for us in the past, like when we did the fight with Ricky Hatton fight and Kostya Tszyu and he went in as a massive underdog in that fight and he ended up winning. And we’ve done that on numerous occasions. But you have to have a good fighter.

“With Liam, he’s been under the radar with some of the problems we’ve mentioned outside the ring. But the fact of the matter is that he’s one of the best British boxers. He’s an excellent fighter. He’s not an old 30, he’s a young 30 years of age. If Gervonta Davis is going to be what the people think he’s going to be, well then he will be that if he beats Liam Walsh. And to beat Liam Walsh, you have to be something special.

“Everyone is looking for the next big thing. Is [Gervonta] overrated? We will find out. I know one thing is for sure, Liam is underrated. And that’s going to be the difference.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow 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.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (May 10, 2017) – Former two-time M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Viktor Nemkov will take on M-1 Global-debuting Ronny Markes, May 19, in the M-1 Challenge 77 main event at Sochi, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 77 will be streamed in high definition on www.M1Global.TVlive from Sochi, Russia. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

A native of Kazakhstan fighting out of Russia, Nemkov (24-6-0, M-1: 17-5-0) has once again fought his way back to the top of the M-1 light heavyweight class. In 2013, Nemkov defeated Vasily Babich (11-8-0), by way of a second-round submission (arm-lock), at M-1 Challenge 66, for the vacant M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title.

Nemkov lost his first title defense by a five-round split decision to German Stephan Puetz, who Nemkov gained revenge from four fights later, taking a five-round majority decision in the M-1 Challenge 63 Fight of the Night to regain the coveted M-1 crown.

In his first title defense of his second reign, Nemkov lost his title via a five-round split decision to Rashid Yusupov (8-0), a year ago at M-1 Challenge 68. The resilient Nemkov will position himself for yet another title shot with an impressive victory against Markes.

Markes (16-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), of Brazil, will be making his M-1 Global debut against Nemkov. In his last fight this past February, Markes choked out 15-4-0 Tony Lopez in the opening round of their King of the Cage super heavyweight championship match. Markes is a UFC and World Series of Fighting veteran

The M-1 Challenge 77 main card is stacked with entertaining, evenly-matched fights, including a potentially explosive throw-down between undefeated Russian middleweight prospect Artiom Frolov (8-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) and always dangerous Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzade (5-1-1 (M-1: 2-0-1).

Russian featherweight Viktor Kolesnik (9-2-1, M-1: 0-0-1) vs. Brazlian Felipe Rego (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukrainian welterweight Audrey “Iron” Lezhnev (15-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0) vs. Russian Kurbanali Abdusalamov, and Georgian lightweight Raul Tutarauli (9-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0) vs. M-1 Global pro-debuting Artur Lemos (8-2-0), of Portugal, are also scheduled to be in main-card action.

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 77: Nemkov vs. Markes – May 19, 2017 Sochi, Russia
M-1 Challenge 78: Divnich vs. Ismagulov – May 26, 2017 in Orenburg, Russia
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 Harbin, 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 promises to be 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!

WORCESTER, Mass. (May 10, 2017, 2017) – Undefeated rising super featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez will headline the third installment of the “New England’s Future” series, Saturday night, June 10, as professional boxing returns for the first time in 11 years to the DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“New England’s Future 3” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.

Arguably the top New England prospect, the 21-year-old Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) is continuing Worcester’s rich boxing tradition, which dates back nearly a century. A 2015 N. E. Golden Gloves champion, Gonzalez has knocked out all six of his pro opponents, four in the opening round, the other two in the second. Gonzalez will fight Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY), in an eight-round match for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) East Regional super featherweight championship.

Former International Boxing Organization (IBO heavyweight world champion, Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis (10-2-2, 1 KO), will face TBA in the eight-round co-feature for the vacant UBF World heavyweight title. Lamonakis is a New York City teacher who lived in Turners Falls (MA) and graduated from Springfield (MA) College. She is a native of Greece and a four-time New York Golden Gloves champion.

“I am excited that we will be having our ‘New England’s Future 3′ boxing event at the DCU Center,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera said. “The last time there was boxing at the DCU was when I fought for and won the WBA Junior Middleweight world title. It was an electric night with the fight televised live on Showtime. I am hoping we can bring the same kind of excitement with our action- packed lineup of young and hungry up-and-coming boxers.

“We have two UBF title fights on the line with Sonya Lamonakis fighting for the female UBF Heavyweight World Title and Worcester’s own Irving Gonzalez, in only his seventh pro fight, fighting for the UBF 126-pound division East Regional championship. I’m also excited to have five Worcester boxers on our event at the DCU and I hope our Worcester fan-base comes out to support them. I am looking forward to seeing another great night of action-packed boxing.”

Powerhouse fighter Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), returns in an eight-round Special Cruiserweight Attraction against TBA.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) vs. Baltimore’s Kevin “The Scarecrow” Womack, Jr. (7-14-3, 5 KOs), Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Las Vegas’ Johnny Frazier (2-3-0-4, 2 KOs), New Haven (CT) featherweight Josh Crespo (7-4-3, 3 KOs) vs. Georgia’s Gabriel Braxton (2-18, 1 KO), Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Woburn (MA) Gilvan Santos (0-3), Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (1-0) vs. Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (12-22-3, 2 KOs), Worcester’s Bobby Harris III vs. Brazil’s Nathan Schulte in a battle of pro-debuting super middleweights, Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (1-0) vs. Lawrence’s Anthony Everett (1-5), Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Florida’s Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-8) and Hartford’s (CT) Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Michigan’s Michael Shipp (1-4, 1 KO) fighting at a 180-pound catch-weight.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com, by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m., first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Whiskey On Water and Worcester criminal defense Atty. Michael Erlich.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_

ORANGE, Calif. (May 10, 2017) – The stakes have risen substantially for the previously announced matchup between unbeaten Giovani Santillan (21-0, 11 KOs) and Juan Garcia Mendez (19-2-1, 12 KOs).

The pair will fight for the vacant WBC FECOMBOX junior welterweight title in the “New Blood” main event on Friday, May 19, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

“Fighting for titles is what this sport is all about,” said Santillan, who is the former Junior NABF champion at 140 lbs. “There’s added pressure and motivation to perform well in these types of fights. I’ll be ready for the challenge.”

Also receiving an upgrade is the “New Blood” co-feature between Erick Ituarte (16-1-1, 2 KOs) and Isaac Zarate (12-2-2, 2 KOs). At stake is the Junior NABF featherweight title.

The pair of 8-round championship fights highlight Thompson Boxing Promotions’ 17th year anniversary show. The Southern California-based promoter will also begin live streaming its monthly shows.

May’s live stream, titled “TB Presents: New Blood,” is anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Beto Duran with Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

Boxing media and fans alike can access the live stream at ThompsonBoxing.com, or its Facebook page via Facebook Live beginning at 8:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, May 19.

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

WATCH the weigh in live on Thursday, May 18 at approximately 1:00 p.m. PDT by accessing this link, or going to our Facebook Page.

For a full lineup card, please click here.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bell at approximately 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

Connect with Giovani Santillan on social media: Instagram: @Giovan1Santillan
Facebook: Giovani Santillan, & Twitter: @GiovaniSanti1.

Connect with Ruben Villa on social media: Instagram: RubenV4, Facebook: Ruben Villa IV, & Twitter: @Ruben_Villa4.

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

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

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (May 10, 2017) — CAMP LIFE, the new digital series produced by Top Rank®, will make its debut later this week with a four-part feature on undefeated two-division world champion and top pound for pound fighter TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD. Designed to give a behind-the-scenes look at training camps of fighters in the Top Rank stable, CAMP LIFE gives fans a real taste of training camp as fighters prepare for their battles. CAMP LIFE will be distributed on various platforms, including Facebook, Top Rank’s You Tube channel, Twitter and Top Rank’s website..

In CAMP LIFE: TERENCE CRAWFORD, viewers take a journey to Colorado Springs, where Crawford, surrounded by family, trainers and sparring partners, prepares for his May 20 defense of his unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) / World Boxing Council (WBC) / Ring magazine titles against former Olympic gold medalist and top-rated contender FÉLIX DÍAZ in a marquee all-action fight.. The fight will take place at Madison Square Garden’s main arena and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Here’s a preview of the Top Rank-produced four-part series CAMP LIFE: TERENCE CRAWFORD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHdiKTCHM2Y.

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Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Tecate, Antonio Leonard Productions and Madison Square Garden, remaining tickets to the Crawford vs. Díaz world championship event are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

The HBO telecast will open with top-rated contenders RAY “Sugar” BELTRAN and JONATHAN “The Last Inca” MAICELO going mano a mano in a 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) world lightweight title elimination bout with the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) International and Beltran’s NABF and NABO lightweight titles also at stake. The non-televised undercard will feature Pride of Newark and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist SHAKUR STEVENSON.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo Facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, https://www.facebook.com/felixmanuel.diazguzman, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014790258442 or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, www.twitter.com/LouDiBella, www.twitter.com/felixmldiaz or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordDiaz to join the conversation on Twitter.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 10, 2017 – Gamal Yafai says he can beat Sean Davis any way he wants to when he challenges his local rival for the WBC International Super-Bantamweight title at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at a NEW START TIME 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT.

In the main event, Kal Yafai defends the WBA Super Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka.

For fans who do not have AWE, they can access the fight card on the AWE channell on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai and Davis finally get their hands on each other after their proposed meeting for Yafai’s Commonwealth title fell through in October after the champion damaged his ankle in training.

Davis instead met Paul Economides for the crown he defends tonight, while Yafai returned from injury in Germany in March in a six rounder. The 25 year old now meets ‘Showtime’ on the undercard of his brother Kal’s World title defence, and Yafai plans to do a comprehensive job on Davis to show he’s ready to move to the next level.

“I can’t wait for this,” said Yafai. “Fighting in front of my home fans on big shows is something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s a bonus to be alongside my brother. To do it so early into my career is massive for me. I’m so happy to be one of the big names in Birmingham.

“I know a bit about Sean. I didn’t know him a year ago until his coach messaged me on Facebook for a bit of sparring and we done a little bit of work.

“It’s my job to answer whatever Sean brings. I’m capable of that. I am more than just a puncher, I can outbox Sean and outpunch him – I beat him in every department.

“I was preparing for the Davis fight doing box jumps. I’ve got it on video, it was on CCTV where I was training. I went over on it, it’s hard to describe how I done it. The pain and rehab was unreal. I couldn’t do anything for two months solid.

“It was horrible being out of the ring so long. I couldn’t train and obviously wasn’t getting paid. It’s hard when you can’t fight but it only makes you stronger.

“I didn’t have any surgery, just had to let it rest. It was so bruised and I tore a few ligaments but it’s in the past now.

“I’m entering the next phase of my career now. I learnt a lot as an amateur so I didn’t have to have as many learning fights so to speak. I didn’t need that long like other fighters might do. I was a World class amateur so I think I’ve done alright so far and I’m ready for the next step in my career.”

Yafai’s clash with Davis is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham where Kal Yafai defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka.

Sam Eggington challenges Cerefino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

GAVIN FACES DANGER MAN GARRIDO IN BIRMINGHAM

‘Funtime’ faces French challenger on Saturday night

Frankie Gavin admits he’s heading to the last chance saloon as he faces Renald Garrido.

Gavin is back in action after his loss in the same arena to Sam Eggington in a thrilling fight in October, and the former World title challenger is kicking off a new chapter in his career having switched to Eggington’s trainer Jon Pegg.

Garrido is a familiar face in the UK having beaten Bradley Saunders and gone the distance with Jack Catterall, Martin Lindsay and Robbie Davies Jr, and Gavin knows he must be at his best if he wants to bounce back with a win and move onto major title fights later in the year.

“I’m heading to the real last chance saloon now,” said Gavin. “I’m in a gym with a lot of fighters and that’s good for me – it’s keeping me on my toes and hungry.

“I want a big fight next so I need a good performance on Saturday to prove that I can still win massive titles. Garrido is a good test for me, he always comes to win and he’s dangerous, so I need to be on my guard.”

Gavin’s clash with Garrido is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham as Kal Yafai makes the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka.

Eggington challenges Cerefino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title, Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

There’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 10th, 2017) — As it continues to enhance its reputation as the preeminent “Gateway to the UFC,” CES MMA is teaming with Rhode Island’s city of Woonsocket to honor its most recent success story.

On Friday, May 12, during the preliminary card of “CES MMA 44” at Twin River Casino, Woonsocket, R.I., native, former CES MMA World Champion and current Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) bantamweight Andre Soukhamthath will receive the “Key to the City” from Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.

The 28-year-old Soukhamthath, now 11-4, made his CES MMA debut in February of 2012 — just his second fight as a professional — and finished 11-2 with the promotion over the next four and a half years, including his nationally-televised win over fellow Woonsocket native Kody Nordby for the then-vacant CES MMA World Bantamweight Title at “CES MMA 33” in March of 2016.

Following a win over Kin Moy in August, his record 11th win with CES MMA, Soukhamthath debuted with the UFC at UFC 209 in Las Vegas, becoming the first fighter of Laotian descent to fight for the promotion.

In addition to his reign as the CES MMA World Bantamweight Champion, Soukhamthath was also named the CES MMA Fighter of the Year in 2012 and owns the promotion’s longest win streak with seven consecutive victories between 2012 and 2014.

After moving to Woonsocket in 2003 at the age of 15, Soukhamthath quickly became a staple within the community, starring as a goaltender for the Woonsocket High School boys’ soccer team, where he still holds the school record for most shutouts in a season. He was a two-time All-Division standout and team captain and MVP his senior season.

Soukhmathath also played varsity basketball for four years, performed in the school’s theatrical version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and ran the youth boxing program at the Woonsocket Boxing Club for two years in addition to winning a Rocky Marciano Tournament title as an amateur at Woonsocket’s famed Stadium Theater.

“The city of Woonsocket is proud to witness the success that its beloved son, Andre Soukhamthath, has experienced early on in his professional career,” said Baldelli-Hunt. “Within our community, Andre stands as a role model for those who work hard in order to reach their goals and achieve results. The support of the entire city of Woonsocket is behind Andre as he continues to accomplish great things while representing the city that holds him close to its heart.”

Soukhamthath will be in attendance Friday as a cornerman for fellow Rhode Islander and teammate Sean Soriano (9-5, 4 KOs), who returns to the Ocean State for the first time in five years on the main card of “CES MMA 44” in a televised featherweight bout against Jacob Bohn (5-2, 1 KO).

Tickets for “CES MMA 44” are priced at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com or www.cagetix.com/ces by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Reigning CES MMA World Featherweight Champion Matt Bessette (21-7, 6 KOs) of Stafford, Conn., makes his second title defense in the five-round main event against Texas’ Rey Trujillo (22-18, 15 KOs).

Providence heavyweight Greg Rebello (21-7, 13 Kos) returns in a scheduled three-round bout against Colorado’s Kevin Ray Sears (6-3, 3 KOs) and welterweights Jon Manley (9-3) of Adams, Mass., and Manny Walo (11-2, 2 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., clash in a CES MMA title eliminator with the winner facing reigning world champion Chris Curtis.

Light heavyweight Mike Rodriguez (6-2, 4 KOs) of Quincy, Mass., who has made quick work of his last two opponents in a combined 46 seconds, jumps right back in on the main card “CES MMA 44” against New Jersey’s Alec Hooben (5-2, 1 KO) and undefeated flyweight Carlos Candelario (5-0, 1 KO) of New Britain, Conn., faces Brooklyn’s Timothy Wheeler (2-2).

Rodriguez set a new CES MMA record with his 7-second knockout win over Hector Sanchez in January and pummeled James Dysard in just 39 seconds at “CES MMA 43,” earning him his third appearance on AXS TV Fights on May 12th. Candelario, a rising star in the flyweight division, makes his fifth appearance with CES MMA after submitting Miguel Restrepo in January.

The preliminary card features the return of three-time CES MMA vet Toby Oden (2-1, 1 KO) of Milford, Mass., making his first appearance since 2015 plus two exciting female bouts. Oden faces Paul Sims of Philadelphia, who makes his professional debut. Oden last fought at “CES MMA 29,” scoring a first-round knockout win over Wayne Alhquist.

Also on the preliminary card, renowned bantamweight prospect Kerri Kenneson of Hooksett, N.H., debut against unbeaten Jennifer Norris (3-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore.

Milford, Conn., middleweight Justin Sumter (3-1, 2 KOs), who earned an impressive first-round knockout win in his CES MMA debut at “CES MMA 43” in Massachusetts, returns to face unbeaten Sandwich, Mass., native Brian Sparrow (2-0), who makes his second appearance with CES MMA in his first fight since 2013. Middleweight Adam Quitt (1-4) of Framingham, Mass., ends his three-year layoff against Brazilian Reginaldo Felix (0-2).

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (May 10, 2017) – Cuban star Rances Barthelemy will look to take one step closer to becoming the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes when he battles Kiryl Relikh in a WBA 140-pound title eliminator on Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against top challenger Oscar Escandon plus super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis defends his IBF 130-pound world championship against Liam Walsh.

Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Already a champion at 130 and 135-pounds, a victory over the former title challenger Relikh will put Barthelemy in the mandatory position to face unified 140-pound champion Julius Indongo and do something that no fighter has done in the rich history of Cuban boxing.

Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp in Las Vegas:

1) How is training camp going? How have you benefitted from sparring and training alongside of your brother Leduan and Yordenis Ugas and have their recent performances been an indication of how you expect to perform?

“Training camp is going really well. Training alongside of my brother and Yordenis under the tutelage of Ismael Salas is the best thing that could happen in my career. They keep me focused and motivated to get better every day. Yordenis and I have been helping each other during our camps, he’s an Olympic athlete so having him to train with is really beneficial. We have a new strength and conditioning coach as well who has us in the best shape possible. I know May 20 you guys will see the best Rances Barthelemy yet.”

2) What would it mean to you to become the first three-division world champion from Cuba?

“It would mean the world to me, after all that it took to defect from Cuba, the near death experiences, the imprisonments, leaving my loved ones behind, it would all have been worth it. I want to inspire the youth that come after me as well, let them know to never give up on their dreams no matter the conditions you live in or what the naysayers may say. Me winning a third world title and making history for a Cuban would prove that.”

3) What did you take away from Relikh’s loss to Ricky Burns?

“I didn’t get to watch the fight but watched the highlights and it seemed like a very entertaining fight. People were saying that it probably should have gone the other way even, so it seems like he put on a good performance.”

4) How would you characterize Relikh’s style and how do you see this fight playing out?

“He likes to come forward a lot and attack. I’m prepared for that if that’s what he plans to do come fight night but I also anticipate having to make adjustments. I always prepare to adjust to whatever my opponent brings. Being a cerebral fighter is a skill that has helped me succeed inside the ring.”

5) Can you address your 11-month layoff and how your training has been geared towards shaking off any ring rust you may have?

“There will be no ring rust come May 20 as we have been in the gym non-stop since my last fight against Mickey Bey. We took a few weeks off to visit Cuba for the first time since my defection. Aside from that I made sure to stay active and I’ve been training hard to be prepared when my name got called. The 11-month layoff happened for reasons out of my control. My management team has been trying to get the best opponents and unfortunately it took longer than we expected but we are here now and I’m as prepared as I have ever been.”

6) How did you trip back to Cuba come about and what was it like to be back in your home country?

“It was very emotional and a long eight years since I had been back. I didn’t know if I’d be able to go back or not. But I visited the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. and they told me I’d finally be able to go back to visit my loved ones. It was nothing but nerves until I got over there. It was an emotional time and everyone welcomed me back with open arms in my hometown of Havana. It’s something I will never forget, especially for the way I was received.”

7) How do you rate your skills and progression as a fighter considering your last three dominant wins over top quality opposition? Do you feel that you are at the peak of your career?

“I am definitely at my peak physically, and I’m looking to match that on paper this year. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. I don’t like to rate myself, I leave that to the people and the media. They’ve taken notice and that’s why I am where I am today, but I am expecting big things to happen this year.”

8) Why did you feel it was time to rise in weight, especially considering the wealth of talent at 135 right now? Who do you consider to be the top 135 fighter now that you are gone?

“My body was asking for it, 135 was taking too much of a physical toll on me. It may not have been noticeable, but I struggled to make weight during my last fight at 135 and felt I lost some of my power because of the drainage. Since I moved up to 140 I definitely have felt a lot better. It was the right move. Plus, I now have the chance to go after a third world title in a third division, which would be the first time for any boxer from Cuba.”

9) Why did you make the decision to move from Miami to Las Vegas and how do you think it has benefited you?

“To be honest, there is nothing better for a Cuban than to be living in Miami, because the weather is just right and what we are used to. But at the same time it presents a lot of distractions too. So moving to the boxing hub of the United States is better for me so I don’t get wrapped up in anything extra other than boxing. Plus, there are so many sparring partners here and I can go up to Mt. Charleston and get my runs in up there.”

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ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON

Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW YORK (May 10, 2017) – America’s youngest world champion, Gervonta Davis, will make his first world title defense in the opening bout and featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. will make his mandatory world title defense in the main event of a split-site, four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event on Saturday, May 20, live on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT*.

Davis will travel to Britain to defend his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against undefeated No. 1-ranked contender and local favorite Liam Walsh from Copper Box Arena in London. Russell will make a long-awaited homecoming—his first professional fight in the region—and his second WBC Featherweight World Championship defense against mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon live from MGM National Harbor just outside of Washington, D.C.

*Editors’ Note: In order to present all four bouts on one program, the Davis vs. Walsh bout may air on a delay basis of up to 30 minutes.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING host Brian Custer will anchor the four-fight telecast from Maryland with coverage of Davis vs. Walsh provided by BT Sport. Veteran sportscaster Mauro Ranallo will handle play-by-play at MGM National Harbor with Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi serving as analysts. Emmy award winning sports reporter Jim Gray and 2017 Hall of Fame inductee Steve Farhood will also serve from ringside. Secondary Audio Programming will be offered in Spanish by Alejandro Luna and former world champ Raúl Marquez.

From London, John Rawling will handle play-by-play for Davis vs. Walsh with former world champion Richie Woodhall providing the color commentary at Copper Box Arena.

“May 20 will be a big night of boxing and it kicks off a run of four consecutive weeks of world class fights on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports®. “We have consistently delivered the biggest and most important boxing events from around the globe to SHOWTIME subscribers. This unique presentation—four fights, two world championships and two title eliminators, from different continents, all on one show—is yet another example of our unrivaled commitment to the sport.”

The 22-year-old Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) is the youngest reigning world champion from the United States and the second youngest in the world. The Baltimore native and Floyd Mayweather protégé will travel to hostile territory in his first title defense against Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) in a matchup of undefeated southpaws.

Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) will look to make a statement in the loaded featherweight division against mandatory challenger Ecandon (25-2, 17 KOs), who owns a stunning knockout of former world champion Jesus Cuellar. Russell vs. Escandon is the sixth featherweight title bout on SHOWTIME since February 2016.

Two world title eliminators will round out the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING quadrupleheader. Top super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 KOs) will face off in an IBF Super Middleweight Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for champion James DeGale.

Undefeated Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) will meet Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator for unified champ Julius Indongo. Barthelemy, who won titles at 130 and 135, will earn an opportunity to become Cuba’s first three-division champion with a win over the hard-hitting Relikh.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow 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.

NEW YORK (May 9, 2017) – Beginning Thursday, fight fans from around the globe no longer have to miss out on their favorite boxing, MMA or Muay Thai cards, nor will they be forced to search desperately for a ringside spectator’s blurry mobile phone feed at non-televised events.

Supporters of the Sweet Science, MMA and other combat sports can now tune-in to Facebook, as fans from around the planet will be introduced to “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” this Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The new fan-friendly, interactive vehicle delivering big TV quality to on any Facebook-enabled device “goes live” from Mohegan Sun Arena as the exclusive carrier of Star Boxing Inc.’s “Slugfest at the Sun,” with a number of future fight dates to be announced.

On Thursday night, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network boxing fame. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast. Rounding out Thursday’s announce team at ringside are Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and The Ring and former Golden Gloves Champion Cara Castronuova, now of the Knockout Obesity Foundation.

Promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, each action-packed “Slugfest at the Sun” bout will be streamed exclusively via Facebook Live on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook Page. The card is highlighted by a main event featuring former world title contender and Connecticut fan favorite Delvin Rodriguez (29-8-4, 16KOs), as he takes on upset-minded Courtney Pennington(10-4-1, 5KO’s) in a 10-round Junior Middleweight bout at Mohegan Sun Arena. Former WBC women’s world champion Kali Reis (10-6-1, 4 KOs) meets determined veteran Ashleigh Curry (7-10-4, 8 KOs) in the co-feature.

“Our ability to leverage Facebook is great for the future of boxing. It is a fantastic way to reach our fans and create a wider and younger audience,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “I’m thrilled to help bring boxing to this platform and believe it will be fantastic for Star Boxing, our fighters and other fighters and promoters. The future is extremely bright for boxing, which has traditionally been a leader in finding new ways to connect with the world. In the past it was radio, then TV, then Closed Circuit, Cable and ultimately PPV. Watching boxing live via a stream on a platform like Facebook is the next frontier.”

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series will feature multiple camera angles, graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows will be available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives small business sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

“Like many others, we believe that the present and future of ‘televised’ boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and really all live sports is digital. Further, by putting these events on Facebook we’re providing an interactive environment for fight fans to not only view the events, but to connect with each other and provide their own real-time commentary during the bouts,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We believe in high-quality, cost-efficient production that can give fans free access to hundreds of global, national and regional live fight nights without breaking the bank of the promoter and also without sacrificing what sports fans have come to expect from their viewing experience – multiple camera angles, graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews.”

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at Facebook FIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or @STARBOXING on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and by using the hashtags #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE and #SlugfestAtTheSun. For ticket information and updates on upcoming Star Boxing events please log on toStarBoxing.com. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or#LinacreMediaOnTV.

New York, NY (5/9/17) – Charles Conwell, a 2016 United States Olympian, will fight as a professional for the second time on May 18 as part of the special One-Night-Only return of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing to New York from the Paramount Theater on the campus of LIU-Brooklyn.

Conwell (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Daniel Szoros (2-1, 2 KOs), of Hungary, in the co-feature. In the main event, local favorite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (19-0, 4 KOs) fights Hungary’s Edina Kiss (14-3, 8 KOs) in a rematch of their March 4 battle.

Fans can receive a 10% discount on tickets now through May 12 or until supplies last by visiting dbe1.com and using promo code USA at checkout.

It is a quick turnaround for Conwell, 19, who knocked out Jeremiah Page (3-4, 2 KOs) in 41 seconds in his professional debut on April 21, at Buffalo Run Resort and Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. Conwell is co-promoted by Tony Holden’s Holden Productions and managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management.

“I am so excited to fight in New York City,” said Conwell. “I will always represent Cleveland and I love the fans in Oklahoma, but New York is a city where stars are born. New York will become a second home for me on way to a world championship.”

“Charles Cowell will be one of the most active prospects in boxing. Tony Holden and I have plans to fight Charles all over this country, but I can’t wait to watch him make a splash in New York on Broadway Boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a United States Olympian and I hope the local fans and boxing media respond accordingly.”

Broadway Boxing returns to New York for the first time since June 2016, on a One-Night-Only basis due to the insurance requirements imposed on boxing promoters by the New York legislature in August of last year.

“The insurance requirements in New York have kept DiBella Entertainment’s flagship series and almost all club shows out of New York for the past year because they just aren’t financially viable,” said DiBella. “But the public clamoring has been too great to ignore; we are going to plant our flag for one night and we hope boxing fans come out and support live boxing featuring homegrown and world class talent.”

Tickets for Broadway Boxing at Paramount Theater at LIU-Brooklyn, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are priced at $150 ringside, $85 floor seats and $45 general admission. Tickets can be purchased through Complete Ticket Solutions at 888-612-4191, or by visiting www.dbe1.com or https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/DEI/Online/default.asp. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the first bout scheduled for 7:30pm.

Toledo, OH (May 9, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Sonny Fredrickson (16-0, 10 KOs) will be back in action when he takes on Daniel Montoya (11-5, 8 KOs) on Saturday, May 13 at the Eastern Michigan Convocation Center on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan

The Toledo, Ohio-native, who is now ranked 11th by the WBA, will face Montoya of Reynosa, Mexico, on the heels of his March 4 TKO victory over Osumanu Akaba in a sold-out show at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio

“Everything is going well. I have been training hard for this fight. After my last fight, I only took a couple days off, got right back in the gym and this opportunity came up,” said Fredrickson. “I have seen a few videos on Montoya. He has been knocked out in 4 of his 5 losses and I plan on stopping him too. He seems to know what he is doing in there but I don’t know if he has a strong chin. I am training and getting ready for the bigger fights as they come up. Hopefully, I can break into the top 10 and be around 20-0 by the end of 2017.”

Fredrickson’s management team, led by Rick Torres and Mike Leanardi of Victory Sports & Entertainment, are also confident of his chances in the fight. Torres stated:

“Sonny has been developing steadily and continues to improve with each fight. We have very high expectations for Sonny and he continues to exceed those expectations. Now that he is world ranked, we are looking forward to bigger and better opportunities and hope to have increased exposure for him in the next few fights. We see nothing less than a world championship in his future”.

ABOUT VICTORY SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2013 by President Rick Torres and Chief Operating Officer Michael Leanardi, Victory Sports & Entertainment is an athlete management company with offices in New York and Las Vegas.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 9, 2017 – Kal Yafai says Anthony Joshua MBE has set a new benchmark for British fighters to follow as he prepares to make the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Suguru Muranaka at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT.

For boxing fans who don’t have access to AWE, the fight will be available on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai and Joshua are close from their days as Team GB teammates, and Yafai won the crown he defends on home turf this weekend on the undercard of Joshua’s win over Eric Molina in Manchester in December.

Yafai was unable to attend Joshua’s epic win over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium last weekend, but the 27 year old was bursting with pride as Joshua KO’d the Ukrainian in the 11th round, and believes that Joshua has raised the bar higher than ever for British fighters.

“I was unbelievably proud and happy for Anthony Joshua,” said Yafai. “When he got put down I was very nervous, I was praying for him to get up and recover and that’s what he did. It showed what a World Champion needs to do when it gets tough in there.

“He has completely smashed it now, onto bigger and better things for him. The world is his oyster. It was such a hard and big fight. I’d like to see him fight Tyson Fury but it doesn’t sound like that’s possible to happen next. If he can get a defence for one of his Titles against a contender then move onto one of the other Heavyweights like Wilder would be great.

“I still see him regularly. We come on the Team GB squad together. He’s a good lad, one of the nicest people in boxing. He loves his boxing so much. He soaks everything up like a sponge. He just still wants to learn, he’ll get better and better as he goes on. I mean he’s still only young! Realistically a novice still. He’s a funny lad and good to be around. I’ve got a lot of time for him. He’s raised the bar now – beating Klitschko at Wembley is just massive, and it’s something that we’ve all got to aspire to.

“Winning the World Title on his undercard was great. It took me four and a half years going from amateur into the pro game and winning a World Title. Doing it on a massive show headlined by AJ was special. We are Eddie Hearn’s only two World Champions who he’s had from their debuts.

“I was very pleased with my performance that night. I had to do what I had to do. I stayed focused on my own game plan, even after he failed to make the weight. I got in there and done the business. I out boxed him for 12 rounds. I made it as easy as possible.”

Yafai’s World title defence is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, where Sam Eggington challenges Cerefino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title.

Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

Frankie Gavin is back in action in his first fight with trainer Jon Pegg, and there’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.

For more information, please visit www.awetv.com. For additional information contact:

SLOAN, IA (May 9, 2017) – Professional boxing returns Saturday, June 10, to WinnaVegas Casino Resort, featuring undefeated junior welterweight Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker, on the “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” card, to air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from 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.

“This is a great opportunity for ‘KO Night Boxing, LLC’ to expand our brand to another state,” promoter John Andersen said. “We’re very happy to be coming to WinnaVegas and working with Mayan Beltran and his team. We’re kicking this new relationship off in a big way with these two regional title fights on CBS Sports Network. We hope that this is just the start of a long-lasting relationship between KO Night Boxing and WinnaVegas.

“The principal fighters in the two nationally televised fights are all on the verge of breaking out to become stars. A lot is at risk for all of them. Our promotional company is known for giving a platform to top prospects in highly entertaining, competitive matches that boxing fans love watching, whether they’re in the arena or watching on CBS Sports Network.”

“I am very excited to have CBS Sports Network boxing back at WinnaVegas Casino Resort,” CEO Mayan Beltran commented. “Our fans really like boxing and it looks like we have a great fight card, so it should be a fun night. I am looking forward to working with promoters KO Night Boxing LLC, Neon Star SE, Roc Nation Sports and, as always, Ringside Ticket Inc., to deliver this exciting night of entertainment.”

Roc Nation Sports’ Hooker (22-0-3, 16 KOs) will defend his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) junior welterweight against title challenger Abdiel “Mortero” Ramirez (23-1-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Fighting out of Dallas, Hooker is world rated at No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). The 27-year-old Hooker was a decorated amateur boxer in Texas, finishing with a 97-7 (67 KOs) record, who turned pro in 2011.

Hooker first captured the vacant NABO title in 2015, at home in Dallas, with a six-round technical knockout of previously unbeaten Eduardo Galindo (10-0-1). Since, Hooker has made three successful title defenses against Ghislain Maduma (17-1) at the famed Madison Square Garden on Nov. 17, 2015, Ty Barnett (23-5-1) at Oracle Arena on August 6, 2016; and in a 10-round draw with former World Boxing Association (WBA) World Champion Darleys Perez (33-2-1) on undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward “Pound-For-Pound” on Mov. 19 in Las Vegas.

In his most recent fight on Feb. 25 in Mexico, Hooker cruised to a dominant 10-round decision victory over former IBF World Champion Cristobal Cruz (41-20-4).

Ramirez, 25, is a former FECOMBOX Lightweight Champion, fighting out of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Ramirez, who is riding a nine-fight win streak, will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for the first time against Hooker.

The 10-round co-feature for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight crown has been in the works for a while and it could very well steal the show as former USBA champion Daniel “Twitch” Franco takes on Jose Haro.

The 25-year-old Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), fighting out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, started boxing at the age of eight, amassing an amateur record of 67-15, highlighted by gold-medal performances at the 2006 Oxnard PAL Championships and 2017 California State Silver Gloves Championships.

Fighting under the Roc Nation Sports banner, Franco captured the vacant USBA featherweight title last November, knocking out previously unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1) in four rounds. Franco was stopped in his last fight 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.

USBA No. 14-rated Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs), who is a well-kept secret outside of West Jordan, Utah, is an all-action fighter. The 29-year-old has won his last five fights, unbeaten in in his last six with a draw, since suffering his only loss to highly-touted prospect Toka Kahn Clary (11-0) by way of a six-round decision in 2014.

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional bouts will soon be announced.

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.

(Pictures courtesy of Roc Nation Sports)

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.