LAS VEGAS–Gavin McDonnell is aiming to step out of his twin brother Jamie’s shadow and land in the big time when he faces Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC Super-Bantamweight title tomorrow at the Hull Ice Arena, live on www.klowdtv.vom

Victory for Gavin would create a unique piece of British boxing history as he would join Jamie as a World ruler, with Jamie holding the WBA Bantamweight crown and will make a sixth defence next time he enters the ring.

Unbeaten Gavin has handled every step-up he’s been handed with aplomb over the last three years, picking up British, European and International straps to land his World title shot, and he’s ready to leap over one more hurdle to join his sibling at the top of the boxing tree.

“Jamie will get a big kick up the backside from this, not that he needs it!” said McDonnell, who scaled 8st 8lbs 8oz, 8oz more than Vargas. “He is comfortable being number one in the family but he is getting a wake-up call because I am hot on his heels now. People might start saying I am the number one if I have a World title, so Jamie will have a point to prove too.

“He has the bit between his teeth and I think the next year is going to be huge for us both. We will be pushing each other on – two twin brothers at the same level, doing the same sort of thing. At the moment he has achievements much greater than mine but that is where I want to be and we are on this journey together. It is nice to see that we are both giving each other these memorable nights and that it isn’t all one-side for Jamie as it was for a while.

“One of the main dreams down the line would be for us both to co-headline a show where we both have World titles. Not just for us but for the family, the supporters, for everybody who has backed us over the years to give them a super night in Doncaster, that is the night and we intend to bring boxing back to Doncaster. If I win this World title we will be the first twins to do it from the UK so there is a bit of history on the line as well.”

McDonnell’s clash with Vargas is part of a huge night of action in Hull as hometown star Luke Campbell MBE defends his WBC Silver Lightweight title against Mexican Jairo Lopez.

Campbell’s fellow Hull favourite and old foe Tommy Coyle returns to action following his epic British title encounter with Tyrone Nurse, taking on unbeaten Londoner Rakeem Noble.

Unbeaten Belfast talent Ryan Burnett tastes his first action of 2017, Doncaster Heavyweight Dave Allen kicks off 2017 having taken on Luis Ortiz in his last outing and Scunthorpe’s unbeaten Light-Heavyweight prospect Dec Spelman looks to add to his 10-0 record and local boys Carl Chadwick and Conor Seymour feature.

LIVE FLOAT
6 x 3 mins Light Heavyweight contest
DEC SPELMAN (177.6 lbs) v NATHAN KING (177 lbs)
(Scunthorpe) (Mountain Ash)
———————————————————————————————————————
LIVE 3:05pm ET
10 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight Contest
TOMMY COYLE (139.6 lbs) v RAKEEM NOBLE (139.9 lbs)
(Hull) (Rosehill)

12 x 3 mins WBC Silver Lightweight Championship
LUKE CAMPBELL (134 lbs) v JAIRO LOPEZ (133.1 lbs)
(Hull) (Mexico)

12 x 3 mins Vacant WBC Super-Bantamweight Championship
GAVIN MCDONNELL (120.8 lbs) v REY VARGAS (120 lbs)
(Doncaster) (Mexico)

KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
Upcoming fights on www.klowdtv.com

March 4, David Haye vs Tony Bellew
April 15: Ricky Burns vs Julius Indongo

PHILADELPHIA (February 24, 2017)–Super Flyweight prospect Dylan Price(1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, New Jersey, has signed a promotional deal with Mayweather Promotions.

Price, 18 years-old, turned professional with a 1st round stoppage over Malcolm Speight on February 4th in Wilson, North Carolina

“I want to first thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with this great start of my professional career. I had a great time last week at the fights. We took an RV to North Carolina and had 25 of my family and friends front row. Then I get back, and we completed the team with a promotional contract from The Money Team. I am blessed, and I am just excited about my team and my future in the sport. I want to thank Doc Nowicki, my dad Dave Price, Dejuan Blake, Leonard Ellerbe and of course TBE “Money” Mayweather for completing my team,” said Dylan Price

Doc Nowicki, co-manager of Dylan Price said, “I am proud and happy for “Lil Dave” as we call him. He said from the beginning of our conversations that he wanted to be with Mayweather, and now it’s a reality. His team is shaping up nicely and I see big things in store for him”

Dave Price, Father and co-manager exclaimed “I’m excited about all of the things that are happening with my sons career. We are expanding our team by partnering with Dejuan Blake and then signing a promotional deal with Mayweather Promotions. I am very happy that the business portion is complete so that I can now focus on training my son and fighting on March 25th in Las Vegas.”

BERNIE BAHRMASEL: Welcome to this media conference call promoting the highly anticipated world middleweight championship between Unified World Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and WBA Middleweight Champion and Mandatory Challenger Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs set for Saturday, March 18 at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden in New York City. The championship event, presented by K2 Promotions will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay Per View and will start at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT. In the coming weeks we will hear from both fighters on separate calls but today we are joined by an integral member of Jacobs’ Oakland based training camp, former Junior Welterweight World Champion Chris Algieri. Chris is working in the capacity of performance nutritionist coach and he will provide us with a unique insight to the Jacobs’ camp. Jacobs’ head trainer is Andre Rozier. Chris is the Head Performance Nutrition Coach at Stony Brook University. He has a Master Degree in Clinical Nutrition and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist by the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

CHRIS ALGIERI: Thanks Bernie and it is great to be here. Training is going great so far. Daniel is a wonderful guy to work with and someone I have known for a long time in a personal capacity but to work with him professionally has been a joy. He is willing and trusting with the guidance that I provide and offer. It’s been great so far and he is really a talented guy and he’s going to shock the world on March 18.

How did this arrangement come about?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I’ve known Danny for a great number of years from being in the boxing circuit in New York and we fought on several cards together in coming up. My manager Kevin Rooney and Danny’s advisor Keith Connolly are very close and the idea of this came up – this fight is the biggest of Danny’s career, he has been a middleweight his entire career and wanted to be able to perform at his best, at the highest level and be able to make the weight as comfortable as possible. They have used nutritionists in the past but none that had boxing experience like mine of course, so they reached out to see if something like this could be worked out, especially scheduling wise and if I would even be interested. We spoke about it and we went back and forth and the timing was right. I knew Danny had wanted this fight for a long time and it’s a huge opportunity for him and all of New York boxing and it was pretty much a no-brainer at that point to get involved.

Have you been asked advice in the past from boxers that led you to get involved in this?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Absolutely – a little known fact is that I have actually been doing this for a number of years for a multitude of fighters in differing combat sports and disciplines – guys in MMA, UFC and Bellator, wrestlers and boxers. It’s something I’ve been doing alongside my own boxing career for a number of years, this is just more high profile and one that I thought would be impossible to hide from the public. Not that I was trying to hide it, but I was just trying to help fighters out so they could perform at their best. I just felt that was their job.

Are you willing to name names?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Yes, so I just worked with Ryan LaFlare, a Long Island guy who had a big win a couple of weeks ago. Andres Bermudez who had a tough loss a couple weeks before that. I have been working with Paulie Malignaggi for a big fight that he has coming up. Then a bunch of more lower level guys who are on their way up – Luis Arias, a super middleweight, who is 16 or 17-0. Also guys who I have been working with informally with people who knew of my career outside of boxing and most fighters will grab me and ask me questions when the opportunity arises and I am always willing to share.

What is your impression so far of Danny in training camp?

CHRIS ALGIERI: The most impressive part for me, and what is a surprising aspect of watching Danny train, is how he hits extremely hard with both hands. That was definitely an eye opener for me. I knew he was a big puncher just from watching his fights, but seeing him first hand in the gym, he is an incredible puncher with both hands which you don’t see very often. Most guys have one good hand and one good shot but he’s got both. Also, leading up to the camp I did a lot of work and his team has been in place for a number of years so I knew what I was getting into in terms of training style and what the schedule would look like in terms of week to week to get a good idea of what was going on in order to initially accept him and to make a plan for his nutrition and a dietary plan. I think I found that, from his team, that he is working harder than ever. He really has been pushing each and every single session. At this point the last couple of weeks he has been holding back and making sure he has been getting enough rest and recovery so he can go out there and perform as hard as he can each and every session.

What about you, have you been working out?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I’ve been getting some great work out here. I’ve been asked what it’s like out here and it’s a great environment for training. It’s very easy to discipline yourself and focus. The schedule is set and we go and work. Its been great for me in that aspect and I have been getting in some sparring as well. You know me, I am a lifer, so this is a great life style for me to keep in shape and I am always ready for what is next. But right now we are really just focused on March 18 and after that I will be coming home in great shape and ready to get to work if something comes up.

Who have you been sparring with?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I have actually been working with some of Danny’s sparring partners – Sergey Derevyanchenko, Prenice Brewer and another we call Suicide, so I am getting some good work with some middleweights and welterweights and it’s been a lot of fun so far.

Nothing set in stone?

CHRIS ALGIERI: No there is nothing set right now.

What is your perspective on the fight?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Danny is the underdog and probably rightfully so leading into this fight with how “GGG” has been doing. In terms of the other contenders out there, Danny presents the best style. He is a long, rangy big middleweight who has very good boxing skills and power in both hands and is supremely conditioned. If you add all that together with Danny’s boxing skills, Danny has a real chance to upset the apple cart and shock the world.

You have been the underdog, against Provodnikov, and won – so how does Jacobs look to you?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Being in that position is all psychology and psychology is constant throughout the camp and it builds. Every camp when I was successful as the underdog, we had a mentality in camp to underline psychology and it really builds until fight night. You have to believe in yourself when that bell rings and you have to face the guy across from you who is the favorite. You have no doubt leading into the ring because when you step into the boxing ring you are naked and if you have a doubt it shows. We have really been hammering home the idea that this is our fight to win – this is Danny’s moment, this is Danny’s night and it’s been great to watch him psychologically become more and more confident and he’s been getting in better condition and shedding the weight and been getting better in sparring so I think we are in a great place right now and definitely have momentum on our side and camp has been fun. We are having a good time. There is a lot of hard work and at the same time everyone is on that same path that March 18 is all about victory.

What is the day like? Do you spend the whole day with him?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I actually spend more time with him than anyone else. I wake him up in the morning and we have breakfast and we train together at that point. Some kind of cardio session then we come back and I cook and we eat and sit around and talk – we talk about the fight and we watch tape as well of Gennady’s past fights and I give my insight of what I think would work and what he thinks and we kind of go back and forth in that sense. Then when it’s boxing we go to the gym and I like to watch what he is doing and when he is sparring I am throwing in pointers here and there. We end the day together when we have dinner then kind of split our ways and I say “OK champ see you in the morning.” It’s been that way throughout. We do have a lot of contact, but as a fighter I know that it is good to have some silent recovery to kind of let the mind slow down so there is often time where you just sit in silence. I’m doing what I’m doing and he’s doing what he’s doing – that mental recovery is extremely important in training camp.

How important is it to get away from distractions – like you did when you went to Vegas to train for Pacquiao?

CHRIS ALGIERI: It’s a great point and it think it can be kind of understated. It’s easy to get caught up with a lot of distractions and not even so much in a bad way. It could be good distractions, it could be your family, your friends or people reaching out to you to wish you luck or stop by the gym and say hello – those kinds of things although they are not negative, they take some time and take some energy out of you. When you go away to camp you kind of lock yourself away and be 100% totally focused on the task at hand – really focus on all the aspects – not just the aspect of training – the aspect of recovery and mental preparation – the aspect of studying and rehearsing and focusing and visualizing. Those things, there are only so many hours in a day and if you have to spend more of that time dealing with outside influences it takes away from your actual training as a whole.

What is the No. 1 mistake that fighters make when they are trying to cut weight?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Great question. I just had a presentation about this over in Dallas at a fitness nutrition and sports conference. The pitfalls of what fighters do in training camp to “Make the weight.” What I have seen the most over the years is the most detrimental to one’s health and to actually making the weight is restricting their water intake. I’ve seen it over the years where a fighter would spar cutting their water intake two or three weeks out of their fight in order to hit a number on the scale. I’ll tell you for sure that # 1 that’s not how to make weight and # 2, is detrimental to the athlete’s health and being dehydrated you are not going to perform as sharp, and #3, you are not going to be able to take the punches as well. Our brain needs the spinal fluids, if you are in a dehydrated state in puts you in a much more dangerous position for a brain injury. When you have guys that are stuck on this number on a scale, there is anxiety when it comes to stepping on the scale and it approaches a number that they don’t want to be at, you see guys cutting back on their water intake several weeks out from the fight. Your body does not hold water and you can deplete your water in a few hours or a few days and it does not make any sense to start that far out.

When you are cooking, are you counting calories? What is the goal?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Depending on the phase of camp, like when I first got here the goal was to fuel Danny properly so that he could perform at a high level since it is more intense out here than what he is use to doing. In order to properly fuel his body so he could get through the workouts, recover from the workouts and be ready for the next day or the next session. And also we had a lot of carbohydrates and protein for recovery and for feeling full. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and different kinds of proteins and amino acids – that way we are getting an underlying stock hold of micronutrients and vitamins and minerals – actual nutrition. It’s easy to count and think about macros and calories but the body is much more complicated than that and you have to think about the micronutrient content of your food. You have to believe in the colors in the way that which are indicative of the colors that you see in the foods when we are eating the food and the way that it is prepared is important. I think a lot of the work that we did earlier in the camp when we were loading him up on a nutritional level is starting to show now to really pick up his ability and his output.

I was talking to his longtime girlfriend Natalie who was in town and she was saying how Danny wasn’t eating snacks like he normally does – apparently he is a bit of a night snacker – and he hasn’t been complaining about that at all. I said, no it’s because we are packing in so much nutrition in every single meal, he’s not missing anything. There is no need to go reach for snack or chocolates or candies or popcorn or these kinds of things. He’s at a level where his body is satisfied.

What do you think about where Danny is now compared to when he began?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I think his name says it all – he is a “Miracle Man.” It’s an incredible story – the guy beat cancer. I have been dealing with a lot of guys out here – guys who knew Danny from his amateur days and when he was such a stud. I don’t have that amateur background – I didn’t know him coming up but they all knew each other. I’ve only known Danny coming up through the pro ranks and to hear about how he was then at the beginning of his pro career then his bout with cancer. It’s incredible story and to see where he’s gotten now – he was told he would never fight again and not only did he fight again but he’s a world champion and now obviously in the biggest fight in the division that can be made. It feels good. It’s a heartwarming story. And it’s great when I guy like Danny who has a great personality.

Did you go to him or did he come to you?

CHRIS ALGIERI: His team reached out to me. He had a nutritionist that he had been using for several camps and they were looking to step it up because of the magnitude of the fight.

Were you pleased with Danny’s 30-day weight check?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I am actually very pleased with where his weight is at this point. I heard some people talking about how heavy he was but if you noticed the pictures from the weigh-in, we weighed in at his apartment so we didn’t weigh him in at the gym so it wasn’t like he just finished a workout, depleted, which I’m sure that a lot of guys do for the 30-day weigh-in or for the 7-day weigh-in. We had eaten twice before that and he was hydrated. Like I said earlier, athletes dehydrating themselves too early – I have no need nor desire to have my athlete dehydrated for any period of time during training camp. To have him step on a scale to reach a number for fans is not something I really care about. We are actually very happy about where his weight is at this point. He’s a big strong middleweight and his body has been changing properly throughout the last couple weeks and we are able to adjust his hydration and he’ll be ready fight night and I’m looking forward to getting him to a comfortable weight for fight week.

Has anything been done drastically from last training camps to get him to this point?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I haven’t been involved in his past training camps so I really can’t give an answer on that, although from speaking with the rest of the team he has picked up his intensity and the volume of his workload is important for me to be here to kind of monitor to really increase his nutrition so he is healthy and recovering properly.

Do you think the current training camp is something you would use in the future?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Yes, it is really a great area to train in. There are a lot of top fighters out here and the facilities are fantastic. I have been getting some really quality sparring out here. Myself I have been able to get my own work in. It’s been high quality work out here and it does make sense – it is a hotbed for training and a place I would like to come to in the future.

Have you found yourself tweaking anything he does from a boxing standpoint? Danny, by doing this you are expending too much energy?

CHRIS ALGIERI: Absolutely, Danny trusts me and the skill and the level that I have fought at so he will question me often about boxing technique. We have gone over some of his fights and I am present at all of his sparring sessions. Little tweaks here and there and little technical aspects that he gets from guys that have been in there at the highest level always helps. I think there are some aspects of my game that I think Danny could utilize quite well in this fight. With his athleticism and his style. GGG’s style is pretty set and we know how he is going to come.

Do you recommend anything that other boxers don’t use?

CHRIS ALGIERI: In terms of the exercises, I am pretty much his running partner throughout this whole camp. I am a pretty good runner and being able to push him is a good asset to him. He feels that he needs to get his runs in aside from all of the other conditioning aspects that he is doing. So when he says he is ready to run I am ready to run. It’s easier when you go on a long run when you have somebody with you who is going through it to. The other day it was a rainy Monday and we were getting poured on – when doing it alone that five miles can easily turn into three, but when you have someone with you who is going step by step it’s easier to finish and get through that. In terms of nutrition and nutrients I’m big on colors and big on complex carbs and big on varying up the protein sources and varying degrees of amino acids to get into the blood stream and also the timing is really important – you’re utilizing certain nutrients. As soon as his workout is done he is sweating and getting something in his system right away – carbohydrates and hydration right back in.

Was there anything when you began that made you say ‘stop doing this?’

CHRIS ALGIERI: In terms of food there was no issue – what kinds of foods and what to eat and when. I would ask him what he wanted for dinner that night and he would say whatever you think. That made it very easy for me. Some of the things aside from the nutrition and his training – was getting rest – overtraining early. He was pushing very hard because it was a big opportunity. It’s easy to push each session and not rest enough and your mind is busy in between, so finding recovery time and really finding rest was something I was concerned about immediately when I first got here, then we were able to work that into the schedule. Things are more manageable now and there is a much better mood. Rest and recovery at the highest level is just as important as hard training.

Danny is a big middleweight and it’s always been a struggle for him. Do you see it being different this time around?

CHRIS ALGIERI: That’s really the idea to make it more comfortable. At this point a lot of the groundwork has been laid to make sure nutritionally he is very strong for fight week. He’s a big middleweight so on fight week it is going to be a hard cut. We want the cut to be hard but we want him to be big and strong on fight night and to be himself rather than be weight drained. We understand that going into fight week but that’s OK. We want him to be comfortable and feel positive, feel strong. The mental aspect of fight week is extremely important. If you have a big fight on Saturday night and you haven’t eaten a meal in three days and you’re in your sauna suit and you feel like a kitten and you’ve got a fight in a couple of days that isn’t really conducive to being at your best. I want him to be eating fight week, eating all week long, getting his workouts in, shedding the extra pounds and be ready to rock on fight night.

How do you think making the weight easier will translate to fight night?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I think it is going to help most with conditioning as we go throughout the rounds. He’s a big puncher so we want him to be snappy, to be able to move on his feet, to be able to react with his mind. That’s where nutrition really comes in.

On the night before the fight what meal is Danny looking forward to?

CHRIS ALGIERI: I haven’t spoken to him about that but I usually have pasta and meatballs. I don’t know what he likes but it’s going to be a meal where that includes carbohydrates and some protein in there and some good fats to make sure his blood sugar is leveled out. I have fighters that like to have Mexican food the night before, some like Italian, some like a big steak – it really depends on your preference but in terms of constitution of the meal I am going to look at it to make sure we have enough of each one. But in terms of what the food is, that really falls on him and we haven’t spoken about it and I don’t think he is thinking that far ahead yet.

What is the nutritional breakdown of what you want him to have?

CHRIS ALGIERI: We are going to look for some carbs and we are going to have some protein and we are going to have some fats to regulate blood sugar and sodium so he can retain water. There are so many meals that you can put together.

Fight Week?

CHRIS ALGIERI: During fight week I am going to be with Danny every day making sure that he is eating the right foods for his workouts. I will be at all of his workouts with him. I’m going to be cutting my weight as well so he has someone to kind of mirror and to understand that someone else is going through the pain as well. After the weigh-in and fight day make sure he has his nutrition and stay hydrated so he can be the best version of himself come fight night.

———————————

GOLOVKIN vs. JACOBS is presented by K2 Promotions. Tickets priced at $1000, $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are now on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com

SOCIAL MEDIA — #GGGJACOBS

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
@GGGBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Daniel Jacobs
@DanielJacobsTKO – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

HBO
@HBO, @HBOBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Madison Square Garden
@TheGarden – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions)
@TomLoeffler1 — Twitter

LONDON (24 February) – Big-punching cruiserweight contenders Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck will square off for the vacant interim WBC world title on April 1st at Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, Germany, exclusively live on BoxNation.

‘The Channel of Champions’ will be the only place to see the undefeated Breidis, with an outstanding record of 21 wins and 18 knockouts, take on the once dominant man of the division in Huck.

32-year-old Huck dominated the 200-pound division from 2009 to 2015, making a division-record tying 13 defences before his shock knockout loss to Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki.

Huck, however, is looking to regain his spot at the top of the division as he takes on the highly-touted Latvian Breidis, who was the mandatory challenger to face Liverpool’s Tony Bellew before his move up to heavyweight to take on David Haye.

Following that fight, Bellew must decide if he will remain at heavyweight or move back down to cruiserweight. If he does so, he will be obligated to face the Briedis-Huck winner next up. If he decides to stay at heavyweight the Briedis-Huck winner will become the full titleholder.

Huck currently holds the lightly recognised IBO world title, which will also be on the line, as he looks forward to following in the footsteps of his hero Muhammad Ali.

“I am a professional boxer for 12 years now and I’ve been waiting a long time for the opportunity to get a unification fight“, said Huck. “I am very excited that this is finally happening and that I am even able to fight for the prestigious WBC title, in which my beloved idol Muhammad Ali has been world champion in. This is great for me. Mairis Briedis is still undefeated and has the reputation of being a very unpleasant opponent with a very hard punch. I prefer opponents of this calibre, for the bigger the challenge, the better I perform. I will be preparing very intensely because if I do my homework well, a fight is usually decided in my favour before it even gets started.”

The 32-year-old Briedis is hoping to prove he is the real deal when he takes on the toughest opponent of his career.

“I am incredibly happy about the upcoming fight against Marco Huck. He is a true cruiserweight legend and has already had a lot of incredible fights,” said Briedis.

“In this fight we will battle for the WBC title, which means for both of us – all or nothing! I know that Marco will also give his best. Therefore, let the best man win!,” he said.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “This is a very exciting fight and one that in all likelihood will produce an explosive finish. Both men are serious punchers and if one of their bombs land it’s going to be an early night. BoxNation subscribers will be in for a treat when these two hard-hitters get into the ring on April 1st exclusively live on BoxNation.”

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

– ENDS –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
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Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic.

22-year-old Kilic (7-0, 4 KOs) was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to Turkish parents. Kilic was a decorated amateur boxer on the international level, where he won the European Silver Medal for Turkey in 2012.

Upon meeting his manager Shane Shapiro, he moved to America and turned professional in 2014. He currently lives in Sherman Oaks, California.

Kilic has gained invaluable experience serving as sparring partner for several high-profile fighters including multiple world champions Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley, as well as well-known names like Montreal’s Jean Pascal, and South Africa’s Chris van Heerden.

“I am excited to sign with Greg Cohen Promotions,” said Kilic. “Greg has a strong history of building his fighters correctly and giving them the chance to fight for world titles. I left my family behind to pursue my dream of becoming a world champion and to make the people of America, Turkey and Germany proud. With my manager, Shane Shapiro, in my corner and GCP guiding me, I know there is No Limit to my success!”

“I am excited to bring Cem over to GCP,” said Shane Shapiro. “Cem is an extremely talented young fighter. His style is fan-friendly, he is always in a good fight and he is beyond dedicated to his craft. I’m very comfortable knowing that GCP will help move Cem along the right way that will ultimately lead him to a world title shot.”

Promoter Greg Cohen says he should have no problem moving Kilic up the ladder quickly.

“He’s such a crowd-pleasing fighter, people will want to see him,” said Cohen. “Cem has a natural ability to generate excitement in his fights, which will put him in a good position with the television networks. I’m excited to be working with him and Shane Shapiro.”
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.

Matchroom Boxing and Hayemaker Ringstar are delighted to announce that Betsafe are the title sponsors of the huge Heavyweight grudge match between David Haye and Tony Bellew at The O2 in London on March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Haye and Bellew are set to renew hostilities on Monday at a public press conference in Liverpool before attention switches to London, starting with Wednesday night’s public work out at the Indigo at The O2 for the stacked card then Thursday’s final press conferences and Friday’s weigh in at The O2.

With another tasty London v Liverpool clash on the bill between Ohara Davies and Derry Mathews, Stourbridge banger Sam Eggington stepping up in class to face former two-weight World champion Paulie Malignaggi, Irish amateur star Katie Taylor boxes for the third time in the pros and IBF World Featherweight champion Lee Selby is the latest addition to the bumper card – and one that Betsafe are excited to be a major part of.

Nicola Fitton, Managing Director for Betsafe.com said: “We’re thrilled to sign this new deal with Matchroom and Hayemaker Ringstar. Haye vs. Bellew is one of the most hotly anticipated fights of the year, and it’s exciting to align Betsafe with such fantastic fighters and such an iconic event.”

“We’re delighted to have Betsafe on board as the title sponsor of this huge event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “As we edge closer to fight night the anticipation is rising by the day, there’s a sense that we’re heading to a very special night.”

Mirko Wolf from Hayemaker Ringstar added: “There’s plenty of spice on the undercard and we know there’s no love lost between David and Tony – next week’s build up is going to be fascinating and the fight night is going to be electric.”

Offering a comprehensive preview on the grudge clash, Betsafe has stepped into the ring with Boxing News and former welterweight champion Ricky Hatton https://www.betsafe.com/en/blog/sports/boxing/david-haye-v-tony-bellew-betting-preview-and-tips

TEMECULA (Feb. 23, 2017) – Top super welterweight prospects Chris “Young King” Pearson and Justin “The Chosen One” DeLoach weighed-in on Thursday for their 10-round main event tomorrow/Friday, February 24 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Pechanga Casino & Resort in Temecula.

Pearson, (14-1, 10 KOs, WSB 3-0, 1 KO), who trains in Las Vegas and fights out of Dayton, Ohio, bounced back from his first defeat with a dominant decision victory over Joshua Okine last April and is stepping up in class and opposition, while the aggressive-minded DeLoach, (16-1, 8 KOs), of Augusta, Ga. has won six in a row, including three unbeaten fighters in his last three outings.

In the telecast opener, unbeaten cruiserweights Andrew Tabiti (13-0, 11 KOs) and Quantis Graves (11-0-2, 4 KOs) will clash in a 10-round bout and undefeated up-and-coming prospect Saul Rodriguez (20-0-1, 15 KOs) will take on Chile’s Oscar Bravo (22-6, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $99.50, $69.50 and $49.50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

vacant USBA Super Welterweight Championship – 10 Rounds
Chris Pearson – 152 ¾ pounds
Justin DeLoach – 151 ¾ pounds

Lightweight Bout – 10-Rounds
Saul Rodriguez – 133 ¾ pounds
Oscar Bravo – 132 ¾ pounds

NABF Cruiserweight Championship – 10-Rounds
Andrew Tabiti – 196 ¼ pounds
Quantis Graves – 198 ¾ pounds

FINAL THOUGHTS

Chris Pearson

On fighting Justin DeLoach…
“I have had my back against the wall before. I know how it feels. I perform at my best when I have my back against the wall. I know he’s a talented fighter and that he has power in both hands, but I also know that he looks shaky when he gets cracked. He’s an athletic guy, he’s fast and moves well, but I’m the more skillful fighter.

“DeLoach makes a lot of mistakes in the ring. I’m going to take advantage of that. He’s never been against a guy like me. He won’t pass through me. I’m simply the better fighter here.

“I have the better jab and I have the pedigree. I’m disciplined and patient. You’ll see tomorrow night, DeLoach is in for a surprise. The only way this kid beats me is if I’m going with the wrong strategy, but I know I won’t. As far as skill for skill, I know I’m at a different level.”

On training camp…
“I’ve been in camp since April last year—almost a year. I’m not concerned in the very least about making weight. I woke up this morning at 152 pounds. I learned from my mistakes. Every fight that I’ve looked mediocre it’s been because I kill myself making the weight.”

On his loss against Eric Walker…
“I struggled to make weight for my fight against Walker. I had to lose 20 pounds in 10 days. I waited until the last minute to make weight and I paid the price. I had no legs. I had him in the position I wanted him, but I had no energy to close the deal. I couldn’t deliver. I lost that fight on the scale. I learned my lesson. It won’t happen again.”

On tomorrow night’s matchup…
“I don’t think it’s going to be a boxing match for long. Once one of us gets comfortable with the range and believe we have the advantage, we are going to start opening up more. If he comes up a little hotter, I believe my skills are going to dictate the pace and make adjustments as we go. Boxing is the sweet science but is not rocket science. You get in there and you find the advantage. You do what you have to do, adjust and get the win.”

Justin DeLoach

On working with his new trainer, Lucius Robinson…
“I had some differences with my previous trainer [Paul Williams]. I wanted more of the mental side of training, not only the physical. We just had different philosophies so I decided to change trainers.

“I’m training with Lucius Robinson now and it’s a big change—psychologically and philosophically. I’m really breaking down what I’m doing in the ring. I’m not just going in there to fight. As a young fighter you get in the ring and you just fight, but you have to do more than that. I’m learning how to use my head in the ring. When I’m hitting you, I know why I’m hitting you, where I’m hitting you. I know what I’m going to do.

“Learning the mental side of my sport really took me to another level. Anybody can get in there and get knocked out—that’s why I had my first loss—but who can really go in there and do what Floyd does? Break an opponent down in the later rounds. Master the sweet science. That’s the biggest change I had in my career, to learn the mental side of the sport.”

On his last three fights…
“I fought three undefeated prospect last year and I beat them. I fought Junior Castillo who has power in both hands. I went in there, I did my thing and I outclassed him. I got the knockout over Dillon Cook and then Dominique Dolton, who is a respectable opponent. I had a heck of a year.”

On his fight against Dominique Dolton…
“It was something that came together last minute. I was supposed to fight Chris Pearson but he got injured. I really appreciate the opportunity of fighting Dolton because a lot of up-and-comers don’t have the opportunity to fight a guy like that. Dolton was like a championship fight for me. He taught me a lot and took me to a whole different level. He was a replacement opponent, and my God, he’s a hell of a fighter.”

On his KO over Dillon Cook on ShoBox…
“It’s funny. I’m more of a boxer than a puncher. I don’t look for the knockout. I like to box. I think of myself as a boxer-puncher. I feel my opponents don’t usually know how much power I have. They underestimate me and I’m OK with that. My power catches them off balance.”

On fighting a southpaw…
“When you fight a southpaw, there are only two people you can study: Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones Jr. If you watch tape on them you can learn a lot. It can help you develop your skills. I did my homework. I know exactly what I’m going to do tomorrow.”

On making weight…
“I never had a problem making weight. My body feels good. When I was with Ronnie Shields at the beginning of my career, I learned that if I take care of my weight early on, you can concentrate on training for the fight. So, that’s what I do. I make weight early and then I train hand to fight my opponent.”

Saul Rodriguez

On tomorrow’s fight against Oscar Bravo…
“I want to look good. If I focus on dictating the pace for this fight, the knockout will come. My punches will keep on coming and I eventually will get some damage done. I’ll drop him and then, I’ll stop him.

“I always look for the knockout. It’s just more satisfying for me. I like KOs, but I’ll be patient. I feel that Bravo is tailor-made for me. He’s never been stopped. So I want to stop him. Don’t take me wrong, I won’t be reckless. But if he’s there for me to punch, I’ll punch him and I’ll go for the knockout.”

On changing promoters…
“Top Rank wanted to sign me again, but it was my decision to leave. I felt I was not treated well. I felt that I wasn’t getting the opportunities I deserved. So I decided to sign with Floyd, and here I am, fighting on SHOWTIME. It was a good move.”

On sparring with Mikey Garcia…
“I’ve sparred with Mikey Garcia for years. He got me ready for almost every professional fight I’ve had. I would say we’ve sparred over 100 rounds. I’ve learned so much from him. I think that having him as a sparring partner it’s been a difference maker for me. It’s made me a better fighter.”

On what’s next…
“I’m going to get a title at 130 first and then I’ll move up in weight. I’d like to fight Miguel Berchelt—the guy that just beat Vargas. Gervonta Davis is at that weight too. I’ll meet him down the road. I’m more interested in unifying. I want to get the WBC title and then I want to go for the IBF.”

Oscar Bravo
On training camp…
“I’ve been training in Floyd’s gym in Vegas. We were in training camp for a while. I think 135 is my best weight to fight at.”

On his opponent, Saul Rodriguez…
“He’s a good fighter. He’s a young fighter and hasn’t been in the gym with the experienced fighters like I have. He throws wild punches. If he does that, I will make him pay.”

On what’s next…
“I want to be a world champion someday. I’ve never had this much time to prepare for a fight, so you’re going to see a different fighter this time. I’m confident and feel like this fight is going to change my life.

“My dream was to become Chilean champion and I did. I always took last minute fights with two weeks’ notice and went the distance.”

Andrew Tabiti

On his performance against Keith Tapia…
“I kept my composure. I thought I was sharp. A lot of people didn’t think I was going to beat Tapia, but I did. Styles make fights and we were matched perfectly. Since Tapia, I’m much better. He was high energy and moved a lot. He threw me off of my style at first, but I adjusted.”

On his opponent, Quantis Graves…
“I watched some tape on him. He’s flat-footed and stays stationary. I know what he has to offer. I can adjust well. I got a good jab, a great body punch.”

On what’s next…
“I’d love a world title shot, but I’m going to stay patient. I’m still at Floyd’s gym and working hard. I want to be a heavyweight someday. I’d like to stay more active and fight more.

“If things go well, I’d like a title shot later this year. There are not a lot of American boxers in my weight class. I’d like to fight Beibut Shumenov. That’s who I want.

“I’d like to move to heavyweight later in my career.”

Quantis Graves

On his matchup tomorrow night…
“I plan on beating Andrew Tabiti tomorrow night. I’ve prepared for this. We’ve done everything. I’ve been prepared for this fight mentally. I’ve never been 100 percent for a fight, except for this one.

“I’m not worrying about Tabiti. Tabiti is worried about me. He has the title to lose. That’s how I feel about it. I’ve seen his YouTube videos, and I’ve seen the mistakes he’s made. And I’m going to capitalize on those mistakes.

“I’m not just fighting Tabiti, I’m fighting TMT. I’m fighting Floyd. I’m taking this fight very seriously.”

On his opponent, Andrew Tabiti…
“Everybody can look good when you fight guys that can’t fight. His last opponent, [Keith] Tapia was good. But who else has he fought?

“I have everything to gain, nothing to lose. I’m hungry. I’m not a pampered, spoiled guy. I have nobody buying me cars. I have a car note, a house note, two kids and another one on the way. I’m hungry. I have everything to lose…I’m going to do what I have to do.”

On his pro career…
“I had a great amateur career. I had some stops and starts. I had issues when I didn’t get signed with a promoter coming out of the Olympic trials and that stalled my pro career a bit. My professional career started off slow. I’m not as active as I would have liked to be but I’m a young 34. I’ve never taken a beating. I fought five times and 2014, and twice in 2015 and last year, no fights. I live a clean life and don’t drink or don’t smoke. I just train. Every day.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @_ChrisPearson, @JipThaChamp, @Team_Neno, @AndrewTabiti89, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

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 67 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.

Oslo, Norway, (February 23, 2017) Undisputed Women’s Welterweight World Champion CECILIA BRAEKHUS, (29-0-0, 8 KO’s) defends her titles (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO) tomorrow, Friday night, February 24 against KLARA SVENSSON, (17-1-0, 5KO’s) at the Oslo Spektrum in Oslo, Norway.

Both participants weighed in on Thursday, Braekhus at 146.8 and Svensson at 144.6 for their scheduled 10-round bout. The bout was originally scheduled for January 28 but was pushed back four weeks due to a bout of the flu contracted by Braekhus. A sold-out crowd of over 10,000 is expected.

“There’s been some unnecessary and unexpected drama during this fight week,” said Braekhus, recognized universally as the #1 Women’s Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World.

“All I want to do is fight but Svensson fights for my old promoter (Sauerland Promotions) and they’re not quite over that I left them to form my own company, First Lady Promotions and to work with K2 Promotions.”

“But now we’re all weighed in and we have only the fight to look forward to. I’m just so thrilled to be fighting back home again in Oslo, back at the Spektrum, it’s such a great feeling, the entire country is behind me.”

“Camp has been terrific with Johnathon Banks, this is our third fight together but we’ve been working together for about two years. I feel much more aggressive, looking for those power punches and focusing on punishing my opponent. I’ve kept some of my European style but now I’m fighting more like an American fighter.”

“Maybe Johnathon is turning me into a Detroit fighter!”

Through Braekhus’ extensive lobbying work over the last several years, Norway lifted their 33-year ban on professional boxing in 2015. On October 1, 2016, Braekhus was finally able to fight in her home country, knocking out Anne Sophie Mathis in the second round, a national event that captivated the entire country.

HOUSTON (Feb. 23, 2017) Two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) today hosted a press conference in Houston, the third stop on their four-city press tour. Thousands of Texas fans came out to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, to see and cheer for their favorite Mexican fighters. With fan hysteria and swelling crowds, fire marshals shut down the fan entrance leaving hundreds still outside waiting to get in to catch a glimpse of Canelo and Chávez, Jr.

Canelo and Chávez, Jr. will meet on Cinco de Mayo weekend, Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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

CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“Every time I come to Texas, you give me so much love and support. Thank you for welcoming me. I will train hard and prepare 100 percent. On May 6, T-Mobile Arena will be full and all of us together can claim the victory and proclaim together, ‘Viva Mexico’!”

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR., Former WBC World Middleweight Champion:

“I’m proud to be in Texas again. I love boxing, and I love Texas. I’m undefeated here in Texas. I promise all the Mexican fans that on May 6 I will win this fight.”

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

“To the fans–we always love coming to Houston and thank you for your tremendous support. There are thousands of you here today that are lined up, some as early as 5:00 a.m., to see your favorite fighters. Canelo and Chávez, Jr. do this for the fans. This fight is for the fans.

“Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is, by far and away, the biggest boxing event of 2017, and we are expecting a knockdown, drag-out brawl between two of the most skilled, aggressive fighters in the sport. Tickets went on sale Monday, and are going incredibly fast. I hear we are almost sold out. There are less than 1,000 tickets available for Canelo-Chávez, Jr.

“On May 6 we have two great Mexican warriors; people from all over the world will watch this guaranteed war.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:

“I want to thank everyone for being here. On May 6, we will have the champion ready. It’s very honorable to have two Mexicans fighting on a special Mexican day. On May 6, we will be ready to raise Canelo’s hand in victory.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Co-Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:

“To be here and see all this support from you in Houston is beautiful. On May 6, it’s going to be all about honor. Lets stop with all the back and forth and let’s make Mexico rise and together we will scream, ‘Viva Mexico!'”

GUADALUPE VALENCIA, Representative of Julio César Chávez, Jr.:

“We are so happy to be here in the great state of Texas. This fight is about pride. This fight is abut legacy. And this fight most importantly is about the fans. These fighters wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you, the fans. This is a big fight between two Mexican warriors, but this is also a fight for the world. Everyone will be proud of boxing after this fight.

“Join us in Vegas or watch on Pay-Per-View. This will not be a fight with two guys walking around, trying to figure each other out. This is going to be a fight with non-stop action so don’t blink your eyes. For all you Canelo fans–Houston we have a problem. Viva Chávez, Jr.!”

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $125 and $75 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/Canelo-ChavezJr into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Las Vegas, NV.– Gavin McDonnell has vowed to seize his moment of history as he takes on Rey Vargas for the WBC World Super-Bantamweight title at the Hull Ice Arena on Saturday afternoon, live on www.klowdtv.com

The entire fight card can be accessed for just $4.99.

McDonnell has fond memories of the venue he faces his destiny on Saturday as three years ago today McDonnell stopped Leigh Wood there to land the British title – the first step on his remarkable journey to Saturday’s World title shot.

The Doncaster ace can create British boxing history by joining his twin brother Jamie as a World ruler, and the 30 year old wants to repay all his supporters and team for their faith.

“It is real now,” said McDonnell. “It seems to have taken forever to come but all of a sudden it is here. It is a nice feeling that after all the hard work we have put in, now is show time.

“I have put a lot of years hard work in, made a lot of sacrifices – and not just me, my family have all gone through it just for me. Everything has been put on hold for me to go out there and achieve my dream. We have trained so hard and it is here now, it is the dream and I plan on grabbing it with both hands and moving on and going from where I am to the very top.

“The fight is here because Eddie and Matchroom have backed me for this fight. I do want to go abroad and fight but for my first World title, and such a tough fight, we wanted it here. My team has backed me more than his has backed him so they can say what they want – they can say it is cowardly or whatever they want.

“We know if we went over there we would have to knock them out so we want it in my favour over here and Eddie and Matchroom have given me the platform to go out there and achieve my dream. It isn’t cowardly – my team have backed me, they have supported me and they have given me this opportunity to win this World title.

“It means everything, this is what we all want and when you are World champion you are on the scene then, the big fights will be there. You will be one of the World champions, a wanted man. It means everything; the bigger fights, the bigger pay, it is why we are in the business. I intend to do everything required to win and I have no doubt I will win.”

Vargas’ clash with McDonnell is part of a big night of action in Hull as hometown star Luke Campbell MBE defends his WBC Silver Lightweight title against Mexican Jairo Lopez.

Campbell’s fellow Hull favourite and old foe Tommy Coyle returns to action following his epic British title encounter with Tyrone Nurse, taking on unbeaten Londoner Rakeem Noble.

Unbeaten Belfast talent Ryan Burnett tastes his first action of 2017, Doncaster Heavyweight Dave Allen kicks off 2017 having taken on Luis Ortiz in his last outing and Scunthorpe’s unbeaten Light-Heavyweight prospect Dec Spelman looks to add to his 10-0 record and local boys Carl Chadwick and Conor Seymour feature.

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 23, 2017) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten Gerald Washington went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their primetime showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Also in attendance and featured in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd, who battle for a vacant junior middleweight world title, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh, who meet in a 10-round heavyweight battle.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super middleweight Caleb Plant, who was in attendance at Thursday’s event.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“My time off has allowed me to get a better relationship with my left hand. There are so many different ways to throw a jab that I didn’t think I could do. Working with one arm allowed me to be exposed to a lot of new things. It’s going to be a different Deontay Wilder in the ring.

“It’s been a journey for me. I know there’s a purpose to all of it and there’s a reason why I’m here and why I’m the champ. Everything has manifested my way.

“This is a fantastic card on Saturday night and I know these other guys can’t wait to get into the ring.

“Saturday night is going to be an electric fight. I love my state and I love being able to come back to Alabama. Home is where my heart is. It feels good to continue to give back.

“I’m overwhelmed. I’m so ready for this fight. Everyone has a story to tell. Everything that has happened with my opponents is in the past. I’m in love with this sport. I have a goal to reach in this sport and I will reach it.

“I always put myself in the position of my opponents and think about if that was me. That’s why I have so much passion for this sport and I give it my all. I don’t want to end up like my opponents. I don’t want to see what those lights looks like from the bottom.

“I want people to look back on my legacy and see that it was a long journey. I’ve paved the way for my city and my state. I’ve laid the bread crumbs and now people can follow.

“When my first opponent dropped out, the first name that came to my mind was Gerald Washington. I appreciate the way he conducted himself. Every time I saw him, he always shook my hand and told me he was ready.

“I know Gerald is excited. I was too. I know what it’s like to be able to fight for one of the most prestigious belts in the world. But, it’s my belt. I’m still enjoying it. Even though I’m heavyweight champion of the world, I’m still humble. I keep the belt in its case, until it’s time for me to fight again. I’m not satisfied. There is still more to attain.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“I’ve had an incredible run to get me hear. I’m thankful to Deontay for picking me for this fight. He could have chosen a lot of opponents, but he picked me and I’m grateful for that.

“This is a dream come true. I started boxing as a kid but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’ve had a long road, but now I’m here fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world. This just means so much to me.

“My trainer John Pullman and I started working together and we’ve gotten through every obstacle. It’s hard work but we put in the work together and now we’re here. That’s what life is all about. You have to take risks and when it’s time, it’s time to handle your business. It’s my time and I’m ready.

“I’m so happy to be able to do what I love. I’m going up against Deontay Wilder, the Bronze Bomber, in his backyard. You can’t take away what he’s accomplished. But I’m here to handle my business.

“I try to live as a champion and now it’s my opportunity to be a champion. I’m going to grab this opportunity and take it.”

TONY HARRISON

“As a competitor, I was already excited about the fight when they called me about fighting Hurd. I said yes immediately. Jarett Hurd’s name is mentioned every time you mention the 154-pound division. I started this off wanting to be the best and to do that, I have to beat the best.

“It was a fight for me that I jumped on immediately. When I got the call that it was going to be a title fight, I knew that this was going to be a legacy fight.

“I think we have mutual respect heading into this fight. He respects me just as much as I respect him. But Saturday night, I’m looking to gain my respect as a fighter. For both of us, I think a lot of questions have been raised about who we’ve fought. These questions are answered on Saturday night.

“This is a fight where you have to respect both fighters. The city of Detroit is coming out to see me bring this world title home and I’m sure Maryland is expecting the same from Hurd. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.

“From the time that I started at six-years-old, this day has been the pot at the end of the rainbow. I’m fighting a great fighter for a great belt in a great weight class.

“I just have to go out there and take it one round at a time. I believe that I have too much in the arsenal. I can’t get too excited, even if I see an opening to stop the fight, I’m going to do it the smart way. I’m in shape to go 12 rounds but if I see my opportunity, I’m going to take it.

“I’m looking to continue the legacy. It’s going to be an amazing fight. I love Deontay, but I’m looking to steal the show. This is the best division in boxing. I’m coming out hard and I know my opponent is too. We’re both ready to lay it all on the line for this world title.”

JARRETT HURD

“We were excited when we first got the fight with Tony Harrison and we were even more excited when we found out it would be for a world title. This is every champion’s dream and I get a big opportunity on a big network. Everyone gets to see who Jarrett Hurd is.

“This means everything. Staying undefeated is something that opens a lot of doors for you. I’m in quality fights so I’m doing something well. I have another great opponent in front of me, but on February 25 I will be a world champion.

“We had a really good long training camp. I didn’t need to do anything too drastic to make weight. I’m a big fighter for this division but I’ve never had a problem with weight. I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“My father was born in Birmingham, Alabama so to be able to have my world title shot here is exciting for my whole family. This is a big fight for me. I’ve trained hard and I’m prepared for it.

“I want this fight to answer a lot of questions. Some people say I’m not the fastest or that I don’t have enough defense. I want to be an undefeated fighter but I also want to build a legacy. I want to be on the platform with the best. I think this fight will give me that credibility.

“The jab is going to be really important. Tony Harrison has a really nice jab and the winner of the jab battle is going to be victorious. My jab and taking away his jab is going to win the fight for me.”

“My time is here. There will be a new 154-pound champion on Saturday night. My pants are falling down and I need my belt!”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“It’s great to be back on this stage. I’m ready to come back and show my boxing skills. Deontay and Gerald are going to put on a great show and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“My opponent is definitely an unknown character. We prepared for everything to get ready for a guy that will move a lot. It’s big for him to be fighting on a big card like this for his first U.S. fight. I’m glad he took the fight.

“I just need to be a pressure fighter. I’ve been down and gotten up. I’ve been in there with the best. I can’t let him get comfortable. I’m going to bring him a kind of fight he’s never seen before.

“I’ve been training hard with Manny Robles and we’ve done some phenomenal things over the last 10 weeks. I’ve been on the big stage and I’m ready to do it again. I feel good and I’m prepared put on a show.”

IZUAGBE UGONOH

“I’ve been training in Las Vegas for three years and I’m very excited to make my U.S. debut Saturday night. It’s a great opportunity and I’m glad to get a big fight straight away against a good former title challenger who is also an Olympian. I couldn’t have wished for anything better than this.

“I’ve watched a lot of Dominic’s fights, even before I knew I was going to fight him. We know what he’s good at and we know where he makes mistakes. All my training partners were taller than me, so I’m comfortable fighting against big guys.

“For me, this is everything. If you’re a fighter and you train hard to be a champion, then this is the stage you want to reach. When you get here, the question is, are you comfortable with it? I’ve always believed that this is where I belong and now I have the opportunity. Now I just want to have fun and do what I do best.

“I think this is going to be a very explosive fight. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I prepared for a better Dominic Breazeale than who fought Joshua. I think it’s going to be a beautiful night.

“My road has been very rocky. I’ve fought all over the world, but everything happens for a reason and happens at the right time. The time is now for me.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve had a great camp. I know everyone says that, but this really has been my most productive camp. I’ve had great sparring since I moved to Las Vegas. It’s going to be fireworks on Saturday.

“I know my opponent has been in there with some tough guys. He’s never been stopped. That’s what we want. Soft touches won’t get me to where I’m headed. This is my closest fight to my hometown of Nashville since I turned pro so I’m expecting a lot of support.

“I’m not here to take the easy road. It’s my time now. This is a great opportunity and I think it’s going to be a great fight. I’m excited to get in the ring.

“Coming from where I came from, all of this is surreal. My hard work got me here. I’m blessed to be here and I feel like I deserve it.

“Everything went so smoothly during camp and now it’s time to put it together in the ring. I’ve always been able to show out when the pressure’s on.

“I’m looking to win and win in impressive fashion. I’m going to have a strong defense but I’ll have to put the heat on him. This is the kind of pressure I love.

“I want big fights. I’m focused on getting myself better every day. I have a great team around me and I feel like I can beat anybody.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is 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, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

MULVANE, Kansas (February 23, 2017) – Flyweight Patrick Gutierrez is going into his nationally-televised, main event showdown, March 25 in Kansas with high expectations against pro-debuting 2016 Olympic junior flyweight bronze medalist Nico Hernandez. Gutierrez is training hard in Las Vegas for his scheduled six-round “Knockout Night Boxing: History Begins” headline bout to derail hometown hero Hernandez’ coming out party

“This fight is make or break for me,” the 22-year-old Gutierrez said about his ‘Rocky’-like moment. The crowd won’t bother me because I enjoy fighting in front of large crowds. I’ve learned the hard way that, fighting my opponent in his backyard, I can’t leave it in the hands of the judges. I watched Nico fight in the Olympics. I have a lot of respect for him and was proud of him for winning the bronze medal for our country. But, I also saw some flaws from the fight that he lost. He’s in trouble if he hasn’t corrected those flaws.”

“Knockout Night Boxing: History Begins” will air live on CBS Sports Network. At 9:00 p.m. ET from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas. Knockout Night Boxing LLC is the licensed promoter of the March 25th event, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and it is sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.

The CBS Sports Network all-star announcing team for “History Begins” will include Hall-of-Famer Jim “J.R.” Ross, Sean Wheelock and Joey Varner. Justin Roberts will be the ring announcer.

Hernandez, 21, was a highly-decorated amateur boxer (94-5) who is like a sports franchise in his hometown of Wichita.

A national Taekwondo champion as a youngster, Gutierrez played football in high school, at least until he realized that he had stopped growing, eliminating the possibility that he’d ever play college football. He had always liked combat sports and decided to try boxing.

“I fell in love with boxing right away,” Gutierrez admitted. “I live in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, and Floyd Mayweather (Jr.) was at his prime there when I first started boxing. I boxed in California (Orange County) and won a three-day tournament there as an amateur. I decided to turn pro but, due to some broken promises, I didn’t make my pro debut for two years. So, I just focused on training. I broke my wrist in the second round of my first fight but decided to stick with boxing. Six months later, I fought a California kid (Alexander Enriquez) in Los Angeles and felt that I had won all four rounds. I could tell because the large crowd was silent throughout the fight. I’ve learned the hard way, the past four years, but I’m still young and getting better every day. I had an easy fight scheduled for March 11 when (promoter) John Andersen called offering me this fight. I wanted to restart my career and jumped at the opportunity to fight Nico. I decided to take the risk to fight an Olympic medalist in his hometown. I just love fighting and I’m not going there to lose.”

The eight-round co-feature shapes up as a southpaw battle between a rooster and bull. Rising junior middleweight star Neeco “Rooster” Macias (14-0, 8 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against dangerous Arturo “El Toro” Crespin (13-8-1, 4 KOs). Macias is a showman from Palm Desert, California, whose non-stop style makes him an instant fan favorite wherever he fights. His “Rooster” persona will be perfect for his first pro fight in Kansas.

Kansas cruiserweight Jeff Page, Jr. (17-3, 11 KOs), will open the televised portion of card in a six-round bout against an opponent to be determined.

Scheduled to fight on the non-televised undercard, in separate four-round matches, are four Kansas boxers: Kansas State junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (4-0, 1 KO), super middleweight Marcio Navarro and featherweight Eric Vargas (1-0, 1 KO). They will all face opponents to be determined.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket prices are $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.

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

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

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.kansasstarcasino.com, www.knockoutnightboxing.com

Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia

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

Follow Nico Hernandez on Twitter & Instagram @Nicomhernandez

About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution. In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.

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.

WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Championship & Mandatory Title Eliminator (12 rounds)*
Eleider Alvarez (21-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Montreal, Quebec, Canada via Colombia 174.6 lbs.
Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs), Challenger, Laval, Quebec, Canada via Romania 173.6 lbs.

Vacant WBU Heavyweight Championship (12 rounds)*
Eric Martel-Bahoeli (14-5-2, 8 KOs), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 253.8 lbs.
Adam Braidwood (6-1, 5 KOs), Victoria, British Colombia, Canada 250.8 lbs.

Super Welterweights (8 rounds)*
Sebastien Bouchard (14-1, 5 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Canada (8) 149.6 lbs.
Gustavo Garibay (13-7-2, 5 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico 150 lbs.

IBF International & Vacant NABO Middleweight Championships (10 rounds)*
Francis Lafreniere (14-5-2, 8 KOs), Champion, Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada 157.8 lbs.
Uriel “Big Bang” Gonzalez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), Challenger, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico 159.2 lbs.

Super Middleweights (8 rounds)
Dario Bredicean (11-0, 3 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 169.2 lbs.
Alejandro Torres (9-1-2, 4 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 165.4 lbs.

Super Middleweights (4 rounds)
Christian M’Billi (1-0, 1 KO), Montreal, Quebec, Canada via France 163.2 lbs.
Jesus Olivares (5-3, 3 KOs), Puebla, Mexico 168.2 lbs.

*Denotes PPV fight

WHAT: “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”

WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2017

WHERE: Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

PROMOTER: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu

HOW TO WATCH: Integrated Sports Media will distribute in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In Canada, available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rogers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.

Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

TICKETS: On sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.gestev.com, www.integratedsportsnet.com
www.Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel, www.Facebook.com/GestevEvenements
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV #ButeAlvarez

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent, organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)” GYM has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.

OXON HILL, MD (February 23, 2017) — The VASYL LOMACHENKO – JASON “El Canito” SOSA junior lightweight world championship event has become an embarrassment of Ukrainian riches with the addition of two title fights. Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) cruiserweight world champion and Olympic gold medalist OLEKSANDR USYK and NABF light heavyweight champion and Olympic bronze medalist OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK will be defending their titles against MIKE HUNTER and YUNIESKYI GONZALEZ, respectively, in all-action co-main event battles, Saturday, April 8, at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD. The Lomachenko, Usyk and Gvozdyk championship Ukrainian tripleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The six televised championship fighters boast a combined record of 80-4-4 (62 KOs), good for a winning percentage of 91% with over 3/4 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions, K2 Promotions, K2 Promotions Ukraine and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, remaining tickets for the Lomachenko-Sosa world championship event are priced at $153, $128, $103, $78 and $53, including all applicable service charges and taxes. They can be purchased online at mgmnationalharbor.com or ticketmaster.com. For more tour and ticket information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com or call (844) 346-4664.

“I’m very happy to fight on the same card with Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Gvozdyk, this is something we’ve been talking about since we were amateurs — to have three members of the 2012 Ukrainian Olympic Team in the same event,” said Usyk. “It’s fantastic to be able to do this. I would like to thank my promoters Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Krassyuk and Tom Loeffler from K2 Promotions along with my manager Egis Klimas and HBO, and also Bob Arum and Top Rank for adding me to this show. Michael Hunter is a tough, undefeated opponent and I’m certain that this will be a great show for the fans in attendance and those watching on HBO.”

“I’m excited for this fight because I asked for it. If I don’t knock him out, I’ll be surprised,” said Hunter.

“I’m happy to know the name of my next opponent. He is a strong fighter and a new challenge for me,” said Gvozdyk. “Thanks to Top Rank and HBO to making this happen.

“I’m very happy to be back on HBO thanks to Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, and my management team,” said Gonzalez. “I’m training hard at Mundo Boxing Gym and I’m going to be ready to win this fight”

“Top Rank is very proud to present these two compelling co-main event championship fights featuring Oleksandr Usyk, with K2 Promotions, and Oleksandr Gvozdyk,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “In a historic first, HBO World Championship Boxing will present three title fights, featuring three Ukrainian champions defending their titles, and within eyesight of the Nation’s Capital.”

“We’re very excited to bring Oleksandr back to the United States and for this world title defense to be telecast on HBO,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “Both Oleksandr and Michael Hunter were 2012 Olympians who are undefeated as professionals. This is the second cruiserweight world title fight HBO has telecast recently and we’re honored to work with Peter Nelson and HBO on showcasing this division. Not since the epic battle between James Toney and Vasily Jirov in 2003 has the cruiserweight division been showcased on HBO and we’re very proud to present fans entertaining fights in this weight class.”

“We are very grateful to our partner and close friend Peter Nelson for giving the U.S. fans such an opportunity to watch this upcoming star, Oleksandr Usyk, live on HBO. It will be a unique event in the history of Ukraine when three Ukrainian boxers battle on the same HBO fight card,” said Alexander Krassyuk of K2 Promotions Ukraine. “Oleksandr Usyk is an absolutely extraordinary boxer. We expect a spectacular show and of course a flawless victory against the undefeated contender Michael Hunter. The whole country of Ukraine is looking forward to watching this event live.”

“I’m very happy and thankful to K2 Promotions and Top Rank along with HBO to be able to present Lomachenko, Usyk and Gvozdyk on one special night,” said Egis Klimas, manager of Usyk.

“So happy and thankful to our promoter Top Rank and HBO for bringing Gvozdyk back in the ring on April 8th,” added Klimas, who also manages Gvozdyk. “In his last fight, on HBO Pay-Per-View when he fought Isaac Chilemba, Gvozdyk proved he was a quality fighter who belongs on TV battling the best fighters in the light heavyweight division. Gonzalez is a good fighter, fans will see good show and Gvozdyk will be able to show everyone his world-class skills.”

”I am looking forward to April 8 and this exciting HBO show,” said Joe DeGuardia, promoter for Gonzalez. “Yuniesky Gonzalez once again will be stepping into the ring with a world class and very dangerous light heavyweight in Gvozdvk. However, Yuniesky is one tough, fan-friendly fighter and, with his new trainer Pedro Diaz, he is a very confident. Yuniesky will be appearing for the third time on the HBO network and you can be sure that everyone will be in for one heck of a fight”.

Usyk (11-0, 10 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, and a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, captured the WBO cruiserweight world title in his 10th professional bout, a division record for winning a world title in the fewest fights. Usyk dethroned Krzysztof Glowacki via unanimous decision on September 17, 2016, ending the undefeated defending champion’s two-year reign. In his last fight, on December 17, Usky made his U.S. and HBO debut, successfully defending his title by knocking out world-rated contender Thabiso Mchunu in the ninth round. Considered the class of the division, Usyk trains in Oxnard, Calif. under the tutelage of Anatoly Lomachenko, father/trainer of Vasyl Lomachenko.

Hunter (12-0, 8 KOs), of Las Vegas, Nev. and a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, has won five of his last seven bouts inside the distance. He scored a career-best victory in his last fight, on May 13, 2016, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Isiah Thomas to capture the NABO cruiserweight title. Hunter is currently world-rated No. 9 by the WBO

Gvozdyk (12-0, 10 KOs), from Kharkiv, Ukraine, enters this fight having won 10 of his last 12 fights by knockout, including all three of his NABF light heavyweight title fights. A bronze medalist at the 2012 Olympics, Gvozdyk captured the vacant NABF title with a second-round knockout of Nadjib Mohammedi on April 9, 2016. He successfully defended that title twice last year scoring a sixth-round TKO of Thomas Karpency on June 23 and an eighth-round stoppage of Izek Chilemba on November 19. He enters this fight world-rated No. 6 by the WBO and the World Boxing Council (WBC), and, No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Gonzalez (18-2, 14 KOs), a native of Pinar del Rio, Cuba, who lives and trains in Miami, Fla. with Pedro Diaz, has collected his last nine victories by way of knockout. His only blemishes are a very disputed decision loss to former WBC light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal and a majority decision loss to Vyacheslav Shabransky in 2015. Last year Gonzalez won both his fights by stoppage.

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. Full details on the undercard will be announced at a later date.

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.

Los Angeles – FOX Sports announces that four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and current featherweight world champion Abner Mares join the FOX Sports broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: WILDER VS. WASHINGTON live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Feb. 25 (8:00 PM ET), from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Ala. In addition, FOX Sports and industry leader NextVR team to deliver the two-hour show in virtual reality.

Holyfield makes a special appearance as a guest analyst with the broadcast team of blow-by-blow announcer Brian Kenny, fellow analyst and long-time boxing trainer Virgil Hunter, Mares and reporter Kristine Leahy, during the exciting heavyweight bouts. The main event features the title fight between WBC world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) and unbeaten heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (18-0-1, 12 KOs), as well as the 10-round clash between hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs) and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KOs).

Holyfield reigned as both the undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion in a career that spanned more than three decades from 1984 to 2011. He successfully defended the undisputed heavyweight championship three times.

Holyfield and Wilder share a connection. Both were born in Alabama – Holyfield in Atmore and Wilder in Tuscaloosa, where he still resides. Holyfield has followed Wilder’s career since the 31-year-old champion was a member of the U.S. boxing Olympic team and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

There is another Olympic connection between Holyfield and Ugonoh’s trainer, Kevin Barry. Holyfield and Barry met in the semifinals of a light heavyweight bout at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The match was marred by controversy after Holyfield was disqualified in the second round for hitting Barry on the break. Because of the disqualification, Holyfield won the bronze medal for the U.S. team in the 1984 LA Games.

The fourth installment of PBC on FOX features the two heavyweight bouts, as well as a junior middleweight title fight. Once-beaten Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and undefeated Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) battle in a 12-round affair for a vacant 154-pound world championship.

Working with NextVR, the two-hour PBC on FOX show is also broadcast live in virtual reality. For the second year in a row, multiple cameras set up around the ring capture the action in immersive, high-definition virtual reality, providing fans with the best seat in the house. The PBC on FOX boxing experience is available for free through the NextVR app. Fans with a Google Daydream or Samsung Gear VR headset, along with a compatible smartphone, can access the virtual reality experience by downloading the NextVR app from the Oculus or Google Play Stores.

Once the fights are done on FOX, the boxing continues for two more hours on FS1 & FOX Deportes, with Kenny calling the action with analysts Mares and Hunter. That show is headlined by unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (14-0, 10 KOs) against Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono (25-6-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

On FOX Deportes, former featherweight world champion and 2000 Mexican Olympic team member Daniel Ponce de Leon joins blow-by-blow announcer Ricardo Celis to call the action in Spanish.

FOX Sports also presents PBC’s exciting Tuesday night series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes. Follow on twitter at: @holyfield, @MrBrianKenny, @virgilhunter7, @abnermares, @KristineLeahy, @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is 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, fights are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

WORCESTER, Mass. (February 23, 2017) – Popular cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita will headline the second installment of the “New England’s Future” series on Saturday night, April 1, at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“New England’s Future 2” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.

Carita (15-1-1, 14 KOs), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), is riding a 12-fight win streak (11-0-1) into his April 1st eight-round main event against Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), the former South American light heavyweight champion.

In the eight-round co-feature, Manchester (CT) lightweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in six years. The former NABF and NABA featherweight champion faces Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence (MA).

“We are excited to be promoting our second boxing event so quickly and with the great lineup of talented boxers who will be showcasing their talents on Saturday, April 1st,” promoter Jose Rivera said. “It’s great to have fellow court officer, Vinnie Carita and longtime friend Matt Remillard, respectively, as our main and co-feature fighters. We are also excited that we will have three Worcester boxers on the card. Bryan Daniels and Andy Gonzales fighting for the first time at home, along with Ranse Andino who fought on our first event this past January 19th. With only the buzz about our next event and no real promoting to this point, the amount of tickets already sold leads us to believe that there will be another packed house at the Worcester Palladium come fight night.”

2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), fighting out of East Hartford (CT), meets veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-23-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Fighting on the undercard in four round matches are pro-debuting Springfield (MA) featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs. Alex Montes (1-2), of Lawrence (MA), Worcester featherweight Andino (1-0) vs. Mike Hellenfinger (0-2), of Harrisburg (PA), 3-time NE Golden Gloves champion Elvis Figueroa, of New Haven (CT) makes his pro debut vs. Brazilian super middleweight Devision Robiero (0-3), pro-debuting Springfield junior middleweight Derrick Whitley vs. Anthony Everett (104), of Lawrence, Haverhill (MA) junior welterweight Carlos “The Dragon” Candelario (9-1, 4 KOs) vs. TBA, Lawrence junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, Worcester junior middleweight Gonzalez (5-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester cruiserweight Daniels (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Michael Shipp (1-4, 1 KO), of Michigan, and Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs). vs. Alando Pugh (1-10-1, 1 KO), of Washington D.C.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

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

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

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

Lou DiBella
Thank you, everybody, for joining us for this call for what I think is going to be a Fight of the Year, if not the Fight of the Year, between champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, the World Welterweight Championship Unification at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Saturday, March 4th. This will be a telecast of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tickets for the live event start at $50. And they’re on sale right now. There are plenty of very, very low price tickets still available out there for and we’d like as many fans as possible to be there. You can purchase your tickets online at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 and they’re also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

As I noted, this telecast will be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS and the CBS telecast will be live, live at 9:00 pm, ET/6:00 pm, PT.

It’s been a great roll of boxing that ended 2016 for SHOWTIME and is beginning 2017 as the fights have been sensational in every platform that’s put out there. You know, this telecast being on CBS is a great story in itself and a great opportunity for the most eyeballs possible to see one of the very best fights you can make in all of boxing.

And I’d like to bring up to say a few words on this call the man that’s responsible for this great run for SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much, Lou.

I echo your sentiments. You know, personally, I do believe this is boxing’s most anticipated fight of the year. Both Danny and Keith are undefeated. They’re in the prime of their careers and obviously both hold major world title belts in the welterweight division. They’re both highly-skilled boxers who are also powerful punchers. And this is a rare battle of undefeated champions fighting to unify the division. It’s so rare, in fact, that this is just the tenth world title unification bout in the history of the welterweight division. This will go down among the likes of Leonard versus Hearns, Trinidad versus De La Hoya, Mayweather versus Pacquiao. This is the kind of elite company this fight is in, in being a welterweight world title unification fight.

In fact, with Keith Thurman, the WBA Champion, and Danny Garcia, the WBC Champion, they’ll be fighting to unify the exact, same titles that Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns unified in their 1981 Fight of the Year.

And our last real statistic here, this will be just the third unification fight between undefeated welterweights in boxing history. Again, only the third time in boxing history that undefeated welterweights have met to unify titles, the last being Trinidad-De La Hoya in 1999. So given the quality of this matchup and the rarity of this matchup is, it’s no wonder why we’ve selected this bout to be just the second primetime boxing event on the CBS TV network in nearly 40 years.

This showdown obviously presents huge implications in the welterweight division which has historically always been boxing’s premium division. With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, this fight will arguably determine who is the face of the new 147-pound division and certainly deserving the spot on the pound for pound list.

With that, I’ll turn it back to Lou. Suffice to say I can’t wait until March 4th.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Stephen.

First, I’d like to bring you the WBA World Welterweight Champion with the record of 27-0 with 22 KOs, the pride of Clearwater, Florida, Keith “One Time” Thurman.

Keith Thurman
Well, I’m happy to be here, looking forward to the questions and looking forward to this fight. It’s going to be a great fight.

L. DiBella
Mr. Garcia is 33-0, 19 KOs out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, like Keith, 28 years old. Danny is the WBC World Welterweight Champion.

Danny Garcia
Thanks for having me on. I appreciate it. I want to thank the media for joining us for this conference call and I’m excited about the fight on March 4. Can’t wait to unify titles that night. Thank you.

Q
Keith, what is your view of the balancing act between a great exposure but not fighting often enough, it would seem, for a top fighter?

K. Thurman
I just didn’t want to have a stay busy fight. I just wanted to have a fight that I wanted and it’s the fight that we’re getting. So if I had to wait for it, I wait for it. When fighters are staying busy, they put themselves on a certain fight schedule and then sometimes it’s hard to make the big fights happen because, this fighter is in a training camp and he’s getting ready for a fight and then the other guy starts his training camp to fight somebody else and I just wanted a fight that I want. I’m not complaining about my career. I’m not complaining about my exposure or my celebrity status. I’m not really in boxing to be a super celebrity even though there is super stardom in the sport of boxing. I’m living the dream that I’ve always wanted to live and I’m proud of it. This is a fight that I’m really looking forward to and I’m excited about it.

And then from here, I am hoping to give you guys a minimum of two fights this year. So we’ll be more active than we have been recently but things have happened last year. We have the injury, the car accident. That was a setback. And when setbacks occur, there’s nothing you can do. I’m young. I plan on being in this game for as long as I possibly can be.

So I’m not complaining at all. I’m happy to be where I am in the sport of boxing today.

Q
So are you saying that you’re willing to just wait it out and let Danny have the tune-up fight that he said that he needed and then make the fight now as opposed to trying to force the issue within the last year?

K. Thurman
This is the fight I wanted and I had no objective of waiting for it. If that’s what we needed to do, it’s not optimal, but at this stage, I can live off of one paycheck, and I was able to do that. My body went through a lot with the car accident and the rehab that I had to go through.

Last year was a big year for me. It was my 20th year anniversary in boxing, in the sport of boxing. And so even though I fought once, I got to sit back and relax and reflect and really just pat myself on the back and say, you’re champion of the world, you’ve accomplished the dreams that you Ben Getty set out for yourself as a young child. And I know it might be aggravating for fight fans, but for me, it was a blessing. I was happy to just reflect on all of my accomplishments and really just get ready to put on a tremendous performance for 2017. I got to travel the world a little bit last year and just do things for Keith Thurman and just appreciate what I’ve accomplished and the lifestyle that I’m living today.

I could have stayed busy. There were some options out there. Danny took his tune-up so that he didn’t want to go from Robert Guerrero and sitting, while I just fought Shawn Porter. So I would have been a little bit more active than them and they wanted to get back into activity and then take the big fight. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I respect that. And that’s why I waited to make this fight happen because this is the fight I wanted. I believe this is the fight the fight fans deserved. And I wanted to challenge myself and go for my second title.

Q
Keith, your thoughts about where this fight lies perhaps in the history of boxing?

K. Thurman
Boxing is all about is making history. That’s my ultimate goal is to not just make a living for myself, not just live my American dream and accomplish my goals as an athlete but my ultimate goal has been, ever since I was a child, is to make history in the sport of boxing so that when I’m done boxing, people get to remember who Keith “One Time” Thurman really was, what he brought to the welterweight division and hopefully, arguably, when people start talking about their favorite fighters and the greatest fighters of all time that there will be somebody standing in a circle who said “I really love that boy, Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman.” For me, that’s what it’s all about.

Q
Danny, your thoughts on that? About the unifying of those belts that those great fighters had and the rarity of this welterweight unifications?

D. Garcia
Yes, it feels good. It’s an honor. At the end of the day, you know, I feel like I’m this caliber of fighter. I’m an old school fighter in the streets of Philadelphia. I feel good that we fight for those titles and it gives me the opportunity to win my fourth world title.

Q
Is it part of your preparation mentality to go out there and try to prove people wrong?

D. Garcia
The critics will be the critics. They don’t know what I can do. I’ve been here before. It’s not new to me. But at the end of the day, I know what I can do and I’m a great champion, I’m a true champion and that’s what I’m going to show on March 4.

Q
Keith, tell us why you think you’re going to win on March 4th?

K. Thurman
Well, it’s because I’m an undefeated champion and I’ve never lost. I feel strong. I have a strong amateur background. He does, too. This is my life. This is what I do. I love the challenge. I love the fight game. I love another man trying to get the best of me right in front of me, going toe-to-toe with me. I just live for it.

I’ll never back down. I’m bigger than Danny naturally. He was always smaller than me in the amateurs. He’s smaller than me in the pros. He’s moving up. He might hold his weight well but I’m just a little bit bigger. So that gives me some confidence there.

We both have great records, great resumes, lots of knockouts, but I have less fights, more knockouts. So I believe that I do punch harder and that I’ll just edge him out statistically a little bit and it’s just going to come down to the fight who lands the right punches at the right time and strength and conditioning and just everything that the fight game is about. I always come prepared for this kind of fights. I’m just looking forward to it.

Nowadays, win, lose or draw, I’ll always be a champion. I’m not worried about nothing. I’m not worried about my reputation. Like I said, I’m living my dream. I’m trying to make history.

But it’s not easy to be Keith Thurman, I got an ‘0’ and I’m not afraid to let it go. If you can beat me, beat me. I’m going to shake your hand at the end of the fight. I’m going to congratulate you at the end of the fight. But I don’t bow down to nobody and I know that I’m the greatest challenge that most fighters will ever face. So that’s where my confidence comes from and, you know, I’m just looking forward in the fight. It’s going to be a great fight.

Q
Danny, same question for you, why do you feel so confident you’re going to win this fight?

D. Garcia
I’m a true champion. I’ve been in the big fights before. I’ve been in unification fights before. I feel I’m the better fighter. I always rise to the occasion. And that’s pretty much it. At the end of the day, Danny Garcia, he comes to fight and he comes to win.

Q
Is there anything in Keith’s record or how do you watch Keith’s fights, Danny, that gives you confidence that you see something that you could beat him?

D. Garcia
We did our homework. We did the math. We’re coming in the fight with a great game plan and if anything happens, then we got to adjust. But we’ve done our homework and we’re confident going into this fight.

Q
Keith, is there anything you’ve seen in watching Danny’s recent fights that tells you you’re going to be able to win?

K. Thurman
Danny has always won. He has always prevailed in his fights. But ultimately, looking at the books and everything and looking at the record, I think Danny has been in more close decisions than I have been. The closest fight that I’ve been in was my most recent fight with Shawn Porter, a fighter who knows me very well and somebody who I competed against coming off of injury and a big layoff. So we feel stronger this camp. We feel more prepared and ready for this camp. And we believe that we’ll be able to make a statement.

He just let people be in the fight with him more than I believe fighters have been in the fight with me. I think I’ve had more dominant decisions over my opponents than Garcia and that gives me confidence in winning this fight.

Q
Keith, my question is for you. Is this fight personal for you?

K. Thurman
No, man. This is a kid that I’ve known since we were kids. If anything, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. I’m proud of everything he’s accomplished. He’s lived the life that I’ve lived in a different state in a different scenario. But we’re like two pit bulls. We were bred for this at a young age. We’re not new fighters. We didn’t pick up boxing yesterday. This isn’t new to us. This is the career that we chose while we were growing up. When people were trying to figure out what they want to be, we knew what we wanted to be. We knew we wanted to be fighters and this is what we wanted to do.

And I remember the day that Shawn Porter turned pro and he started to compete at 147 because Porter, as an amateur, competed at 165. And I remember when somebody passed on the knowledge that “Oh, Shawn Porter, he’s having his pro debut” and this and that and he’s fought so many fights now and he’s competing at 147, I mean, he was nobody to you guys until the reporter at the time and I knew from them I probably was actually nobody, too, and – but I knew, I said, “Oh, well, me and Shawn Porter are going to have to fight one day.” And now, me and Danny Garcia have to fight.

This is what it is, man. There are a lot of other fighters out there today that I grew up with in the amateurs and it’s just great to see so many people just accomplishing their goals and their dreams. In life, you have to fight for survival. Everyone is fighting and everyone is struggling but we fighters, we truly fight to make a name for ourselves, and it kind of makes me laugh. It was humorous to me.

*Timings subject to change

Fight # 1 – 18:30 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest

NAYLOR BALL weighing in on the day V OLEG LOPAJEVS

Fight # 2 – 18:55 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest

D.P CARR weighing in on the day V LEWIS JONES

Fight # 3 – 19:25 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

CHARLIE DRISCOLL weighing in on the day V DAN CARR

Fight # 4 – 19:50 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

LERRONE RICHARDS 12st 3lbs 3oz V ATTILA TIBOR NAGY 12st 4lbs 7oz

Fight # 5 – 20:20 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

HARLEY BENN 11st 12lbs 4oz V DOMINK ZUBKO 11st 6lbs 9oz

Fight # 6 – 20:45 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

ZAK CHELLI weighing in on the day V ACOB LUCAS

Fight # 7 – 21:00 hrs

THE COMMONWEALTH FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 115 lbs

THOMAS ESSOMBA 7st 13lbs 2oz V JAY HARRIS. 7st 13lbs 6oz

Fight # 8 – 22:00 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

SANJEEV SAHOTA 9st 13lbs 3oz V ELEMIR RAFAEL 9st 10lbs 3oz

Fight # 9 – 22:30 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest

ARCHIE SHARP 9st 4lbs 3oz V ALEX PHILLIPS 9st 4lbs 3oz

Fight # 10– 23:00 hrs

THE SOUTHERN AREA SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 130 lbs

BOY JONES JNR 9st 3lbs 6oz V CRAIG POXTON 9st 3lbs 1oz

Welterweight supremo Bradley Skeete tops an unmissable evening of action when he makes the second defence of his prestigious Lord Lonsdale Belt against Shayne Singleton at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 6th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

British, Commonwealth and WBO European Champion Skeete has climbed to the very top of the domestic Welterweight scene and is determined to win the Lonsdale strap outright before setting his sights on World honours later in the year.

“Psychologically I’m right ‘on it’ with my British title at stake,” said Skeete. “I desperately want the Lonsdale Belt outright so the title defences mean everything. I know every challenger will desperately try to take what’s mine so I’ll be training really hard.

“Shayne’s got a good record and some good wins like Curtis Woodhouse and Adil Anwar. He’s got fast hands, good movement and, given the notice he’s had, we expect he’ll bring his A game.

“I’ve seen it all before; those that come to rough me up, those that come to run away. I’m ready for anything. If Shayne gives me the charge, I’ll box his ears off. If he picks and pokes, happy days. No domestic welter can outbox me. I should definitely be stopping him.”

Since debuting in August 2009, Karl Ince coached Singleton has picked up the English Super-Lightweight and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles and plans on adding Skeete’s British belt to his collection on May 6th.

“They don’t give British and Commonwealth titles away,” said Singleton. “Bradley is quality. The lad’s got everything; fantastic range and he rarely gets hit. But I also see a way of beating him and that’s why I took the fight. Others are expecting a cautious, cagey affair but they’ll be in for a shock. Expect the unexpected!

“I believe my speed, accuracy and movement will trouble him, big time. I’ll make him answer questions and just believe I’ll be too much for him on the night. Just like Adil Anwar, Skeete’s very awkward and bounces around….but the outcome is gonna be exactly the same.

“Winning a British title would mean everything to me. After winning the Masters, the English and WBC International Silver, this is my world title. I couldn’t give two monkeys about anything that happens thereafter.”

Chief support on the card sees Cromer hero Ryan Walsh defend his British Featherweight belt against Belfast’s Marco McCullough. All action Walsh etched his name into the boxing records books when he won the title in September 2015 to join twin brother Liam as the first ever set of twins to hold the prized Lonsdale belt simultaneously and is aiming to get back to winning ways after losing to Dennis Ceylan in Denmark last time out.

WBO Inter-Continental Featherweight Champion McCullough ended 2016 in sensational style with a highly-entertaining stoppage victory over Luis Lugo at the Titanic Exhibition Centre and the former WBO European Featherweight Champion will head into the fight brimming with confidence.

Elsewhere on the card, Harrow Lightweight Mitchell Smith has a chance of gaining revenge when he rematches with Belvedere rival George Jupp; Light-Heavyweight sensation Anthony Yarde aims for another explosive knockout win; Heavyweight amateur star Daniel Dubois fights in the capital for the first time as a professional; Chingford Super-Featherweight Boy Jones Jnr looks to improve his unbeaten record; Southampton knockout king Joe Pigford takes on unbeaten Barking Super-Welterweight Aaron Morgan; Hammers fanatic Sam McNess goes for his seventh pro win; Ilford Super-Bantamwieght Lucien Reid; New Malden Super-Middleweight Lerrone Richards; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie sharp; Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy Long; Hornchurch Super-Lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Croydon’s Sunny Edwards and Wycombe Super-Lightweight Ben Smith complete a talent-packed card.

Tickets for May 6 priced £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, and VIP £200 are available from www.copperboxarena.seetickets.com and 0871 2307148.

Luke Campbell MBE says he’ll show the Lightweight World champions he’s ready to take their titles when he defends his WBC Silver title against Jairo Lopez at the Hull Ice Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Campbell has not boxed on his home patch since seeing off local rival Tommy Coyle at Craven Park in August 2015, and Campbell comes into the clash with the Mexican on the back of his best performance to date, folding Derry Mathews with crunching body shots inside four rounds in Liverpool in October.

The WBC crown was won in empathic fashion by Mikey Garcia last month in Las Vegas, pummelling Dejan Zlaticanin inside three rounds to become a three-weight World king. Campbell knows the 135lbs division is one of the hottest in the sport, with Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares rematching for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring magazine belts in Manchester next month and the city then hosts Terry Flanagan’s WBO defence the following month – and Campbell is open to take on any of the title holders.

“I have a great team around me and whatever route they plan for me, then that is what I will do,” said Campbell. “I want to build up and maybe by the end of the year fight for a World title. This is the biggest year of my career and I am working hard, making sacrifices and putting everything I have got into it so hopefully by the end of the year I can be World champion.

“The green belt is the best belt. To have any belt would be awesome but I think the green belt is a little bit more special.

“It is a tough division to be in, it is a very exciting division to be in and there are some big fights to be made for sure,” said Campbell.

“Every single champion out there is a possibility and Garcia is definitely one of them. I watched his fight in Vegas, he was very impressive. He is a great boxer, three-time champion, he is a special fighter who carries a lot of power and he is a great champion but that doesn’t faze me one bit.

“He performed brilliantly that night and got an absolutely brutal knockout against a very strong opponent. I do believe that Zlaticanin was made for him. He was walking on to everything – it’s not the best game-plan to walk in in straight lines and show no head movement in front of a big puncher who can box, and has speed and power.

“It has been a while since I have boxed in Hull and there is nothing better than fighting in front of your home fans. Last year I was on the road all year so I am looking forward to being back in front of my home crowd and putting on a good show.”

Campbell’s clash with Lopez is part of a big night of action in Hull as unbeaten Doncaster man Gavin McDonnell aims to join twin brother Jamie as a World champion when he takes on Mexican Rey Vargas for the WBC Super-Bantamweight title.

Campbell’s fellow Hull favourite and old foe Tommy Coyle returns to action following his epic British title encounter with Tyrone Nurse, taking on unbeaten Londoner Rakeem Noble.

Unbeaten Belfast talent Ryan Burnett tastes his first action of 2017, Doncaster Heavyweight Dave Allen kicks off 2017 having taken on Luis Ortiz in his last outing and Scunthorpe’s unbeaten Light-Heavyweight prospect Dec Spelman looks to add to his 10-0 record and local boys Carl Chadwick and Conor Seymour feature.
Limited tickets remain on sale for February 25 priced at £40, £60 and £100 via this link: https://www.stubhub.co.uk/event/9777796/?gcid=chPrt-_-geoUK-_-genboxing-_-cpghullfpjan17-_-partmatchroom

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 22, 2017) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten Gerald Washington kicked-off fight week with a media workout in Alabama Wednesday before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action this Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Also working out at Round 1 Boxing Gym and featured in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd, who battle for a vacant junior middleweight world title, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh, who meet in a 10-round heavyweight battle.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“This started as a dream and now it’s a reality. It’s always a pleasure to come back home and do it again. We’re going to keep it going. I love being at home.

“If I had doubted myself because of injuries, then I wouldn’t be here. At this point, I’m ready to go. We all know that when I step into the ring, no matter what’s wrong with me, I’m going to go to work.

“Washington might be my most athletic opponent. That should make it interesting and even better than my previous opponent. Everything that happened was a blessing in disguise. Everything works out the way it’s supposed to.

“From the time I got into the ring, I wanted to focus on the aspects of my game that needed improvement, not my injuries. I knew everything would take care of itself if I kept working hard. There’s enough on your mind in the ring without worrying about an injury.

“I’m just happy to be back in the sport I love. I’m ready to put on a show for the world and for my state.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“This felt like destiny. It’s the year of the Rooster and it’s my time. It was only a matter of time and it happened to come early. I’m grateful I stayed in the gym and I stayed prepared. It’s just a matter of me locking in on Deontay Wilder.

“Me and my team are ready. We work hard all of the time. This is the sport of boxing and opportunities can pop up.

“I have a lot that Deontay hasn’t seen before. He’s young to the sport of boxing like me. Every fight for me has been a learning process. I’m an unorthodox fighter and I know how to use my size. I’m more athletic than all of the guys he’s been in the ring with. I’m big and strong and I can punch. It’s going to be a good fight. Deontay won’t be able to hit me from outside. It’s going to be a matter of who has better fundamentals, who’s sharper and remembers that defense wins championships.

“I’m definitely going to work hard every round. I’m trying to win every round. Knockouts do happen. I’m not expecting any favors. I know I have to beat him convincingly. I have to do it all the way.

“Luckily I boxed as a kid so when I picked it up again I already had the love and passion. People don’t want it for real after they get hit in the face. It’s a hard road but you have to take those bumps and bruises to climb and reach this level.

“You have to look at a guy’s strengths and weaknesses. They’re right there for everybody to see. I plan on being the best me that night. I’m looking to exploit everything.”

TONY HARRISON

“Training camp was great. I can always tell when the training is over because I feel so ready to fight. My last week of sparring is usually the most brutal. I have no complaints and everything went smoothly.

“We focused this camp on getting into the best shape that we could. Nothing worth having comes easy. We grinded every day from sun up until sun down.

“I’m just going to do whatever it takes to win. This is a big fight for both of us. Saturday night, all we’re focused on is winning. That’s the name of the game.”

JARRETT HURD

“I feel really good. Training camp went well. It was about a seven-week training camp. I’m on weight and ready to get in the ring.

“We had another strong camp and we came up with a great game plan. We’re focused on how we can beat Tony Harrison on Saturday night.

“We want to go in there and dictate the pace. I’m going to establish my jab and keep my timing sharp. If we can get that going in the first round then we should be able to do good work.

“I know in the later rounds he’s going to start slowing down, so I could see myself getting a late stoppage and if not, a unanimous decision.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I’m feeling great and I can’t wait for Saturday’s fight. Training camp went really well. We had a hard 10 weeks and I’m in fantastic shape. I feel great mentally and physically.

“We brought in some smaller guys in training camp to prepare for my opponent. He’s moved around in weight so these guys have helped me with accuracy and speed.

“I’m looking to put on a great performance and give the fans what they want to see. I’m going to give a boxing lesson. I’m going to throw the jab and pop the right hand and hopefully I can get the knockout I’m looking for.”

IZUAGBE UGONOH

“I believe that this is my year. I have a path to the world championship right in front of me and it starts with Dominic Breazeale on Saturday night.

“I am well prepared for this fight. I have been patient in learning my craft over the past two years and waiting for my opportunity.

“I know this is a big stage and I’m very excited to be here. The heavyweight division is on fire at the moment and I want in. On Saturday night everyone will know who I am.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER vs. WASHINGTON
Deontay Wilder vs. Gerald Washington is a heavyweight showdown between the WBC Champion Wilder and the unbeaten Washington that takes place Saturday, February 25 from the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a pair of exciting matchups as rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurdmeet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super middleweight Caleb Plant battling Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono and undefeated knockout artist Jorge Lara facing Jhon Gemino.

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is 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, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

Pensacola, FL—Square Ring Promotions and Hitz Entertainment Corporation announced today that they have reached an agreement for the Fres Oquendo vs. Shannon Briggs fight for the WBA World Heavyweight Championship.

“We are really excited that we were able to reach an agreement with Kris Lawrence and Henry Rivalta of the Heavyweight Factory,” said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions. “It was a long process and a difficult negotiation, but the good news is that Fres will now have the chance to finally win the WBA Heavyweight crown. I want to thank Gilberto Mendoza, George Martinez and everyone else at the WBA for this great opportunity.”
“Fres is in fantastic shape and he is focused on winning this bout like I have never seen before,” said Bobby Hitz, President of Hitz Boxing. “I met with him today and watched him spar and he looked awesome. His preparation is second to none and I predict it is going to be a great fight.”

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 22, 2017): In a classic crossroads fights Newark New Jersey native and longtime super lightweight contender Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-2-2, 11 KOs) looks to rebound and get back into title contention when he faces off with once-defeated Argentinian slugger Marcelino “Nino” Lopez (32-1-1, 17 KOs) in a Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN 10-round bout on April 20.

ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will broadcast the fight live from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY starting at 11 p.m. EST/8 p.m. PST. The undercard will stream live on ESPN3 in English and Spanish.

“True crossroads fights almost always spell high action because both fighters have so much to gain – and to lose,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Both Lopez and Perez have achieved a lot in their careers, but to catapult themselves into title contention, each has to get a win here. I expect fireworks and so should fans watching live at Turning Stone or on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes.”

In the 10-round co-main event, IBF North American welterweight champion Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (17-0, 12 KOs) from Lynn, Mass. makes his highly anticipated return and first defense of his title against the rugged John Karl Sosa (13-2, 6 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Ellis is back after his dramatic first-round knockout of the year candidate in December.

Highly touted Golden Boy prospect Travell Mazion (10-0, 10 KOs) from Austin, Texas is also set to fight on the undercard as is Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez (19-2, 11 KOs)

Host of the April 20th event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino, an award-winning destination resort, continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The April 20th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 21st nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for televised combat sports. Turning Stone is celebrated for its noteworthy boxing events such as boxing legend Mike Tyson selecting the resort as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and in April 2015, Turning Stone was selected to host “Fight of the Year” contender – Matthysse vs. Provodnivkov – over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

Ticket prices, on sale information and the remainder of the undercard will be announced shortly.

Professional media requesting credentials for Perez vs. Lopez must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

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

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world. In its 15-year existence, Golden Boy Promotions has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN Plaza includes 950,000 square feet in 16 buildings on 123 acres (116 contiguous), with additional office space (400,000 sq. ft.) rented nearby. The company is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. For more information, visit http://www.espn.com/boxing, @ESPNBoxing, and @ESPNBoxeo.

HOUSTON (February 22, 2017) – Exciting super featherweight Dat Nguyen (20-3, 6 KOs) dropped and stopped previously unbeaten Miguel Flores (21-1, 9 KOs) in the sixth-round of the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday night from Silver Street in Houston, Texas.

“Every day I train hard to get to this moment,” said Nguyen. “I’m thankful to everyone who was here to watch this performance and I’m ready to take on bigger and better challenges.”

Flores started out trying to work off of the jab and impose his size and reach advantages on his smaller but more seasoned opponent. Nguyen was prepared for Flores’ usually lethal left hook to the body and was able to deflect it while finding a landing spot for his right hand.

The power punch made its first mark late in round two when Nguyen’s right hand hit Flores flush on the chin and sent the hometown prospect into survival mode for the remainder of the round. Flores continued to come forward and control moments of the fight, but Nguyen was consistently able to respond with more powerful punches.

“Flores is a warrior like all great Mexican fighters,” said Nguyen. “That is the style I try to fight with too. I fight with that heart every time I’m in the ring. Flores came in fighting like a warrior but it didn’t work out for him.”

As the fight entered the second half of the scheduled 10 rounds, Nguyen caught Flores with several big hooks during an exchange against the ropes that sent Flores crashing hard to the canvas. Flores got to his feet but was clearly dazed as he attempted to hold on to Nguyen to survive the round.

Nguyen was able to remain patient enough to land a series of hard clean blows to Flores that forced referee Laurence Cole to call a halt to the bout at 1:02 in the sixth round. Flores was unable to give post fight comments due to a busted lip that required stitches.

“Miguel Flores is a tough guy and he’s going to be a champion one day,” said Nguyen. “Today was my day to win. I’ve been here 13 years as a professional and I finally got my shot at the top. I’m thankful to everyone who believed in me.”

In the co-main event of the night, unbeaten Darwin Price (12-0, 6 KOs) rode a crisp jab to a unanimous decision victory over Hylon Williams (16-4-1, 3 KOs) in their eight-round super lightweight bout.

Price set the pace early by establishing his jab and throwing it often including doubling and tripling up on the punch to begin his attack. Price was able to work in a solid overhand right hand and a left hook that busted Williams’ nose late in round two.

Williams remained on the defensive for most of the bout while only opening up his attack slightly in the second half of the fight. Price was able to hold off Williams when he did charge forward, including an exciting exchange late in round six.

Price was able to stay focused and continued to dominate every frame of the third eight-round bout in his pro career. After the final bell rang, all three judges scored the bout 80-72 for Price.

The opening bout of the telecast saw unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (11-0, 8 KOs) put on an impressive performance in dominating Raul Chirino (10-5, 5 KOs) before stopping him in the fourth round of their super bantamweight matchup.

Chirino was aggressive early in attempting to close the distance against the taller Figueroa but the Weslaco, Texas-product set the tone by investing to the body with huge hooks from both hands.

Figueroa’s body punching and work rate began to pay dividends in round three when he scored the first of his three knockdowns with a flurry of hooks to the body that sent Chirino down midway through the round. Chirino was able to get to his feet but Figueroa pounced on his wounded opponent and sent him back to the canvas with more thunderous hooks to the body.

Chirino arose once again and was able to narrowly survive the round, but Figueroa was gearing up for a big finish and finally landed the massive right hook to the body in round four that sent Chirino down for good. Referee Laurence Cole waived off the bout 1:30 into the round.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://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 was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by King’s Promotions.

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 21, 2017) Two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) today hosted a press conference in New York City, the second stop on their four-city press tour. The fans for both fighters came out in throngs and lined up early to get close to Canelo and Chávez, Jr. at the event. Canelo and Chávez, Jr. will meet on Cinco de Mayo weekend, Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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

CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“Every time I come to NYC, the fans show me a lot of love. Thank you for that. I want to tell everyone that I am going to prepare 100 percent for this fight and train well. This is going to be a very hard fight, a difficult fight because it will be at a new weight. You are going to see a great fight on May 6.”

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR., Former WBC World Middleweight Champion:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo for this opportunity. I will see you May 6 in Las Vegas.”

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

“You have the biggest star in boxing today with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and then you have Julio César Chávez, Jr., the son of one of Mexico’s greatest fighters ever. We took a poll and there is a 99.9 percent chance this fight will end in a knock out. That’s what fans want to see, that’s why we made this fight, for the fans.”

PETER NELSON, Executive Vice President of HBO:

“We have here a fight that has been talked about for years, possibly even a decade. The culmination of two lengthy journeys for JC, Jr. and Canelo has all been leading to a moment where they have a pivotal fight in their careers. This fight is about legacy and the pride of Mexico. Out of all the fights on the calendar this year, this is the biggest fight of them all.”

GUADALUPE VALENCIA, Representative to Julio César Chávez, Jr.:

“I think Julio wants to win this fight. There is a big size difference. People have underestimated Julio in his career. Julio César Chávez, Jr. is going to win on May 6.

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Álvarez :

“I want to thank Golden Boy, Canelo and the Chávez’s for the opportunity to bring another great fight. This fight represents Mexican pride. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of these fights. It’s going to be a war in the ring, and I have full confidence that we will get the result we are training for. Mexico versus Mexico is one of the greatest fights you can see in the world.

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Co-Trainer to Canelo Álvarez :

“We are so thankful for all the support we have received. We have to recognize the sacrifices that both fighters have made to make this fight possible for all the fans who have been asking for it. Julio will have to drop to a weight and Saúl will have to go up to a weight he hasn’t fought at. What will happen on May 6 is an arena filled with thousands of Mexicans who will come together to sing the Mexican national anthem together, and show the U.S. that we are more unified than ever before.”

“Viva Mexico! Viva Canelo!”

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $125 and $75 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/Canelo-ChavezJr into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Las Vegas, NV.– Undefeated contender Rey Vargas and Gavin McDonnell will vie for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight title this Saturday from the Ice Arena in Hull, England that will be streamed live on www.klowdtv.com

The entire fight card can be accessed for just $4.99. and

The action will begin a period of three major fight cards on www.klowdtv.com on in the span of seven week. Next Saturday, on March 4th, the action shifts to London as one of the biggest heavyweight fights in the United Kingdom in recent years will take place as the bad blood will be settled between cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew moving up in weight to face former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye. Then on April 15th from Glasgow, Scotland, it will be a Junior Welterweight unification bout as WBA champion Ricky Burns takes on undefeated IBF champion Julius Indongo.

Vargas of Otumba, Mexico has a record of 28-0 with 22 knockouts, and will be making his 1st attempt at a world title.

The 26 year-old is a 7 year professional, and has wins over former two-time world champion Alexander Munoz, former world title challengers Cecilio Santos, Juanito Rubillar, as well as well as contenders Luis Lugo (13-1-2), Marcos Cardenas (13-1-1), Eduardo Mancito (13-1-2) and Alexis Kabore (25-1).

“It is a risk going to England, but I’m not scared,” said Vargas. “I know that I’ll get booed when I go into the ring but I know when I win and step out of the ring they will applaud me. I am going to win this fight, even being in his backyard. He has that home advantage but I will win.

“I know the judges could be an issue. In fact, a gym mate of mine, Julio Ceja, fought his brother and won, but they robbed him. The idea is to go for the knockout otherwise they could rob you.

“It shows a bit of cowardice, not on him but on his team because they don’t want him to fight outside his country as they know he’ll lose. But I do trust that the WBC are fair and they will be neutral – the best man will win. I’d be very proud to take the WBC belt home.”

McDonnell of Dorncaster, England is the twin brother of WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell, and has a record of 16-0-2 with 4 knockouts.

Gavin, 30 years old, turned professional is a 7 year professional, and got to this title opportunity on the strength of his victories over undefeated Scott Gladwin (5-0), Leigh Wood (11-0), Oleksandr Yegorov (13-0-1), Jorge Sanchez (15-0), three-time world title challenger Vusi Malinga (21-5-1) as well as Dean Anderson (5-1-1), Paul Econmides (13-3), Jeremy Parodi (37-2-1).

In his last bout, McDonnell took an 8-round decision from Robin Zamora on September 10th in London.

“I have to pinch myself that it’s finally here,” said McDonnell. “All the hard work I’ve put in over the years, it feels like it’s meant to be this moment.

“I have seen my brother become World champion, I have seen my gym-mate Tony Bellew become World champion and I believe now I’m ready and to be let off the leash. I’m ready to become world champion. Two twin brothers on the scene, both World champions standing side by side – the Klitschko brothers of Doncaster!

“We were in the same boat me and my brother, fighting an unbeaten Mexican banger. Having home advantage is key and I’ve wanted that.

“I like being written off, I love proving people wrong and this will be no different. I really want to make a name for myself, I’ve always felt like I’ve been in my brother’s shadow but I’m 18 fights unbeaten and I’m on the verge of a World title fight.

“Vargas’ record says that he’s big puncher but we won’t know how good he is until we get in there. How much does he want it? Not more than me. He will have to knock me out cold to win it as he can’t beat me.”

“This will be a terrific championship bout on Saturday. We look forward to kicking off a terrific string of title bouts for the great boxing fans in the United States,”said Chris Schickedanz, Managing Director of Klowdtv.

KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
Upcoming fights on www.klowdtv.com

March 4, David Haye vs Tony Bellew
April 15: Ricky Burns vs Julius Indongo

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 21, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant looks to continue his march towards world title contention when he battles Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono in the 10-round main event of of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT immediately following the PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes primetime show headlined by undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his title against unbeaten Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington.

Televised coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of exciting matchups as top super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd meet in a 12-round world title showdown, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

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

On retuning in a 10-round main event on FS1:
“Fighting on FS1 once again is a tremendous blessing to my career. The exposure I’ll get will be incredible. The goal is to win, and win impressively. The time is now to show the world who Caleb Plant is. I’m here to entertain the masses.”

On his matchup with Thomas Awimbono:
“Awimbono is a big puncher who has been in the ring with some top-level fighters. He’s never been knocked out so I know he’s tough as nails. This will be his second fight of 2017 so I’m expecting him to be in shape and ready to fight. This will be a nice step up fight and one I see myself winning.”

On recently being world ranked in the super-middleweight division:
“My career is progressing the way I envisioned it. Right now, I’m currently rated #11 in the IBF and with a few more wins, I’ll be ready to challenge for a world title. First, I must get past Awimbono. He is my main focus at the moment. But I’m thrilled to be moving up the rankings.”

On his recent training camp:
“Since I moved out to Las Vegas last August, this will be the first full training camp I’ve had out here. We got great sparring with some top competition. My trainer Justin Gamber, who flew out from Nashville and has been with me for the last month. We did everything we needed to do to be prepared for this fight. I’m ready to go.”

On fighting at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, the closest ever to his hometown of Nashville, TN:
“I’m expecting a lot of family and friends to be in attendance since Alabama is only a couple of hours away from Nashville. This is the closest I’ve ever fought to home. I’m excited and I’m going to give all the fans a great night of entertainment.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is 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, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

MONTREAL (February 21, 2017) – The “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” press conference was held today in Quebec City for this Friday night’s championship fight between undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and former super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs) at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

“BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, is a presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu,

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” live in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In Canada, “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” will be available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rodgers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.

Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

The 12-round Bute vs. Alvarez main event will also be the final WBC eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for the winner’s GYM stablemate, reigning WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1-0, 23 KOs).

Tickets for “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” are on sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Lucian Bute: ”I am really, really confident going into this fight. I respect Alvarez; he is the WBC No. 1 ranked contender in the light heavyweight division. He is undefeated but my best moments as a professional boxer came here in Quebec City and I am sure it will be another one of those moments Friday night. And it will be a spectacular fight for the fans!”

Eleider Alvarez: ”I have to win for my future and for my family. I will give everything Friday night. My time has come and I will make the best of it.”

Yvon Michel, promoter of show and both fighters: ”It is going to be an exciting fight and card. Eleider Alvarez said that he is ready to die in the ring and he means it. Lucian also is ready to do whatever it takes to win Friday. We have two fighters, two true competitors, who will give everything and leave everything in the ring Friday.”

Howard Grant, Bute’s trainer: ”Lucian had the best camp of his career. He had more energy in this camp than in the ones for James DeGale and Badou Jack. He had good sparring also and he will be ready Friday night.”

Marc Ramsay, Alvarez trainer: ”This is the third time in his career that Alvarez has been called out after a sparring session. First it was Andrew Gardiner…and he was stunned by Eleider in the ninth round of the fight. He was never the same after that, got knocked out by an unknown fighter, and retired. Than it was Nicholson Poulard. He was KO’ed in the third round and he retired after that. Lucian asked Eleider for a fight after seeing a sparring between Alvarez and a fighter from the Grant Brothers Gym. He intends to deliver the goods Friday. They asked for Alvarez, they will have Alvarez.”

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.gestev.com, www.integratedsportsnet.com
www.Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel, www.Facebook.com/GestevEvenements
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV #ButeAlvarez

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent, organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)” GYM has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.

King’s Promotions middleweight Junior Castillo in action TONIGHT in Houston, Texas

Tickets SOLD OUT!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Houston, Texas (February 21, 2017)–Middleweight Junior Castillo will be in action TONIGHT at Silver Street Studios in Houston in non-televised action before PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes.

The 2012 Olympian from the Domincan Republic has a record of 12-1 with 10 knockouts, will face 28 fight veteran Juan Carlos Rojas in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

The 30 year-old Castillo has won two straight bounce since his lone blemish, when he dropped an eight-round unanimous decision to Justin De Loach on June 25th.

Castillo has a significant win on his ledger, as he won eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Kyrone Davis on April 19th.

“We are very proud on how Junior has responded since his setback last year,” Said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “He has shown that he can compete with all the top prospects in and around his weight class, and we think 2017 will be a great year for him to move up the ladder to big fights.”

Tuesday, February 21

5:30 p.m. VENUE DOORS OPEN
Location: Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards St., Houston, TX 77007

6:30 p.m. FIRST FIGHT BEGINS

9:00 p.m. PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes Telecast Starts

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight credentials can be picked up on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the venue. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

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.

WHAT: “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”

WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2017

WHERE: Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

WHO: WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Championship & Mandatory Title Eliminator (12 rounds)*
Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (21-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Montreal, Quebec, Canada by way of Colombia
Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs), Challenger, Laval, Quebec, Canada by way of Romania

Vacant WBU Heavyweight Championship (12 rounds)*
Eric “The Hammer” Martel-Bahoeli (14-5-2, 8 KOs), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Adam “The Boogeyman” Braidwood (6-1, 5 KOs), Victoria, British Colombia, Canada

Super Welterweights (8 rounds)
Sebastien Bouchard (14-1, 5 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Canada (8)*
Gustavo “Vitaminas” Garibay (13-7-2, 5 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

IBF International & Vacant NABO Middleweight Championships (10 rounds)*
Francis “The People’s Champ” Lafreniere (14-5-2, 8 KOs), Champion, Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada (10)
Uriel “Big Bang” Gonzalez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), Challenger, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Super Middleweights (8 rounds)
Dario Bredicean (11-0, 3 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Alejandro “Perro” Torres (9-1-2, 4 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Super Middleweights (4 rounds)
Christian “Solide” M’Billi (1-0, 1 KO), Montreal, Quebec, Canada by way of France
Jesus “El Rudo” Olivares (5-3, 3 KOs), Puebla, Mexico

*Denotes PPV fight

PROMOTER: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu

HOW TO WATCH: Integrated Sports Media will distribute in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In Canada, available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rogers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.

Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

TICKETS: On sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.gestev.com, www.integratedsportsnet.com
www.Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel, www.Facebook.com/GestevEvenements
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV #ButeAlvarez

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent, organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)” GYM has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.