Bethlehem, PA (April 3, 2017)–Weights for Tuesday night’s card at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

CLICK FOR PHOTOS BY Kenyon Sessoms / Kenyon Sessoms Photography / Premier Boxing Champions

CLICK FOR PDF OF BOUT SHEET

Edner Cherry 129.5 – Omar Douglas 129.3
Stephen Fulton 122.6 – Luis Rosario 122.8
Frank De Alba 130.2 – Ryan Kielczweski 130.2
Naim Nelson 138.9 – Tre’Sean Wiggins 142
Thomas Velasquez 135 – Wilfredo Garriga 132.8
Jimmy Kelleher 164 – Jose Valderrama 165.5
Hector Bayanilla 124.4 – Jordan Peters 123.7
Devin McMaster 154,5 – Gregory Clark 157.4
Ryan Wilczak 160.5 – Courtney McCleave 164.4

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

5:30 p.m. SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER DOORS OPEN
Location: 77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015

6:30 p.m. FIRST BOUT

9:00 p.m. FS1 & FOX DEPORTES BROADCAST BEGINS

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight night credentials can be picked up on Tuesday, April 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Backstage Entrance. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

# # #

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

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

NEW YORK – April 3, 2017 – Combate Americas announced today that it will bring its live Azteca America (10 p.m. ET) television event series to Tucson, Ariz. for the first-time ever on Thursday, April 20 with a stacked, 11-bout card at Casino Del Sol, headlined by a bantamweight (135 pounds) showdown between accomplished veteran Roman “El Gallito” Salazar (10-5-1) and knockout artist Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (7-1).

The event, “Combate13,” will also be distributed live on ESPN Latin America and by UFC Fight Pass® as a video on demand. It will air on TV Azteca in Mexico, the following night, Friday, April 21, at 11 p.m. CT.

In the co-main event, prolific finishers and Tucson rivals Kobe “The Stunna” Ortiz (15-5) and Eddie “Crazy Face” Arizmendi (17-7) will collide in a middleweight (185 pounds) contest.

Priced from $20, tickets for “Combate13” are on sale at the Casino Del Sol box office (1-855-765-7829).

“We are excited to be bringing our live television series to a new market that has a reputation for being a great fight town filled with passionate fans and decorated combat sports athletes,” said Combate Americas President Alberto Rodriguez.

Also slated for action, Benny “El Hijo” Madrid (9-3) will take on Chad Dietmeyer (8-1) in a welterweight (170 pounds) battle, and submission expert Randy Steinke (17-10-1) will face off with aggressive-minded, Blackzilians camp member Irwin “The Beast” Rivera (5-2) in another bantamweight contest.

Additional matchups will be announced soon.

Roman Salazar vs. Ricky Palacios

The 5-foot-7, 29-year-old Salazar of Scottsdale, Ariz. is a three-time Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) veteran who will make his first start of 2017, and his first-ever in La Jaula.

In his last effort at WFF 32 on November 19, 2016, Salazar defeated Gilberto Aguilar by way of unanimous decision.

Also 29 years of age, the 5-foot-6 Palacios of Mission, Texas will put on the line a four-fight win streak that includes back-to-back finishes – a second round (3:14), one-punch knockout of Carlos Ricardo Diaz on June 12, 2015, and a stunning, first round (1:00) head kick knockout of Benji Gomez at “Combate2” on Sept. 17, 2015 – as well as a “Fight of the Month” nominated, unanimous decision conquest of Brandon Royval at “Combate7” on May 9, 2016.

Also unbeaten (2-0-1) as a professional boxer, Palacios has earned 5 of his 7 professional MMA career wins by way of (T)KO.

Kobe Ortiz vs. Eddie Arizmendi

The 6-foot, 35-year-old Ortiz is riding a two-fight win streak after producing back-to-back stoppages in his last two appearances – a third round (4:45) TKO (punches) of Dano Moore on October 3, 2015, and a third round (:24) TKO (punches) of Brendan Tierney on March 20, 2016.

Ortiz has notched 12 of his 15 career wins by way of (T)KO or submission.

Arizmendi is an 11-year veteran of the sport, and winner of his last two matchups. On October 3, 2015, he forced Brendan Tierney to retire after the second round (5:00) of action and, on March 5, 2016, he took a unanimous decision from Nick Salantri.

Benny Madrid vs. Chad Dietmeyer

Fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz., the 5-foot-10, 36-year-old Madrid has earned 8 of his 9 professional career victories by way of (T)KO or submission.

Madrid will step into La Jaula after back-to-back, first round wins – a submission (rear-naked choke) of Jeff Fletcher that came at the 1:26 mark of the opening round on September 18, 2015, and a knockout of Roberto Leon that occurred at the 1:10 mark of the first stanza of their matchup.

Dietmeyer is coming off a four-year layoff from competition. In his last start on March 30, 2012, he faced his toughest test to date in UFC and DREAM veteran Antonio McKee, taking McKee the distance of their fight before finding himself on the losing end of a unanimous decision.

Randy Steinke vs. Irwin Rivera

The 5-foot-9, 31-year-old Steinke of Payson, Ariz. will enter La Jaula for the first time after scoring back-to-back, first round submissions over just a two-week span, on Ray Robinson and Guillermo Pena on October 1, 2016 and October 15, 2016, respectively.

Rivera is a 5-foot-6, 28-year-old native of Windsor, New York who relocated to South Florida to join the famed Blackzilians camp. To date, three of his five career wins have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

# # #

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

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

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

Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd will face Lee Appleyard for the vacant Commonwealth Lightweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday April 22, live on Sky Sports.

Dodd has enjoyed a crazy run of fights from beating Gary Buckland, taking Scotty Cardle close for the British title and then landing the WBC International strap at Goodison Park.

The Birkenhead man now takes aim at a new title and although Appleyard is looking to build on a fine win over Adam Hague in March, ‘Masher’ plans to add to hit title collection and use the Commonwealth to land more belts this year.

“Fighting for the Commonwealth title is mad – I’m over the moon,” said Dodd. “Along with the British and European belt, the Commonwealth is one of the big boys to win and it can really open doors for me.

“I’ve been in camp for a while, training hard and hoping to land a big fight and that’s what I’ve got. Lee’s a good kid, a tall and rangy boxer and he’s big for the weight, so it should be a cracker.

“If you had told me a few years ago that I’d have boxed for the British title and won the WBC International title at Goodison Park, I’d have thought you were mad – things like that were never on my radar.

“It’s all down to hard work, sacrifices and blood sweat and tears that I’m riding this wave and I don’t want it to stop I need to keep taking these chances with both hands.”

Dodd’s clash with Appleyard is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Martin Murray faces Gabriel Rosado in what promises to be a Middleweight war.

Rocky Fielding welcomes Islington’s John Ryder to his backyard where they clash for the vacant British Super-Middleweight title, Tom Farrell and Tommy Carus for the WBA International Super-Lightweight title, Rio Olympian Joe Cordina makes his pro debut and Paul Economides and Craig Glover are in action.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80 and £100 from the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com/whats-on/a-night-of-championship-boxing and on 0844 8000 400.

VIP tickets are priced at £200 and are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for April 22 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.

Union City, NJ: Featherweight Kevin Asmat (2-1, 2 KOs) grew up listening to his father talk about boxing and now the 22-year old from Union City, New Jersey is ready to create his own stories. Kevin will return to the ring to face Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2) on April 15, 2017 on the non-televised undercard of the Sullivan Barrera vs. Paul Parker HBO Latino card live from the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

This will be Kevin’s second appearance on the Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series. In his first appearance, he stopped Ernesto Ornelas in the second round. Then, in January of this year, he travelled to China and stopped Said Fahdafi in the first round. When asked about his upcoming fight with Ramos, Asmat said, “I know he comes to fight. I am coming to fight too. He has never been knocked out and we will see if he can last in the ring with me.”

According to Kevin, his whole life is boxing. He said, “My father was a boxer. When I was little my father used to tell me a lot of stories about boxing life. He would tell me about how he used to knockout people. My father had like 60 knockouts as an amateur. He used to tell me all these stories when I was growing up until I hit the age of 17 when I said, ‘Dad I am tired of hearing your stories. Take me to the gym. I want to make my own stories!’ I went with him to the gym and I just fell in love with the sport. Boxing is my life. I live at the gym now.”

Asmat’s trainer is former super bantamweight fighter and Paterson, New Jersey resident, Diego Rosario. Diego and Kevin have been working together since Kevin’s professional debut last year. When asked about Kevin’s progress over the last year Rosario responded, “He is a good listener and he has improved so much. I have watched him improve 95% since he made his pro debut less than a year ago. I see big things for him.”

Kevin is a member of a large family. His father was one of 12 children, his mother was one of seven children and he is one of five children. So, every time he steps into the ring the audience is packed with his family and friends cheering him on and supporting him. Expect the same to be true for the crowd on April 15 at Mohegan Sun.

Sullivan Barrera vs. Paul Parker is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Main Events and Mohegan Sun as part of the Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) with a ten-round middleweight match-up between Arif “The Predator” Magomedov and Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas. Tickets, which are priced at $50 and $75, are available now through Ticketmaster, the Mohegan Sun box office or the Main Events’ office. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Shamo Boxing and A&T Events and Promotions.

FOLLOW US:
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
Instagram: @Main_Events
www.mohegansun.com
Twitter: @MoheganSun
Facebook: facebook.com/mohegansun
Instagram: @mohegansun
www.hbo.com/boxing
Twitter: @HBOBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/hboboxing
Instagram: @HBOBoxing

Martin Murray wants to prove he’s back with a bang at Middleweight and ready for another World title crack as he takes on Gabriel Rosado at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 22, live on Sky Sports.

Murray is back at Middleweight for the clash with the Philadelphian, and it’s a battle that promises to be brutal and compelling with both men known for putting it all on the line in the ring.

Rosado has been involved in some brutal battles in his 11 year career, fighting twice for World Middleweight crown in 2013 against Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, and the 31 year old will be gunning for a third crack at the big prize.

Murray has boxed for major belts three times at 160lbs against Felix Sturm, Sergio Martinez and Golovkin before moving up to Super-Middleweight to challenge Arthur Abraham. The 34 year old believes that he’s better suited at Middleweight and believes that a fifth World title shot is next if he can do the business on Merseyside.

“I know that I still have a World title in me,” said Murray. “Middleweight was all tied up with Golovkin but Super Middleweight was more so I moved up. Having gone up there and fought the best up there, they are big guys and I feel that I am better placed at Middleweight. Golovkin still has all the belts but he might have to move up to get the fights he wants and that could open things up once more.

“Rosado is a quality fighter and I don’t think his record does him justice. He’ll go anywhere and fight anybody and he’s been in with all the top guys. He’s tough and comes to fight, and that’s my style too, so that’s why I am excited about it and the fans are too because there’s no way that our styles won’t gel. It’s going to be a war.

“People have always written me off. I’ve moved to Super-Middleweight, I thought I should have won the title against Abraham, looking back I left it too close to call. Against Groves, I was far from my best but I left it all in the ring and nearly spun it on its head late on and that was me at only 60 per cent. I’m flying in the gym and I believe I am a level above him and it will tell on the night.”

Murray’s clash with Rosado is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool, as his Oliver Harrison gym-mate Rocky Fielding welcomes Islington’s John Ryder to his backyard where they clash for the vacant British Super-Middleweight title.

Tom Farrell and Tommy Carus for the WBA International Super-Lightweight title, popular Birkenhead man Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd is set for a major title bout, Rio Olympian Joe Cordina makes his pro debut and Paul Economides and Craig Glover are in action.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80 and £100 from the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com/whats-on/a-night-of-championship-boxing and on 0844 8000 400.

VIP tickets are priced at £200 and are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for April 22 will 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.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 3rd, 2017) — Like most boxers, Ray Oliveira Jr. has one eye on his upcoming Friday night with the other focused firmly on the more important battles he’ll face in the real world outside of the ring.

The 26-year-old New Bedford, Mass., junior middleweight has successfully created his own legacy in the sport out from underneath the shadow of his legendary father, “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, developing into one of the region’s most respected fighters in his weight class for taking on any and all comers.

Now Oliveira Jr. (7-0, 1 KO) is in the biggest fight of his life, balancing boxing with classwork as he aims for his master’s degree while continuously climbing the ladder among the elite in the 154-pound division.

Oliveira Jr. faces another test — this time, out of the classroom — Friday night at Twin River Casino when he battles fellow undefeated junior middleweight Casey Kramlich (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Portland, Maine, in what figures to be the toughest match of his career in the six-round co-feature of CES Boxing’s Nick DeLomba-Jimmy Williams World Boxing Council championship showdown.

After handing Andy Gonzalez and Jose Rivera their first career losses, Oliveira Jr. hopes to do the same to Kramlich, who has knocked out three of his last four opponents.

“I love the tough fights. That’s what I’m all about,” Oliveira Jr. said. “People always ask, ‘When are you going to knock some guys out?’ I don’t care. I want to fight. If we’re fighting it out, that’s what I love. It’s in my blood.

“I work so hard, train, sacrifice food and family time, so I want to make it worth it. I spend two friggin’ months in the gym. I don’t want to spend two minutes in the ring. Some people are different. They want to get in there, get out, get their money and get their record up. I want my rounds. I want guys who can fight. I want to challenge myself, too.”

Kramlich promises to bring the action. Oliveira Jr. remembers his opponent from his amateur days in Maine fighting out of the Portland Boxing Club. He describes Kramlich is a “dedicated, hard worker,” who’s “coming to handle his business.”

“I’m training to kick his ass,” Oliveira Jr. said, “and I know he’s training to do the same.”

“It’s going to be a great fight April 7th,” Kramlich said. “Two young, hungry undefeated fighters battling it out to see who’s the best. That’s what the sport is all about. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m sure Ray has as well, but come fight night I’ll be ready to display my skills and put on the best fight of my pro career so far and come out on top with the victory.”

Outside of the ring, Oliveira Jr. is working equally hard to ensure a future beyond his fighting days for himself and his 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. He’s studying for his master’s degree in sports facility management and hopes to one day open his own learning center in New Bedford for athletes — a “university,” as he describes it — similar to a resort where clients can live and focus solely on their training, diet and other important details intertwined with being an elite, world-class athlete. He’s actually started scouting warehouses and possible locations.

“I want it to be in my city. I want to help my city,” said Oiveira Jr., who recalls not being able to afford gym memberships as a kid or having someone willing to train with him.

“I know there are kids with tons of talent all over my city who don’t get recognized. No one is in a rush to go to New Bedford to see what’s out there. I want to give people an opportunity to make something of themselves and not have to shop around the world to find it.”

The idea isn’t new; Oliveira Jr. says he’s thought about it for “years,” but felt he needed to back to school in order to complete his education, not only to fulfill his own dream, but to set a better example for his kids, too.

“I myself got halfway through ninth grade and then they sent me to night school for 10th grade because I used to get in trouble,” he recalls. “I was intelligent, but I never finished.

“I’d tell my kids all the time how important school is and yet time would go by and I wouldn’t do anything. I told myself this year I have to bust my ass and take it all on before it’s gone.

“I thought I’d fail. I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Turns out I love school.”

The greater challenge outside of the classroom is balancing school with boxing and handling the demands of his father, who’s back in his corner as his head trainer following a brief hiatus. While it’s a delicate balancing act, the one thing the Oliveiras know how to do better than anyone else – aside from winning – is handle each other.

“He knows me. He knows how I fight. I’ve had others who’ve worked my corner, but it’s just not the same,” Oliveira Jr. said. “They can give me direction, but they don’t know how to apply it to me. Despite not being around each other while I was growing up, he knows how to reach me in certain ways.

“Sometimes he’s just tough. I’m juggling a lot of things, and if I miss a day, he lets me know. I get frustrated because I’m the one dealing with it, but I know he’s right. You can’t allow any excuses. If you have a trainer who accepts excuses, you need a new trainer. I get pissed, but I’m glad he does it. I don’t want to slack and I know he won’t allow it.”

While it’s a grind now, Oliveira Jr. is confident the hard work will pay dividends down the road when he finishes school and accomplishes his goals in and out of the ring.

“I want to be a champion, but I want to do something with my life. I want to show my kids you don’t just have to be great at one thing,” he said. “My son has eight different things he wants to be when he grows up. My daughter loves soccer and wants to be the fastest girl in the world. That’s what she told me. I told my kids to do it all, otherwise you’ll spend 10 years thinking about what you want to do instead of doing it.”

First thing’s first, Oliveira Jr. must now focus on Friday night and what figures to be another back-and-forth war with Kramlich, similar to his entertaining, edge-of-your-seat fights against Rivera and Matt Probin in December. The challenge is what motivates him to continue fighting, whether it’s in the ring or in the classroom.

“I love when they say, ‘This is going to be a tough fight,’ because I don’t want an easy fight,” Oliveira Jr. said. “I want guys who will challenge me and make me better and, most of all, prepare me for that title fight when I fight one of those big dogs.

“I don’t want to question whether I’m ready. I don’t just want to be a world champion. I want to be pound-for-pound the best and if I’m going to do that, I’ve got to fight the ones who can fight it out with me.”

Tickets for April 7th are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The event also airs live in its entirety on FITE TV Pay Per View for $14.99 beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Fight fans can stream the event live on their television by downloading the FITE app free from iTunes or Google Play and using the instant stream-to-TV function for full-screen viewing, or watch online from any device at www.fite.tv. The FITE app also works with any Wi-Fi connected TV, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Replays will be available for those unable to watch live.

In addition to the highly-anticipated championship main event, April 7th features an eight-round female welterweight showdown between Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (16-4-2, 1 KO) of Marshfield, Mass., and Mexican challenger Paty Ramirez (11-3, 5 KOs), plus a New England Lightweight Title bout between Springfield, Mass., vet Zack Ramsey (7-1, 3 KOs) and unbeaten Augusta, Ga., native Divante Jones (9-0, 6 KOs).

Joining Aleksandra Lopes on April 7th is her stepson, Arturo Lopes (1-0), who ends an eight-year layoff in his return bout against Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (1-1, 1 KO). The Lopeses fight April 7th in honor of the late Manny Lopes, a former CES standout who passed away in December and will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor.

Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (3-0, 2 KOs), fresh off a hard-fought win over unbeaten Canton Miller in February, faces another undefeated challenger in a four-round bout against Glenn Mitchell (2-0, 2 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio, and Lynn, Mass., welterweight Khiry Todd (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Vincent Floyd (2-2-1) in a four-round bout.

Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., returns to Twin River to face Springfield’s Miguel Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round showdown between two rising New England prospects and amateur standouts Ricky Delossantos of Providence, R.I., and Philip Davis of Worcester make their professional debuts against one another in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) of New London, Conn., by way of Worcester, returns for the first time since December in a four-round bout against New York’s Sidney Maccow (4-4, 3 KOs).

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

Footasylum have today announced a significant sponsorship deal with one of the World’s leading boxing promoters Frank Warren. The 12 month association will see Footasylum become the Official Retail partner of Frank Warren and the World’s leading boxing subscription TV channel BoxNation.

Commenting on the partnership Footasylum’s Marketing Manager Howard Tattersall said: “Our brand is recognised as one of the fasting growing street fashion wear retailers in the land. At Footasylum we have our finger on the pulse of the street and sports fashion scene, our association with Frank Warren and BoxNation is further demonstration of our connection with Sports, Fashion and Live sport.”

Footasylum was established in 2005 and now trades from over 55 high street stores across the UK.

Commenting on the deal Frank Warren said: ‘’Following the announcement that our major events are now going to be shown live on BT Sport we have had many approaches from leading brands. Having met the guys from Footasylum it is clear that they share our vision and recognise our respective audiences mirror each other. Footasylum have some exciting plans for our relationship and we look forward to delivering World class shows with them.’’

The first event Footasylum will be sponsoring will be on April 8th at the Manchester Arena, which is aptly billed as ‘A New Era’. Main event on the unmissable card sees Manchester’s Lightweight World Champion Terry Flanagan defend his crown against Petr Petrov, also Liverpool’s Liam Smith will take on Liam Williams for the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight strap, as well as the long awaited debut of the Double gold winning Olympian Nicola Adams OBE.

Brentwood hosts another night of Championship Boxing when BoxNation’s cameras return to the Brentwood Centre on Friday 2nd June for WAM Boxing’s 12-fight show featuring two Championships and a host of local talent following the success of their sell-out event at the venue last November.

Topping the bill once again is British, Commonwealth and WBO European Welterweight Champion Bradley Skeete (25-1-0 (11 KOs) who makes the second defence of the British Welterweight title against Manchester’s mandatory challenger Shayne Singleton (23-1-1 (8 KOs). The World ranked and unbeaten Skeete from Penge, South London is aiming to secure outright ownership of a Lonsdale belt prior to challenging for World honours in late 2017 and he needs just two more wins to realise his boyhood dream of owning Boxing’s most historic belt.

Challenger Singleton was due to face Skeete in November but withdrew through injury and was replaced by brave Scotsman John Thain. Now he returns to stake his own claim to the British Championship.

However, it is the co-feature that will whet the appetite of the local fans when Romford’s Lee Markham finally squares off against Essex rival and Brentwood’s popular Joe Mullender for Markham’s English Middleweight Championship in a rematch that has been boiling up for twelve months.

Markham already holds a win over Mullender after the pair clashed at the O2 Arena in May 2016 in what was a fight of the year contender. The former gym-mates have been bitter rivals ever since and Mullender is itching to reverse the loss and win the belt in his home town after a frustrating 2016 dogged by injury.

The Champion Markham said: “Joe clearly can’t handle what happened at the O2 and his desire to gain revenge over me seems to be getting a bit obsessive, I want a British title fight ideally, but all I hear is Joe Mullender calling me out so I have no choice but to cross the border into his Brentwood backyard and beat him up again, this time it will be easier and at least he won’t have so far to go to get home.”

Mullender responded: “Last time I was carrying an injury and that ultimately cost me the fight, I know where I fell short and this time it will be different because Lee will be facing a fit Smoking Joe The crowd will be on my side and the atmosphere will help me to, Lee can’t beat me again. It will be a dream to win the title on my own doorstep.”

Following a surprise loss in February which saw Boy Jones Jnr (11-1-0 (7 KOs) from Chingford lose his Southern Area title and unbeaten record, the next two months will prove a busy time for the young talent with two fights in as many weeks.

Jones has been holed-up in a Spanish training camp since his loss and returns to the Copper Box Arena on 20th May and then to the Brentwood Centre a fortnight after. Trained by Essex duo Dominic Negus and Lennie Butcher at Harold Hill’s Five Star Gym, Jones, despite an early career loss is still tipped for big things in the future. The manner of his loss certainly won him many fans and indeed plaudits from some of the biggest names in the sport including his namesake Roy Jones Jnr.

A special attraction for Essex fans sees Kent’s Lewis Pettitt fight on the same show as his younger Brother Jake who is making his professional debut at Flyweight. Also crossing the Dartford Bridge is Sidcup’s Danny ‘DP’ Carr who has a punch that would fell a tree. Emerging Heavyweight Giant Naylor Ball from Pinewood continues his professional rise after a stint in the Hughie Fury training camp and following his professional debut in February at the famous York Hall which ended in seconds.

Canning Town Light-Heavyweight Charlie Duffield makes a welcome return after a torrid 2016 that saw him sidelined. With last year behind him, he hopes to get back on track with a win for his legions of fans.

Essex prospects including South Ockendon Super-Lightweight Charlie Driscoll also appear on the show alongside the hugely popular Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy ‘The Bomb’ Long and Hornchurch’s Sikh sensation Sanjeev Sahota and Middleweight Harley Benn.

The show is being promoted by WAM Boxing, a promotional company headed up by Brentwood based Promoter Andy Ayling who also manages English Champion Markham. WAM Boxing is a partnership between Ayling, Francis Warren and Jason McClory who have all worked together for many years alongside Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren and it is Warren’s TV Channel BoxNation who will show the fight and the undercard live and exclusive.

A few tickets remain priced at Ringside £100, Reserved £60 and Unreserved £40 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 0844 844 0444 or WAM Boxing on 01992 505 550.

Tickets will be available on the door from 5:30pm for the show which starts at 6:00pm.

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 2, 2017) – Popular Massachusetts heavyweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita was too much for former South American champion Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos in last night’s “New England’s Future 2” main event at Worcester Palladium. A capacity crowd of 1,700 rocked the vintage venue from start to finish.

“New England’s Future 2” was 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, matchmaker Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera. Rivera announced that “New England’s Future 3” will be held June 10th at DCU Center, Exhibition Hall, in Worcester.

Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), unleashed a relentless body attack on his Brazilian foe, Domingos (22-7, 20 KOs), who was unable to answer the bell for the second round due to damaged ribs.

“I was hoping to get in more rounds but unfortunately I didn’t get ’em tonight,” Carita (pictured to the right) commented. “Based on his record, I thought he’d be more competitive, but that fell short. I keep stepping up (quality of his opponents) but they haven’t lasted with me.”

Matt Remillard (R) was home once again in the ring.

The feel-good story of the evening was the long awaited return of Manchester (CT) lightweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), who was incarcerated five years and hadn’t fought in six. Remillard pounded his opponent, Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-2-3 3 KOs), whose toughness showed throughout the contest as Remillard pounded his Lawrence (MA) opponent to the body and head en route to a eight-round unanimous decision (80-71, 79-72, 78-73) in the co-feature. Mauras was deducted a point in the fourth round for headbutting.

“I was a little rusty but I got better as the fight went on,” Remillard said. “He’s a tough kid who was slippery inside. If the fight went a little longer, I think I would have gotten him out of there.”

Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, dropping “Money” Mike Sawyer (7-8, 5 KOs) four times in the opening round, the last coming on the end of a vicious left-hook, resulting in referee Mike Ryan immediatelty stopped the contest without counting.

Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (9-1-1, 8 KOs) outclassed Bobby Favors (1-4, 1 KO), of Cleveland, on his way to a first-round technical knockout win. Palmer has comeback from being shot in the stomach last summer by his sister’s abusive boyfriend. He recently served as a sparring partner for Wladimir Klitschko.

Hartford junior welterweight Anthony Laureano (3-0, 2 KOs), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, continued to impress with a third-round technical knockout victory over battled-tested upstate New Yorker Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-25-1, 6 KOs).

Hot junior welterweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), the 18-year-old high school senior from Manchester (CT), lived up to his nickname with an explosive first-round knockout of Mexican veteran fighter Israel “Tigre” Rojas (10-16, 3 KOs).

Three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO), from New Haven (CT), turned in a strong professional debut, stopping Brazilian super middleweight Devision Ribiero (0-4), who was unable to continue after two rounds.

Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) cruised to a four-round unanimous decision over a game Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-30-4, 2 KOs), of Brockton (MA).

Lawrence (MA) featherweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs), thre 2015 New… England Golden Gloves champion, knocked out Oscar Diaz (0-11), of Hartford, midway through the opening round.

Pro-debuting Luis “Pancho” Santiago (0-0-1), fighting out of Springfield (MA), and Alex Montes (1-2-1), of Lawrence (MA), fought to a hard-fought four-round draw.

Springfield junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” jjjas (10-16, 3 Whitley (1-0) won his pro debut in an entertaining opener with a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Everett (1-5), of Lawrence.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – CRUISERWEIGHTS
Vinnie Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs), Pembroke, MA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-7, 20 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Matt Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT
WDEC8 (80-71, 79-72, 78-73)
Augustine Mauras (6-2-3, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:54)
Mike Sawyer (7-8, 5 KOs), Winter Park, FL

Donnie Palmer (9-1-1, 8 KOs), Dorchester, MA
WTKO1 (2:06)
Bobby Favors (1-5, 1 KO), Cleveland, OH

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Elvis Figueroa (1-0, 1KO), New Haven, CT
WTKO2 (3:00)
Devision Ribiero (0-4), Tampa, FL

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Derrick Whitley (1-0), Springfield, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Anthony Everett (1-5), Lawrence, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Andy Gonzales (6-1, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37)
Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-31-4, 2 KOs), Brockton, MA

Adrian Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WKO1 (1:34)
Oscar Diaz (0-11), Hartford, CT

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT
Bryan Abraham (6-24-1, 6 KO

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), Manchester, CT
WKO1 (2:05)
Israel Rojas (10-16, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Luis Santiago (0-0-1), Springfield, MA
D4 (40-36, 36-40, 38-38)
Alex Montes (1-2-1), Lawrence, MA

Sponsors included Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.

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

LOS ANGELES (April 1, 2017) — With the 30th anniversary of The SuperFight: Hagler vs. Leonard just days away (April 6), Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum looked back at one of boxing’s most spectacular events. He shared his experiences of that promotion with undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champions ÓSCAR VALDEZ, GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ and JESSIE MAGDALENO, as well as 2016 Olympic silver medalist SHAKUR STEVENSON, who are headlining an exciting world championship tripleheader, and Stevenson’s pro debut, which will take place on Saturday, April 22, under the stars at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. It will be produced and distributed live on pay-per-view.

In turn, each fighter and his respective trainer took a break from training to watch a clean tape of the fight, minus audio and graphics, and score it. The fighters shared their views on the fight as well.

BOB ARUM: You are going to be hearing from these great young fighters that after reviewing the tape of the Hagler-Leonard fight will give you their opinions on who won the fight based on what they saw from the telecast which was given to them without any sound or graphics on it. Top Rank promoted that fight, which took place on April 6 — thirty years ago before any of these men were born and it was a momentous event in the world of boxing. I want to set the scene for that event particularly for the younger people who may not be aware. The scene was very important. Marvelous Marvin Hagler had come up the hard way in boxing. He had never been to the Olympics and he fought any fighter that would step in the ring with him. He’d have to go from Boston to Philadelphia and other places to find opponents who would fight him. Through intervention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O’Neil and Senator Ted Kennedy who sent letters to various people, including myself at Top Rank, they forced everyone to give Marvelous Marvin Hagler a shot at the middleweight title. His first shot, I thought he clearly won the fight against Vito Antifermo, but the judges scored it a draw. A year later he fought Alan Minter over in London and stopped Minter in the early rounds — bloodying him so much that the fight had to be stopped. Marvin was greeted by the great sportsmen in England by a barrage of bottles and cans so that everybody had to hide under the ring until the police were ready to restore order. But came back to the United States a real hero then he embarked on a streak of defending his middleweight title. His first big fight was in 1983 against Roberto Duran and then in ’85 in a major, major event he and Thomas Hearns fought a great middleweight championship battle and Marvin knocked Tommy out in the third round. Marvin wanted to retire from boxing at that point but his managers and myself as the promoter convinced him to carry on and in 1986 he fought John “The Beast” Mugabi and Mugabi was a tough hard-punching guy — they went toe-to-toe and in the eleventh round, Marvin knocked Mugabi out.

Ray Leonard had been retired for a number of years and he had been watching that fight and he saw what very few people saw – that Marvin was aging, he was slowing up and Ray, even though he was retired, felt he could come back and take on Hagler. When he announced that he was coming out of retirement, people were incredulous. Hagler went off as a 6:1 or 7:1 favorite in the fight because Leonard was retired and Hagler was this dominant champion – nobody gave Leonard a chance. To put it in perspective, remember the media frenzy when Manny Pacquiao fought Oscar De La Hoya? All of the media people were saying what a mismatch it was and De La Hoya was an overwhelming favorite. We remember, because it was fairly recent, what happened in that fight, Pacquiao dominated and won that fight, but the feeling was the same going into the Hagler-Leonard fight. Ray Leonard was a great fighter, retired, and then coming out of retirement against this dominant middleweight, Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

The country was mesmerized. Ray Leonard was extremely popular – he was the poster boy for boxing. I hope that young Shakur Stevenson will follow in the footsteps of Ray Leonard because he has that kind of personality, but Ray was the darling of America and the darling of boxing. Marvin was respected – everybody realized what a workman-like fighter he was. To sell that fight I called it ‘The Yuppie’ being Leonard who came out of the Olympics with a Gold Medal and had big television exposure from the beginning against the blue collar guy Marvin Hagler who had worked himself up and become the dominant middleweight of his time.

The closed circuit locations were filled. This was the first fight that really touched/started into pay-per-view in various parts of the country. It was a massive, massive event. The fight was sold out in one day and everyone was gathered for this terrific event. I’ll tell you I haven’t seen that fight in 30 years but I remember it as if it happened yesterday. We will talk to the fighters on the call that recently watched the fight and get their views.

ÓSCAR VALDEZ, Undefeated WBO Featherweight World Champion who defends his title against the No. 1 contender, Miguel Marriaga on Saturday, April 22, at StubHub Center, Live on Pay Per View: “First of all I want to say it was a great, great fight. I saw the fight when I was a kid because my dad always showed me tapes of the fights. Watching without the audio I thought that Hagler was the more aggressive fighter. Leonard was moving a lot in the early rounds but was trying to win the later rounds with that speed. I think Hagler did enough to win the fight and I had him winning 115-113.”

GILBERTO RAMÍREZ: Undefeated WBO Super Middleweight Champion, defends his title against top ten contender Max Bursack, also on April 22, live on pay per view: “That was really interesting and a great fight to watch – for me, for my trainer Hector [Zapari] and for the whole team – we watched the fight together. For me, I had Sugar Ray Leonard by three rounds because at the beginning of the fight Hagler pressured more but he looked a little bit tired later – he fought the whole fight going forward. I thought Leonard won the fight because he moved around the ring and he threw more punches.”

JESSIE MAGDALENO: Undefeated WBO Junior Featherweight Champion defends his title against Adeilson De Los Santos on the April 22 pay per view show at StubHub Center: “I scored the fight real close. It was a great fight. They both did a tremendous job and they went in there to pretty much kill each other, but I scored the fight 115-113 for Leonard. I thought Leonard controlled most of the fight. He never let Hagler get in the rhythm or get inside like Hagler usually does to use his power. Leonard really out-boxed him for the full 12-rounds and used his smarts, speed and footwork to keep Hagler away and that’s what got the victory for him.”

SHAKUR STEVENSON: 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, makes his pro debut in a six-round featherweight bout on April 22, live on pay per view: “I would love to say that I thought Marvin Hagler won because he was from my hometown [Newark], but to be honest, watching the fight and watching Sugar Ray Leonard – Leonard was a beast. I had it 115-113, but Leonard was real good especially coming out of retirement.”

BOB ARUM: I thought it was a great fight. I thought Ray did a tremendous job, better than anybody expected him to do. I had it 115-113 for Marvelous Marvin Hagler. The same score that Lou Felippo – one of the judges had it for Hagler. The other judge from Las Vegas, David Moretti, had it 115-113 for Leonard. Jose Sulaiman’s appointed judge, Jo Jo Guerrero, who never judged another fight, had it eleven rounds to one for Leonard.

Many people thought Ray was stealing rounds with flurries at the end – did you see that?

BOB ARUM: Absolutely, but that was not a unique tactic for Sugar Ray and it was modeled after Muhammad Ali. Very often, in close rounds, particularly in the Norton fight, he would flurry at the end so that the impression he left in the judges’ minds was that he won the round. Obviously rounds should be scored for the full three minutes but there is no questions that human beings being human will give more credit for the last part of a round – not that that’s correct, but that’s how it works.

That pretty much tells the story of Sugar Ray’s smarts in the ring…

BOB ARUM: He was a brilliant fighter, because physically he couldn’t compare. at that point, to Hagler.

Did they not really like each other?

BOB ARUM: No. No No. Marvin could not do a fight unless he got himself into a position where he disliked the opponent. He would put a picture of his opponent up on his bedroom wall so that he would glare back at it. To motivate himself he was the kind of fighter that had to create a dislike for his opponent. Now the guy he really hated, when he fought him, was Hearns. Because when we had them on a tour, Tommy got under Marvin’s skin. But Marvin was disdainful toward Ray because he believed Ray had it so easy in boxing and that he, Marvin, had struggled so hard, but it wasn’t the same kind of hatred that he had for Tommy. I must say that now, many years later, these guys are great friends.

Why did Hagler quit after the fight?

BOB ARUM: Well, he wanted to quit after the Hearns fight – and I want these fighters to hear this. Then we got him to fight Mugabi, then he didn’t want to go any more – he didn’t want to fight Ray Leonard and what happened was, I remember driving through the night with Pat Petronelli, Hagler’s manager, from Boston to New Hampshire where Hagler had a house. We went through fog and everything. I waited and Pat started talking to him and Marvin was banging his hands on the table and afterwards I asked Pat ‘what was that about?’ He said well, I said to Marvin, my brother Goody, who is Hagler’s trainer, we were getting a third of his purse, and we would cut it down if he would take this fight, and he banged the table, Marvin did and said ‘I don’t know if I’m going to fight this punk, but if I do you better take one third.’ He was a hell of a guy, Marvin – he is a hell of a guy. Ray was great too. Ray, Tommy, Roberto – those four guys are examples for all fighters. They were terrific fighters and terrific people.

Shakur, how are you looking to make your pro debut?

SHAKUR STEVENSON: I am very excited and I can’t wait. I feel like I perform under the lights and I am actually excited to perform on April 22 and do what I’ve got to do.

Ray Leonard was not only a great boxer but also a pretty good showman. Do you pattern yourself after him?

SHAKUR STEVENSON: Actually, to be honest with you, I just started watching Ray Leonard. As I am watching, and watching more and more, I try and pick up certain things that he does and trying to add that into my style.

Any regrets about not making your debut in Newark?

SHAKUR STEVENSON: No regrets. I don’t care where I am at. I am a fighter and I am going to fight either way.

Bob, what do you think about Shakur’s prospects?

BOB ARUM: I think that Shakur is going to be a major star in boxing. He has the talent and he has the personality and he is managed by good people – James Prince and Andre Ward. I think the sky is the limit for him. I am really proud of this April 22nd card – introducing Shakur to professional boxing and to have my three great young world champions defending their titles. These three young kids, relatively young, Oscar, Gilberto and Jessie are tremendous young men and great fighters. They works their asses off – they really work hard. They are great role models now that they have been fighting for four or more years now. They are great role models for Shakur. We are looking for big things for all of them and as far as Shakur is concerned, I think he should emulate a guy like Sugar Ray Leonard, who was a great personality, as well as a great fighter.

Ray had an outgoing personality and a million dollar smile to match. How was Hagler?

BOB ARUM: Hagler was the polar opposite. He was relatively introverted. He didn’t show his emotions particularly but I got to know him over the years extraordinarily well and he was a real man and he was the kind of guy that if you were in a war and in a foxhole you would want to be with a Marvelous Marvin Hagler. But he didn’t affect the personality – that really wasn’t him. He was true to himself. In other words, he would never have the personality of a Sugar Ray Leonard or even try to have that personality. He always was Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Ray – that personality was natural. If you speak today to Ray, it is the same bubbly smile and the same personality many years later. So these two guys were true to themselves.

Where are they now?

BOB ARUM: Hagler is still in Italy and has an Italian wife. Listen you guys – this is for the young guys, for the fighters – Marvelous Marvin Hagler never spent 5 cents in a casino. All the time I knew him he never bought me a meal. Every dollar that he made he put away in the bank so that when he retired he had all the money that he would need for the rest of his life. He kept that money and he lived off the interest and also money that he got for speaking engagements and so forth. He is a wealthy man today because he was so frugal with his money. As Shakur said, he was born in Newark, went to Brockton, Massachusetts, in New England. New Englanders have a reputation for being frugal and he had an accountant that looked after his money. He was very conservative in his investments. Today he is a very wealthy guy and he enjoys himself in Italy and comes out from time to time to make speeches at conventions or boxing dinners and he never missed a Hall of Fame induction – he is just that kind of guy. Sugar Ray invested extraordinarily wisely. He is a very well to do guy. He is very active in charities. He lives a very good life. He has a wonderful family and I must say that both of these guys are extraordinarily happy people as their lives have turned out.

BOB ARUM: Ray does broadcasting from time to time, as a lark, because he is into other things. He plays a lot of golf but he is very active in charitable endeavors.

Does Marvin still act?

BOB ARUM: Well, he is getting to an age where he can’t play the gangster as well. I don’t know when they made their last ‘spaghetti western’ as they call it in Italy, but to listen to him speak Italian is hilarious. He speaks it with this American accent and it’s really funny.

How hard did you try to get a rematch?

BOB ARUM: I remember a year later at Caesars they were doing a big dinner to honor the fighters that had fought at Caesars and it was really a salute to boxing. At that dinner, Muhammad Ali was there and I was there, Ray, Marvin and Roberto Duran. Ray called me over and said “Bob, go speak to him (meaning Hagler) and say let’s do the rematch it will do a fortune of business.’ So I went over and talked to Marvin and said “Ray wants me to talk to you about a rematch.’ And Marvin looked at me with that scowl and said ‘tell that guy to get a life.’ That was it – we tried. Marvin was having no more of that.

Were these two the greatest to work with, along with Muhammad Ali?

BOB ARUM: They were great fighters and great people. They had a presence about them in the ring and they never ducked anybody. They were happy to take on any challenge that was there. Boxing had extraordinary popularity during the 80’s and a lot of that was attributable to Ray and Marvin and Tommy and Roberto Duran. They were the focus of boxing. Ali retired in 1978. He came back to fight Larry Holmes unfortunately. But the 80’s belonged to the Four Kings and boxing was extraordinarily prosperous then and boxing was on the tongues of sports people and non-sports people not only in the United States but all over the world.

How easy was it to sign the fight?

BOB ARUM: Nothing is easy in boxing and nothing was easy then. The two guys, once we got Marvin on board, now we knew the fight was going to happen and Ray had a lawyer named Mike Trainer, who has passed away, and Trainer wanted Ray to control the promotion. So he said the fight would only happen if Top Rank – Marvin’s promoter – was not involved. Marvin and the Petronelli brothers, who were loyal guys, said they were not interested in fighting unless Top Rank promoted the fight. So as a result of that, Trainer said ‘OK, Arum buy us out for $11M which was a big sum at the time, and still is a big sum, but at that time it was enormous, and I agreed to do that and I paid Marvin on a percentage and Marvin earned $19 million for the fight and Ray Leonard will never let me forget that.

Do you think Ray changed the perception that now you only had to win rounds to win a fight?

BOB ARUM: Well, the rules say that each round is scored separately and at the end of the fight the fighter that has the most rounds wins that judge’s scorecard. The idea that a challenger has to do more than a champion to win a round or the fight is something that isn’t part of the rules – it’s a myth. You score the fight individually by rounds, period, anyone that says the challenger has to take away the title from the champion by doing appreciably more than the champion – that’s nonsense and contrary to the rules.

But the perception?

BOB ARUM: That’s the perception because people, journalists talk about this and it is fake opinion. It’s not in accordance with the rules. They love to write about it ‘well, the challenger didn’t do enough to win the title’ well he doesn’t have to do more to win, other than to win the majority of the rounds – that’s what the rules say.

Can you think of another fight that has generated as much controversy?

BOB ARUM: Close fights always generate controversy. The Kovalev-Ward fight – people swear that Kovalev won the fight and other people say Andre won the fight. That’s part of what makes boxing really interesting are the very close fights. The second De La Hoya-Mosley fight – I thought Oscar won that fight easily and Mosley got the decision and that was a lot of controversy. The first fight between Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield – Lewis won that fight easily – they called it a draw. You know, that’s the nature of the thing – when you have three judges that view a fight subjectively.

Sticking points to negotiations…

BOB ARUM: Well, at that point we were transitioning from 15 rounds to 12 rounds and Marvin obviously wanted 15 rounds but agreed to 12 rounds. That really was the only concession that was made that was of any significance.

The judge that scored the fight 118-110 for Leonard actually still judges fight believe it or not…

BOB ARUM: Yes, but not in the United States – we built a wall to keep him out.

Was that the worst scorecard you have ever seen?

BOB ARUM: Just about the worst – that was ridiculous. The other two scorecards, those of Moretti and Fillippo, they were in the realm, the reasonable realm, but Marvin got cheated because they had that Mexican judge who was rumored to be connected to the organizations which favored Leonard.

The fallout from that judge?

BOB ARUM: Well, that’s right – everybody realized somehow there was something that smelled wrong and nobody in the United States would allow him to judge a fight again. I didn’t know that he was still around even. You’re the one that said he was judging fights – I didn’t know that. I never heard of him after that fight.

He judges primarily in Mexico but he is 83 still judging…

BOB ARUM: Probably now doing a great job since his eyes are failing him – probably getting close to what the real score is.

Was there a fallout?

BOB ARUM: There was an investigation by the Nevada commission about the scoring on that fight.

Does Zurdo think he could hang with those guys [Kovalev and Ward]?

BOB ARUM: He doesn’t have to worry about hanging with those guys. The fight Gilberto wants if he is successful on April 22 is GGG and I would agree to take that fight winner take all. I think Zurdo destroys Golovkin the same way that he destroyed Arthur Abraham.

Many thought GGG was showing his age against Jacobs – do you agree?

BOB ARUM: Yes we all do, even me, I am 85 and I am showing my age. But yes, sure he is there is no question. The great A.E. Houseman poem, “To An Athlete Dying Young” — an athlete’s life is relatively short.

ÓSCAR VALDEZ: Hagler-Leonard was a great fight. It’s a new era where Jessie Magdaleno and Zurdo Ramírez and myself and of course Shakur Stevenson, a great fighter, I love his style. It’s a new era and these are examples that motivates us. Jessie and I work in the same gym every day and we push each other to the limit every single day. And we have a tough, tough fight ahead of us in Miguel Marriaga, the number one contender in the WBO and I can see in his eyes that he wants to accomplish his dream, to become a world champion. But I worked so hard to get this world title and be here and I’m not planning on leaving this anytime soon. I’m working very, very hard because I see these fighters want to take something away from me. I want to give a great fight to the fans at StubHub and those fans tuning into the pay-per-view.

JESSIE MAGDALENO: Hagler and Leonard made great history and now you have these young and up-and-coming new world champions who are ready to show the world what we’re able and capable of doing. April 22 is going to be a night of fireworks.

SHAKUR STEVENSON: Hagler-Leonard, that was a great era but now it’s our turn to begin our own legacy and create our own era where we have fights like that [Hagler-Leonard} down the line and I can’t wait for that to happen. But as of now, I’m focused on doing what I have to do on April 22, going in there and catching a knockout. That’s my plan.

BOB ARUM: Thirty years from now, we’ll be talking — I hope I’ll be talking (laughing) — about major, major fights that these young men will have had. And we’ll be looking back to those fights as being key points and key aspects of boxing in our era.

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

Valdez (21-0, 19 KOs), from Nogales, México, will be making the second defense of his WBO featherweight title against No. 1 contender and NABO champion Miguel “Escorpión” Marriaga (25-1, 21 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia; Ramírez (34-0, 24 KOs), from Mazatlán, México, will be making his first defense of the WBO super middleweight title against Top-10 contender Max “Tiger” Bursak (33-4-1, 15 KOs), of Kiev, Ukraine; Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., will be making the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title against WBO Latino champion Adeilson “Dell” Dos Santos (18-2, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, and Stevenson, the crown jewel of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team and the pride of Newark, NJ, will be making his eagerly-awaited professional debut in a six-round featherweight bout.

The six world championship warriors have a combined record of 155-7-1 (110 KOs) for a winning percentage of 95% with a victory by knockout ratio of 71%.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with All Star Boxing, Zapari Boxing Promotions and Antonio Leonard Productions, remaining tickets to this world championship tripleheader are priced at $128.50, $77.50, $52.00 and $36.70. They may be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

Produced and distributed live by Top Rank Pay-Per-View, the telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. and will be available on all conventional platforms, including all major cable and satellite systems, as well as Top Rank’s digital distribution via www.TopRank.tv and mobile devices.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, or facebook.com/trboxeo,and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, or twitter.com/trboxeo, To join the conversation on Twitter, please use the hash tags #ValdezMarriaga, #ZurdoBursak and #MagdalenoDosSantos.

WORCESTER, Mass. (March 31, 2017) – Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held the official weigh today at Ballot Box for tomorrow night’s “New England’s Future 2” show at Worcester Palladium.

Below are the official weights and pictures by Emily Harney:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – CRUISERWEIGHTS (8)
(L) Vinnie Carita (15-1-1 (14 KOs), Pembroke, MA 195.2 lbs.
(R) Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil 196 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)
(R) Matt Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT 136.8 lbs.
(L) Augustine Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA 138 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Bryan Daniels (3-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA 199 lbs.
Mike Sawyer (7-7, 5 KOs), Winter Park, FL 200 lbs.

Donnie Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs), Dorchester, MA 275 lbs.
Bobby Favors (0-5), Cincinnati, OH 377 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Elvis Figueroa (pro debut), New Haven, CT 167 lbs.
Devision Ribiero (0-3), Tampa, FL 167 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Derrick Whitley (pro debut), Springfield, MA 152 lbs.
Anthony Everett (1-4), Lawrence, MA 155 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Andy Gonzalez (5-1, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA 151.4 lbs.
Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-30-4, 2 KOs), Brockton, MA 151.4 lbs.

Adrian Sosa (1-0, 1 KO), Lawrence, MA 145 lbs.
Oscar Diaz (0-10), Hartford, CT 143 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT 138 lbs.
Bryan Abraham (6-24-1, 6 KO 141 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Mykquan Williams (5-0, 3 KOs), Manchester, CT 141 lbs.
Israel Rojas (10-15, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 141 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)
Luis Santiago (pro debut), Springfield, MA 127 lbs.
Alex Montes (1-2), Lawrence, MA 133 lbs.

Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters. A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.

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

Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.

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

NEW YORK (March 31, 2017) – Undefeated junior middleweight, Justin Hurd has been added to the non-televised undercard on Friday night, April 14th at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.

The ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader will feature undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) in the main event and a matchup of undefeated welterweights in the co-feature, Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) squaring off in an eight-round bout. Super bantamweight prospect Glenn Dezurn will meet unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in the eight-round telecast opener live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) .

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Hurd of Accokeek, Maryland has a record of 2-0 with one knockout, and is the brother of current IBF Junior Middleweight champion, Jarrett Hurd.

The 23 year-old Justin Hurd had an 18 bout amateur career, and like his brother, he is trained by Ernesto Rodriguez.

“My training has been great I have been staying ready, and I am excited to fight at MGM National Harbor. I expect to have a lot of fans at the fight,” said Hurd.

Being around an accomplished brother, Hurd is grateful for the success that Jarrett has achieved and has learned a lot from the journey that garnered Jarrett a world title.

“Jarrett has opened a lot of doors, but when people see us fight they will see that our styles our different. He has power, and I go by the name of “Slick” Justin Hurd. I like to use my combinations and I show my quickness.”

That is a sentiment that trainer Rodriguez echoes.

“Justin is different then Jarrett. He uses hand-speed, Jarrett uses his size. You will see that Justin fights in much of the same manner of Meldrick Taylor, and he mixes in some deceiving power,” said Rodriguez. “Justin is electric, and is calculating with good reflexes. He will be a force to be reckoned with. He is fighting at 154 pounds now, but we will slowly be taking him to 147.”

Justin Hurd considers himself a real student of the game and has followed the advice of both his big brother and trainer.

“What I have learned by watching Jarrett go through his run is to listen to our trainers. I learned that my trainers tell us what to do for good reason. With that in mind, I just am ready to put on a show and am grateful to be added to the card on April 14th.”

Hurd joins Hasim Rahman, Jr., Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover on the non-televised undercard.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,
ww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

About MGM National Harbor
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) portfolio, MGM National Harbor has an unrivaled setting offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED® Gold Certified resort, which opened December 8, 2016, sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic casino with over 125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national and international chefs. For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Los Angeles, CA (March 31, 2017) WBO Cruiserweight World Champion ALEKSANDR USYK, (11-0, 10 KO’s) hosted a huge crowd of media on Thursday afternoon in Downtown Los Angeles joined by his promoter, TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions and manager, EGIS KLIMAS.

Usyk will be defending his title on Saturday, April 8 against undefeated, top ten contender MICHAEL HUNTER, (12-0, 8 KO’s) on HBO World Championship Boxing (10:00 p.m. ET/PT). from The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD.

ALEKSANDR USYK

“I love California, the weather is fantastic, it’s much easier to train here and
I will continue to train here for my fights. It’s very cold in the Ukraine right now,
this is much better.”

“Yes, it’s a sacrifice to be away from my wife and three small children to train here, but this is my job and they are understanding of that.”

“Running by the ocean and training in the warm weather is much better for me.”

“The biggest motivation for me is my desire to be the best, I give 100% everyday
in the gym, I know that I need to continue to improve to become the undisputed cruiserweight world champion.”

“I’m very happy to be on HBO and showcase my talents. Fighting in the United States and on HBO is something I have wanted to do since I turned professional in Ukraine.”

“I’m working hard in camp with my new trainer Russ Amber, we’ve made some small changes and you’ll see some of them on April 8.”

“There are plenty of champions I would like to fight in the division, but I’m only thinking about Michael Hunter right now.”

“I’ve watched Michael Hunter’s last couple of professional fights and saw him fighting in the 2012 Olympics so I’m very familiar with him.”

“I want to have all four cruiserweight titles in the future, any of the other titles holders I’m willing to face.”

TOM LOEFFLER
“Thanks to HBO for showcasing the cruiserweight division, it’s always been an extremely talented division. Now with Aleksandr, Tony Bellew, Murat Gassiev and with Marco Huck fighting again this weekend, it’s an extremely deep division, one that with the right matchups that Aleksandr can emerge as the next superstar.”

“We want to give Peter Nelson a lot of credit for having the foresight to add Usyk to the show at the Forum in December for his HBO debut and to this upcoming card on April 8th card against Michael Hunter.”

“This has been a big commitment for Aleksandr to bring his training camp to the U.S.
He sees the opportunities in the United States that he can build on for his career by training here and fighting in this country.”

“Also have to acknowledge Alexander Krassyuk of K2 Promotions Ukraine for building up Aleksandr in the Ukraine and getting him the mandatory world title fight against Glowacki in only his tenth professional fight.”

“Aleksandr beat Glowacki for the world title and that opened the door to make the pitch to HBO.”

“Michael Hunter was approved by HBO and most importantly agreed to fight Aleksandr.
There was no hesitation on Aleksandr’s part on taking the fight.”

EGIS KLIMAS
‘Preparations have gone very well for Aleksandr for this fight. Great to have the Ukrainian Dream Team on this card.”

‘Thanks very much to the media for this great turnout.”

“This is Aleksandr’s job and he understands the sacrifices he has to make for his training camp to be here in the U.S.”

“Aleksandr is training with Russ Amber, other reports were incorrect about his new trainer.”

Undefeated WBO Cruiserweight World Champion ALEKSANDR USYK (11-0, 10 KO’s) makes his second world title defense against undefeated fellow 2012 Olympian and top ten contender MICHAEL HUNTER, (12-0, 8 KO’s) of Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, April 8 at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The fight is presented by K2 Promotions and K2 Promotions Ukraine.

Winner of the Gold Medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games for Ukraine, Usyk became the fastest cruiserweight world champion on September, 17, 2016, defeating Krzysztof Glowacki in Gdansk, Poland in only his tenth professional bout. The victory bested boxing legend Evander Holyfield’s record who had performed the feat in his twelfth professional fight.

Most recently, Usyk made his highly anticipated United States and HBO debut, defending his title for the first time in dominant fashion, stopping world ranked Thabiso Mchunu in the ninth round on December 17, 2016 at The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

Ranked the #1 Cruiserweight by ESPN, USA Today and Ring Magazine, Usyk is currently training in Oxnard, California.

Representing the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games, Hunter returns to battle following his career best victory, a ten round decision over then undefeated Isiah Thomas on May 13, 2016 in Las Vegas.

World ranked #8 by the WBO, Hunter is the son of former heavyweight contender Mike Hunter who serves as his trainer in the pro ranks.

Also featured on the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast will be 2012 Ukrainian Olympic teammates Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

Lomachenko, (7-1, 5 KO’s), a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight world title against former World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight world champion JASON “El Canito” SOSA (20-1-4, 15 KOs), from Newark, NJ. Gvozdyk (12-0, 10 KOs), a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, will be defending his NABF light heavyweight title against YUNIESKY GONZALEZ (18-2, 14 KOs), a native of Pinar del Rio, Cuba, who lives and trains in Miami, Fla.

The event is promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions, K2 Promotions, K2 Promotions Ukraine, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Kiddar. All three title fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Photo Credit/Miguel Salazar, Team Usyk

*****************************
About MGM National Harbor
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) portfolio, MGM National Harbor has an unrivaled setting offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED® Gold Certified resort, which opened December 8, 2016, sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic casino with over 125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national and international chefs. For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Danish boxing legend Mikkel Kessler (46-3, 35 KOs) announced his plans to return to the ring at a press conference today at the Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers Hotel.

The former five-time World Champion, who retired following his May 2013 rematch with Carl Froch at the O2 in London, will make a sensational comeback later this year with a date and opponent to be confirmed.

‘’I want to prove that I can become the best again. The goal is to become World Champion for the sixth time,” said ‘The Viking Warrior’.

‘’I’ve always said that if I wake up one day and the motivation is there, I’ll take the chance, and now, the timing is right. I still have a great team around me with a chef, physical trainer, therapist and boxing coach. The desire is still there, and I’m ready to make it happen.

‘’I’m older, and so is my body, but I’ve kept in shape, and I’m still in weight. I’m 100 per cent motivated to do this. I’ve missed the training camps, and I’ve missed the focus you get from boxing – to have one goal, and to do your best to achieve it.

‘’It’s not about the money; it’s about doing what my heart tells me to do. I’ve always love big challenges, and this is a chance to really test myself.

‘’We’ve not decided on a date or an opponent yet. I’m just looking forward to fighting in front of my fans again. For me, it has always been about the fans, and I promise to do everything I can to ensure they get to see entertaining fights.’’

The 38 year-old was joined at today’s press conference by promoter Kalle Sauerland.

‘’For Mikkel it has always been about honour and not money when he steps into the ring,” said Sauerland. ”He has beaten the best, and we believe he can come back to a level where he is ready to conquer the World again.’’

ICHITA, Kansas (March 31, 2017) – Last Saturday night at Kansas Star Arena in nearby Mulvane, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez planted a seed in hopes of growing Wichita into a fight town, as world champions Terence Crawford and Deontay Wilder have already accomplished in the respective hometowns, Omaha (NE) and Birmingham (AL).

More than 3,100 fans purchased tickets Hernandez’ successfully professional debut, stopping Pat Gutierrez in the fourth round. To put that attendance figure in its proper perspective, Wichita has a population of less than 400,000 and in this hoop-crazed state, the appropriately named “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” went head-to-head with the popular Kansas Jayhawks quintet playing on national television in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball championship, as well as The Wichita Force playing at home in indoor football.

The 21-year-old Hernandez is practically a sports franchise in Wichita, second only to the Wichita State University (WSU) men’s basketball team. The city turned out in force at a parade honoring Hernandez upon his return home from the Olympics and WSU awarded him an open-ended four-year college scholarship.

“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” Encore Presentation this Saturday night

The encore presentation of last Saturday’s “KO Night Boxing: History Begins,” featuring the pro debut of 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez, will air this Saturday (April 1), starting at 8:30 p.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network.

“The show was a huge success and Nico, as a pro fighter, produced a more complete body of work than we had expected,” Hernandez’ promoter John Andersen (KO Night Boxing) said. “I was very impressed. His amateur background converted to an even better pro style. It really showed his potential and that’s one of the primary reasons we signed him. We really believed in Nico. He is the only fighter we have signed, right now; Nico is our stable! We see things from a different angle than big-time promoters. We understood that he’s a hometown hero, so we had him headline at home his pro debut on national television (CBS Sports Network). We produce our shows on television and we enjoy telling stories like Nico’s. We’d like to come right back to Wichita with Nico fighting in June.”

Lifelong Kansas Sean Wheelock, a non-paid member of the Kansas Athletic Commission that oversees boxing, in addition to calling last Saturday’s fights as a member of the KO Night Boxing announcing team on CBS Sports Network, has a unique perspective on the significance of last Saturday evening’s in terms of local boxing history.

“It was huge for Kansas boxing,” Wheelock explained, “the biggest show in this state since the Tommy Morrison Era (early-to-mid 1990’s). Morrison was an adopted son, though. Nico was born here and he has a deep investment in the Wichita community. Drawing 3000-plus for his pro debut, in a non-boxing market, was phenomenal and he has the potential to do what Crawford has done in Omaha and Wilder in Birmingham. Boxing has strong roots in Kansas and across the Midwest, but MMA has taken over and lately, most boxing in Kansas has been on hybrid shows with MMA and kickboxing.

“Fans were loudly chanting, ‘Nico’ and ‘316’ (Wichita’s area code) before, during and after his fight. I’ve never heard fans chanting for a city like they did, ‘Wichita’, for an individual athlete. And they were also chanting ‘USA’. As a native Kansas, I’m proud that this state has become more ethnically and culturally diverse with more Hispanics living in Wichita. Nico is engaged in the Hispanic community and he is a fantastic kid, too. Because of his personality and fighting style, he can draw locally from Wichita, throughout all of Kansas, and nationally among Hispanics and Americans across the country because of his accomplishment in the Olympics.”

Hernandez is also fighting in one of the hottest divisions in boxing — 115-pound junior bantamweight/super flyweight — showcasing name fighters such as Naoya Inoue, Roman Gonzalez, Carlos Cuadras, Juan Francisco Estrada and recent addition Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Conspicuously absent, however, are top 20 ranked American fighters in this weight class, excluding 36-year-old Brian Viloria, the four-time, two-division (junior flyweight and flyweight) world champion. The opportunity is right there for Hernandez to quickly establish himself as the preeminent American boxer in this weight class.

“There’s no reason for Nico to fight outside of Wichita for a couple of years as he develops,” Andersen noted. “I feel that he can win a regional title next year. Our goal is to have him in a world title fight position within three years. Our goal is to get him 13 to 15 fights and then promote a super fight in Wichita. He started out in a six-round fight. I think he’ll only have a couple more and then move up to eight-round bouts.

“Nico doesn’t waste a lot of punches, so the number of scheduled rounds won’t be a problem for him. Another fighter would have punched himself out in two rounds, fighting at home in front of a crowed like he had supporting him, but Nico showed tremendous poise, settling down and putting his punches together very well. He didn’t chase Gutierrez, he effectively cut off the ring, and his powerful body attack was something he didn’t do as an amateur. We wanted to see how he reacted to resistance and he passed that test with flying colors.”

Andersen noted that his company has promoted several successful shows, noting the big difference is last weekend’s show featured a world-class fighter in Hernandez. “Making the Olympics was a big deal for Nico,” Andersen added, “whether he medaled or not. Nico is to us what Manny Pacquiao is to Top Rank, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to Golden Boy. We’re lucky to start out with a fighter like Nico. Fighting in Wichita was risk for everybody but it’s already paying dividends.

“We know who and what we are as a promotional company. Nico is our top priority, our only fighter right now, and now we have a great opportunity to build off last weekend’s success. We give Nico all the attention he deserves and he’s going to take advantage of this situation. And we also discovered that there’s some other talented boxers in this market. Whit Hayden did a wonderful job making very competitive fights. That’s his history, he never has blowouts. Whit is one of the most knowledgeable people I know in boxing. He’s the perfect matchmaker to guide Nico’s career, along with Nico’s father (head trainer) Lewis Hernandez, who we work closely with in many ways, in and out of the ring.”

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.konightboxing.com

Twitter: @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media

Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez
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 @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.

Philadelphia – March 30, 2017 – Weights for Friday night’s Victory Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

MAIN EVENT
6 Rounds – Welterweight

Jaron “Boots” Ennis (147.2) vs. James Winchester (147.2)

6 Rounds – Super Bantamweight
Manny “Major Pain” Folly (122) vs. Luis Hinijosa (126.2)

4 Rounds – Super Welterweight
Darren Goodall (168.3) vs. Juan Zapata (168.7)

4 Rounds – Super Lightweight
Brandun Lee (143.3) vs. Seth Basler (143.3)

4 Rounds – Lightweight
Joshua Jones (136.4) vs. Dustin Arnold (135)

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2017) — It took place on Monday, April 6, 1987 at Caesars Palace and it was promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank®. The SuperFight: Hagler vs. Leonard, with Marvin Hagler defending his middleweight title against Sugar Ray Leonard, making a return after a three-year absence from the ring and a big question mark about his surgically-repaired eye. It was one the biggest and most successful sporting events of that era. Caesars Palace was sold out with 15,000 spectators and an estimated 400 million more watching worldwide via closed-circuit or on pay-tv. The media credentialed for fight week was close to 1,1000. It was the quintessential promotion of that time and the foundation on which mega fights are now promoted. And the result? It is as hotly debated today as it was 30 years ago when the judges’ scores were read that night. Dave Moretti scored it 115-113 for Leonard. Lou Fillippo scored it 115-113 for Hagler. Jo Jo Guerra scored it 118-110 for Leonard, making him the new middleweight champion, and completing one of the greatest career comebacks in boxing .

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champions ÓSCAR VALDEZ, GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ and JESSIE MAGDALENO, as well as 2016 Olympic silver medalist SHAKUR STEVENSON, are headlining an exciting world championship tripleheader, and Stevenson’s pro debut, which will take place on Saturday, April 22, under the stars at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. It will be produced and distributed live on pay-per-view. Each fighter and his respective trainer took a break from training to watch a clean tape of the fight, minus audio and graphics, and score it. Here is who they thought won.

Óscar Valdez
“Hagler was the aggressor and he wanted to fight. Leonard was moving a lot early but he would try to steal rounds with flurries at the end of every round. It was a good, tactical fight and both guys had their moments, but I felt that Hagler did enough to win the fight by a slight margin.”
Hagler 115-113

Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez
“It was a very close fight, but I saw Leonard winning it. He boxed for twelve rounds, but he also stood his ground and exchanged with Hagler. His speed beat Hagler to the punch. Hagler was very strong and had better punching power, but Leonard had more resources. It Is one of the best fights I have seen.”
Leonard 115-113

Jessie Magdaleno
“I felt that Leonard controlled the pace of the fight and stayed with his boxing plan for the full 12 rounds. He never let Hagler get into the fight the way he wanted to and even though Hagler was aggressive, he was never able to display his trademark power and ferocity. It was a boxing match and it favored Leonard. A good close fight but I saw it for Leonard.” Leonard 116-112

Shakur Stevenson
The rounds Leonard won were clear cut and without question. The rounds I scored for Hagler were more of a pick ’em type — very close. Leonard was boxing beautifully and it was a classic case of the boxer vs. the brawler. Leonard’s boxing ability was the difference in the fight.”
Leonard 115-113

Manny Robles, trainer for Valdez and Magdaleno
“The first four rounds were all Leonard. He dictated everything in those rounds while Hagler fought out of orthodox stance which I still don’t understand. I gave Hagler the fifth round and Leonard the sixth. Then Hagler started coming on sweeping the seventh and eighth rounds. The ninth round was even. Leonard won the tenth round. And Hagler won the last two rounds. Hagler just dug himself too deep a hole in the first four rounds.”
Leonard 115-114

Héctor Zapari, trainer for Ramírez
“It was a great fight of great physical strain where both fighters showed great physical condition. It was a very even fight, but I saw Leonard winning by a small margin. He took Hagler’s power well and had better combinations when they were exchanging. His speed and boxing skills gave him the win in one of the best fights in boxing history.”
Leonard 115-113

Kay Koroma, trainer for Stevenson
“It was a very close fight. I think if it was this era, Hagler would have won because he was the aggressor. There were times in the fight that Ray was boxing beautifully and then times that Hagler was teeing off on him. It was a great fight. I’ve watched it many, many times. Hagler was switching from southpaw to orthodox and the southpaw stance was working for him. It made it a little difficult for Ray because once Ray stopped using his legs, the southpaw stance started working better for Hagler. When Hagler started going to the body first, he was finding Ray a lot easier. I believe if Hagler had gone to the body earlier, he would have won because it would have taken Ray’s legs away.”
Leonard 115-113

Bob Arum
“I had the same score as Lou Fillippo. I thought Marvin won the fight.”
Hagler 115-113

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

Valdez (21-0, 19 KOs), from Nogales, México, will be making the second defense of his WBO featherweight title against No. 1 contender and NABO champion Miguel “Escorpión” Marriaga (25-1, 21 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia; Ramírez (34-0, 24 KOs), from Mazatlán, México, will be making his first defense of the WBO super middleweight title against Top-10 contender Max “Tiger” Bursak (33-4-1, 15 KOs), of Kiev, Ukraine; Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., will be making the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title against WBO Latino champion Adeilson “Dell” Dos Santos (18-2, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, and Stevenson, the crown jewel of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team and the pride of Newark, NJ, will be making his eagerly-awaited professional debut in a six-round featherweight bout.

The six world championship warriors have a combined record of 155-7-1 (110 KOs) for a winning percentage of 95% with a victory by knockout ratio of 71%.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with All Star Boxing, Zapari Boxing Promotions and Antonio Leonard Productions, remaining tickets to this world championship tripleheader are priced at $128.50, $77.50, $52.00 and $36.70. They may be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

Produced and distributed live by Top Rank Pay-Per-View, the telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. and will be available on all conventional platforms, including all major cable and satellite systems, as well as Top Rank’s digital distribution via www.TopRank.tv and mobile devices.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, or facebook.com/trboxeo,and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, or twitter.com/trboxeo, To join the conversation on Twitter, please use the hash tags #ValdezMarriaga, #ZurdoBursak and #MagdalenoDosSantos.

Lou DiBella
Thanks for joining us. This is our call to announce the co-feature for Andre Berto versus Shawn Porter, the WBC welterweight world title eliminator — that’s going to be on SHOWTIME live at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT from the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 22. Tickets for the live event are on sale now. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000, 1-800-745-3000.

The co-feature is a terrific bout for the WBC junior middleweight championship. Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo 28-0, 13 KOs from Houston, Texas against Charles Hatley, 26-1-1, with 18 KOs from Dallas, Texas. So we got a battle of Texas and Brooklyn on April 22. As most of you know Jermell’s brother is Jermall. They’re one minute apart. Jermell’s one minute younger.

They turned pro in 2007. Jermell had a great record of 56 and 8 as an amateur. Has held a number of small titles. Last year they became the first pair of twins to hold world titles simultaneously in the same weight class. Since Jermall has moved up to the 160-pound division. But Jermell will be defending his title in a very tough defense against Charles Hatley in Brooklyn at Barclays Center on April 22.

For those who don’t know Charles Hatley is promoted by the illustrious Mr. Don King. Charles, you want to say a couple of words to the press please?

Charles Hatley
Yes, I’m preparing very well for this fight and it’s going to be a great night for us.

L. DiBella
And so Charles’ trainer is his dad, Greg Hatley. Greg, would you like to say a few words?

Greg Hatley
We’re really looking forward to the fight. Looking forward to it. Glad for the opportunity for the fight and looking forward to it.

L. DiBella
Jermell, you want to talk to the press, champ?

Jermell Charlo
Yes, of course. Hello everybody that’s listening. I appreciate you guys for taking the time to just be involved and be active with me and my brother. I’m excited to be in the arena again and I hope Charles Hatley is excited to obviously get another chance to fight for his title.

I know he hasn’t fought in a while — and this is actually one of my longest layoffs — but this has been one of the best because I been able to prepare myself physically, mentally, spiritually. And I been able to adapt and get better. so I’m excited to see what I can bring to the table and bring a better performance than I have done all 28 fights that I’ve fought.

Mr. DiBella you’ve been doing a great job promoting our fights and doing what you can for the Charlos. And right now it’s all about us. It’s about being selfish and it’s about taking control of everything that the opportunities present.

I am the champion. I’ve been here before and I’ve stood my ground before. I’ve been in the ring where I had to put my liberty on my back and that’s what I’m doing right here and I’m doing it again. Y’all fighting a native from Texas but it’s two completely different worlds. I live nothing like these guys and those guys live nothing like me.

And it’s hard to walk in my shoes. Charles will see that when we get into the ring on the 22nd.

Q
Just a question for both fighters. You’re both from the Texas area. Have you guys ever fought in the amateurs or ever spar or do you guys know each other well before this fight?

J. Charlo
Yes, we never fought in the amateurs. We seen each other fight before. I was a little bit younger than him coming into amateurs and he was older obviously so maybe just one era difference. But no, we never fought in the amateurs but we did pay attention because closely to what we had in front of us.

Q
Does both of you guys being from Texas add a little extra to this fight?

Jermell Charlo
No. This is my life. This is another victim that’s coming to jeopardize my life and my lifestyle. And so it’s not about where he’s from and Texas, none of that. There’re no robberies, that doesn’t matter to me.

I can’t stand by myself and say, yes, I am the king of Texas but we all have some great champions in Texas so it’s not even about, it’s not about that. It’s deeper than that.

Q
Can you just tell me if there’s been any sense of anxiousness or frustration of finally finding out when you’d actually fight and finally knowing for sure it’s going to take place April 22?

J. Charlo
Well I’m very humbled to know that everything happens for a reason. I am happy to just to get a chance to get back in the ring, show my skills, knock off the ring rust and have fun. At the same time and do what I love to do. So that’s the anxiety, just being back in the ring and everything else falls in place.

I set myself up to where I can have a future outside of boxing as well. When things like this do take place you aim to still be comfortable. You know, something…

Q
Do you feel like because your title win was such a long time ago that the somewhat from momentum may be the wearing off?

J. Charlo
No, my focus still there. I’m still fired up, I’m still hungry. I’m hungrier now, obviously, because they made me wait so long. But other than that I’m still hungry, I’m still fired up. I can’t care about what these people think of me, judging me or how they feel or if I’m not relevant to them anymore.

I know what I’m doing, I know how I’m living, and I know how I’m getting ready to fight. So it’s like nothing else that I can do other than just continue to try to be great in the ring and please these fans and be satisfying to my peers and my judges and my family.

Q
What did you make of him confronting your brother after his world title victory?

J. Charlo
See that’s once again somebody else’s decision. I don’t care about that what that guy is doing. That’s not something that’s on the back of my mind. I couldn’t care less about that.

You jump in the ring and you almost started something or caused something to be worse than what it is all because you trying to really just put on a front. Put that front on in front of someone else.

I’m glad nothing erupted and got even crazier because we got different type of people in our life that don’t allow stuff like that to happen. I’m glad that it didn’t get more dangerous or serious than that. But, he does have to eat a few jabs to the mouth for that.

Q
Did you and your brother ever kind of joke around about it a little bit?

J. Charlo
Well we laughed on the plane and that was it. We were like look at this guy. We’re so used to stuff like that. Different people they don’t know us apart. So I mean I’ve been dealing with that all my life.

So we kind of had a little laugh and were like okay you didn’t know us apart but at the same time why do you disrespect us. I could say that you’re wrong for it and you got problems. Or I’m going to make you pay. But I don’t take it that seriously.

Q
How has sparring with Errol Spence Jr. sharpened your skills and upped your game and increased your intensity for this fight?

J. Charlo
Well that’s what I got to come out and show you guys. I’ve been working out with Errol and he’s a great fighter. Errol is very dominant and I love everything he’s doing. We’re both around the same age and we both teach each other. There are so many fighters in the gym with so many talents. So I believe when it comes down to April 22 I’ll be able to show some of those same things that we taught each other.

Q
How anxious are you to put hands on him?

J. Charlo
I’m just as anxious as any fight. I’m calm, I’m a really patient person. And I’m happy about my opportunities. I’m taking every moment very seriously. Training with Errol brings a lot to my repertoire.

Q
Derrick could you weigh in on that too?

Derrick James
Well you know, it’s funny because I’ve been training Jermell for like almost two years and I like to give everybody their own personal private time when they train. So they never really trained together.

But for this fight I felt like I wanted Jermell to get to another level, be more focused, and be pushed to where when he’s in the ring with a guy like Charles Hatley, he won’t care about you him. Hopefully it’ll be a lot easier, a lot different, so. Two different levels of fighters. This being said they’re very anxious.

Not really anxious just waiting for the fight to happen. You have something you just lingering and kind of want to get it over with so you move forward and get ready for the next one or whatever. So that’s basically my focus and – but Jermell and Errol sparring raises him up to a whole other level.

It’s one thing to be a good fighter but to be one of the best fighters in the world, most technically sound fighter in the world and to help each other get ready is phenomenal.

Q
I understand that Errol has sparred Hatley. Can you characterize how that was?

D. James
Well the first time I saw them spar it was pretty decent. They’ve only sparred three times when I was training Errol. And the first time was pretty decent.

The last two times were…. Well…. you all know what Errol’s motto is. And that was it. We never sparred with him again because it was not so competitive.

C. Hatley
Yes, I heard everything that was being said which wasn’t true. I swear I sparred Errol many times and yes, we worked several times. And he down – he right, whatever he want to say man down, that’s definitely ain’t true. I got footage of us sparring.

And I have told Derek whenever they’d like to come back they welcome back. But no, they know where I’m at and I never seen them again.

I told him whenever he wants to come back, whenever you want to come back, come over. And I haven’t seen y’all since. So what does that mean?

D. James
It wasn’t worth the time, man. It wasn’t competitive, it’s not…

C. Hatley
Well I have that on tape as well.

D. James
All right, if you say so.

Q
Jermell, how do you rate Hatley as an opponent compared to the other opponents that you’ve had?

J. Charlo
I give everybody a chance. There is nothing overlooked. He has never fought near the competition I’ve fought as a professional. I’m a different individual, I’m a stronger fighter, smarter fighter, faster fighter.

He knows what he has in front of him. So it’s really about me getting in there, doing what I have to do, and being my best by doing it. I don’t care about who he fought, who he’s sparred, who he’s stopped, who stopped him. None of that matters to me. Every opponent, every victim, has a different way of coming at you. So we all got our different DNA.

Q
What do you see as your advantages over him?

J. Charlo
I might have several. I really don’t want to speak on the advantages that I have. I have several though.

Q
Okay, and a question for Charles. Could you talk a little bit about the layoff?

C. Hatley
Yes, well the layoff was good for me. I was so busy at the time and I actually needed the layoff. But I actually thought we were going to fight three months after he won the titles.

It just kept going back, pushing and pushing it back further and further. And I was busy training for it. So I was well prepared for it a while back. I never stopped training for it.

Q
How do you compare him with your other opponents that you’ve faced? You consider him to be the toughest fighter you’ve faced?

C. Hatley
No, I can’t say that. He’s a great fighter and he’s coming to win just like I am. But he’s never gotten a test like this. I’m sure he’s fought several fighters that they knew he was going to win against. But this fight here they don’t know that he’s going to win.

And I’m sure he’s pushing himself right now. I’m coming to the table to do what I got to do and that’s to bring the belt back to my city. I’m well prepared for it and I’m ready to fight. At the end of the day I’m really about getting in the ring and doing what I said I was going to do.

Q
Do either of you want to make a prediction for the fight? (Jermell) first?

J. Charlo
No, I’m not making any predictions. I’m coming to win.

C. Hatley
He said it clearly. I’m ready and I’m coming to win man. So may the best man win.

Q
Can you give me your perspective on what it was like for you to make that long trip to Australia to fight Mundine?

C. Hatley
Well I went to Australia with everything against me. The crowd and everything were all against me. I’m actually feeling like it’s another Australia fight, you know? I’m focused, I’m ready and I’m prepared for it. For whatever’s coming.

Q
When you went to Australia, what did it teach you about yourself as far as how you could deal with that kind of atmosphere?

C. Hatley
Well I made it really easy. I stuck to what we had been training for. I knew I was going overseas and I knew he was a great fighter. But I thought I kept everything in training, what we’d been training. I keep it in and I went in and dominated the fight the whole fight.

Q
Can you explain to me if you’ve had any sort of frustration about having to wait so long to get this fight settled?

C. Hatley
Yes, I don’t really know what the issue was with this fight. But I just know what the rumors were. But yes, I was prepared to fight mid-September and then March. But the whole time I know — it was September, February, then March. Then back to April which I didn’t care if it was next year, I wanted a fight and I was going to be ready.

Q
When you were at his brother’s fight not that long ago and you went into the ring after the fight, kind of a funny scene because you were confronting the wrong guy. Can you just take me through what happened with that?

C. Hatley
I’m sure Jermell could tell you as well that this the truth, they tried to make me look like the bad guy. I was in the ring to talk after he came and he looked over to me and he said “Well this cool”. This guy he pushed me first. And then when he pushed me I pushed him back. And that’s where everybody – they got most of the part when I was pushing him. Everybody felt like I pushed him and he didn’t push me but Jermell) I’m sure can tell you as well if he’s being honest, he’ll tell you that. His brother pushed me first and then I pushed him back.

They try to make me like the bad guy so I can be the bad guy for this fight. It doesn’t matter. It’s cool. I do whatever I got to do and beat whoever I have to beat. I’ll come back with that belt that’s what I’m going to do.

Q
Well why were you going into the ring? Were you just trying to kind of hype up your mandatory fight for the title?

C. Hatley
No, no. Everyone probably thought it was staged. But no, I was told to come in to do an interview after Jermell’s fight, but Don King wasn’t there and no one told me to come up and do the interview. They told me after his brother fought then go up in the ring and do my interview. And that’s where everything took place.

Q
Did you learn anything about Jermell from watching his fight with John Jackson?

C. Hatley
I learn from every fight no matter who’s fighting. I learn from every fight. I mean that’s what I’m here to do is learn, but far as watching what went on in that fight I really wasn’t paying much attention to it because I was just – I didn’t know who was going to win.

So it wasn’t I had to watch this and watch that on their fight. I’ll just have to be prepared to do what I have to do. I have to worry about me. No one else.

Q
Can you talk about your sparring sessions with Errol?

C. Hatley
When Errol came to spar, man we work. I’m not in there to beat anyone one up when I’m sparring. I’m in to get work.

There’s a lot of hate in these guys. Like I said I been beating Derrick James up since we was amateurs and he knows that. That’s probably why he’s having a fit right now and saying the thing that he’s saying. But none of it is true.

We come to help each other. Not to hurt each other. But I guess he probably was telling them hey, kill him, hurt him. Kill him, hurt him. When I’m in a ring sparring with the fighter that comes here I help them no matter who it is. When they come I help them.

Q
How far are you removed mentally from the knockout loss to Tyner

C. Hatley
Weight played a big part of it but I was actually injured. I shouldn’t have even fought. I had just come off from ACL surgery two months before the fight and the doctor told me not to fight for a whole year. But I knew he wasn’t on my level, so. I couldn’t wait to fight, you know, so I told my dad yes, let’s do it. And that’s what happen when you think you know everything.

I actually tried to fight him several times afterwards. I told my dad I was going to fight him again. I tried to fight him and he didn’t want to fight.

Q
Did you work with John Jackson befor this fight?

C. Hatley
For this fight? Yes, I worked with him a little bit. We did a little work. He’s a great fighter. We worked. It’s not how I’m prepared for this fight. It’s not that much.

Q
So are you concerned about having to move up in weight like your brother without cleaning up the division?

J. Charlo
No. So that was a major business move plus a career move. It was a massive move. I’m dominating at 54, I make 54 easy. I am getting bigger and I’m getting stronger, I’m getting wiser. I know a lot of people that seen videos of me training over in California. But everything is going great. I’ll be on-weight. It won’t be a struggle, it has never been a struggle.

So I don’t think it ever could be a struggle. Making 154 is easy. Moving up to 160 is what I want my brother to do right now to take the Charlo name and push it up to the top.

I’m glad he’s ranked number two down at WBC. And I’m going to try to unify at this weight-division before I decide to move up.

All I got to do is just train harder than I trained before. Lifting more, learn more, and be great. There’s nothing about anything to do with my brother. So my brother did what he had to do and it ended the way it did. He trained hard, we are gym rats. We work hard. It’s not just getting up, running in. It’s not the amateurs. You can’t just come in throwing punches like you want to. You pick all your mistakes up.

Everything happens for a reason so. I’m excited for the fight. April 22. I’m excited to be in Brooklyn for the first time, fighting in Brooklyn, not even in the amateurs I fought in Brooklyn. This’ll be my first time at Barclays Center and I’m happy. I’m excited. It’s big to me. It’s actually in New York. So this is big to me. This is different. And me and my stablemates and my coaches, my trainers, we’re all working together. We’re planning to have an exciting night.

Q
Charles, are you little anxious in the sense there’s some expediency in your career being that you’re 31?

C. Hatley
Yes, not going to say none of the time hurt me or anything. I needed that break. I hadn’t even reached my prime yet.

I’m a hard worker. Jermell can tell you that. I’m strong. Not many guys could stand up to my power. I’m sure Derrick and Jermell will tell you that. But like he was saying, the fight is I think the 22nd. I like to do all my talking in the ring.

Q
When you turned pro was it just an easy transition?

C. Hatley
I couldn’t wait to turn pro to be honest. I couldn’t wait. But the guys I fought in the amateurs. The guys I fought in the amateurs can’t be overlooked. I fought all the top guys really. Right now I fought all them in amateurs. I fought them all. And they can tell you what I did. I’m sure he knows what he’s up against.

L. DiBella
Thank you both for joining us. This is a terrific co-feature on SHOWTIME. The show starts at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Saturday, April 22. Get your tickets now.

# # #

ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2017) Golden Boy Promotions fighters Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) and KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) are just one day away from their 10-round main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship, which will prove to be a defining moment in each of their careers. Golden Boy Promotions sat down with Orozco and Gibson recently to get their thoughts on the importance of this match up and what it means to them.

Orozco vs. Gibson is Saturday, April 1 live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN airing on ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

The fight spotlight video on Orozco vs. Gibson is available for viewing here.

ANTONIO “RELENTLESS” OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“There is a lot more excitement in a fight when you have two undefeated fighters going toe to toe.

“I’ve seen him fight a couple of times. I can’t overlook Keandre Gibson. I’ve been through some hard times but not all hard times are the same. I’m here, I’m ready, let’s fight and get this going.”

KEANDRE “THE TRUTH” GIBSON, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“Boxing critics sleep on me; they don’t realize I’m one of the top prospects in boxing right now. I’ve sparred a lot of guys with experience; I’ve sparred Canelo and Pacquaio. I know what I’ve got to do.

“It’s time to step up, if I’m not ready now then I’ll never be ready.”

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round battle for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship on April 1 presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” Doors open at 4 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 4 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. ESPN3 and WatchESPN will livestream at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrozcoVsGibson. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Antonio Orozco or KeAndre Gibson.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxing and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, and www.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxeo. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 31, 2017) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) and once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) made their final camp statements before engaging in a 10-round lightweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, Tuesday, April 4 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an eight-round showdown between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Rosario (8-0-1, 7 KOs) plus Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba (21-2-2-, 9 KOs) taking on Massachusetts-native Ryan Kielczweski (26-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Cherry of Wauchula, Florida has had a smooth camp while training in the Sunshine State and is ready for the 46th start of his professional start.

“Everything is good, and we will be prepared for everything on April 4th,” said the 34-year-old Cherry.

“On April 4th, whatever Douglas brings, we will be prepared for. This is not the first time, that I’ve been in this position. He is the guy who has to prove he can perform. I have been there before, so the pressure is on him.”

Cherry has been a top contender at both the 130 and 135 pound divisions, and he even challenged for a world title at 140 pounds. He believes there are many reasons that he has remained a viable contender who has only lost once in the last nine years and 13 fights.

“I am motivated and I believe in myself,” said Cherry. “Those are the reasons that I am still here at the top of the 130 and 135 divisions. My family gives me drive every day. April 4th will be another great fight. This is my job and I have to go out and do it well.”

Cherry believes a win should gain him another crack at a world title.

“A win definitely puts me ahead. It will open doors for better fights and better paydays. A title shot is what I want. But also a bigger money fight that will take care of my family.”

Douglas has been training at home in Delaware, has been working hard for this fight, which could be a breakthrough fight on the heels of his narrow defeat to former world champion Javier Fortuna last November.

“Everything is great. This has been a long camp. I have been getting great work,” said the 26- year-old Douglas.

“I am the better fighter. I have known about him for a long time. I watched him a lot when he fought on Friday Night Fights.”

That fight with Fortuna was a major step up, and Douglas had a lot of positive moments, as he dropped the former champion in the 1st round, only to lose by three points on two cards and one point on a third card.

“The Fortuna fight let me know and let the people know that Omar Douglas is a world class fighter. Even in a loss, people did not expect me to do well. I thought that I showed a lot that night and I will carry that confidence into this fight on April 4th.”

Douglas believes that a win over Cherry is his path to a world title.

“I think that it is time. I just happen to be crossing paths with Cherry. This fight makes sense for me. I will let people know that I am player at 130 pounds, and a win will earn me a title shot. I have shown that I will fight anyone. Look at the records of my previous opponents. Fortuna was 30-1 and one fight removed from being a world champion. Alexei Collado was 19-1; Frank De Alba was 17-1. So wins over those guys plus Cherry should have me right there, but I am focusing on Edner Cherry. He is a great veteran, but on Tuesday night I will be victorious.”

# # #

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

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

17,000 tickets have been sold on the first day of general sale for the IBF World Welterweight blockbuster between champion Kell Brook and Errol Spence at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office the UK and on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in the US.

Brook defends his title for the fourth time having dispatched Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier inside six rounds before stepping up to Middleweight to take on feared Kazakh star Gennady Golovkin in September – and now the Sheffield star faces another unbeaten machine in Spence.

The American travels to Yorkshire for his first World title fight having landed the mandatory position by blasting Leonard Bundu away inside six rounds in August, the eighth straight stoppage win for the Texas-based New Yorker who went into the fight after destroying Chris Algieri inside four rounds two months earlier.

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.

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 31, 2017) – This Saturday, April 1, 2017, undefeated flyweight prospect, Damien “Sugar” Vasquez (9-0, 4 KOs), will step in the ring against Lorenzo Trejo (35-32-1, 22 KOs), a veteran of sixty-eight fights. The 8-round main event, will take place at the Riverebend Sports Complex in Salt Lake City, UT.

Damien, the nephew of former two-time super-bantamweight world champion, Israel Vazquez, fights out of Las Vegas, NV, with trainer, Bones Adams. Adams, a former super-bantamweight champion himself, feels Damien Vasquez has all the talent to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Israel.

“Since I’ve been training with Damien, I’ve watched him grow as a fighter,” said Clarence “Bones” Adams. “He’s getting better with each fight and I really believe he can win a world title someday. He definitely has the talent and work ethic to do so. He reminds me of his uncle Israel in many ways.”

Facing a veteran like Trejo, is just the type of fight Damien is looking for. Vasquez wants to face fighters with a lot of experience.

“I’m sure Trejo has a lot of tricks up his sleeve with all his experience,” said Damien Vasquez. “These are the type of fights I look forward too, where a young fighter like myself can learn a few things. I’m going to set the pace early, and go from there. By no means am I taking him lightly.”

Vasquez’s father Oscar, has been in his sons corner from day one. He’s thrilled, knowing his son has progressed since his first pro fight.

“I’m very proud of my son because I know how hard he works, and I can see the improvement after every fight,” said Oscar Vasquez. “My brother and I always knew he had the talent to become a good professional boxer. I’m confident he’ll come out victorious against a tough veteran like Trejo.”

Robert Helenius (24-1, 15 KOs) and Dereck Chisora (26-7, 18 KOs) came face-to-face for the first time since their controversial December 2011 showdown today at the Hotel Kamp in Helsinki, Finland as they prepare to renew their rivalry on May 27.

Helenius was awarded a split decision victory in their first bout, despite many people believing the British boxer did enough to win. Chisora now has the chance to settle the score when they return to the Hartwall Arena to contest the WBC Silver World Heavyweight title in a hotly anticipated rematch.

Chisora is coming off the back of another contentious decision in a ‘fight of the year’ contender versus countryman Dillian Whyte, while Helenius has scored back-to-back knockout victories against Konstantin Airich and Gonzalo Omar Basile.

‘’I don’t think Robert took me seriously last time,’’ said Chisora. ‘’But this time he will need to train harder than ever. I’m going to take him to places he has never been before, and I’m going to stop him. I’m not playing around. This guy is in trouble. When I come back to Helsinki, I’m going to be in war mode.’’

‘’I’m looking forward to this fight,’’ said Helenius. ‘’Dereck is a tough fighter and I think we will put on a great show for the fans. My hand was raised after our first fight and I can’t see any other outcome this time. This is a big opportunity for me. A victory will bring me closer to a World title fight, and that is my goal.’’

‘’This is going to be the biggest fight on Finnish soil in recent history,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’It’s a fight that’s been six years in the making, and we’re delighted to be back in Helsinki and back at the Hartwall Arena.’’

Tickets for the WBC Silver World Heavyweight Championship rematch between Robert Helenius and Dereck Chisora are available online via www.ticketmaster,fi or by calling the ticket hotline on (+358) 0600 10 800.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (March 31, 2017) – M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein (pictured above) has announced five M-1 Challenge events to be held this May and June.

Below is a Q & A with the veteran MMA promoter:

Can you tell us about plans for upcoming M-1 Global events?

VF: “In the next 2-3 months we will promote an extremely full schedule of events. Through the middle of June, we will promote five – I’m not afraid to use these words – grandiose tournaments. April 22nd there’s an event being held in Nazran, which was arranged with the support of the local government, and dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Ingushetia. On May 19th, in collaboration with Rostec and Rosoboronexport corporations, we will hold a truly spectacular event in Sochi. Our traditional tournament in Orenburg is set for May 26th, which regularly takes place at the highest level with a crowded venue. On June 1st, we will hold another event in St. Petersburg as part of the International Economic Forum program. And already on June 15 – A major tournament will be held June 15th in Harbin, China, during the program of the Russian-Chinese Expo. Both in St. Petersburg and China, we are included in the official program, so we will be participating in truly large-scale events.”

Fans are interested in fighters whose performances will decorate these tournaments. Can you reveal some of the competing fighters?

VF: “We will really surprise the audience at these events. A lot of negotiations are ongoing, including those with fighters who are the TopP-20 ranked fighters in the world. There will also be fights involving new fighters. Of course, we intend to make fights that fans have been waiting for a long time. One is the is the Idrisov vs. Buchinger rematch and, of course, probably the most anticipated fight in Russian MMA today, Shlemenko vs Emeev.”

The fight between Alexander Shlemenko and Ramazan Emeev had already been postponed twice. What prevents this fight from being canceled for the third time?

VF: “The desire of the two fighters can play the major role here. Everything has been done on our side. Alexander Shlemenko is ready for this fight. We’re waiting word back from Ramazan Emeev. This fight is interesting for fans and we will try to make it happen. People are starting to understand more and more about MMA and we are making fights that our fans want to happen. Not only does this apply to Shlemenko and Emeev. but for other popular fighters as well, including undefeated M-1 welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko, top lightweight Artiom Damkovsky, Damir Ismagulov, Sergey Romanov and many others. We try to sign contracts with only fighters who want to be in spectacular fights. Look at the last events in Moscow. Were any of the 11 fights boring? No! Even in undercard matches we have fighters who deliver exciting fights and often early finishes. This is the hallmark of our promotion. We do not hold uninteresting events or boring fights.”

Today, many promotions sign fighters who were fired from UFC. Why are you not doing this?

VF: “Certainly in that way. If fighters are interesting to the Russian public and well known, we will sign him. Otherwise, I believe that it is wrong to sign, so to speak, cast-off fighters. This will not add credibility and strengthen our organization in the MMA world. We do that a different way. We build stars that UFC chases. It may be more difficult but M-1 is more respected by the West for doing it this way. Look, those fighters who leave M-1 for the UFC leave because they’ve been developed through serious schooling, as we do not feed them “tomato cans” opponents. We do not make easy fights for anybody. Marcin Tybura, Rashid Magomedov, Mairbek Taisumov, Alexey Oleinik, Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkov, etc. All of them are our former fighters. They were not known at the beginning of their careers but now they are all doing excellent. Fighters of the other promoters who moved in UFC are often fired after a while because, here in Russia, they did not face tough opposition.”

How do you fight the departure of your fighters to the West?

VF: “Here, I disagree with you. It used to be that way. Now, to the contrary, many fighters want to perform in M-1 because it is no less prestigious than performing for Bellator, where the emphasis is on the show. Example of this are Alexander Shlemenko, Sergei Kharitonov, and others. These warriors gladly come to us and agree to fight here because the opposition in M-1 is not weak. Of course, regarding the departure of the fighters to the West, money plays a great role. But there are fighters who are grateful to M-1 for fame they gained. We paved the road to a greatness for them and, consequently, they do not rush to leave M-1 anywhere.”

INFORMATION:

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

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
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 160 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. 2016 was been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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

Women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE will make her highly anticipated professional debut against Argentina’s Virginia Noemi Carcamo at the Manchester Arena next Saturday, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

During what can be considered one of the most successful ever amateur careers for any female or male boxer, Adams secured a clean sweep of amateur titles winning every available accolade.

After a breath-taking amateur career, the hugely popular Double Olympic Gold Medallist will now embark on the next chapter of her remarkable story under the guidance of Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren; starting with a four round Flyweight contest against Carcamo on Saturday 8th April.

Carcamo, 32, has won four of her seven bouts, losing two and drawing one. Nicknamed ‘La Tigresa’, she has racked up 32 rounds under her belt since making her professional debut against Silvia Moreno in 2015. This will be her first time fighting outside of her homeland.

“Now that my first opponent has been announced, all I want to do is get in the ring – I’m so excited for my first fight,” said Adams. “Training with Virgil Hunter has been amazing, he’s taught me some great new things for my professional debut.

“All my focus is on Saturday 8th April and the road to becoming a World Champion. Together with Frank Warren, BT Sport and BoxNation we’re going to take women’s boxing to the next level”

Nicola Adam’s professional debut lands on the undercard of undefeated Terry Flanagan’s fifth WBO World Lightweight Title defence against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; fierce Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams clash for the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight crown and former Team GB Heavyweight monster ‘Dangerous’ Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

BROOKLYN (March 30, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs) will return to the ring to take on Long Island’s Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also competing in undercard action is four-division world champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) who will look to make history by becoming the first woman and the first Puerto Rican fighter to win a fifth world title in five different weight classes. Both the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts were announced at a press conference in New York City on Thursday.

SHOWTIME Boxing coverage of the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts will be announced in the coming days.

The April 22 event is headlined by former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter battling in a welterweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME and also features unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending against top contender Charles Hatley.

Additional undercard attractions feature a group of unbeaten prospects as Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego (11-0, 10 KOs) battles 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown, Julian Sosa (7-0-1, 2 KOs) entering the ring in a six-round welterweight fight and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.

One of the most feared heavyweights in the world, Ortiz has worked his way into the WBA’s mandatory position to fight the winner of the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko, who fight for Joshua’s IBF and the vacant WBA Super World Championship. The Cuban-born fighter had previously picked up the interim title in 2015 with a stoppage of Matias Ariel Vidondo and defended the title with a dominant knockout of former title challenger Bryant Jennings later that year. Last year saw Ortiz continue to run through heavyweight contenders as he earned TKO victories over Tony Thompson and David Allen plus a victory over Malik Scott.

Fighting out of Medford, New York, Rossy was a 2004 Golden Gloves champion and a defensive end for Boston College before turning pro in October 2004. Rossy owns victories over Axror Muralimov, Ray Mercer and Carl Drumond in addition to challenges top heavyweights Eddie Chambers, Vyacheslav Glazkov and Bermane Stiverne. This will be the ninth undefeated fighter that Rossy faces in his pro career.

Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 28-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in 2016 as she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship and followed that up with a victory over Alexandra Lazar to add a super bantamweight title to her collection. She most recently put on a show at Barclays Center in January when she defeated two-division champion Yazmin Rivas by unanimous decision.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan:

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m not a man of many words, but yesterday was my birthday, so with that extra year of experience, I’ll speak a little bit more.

“I’m ready to fight right now. I’m waiting for the opportunity to fight the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko. They better get ready, because ‘King Kong’ will be waiting for them.

“I work very hard to stay in shape. All year round I am in the gym and staying ready. When the time comes and I have a fight offered, I will always be ready.

“My plan is to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I feel like I’m with the right team now that will open those doors for me. Whoever they put in front of me, I will take care of them.

“I love fighting in New York because there are such smart fans here who really love boxing. They love the knockout and I’m excited to be here to do my job.

“I’ve been working hard and waiting to get a victory on April 22. Once I get past this bout, it’s on to bigger and better things. I’ll find out everything about Rossy that I need to know on April 22 and put on a great show.

“Age is nothing to me. So many fighters have competed into their late age. I still have a lot left in the tank.

“I would love to fight Deontay Wilder. We’re both big, tough fighters. These are the kind of fights that people want to see. I know that my time will come.

“We’re looking forward to this new relationship and this first fight on April 22. I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans and show my skills. I believe it will finally be time for ‘King Kong’ to come out of the jungle.”

DERRIC ROSSY

“When they brought the fight to me, I said let’s do it. We’re doing it right by fighting at Barclays Center.

“This is a real fight. I’m always ready. The fans are who pays us and they want to see a legitimate fight. This is going to be a quality matchup on April 22.

“I think our styles will match up well. He throws his hands well and I think I do the same. I sometimes try to be more evasive and I’m anticipating him bringing it. There might be some bull in a China shop, but then it could turn. We both adapt well in the ring.

“You can’t ask for anything better than this kind of fight. We’re both top-notch heavyweights and we’re going to go at it. It’s a thrill for me to be there regardless, but I think the fans are really going to be the winners.

“I’ve fought a lot of really good heavyweights. I won’t know how he stacks up until I get in there with him. All I know is that he’s tough, rugged and good.

“My situation is that I always have to stay ready in the gym. I happened to be ready when the call came and I said yes as soon as I could.

“I’m going to win this fight and it’s going to set up some big things. I’m in this business to get a world title. I have to go through Luis Ortiz to get there.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a show in front of the fans. That’s what I love to do and it’ll be great to do it at Barclays Center.

“I’m motivated to make history. This would be my sixth world title in five weight divisions. This is a goal that my whole team has had. We want me to be the first Puerto Rican fighter to conquer five divisions. I want to be known as the girl who made history.

“I think every fighter wants to be known as the best in the world. If I’m not the best, I want to be one of the best. I want to be remembered and open the door for girls around the world.

“I’m very thankful for everyone who came out here today. This is a great opportunity for me on April 22. I’m going for history. I want this so badly. I train hard and I have a great team taking care of me.

“What better place to make history than at Barclays Center in Brooklyn? No matter who they put in front of me, it’s going to be a night of fireworks. I’m doing this for female boxing. I’m going to show how much talent we have. This is the one that I want more than anything. I always put on a show for my fans in Brooklyn and my eyes are on the prize.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“I’m really happy today to announce some great additions to a terrific card on April 22 in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME. Everyone knows the main event is a great fight in the welterweight division. We also announced a 154-pound matchup as the co-main event with Jermell Charlo vs. Charles Hatley.

“The biggest announcement is that a very big man, is going to be on this card. All Luis Ortiz has done as a professional fighter is knock guys out. He’s one of the most feared and avoided men in the heavyweight division. Ortiz and his team want the biggest fights out there. He knows that being seen on a card of this magnitude is a tremendous opportunity.

“I know that Luis Ortiz has a big victory in mind on April 22 that will propel him to a bigger fight and eventually to the biggest fights in the world. This guy deserves the opportunity.

“Amanda Serrano is a great champion. She’s one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters I the world today. No female fighter in history has ever won five titles in five weight classes. But it’s even more amazing, given the long history of the sport on the island, that no Puerto Rican fighter has ever become a five-division world champion. On April 22 Amanda Serrano will attempt to make history.

“Amanda has won titles as heavy as 135-pounds and now she’ll be fighting at 118-pounds. That’s an amazing achievement. She’s always fought the best out there and she’s always proven that she is the best. She deserves the attention she’s getting. She may be the best fighter I promote, period. This woman stands should-to-shoulder with any of them.”

“I know that Derric Rossy is going to give a test to Ortiz. But he’s never been predicted to win. Every time I watch his fight against Bermane Stiverne, I saw him winning the fight. This guy is a real professional and he deserves this opportunity.

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re thrilled to be here announcing such a fantastic undercard from top to bottom. Amanda Serrano is looking to become the first woman and Puerto Rican to win world titles in five weight classes. A card this deep, you know that it is a SHOWTIME card.

“These are the kind of cards that SHOWTIME, Lou DiBella and Barclays Center are working on every day. This was a good event and now it is a great event.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“It’s been a special start to the year for Brooklyn Boxing. You think about January 14 and March 4 and what great nights those were. Now we have April 22 and it has become a special card. We’re excited about what we’re building in Brooklyn. We’re making great strides.

“I want to welcome Luis Ortiz to Barclays Center for the first time. I’m sure it will be a special night. We’re thrilled to welcome back Amanda Serrano as well for what should be a historic night.

“We’re going to continue to put on the biggest and best events we can. It’s been a great start to the year and we’re looking forward to more to come.”

# # #

ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW YORK (March 30, 2017) – Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Glenn Dezurn will meet unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in the eight-round telecast opener of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from MGM National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

The ShoBox tripleheader features undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs)in the main event and a matchup of undefeated welterweights in the co-feature, Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) squaring off in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Dezurn,(8-0, 6 KOs), a high school three-sport star athlete from Baltimore, Md. feels ready for his sternest test.

“I am really focused,” Dezum said. “I don’t put much thought on who I’m fighting. I just concentrate on being the best I can be on fight night. I go into the fight feeling that I am the underdog because nobody knows me. I see that as an advantage. April 14th will be a big step up for me.”

The 29 year-old will be facing his second consecutive undefeated opponent, is ready for the exposure that comes along with fighting on a nationally televised card.

“This is a very prestigious stage, I’m usually on the other side, watching, wanting to be there. Opening ShoBox for me it’s a great honor. I’m not going to disappoint. I’ve been staying focused because nothing is given. If you want results you have to work hard.”

A win over Davila, it will not only raise Dezurn’s profile, but it will also make him put him on a short list of super bantamweight prospects to watch.

“A win does a lot. It puts me at a different level, to face even better competition. It also shows me where I’m at-not only to myself but also to the boxing fans. I am not a guy who talks much. I am quiet guy who speaks in the ring, with actions and a good performance. I just look at the task at hand, and get it done.”

Davila (5-0, 3 KO’s), of New Brunswick, N.J., is a 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate who is stepping up in weight and opposition.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me. I’m fighting a fellow undefeated fighter and on television,” said the 28 year-old Davila.

Despite not knowing much about his opponent, Davila has a good idea of what he needs to do on fight night.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t know too much about Dezurn. I have seen him fight once. He’s a good fighter. He can pressure, he can step back and I noticed he’s a pretty good puncher. He’s a solid opponent.”

Like Dezurn, Davila will be taking in his second consecutive undefeated foe, and he knows that this could be a springboard to big things.

“I think this is a great opportunity. I just can’t get too caught up on the big stage-on this being on television, because at the end of the day, I step in that ring alone. After April 14, the boxing world will know who Leroy Davila is.”

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

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,
ww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 68 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

About MGM National Harbor
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) portfolio, MGM National Harbor has an unrivaled setting offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED® Gold Certified resort, which opened December 8, 2016, sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic casino with over 125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national and international chefs. For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Nominees for the 38th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards were announced today.

HBO® received 12 nominations.

Four nominations were for HBO Sports programming linked to Boxing.

The Boxing-related HBO programming nominated includes:

OUTSTANDING SHORT SPORTS DOCUMENTARY – (2)
TERENCE CRAWFORD: MY FIGHT
STATE OF PLAY: FIGHTING CHANCE- Raymundo Beltran [FILM 45]

OUTSTANDING EDITING – LONG FORM
24/7 CANELO/KHAN

THE DICK SCHAAP OUTSTANDING WRITING AWARD
HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – MUHAMMAD ALI: ONLY ONE (special seven-minute feature)

For a complete list of all the nominations, go to: www.emmyonline.org/sports

The 38th Sports Emmy Award winners will be announced May 9, 2017, in New York City at the Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center.

LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2017) Before Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) and KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) square off in a 10-round super lightweight main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship on Saturday, April 1 live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and broadcast live on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, the two fighters discussed their upcoming fight.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their showdown:

ANTONIO OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“For me, this fight is very important, I did not take it lightly as I know it is against KeAndre Gibson, a good fighter in this division. Gibson and I have fought on the same cards before. He’s a tremendous fighter, a quick guy and real good counterpuncher. Our styles are going to give fans a great fight.

“I have a sports nutritionist with me in this training camp, and I’m ready to come back better than ever. My focus at this point is April 1, from there we will see what is next. Right now, I want to give the fans an entertaining fight. Fans want to see a little bit of everything, and I want to give them what they want.”

KEANDRE GIBSON, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“My goal is a WBC world championship title, but right now my focus is on defeating Antonio Orozco. Obviously the hope is to knockout him out in the first round and get it done early, but I’m fully prepared to go to war and put on a good fight.

“I’ve been studying Orozco for a while now because I knew he was one of the top guys in my division. I feel like I’m more prepared for him than he is for me. He hasn’t really fought slick, quick boxing guys like me, so I feel like I’m more prepared to fight a guy with his style than he is to fight a guy with my style.”

Living up to its promise to bring the best fights to the fans, Golden Boy Promotions has upped the ante once again in putting together an action packed undercard to support Orozco vs. Gibson.

Hoping to make air time before the co-main event between Mercito “No Mercy”Gesta (29-1-2, 16 KOs) and Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (27-3, 22 KOs), Los Angeles’ Edgar Valerio (9-0, 5 KOs) will participate in the televised swing bout of the night in a featherweight fight scheduled against a soon to be announced opponent. Valerio comes back off a spectacular knockout victory from last December over Guadalupe Leon at the Belasco Theater and is looking to do the same in this upcoming bout.

Up and coming Glendora native Joet Gonzalez (15-0, 7 KOs) will face his toughest challenge yet in highly touted Derrick Murray (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, MO in an eight round featherweight fight. Known for his power punching abilities and impressive reach, the 23-year-old Gonzalez was last seen defeating Jairo Ochoa via fourth round knockout on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins’ final fight last December.

One of Los Angeles’ rising prospects, Emilio Sanchez (14-0, 9 KOs) will appear on this undercard to take on rugged Mexican fighter Jose “Flash” Bustos (11-7-3, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez in a super bantamweight battle scheduled to go eight rounds. With famed trainer Manny Robles in his corner, Sanchez has been a force to be reckoned with since turning professional in 2013 and comes off a unanimous decision victory over Diuhl Olguin last November under the LA FIGHT CLUB banner.

Kicking off the fights, the pride of Palmdale, CA, Cesar Diaz (4-0, 4 KOs) is sure to begin fight night with a bang in a bantamweight bout scheduled for four rounds against Felipe “Panterita” Rivas (17-18-4, 11 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico. Fighting for the second time in 2017, none of Diaz’s opponent have lasted past the third round in the ring against this talented, young fighter and his fists.

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round super lightweight battle set for April 1 presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. The ESPN3 and WatchESPN will livestream at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link:http://bit.ly/OrozcoVsGibson. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Antonio Orozco or KeAndre Gibson.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxing and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, and www.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPNBoxeo. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Philadelphia, PA / Manchester, UK (March 30, 2017)–Legendary Philadelphia fight face Artie Pelullo lands in the UK early next week confident of adding a 45th world champion to his stellar CV.

The 61 year old Italian-American’s highly regarded lightweight Petr Petrov (38-4-2) makes a mandatory challenge to home hero ‘Turbo Terry’ Flanagan, the undefeated WBO king, at Manchester Arena on Saturday week and he looks like being frantic. BT Sport and BoxNation screen live in the UK.

Last Wednesday, Glynn Evans spoke to the Philly-based promoter.

It’s been extremely difficult to find any background info regarding Petrov’s personality. Can you enlighten us?

I’ve been promoting fighters for almost 30 years now, including 44 world champions and I have to say that Petr is one of the nicer individuals I’ve come across; the type you’d have over your house. He’s just married the girl he’d been dating for a very long time. He’s a gentleman, a pleasure to work with.

Psychologically, how will he cope performing before thousands of baying Brits?

I’ve consistently gone on record as saying that the British fight fans are terrific. You’ll recall I had dealings with Ricky Hatton. They support their heroes like no other. But I guarantee that the crowd will not adversely affect Petrov.

Being on the road is actually like being at home for him because he’s never ever fought in Russia and hasn’t featured in his adopted homeland of Spain for five years. He’s won all six of his fights in the US and, before that, he competed in Germany, Argentina and Montenegro. I guarantee that facing a partisan crowd in Manchester will not affect his job. In fact, it will energize him, excite him.

And I’ve no problem whatsoever with the officials in the UK. Matter of fact, I won my first world title in Britain when Otis Grant outpointed Ryan Rhodes in his hometown of Sheffield for the vacant WBO Middleweight title way back in (December) 1997.

Before that, my fighter Tyrell Biggs was officially ahead on the referee’s card before Gary Mason knocked him out on a Mickey Duff show at the Royal Albert Hall (October 1989) and John Thompson was up on the cards before Liam Smith put him to bed at this very venue 18 months back. You always get a fair shake with the Brits.

What are Petrov’s qualities as a fighter?

I discovered him during his involvement in the ESPN Boxcino Lightweight tournament in early 2014 and, trust me, between the ropes, he’s the real deal. You only have to watch his tapes to appreciate that he’s relentless, smart, can box or punch and he’s blessed with a very good eye. Petr has a real understanding of what is going on in the ring at any given moment and he can adopt accordingly. He gives a 110% effort every time.

What is your assessment of champion Flanagan? What does Petrov need to be mindful of?

I was ringside the night Terry Flanagan hammered Diego Magdaleno in two rounds because John Thompson challenged Liam Smith that night and what I saw was a very, very good fighter. Terry’s a smart southpaw who’s very tough and keeps coming. No doubt, he’ll be looking to extend his very impressive unbeaten streak.

What course did you see the fight taking? What key factor will determine the winner?

This fight steals the show and could well be Fight of the Year, seriously. It’s that good a match up. Both Terry and Petr are TV friendly and fan friendly. It’s gonna be great theatre.

There’s no main factor that distinguishes one over the other. It’ll be about how two fighters at the very top of their games handle the pressure and stay with their game plan.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.