LOS ANGELES (February 9, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington held an open workout Thursday for Los Angeles-area media as he prepares to challenge unbeaten heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes, Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

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 rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd meet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

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 Washington had to say Thursday from Pullman’s Gym in Burbank:

GERALD WASHINGTON

“We’ve had a great training camp and I’m feeling good. We got the fight on short notice but we had been training for a while, so I’ll be prepared.

“If Deontay showboats in the ring with me, I’m going to hit him in his mouth. Deontay better take me seriously. Because I am real and I’m coming.”

“This fight came at the perfect time for us. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to compete. We’re always ready. This is our life and we love to be here.

“We have more than a puncher’s chance. We do a lot of different training, drills and mental work to get ready for this fight. Every fight I’ve had has prepared me for this moment. My fight against Amir Mansour was the turning point of my career. I learned some good lessons and I’m looking to have a great performance.

“Deontay has his opinion on if I’m ready, but everyone has certain tests in life they have to pass. I’m ready to test myself against the best.

“‘I’ve worked hard from day one in the sport to get to where I am. I’ve had to learn my lessons and take my time to get to a point where I can be in a fight like this. I’m grateful for the process I’ve had to get here.

“My dream would be to fill-up the L.A. Coliseum. I’d love to fight as a heavyweight world champion there. That building has a lot of history. I want to bring my world title belt back to USC and put it there with all of those Heisman trophies. This will make my legacy there.

“I have so much to fight for and to push me and drive me towards my goal. If I focus on those things, it’ll give me everything I need to keep pushing forward.

“I’m not worried about Deontay’s knockouts. I’m going to take care of my business. I know what my job is and what my goal is. I’m putting my head down and getting to work.”

JOHN PULLMAN, Washington’s Trainer

“This is an exciting opportunity. Everything had to play out perfectly for us to get this shot. You can’t argue with destiny. We didn’t expect it to happen like this, but our team culture is to always stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.

“The major separation between Deontay Wilder and Gerald is that Gerald is the smarter fighter. He knows how to adapt and it’s going to make a big difference in this fight.

“Gerald is going to win this fight. How he wins, I don’t like to say and put any unnecessary pressure on us. But all I can say is, he’s going to win.”

# # #

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.

BROOKLYN (February 9, 2017) – Exciting Polish contender Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) will meet former world champion Chad Dawson (34-4, 19 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight attraction as part of an exciting night of non-televised undercard bouts on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Broadcast coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battling once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout.

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

“Fonfara vs. Dawson is the definition of a crossroads fight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Former world champion Chad Dawson needs a signature win to reignite his career. Fonfara is coming off a shocking knockout loss. Fonfara should have the support of New York’s strong Polish community on March 4 at the Barclays Center. This is a significant light heavyweight fight and a terrific addition to a strong undercard.”

A popular Polish-fighter who has fought out of Chicago for most of his career, Fonfara will make his New York debut in front of the many Polish fans in Brooklyn. Now training in Oakland with Virgil Hunter, Fonfara will look to bounce back from a defeat to Joe Smith Jr. and work his way towards a second world title opportunity, after he dropped Adonis Stevenson in a decision loss for his world title in 2014. The 29-year-old has impressive recent victories including becoming the first fighter to stop Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., when he blasted out the former champion in nine rounds in 2015, and a follow-up victory over current light heavyweight titlist Nathan Cleverly that was a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate and saw the fighters break Compubox records in the division for number of punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) in a fight.

A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking to earn another world title shot. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Adamek and is coming off of victories over Shujaa El Amin last year. The New Haven, Connecticut-native has fought professionally since 2001 and was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights on his way to becoming a two-time world champion. His victory over Hopkins in 2012 made him a three-time champion and he will now work his way towards a chance to become a four-time world champion.

The two-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast will be just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years. It is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

ABOUT THURMAN vs. GARCIA
Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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

NEW YORK CITY (February 9, 2017) Former Middleweight World Champion “IRISH” ANDY LEE,
(34-3-1, 24 KO’s) will celebrate St. Patrick Day with his triumphant return to The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 18 featured on the undercard of the World Middleweight Championship between Unified Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, (36-0-0, 33 KO’s) and WBA Middleweight World Champion and Mandatory Challenger DANIEL “THE MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS, (32-1, 29 KO’s).

Lee will face battle tested veteran KEANDRE LEATHERWOOD, (19-3-1, 12 KO’s) in a special attraction eight round middleweight clash.

Also added to the star-studded lineup is 18-year-old sensation, Scottish Heavyweight Prospect JAY “KIDD DYNAMITE” CARRIGAN-MCFARLANE, (2-0, 2KO’s) of Glasgow, Scotland in a scheduled four round bout against an opponent to be announced.

“We’re very excited to welcome Andy Lee back to Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend on this entertaining card. Additionally, Jay Carrigan-McFarlane is a young, exciting and charismatic heavyweight and we look forward to his United States debut at The Mecca of Boxing,” said TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 Promotions.

“I’m very pleased to be making my return on such a big event, thank you to K2 Promotions, Lou DiBella and Adam Booth for this opportunity,” said Lee. “After taking a year out, I’m back, I feel refreshed and hungrier than ever. My goal is to eventually challenge the winner of ‘GGG’ and Jacobs. March 18 will be the first step on that journey. I’m also very happy to be fighting in Madison Square Garden again, the scene of some of my greatest victories. I’m sure the Irish boxing fans will turn out and I look forward to putting on a world class performance.”

Said Carrigan-McFarlane, “I am humbled and honored to be part of such an exciting and important event at The Mecca of Boxing. Fighting in Madison Square Garden is something I have dreamed about, getting to fight in an arena where so many of my boxing idols have fought before me, it will be a special night and a memory which will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Former WBO Middleweight World Champion Lee had one of his career best victories at Madison Square Garden scoring a highlight reel knockout of John Jackson in the fifth round on
June 7, 2014.

Lee followed that up with a stunning sixth round stoppage of top rated contender Matt Korobov on December 13, 20 14 before battling to a 12-round draw with then undefeated Peter Quillin on April 11, 2015.

In his last start, Lee lost his title in a majority decision loss to Billy Jo Saunders on December 19, 2015.

Lee has also defeated veterans Carl Daniels and Dennis Sharpe at Madison Square Garden over the course of his illustrious 11-year career.

The heavy-handed Carrigan-McFarlane has thrilled crowds in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, kicking off his career with two crushing knockouts.

Making his pro debut on December 18, 2016, Carrigan-McFarlane stopped Zheko Zhekov in the third round.

Following up on his highly anticipated pro debut, Carrigan-McFarlane knocked out Tomas Vaicickas on January 20, 2017 in the first stanza cementing his plans to make his United States debut on March 18 at Madison Square Garden.

Presented by K2 Promotions, tickets “MIDDLEWEIGHT MADNESS”, 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

Andy Lee Photo/DiBella Entertainment
Jay Carrigan-McFarlane Photo/K2 Promotions

SOCIAL MEDIA — #GGGJACOBS

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

Daniel Jacobs
@DanielJacobsTKO – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
@ChocolatitoBox – Twitter
@ChocolatitoOfficial – Facebook
@Chocolatito87 – Instagram

Carlos Cuadras
@CuadrasOficial – Twitter
@CarlosCuadras – Facebook
@CuadrasOficial – Instagram

Ryan Martin
@BlueChipBoxer – Twitter, Instagram
@RyanMartinBoxer – Facebook

Bryant Cruz
@TeamPeeWee05 – Twitter
@Bryant.P.Cruz – Facebook
@TeamPeeWeeCruz — Instagram

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

Madison Square Garden
@TheGarden – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions)
@TomLoeffler1 — Twitter

CANCUN, Mexico (February 9, 2017) – The first installment of the 2017 “Cancun Boxing” series, presented by Pepe Gomez’ Cancun Boxing in association with Neon Star Sports & Entertainment, will air tomorrow night (Friday night, Feb. 10) in North America, starting at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.

The event took place Feb. 4 at Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, which hosts all series events.

The main event and co-feature showcased a pair of world-class Mexican fighters, former minimumweight world champion Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez and No.1 world rated lightweight Dante “Crazy” Jardon, in critical matches that had immediate world title fight implications.

The main event was a scheduled 10-round flyweight bout between Rodriguez (20-4-1, 13 KOs) and Hajime Nagai (14-7-2, 4 KOs), of Japan. Rodriguez captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight title March 22, 2014 in Mexico, by way of a 10-round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Merlito Sabillo (23-0-1), who was making his third title defense.

Rodriguez dropped IBF minimumweight title-holder Katsunari Takayama (27-6) once en route to his 12-round unanimous decision victory August 9, 2014, in Mexico, in their unification match. Rodriguez later vacated both of his world minimumweight titles.

Rated as the No. 3 flyweight contender in the world by the WBO and No. 11 by the IBF, as well as No. 9 as a light flyweight by the World Boxing Council (WBC), Rodriguez can position himself for a potential title shot against WBO reigning flyweight champion Zou Shiming (9-2, 2 KOs), the 2-time Olympic gold medalist from China, who is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined March 6 in Macau.

In the 10-round co-feature, WBC No. 1 contender Jardon (30-5, 23 KOs) defended his WBC International Silver lightweight title belt against his fellow Mexico City challenger, Francisco “Paquito” Rojo (18-2, 11 KOs).

Jardon’s most notable victories have been over two-time world title challenger Miguel Roman (WDEC12) in their 2012 rematch, world title challenger Adrian Verduro (DQ2) and former world super featherweight titlist Gamaliel Diaz (KO8) in 2013, and two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (DEC12) last March.

WBC Diamond title-holder and reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight world champion, Jorge Linares (41-3, 27 KOs), of Venezuela, is scheduled to fight Mar. 24 in a rematch with former WBA champion Anthony Crolla (31-5-3-3, 13 KOs) in Manchester, United Kingdom.

If Jardon impressively defeated Rojo, he could be on the long list to fight Linares later this year, or now, as the No. 1 mandatory challenger, he could take on new WBC lightweight king Mickey Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs), the rising American star who recently knocked out defending WBC 135-pound division champion Dejan Zlaticanin (22-1, 15 KOs). Garcia was rated No. 2 to Jardon in the most recent WBC lightweight world ratings.

The televised action starts with an eight-round welterweight bout between Ivan “Zurdo” Alvarez (24-7, 16 KOs) and undefeated prospect Henry “Bestia” Franco (8-0, 5 KOs). Portions of an eight-round bantamweight match follows, pitting Francisco “Panchito” Horta (12-3-1, 6 KOs) versus Francisco “Relampago” Hernandez (6-1, 2 KOs).

CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com

INFORMATION

Twitter: @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia

Instagram: @pepegomez1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
About Pepe Gomez: The first promoter in Mexico to bring together 100 world champions of all time in a night of stars called, NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS, on March 8, 2008, conducted in partnership with Don King’s first heavyweight fight in Mexico, where champions Oleg Maskaev, of Russia, faced Sam Peter, representing Nigeria, resulting in the Peter winning the WBC heavyweight title. He later defended and lost his title in Berlin to Vitali Klitschko. In his career as a promoter, Pepe Gomez has organized more than 1,000 boxing matches and other disciplines in contact sports, including MMA and Luca Libre. One of Pepe’s most important gratifying achievements is to have participated with Jose Sulaiman former president of the WBC at the 50th WBC convention where Muhammad Ali was given the honorary crown and green belt as all-time King of the Boxing World. Pepe Gomez has made many of these important and historical events possible from the wonderful vacation territory of Cancun, Mexico.

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 Grand Oasis Cancún: Grand Oasis Cancun is a beachfront, all-inclusive resort and spa with an on-site 9-hole golf course that is perfect for the entire family! The Grand Oasis Cancun is only 25 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown Cancun. Grand Oasis Cancun is Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort. Grand Oasis Cancun is distinguished by the grand pyramid structure as the center point of the property with 613-rooms in the center pyramid, and two additional buildings. Under an impressive crystal cupola the lobby of the hotel is characterized by its hanging plants and exotic gardens.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 9, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (14-0, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect record intact when he takes on Thomas Awimbono (25-6-1, 21 KOs) in the main event 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 rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd meet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

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.

Plant will battle Awimbono in a 10-round super middleweight contest that highlights an exciting portion of the undercard on FS1 and FOX Deportes that also includes undefeated knockout artist Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) fighting Jhon Gemino (15-7-1, 7 KOs) in a junior lightweight showdown.

Also entering the ring will be exciting light heavyweight contender Michael Seals (20-1, 15 KOs) in a six-round bout and once-beaten contender Iago Kiladze (24-1, 16 KOs) in heavyweight action.

A 2011 National Golden Gloves champion, Plant has begun to make his name in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2014. After picking up six victories in 2015, Plant continued his success with stoppages of Adasat Rodriguez and Carlos Galvan before going 10 rounds for the first time in a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel in August. The 24-year-old from Nashville recently began training in Las Vegas and sparred with top super middleweight contender George Groves ahead of this fight. He will be opposed by Ghana’s Awimbono who now fights out of Brooklyn and will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time as a pro.

Undefeated out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara made a statement in his last fight with a first round knockout of former multiple division world champion Fernando Montiel. The 26-year-old has ended eight of his last 10 opponents early including experienced contenders Jovanny Soto, Jairo Hernandez and Oscar Ibarra. He takes on 24-year-old Jhon Gemino out of LIpa City, Phillippines, who most recently scored a first round knockout of previously unbeaten Toka Kahn Clary.

Additional undercard action will see an exciting 10-round middleweight showdown between unbeaten Alantez Fox (21-0-1, 10 KOs) against Birmingham-native Kenneth McNeil (10-2, 7 KOs) plus unbeaten heavyweight Junior Fa (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Rounding out the night of fights is unbeaten Thomas Knox (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round middleweight attraction, undefeated heavyweight Robert Alfonso (10-0, 3 KOs) facing Alabama’s Keith Thompson (8-4, 6 KOs) in a six-round fight and unbeaten Deon Nicholson (1-0) in a four-round cruiserweight bout against Josh Rasberry.

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.

Charlie Edwards will challenge Iain Butcher for the vacant Super-Flyweight title on April 15 at the SSE Arena in Glasgow, live on Sky Sports.

Edwards took on John Riel Casimero for the IBF World Flyweight title at The O2 in London in September and put in a fine performance against the former Light-Flyweight king in just his ninth pro outing.

The Surrey star landed the English title at 112lbs in his fifth fight and the WBC Silver strap in his seventh, and is looking to pocket the Lord Lonsdale belt at his first attempt in his first fight under new trainer Adam Booth.

Scotsman Butcher has already tasted British title action having been edged out by Liverpool’s Kevin Satchell on Merseyside back in July 2013, and the 24 year old Motherwell man will be banking on the home support to roar him onto victory against the former Team GB talent – but Edwards believes joining Booth’s gym and moving up in weight will give him the edge north of the border.

“Teaming up with Adam has been a great move for me,” said Edwards. “Adam is a very knowledgeable man and when he speaks to me I’m in awe of him. I have the utmost respect for him and his accolades speak for them self. He has a great coaching team around him also.

“The gym is absolutely buzzing with all the fighters in there training alongside World champion Billy Joe Saunders and former World champion Andy Lee, I have got world class sparring in Ryan Burnett who is at Bantamweight and also Lucien Reid who is a Super-Bantamweight.

“I am buzzing to fight in Scotland in Butchers’ back yard. It’s a fight I have wanted for a long, long time as we have been rivals in the amateurs when we were both in the GB squad. Although we have always got on, this is a business and I can’t wait to put on a show up there and show everyone how I have come on under Adam and use the experience I have gained from my world title defeat to Casimero.

“I am feeling great at my new weight. When I moved to Adam he assessed my style and training and due to developing more power in my legs, it is the right move and you will all see that come April 15.”

Edwards and Butcher clash on the undercard of the World Super-Lightweight unification battle between WBA king Ricky Burns and WBO banger Julius Indongo.

Tickets for April 15 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.thessehydro.com and £200 VIP exclusively at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Fort Washington, MD (February 9, 2017)- Despite having a perfect record, cruiserweight Darnell Pierce doesn’t mind fighting in hostile territory. In fact a boxing ring is almost walk in the park compared to some of the tasks that this United States Army veteran has endured.

Pierce takes on Luther Smith in the 6-round co-feature bout this Saturday night at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

In the main event, undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox takes on Tre’Sean Wiggins in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

The show is promoted by King;s Promotions.

Pierce of Austin, Texas has a record of 5-0 with 1 knockout, and has been working hard in Houston with some big name fighters to get ready for this important fight.

Pierce had a brief amateur career going 9-2, but that due to Army duties, that was spread out over 5 years.

“The military opened up a lot of doors for me.”

“I have been working hard. I was in camp with (WBO Cruiserweight champion) Oleksandr Usyk and this cam has been spent with Travis Kauffman and Steve Cunningham,” said Pierce.

In Smith, Pierce has not done much studying, but he is ready for anything on Saturday night.

“I really don’t know much about him. We fought on the same card, but I really did not pay much attention to his fight.”

Despite having the undefeated record, Pierce will be fighting in the hometown of Smith, but that doesn’t faze the 30 year-old Army vet.

“I have had 5 fights, and I have been the opponent in all of them. I know he will have the fans there, but that doesn’t bother. I am not fighting his fans.”

“I am not too concerned by not having the fan support. When I started fighting, I did that on my own, and this is no different. I spent a little time in Maryland, but I am from Texas. Because my promoter (King’s Promotions) is located on the East Coast, I will be fighting on the East Coast a lot, so until I can build up a fan base, this is how it will be.”

“I go about my business. I just enjoy the sport and competing.”

Because of his mindset, Pierce just goes about his training, and with success the supporters will be behind him.

“I just plan on winning and the rest will take care of itself.”

In 6-round bouts:

Marcus Bates (5-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on
Alec McGee (2-0) of Reno, Nevada in a super bantamweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Tyrek Irby (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C. battles Lamont White (0-5) of Washington, DC in a junior welterweight bout.

Patrick Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) of Edgewood, Maryland tangos with Gregory Clark (0-1) of Washington, DC in a super middleweight bout.

Justin Hurd (1-0) of Accokeek, Maryland boxes Dawond Pickney (1-3-1) of Hot Springs, Arkansas in a junior middleweight bout.

Greg Outlaw Jr. (1-0) of Bowie, Maryland takes on Kashon Hutchinson (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY in a junior middleweight bout.

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

Former interim WBA Light Flyweight Champion Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez says he’s disappointed that a dislocated shoulder ended his recent world title challenge, but promises to be back as soon as his rehab is complete.

On January 29 at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort in Macao, China, Rodriguez (32-5, 19 KOs) challenged IBF World Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas of the Philippines. 27-year-old Rodriguez injured his right shoulder in round two, but fought on courageously for five more rounds before the referee stopped the fight, per doctor’s orders before round eight.

It was a disappointing result for Rodriguez, whose goal was to win his second world title for the people of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, where he lives.

“I worked so hard for this opportunity,” said a dissatisfied Rodriguez. “I had all the confidence and training I needed. But then his head collided with my shoulder accidentally in round two and I felt a pop. I knew at that moment my fight was over. After that I was fighting a skilled champion using only one arm.”

Rodriguez says he’s already hard at work on healing and re-strengthening the injured arm, with a goal of returning for another shot at a belt.

“I will not let this bad luck stop me from my goal to win another world championship. If anything, this only makes me want it more. I will be back to fight whoever I have to, to get back to a world title fight and this time, god willing, win.”

Rodriguez’s manager, José A. Acevedo of Free Agent Boxing Management, says he’s proud of his fighter, no matter the outcome of his last fight.

“Jose fought for 15 minutes against one of the division’s best fighters with a dislocated shoulder. The pain he must have fought through is unimaginable. I admire his dedication and courage. He is a true warrior. He will be back. Thank you to the IBF and the people of China and to the team of Jerwin Ancajas for the opportunity they gave us.”

Dennis Ceylan (18-0-1, 8 KOs) and Isaac Lowe (13-0-1, 5 KOs) continued their war of words at a press conference today ahead of their European Featherweight title fight on March 18 at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus, Denmark.

Promoter Nisse Sauerland had appealed for calm following an altercation at a promo shoot yesterday in Copenhagen. However, it did not take long for the fighters to renew hostilities, and an ill-tempered press conference had to be cut short to avoid further confrontation.

‘’I’m not here for a holiday. I’m not coming to play around. I’m coming here to get that European belt and to bring it back to the UK where it belongs,’’ said Lowe.

‘’Dennis has never been in the ring with anyone like me. He’s not going to be able to bully me around the ring like he did Ryan Walsh, and if he tries it, he’s getting knocked spark out. I’m coming over here to beat him in his own backyard and punch his face clean in, simple as that. If he thinks he’s going to have a nice homecoming fight against me, he’s in for a big shock!’’

‘’This guy is a clown,’’ said Ceylan. ‘’He talks way too much, and on March 18, I look forward to shutting him up in front of all my fans here in Aarhus. The belt is mine and it is going to stay here with me in Denmark.’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’It’s great to be back here in Aarhus. This is going to be a very special moment for Dennis. He won the title in a very tough fight against Ryan Walsh and now he’s coming home to defend it against another tough opponent in Isaac Lowe. This fight has all the ingredients to make a great spectacle and I think the fans will be in for a memorable night.’’

Tickets for the European Featherweight Championship contest are available online via www.billetlugen.dk or by calling (+45) 70 263 267.

All the action will be shown live and exclusive in Scandinavia on Viaplay Fighting. For more information please visit www.viaplay.dk/fighting

Zolani Tete will meet Arthur Villanueva in a Final Eliminator for the WBO World Bantamweight crown at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April.

The former IBF Super-Flyweight king is determined to become a multi-weight World Champion and wants to be remembered as the greatest ever South African boxer.

‘Last Born’, 28, is one of the most explosive punchers in the 118lbs division, boasting 20 knockouts in 24 career wins – 12 coming inside the first round. Regarded as one of the most clinical southpaws in the world, Tete is promising another world class performance for his fans in the UK.

28-year-old Villanueva, from the Philippines, holds a top record of 30-1-0 with 16 knockouts to his name. His lone loss came against former IBF Super-Flyweight Champion McJoe Arroyo in his first attempt at a World Title back in 2015.

Known as ‘King Arthur’, the current WBO Asia-Pacific Champion is coming off the back of a stunning second round knockout against Mexican rival Juan Jimenez in California.

“It has always been my dream to fight for another World Title,” said Tete. “I’m very excited about the fight but I know it is one that I can’t lose if I want another World Title belt around my waist.

“I want to be known as one of the best fighters in the world and clean up the rest of the belts, but first I have to get my hands on the WBO Bantamweight title and to do that I need to beat Villanueva.

“From what I have seen of him I can tell he’s a strong fighter and hopefully he will put up a good fight against me but Zolani Tete will be victorious on the night.

“I’m delighted to be returning to the UK. It’s a great feeling and I won’t disappoint my UK fans; I’m going to put on an exciting show like always.”

Tete’s showdown with Villanueva is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight title against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; fierce Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams clash in one of the most eagerly-anticipated all-British showdowns in recent times; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut, with more exciting fights to be announced shortly.

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

TOLEDO, OH (February 8, 2017) – Undefeated lightweight world champion Robert Easter and Puerto Rican contender Luis Cruz hosted a final press conference before Easter makes his first world title defense as he headlines Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce at the Huntington Center in Easter’s hometown of Toledo, Ohio.

Televised coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features bantamweight world champion and three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren battling once-beaten contender Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100 and $200, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ROBERT EASTER

“As everyone knows, I don’t like doing too much talking. I like to do my talking in the ring with these hands. February 10 is going to be an exciting night with a tremendous undercard filled with local talent.

“These guys up here and on this card are people I’ve grown up with. It means a lot for me to share the stage with them. I’m excited for them.

“I’m so grateful for all of the support I’ve received from fans here in Toledo. You keep me going forward and you keep me motivated.

“My dad and I have come a long way. It’s been a long road and we’re finally here, on top. I couldn’t have done this without him.

“Toledo has been showing up like crazy for my last two fights so it’s got me feeling very comfortable and confident.

“I have a very tough fighter in front of me. Cruz is going to come to fight and put on a show, but I’m prepared to deliver a knockout.

“I can’t wait to get into the ring for this fight. This is something I’ve been waiting on for years. I’m a world champion just like I knew I always would be.

“Having Adrien Broner here means a lot. He is a big brother to me. He showed me the ropes and he’s somebody I always looked up to.

“Being able to bring this title back home to Toledo is really exciting. I hope you all are as excited as I am, because on February 10 you’re going to see fireworks. It’s going to be short.”

LUIS CRUZ

“I’m very thankful to everyone who helped me earn this opportunity. I’ve been training really hard and I’m planning on taking full advantage of this.

“I hope that all the people who come out on Friday are ready to see a great fight. I’m going to leave it all in the ring.

“I know that everything is up against me going to his hometown, but it is my dream to fight for a world title and I will give it everything I have.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“This is a very important fight for me. I’m a world champion but I have a lot more work to do. I’m looking to grab more titles.

“My first obstacle is taking care of this mandatory. After I get him out of the way I’ll be ready put my titles up against other champions.

“I have to be sharp in this fight. I have to stick with my game plan because this guy is coming to take my title.

“My opponent is a pressure fighter. He’s trying to come forward. With the abilities that I have, I’m going to try to make it look easy.”

ADRIEN BRONER, Former-Four Division World Champion

“I have on my promoter hat today for my first major card and I’m really excited about it. Being able to promote a card like this with two world championship fights is amazing, especially because of the fighters on this card.

“These fighters are guys that I’ve been in the gym sacrificing with. These guys came from water and cornflakes just like I did. It’s going to be a real surreal moment seeing them up in that ring.

“I could tell stories about me, Robert and Rau’shee all day. Now we’re all on the same stage as champions, representing this sport. I’m excited to give the fans of Toledo a great show.”

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

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

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

Philadelphia, PA / Johannesburg, South Africa (February 8, 2017)–This past Saturday night , World ranked cruiserweight Kevin Lerena stopped Vikapita Meroro in the 5th round of their scheduled 10-round bout at The Emperors Palace in Gauteng, South Africa.

Lerena, who is ranked number-5 by the WBO,number-11 by the WBC, and number-13 by the WBA dropped Meroro in the 1st round and won each round until Meroro surprisingly quit in round five.

The win was Lerena’s 6th consecutive victory.

The stoppage came as a shock, which led promoter Rodney Berman to withhold Meroro’s purse.

“He quit, plain and simple,” raged Berman, who insisted Meroro was in no imminent danger.

“We have an obligation to the public to produce good fights. The public pay good money, Emperors Palace pays good money and SuperSport pays good money. I can’t overlook that,” said Berman.

“As I didn’t really get going, I’d give myself six out of 10. The minute I dropped him in the first round, he went into defensive mode,” said Lerena. “When a guy comes to fight, I show my true ability. It frustrates me when they don’t . . . I like fighting. We did expect more, but what can you do?”

“I was disappointed. No, I was angry. I wanted to beat him up. I started going to the body from round four. I was planning and building towards a conclusive finish. I’d rather get knocked out than quit, like Meroro did.”

“I’m lucky, I have a big following. The fans paid a lot of money to watch me and many tuned in to television, but they never got a full show because Meroro quit. People understand, I’m coming to wreck my opponents. I’m not there for the pay day. I come to win.”

“I trained hard. Now I’m just focused on what’s next. I’m hoping for a fight date in America, the sooner the better. I want a good fight and a good opponent. I love hard fights; I never want to have easy fights. I just want to win and look good doing so.”

“Kevin got the win, and he dominated the fight,” said Matt Rowland, Vice President of Banner Promotions.

“He continues to win and move up the rankings, and our partner Rodney Berman and us will discuss the next move for Kevin. We can see him fighting for a world title in the not too distant future.”

NEW YORK (February 8, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder discussed his upcoming world title defense and more on Wednesday in New York ahead of his showdown with unbeaten Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

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 rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd meet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

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 Wilder had to say Wednesday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“There are a lot of heavyweights who say they want me, but at the end of the day, do they really want this? Everybody knows that Deontay Wilder comes with power.

“I fight for the people, that’s what I’m all about. I like to give the fans a great fight at a reasonable price. Each fight I’m in I’m always exciting and well-prepared. I come to give people what they want to see when they see a heavyweight, and that’s a knockout.

“Gerald Washington is a big guy I’ve seen fight a few times. I don’t think he’s ready to fight me, but he thinks he is. We’ll find out on February 25. I chose him because he’s always been respectful while always wanting the opportunity. He’s going to come ready to fight.

“My preparation stays the same, even with the opponent change. I’ve been in situations where I’ve had to change a lot after an opponent dropped out, but Gerald being as good as he is and similar to Wawrzyk makes it easier. They have different styles but we’ll work on how to break him down.

“When I knocked out Artur Szpilka, I thought he was dead for a few seconds. That’s just from natural, Alabama country power.

“I’m still training while I’m here in New York. I have Mark Breland here with me helping me get a lot of good work in. I’m staying focused. When February 25 comes, I’ll be ready.

“I definitely feel 100 percent, but we’ll see what it’s going to feel like in the ring when I apply this force to a human skull. When I’m in the gym doing work, I feel great.

“I never really let my hand properly heal until this injury, because the bicep takes longer to heal than the hand. The time gave me an opportunity to really improve my left hand. I feel more polished now than I’ve ever been.

“You have to have patience in this sport. The big fights that people want to see will be coming. I’m not scared of anyone and I won’t run for anyone. My team is on the same page and we’re going to keep working together and moving forward.

“It’s all about adjusting. Each and every time I go through something inside or outside of the ring, it just makes me better and better.

“Chris Arreola’s style was perfect for mine. Even with the injuries that I was suffering, I could still get the job done. I also had to fight through the injuries with Stiverne, because I hurt my hand in the third round of that fight. Being able to have these experiences has made my confidence even higher.”

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.

Las Vegas (February 8, 2017) – Three-Time world champion Fernando Vargas has confirmed that he and his Feroz Fight Factory Gym will appear and have a booth to Meet & Greet his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the third edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Ceasar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Fernando Vargas, is a retired American boxer of Mexican descent and 3 Time world champion, who won a bronze medal as an amateur at the 1995 Pan American Gamesin Mar del Plata. His nicknames include “Ferocious”, “The Aztec Warrior” and “El Feroz”. Vargas was the youngest fighter to become world light middleweight champion at 21 years old in the history of boxing.

Some of Fernando’s notable wins include victories over former world champions Raúl Márquez, Yori Boy Campas, Ike Quartey, and over Winky Wright. His losses to Oscar De La Hoya, Félix Trinidad, Shane Mosley, and Ricardo Mayorga remain his only career defeats and he is a favorite of American cable TV giant HBO.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927
For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Dennis Ceylan (18-0-1, 8 KOs) and Isaac Lowe (13-0-1, 5 KOs) had to be pulled apart following a heated exchange during the filming of a promo video for their upcoming European Featherweight title fight on March 18 at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus.

Tensions were high throughout the day but reached boiling point late this afternoon when the fighters were instructed to stand face to face on a rotating platform.

The pair started to trade insults after Lowe, the cousin of controversial former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, began to goad the Danish fighter. The confrontation then turned physical with Lowe pushing Ceylan from the platform.

‘’I’m not like Ryan Walsh (Ceylan’s previous opponent),’’ Lowe taunted. ‘’I’m going to take you to places you’ve never been before. You’re dreaming if you think you can beat me. I’m going to make you go to sleep.’’

Unimpressed by his opponent’s antics, after the filming, Ceylan said: ‘’He’s a coward. He can talk all he wants but on fight night, I will show him what it means to be European Champion. I’m not scared of him. The belt is staying with me!’’

The fighters are scheduled to come face-to-face again tomorrow at press conference in Aarhus leading promoter Nisse Sauerland to appeal for calm.

‘’Trash talking and bravado is all a part of the game but let’s save the fighting for the ring,’’ he says. ‘’I will be having a word with both boxers before tomorrow’s press conference and I expect them to behave like professionals.’’

VIDEO FOOTAGE:

A video of today’s bust up can be viewed here:

And downloaded here:
http://bit.ly/2kI6Zxp

Tomorrow’s press conference takes place at 13.00 at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus ahead of their European Featherweight title fight on March 18.

Tickets for the fight are available online via www.billetlugen.dk or by calling 70 263 267.

All the action will be shown live and exclusive in Scandinavia on Viaplay Fighting. For more information please visit www.viaplay.dk/fighting

BROOKLYN (February 8, 2017) — Undefeated rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will take on once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in the co-feature bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, live on CBS from 9-11 p.m. ET/6-8 p.m. PT.

The broadcast, which will be just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years, is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification between unbeaten stars Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia. The broadcast is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

Lubin and Cota will open the broadcast with an elimination bout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship held by undefeated champion Jermell Charlo, who is due a mandatory bout against No. 1 contender Charles Hatley. The highly regarded Lubin (17-0, 12 KOs) will face his toughest opponent to date in Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) as both men vie for their first world title shot.

“I’m very excited that I have the opportunity to showcase my skills on CBS, especially on one of the most anticipated fight cards in boxing,” said Lubin. “I’m facing a tough, rugged fighter in Jorge Cota, who I know is coming to fight. He’s got a lot of heart and fans are going to witness a great battle between two warriors who are going to leave everything in the ring. This will be my New York debut at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and I can’t wait to give the fans a great performance.”

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for over a year and I am looking forward to becoming the mandatory for the championship on March 4,” said Cota. “Lubin has never faced a crafty fighter like me. Lubin has some experience, but I will be his first real challenge. Don’t be surprised if I knock him out.”

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

“Erickson Lubin is one of the hottest prospects in boxing; many consider him to be the top young prospect in the game,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “On March 4, he will be tested in front of a national television audience against Jorge Cota in a title elimination bout. If ‘Hammer’ is successful in this tough test, he’ll graduate from prospect to serious championship contender.”

Since bursting onto the scene in 2013 at just 18-years-old, Lubin has impressed with his exciting style, power and ability to finish opponents with both hands. The 21-year-old fights out of Orlando and concluded a big 2016 by being named ESPN’s “Prospect of the Year.” Lubin has won nine times in the last two years against increasingly experienced opposition and most recently knocked out then once-beaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera in the second round of their December matchup on SHOWTIME BOXING on FACEBOOK LIVE.

The 29-year-old Cota scored two knockdowns and won an entertaining 10-round battle with Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson in his U.S. debut in 2015. Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Cota enters this bout having won nine bouts in a row, including six that ended inside of the distance. Sporting an 85 percent knockout rate, Cota scored knockout victories in his first 16 pro fights.

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

Wilmington, DE (February 8, 2017)–Bare Knuckle Boxing Legend Bobby Gunn is ready for his opportunity of a lifetime, when he takes on all-time great Roy Jones, Jr in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds for the WBF Cruiserweight title that will take place on Friday night, February 17th at The Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware. The bout can be seen LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW.

Gunn of Hackensack, New Jersey has been preparing for this fight, and is ready for the biggest fight of his career. ”

I am fighting an all-time great, and styles make fights. It will be a hell of a fight,” said Gunn.

Gunn wanted to raise the stakes for the fight, but he doesn’t think that Jones has the confidence that he will come out victorious.

“I laid it out to him for a winner-take-all bout. I am a puncher, so I know I will win this fight.”

This will be Gunn’s 1st bout in 38 months, but the Bare-Knuckle Legend has been active fighting on the Bare-Knuckle circuit, and has a perfect record of 72-0 with 72 knockouts in those bouts.

“People can look, and think that I haven’t been active, but a fight is a fight and I have been fighting the Bare-Knuckle fights. Fighting is Fighting. The only difference in those fights is that the gloves protect the hands. Despite what it says on my boxing record, I have always been active. But the time out of the ring plus being against Roy Jones, Jr, the fans will see a different Bobby Gunn.”

Gunn, usually a mild-mannered fighter, has also been motivated by some “Trash-Talk”from Jones.

“He said that I don’t deserve to be in the same ring as him. I was already motivated for this, and he will find out otherwise on February 17th. After February 17th, he will remember me for the rest of his life. I am not coming to dance. I am coming to fight, and early on, Roy will know that he has a fight on his hands.”

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, world ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam (22-0, 18 KO’s) of Pahokee, FL takes on Robson Assis (16-3, 9 KO’s) of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Neeraj Goyat (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout for the WBF International Welterweight title.

Frank De Alba (20-2-2, 9 KO’s) of Reading, PA will take on Sergio Gomez (20-21, 16 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round bout for the WBF Junior Lightweight International title.

In a 6-round bout, Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Daniel Parales (10-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super lightweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Joey Tiberi (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware will battle Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Henry Stewart (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Toronto, Canada will take on an opponent to be named in a light heavyweight bout.

Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will face Lamont Singletary (7-1, 4 KO’s) of Dover, DE in a cruiserweight tussle.

Eddie Ortiz (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will square off with pro debuting Jeff Chiffens of Wilmington, DE in a middleweight fight.

Scheduled to be in attendance are former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Spinks and Tyson Fury

SKILL VS WILL will be distributed live throughout North America via cable and satellite in High Definition by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc. The broadcast will premiere on Friday, February 17th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be carried throughout the month on video-on-demand. Please consult your local guide for channels and encores in your area. The suggested retail price is $29.99. The event will also be available worldwide on home computers, laptops, Smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, AppleTV, and Android devices on FITE-TV, Flipps, and other OTT (over-the-top) streaming services.

Tickets are on sale now ranging from $75 – $300 and can be purchased by calling (484) 935-3378 & www.firststatefights.com

Roy Jones, Jr. vs Bobby Gunn, promoted by David Feldman Promotions and the Casino at Delaware Park.

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2017) – World ranked bantamweight Carlos Carlson (22-1, 13 KOs) weighed in at 128.7 lbs. (58.5 kg) last Friday during his 30-day weigh in in Tijuana, Mexico.

The Mexican native challenges WBC champion Shinsuke Yamanaka (26-0-2, 18 KOs) of Japan on March 2 from Ryogoku Sumo Arena in Tokyo.

The 12-round championship fight is promoted by Teiken Promotions, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions.

Carlson faces an unbeaten southpaw with 11 straight successful title defenses. With Yamanaka holding a clear edge in primetime matches, Carlson, for his part, is training feverishly to dethrone one of boxing’s longest tenured world champions.

“This is my moment, this is my time,” Carlson, 26, said. “I’ve been doing everything that I need to do in training camp. My weight is right on schedule. I’m ready to travel to Japan and make history.”

In addition to fighting a far more experience foe, Carlson also tangles with the fact that Yamanaka will have the home court advantage. In fact, all of Yamanaka’s professional fights have occurred in Japan.

“Thompson Boxing fighters have traveled to hostile environments before and have succeeded,” said Carlson, referring to Tim Bradley and Jhonatan Romero’s first world championship wins coming outside of their native countries. “I know I can be the next one.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

TOLEDO, OH (February 8, 2017) – Unbeaten contender and Cleveland-native Terrell Gausha will face Puerto Rico’s Luis Hernandez while lightweight contender Jamel Herring enters the ring against Armenia’s Art Hovhannisyan in undercard action on Friday, February 10 from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.

The event is headlined by unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter returning to his hometown for his first world title defense as he takes on Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce.

Televised coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features bantamweight world champion and three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren battling once-beaten contender Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100 and $200, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Gausha (19-0, 9 KOs) and Hernandez (15-3, 8 KOs) will compete in a 10-round middleweight bout while Herring (15-1, 8 KOs) meets Hovhannisyan (17-3, 9 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Additional action features a pair of unbeaten prospects as Raynell Williams (11-0, 5 KOs) battles Justin Savi (29-9, 19 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight bout while Tyler McCreary (12-0, 6 KOs) takes on Jonathan Perez (36-16, 28 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight attraction.

Rounding out the night of action is heavyweight Devin Vargas (18-4, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout against Tim Washington (6-4, 6 KOs), unbeaten lightweight Albert Bell (6-0, 2 KOs) against James Lester (11-11, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout and Adrian Wilson (3-1, 2 KOs) against unbeaten Rashad Scott (3-0, 1 KOs) in four-rounds of welterweight action.

The 29-year-old Gausha is undefeated since turning pro in 2012 after his exceptional amateur career that saw him win a U.S. National Amateur championship in addition to his Olympic experience. Gausha has picked up six victories in the last two years against increasingly experienced competition including triumphs over Orlando Lora and Steven Martinez in 2016. He looks to continue his march towards a world title when he takes on the Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico-native Hernandez who won five times in 2016.

Another amateur standout who won an Amateur National Championship the same year as his Olympic run, Herring fights out of Cincinnati and is originally from Coram, New York. The 31-year-old won his first 15 pro fights including triumphs over Luis Eduardo Florez, Yakubu Amidu and Hector Velasquez. A former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Herring will face the experienced contender Hovhannisyan who is originally from Armenia but trains now out of Glendale, California.

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

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

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

Josh Kelly has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Kelly follows his Team GB 2016 Olympic teammates Lawrence Okolie and Joe Cordina into the paid ranks with promoter Eddie Hearn, and the flash Sunderland talent will make his pro debut on April 15 at the SSE Arena in Glasgow on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ World Super-Lightweight unification clash with Julius Indongo live on Sky Sports.

The 22 year old will be promoted by boxed at Welterweight in Rio and saw off Egypt’s Walid Sedik Mohammed in the opening round before falling to eventual gold medal man Daniyar Yeleussinov in the last 16, and Kelly is confident he can translate his amateur success into the paid ranks and thrill the fans on the journey to the top.

“I want to get fans across the whole of Britain and beyond to want to watch me and come to my fights,” said Kelly. “I think they’ll see flash and flair, and there will be KOs too. I can mix it up and fight to different game plans. There’s going to be ups and downs because I’m a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but when I put my mind to it I know can do a lot in the sport. I’ve got the right people around me and all the boxes are ticked for success.

“I drew the eventual champion in the Olympics and I really think that there were just two or three punch difference in each of the rounds, it could’ve been a different story but that’s how it goes. I’ve moved on from that.

“I could’ve stayed amateur and I think I would’ve have got to the Commonwealth Games and the next Olympics. When I was switched on and focused I don’t think anyone in Britain or Europe could come close to me.

“I’m a mature 22 year old and I want to move my life on really, I’ve spared with tough pros and dealt with that well and I know I can box well too, so the pro game will suit me, I’m business like and I think I can sell myself and be someone the fans want to buy tickets and they see something different in me that they can get behind.”

Kelly is training with Adam Booth in Surrey and will operate at Welterweight, and after just two weeks in the gym, he’s already excited about the improvements he’s made.

“Adam is top class,” said Kelly. “My style is perfect for him, he loves flair but he knows how to control it. He lets you express yourself but he doesn’t neglect the basics and keeps you focussed and he also keeps an eye on the whole thing, the nutrition and everything.

“I feel I can go all the way with Adam training me. We’re on the same wavelength even though we’ve only just started because I feel I’m learning every day. I’ve always been a quick puncher but thought I could punch hard too, but slight adjustments Adam has made has already got me punching much harder. He’s taking me from strength to strength and it’s only been a couple of weeks.”

“I’m delighted to welcome another Olympian to the team in Josh Kelly,” said Hearn. “Josh is an exceptional talent and looks a million dollars, I really feel that he can cross over and become a star in the sport. Fans are really going to enjoy following Josh’s journey on Sky Sports and I look forward to guiding him to a World title.”

Tickets for April 15 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.thessehydro.com and £200 VIP exclusively at www.matchroomboxing.com.

LONDON (8 February) – To celebrate the launch of the ground-breaking deal between pioneering boxing channel BoxNation and BT Sport, the eagerly anticipated superfight between Mexican rivals Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be shown live on both BoxNation and BT Sport on Saturday May 6th, as part of a bumper night of boxing that kicks off Saturday evening at the Copper Box Arena in London.

The landmark deal between BT Sport and BoxNation will see Frank Warren promote up to 20 premium live boxing events a year that will be screened on both BoxNation and BT Sport.

BoxNation customers can also look forward to a further ten domestic events per year exclusively live on the channel, plus an unrivalled amount of exclusive live international events from the very best Promoters around the globe.

On May 6th, BoxNation and BT Sport will air one of the biggest international fights of the year as Canelo and Chavez Jr finally meet in the ring following years of bad blood between the pair.

Taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the showdown will rival the biggest fights in the history of Mexico’s proud boxing lineage, as pound-for-pound king and two-division world champion Canelo and former WBC middleweight world champion Chavez Jr go toe-to-toe in a 12-round battle, to be contested at a maximum 164.5 pounds.

In addition to this exciting match-up BoxNation customers can sit back and enjoy some quality live boxing over the coming months that will only be available on BoxNation. A bumper schedule with more to be added soon already includes Adrien Broner v Adrian Granados on February 18th and the mouth-watering dual between Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman on March 4th.

Residential BT Sport Pack customers can look forward to enjoying BoxNation, the UK’s first and only dedicated boxing channel, being made available to them from 1st March for free on the BT TV platform or the Sky digital satellite platform.

The Canelo-Chavez Jr match-up, however, is sure to generate huge interest as both men look to settle a long-standing score that will give the victor bragging rights throughout their home country of Mexico.

Canelo has taken the boxing world by storm since turning professional at the tender age of just 15, going on to become the world’s number one Super Welterweight boxer having run through a host of leading names in recent years including Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan and Liam Smith.

Chavez Jr, the son of Mexico’s greatest ever fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, is aware of what is on the line and will be looking to kick start his career following indiscipline away from the ring.

Both men are looking forward to producing an unforgettable night of boxing on May 6th, live on BoxNation and BT Sport.

“I’m excited to announce my fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and confirm that I will be prepared, like I’ve been throughout my career, to give a great fight,” said two-division world champion Canelo.

“I want to remind you that when two Mexican fighters face-off, a spectacular show is guaranteed and I can assure you that May 6 will be no exception, especially during the Cinco de Mayo festivities.”

“Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day in September are important dates for us Mexicans, and I’m expecting a great night for boxing and the whole world,” Canelo added.

“I dedicate this fight to Mexico,” said Chavez Jr. “I’m going to win, but my country will too because this is the fight that boxing needs.”

Canelo’s last performance was his knockout of the previously undefeated WBO light-middleweight world champion Smith in front of more than 51,000 fans in Dallas, Texas last September.

Chavez was last in action in December when he secured a unanimous decision victory over highly regarded German fighter Dominik Britsch in Monterrey, Mexico.

George Warren, CEO of BoxNation, said: “We are delighted to announce that we have secured the live rights to the upcoming superfight between pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez and the ever-entertaining Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, that will be screened on BT Sport and BoxNation. This is an event and fight that will undoubtedly have fans on the edge-of-their-seats and we are very pleased to deliver it to our loyal BoxNation subscribers, and it is great to have BT Sport showcasing this great event too. BoxNation will continue to air exclusively live international and domestic fights on the channel, but partnering with BT Sport for this megafight not only ensures we are able to deliver the event to BoxNation customers but allows us to engage a new audience, growing boxing on BT Sport and in the UK as part of our wider agreement.”

For more information about BoxNation and how to watch Canelo vs Chavez Jr please visit boxnation.com or for BT Sport go to bt.com/sport.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.
Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.
BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.
For more information visit www.boxnation.com
*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2017) – Giovani Santillan (20-0, 11 KOs), a promising young southpaw in the junior welterweight division, makes his first start of the year this Friday against Mexico’s Omar Tienda (18-3, 11 KOs).

The 8-round main event, which takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif., matches Santillan against a fellow prospect eager to make his mark on the undefeated San Diego native.

“I plan to go in right away and make it known to him that I’m the one that is going to control this fight,” said Santillan, who turned 25 in December. “I’ll test him early with different things and see what he’s able to do. I’ll work the angles and study him and at the same time take control of the ring and the pace of the fight.”

At this point in his career, Santillan understands the importance of getting off to fast starts and not letting opponents find their comfort zone. Tienda, in particular, likes to apply pressure with an attacking style that relies on power punches.

“I’m expecting a tough fight from him. He likes to come forward,” Santillan said. “He’s kind of an awkward fighter. He moves his waist a lot and throws a lot of wide punches.”

“Giovani realizes what he needs to do this Friday night,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s among the hardest workers we’ve seen and we have no doubt he’ll be determined to get another win.”

Santillan is a versatile threat, known to work off the jab, but also inflict damage while working inside the pocket. He’s sparred against some of the game’s very best like Tim Bradley and Floyd Mayweather, among others.

“We have a game plan, but that can change from round to round,” Santillan continued. “I know I want to use my range a lot more and dictate where he moves with my footwork. Whatever way the fight plays out, I know I’ll keep my focus. I never lose focus on what we’re trying to do.”

In the 8-round co-feature, Erick Ituarte (15-1-1, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif., winner of eight straight, meets Naciff Castillo (17-9-2, 5 KOs) of Mexico.

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

Follow Giovani Santillan on social media: Twitter: @GiovaniSanti1, Instagram: giovan1santillan, & Facebook.

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

“Path to Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #PathToGlory and #ThompsonBoxing.

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

Miami, OK (February 7, 2017) – When junior welterweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk first entered a boxing gym at age 12 in his native Belarus, he quickly learned why boxing is known as the loneliest sport.

“The man who ran the gym I went to was supposed to be the trainer but he had a drinking problem,” Baranchyk recalled. “Instead of teaching us the sport of boxing, he just opened the gym door each day and left us without steady guidance.”

Baranchyk learned much of the sweet science on his own and didn’t have a stable trainer throughout his amateur career. Amazingly, he won the 2009 World Junior Championships and defeated future two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba in the process. After continuing to excel as an amateur, the word quickly got out about the Belarusian buzzsaw.

He had offers from promoters across the globe to turn pro and elected to sign with Fight Promotions Inc. Baranchyk relocated to Brooklyn, NY after turning pro in June 2014. Nine victories later, he was matched with fellow unbeaten Nicholas Givhan of Michigan on ShoBox: The New Generation at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK. A transplanted New Yorker who fought most of his professional bouts at that point in the Big Apple, Baranchyk never heard of Oklahoma and wasn’t sure what the environment would be like.

On paper, the bout was viewed as a tossup and Givhan had more professional experience. Both fighters weren’t known to locals but it took less than half a minute to change that. Just 21 seconds after the opening bell, Baranchyk flattened Givhan with a vicious left hook that was one of 2016’s best knockouts. The standing room only crowd at the Buffalo Run was amazed and wanted to see him fight there again.

Three months later, Baranchyk granted their wish when he made his second straight ShoBox appearance, taking apart previously undefeated Eliseo Cruz Sesma inside of three rounds. The all-action Baranchyk had the crowd on their feet throughout the contest chanting “Beast, Beast, Beast” until the stoppage.

Shortly thereafter, Baranchyk signed with Tony Holden Productions, who promotes Baranchyk alongside DiBella Entertainment and the aforementioned Fight Promotions Inc. He’s since won two more bouts at the Buffalo Run, raising his professional record to 13-0 with 10 knockouts while capturing the USBA and WBC USNBC titles in the process.

“I feel very comfortable with the fans out there,” said Baranchyk. “I felt the energy at the Buffalo Run instantly and I’m grateful that the fans have been so supportive of me.”

Holden has been promoting fights for more than two decades and had many crowd attractions, most notably former champions Tommy Morrison and Johnny Tapia. He thought he’d seen it all. This was until a fighter with a background far different from the majority of his fans became an adopted son in the 14,000 person city of Miami, OK.

“He’s truly special to the fans at the Buffalo Run Casino and residents of Miami to the point where they’ve adopted him as if he were a lifelong local,” Holden said of Baranchyk, who is a member of Holden Productions’ Four State Franchise. “His style is entertaining and all boxing fans like action fighters. It’s amazing because when Ivan first fought here in March 2016 he was virtually unknown and now he’s a house fighter.”

Baranchyk will have a tough task when he faces Arizona’s Abel Ramos at the Buffalo Run Friday February, 10 in the ten round main event of a ShoBox tripleheader. Ramos, 17-1-2 (12 KO’s), has multiple wins over unbeaten fighters including a fifth round stoppage of 13-0 Dario Ferman last May. He’s faced quality opposition and is expected to be Baranchyk’s biggest test to date.

To ensure he’s at his best, the IBF #7 ranked Baranchyk trained in Los Angeles at Wildcard Boxing Club alongside new trainer Edward Kravtsov. With a solid training camp in the books, Baranchyk is prepared to deliver a solid performance Friday evening.

“This was a great camp and Wildcard is an awesome environment. It was something I needed to prepare for a good tough opponent in Abel Ramos. I’m fully prepared to entertain my fans at the Buffalo Run Casino. If everything goes as planned and I emerge victorious, I trust my team to get me to the next level.”

The ShoBox tripleheader airs at 10:05 pm ET and tickets are available at the Buffalo Run Box Office or by going to stubwire.com/event/shoboxthenewgeneration/buffaloruncasino/miami/14075.

New York, NY (2/7/17) – DiBella Entertainment has inked an exclusive promotional agreement with undefeated talent Eric “Babyface Assassin” Walker (14-0, 7 KOs). The junior middleweight sensation will make his DiBella Entertainment debut on “Broadway Boxing”, February 11, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Walker had an unconventional amateur boxing career, going 61-1 over 13 years in Dixon Correctional Institution near his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Entering the prison system at only 15 years old, with no boxing experience, Walker quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the captain of the institution’s boxing team. Fighting alongside professional boxers Brad Solomon and Demond Brock, among others, Walker was a titleholder every year, gaining respect from the prison warden, staff and fellow inmates for his leadership of the team and dedication to his craft. Upon his release in June 2013, he began a five-fight amateur run with USA boxing, but quickly realized that he was ready for the professional ranks.

Walker made his professional debut in December 2013, besting Phillip Lars in a swift first-round knockout win, and amassed a record of 11-0 before getting the call to face Mayweather Promotions prospect Chris Pearson in Las Vegas. In December 2015, Walker entered the ring an underdog against Pearson and exited the ring undefeated after eight rounds, handing Pearson his first loss, catching the attention of fight fans and media. It was an exciting time for Walker, who had become the father of twin boys just two weeks prior.

In his next bout, Walker won the WBC Continental Americas junior middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mexico’s Josue Ovando. It was a win that would be a catalyst for the fighter’s chance meeting with Lou DiBella at the WBC Convention in Miami last December. DiBella, who had teamed up with Mississippi-based Rite Hook Promotions for a planned February 11 card in Biloxi, was excited to learn that Walker, a local attraction across the South, was free from promotional ties. The two, along with Walker’s manager, Al Ausbon, reached a deal, and DiBella Entertainment’s newest signee set about preparing for the February card.

“Eric Walker is the best fighter you’ve never heard of,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “That’s going to change. We’re planning to keep him very busy and fast-track him to a title shot, and he’s going to win.”

For his part, Walker was thrilled to team up with a promoter of DiBella’s caliber. “I would like to thank God, because without Him, none of this would be possible,” said Walker. “I also want to thank my family, friends and fans, along with my manager Al Ausbon and DiBella Entertainment for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to show the world what I can do, and further my career under such a tremendous promotional team. There are many great things that I will bring to DiBella Entertainment, including my work ethic, my willingness to compete against anyone in boxing, and my unique fighting style. I look forward to our journey together.”

“I’m thankful that God has put us together with DiBella Entertainment,” said Walker’s long-time friend and manager Al Ausbon. “Eric Walker has great talents and, with Lou DiBella, those gifts will be showcased worldwide. I know that the future is bright for Team Walker.”

Tickets for the February 11 “Broadway Boxing” event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rite Hook Promotions in association with Hard Rock Casino, are priced at $75, $60, $50, $40 and standing room only for $20. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com (by clicking HERE) or by calling 800-745-3000. The “Broadway Boxing” series is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. Doors open at 5:00pm CT, with the first fight scheduled for 6:00pm CT.

CHICAGO (February 7, 2017) – Hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados hosted Chicago media at the Garfield Park District Fieldhouse Tuesday as he prepares for his main event showdown with former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati and live on SHOWTIME.

Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown and also features WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Granados has pledged to dedicate the fight to his friend and former training partner Ed Brown, who fell victim to the violence on Chicago’s West Side in December 2016.

Here is what Granados, along with his trainer George Hernandez, had to say Tuesday:

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“We finally have a huge opportunity. I feel I paid my dues. I know Amir Imam wasn’t a fluke. And the robberies on my record were just that – robberies. You get in the ring with Adrian Granados and you’re going to get a hell of a fight.

“I wasn’t intimated by Broner when we sparred and I’m not intimidated by him now. I know I belong in this fight, at this level.

“It’s a tough fight. People are saying I’m going to have to fight like Marcos Maidana. But I’m going to be Adrian Granados and I’m going to win my way.

“With our two styles it’s going to be a firefight. It can’t be anything but exciting. I have a great team behind me and I can’t wait to make everyone proud.

“Ed Brown was the heart of this neighborhood, and now I need to carry on his legacy. This is my opportunity to do something for my career, but also this community. I have to be twice as great, for me and him.

“Winning this fight not only changes my life, but it changes a lot of other lives. Beating Broner would change the sport in Chicago.

“It’s very motivating to know that I’m an inspirational figure for people in Chicago. It helps me get through those long days in the gym, when you don’t want to get up and train. I know what I’m fighting for and I use it as motivation.

“I started fighting in high school just shadowing my friends when they went to the gym. I asked my mom and dad if I could keep going and luckily they helped me get started and get on this path to where I am.”

GEORGE HERNANDEZ, Granados’ Trainer

“Broner puts his gloves on the same way we do. This is what we want. We want the big names. Beating Broner can get us to the next level.

“No one is going to give us anything. We need to earn it. We’re going to his backyard and we’re going to take it from him.

“This is one of the toughest areas to train in. If you can persevere through that you know you can make it in this sport. We could have gone away for camp but we wanted to stay here because it’s home. The only way to make this city better is by staying here and leading the charge and showing these kids that we can get away from that norm and bring better attention to this area.

“If Adrian can beat the hell out of this kid in his hometown that will send a message to all the kids in this community. It will let them know that you can succeed and do great things. Every kid that’s in here dreams of this opportunity. We’re ready and we’re not going to let it slip away.”

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

NEW YORK (Feb. 7, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields will make her professional television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation, a series that has sparked the careers of 67 future world champions, on Friday, March 10, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from MGM Grand Detroit Event Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Shields (1-0) is facing Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs), a former world title challenger, in the first women’s boxing match to headline on premium television. The fight will take place down the road from Shield’s hometown of Flint, Mich.

Shields is the most accomplished amateur boxer in U.S. history – male or female – and the only American boxer to capture back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Games.

“It is a dream come true to be the first woman to headline a boxing card on premium television,” said Shields. “March 10 will be a historic night for boxing and all of the women who give so much to advance our sport. I am proud to be fighting for the NABF title in my second pro bout. I want to thank SHOWTIME, MGM Grand Detroit and Salita Promotions for this opportunity, and I will do everything to give my home state fans and the viewers a night to remember.”

Szabados said, “Fighters always say their next fight is the most important one of their career, but you get an opportunity like this, and it really is. This is an unbelievable dream. I am very happy to be receiving this opportunity. I know this fight is important for Claressa also, and I don’t really know what will happen in the ring. We both want to win. Claressa has more amateur experience, but I have more experience as a professional. It’s going to be an exciting night.”

Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. est and are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50. They will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita said, “I am honored to be putting on this event at the fantastic MGM Grand Detroit, featuring American hero Claressa Shields on ShoBox: The New Generation. Detroit is America’s greatest comeback city and I am thrilled that she has chosen MGM Grand Detroit as the site to fight for her first professional title on March 10. Although it is just her second professional fight, Claressa has chosen a former world title challenger for her opponent, a tough Hungarian named Szilvia Szabados, a woman who knows what’s at stake if she can win that night. We’ve got a terrific card from top to bottom in support of this fantastic main event as well, featuring some of Detroit’s brightest up-and-coming prospects, as well as some national and international flavor. Detroit deserves to have world-class events such as this and I’m very proud to be able to bring it here.”

Shields won her first Olympic Gold when she was 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012. She defended her title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, becoming the only American boxer to defend amateur sports’ premier championship.

The 21-year-old Shields cruised to a 77-1 amateur record before turning professional last November, winning her first bout via unanimous decision on a non-televised undercard in Las Vegas. She now returns home as a headliner to take on the veteran Szabados in a six-round middleweight bout.

ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood: “Women’s boxing in America has its best chance of revival because of the emergence of Claressa Shields. Women’s boxing is pretty big in certain countries, but it really hasn’t been a factor in the United States since Laila Ali and, before her, Christy Martin. Being the only U.S. boxer to win two gold medals, Claressa has instant credibility and star appeal and those two things are going to lead to wide exposure.

“She has a great back story, she’s an exciting fighter to watch and she’s instantly likeable.”

Simply put, Shields found solace in boxing to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in her childhood. She’s become a vocal advocate for many social causes, including the ongoing water crisis in her hometown of Flint, women’s rights, and campaigning against sexual assault. An inspirational figure and motivational speaker, Shields represents a beacon of hope for a working-class city that struggles with violence, poverty, and everyday essentials.

In taking on a former world title challenger and fighting for the NABF middleweight championship in only her second fight, Shields continues to make immediate strides as a professional like fellow Flint native Floyd Mayweather, who won his first world title when he was 21.

Szabados challenged for a world title in July 2015 in her ninth professional fight, losing a decision to undefeated WBC Super Middleweight Champion Nikki Adler in Germany. The native of Miskolc, Hungary has faced two former world champions, Mikaela Lauren and Noni Tenge, and has won via knockout in three of her last five victories.

In her U.S. debut, Szabados lost a 10-round decision to then-undefeated prospect Alicia Napoleon on January 29, 2016, in Queens, N.Y. The 26-year-old has remained active since turning professional in 2014. She fought eight fights in 2016, and already has a win in 2017 via fifth round KO over Diana Marcz in January in Budapest, Hungary.

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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. SZABADOS
Claressa Shields vs. Szilvia Szabados is the professional television debut of two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields against former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados. The six-round women’s bout headlines a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast from MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit, Mich., and airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale on Feb. 10 and are available at Ticketmaster.com.

(BAY AREA, CA) February 7, 2017 – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) is enjoying his time with new coach, BWAA 2012 trainer of the year, Virgil Hunter. The two have been working together at for the last few months and Fonfara says he’s learning new training methods with Hunter, that are helping him improve his game.

“Virgil is a great coach and I feel this was the right move to take my career to the next level.” said Andrzej Fonfara, the WBC #8 rated contender. “Right now, Hunter has me doing some crazy drills and I can see how its making me better in the ring.”

Fonfara is scheduled to return to the ring in March against an opponent TBA. This bout will be his first fight in 2017, a match he’s looking forward to, since losing his WBC International light heavyweight title to Joe Smith Jr.

“Against Smith, I got caught with a good punch.” Fonfara continued. “It can happen to anyone. I feel I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m confident that’ll I’ll be able to march forward to a world title opportunity. I’m going to take it one fight at a time. With Virgil in my corner, I feel I can beat anyone that is put in front of me. In march, everyone will see an improvement in my fighting style.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 7, 2017) – Former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson hosted a media workout in his hometown of Washington, D.C. as he prepares to take on WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan in a 12-round matchup that serves as the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by former four-division world champion Adrien Broner taking on hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Here is what Peterson and his longtime trainer Barry Hunter had to say Tuesday from the Bald Eagle Recreation Center:

LAMONT PETERSON

“I’m going through a full-blown training camp and I’ve had a lot of energy. I think the strength will be there too but I’m an energy fighter. I like to put pressure and use my energy. Look for an improved Lamont Peterson.

“People are going to talk a lot about my layoff but honestly that only affects people who aren’t always in the gym. I have been in the gym working hard this entire time. I’ve been working on my craft. I got better and you’ll see on February 18.

“Avanesyan is a good fighter. He keeps his hands up high, so even though he’s there to be hit, it doesn’t mean I’m going to get good clean shots. It should be a good entertaining fight and a good first step at welterweight for me.

“Big fights are what matters to me. When you’re coming up it’s all about winning a title. Having fought for 12 years, it doesn’t matter to me as much. The way I’m looking at is, if I get this win then I’m the No. 1 contender for the belt.

“I have no concern about ring rust. It’s not even a thought in my head. I would be shocked if that was a problem for me.

“You never know what the right time is to move up in weight, but the time is now for me to move up to welterweight and I’m happy about it. Making 140 pounds was getting tough. I think it hampered my performances a bit and that let us know it was time.

“I’ve been wanting to move up but it seemed like my opportunities were down in weight. Now I’m ready to mix it up with the best guys here.

“For me, it’s all about the joy of getting in the ring and competing. I want to do it at the highest level and I’m looking forward to getting big fights.”

BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer

“Sometimes having time off like Lamont had is not a bad thing. It gives you space and time to work on your mental game, shore up some things you could be weak at and of course it lets you heal up. It’s served us well and I’m happy with what I see from Lamont so far.

“We always approach an opponent, no matter the record, like they are a world champion. We prepare for war. If anything less than that takes place, so be it. We’re going to be ready. To me Avanesyan is a guy who is an obstacle in our way. If we can’t go around him, we’ll go right through him.

“We want all of the top 147-pounders. I always thought Lamont and Danny Garcia was a fight that warranted a rematch. Because it was a great fight that had a little bit of controversy around it. I still would like to see the rematch.”

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

BROOKLYN (February 7, 2017) – Unbeaten brawler and Brooklyn-area favorite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) will return to the ring to battle former title challenger Helen Joseph (9-3-1, 8 KOs) in a super bantamweight contest that highlights undercard action on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, with prime time televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena ever since. On March 4, she will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the eighth time, and seventh time in her last eight fights. In Hardy’s most recent bout last August 21, at Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island, Hardy won a decision over previously unbeaten rival Shelly Vincent to capture the WBC International featherweight title. The entertaining slugfest was shown tape delayed on NBCSN and helped Heather increase her national profile.

By fight night, Hardy will have been out of the ring for six-and-a-half months, her longest stretch of inactivity, which was due to the new insurance regulations put in place by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), in effect since September. All boxing action in the State came to a halt until last month’s Barclays Center event. Dependent on her boxing income to support her family, Hardy sought out other ways to make ends meet. On January 14, Hardy had planned to make her MMA debut for Invicta in Kansas City, MO, however her opponent suffered an injury in training and the event was cancelled. Returning her full focus to boxing, Hardy is determined to conquer another tough challenge on the way to her first world title opportunity.

“I’m grateful and excited to be back in the ring at Barclays Center next month,” said Hardy. “It will be my first fight since August. I’ve had to hustle extra hard these past few months since the insurance issue shut down the New York boxing scene for the last quarter of 2016. I even decided to take an MM fight in January to help supplement my income and pay some bills. However, my opponent dropped out the day before I was flying to Kansas City for the event. It’s been one disappointment after the next, so I am truly happy to be back at home where I belong, doing what I love.”

Born in Nigeria but fighting out of Ghana, Joseph will fight in the U.S. for the second time as a pro after dropping a decision in Texas against Jennifer Han in her most recent world title opportunity. The 27-year-old had previously challenged Dahiana Santana in the Dominican Republic for a world title in 2012 and had a successful run of victories after turning pro in 2004 that lasted until 2009, when she suffered her first defeat. She most recently scored a second round stoppage of Namely Emilia in November of last year.

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

Philadelphia, PA. (February 7, 2017) – Middleweight’s Tyrone Brunson and Brandon Quarles will square off in the eight-round main event on Saturday, March 11th as King’s Promotions will stage it’s first show at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.

Brunson of Philadelphia has a record of 23-6-2, with 22 knockouts.

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

Quarles of Alexandria, Virginia has a record of 18-3-1 with 9 knockouts.

The 30 year-old Quarles is a 7 year veteran, and has won 5 straight fights, with the latest being 6-round unanimous decision over Marcos Primera on June 25, 2016 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In six-round bouts:

David Gonzales (8-1-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA takes on Juan Rodriguez (6-6-1, 5 KO’s) of Haymarket, Va. in a junior welterweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Pennsauken, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Tyrone Crawley, Jr. (6-0) of Philadelphia battles Victor Vasquez (6-2, 2 KO’s) of Yonkers, NY in a lightweight bout.

In a four-round bout:

Daquan Johnson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Cherry Hill, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a 4-round super Welterweight bout

More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHouseBoxing.eventbrite.com