2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez weighs in for his first time as a professional

(All pictures by Courtney Wells / Kansas Star)

Main Event – Super Bantamweights — (6) – CBSSN
Nico Hernandez (pro debut), Wichita, KS 115 lbs.
Patrick Gutierrez (0-2, Las Vegas, NV 116 lbs.

(L-R) Nico Hernandez, promoter John Andersen and Pat Gutierrez

Co-Feature — Featherweights (8) — CBSSN
Tremaine Williams (9-0, 3 KOs), New Haven, CT 125 lbs.
Eduardo Garza (6-1, 2 KOs), Palm View, TX 124 lbs.

(L-R) — Tramaine Williams, promoter John Andersen and Eduardo Garza

Junior Middleweights (8) — CBSSN
Neeco Macias (14-0, 8 KOs), Tehachapi, CA 154 lbs.
Cesar Soriano (26-34-1, 16 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico 154 lbs.

(L-R) — Neeco Macias, promoter John Andersen and Cesar Soriano

186-LBS. Catchweight (6) – CBSSN (Swing Bout)
Jeff Page, Jr. (17-3, 11 KOs), Andover, KS 186 lbs.
Steve Walker (26-33, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO 184 lbs.

Junior Middleweights (4)
Efrain Morales (4-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS 155 lbs.
Robert Alexander Seyam (2-5, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS 152 lbs.

Featherweights (4)
Eric Vargas (1-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS 124 lbs.
Kevin Garcia (pro debut), Rio Rancho, NM 125 lbs.

Cruiserweights (4)
Juan Hollingsworth (pro debut), Winfield, KS 178 lbs.
Raymond Gray (1-1, 0 KOs), Columbia, MO 180 lbs.

WHAT: “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” professional boxing

WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2017

WHERE: Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, KS

PROMOTER: KO Night Boxing LLC

TELEVISION: Live on CBS Sports Network

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock & Joey Varner

RING ANNOUNCER: Justin Roberts

DOORS OPEN: 5:00 p.m. CT

FIRST BOUT: 6:00 p.m. CT

FIRST TV BOUT: 8:00 p.m. CT

TICKETS: $115.00 (ringside, rows 1 & 2), $75.00 (floor seats, rows 3-5), $60.00 (floor seats, floor rows after 1-5), $35.00 (lower bowl) and $25.00 (upper bowl). Suites seating up to 22 people are available to purchase for $2,500 (includes non-alcohol beverages and food). Tickets are available to purchase at www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena or www.ticketmaster.com. All ages show.

OTHER: TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.kansasstarcasino.com, www.konightboxing.com

Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia

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

Follow Nico Hernandez on Twitter & Instagram @Nicomhernandez and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms
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.

About Kansas Star Arena
The Kansas Star Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility, is located just off Exit 33 on the Kansas Turnpike and is adjacent to the Kansas Star Casino. The 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Kansas Star Arena is south-central Kansas’ home for big-name national acts such as Journey, Pat Benatar, Championship Rodeo, mixed martial arts events and more. The Arena accommodates up to 6,500 guests for headliner events. In 2014, Midwest Gaming and Travel awarded the Kansas Star more than 25 honors in its annual Reader’s Choice Awards, including “Best Concert Venue” in the state of Kansas. For more information, visit kansasstarcasino.com. Connect with Kansas Star Arena at facebook.com/kansasstararena and www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 24 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Boyd Gaming and Kansas Star Casino press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.

BEVERLY, Mass. (March 24th, 2017) — One year following a sold-out Massachusetts debut at the North Shore Music Theatre, CES MMA returns to Beverly, Mass., to continue its reign as the preeminent mixed martial arts promotion in the northeast.

MMA’s most prolific promotion returns with “CES MMA 43,” scheduled for Saturday, April 15th, 2017, just eight days following its “CES MMA 42” showcase in Rhode Island.

Similar to its North Shore debut in 2016, CES MMA will feature a mix of professionals and amateurs on the “CES MMA 43” card, a tremendous opportunity for the region’s up-and-coming future stars. Unbeaten bantamweight Marquis Brewster earned a promotional contract with CES MMA by winning his amateur finale a year ago at “CES MMA 35” and is now 2-0 since June.

Tickets for “CES MMA 43” are priced at $45.00, $55.00 and $100.00 (VIP) and are available online at www.cesmma.com, www.nsmt.org, or www.cagetix.com/ces or by phone at 978-232-7200 or 401-724-2253/2254. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET and the first bout begins at 7. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Headlining “CES MMA 43” is featherweight Pedro Gonzalez (11-5) of Gloucester, Mass., who faces Brazilian Bruno Dias (19-9) of Woburn, Mass., in a three-round bout. The 30-year-old Dias makes his long-awaited United States debut in MMA while Gonzalez returns for the first time since CES MMA debuted in Beverly last year when he defeated Andres Jeudi by submission in the main event.

Gonzalez carries a four-fight win streak into his April 15th bout against Dias, but recent injuries have derailed his progress. Gonzalez was scheduled to face regional standout Matt Bessette on AXS TV for the then-vacant CES MMA World Featherweight Title at “CES MMA 37” in August, but was forced to withdraw in late July due to injury.

Bessette went on to defeat Joe Pingitore to capture the title and successfully defended it at “CES MMA 41” 11 months later. A win over Dias at “CES MMA 43” could put Gonzalez back into the conversation among elite 145-pounders and set the stage for the long-awaited showdown with Bessette sometime in 2017.

Another familiar face in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, bantamweight Rico DiSciullo (6-1, 2 KOs) of nearby Somerville returns to face former Bellator and CES MMA vet Matt Lozano (8-4, 1 KO) of Lancaster, Pa. Lozano debuted with the promotion at “CES MMA 34,” earning an impressive unanimous decision win over Johnny Campbell.

DiSciullo stole the show at “CES MMA 35” in Beverly last year with a knockout win over Jake Constant, finishing his opponent with a thunderous slam to the canvas. The Somerville native looks to rebound from his first career loss at “CES MMA 38” against David Garcia.

Boston lightweight Lewis Corapi (8-3, 3 KOs), whose scheduled bout a year ago at “CES MMA 35” fell through hours before the first bell, makes his long-awaited North Shore debut April 15th against Vince McGuinness (5-6, 1 KO) of Tampa, Fla. Corapi rebounded from his loss to Julian Lane at “CES MMA 36” with a win in November and aims for back-to-back wins for the first time since 2013.

The “CES MMA 43” main card also features unbeaten Massachusetts lightweight Connor Barry (3-0) of Holbrook making his third CES MMA appearance in a three-round bout against three-time CES MMA vet Andrew Osborne (7-10-1, 3 KOs) of Fayetteville, N.C.

Quincy, Mass., light heavyweight Mike Rodriguez (6-2, 4 KOs) returns following his record-setting 7-second knockout win over Hector Sanchez at “CES MMA 41” and Myrtle Beach middleweight Justin Sumter (2-1) makes his CES MMA debut in a separate three-round bout.

“CES MMA 43” concludes an impressive stretch of three events in 15 days for CES, which includes CES Boxing’s second show of 2017 on April 7th at Twin River Casino.

Kicking off the spring tripleheader is “CES MMA 42” on AXS TV, featuring reigning CES MMA World Welterweight Champion Chris Curtis (14-5, 5 KOs) of Ohio defending his title against Lawrence, Mass., vet Wilfredo Santiago (7-3, 6 KOs).

Tickets for “CES MMA 42” are priced at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com or www.cagetix.com/ces by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“CES MMA 42” also features the return of fan-favorite Luis Felix (14-9, 5 KOs) of Providence, R.I., who faces Hot Springs, Ark., vet Dawond Pickney (10-6, 7 KOs), and Fall River, Mass., native Josh LaBerge (11-5, 5 KOs), who steps up to face 10-time CES MMA vet Saul Almeida (18-8, 1 KO) of Framingham, Mass.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 24, 2017) – Featherweight prospect DANIEL “TWITCH” FRANCO, (15-1-3, 10 KO’s) suffered his first loss on Thursday night against veteran CHRISTOPHER “S.D. KID” MARTIN, (30-8-3, 9 KO’s), with the Rancho Cucamonga, CA native being stopped in the third round at the EXCHANGE LA Nightclub in Downtown Los Angeles.

The heavy handed Franco started fast dropping Martin in the first round and dominating the action in the second stanza.

However, Martin valiantly fought back in the third round, dropping Franco to the canvas. Although badly hurt from the knockdown, Franco displayed the heart of a champion before being knocked down again as the fight was stopped.

“No excuses, Martin did what he was supposed to do. I felt good in the first two rounds but got caught with a very good punch in the third. I congratulate him on his victory, he earned it,” said a disappointed Franco.

“This setback sets up a big comeback and I’ll be back in the gym as soon as possible to get better and learn from this experience.”

Said Ray Chaparro, “Daniel did fantastic the first two rounds and had Martin hurt. But he got caught with a great punch from a smart veteran and that changed the course of the fight,” about the third round stoppage in the scheduled eight rounder.

“We’ll regroup as a team, however and will be stronger going forward.”

BROOKLYN (March 24, 2017) – Unbeaten WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo will defend his world title against No. 1-rated challenger Charles Hatley Saturday, April 22 live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter meeting in a 12-round welterweight world title eliminator.

Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) will face his mandatory challenger Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) after winning the vacant world title with a sensational eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in May of 2016.

“I’m once again ready to get in the ring and continue to build my legacy,” said Charlo. “I’ve been training hard, I’m focused and I’m even hungrier now that I have my belt. Charles Hatley has never been in the ring with someone like me and I’m going to do what’s necessary to get that win. My brother had an outstanding performance against Julian Williams and I want to compete with that. It’s motivated me and I’m ready to get out there and show off my power and skills.”

“I’ve been training for a long time for this fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Hatley. “I never stopped training since my last fight and I’m going to be ready to win that world title on April 22. Jermell is a good fighter, but he’s got a big mouth. I know we’re both training hard and going for the win, but I’m going to come out victorious.”

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.

“The 154-pound division is very hot right now, and Jermell Charlo is one of the best and most exciting fighters in the weight class,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Charlo making the first defense of his WBC world title against a worthy challenger like Charles Hatley is a terrific addition to this card on April 22, at Barclays Center, televised by SHOWTIME. It’s also fun to have Hatley’s promoter Don King around. Only in America!”

“Jermell Charlo has demonstrated that he is a force in the 154-pound division and his confidence has only grown with winning the championship,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This match against Hatley will further cement his place in the division. It’s the kind of challenge that will allow Jermell to display all of his power and boxing ability.”

“The silver champion will become the world champion on April 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said Don King of Don King Promotions. “We’re looking at a great fight. I know that Charlo will do the best he can. But he’s got two chances against Hatley – slim and none and slim is out of town.”

One minute younger than his brother Jermall, Jermellwon his belt last year and made the Charlo brothers the first pair of twins to hold world title simultaneously in the same weight class.The 26-year-old from Houston trains in Dallas and is unbeaten since turning pro in December 2007. Charlo took on a steady slew of contenders on his way to a world title, including victories over Vanes Martirosyan, Gabriel Rosado and Joachim Alcine.

The first-time title challenger Hatley enters this fight on a nine-bout win streak after traveling to Australia to beat former two-time world champion Anthony Mundine by 11th round stoppage in 2015. The Dallas-native turned pro in 2008 after an impressive amateur career that saw him defeat Keith Thurman on his way to a U.S. National Amateur Championship. The 31-year-old won his first 14 fights and went his first 18 bouts without a defeat.

Charlo vs. Hatley becomes the eighth title fight or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in the last 14 months on SHOWTIME or CBS, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters in one of the deepest divisions in boxing.

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.

Atlantic City, NJ (March 24, 2017)- Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith will headline a big night of action on Saturday, April 22nd at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and D and D Promotions.

The card will also feature many up and coming stars from the Philadelphia/New Jersey region.

Smith of Philadelphia has a record of 10-0 with 4 knockouts.

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion and a 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, turned pro in April 2010-at 130 pounds. Smith went 72-4 in the amateurs. Two of the victories came against current world-ranked contender Amir Imam.

He turned professional in 2010, and his wins over two undefeated fighters Alex Montes (1-0) and Lavelle Hadley (2-0). Smith also has a win over Bemjamin Whitaker (10-1) in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox series. In his last bout, Smith defeated Marquis Hawthorne on January 20th in Atlantic City.

The will be Smith’s 6 fight Atlantic City.

In the exciting eight-round co-feature, Gabriel Pham will battle Jerry Odom in a super middleweight bout.

Pham of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 8-1 with four knockouts.

The 28 year-old Pham turned professional in 2009, and won his first six bouts, which included a win over undefeated Michael Glenn (2-0). Since his only professional blemish, Pham has knocked out his last two opponents, with the latest being a 4th round stoppage over Chauncey Fields (4-10) on March 11th at The Claridge in Atlantic City.

This will be Pham’s 7th fight in Atlantic City, with this being his 3rd consecutive at The Claridge.

Odom of Bowie, Maryland has a record of 14-3-1 with 13 knockouts.

The 24 year-old is a 5 year professional. Odom won his first 11 bouts, which included a thrilling stoppage over previously undefeated Victor Quinonez (8-0) in six-rounds in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation.

Odom then was disqualified in his bout against Andrew Hernandez, when Odom hit Hernandez while he was down. The loss was extremely controversial, and Odom avenged that setback in dramatic fashion as he stopped Hernandez inside of a round in their rematch. Odom, who has appeared on ShoBox five times, stopped Julius Jackson (19-1) on July 22, 2016. In his last bout, Odom was stopped in five rounds by Philadelphia based upset specialist Taneal Goyco on November 11, 2016 in Philadelphia.

Appearing in six-round bouts will be:

Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KO’s) of New Brunswick, New Jersey taking on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

Ian Green (12-1, 9 KO’s) of Paterson, New Jersey taking on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Anthony “Juice” Young (15-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Tyrell Wright (9-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Jersey City, New Jersey battling Dan Pasciolla (9-2-1) of Brick, New Jersey in heavyweight bout.

John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, New Jersey will fight Tyrome Jones (4-0, 1 KO) of Chicago, Illinois in a super middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Super Middleweight Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, super featherweight Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, super flyweight Dylan Price (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, New Jersey as well as Manuel Rodriguez of Newark, New Jersey making his pro debut against will see action against opponents to be named.

Tickets range from $50 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577

Anthony Crolla says that he’s done everything he can to make sure he’s in the shape of his life for his rematch with Jorge Linares for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine World Lightweight titles tomorrow night at the Manchester Arena, live on Sky Sports.

The Lightweight stars clash again following their epic battle in September that Linares edged. The Venezuelan star returns to place the straps on the line against the hometown hero, looking for a third win in the UK after defeating Kevin Mitchell in another fight of the year contender.

‘Million Dollar’ Crolla has heeded the advice of trainer Joe Gallagher and locked himself away from friends and family to get in the best shape possible – and the Manchester hero believes that will pay off tomorrow night.

“I feel fantastic,” said Crolla, who scaled 9st 8lbs 8oz, 4oz heavier than the defending champion. “I feel better than I have ever felt. Camp has gone really well and there will certainly be no excuses tonight. I have had no distractions outside of camp and everything is good. It is a matter now of showing in the ring the improvements I have been showing in the gym.

“For fight week I have been living in a hotel, no distractions. I am covering all bases. After this fight I can say I have given everything, not just in training but outside of camp too. I have had no social life for the past few months and I will walk to the ring knowing that, knowing I have prepared in the best way I possibly can. There will be no ‘what if I had done this’, ‘what if I had done that’ – I have prepared the best I possibly can.

“I understand what Joe was saying and I think in the past I have been a bit stupid. I was running around with tickets at the last minute and stressing over things. I have been told it isn’t a good thing to do and I haven’t done that this time.

“It isn’t in any way used as an excuse for last time – I was here, there and everywhere not just with tickets but with lots of other things. That is only my fault – I didn’t want to let people down but I should have been concentrating on other things. This time I am a lot more relaxed and I believe I have prepared better.”

Crolla’s clash with Linares is part of a huge night of action in Manchester where there’s a crossroads battle of Blackpool as Middleweights Brian Rose and Jack Arnfield lock horns.

Martin J. Ward defends his British Super-Featherweight title against Maxi Hughes in their third clash in the paid ranks, Marcus Morrison defends his WBC International Middleweight strap against Jason Welborn, while his Joe Gallagher gym-mate Hosea Burton looks to bounce back into title contention from his epic battle with Frank Buglioni, Irish sensation Katie Taylor fights for the fourth time as a pro, while there’s also action for Tomi Tatham, Ben Sheedy, Nathan Wheatley and Sean McGoldrick.

Tickets are on sale priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from www.manchesterarena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for March 25 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.
ENDS

Running order and weights

5.10pm 4 x 3 mins Bantamweight Contest
SEAN McGOLDRICK v BRETT FIDOE
(Newport, Wales) (Evesham)
Followed by
6 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
BEN SHEEDY v ROB BROWN
(Manchester) (Bulford)
Followed by
8 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
HOSEA BURTON (13st 3oz) v TAMAS KOZMA (12st 13lbs 3oz)
(Manchester) (Hungary)

FLOAT/SWING 4 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
NATHAN WHEATLEY v CHRIS JENKINSON
(Warrington) (Bolton)

6/8 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight Contest
TOMI TATHAM v KAREL HOREJSEK
(Bentham) (Czech Republic)

LIVE FLOAT
4 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest
LAWRENCE OKOLIE (14st 5lbs 4oz) v GEOFFREY CAVE (13st 13lbs 1oz)
(Hackney) (Hammersmith)

LIVE 7pm on Sky Sports 1

12 x 3 mins British Super-Featherweight Championship
MARTIN J WARD (9st 3lbs 5oz) v MAXI HUGHES (9st 3lbs 8oz)
(Brentwood) (Rossington)
Followed by
10 x 3 mins WBC International Middleweight Championship
MARCUS MORRISON (11st 5lbs 4oz) v JASON WELBORN (11st 5lbs 3oz)
(Manchester) (Tividale)
Followed by
8 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
KATIE TAYLOR (9st 8lbs 8oz) v MILENA KOLEVA (9st 6lbs 2oz)
(Bray, Ireland) (Sliven, Bulgaria)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBA International Middleweight Championship
BRIAN ROSE (11st 5 & 1/2lbs) v JACK ARNFIELD (11st 4lbs 7oz)
(Blackpool) (Blackpool)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBA, WBC Diamond & Ring Magazine Lightweight Championship
JORGE LINARES (9st 8lbs 4oz) v ANTHONY CROLLA (9st 8lbs 8oz)
(Venezuela) (Manchester)

TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an action-packed weekend of live combat sports action, beginning tonight, Friday, March 24 at 9 p.m. ET, with LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai emanating from the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas.

Airing live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai will feature a flyweight showdown between undefeated Roberto Sanchez (5-0) and Klayton Mai (8-2) and a bantamweight co-main event pitting once-beaten Adrian Yanez (5-1) against Domingo Pilarte (6-1).

GLORY, the world’s premier kickboxing league, starts its Spring season with a live doubleheader on Fight Network this Saturday, March 25 from Forest National in Brussels, Belgium.

Up first at 1 p.m. ET, GLORY 39 SuperFight Series features a clash for the GLORY lightweight world championship, as reigning GLORY champion Sitthichai (113-30-5, 30 KO) defends his belt against No. 1 ranked challenger Dylan Salvador (49-11-1, 21 KO).

The complete six-fight card for GLORY 39 SuperFight Series can be found below:
Lightweight World Title Headline Bout: Sitthichai vs. Dylan Salvador
Lightweight Co-Headline Bout: Marat Grigorian vs. Anton Petrov
Heavyweight Bout: Hesdy Gerges vs. Chi Lewis-Parry
Catchweight (150 lb / 68 kg) Bout: Qinghao Meng vs. Killian Moulun
Welterweight Bout: Harut Grigorian vs. Pavol Garaj
Lightweight Bout: Tyjani Beztati vs. Sabri Ben Henia
The GLORY 39 Brussels main card airs live this Saturday, March 25 at 4 p.m. ET, headlined by newly crowned GLORY welterweight champion Ce?dric “The Best” Doumbe? (65-4-1, 39 KO) of France defending his belt for the first time against Swiss striker and No. 2 ranked welterweight Yoann Kongolo (64-8, 46 KO).

The complete five-fight card for GLORY 39 Brussels can be found below:
Welterweight World Title Headline Bout: Ce?dric Doumbe? vs. Yoann Kongolo
Featherweight Tournament Final Bout: Winner of Bout A vs. Winner of Bout B
Heavyweight Co-Headline Bout: Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Guto Inocente
Featherweight Tournament Semifinal Bout B: Serhiy Adamchuk vs. Nafi Bilalovski
Featherweight Tournament Semifinal Bout A: Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao vs. Aleksei Ulianov
The GLORY doubleheader will be televised live exclusively on Fight Network in Canada and Turkey.

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

Now that sanction has officially been granted, the next fight for red-hot undefeated super middleweight David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will be an eliminator for the #2 mandatory challenger spot in the WBC’s world rankings against highly regarded contender Rogelio “Porky” Medina, of Sonora, Mexico.

WBC #1-rated Callum Smith and WBC #2-rated Anthony Dirrell will fight for the vacant 168 WBC Championship (tentatively scheduled for May), the winner of that fight must then face undefeated WBC #3 contender, Avni Yildirim, from Turkey. The champion at the end of those two fights will be mandated to face the winner of the Benavidez vs. Medina eliminator.

For Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), who served as chief sparring partner for middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin’s recent preparations to face Danny Jacobs, news of the fight with Medina is a welcome development.

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I’m not going to let it go to waste,” said Benavidez. “I’m going to destroy this guy like I do everybody else. I have never trained this hard for a fight and I feel that, come fight time, I’ll be extremely strong and do it up.”

Considered a boxing prodigy by many, the 20-year-old Benavidez, who turned professional at age 16, is the brother of former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Jose Benavidez, and has been trained since age two by his father Jose Benavidez Sr.

Father/trainer Jose says everyone on Team Benavidez is aware of what’s at stake against the formidable Medina, who lost a controversial decision to IBF World Champion James DeGale’s last year, in a fight that many felt Medina won.

“We are excited and working really hard,” he said. “This is the toughest fight of his career, so we’re taking it super serious. This is a big opportunity for us to shine and look good and go to the next level. We were training with Golovkin here in Big Bear (California) and we’ve decided to stay here and keep training until the fight.”

“I know he’s a tough fighter and he’s been in a lot of wars, and he has a lot of experience, but I’m very motivated for this fight,” continued David. “We have a month and a half in training with Golovkin in camp already. Camp with him is hard work and training here in Big Bear gets you to the next level. The hard work I’m doing here will definitely get me this win.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says any remaining questions about young Benavidez will be answered in this fight.

“This is the final test for David Benavidez,” said Lewkowicz. “If he does to this guy what he did to so man other fighters, it will be time for the world to acknowledge that David is going to be a star in boxing. This test will show everyone that he is truly everything we’ve been saying he is since he was a teenager. I am proud of the hard work he is doing and look forward to this great victory.”

Date and site for the fight are being negotiated. More details to follow.
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 24th, 2017) — Anyone who knows boxing understands the history and prestige of the famed green belt, the coveted prize for winning a World Boxing Council (WBC) championship.

Established in 1963, the WBC has reigned supreme as one of boxing’s elite sanctioning bodies, representing 164 countries and sanctioning more than 2,000 world championship bouts, many under the guidance of former late president Jose Sulaiman.

The WBC also pioneered rule changes to further ensure the safety of fighters, among them the reduction of world championship bouts from 15 rounds to 12 in the early 1980s.

On Thursday night, Nick DeLomba and Jimmy Williams shared a rare opportunity to embrace the WBC’s history, which becomes a part of their future Friday, April 7th, 2017 when they face off for the WBC’s USNBC Welterweight Title at Twin River Casino.

CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., a longtime ally of the WBC who promoted its first USNBC championship 12 years ago, presented both fighters with a lavish, black suitcase emblazoned with the WBC logo Thursday at Lock 50 in Worcester, Mass., the first leg of CES’ multi-city press tour to promote the upcoming DeLomba-Williams showdown.

Upon Burchfield’s encouragement, they popped the gold brass locks on top and flipped the lid to reveal the distinguished WBC championship belt, complete with a stunning gold centerpiece featuring the sanctioning body’s logo adorned with flags of all 164 member countries.

“Lift that belt up,” Burchfield said as DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs) and Williams (12-0-1, 5 KOs) reached into the suitcase. “That’s the green belt. This is the real thing.

“Not only is this about what it means to win that belt, it’s where it takes you.”

The history of the USNBC championship is undeniable; nine current or former title-holders have gone on to win world titles and twenty-eight others have gone on to fight for a major world championship. Likewise, each of the five current USNBC title-holders are ranked among the top 40 in the world in their respective weight class.

The USNBC championship is an important first step, but, as Burchfield noted, it’s up to the winner to carve his own path. The 10-round DeLomba-Williams championship bout headlines a star-studded 11-fight card April 7th, CES Boxing’s second show of 2017 in its year-long 25th anniversary celebration.

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.

Originally born in Plainfield, N.J., but now fighting out of New Haven, Conn., Williams has won eight consecutive bouts since fighting to a draw with Greg Jackson, the only blemish on his record.

While playing college football at Southern Connecticut State University in 2008, Williams learned his mother, Belinda Jordan Williams, had been found murdered behind an abandoned building, strangled to death.

The case remains unsolved, but Williams hasn’t given up the fight, both in and out of the ring.

“She’s the reason my face is up there,” Williams said Thursday, pointing to the promotional banner featuring he and his opponent.

“Any man that steps in that ring with me is going to feel that pain. It’s nothing personal. This is what I’ve been through in life. Come April 7th, you’re going to see the best of Jimmy Williams. I’m focused. I’m ready. I’m in great shape. I know Nick comes to fight. This is a huge fight. The best fight the best. I respect him, but when that bell rings, he’ll know what time it is. April 7th, it’s on.”

A former soccer standout at Cranston West High School in Rhode Island, DeLomba rebounded from his first loss as a pro with three consecutive wins over Freddy Sanchez, Oscar Bonilla and Amos Cowart.

Like Williams, DeLomba also fights for his family, specifically his 1-year-old son, Nicolas Jr. – “He’s Italian, Portuguese, and he’s Puerto Rican, so I know he’s going to come out like a scrapper,” DeLomba quipped – and fiancée, Milly.

“Being a father has changed my life, DeLomba said. “This is what I do. I train day in, day out. They’re my drive. Just like [Williams] has something he fights for, my family is what keeps me going.

“We’re both gentlemen. I respect everything he said. I don’t have to say much, but if you haven’t seen me fight, April 7th, come see what all the noise is about. You’re going to see the best Nick.

“This the real belt. This is the real deal. It’s the green money belt. This is what all these fighters here want to fight for.”

The CES Boxing press tour continues Tuesday, March 28th, also at 6:30 p.m., at Powerhouse Gym in New Haven, Conn., located at 31 Bernhard Rd. The April 7th card features 11 bouts with 22 fighters boasting a staggering combined record of 105-16-8. Thirteen of those 22 enter with undefeated records, not including debut fighters Philip Davis of Worcester, Mass., and Ricky Delossantos of Providence, R.I., who face one another in a four-round super featherweight bout.

“This is the best card in New England in decades,” Burchfield said.

“[CES matchmaker] Michael [Parente], it’s really incredible what he does. He puts on the best of the best cards,” DeLomba said. “Look at all of these fighters here. They’re all great fighters and they’re fighting each other. Where else are you going to see a match like that? Where else are you going to see a card that has undefeated fighters fighting each other from top to bottom? You don’t see that, but that’s what Jimmy and Michael do.”

Two of those aforementioned undefeated fighters, junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (7-0, 1 KO) and Portland, Maine native Casey Kramlich (6-0-1, 3 KOs), face one another in the six-round co-feature.

Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (3-0, 2 KOs) battles Glenn Mitchell (2-0, 2 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio, and Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., returns to face Springfield, Mass., vet Miguel Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (5-0-2, 4 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rhode Islander and U.S. Air Force vet Zachary Christy (1-0-1) in a six-round bout.

April 7th also 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), in addition to a six-round 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.

Lynn, Mass., welterweight Khiry Todd (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Vincent Floyd (2-2-1) in a four-round bout and 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.

Robert Helenius (24-1, 15 KOs) and Dereck Chisora (26-7, 18 KOs) are set for a huge heavyweight rematch on May 27 at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland.

There is a lot of the line for both men, in what promises to be the biggest fight on Finnish soil in recent history, with both the WBC Silver World Heavyweight title and a shot at the current WBC World Champion Deontay Wilder up for grabs.

Helenius holds a controversial split decision win over Chisora from their all action showdown in December 2011, which many believed the British boxer did enough to win. However, the Finnish fighter says this time the decision will be left in no doubt.

‘’Chisora is a good fighter and I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m very confident I will win,’’ said the 33 year-old. ‘’Before our first match, I injured my right shoulder and had to fight for twelve-rounds with just one arm. If I was able to beat him with one arm, I don’t see any problems beating him when I have two.

‘’I am in great shape now, and I feel stronger than ever. It’s been a long road back since my shoulder operation, and I’ve been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this. I believe I am ready, and after I beat Chisora, I will be in a good position to challenge for the World title.’’

‘’I’m looking forward to going back to Helsinki and putting on another great show for the fans,’’ said Chisora. ‘’It’s a beautiful city with a lot of beautiful people. We had a lot of fun last time, and everyone knows who really won that fight. He can make all the excuses he wants, but that won’t help him on May 27.

‘’I feel like this is my time, I’m in my prime, and I can’t wait. I might be relaxed now, but when I leave London, I’m going to war. When I get on that flight I become a different person. Mr. Nice Guy is gone. It brings the vicious side out in me, and he’d better be ready!’’

‘’We’re delighted to be bringing this huge heavyweight attraction to Helsinki,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’The first fight between Robert and Dereck was something special, and this promises to be even better. They’ve got unfinished business, and on May 27, they’ve finally got the chance to settle the score.’’

Tickets for the WBC Silver World Heavyweight Championship clash between Robert Helenius and Dereck Chisora will go on sale Monday, March 27 at 9.00 (EET) and are available online via www.ticketmaster.fi or by calling the ticket hotline on 0600 10 800.

Marauding Midlander Martin Gethin is salivating at the prospect of getting stuck into feted prospect Jack Catterall on the talent stacked value for money bill at Manchester Arena on April 8th.

The 23 year old Chorley starlet – unbeaten in 17 – has cruised to Central Area, WBO European and WBO Inter-Continental glory since debuting as a teenager and is presently mandatory challenger for the British title and ranked second to formidable WBO Super-Lightweight boss Terence Crawford.

However, don’t expect rock hard former British lightweight champ Gethin to be quaking in his boots when they swap leather in a scheduled 10 rounder before BT Sport and BoxNation cameras on Saturday week.

‘I’ve never wasted too much time studying opponents but a few I’ve spoken to say Jack’s not been so impressive in his last few,’ claims the 5ft 6in Walsall nugget who enters fresh off an upset four round stoppage against ex Commonwealth champion John Wayne Hibbert last November.

‘Catterall appears to do most things well. He’s an awkward southpaw with a strong back hand so I’ll need to keep him off guard. For once, I’ve been focussing on movement rather than pressure fighting. The straight right hand usually does the trick against a southpaw but, if that’s not working, I’ve got the experience and tools to try something different.

‘Let’s be honest, he’s not been in with anyone proper yet. Tom Stalker’s probably the best one he’s fought. I’ve always been super fit and I do a lot of strength work so let’s see just how much grit Jack has late on, after the tough hard rounds I’m gonna put him through.

‘I guarantee he ain’t gonna get it easy on April 8th. I’ve built my rep by taking a bit of hammer, then working things out mid fight and outlasting my opponent. I was figuring (Terry) Flanagan out, hurting him with body shots before my ear went (Martin was forced to retire on his stool with a perforated drum after seven rounds of a July 2014 British title challenge).

Seasoned ring vet Gethin, 28-8-1 (12), knows he has mixed with – and sometimes beaten – far better men than Catterall has previously encountered. With a British title shot and world ranking probable if he can again upset the odds, he shall arrive in Manchester brimming with motivation.

‘All the pressure is on Catterall. He’s got everything to lose,’ concludes the 33 year old known as ‘The Quiet Man’.

‘It’s a huge fight for both of us. It has to be my last through of the dice and I’m really looking forward to it.’

Catterall’s showdown with Gethin 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 in one of the most eagerly-anticipated all-British showdowns in recent times; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight monster 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.

Warriors Boxing proudly announces the signing of Chicago-based bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson to a promotional agreement.

23-year-old Simpson (4-0, 2 KOs) will make his promotional debut under the Warriors banner at their next Windy City Fight Night, scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2017, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Simpson will face Mexico’s Jose Elizondo (2-2) in a six-round match-up.

Before turning professional in 2015, Simpson was a heavily decorated amateur boxer. Looking to try different after-school sports, he walked into a gym at age nine.

“By age 13, I started getting good and by 15, I was winning national tournaments,” recounted Simpson. “I was a 2012 Olympic alternate. I won the National Golden Gloves, National PAL three times and I was 2009 National Junior Olympic Champion. I fought the top of the top guys like (former WBA World Champion) Rau’shee Warren and gave them all they could handle. I finished with a record of about 177-20.”

Now an undefeated professional, Simpson trains with former world champion Montell Griffin at Body Shot Boxing Club.

“He (Griffin) knows everything,” continued Simpson. “He’s been through everything I want to get to. So, to learn from him helps me out tremendously and we get along very well. He’s going to help me become a world champion in multiple weight classes.

Simpson says the decision to sign with Warriors was an easy one for he and manager/father Tony Simpson.

“I think they were the best option for me. They have a lot of shows and have some great fighters. They even have a world champion in my weight class. This is a big opportunity for me. They do a lot in Chicago too. Leon and Dominic and their company are great people. I’m very comfortable with them and I get good vibes.”

While he professes to not knowing much about upcoming opponent Elizondo, Simpson lists his ability to adjust to any style, in-ring, as one of his best fighting assets, along with his hand speed and counter-punching.

“I can’t wait. I fought for them January 21 and I put on a great show. This one will be even better because I will have six rounds to work with. That will give me more time to show what I have in my arsenal.”

Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules says he’s excited for the future of young Simpson.

“Shawn can really fight. We watched about a minute of his fight at our show in January and you can just see he’s special,” said Margules. “And he’s very personable as well as gifted. He’s everything you want in a young fighter, to help them reach the top of their potential in the sport. I believe Warriors has signed a future world champion in Shawn, and I foresee big things happening for him.”

Simpson says it won’t take long for him to join his former compatriots at the top of the bantamweight division.

“A year from now, with my skill level, I should be ready for a big fight. I don’t think I’ll need the development time other fighters need. I fought all the top guys in the amateurs. I had a fight in the World Series of Boxing with a fighter as tough as anybody fighting for a world title right now. 2008 Bantamweight Olympic Bronze Medalist, Veaceslav Gojan from Moldova. He was 30 years old and we fought twice, and each won one. If he was a pro he’d be in the top of the division. If I can beat him, I can beat any of them.”

Other Chicago-based fighters appearing that night will be undefeated super lightweight Ramiro “El Lobito” Carrillo (11-0, 7 KOs) in the eight-round main event, as well as separate six-rounders featuring undefeated super featherweight Josh Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs); power-punching lightweight Jessica “CasKILLA” McCaskill (3-1, 2 KOs) and lightweight Jose Felix Quezada (11-1, 6 KOs).

Tickets for Windy City Fight Night are on sale now and priced at $101, $76, $51 and $36 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000, or the Warriors Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740 or by visiting the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Or they can be purchased the night of the event. A special VIP Lounge experience is available to select sponsors. Please call 312.622.7668 for more information.

CONTACTS:

Andre Courtemanche
Big Media Buzz
(954) 302-2462
bigmediabuzz@msn.com
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

NEW YORK CITY (March 23, 2017) This past Saturday night, March 18 at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, in front of a packed house of 19,939 boxing fans and millions watching worldwide, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN improved to 37-0 with 33 knockouts with a superb performance in a 12-round unanimous decision victory (115-112, 115-112 and 114-113) over #1 ranked mandatory challenger DANIEL “THE MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS (32-2, 29 KO’s).

The victory, telecast in the United States on HBO Pay-Per-View, was Golovkin’s 18th consecutive middleweight world title defense.

“We’re very happy with the promotion, clearly boxing fans in attendance and those watching internationally were provided an outstanding evening of entertainment, a goal we strive for with each event,” said TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions. “The main event saw the two best middleweights in a thrilling back-and-forth fight. Additionally, the co-feature between ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ, (46-1, 38 KO’s), and SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI, (42-4-1, 38 KO’s), was a very hotly contested battle throughout and is certain to be the leading candidate for ‘Fight of the Year’ lists.”

At the end of their 12-round epic clash, Sor Rungvisai was controversially declared the majority decison winner by scores of 114-112, 114-112 and 113-113. Said Loeffler, “I’m sure ‘Chocolatito’ will want a rematch to regain his title.”

Both memorable battles will be exclusively replayed this Saturday, March 25 on HBO Sports’ World Championship Boxing, at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT)

Continued Loeffler, “Our live gate on Saturday night was over $3.7 million, nearly doubling Gennady’s previous fight at Madison Square Garden against David Lemieux in October 2015. The international TV rights fees for the event to over 100 countries generated the highest revenue for any “GGG” fight.”

“Sponsorships also generated the highest revenue for any “GGG” fight, particularly with the addition of HUBLOT and CHIVAS, both of whom not only sponsored the fight but have designated Gennady as a brand ambassador which is a tremendous recognition for him.”

“Additionally, Gennady’s merchandise sales on Saturday of $150,000 also broke his previous Madison Square Garden boxing event record of $124,000 set at the Lemieux fight.”

“Finally our Pay-Per-View numbers are projected to well exceed those of Gennady’s first pay-pay-event, which were just over 153,000, with exact numbers still being calculated.”

NICE, CALIF. (March 23, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Marcos Hernandez will look to keep his perfect record intact when he battles once-beaten Kyrone Davis in action featured on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, Tuesday, March 28 from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated prospect Leduan Barthelemy battling the Dominican Republic’s Reynaldo Blanco in a 10-round super featherweight contest.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call the players club at (707) 262-4000.

Here is what Hernandez had to say about his training camp, his showdown with Davis and more:

On his current training camp:
“Like always, training camp has been tough. My team and I put in a lot of hard work. I have some great sparring in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, with some top-level guys. I know all the hard work will pay off on fight night. There are a couple of more days left before we wrap camp up. All in all, it’s been a great camp.”

On facing Kyrone Davis:
“Kyrone Davis is a very good fighter with a lot of skill. He’s never been knocked out so I know he has a good chin. This is a fight where the winner will get another opportunity to take his career to another level. We have a nice game plan that we will impose on Davis. I must take control from the first round and make my adjustments from there.”

On making his third appearance on FS1:
“I’m very happy to be back fighting on FS1. This will be my third consecutive time fighting on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and I can’t wait. I know a lot of my fans back home in Fresno will be tuning in. I just want to bring another exciting fight to the fans.”

On fighting at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino:
“I like fighting up at the Robinson Rancheria Casino. Being that this will be my third fight up there, I’ve developed a bit of a fan base with the local fans. The venue is nice and the fans are up close so it can get loud in there. I enjoy putting on a great show for everyone in attendance.”

On making his 2017 debut:
“I’ve eagerly been waiting to get back in the ring since I last fought in September. I want to make a statement being that this is my first fight in 2017. I know if I keep winning I’ll be back in the ring with the stakes much higher.”

# # #

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, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

The World Boxing Organisation today sanctioned the bout between Liverpool’s Liam Smith and Clydach Vale’s Liam Williams for the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight World Title.

Smith and Williams’ mouth-watering showdown will take place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

“I’m delighted that Frank has delivered this opportunity” said Smith. “I’d like to thank my management team and the WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Varcarcel for keeping faith in me. I said I would be a World Champion again in 2017 and this is my opportunity.

“The winner of this is a World Champion in waiting. I don’t think Canelo has any intention of defending the 154lbs World Title. This is a win-win situation for me. If I beat Liam Williams I’ll be in an unbelievable position again.

“If Canelo decides to defend his belt I think I could do a million times better against him in a rematch. It was well publicised that I had the worst training camp of my career heading into that fight.

“He’s a World class fighter and I want to test myself against elite fighters. If not, there are huge fights against the likes of Miguel Cotto out there for me. First and foremost I have to beat Liam Williams on April 8th.”

“This is a massive opportunity for me,” said Williams. “It is a huge fight and a brilliant chance for me to propel my name to the top of the sport. This is going to be a proper fight and I’m delighted that Frank keeps on delivering these opportunities for me.”

“There are some huge fights out there for me if I deliver on April 8th. I was already massively motivated for the Smith fight but this has given me another big boost. I’ve been working towards an opportunity like this all of my career and I’ll be bringing that belt back to Wales with me.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “I am delighted to have delivered this opportunity for these two outstanding fighters. This fight has all the ingredients to be a fight the year contender and now, with the added prize of the interim belt, there is more than just pride on the line for both.

“It is well documented that Canelo has plans to step up in weight and that could well see the winner of this becoming a recognised World Champion. It’s a great all-domestic clash that I don’t think will go the distance – they are going to come out swinging and it will be exciting while it lasts.”

WATCH THE EPIC SMITH – WILLIAMS PROMO HERE

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight standout 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.

Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla held a final press conference on Thursday in Manchester, England, for their rematch this Saturday for the WBA Lightweight World Championship, live on SHOWTIME (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT) from Manchester Arena.

Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) dethroned Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) in a close, back-and-forth battle last September in Manchester to capture the WBA crown. The Sept. 24 match was the first time the three-division titlist Linares was pushed the 12-round distance in his nine career world title fights.

Crolla has had success in immediate rematches. In 2015, he challenged Darley Perez for the WBA Lightweight Title and fought to a draw. Four months later, he knocked out Perez in five rounds to win the 135-pound title.

WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia will join the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL announce team as a guest analyst alongside host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi.

Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs), who won the WBC belt in emphatic fashion this January on SHOWTIME, may be scouting his future opponent – the WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face Garcia.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

JORGE LINARES:
“I know once again I have everyone against me in his backyard, but that’s why I trained hard.

“I’m not coming in here feeling like the champion. I’m coming in here feeling like the challenger because I know I have to win very clear to go back home with a win.

“It’s going to be a different Crolla this time. I have to perform like I know I can to defend my belts.

“I had a great camp. I’m anxious. I can’t wait to show you on Saturday night, put it all together and return home with my belts.”

ANTHONY CROLLA:

“I’ve always been better going in as the underdog. I know on Saturday night I’m going to need to be the very best Anthony Crolla to beat Jorge Linares. I really believe that if I show the improvements that I’ve made in the gym then I’ll get my belt back.

“I hope he comes in looking for the knockout. If Jorge comes looking for the knockout he breaks away from what he’s best at. And, if he does so, I believe it falls right into my hands.

“I’ve got to be cutting off the ring quicker this time. I’ve got to respond in bunches a little bit more. There are so many obstacles that are going to be put in front of me from Jorge Linares, but I believe I will have an answer for every one of them.

“It was one of the fights of the year last time. I can certainly see us both being even better this time.

“There’s a lot of people out there who think there is no way I can beat Jorge Linares, but I believe on Saturday night I’ll prove an awful lot of people wrong.”

Huntington, Long Island (March 22, 2017) -This Friday night at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York, The Burrell Twins, Scott and Dean will be back in action in highly anticipated bouts against tough competition.

Scott (12-2, 8 KO’s) will take on Anthony Karperis (13-2, 4 KO’s) in the ten-round main event, while Dean (11-1, 8 KO’s) battles John Hernandez (8-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout on the Joe DeGuardia Star Boxing card.

Scott will be making his first start since winning a unanimous decision over Joseph Perez (12-3-2) on July 23, 2016 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Scott will be looking for his 6th consecutive win.

“I’ve had the best training camp and preparation for this fight than any other,” said Scott Burrell. “We’ve left no stone unturned in and out of the gym. I’m ready to go out there March 24th and put on a show!”

“This camp has been all about pushing my limits and challenging myself to work outside of my comfort zone. My coaches have pushed me, my brother has challenged me. All that’s left now is the final test March 24th, which I will pass!”

“I’m looking forward to this fight, I’m looking forward to the challenge. My opponent has a good record and I’m fighting him in his hometown in front of his fans, I’ll have some people there too but this is where he built his career. I know have to go out there and dominant and show NY who Scott Burrell is! I feel I am the better all around fighter and I plan to show that March 24th in style!”

Like his 28 year-old twin brother, Dean has also been in a roll and will to be victorious for the 11th consecutive time, and has not lost since 2011.

Dean believes a win over Hernandez will be that breakthrough win that will carry him into the bigger fights.

“I’m feeling great, we’ve had a great 8 week camp, the hard work is done now it’s time to fight!” said Dean Burrell

“You reap what you sow, we have sowed the right seeds getting ready for March 24th, so I’m looking forward to reaping the benefits.”

“I always try to make sure that I have fun in preparation for fights, which we did. I’m looking forward to a tough fight against a tough opponent.”

Said the Burrell Twins manager TJ Marsé, “This is a huge night for the boys. They have worked so hard to get here and with this night of fights they both get a chance to shine together in front of friends and family. Our head coach Don Saxby has put in incredible work and for that we are extremely grateful. From training, to coaching, to management- this night is a culmination of a lot of hard work.”

This evening is also special for The Marsé Group family, as female as singer/songwriter/producer E L E N I will be present for a special performance!

The Burrell Twins are sponsored by Reebok.

Skender Halili 153.5 lbs. vs. Eduardo Flores 155 lbs.
Enver Halili 149 lbs. vs. Ariel Vasquez 147 lbs.
Ian Green 161 lbs. vs. Andy Mejias 160 lbs.
Yurik Mamedov 145.9 lbs. vs. Francis Gakpetor 145 lbs.
Aidos Yerbossynuly 162 lbs. vs. Riarus Dudley 166 lbs.
Frederick Julian 174 lbs. vs. Jermaine Corley 170 lbs.

Promoter: Greg Cohen Promotions, Rising Promotions and GH3 Promotions
Sponsor: David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions
Venue: Skylands Event & Conference Center, Randolph, New Jersey
TV: Sportsnet New York SNY (tape delayed)

Tickets for SUPER BRAWL® III are priced at Golden Ringside $150, Ringside $100 and General Admission $50 and can be purchased by calling the GCP office: 212.851.6425 or online at gcpboxing.com.

More information: www.gcpboxing.com, www.risingboxingpromotions.com, www.skylandsecc.com.

Twitter @Skylandsecc @gcpboxing
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes Undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, Undefeated WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Robert Brant, WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Mason Menard, former WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Ismael Barroso, top 10 world-rated contender Rico Mueller, undefeated WBA International Bantamweight Champion and world-rated contender Mzuvukile Magwaca, WBO Oriental Super Welterweight Champion and world-rated contender Dennis Hogan, IBO World Featherweight Champion Lusanda Komanisi, former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion Kendall Holt, as well as current top 10 world-rated contenders cruiserweight Olanrewaju Durodola, Filipino Jr. Lightweight star Harmonito Dela Torre, Filipino Super Lightweight Czar Amonsot, and top 15 world-rated contenders featherweight world title challenger Eric Hunter and Guyanese bantamweight Elton Dharry.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

OXNARD, CALIF. (March 22, 2017) — Undefeated champions and 2012 Ukrainian Olympic medalists VASYL LOMACHENKO, ALEKSANDR USYK and OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK hosted a Media Workout at World Boxing Gymnasium in Oxnard, Calif. today. All three are in deep training for their title defenses, which will take place Saturday, April 8, at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD. The event has been sold out for weeks. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions, K2 Promotions, K2 Promotions Ukraine, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Kiddar, the three title fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Lomachenko, Usyk and Gvozdyk were joined at their media workout by two-time Lithuanian Olympian “Mean Machine” Egidijus Kavaliauskas, who will be on the April 8 non-televised undercard in a six-round welterweight bout.

Lomachenko (7-1, 5 KOs), of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine, arguably boxing’s top pound for pound fighter, makes his 2017 debut coming off a year that saw him named “Fighter of the Year” by several media outlets. Already a two-division world champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Lomachenko 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. Usyk (11-0, 10 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, and a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, will be defending his WBO cruiserweight world title against Top-10 contender MIKE HUNTER (12-0, 8 KOs), from Las Vegas, Nev. Gvozdyk (12-0, 10 KOs), from Kharkiv, Ukraine, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, enters this fight having won 10 of his last 12 fights by knockout. He 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.

Here are the fighters’ quotes:

Vasyl Lomachenko

“Jason Sosa is very strong, is motivated, wants to win and he can fight all of the twelve rounds. It will be a hard fight. That I know.

“My Top-Three pound for pound list is GGG, Kovalev and Crawford. I don’t want to be Number One until I deserve it. That means fighting and winning against two or three world champions. After that I may be Number One but for sure not now.

“I like the weight division I am in. I have no problems making weight. I am not that anxious to leave my division and not sure I will ever fight at 140. It’s hard to look ahead but right now I am comfortable in my division where I have plenty of champions to fight against.”

Oleksandr Gvozdyk

“I am going into a serious fight against Yuniesky Gonzalez. He is strong, experienced, puts pressure on you, tries to drive you into the ropes. He’s a tough guy and I have to deal with him. I work hard every single day trying to be the best in my division.”

Alexsandr Usyk

“I have watched video of Michael Hunter and have a good idea of what he is all about. It’s going to be a great fight. As an amateur I was trained by the best – Anatoly Lomachenko – just look at who he has produced as great professional fighters.”

“Mean Machine” Egidijus Kavaliauskas

“I do get real mean the moment I leave the locker room, walk up the ring steps and get onto the canvas. And this is going to a big year for me. I am getting closer to my goal, a world title fight.”

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

The HBO special 2 Days: Vasyl Lomachenko premieres This Saturday, March 25 at 12:10 a.m. (ET/PT) on HBO immediately following the replay of the two titles fights from Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

In addition to Kavaliauskas, the non-televised undercard will feature undefeated No. 1 super middleweight contender JESSE “Hard Work” HART from Philadelphia, PA., and local favorites from the metro Washington, D.C. area, including undefeated prospects MIKE “Yes Indeed” REED and PATRICK HARRIS in separate bouts.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #LomachenkoSosa to join the conversation on Twitter.

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.

Burbank, CA (March 22, 2017) -Rebel T Promotions will make its inaugural boxing event “Genesis” on April 15th at the Marriott Burbank Convention Center and will showcase the ready talent of California natives.

Saturday, April 15 Rebel T Promotions, in association with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions will host the main event of the evening. Rolando Garza (9-1-0 6KO’s) who will step back into the square circle (opponent TBA). Showcasing their talent on the debut of Rebel T Promotions will also be Ronald “Akeem” Ellis (14-0-0 10KO’s) as well as the talented California local, Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (8-0-0 1KO).

Garza who signed with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotion back in 2016, is ready to make his redemption after his devastating loss last September in Las Vegas against Neeco “The Rooster” Macias. Ronald “Akeem” Ellis is looking to continue his winning streak and continue the celebration. Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada will step in that ring and gracefully keep her #1 spot in the light flyweight division.

First highlight of this stacked card will be the professional debut under the Rebel T Promotion Banner is Whittier’s own Lorraine Villalobos who will enjoy the comfort of a home-field advantage. She will try to weather the storm of 4x boxing and 3x MMA combatant, Kaiyana “Rain” Tan (1-3-0) who wants nothing more than to hand Lorraine her first loss.

“I started Rebel T Promotions out of love for boxing and MMA,” stated Tony Hua, CEO of Rebel T Promotions. “My goal is to have events that will showcase the best boxers that the world has ever seen, that is the reason Lorriane was the 1st (women) fighter signed to Rebel T Promotions. I want to have a place for rising stars to earn their place among the puglilist of their time, as well as give fight fans an amazing experience that could inspire a generation.”

The undefeated Ricky Frausto (1-0-0) will face off with David De La Cruz (0-1-0) in a 4 round middleweight affair where Ricky will risk it all to keep his perfect record unblemished. Following that bout, the featherweights will take center stage when knockout artist Humberto Rublacava (5-0-0 4KO) attempts to crush “El Conquistador” Cesar Martinez (4-5-2 1KO)

Son(s) of the legend Hector Lopez (former Jr. Lightweight World Contender) and Hall of Famer look to go to war to carry the torch of their late father. Adam Lopez (4-0-0 2KO) locks horns with Francisco Mura (3-5-0) at 122lbs in the first 6 round bout of the evening, while his brother, Hector Lopez Jr. (4-0-0 3KO) will take on vastly more experienced 20 fight veteran, Alejandro Ochoa (7-13-2 1KO).

Crippling Cruiserweights come up next seeing longtime mixed martial arts veteran Sean Loeffler (7-0-0 7KO) make his USA Boxing debut and places his undefeated boxing record on the line when he opposites Oswaldo Ortega (1-4-0 1KO). Sean has seen the bright lights of King of the Cage and Bellator while amassing an impressive 29-5 mark with only one fight ever reaching the final bell. He has carried his KO power into the sweet science as all of his 7 bouts have been finished on the first round.

Ricardo “El Nino” Sandoval (6-1-0 6KO) will roll into the Marriott Burbank Convention Center looking to showcase his KO power as well. All of Sandoval’s victories have come by vicious KO, much like those of Loeffler’s.

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

Tickets, priced at $120.00 V.I.P. ringside, $85.00 ringside, $75.00, $65.00 and $58.00 general admission and all tickets are on sale at http://www.ticketforce.com Taxes and fee apply.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.rebeltpromotions.com, http://www.royjonesjrboxing.com,

Twitter: @RoyJonesJRFA

Instagram: @RebelTPromotions, @RoyJonesJRBoxing

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/rebeltpromotions

About Rebel T Promotions: Started with the passion for the sport, Founder / CEO Tony Hua knew his life journeys would lead him on a path of success in the boxing world. As a graduate from the University of Iowa, Tony Hua spent his collegiate time heavily involved in MMA and grappling, helping him gain the knowledge of the fight world works not only for fighters, but from the logistical aspect as well. Fast forward to 2017 and Tony Hua has now turned his passion into reality with the newest Promotion company amidst the boxing world. For more information, visit rebeltpromotions.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @rebletpromotions

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. Based in Las Vegas, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as undefeated super welterweight John Vera and former 3-time world super bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, along with Tony Lopez and Hanzel Martinez, lightweight Demond Brock, super featherweight Bryan Vasquez & Randy Moreno, super flyweight Aston Francis Palicte, super welterweight Daniel Rosario Cruz and Rolando Garza, cruiserweight Irsael Duffus, bantamweight Max Ornelas, super lightweight Emanuel Robles, middleweight Rolando Garza and light heavyweight Adrian Taylor.

Jr.Middleweight contender Frank Galarza, 17-2-2(11kos) has hired Adrian Clark of AC Sports Management, LLC to guide his career moving forward. Galarza is coming off of consecutive losses against current Jr.Middleweight champ, Jarrett Hurd and former Jr.Middleweight champ, Ishe Smith.

The 31 year old from Brooklyn, New York is hoping to get back on track and finish his career strong.

“I know that I have a lot of fight left in me. The past 2 years were tough but that’s the business for you. I am glad to have the right team behind me, now. Big things ahead,” said Galarza.

Galarza climbed to contender status with a limited amateur background. His 2014 knockout of then undefeated John Thompson gave attention to the hard punching Brooklynite who has 11 knockouts in 17 of his wins.

Adrian Clark of AC Sports will come in as Galarza’s primary representative but he will be joined by Frank’s former manager, AJ Galante as a special advisor.

“It wouldn’t be right if AJ was not involved. I reached out to AJ and told him that I wanted to work for Frank but he (Galante) had to be on board. I am excited to work with Notorious FG and AJ. This will be a great team effort”. Clark stated.

Clark did not specify a date of Galarza’s return but mentioned that he has been in contact with a few promoters interested in signing Galarza.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 22, 2017) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) will meet once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) 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.

“I have to give Omar Douglas credit for taking this fight,” said Cherry. “We’re both very hungry, so I think this is going to be entertaining for the fans. Omar is coming off of a loss so I know he needs this win. We both come with speed and power. It’s going to be fireworks on April 4.”

“I’m looking forward to a great fight on April 4,” said Douglas. “I have a good experienced opponent in front of me. This fight will show my full arsenal, because I know he’s going to bring pressure. I can box or come forward. I plan to use my jab to win rounds and get this victory.”

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, Fla., enters this fight after a victory of Haskell Rhodes in June of last year and is 11-1 since 2009. His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge in 2015 against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down another contender on his way to another title shot.

Fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas looks to bounce back after losing a narrow decision to former world champion Javier Fortuna in November. The 26-year-old impressed in his previous two outings when he defeated De Alba in a step up fight in 2015 and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June 2016. Douglas has had his last five fights in Pennsylvania after an amateur career that saw him become a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Glove champion.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Fulton is coming off of a 2016 that saw him stop previously unbeaten Adalberto Zorrilla and Cristian Renteria. The 22-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and will be looking to make it a perfect 11 wins in 11 pro starts when he enters the ring on April 4.

A pro since 2013, Rosario fights out of Cidra, Puerto Rico and was unbeaten in his first six bouts before making his U.S. debut in June 2015 with a third-round knockout of Aaron Hollis in Alabama. He followed that up in Cincinnati with a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Hollis and most recently he won an eight-round decision over Saul Hernandez.

The 29-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in December 2015, when he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas, but he has rebounded with four straight victories since. His last win came over German Meraz in February and he will be fighting for the fourth time at Sands Bethlehem on April 4.

A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 27-year-old Kielczweski has an exciting style and always makes competitive fights. Born and raised in Quincy, MA., he won his first first 22 pro fights and enters this contest a winner of four of his last five outings. Most recently he scored a first round knockout over Francisco Medel in December 2016.

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

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes 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.

Lauded Welsh trainer Gary Lockett says undefeated British Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams is a better boxer and harder puncher than Liverpool’s Liam Smith. The fierce Anglo-Welsh rivals clash in a mouth-watering matchup at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Lockett, himself a former World Middleweight title challenger, believes the momentum is with his man. Williams enjoyed successful 2016, defending his Lonsdale belt for the first time at the Cardiff Ice Arena in July and winning the WBO European strap in front of noisy home fans at the Motorpoint Arena in November.

‘The Machine’, touted by many as Welsh boxing’s next megastar, possesses brutal punching power in both hands, but Lockett believes it is his technical ability and boxing brain that will win him next month’s showdown.

“I’m in the gym with Liam Williams every day and, trust me, his biggest attribute is his technical ability, not his strength and power,” said Lockett. “This is what will surprise people in this fight. The kid won six British (junior) titles in the amateurs. He knows how to box.

“Once Liam (Williams) started to find his power a few years back, as he matured physically, he became overly reliant on it. The (Gary) Corcoran British title defence brought a lot of pre-fight hype but we always sensed it was unlikely to be competitive and that reflected in the sloppy way in which Liam boxed. He’ll need to use his brain a lot more if he’s to topple Liam Smith.

“I honestly believe that Liam Williams’ all round ability is higher than Liam Smith’s. That’s what my confidence is based on. Smith has an edge in body punching, shot selection and experience but Williams is a better boxer, has superior footwork and is the harder puncher. That’s what will prove decisive, I believe.”

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight standout 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.

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2017) Returning to the Manchester Arena for part two of the highly anticipated rematch for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship on Saturday, March 25, both current Champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) and former champion Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (31-5, 15 KOs) have vowed to come back into the ring at full force, ready to take home the belts both fighters claim belong to them. Linares vs. Crolla II will be live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England and available to U.S. fans on Showtime, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Here is what the fighters had to say at the conclusion of their training camps:

JORGE “EL NINO DE ORO” LINARES, Current WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion:

“I feel extremely prepared for this fight. I have been training since January 10 of this year, kicking off my training camp in Okinawa, Japan. I would run 10 miles in the morning, 10 miles in the afternoon, and even did training doing hard labor. I then returned to Las Vegas at the end of January, to keep training for three hard months in the mountains, running a total of 30 miles a day at an altitude of 9,000 miles.

“I have had more than 150 rounds of sparring, and I am honest when I say this is the best training camp I have ever had. I am at 100 percent physically and mentally. I am honestly so happy because we are right where we want to be for this fight, ready to show the world who I am inside the ring.

“Crolla could come better prepared than last time. Maybe he will throw more punches, maybe he will box more, I don’t really know. The most important thing is I hope he has worked really hard and comes in great condition so there are no excuses and no doubts after the fight.

“I really think coming to train with Ismael Salas made the difference. It’s what helped me really establish myself as a professional fighter and to gain more experience. We learn ‘old school’ as Salas always says. It really has worked well for me in the two years I’ve been with him.

“I’m happy to be back here in England again and have another opportunity. I get treated very well, I feel comfortable fighting here. The fans here have a lot of boxing knowledge and they know me well. It’s nice, I feel at home.”

ANTHONY “MILLION DOLLAR” CROLLA, Former WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine World Lightweight Champion:

“We’re both bringing different game plans to the ring and there’s no doubt that we’ll both leave it all in the ring again, like we did last time. I did everything I could to win last time but I came up short; the right man won but there wasn’t a lot in it. This time I am going to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s a second chance to win those belts and a second chance to beat a great fighter like Jorge, and I’ve prepared myself physically and mentally to be better than him this time.

“There’s a lot of respect between Jorge and I, there was for the first fight and there will be again. He’s a gentleman, a great fighter and a great guy; but this is business, and I’ve got no problem getting in the ring with him again and going to war.

“I have had no social life for the past few months, and I will walk to the ring knowing that, knowing I have prepared in the best way I possibly can. There will be no ‘what if I had done this’, ‘what if I had done that’ – I have prepared the best I possibly can.

“I feel better than I have ever felt. Camp has gone really well and there will certainly be no excuses. I have had no distractions outside of camp and everything is good. It is a matter now of showing in the ring tonight the improvements I have been showing in the gym.

“The rematch was always top of my list. Linares is at the top of the pile in the lightweight division and if there was a chance of having a rematch, that was always more important to me than any other fight. I want to fight the best and be involved in the big fights and that’s what this is.”

Linares vs. Crolla II is a 12-round lightweight bout for the WBC Diamond, WBA and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championship on March 25 at the Manchester Arena presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Betfred.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.matchroomboxing.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @MatchroomBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya @JorgeLinares, @ant_crolla; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @MatchroomBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @jorgelinaresofficial, and @ant_crolla86.

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2017) – Golden Boy Promotions today announced that it has signed WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Champion and knockout artist Romero Duno (13-1, 12 KOs) to a multi-year promotional contract. Duno, of General Santos City, Phillipines, was last seen in the ring at the March 10 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB where he scored a second round knockout of Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (16-1, 14 KOs) to claim the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight title in his U.S. debut before a sold out crowd at the Belasco Theater and televised live on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar.

“I am very thankful to Golden Boy Promotions for giving me a chance to showcase my talent on the big stage,” said Duno. “I also want to thank my team Sanman Boxing for believing in me. I still cant believe that this is happening to me, God is good.”

“We saw Romero’s power in the ring-he is the real deal,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “He has exceptional power, along with the talent and desire to be a great fighter. He could be the next big boxing star from the Phillipines as time is on his side, and I’m pleased he chose Golden Boy to introduce him to a wider audience in the U.S.”

At just the age of 21, Duno has accumulated an impressive record that represents his speed and skill as a knockout artist with three of his last four wins coming by way of stoppage. Having turned pro in July 2014, Duno has fought only twice outside in native Phillipines: Russia in May 2016 where he experienced his first career loss and March 2017 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Duno received a hero’s welcome when he returned home to the Phillipines from Los Angeles on March 22, with hundreds greeting and cheering him at the airport.

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

Kell Brook will defend his IBF World Welterweight title against US star Errol Spence at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Saturday May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office and on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in the US.

Brook makes the fourth defence of his beloved IBF strap he landed in the States in August 2014 with a career-best win over Shawn Porter, and blitzed Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier before stepping up to Middleweight to face fearsome Kazakh Gennady Golovkin at The O2 in September – and now the Sheffield star welcomes another unbeaten superstar into the ring.

Undefeated Spence became the mandatory challenger for Brook’s belt when he blasted Leonard Bundu 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.

Brook and Spence now clash in the biggest fight in the 147lbs division, and the elite pairing are promising to deliver an electric night at the home of Sheffield United FC.

“I’m so excited about this fight and also about making history in my city,” said Brook. “It’s long been a dream of mine to fight outdoors at Bramall Lane and I’m pleased to do that in the biggest fight in the Welterweight division. I saw many people talk about how I would avoid Errol Spence – they don’t know me, they don’t know what I’m about. All I’ve ever wanted to do is to give the fans the fights they want and they have it right here on May 27 – I’m going to show the world that I’m the best Welterweight on the planet and I’m going to do it right before my people’s eyes.”

“I’m happy I’m finally getting an opportunity to accomplish a lifelong dream of becoming a World champion,” said Spence. “I feel that this is one of the best and biggest fights in world boxing and I am 100 per cent focused and determined to bring the belt back home to the USA – on May 27 I will be more than ready.”

“This is one of the best fights in world boxing,” said Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Many believed that Kell Brook would look to avoid Errol Spence but he is a proud man who never ducks a challenge. Coming off the fight with GGG this is an extremely tough fight to come back to but I believe Kell Brook is the best Welterweight in the world and he will have the chance to prove it on May 27. It’s ‘The Special One’ vs ‘The Truth’, a historic event at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane – we are planning an unforgettable night.”

“This is great news for Kell and Sheffield United,” said Sheffield United director Scott McCabe. “We have been working with Matchroom for some time to bring this high profile fight to our Bramall Lane stadium where we have exciting plans to stage further significant events utilising the high standard facilities that have been developed by the Club in recent years.”

Brook and Spence come face-to-face at a press conference this week where Hearn will announce the ticket details for the event.

NEW YORK (March 21, 2017) – Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., j just outside of Washington, D.C.

Known for his aggressive style, Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a prominent amateur who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes. Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance on ShoBox.

In a co-featured matchup of undefeated welterweight prospects, former amateur standouts Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round 147-pound bout.

In the telecast opener, Baltimore featherweight Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by the renowned Barry Hunter, will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the event, which is 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.

Dmitry Bivol vs. Samuel Clarkson – 12 Round Light Heavyweight Bout:
Bivol, who compiled an impressive amateur record of 285-15, is looking to break through in a division which features the likes of Adonis Stevenson, Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev and Badou Jack. Last May in Moscow, the 26-year-old won the Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title in only his seventh professional fight with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Felix Valera.

Bivol has since won twice, both times on Russian soil, including a fourth-round knockout of Robert Berridge in defense of his interim belt.

“I am very glad that this will be my first fight televised in the U.S.,” said Bivol, who is fighting for the third time in America. “It’s great that this is main event because that motivates me. Clarkson is a good defensive fighter. He can be aggressive and I expect this to be a tough fight. I look forward to introducing myself to American fans with a great performance, and I plan to defend my title with an exciting victory.”

Clarkson has registered nine consecutive victories following a loss to the current unbeaten Jesse Hart (21-0). Clarkson moved up in weight to beat Cedric Agnew (27-1) in February 2015, and has ShoBox knockout wins over Jerry Odom (13-1) in July 2015 and Lavarn Harvell (15-1) in October 2015.

“This is a huge opportunity to prove my abilities to the world,” Clarkson said. “Bivol is a crafty fighter from Russia and had a very impressive amateur career, mostly at 165 pounds. He’s a good fighter and I definitely have to bring my A-game.

“I’m ready for the challenge because I do really well against European fighters. European fighters are slow and come forward a lot, and they’re not big on head movement. We are working hard and have a lot of guys in the gym who fight with a similar style. By fight time I’ll be ready for anything he has.

“I had to make up my mind if I wanted to be the lion or the lamb and, in the end, I decided I don’t like losing. I rededicated myself and now I can’t be stopped.”

Juan Ruiz vs. Malik Hawkins – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout:
The son of a former fighter, Ruiz is originally from Venezuela and fights out of Baja California, Mexico. He lost just eight times in 220 amateur fights, was a six-time Venezuela national champion and was part of the Venezuelan National Team. The undefeated Ruiz has won via knockout in seven of his last nine fights.

“This is a golden ticket for me to show what I’m capable of,” Ruiz said. “I will do my best to give the fans watching on TV and those attending the fight the best show possible.”

The 21-year-old Baltimore-resident Hawkins was 92-8 as an amateur and shares the same trainer – Calvin Ford – as stablemate and IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis. Hawkins, who was the 2012 Bronze Medalist in the Junior Olympics, will face his toughest test to date in fellow undefeated Juan Ruiz.

“This is a huge chance for me to showcase my skills and show I belong among the best in the welterweight division,” Hawkins said. “There’s nothing he can bring I haven’t seen, and I plan on making him fight my fight.

“I get better when I fight talented fighters. To be honest, nobody I have fought so far has brought out the best in me, but I’m hoping that Ruiz does just that. A victory over him would put me in position to fight the opponents I need to fight to take that next step toward becoming a contender.”

Glenn Dezurn vs. TBD – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout:
The undefeated Dezurn, who was a three-sport star athlete in high school, was an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter. The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut.

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, www.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.

WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former champion Anthony Crolla participated in a public workout at National Football Museum in Manchester, England on Tuesday in preparation for their rematch this Saturday, live on SHOWTIME (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT) from Manchester Arena.

Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) dethroned Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) in an action-packed battle last September in Manchester to capture the WBA crown. Crolla and Linares were neck-and-neck going into the sixth round until Linares rocked the hometown favorite with a series of shots that galvanized the Venezuelan toward a close 115-114, 115-113 and 117-111 unanimous decision.

The Sept. 24 match was the first time the three-division titlist Linares, who also holds the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine lightweight belts, was pushed the 12-round distance in his career.

The WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face undefeated WBC Lightweight Champion Mikey Garcia, who will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi in New York for the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL presentation.

Below are fight week quotes from Linares and Crolla:

JORGE LINARES:

“Crolla could come better prepared than last time. Maybe he will throw more punches, maybe he will box more, I don’t really know. The most important thing is I hope he has worked really hard and comes in great condition so there are no excuses and no doubts after the fight.

“I can fight even better this time. Before the first fight I had a broken right hand and I hadn’t fought for a while. That’s always a factor, you know? Inactivity. I haven’t had any issues physically or mentally, so the preparation has been great. We did 129 rounds of sparring and everything has gone well up to this point.

“I know he has been quiet in the build-up, I don’t mind if he hasn’t spoken much lately. Let’s just hope it’s a clean fight like the first one.”

“The plans are in the future to get the biggest fights. Obviously the priority right now is to stay focused on Saturday but then I’ll look towards the big fights like against Mikey Garcia.

“I really think coming to train with Ismael Salas made the difference. It’s what helped me really establish myself as a professional fighter and to gain more experience. We learn ‘old school’ as Salas always says. It really has worked well for me in the two years I’ve been with him.”

“I feel really good because this time we had a lot more time to prepare. We did some of the training camp in Japan and then eight weeks in Las Vegas.

“I’m happy to be back here in England again and have another opportunity. I get treated very well, I feel comfortable fighting here. The fans here have a lot of boxing knowledge and they know me well. It’s nice, I feel at home.”

ANTHONY CROLLA:

“It will be another good fight, that’s for sure. Our styles gel really well and I don’t see how it can’t be another good fight, but this time I see a different winner. The key will be adapting. I might need to adapt a number of times in the fight but it is something I have trained for.

“I learned a lot from that fight. Linares has very good speed, very good ring craft and he used his big fight experience for when to take a rest, when to turn it on for the judges.

“This time I know I need to deal with the flashy combinations better, cut the ring off better and capitalize when he is open for shots.

“He has said he will come with another game plan but so will we. Last time I gave it everything, left it all in the ring, but I came up short. The right man won on the night and now I have a second chance at winning back the belt and beating a great fighter.

“I was disappointed I lost – you should never be happy with losing – but I was satisfied I gave everything on the night. When I watched it again there were things in the fight where I thought, ‘why didn’t I do this, why didn’t I do that’, but that is what I did do in the heat of the battle.

“You see people online saying Linares is a level above and that he outclassed me – he obviously didn’t outclass me because two of the judges only had a point in it. The right man won and now I need to show my improvements and make sure the result is different.

“Last time out in Manchester I lost a close fight but with the improvements I have been making in the gym I believe this time it will be a different result.

“The rematch was always top of my list. Linares is top of the pile in the lightweight division and if there was a chance of having a rematch that was always more important to me than any other fight. I want to fight the best and be involved in the big fights and that’s what this is.

“I want the chance to stake my claim as the best lightweight in the world by going out there and beating him.

“I wasn’t going to turn down a rematch to try and ease myself back into title contention. I want these big fights; these big nights in Manchester are what I thrive on.

“I feel better than I have ever felt. Camp has gone really well and there will certainly be no excuses. I have had no distractions outside of camp and everything is good. It is a matter now of showing in the ring tonight the improvements I have been showing in the gym.

“I have had no social life for the past few months and I will walk to the ring knowing that, knowing I have prepared in the best way I possibly can. There will be no ‘what if I had done this’, ‘what if I had done that’ – I have prepared the best I possibly can.”

MOSCOW (March 21, 2017) – M-1 Global has ordered an Interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight title fight, due to a long-term injury to reigning champion Pavel Vitruk, between top contenders Alexey Nevzorov and Movsar Evloev at M-1 Challenge 76, April 22, in Ingushetia, Russia.

Representing the famed Alexander Nevsky OEMK Team in Stary Oskol, Russia, the home gym for living legend Fedor Emelianenko, Nevsorov (12-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0) has won his last three fights, including a second-round stoppage of Andrey Lezhnev this past December at M-1 Challenge 73, and a three-round decision last September over Timur Nagibin at M-1 Challenge 70.

Nevorov (pictured above) will be dropping down in weight from featherweight to bantamweight to fight for the title.

Also Russian fighter, Evloev (6-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0) is coming off the best victory of his young career, positioning himself for this title shot with a three-round decision over his much more experienced foe, American opponent Lee Morrison (see pictured below), at M-1 Challenge 73.

Known for his tremendous physicality, coupled with an excellent grappling game and diverse striking skill set, Nevzorov has been tabbed as a future MMA star.

A featherweight match between Russian Timur Nagibin (8-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0) and Brazilian Diego D’Avila (18-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) has also been announced for M-1 Challenge 76.

Nagibin is coming off an impressive third-round stoppage (punches) of Kurbanali Abdusalamov at M-1 Challenge 72 last November, while D’Avila won his M-1 Global debut last, choking out Zalimbeg Omarov for the M-1 Challenge 73 Submission of the Night.

INFORMATION:

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www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

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@M1GlobalNews
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@M1Global

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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!

LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2017) – The long awaited debut of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN is nearly here. On Thursday, March 23, Irish middleweight contender Jason “El Animal” Quigley (12-0, 10 KOs) will showcase his skills against the hard-punching Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (23-3, 15 KOs) in a 10-round main event battle for the vacant NABF middleweight title. In the co-main event, Coachella’s Randy “El Matador” Caballero (23-0, 14 KOs) will campaign to become a two-division world champion as he combats for the NABF super bantamweight title against Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz (35-7-5, 24 KOs) in a 10-round affair; and making her pro-debut on the national TV broadcast, 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist and highly decorated amateur Marlen Esparza will participate in a four-round flyweight fight against Rachel Sazoff (0-2).

The fighters shared their final thoughts ahead the fights, which will air live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Below is what the fighters had to say:

Jason “El Animal” Quigley, Middleweight Contender:

“I’m delighted to be headlining on ESPN on Thursday; it’s a great honor and opportunity. My camp has been amazing – all the hard work has been put in, and I’m ready. I plan on putting on a great show for my American audience and my friends, family and fans back home in Donegal, Ireland.

“If Tapia wants a war, I’ll give him a war…I’m prepared for anything. Winning this fight brings me one step closer to my dream, winning the NABF title will be fantastic, I still have a long way to go, and am dedicated to making my dream of being a world champion come true.”

Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia, Former WBO NABO Super Welterweight Champion:

“I’m honestly really excited for this fight. Not only because it’s a televised ESPN fight for the NABF title but because it’s been a tough couple of years for my career. People are looking at this like this a make or break fight for me, and even though most people would hate to be in this position, I look at it as an opportunity to bounce back and show the world who Glen Tapia really is!

“I have a lot of fans that believe in me and have been waiting for my return, but I also have a lot of critics that question if I can do this, and that’s a challenge that I’m more than ready to take. My job is not to listen to the critics; my job is to handle my business in that ring and show them why I belong here.At the end of the day, I can sit here and talk about what I’m going to do to Quigley, but the truth is you guys don’t want to hear that. Actions speak louder than words so I’ll just show you guys on March 23rd.”

Randy “El Matador” Caballero,Former IBF World Bantamweight Champion:

“I’m excited to be back in the ring at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. To make it even better I will be co-main event on ESPN. I am so grateful that Golden Boy Promotions is giving the opportunity to show my talents on ESPN.

“As for my opponent I know that he is a tough guy and is coming to win the NABF title. I’m sure this is a dream come true for him. That’s why I need to make sure that I’m 100%.”

Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz, Former WBC FECOMBOX Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I’m feeling very confident because we prepared well. I know we have a tough opponent but we’re ready to come and fight and be victorious come Thursday Night.”

Marlen Esparza, First Female Fighter Signed by Golden Boy Promotions and Former US Olympian:

“Honestly, I just want to get this fight over with! The first fight after a long period of time is the hardest, but my trainer Virgil Hunter has prepared me well to step back in. I know it won’t be the prettiest fight in terms of fighting style, but I need this fight to get back into the Marlen Esparza that was in the Olympics.”

“I feel pretty confident – come fight night, I will be wearing make-up, with my hair done because when I look good, I feel good which makes me fight well. I’m expecting an aggressive fighter, so I’m slowing down my training to just zone out and mentally be there.”

Quigley vs. Tapia is a 10-round battle for the vacant NABF Middleweight title 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. The ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes transmission begins live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The ESPN3 and WatchESPN App livestream of event will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced starting at $25 are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.FantasySprings.com.

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

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