Los Angeles, CA (July 11, 2016) Boxing Superstar and Unified Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin was officially presented with his World Boxing Council title belt by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman in Mexico City on Saturday, July 9.

Joining Golovkin and Sulaiman at the ceremony attended by a huge contingent of local media were K2 Promotions’ Tom Loeffler, Golovkin’s longtime trainer Abel Sanchez, manager Oleg Hermann and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Mexico Andrian Yelemessov.

Also joining Golovkin at the ceremony was recent Hall of Fame inductee Lupe Pintor along with other boxing greats Carlos Zarate, Rafael Marquez, Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, Rafael Herrera, Francisco “Bandido” Vargas, Ganigan Lopez and Alejandro “Tigre” Jimenez.

“It was great to be back in Mexico, I feel like it’s a second home for me,” said Golovkin who also visited ESPN Deportes for a televised interview. “It was an honor for me to personally get my WBC title from Mauricio Sulaiman.”

Said Loeffler, “It’s always a pleasure coming to Mexico and seeing Mauricio and the entire WBC Team. It’s been Gennady’s dream to be recognized as the WBC Champion and on Saturday he finally achieved this goal.”

Golovkin announced his next fight the day before arriving in Mexico and will defend his middleweight titles against British boxing star and undefeated welterweight champion Kell Brook on September 10 at the O2 Arena in London, England.

“The international response to the announcement about fighting Kell Brook fight has been extraordinary. There has been a lot of anticipation for Gennady fighting in the UK and we are excited that Kell accepted the challenge so we could finally make this a reality.”

“Gennady’s worldwide popularity increases with every fight and we expect this show to sell out quickly based on the fan response we’ve received. With the expected sold out O2 Arena, Golovkin has become a true international star selling out three arenas in his three most recent fights in different cities including New York City, Los Angeles and London.”

Video of Golokvin’s ESPN Deportes interviews from Saturday can be viewed below.

http://www.espn.com.mx/video/clip?id=2726567

http://www.espn.com.mx/video/clip?id=2726412

Photos Attached/Courtesy World Boxing Council

Copy of Mexico’s Reforma Newspaper Attached

ABOUT GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN
Sporting a record of 35-0 with 32 knockouts, Golovkin is known as “The Most Exciting, Hardest-Hitting, Most Feared Fighter in the World.” From recently selling out arenas in New York City (Madison Square Garden) and Los Angeles (The Fabulous Forum) in consecutive fights in addition to his sponsorships with the JORDAN Brand, Apple, Samsung, and Bijan, Golovkin is one of the most marketable boxers in the world.

Golovkin’s record includes 22 straight knockouts in addition to 16 consecutive world title defenses. His 91.4% knockout ratio is the highest in boxing’s middleweight division history.

The exciting undercard has been announced for the Saturday, July 16, “Detroit Brawl” event, presented by Salita Promotions at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.

In support of WBO #5-, IBF #5-, and WBC #7-rated and current NABF heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer from Mexicali” Ruiz’s (27-0, 18 KOs) 10-round non-title battle against comebacking KO artist Joshua “Josh Dempsey” Gormley (22-4, 21 KOs) will be a strong mix of local and international talent in intriguing match-ups.

Sponsored by Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, Reserved $63 and $38, and Balcony $28, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Tickmaster.com.

Scheduled in support of the main event that night will be Giorgi Gelashvili (4-0, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn via Georgia facing comebacking veteran Eric Hall (8-9-1, 4 KOs) of Durand, Michigan in a super lightweight six-rounder.

Also, Serdar Hudayberdiyev (2-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan, will face fellow undefeated fighter Steven Andrade (3-0, 2 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia in a welterweight four-rounder.

The opponent for the long-awaited pro debut of Dearborn, Michigan’s “Southpaw Prince” Gheith Karim, a three-time national amateur champion, will be two-fight welterweight scrapper Dean Walsh Jr. of Monroe, Michigan.

Detroit prospect Demetrius Banks (7-0, 4 KOs) is scheduled for a six-round cruiserweight match-up against Niagara Falls, New York’s Eric George (4-11).

Promising Detroit bantamweight Jarico O’Quinn (1-0, 1 KO), a recent Salita Promotions signee, will take on Sergio Aguilar (0-3) of Miami Beach, Florida, in a four-round bout; super bantamweight Zach Shamoun (3-0-1, 3 KOs) of Royal Oak, Michigan, will face also-unbeaten Jose Elizondo (1-0) of San Antonio, Texas; and so-far perfect undefeated cruiserweight Clarence Dubose (3-0, 3 KOs) of Detroit will look to keep his KO streak intact against Karinn Davis (2-6, 2 KOs) of Jackson, Michigan.

Detroit middleweight Dorell Van Horn Jr. (9-0, 6 KOs) will face Rapid City, South Dakota’s Ryan Soft (3-5-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.

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Remember, every ticket purchased to “Detroit Brawl” buys charitable meals for the Forgotten Harvest food rescue organization. Each regular ticket purchased will buy 10 meals that will be distributed to disadvantaged families and each VIP buys 15.

Based in Oak Park, Michigan, Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to relieve hunger and prevent food waste throughout the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest “rescued” over 40 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from over 800 locations, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources. This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free of-charge to 280 emergency food providers in the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest has been ranked as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years.

Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!

For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar

On fight night, doors open at 6:30 pm and the fights begin at 7:15 pm.

Charlie Edwards will challenge Johnriel Casimero for the IBF World Flyweight title at The O2 in London on September 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Former Team GB star Edwards lands the golden opportunity on the undercard of the colossal World Middleweight title clash between pound-for-pound king Gennady Golovkin and IBF Welterweight ruler Kell Brook.

Edwards has made a big impact on the paid ranks in quick time, picking up the English title in just his fifth fight and the WBC International strap in his seventh, and the 23 year old talent now faces a huge step-up in what will be his ninth pro fight after he boxes in Berlin this weekend.

Casimero landed the IBF Flyweight crown in May with a fourth round KO over Amnat Ruenroeng, gaining revenge for a points loss for the belt in June 2015. That win made the 26 year old Filipino a two-weight champion having previously held the IBF Light-Flyweight crown, but Edwards believes he will rip the title from Casimero’s hands.

“Many people may think this is too early but believe me when I say this that IBF World title is coming home with me,” said Edwards. “People underestimate my engine. Half way through the fight, when he’s behind, he will not be catching up.

“I didn’t turn pro to knock over journeymen I’m in this game to take over the lighter weight divisions. The team behind me at MGM know I am more than ready for this and I would like to thank them, Eddie and Barry Hearn for giving me this chance – I won’t let anybody down.”

“This is a huge gamble for Charlie at this stage in his career but him and the team feel very confident they can beat Casimero,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “At Flyweight, there is only so much experience you can gain and this is a huge opportunity for him to become World champion on home soil in what will be just his ninth fight. September 10 is the biggest night in World boxing so far in 2016 and I’m delighted to provide this opportunity for Charlie – I believe Britain will have yet another World champion that night.”

An announcement on the ticket details for Golovkin vs. Brook featuring Casimero vs. Edwards will be made tomorrow (July 12).

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba
Chelyabinsk, Russia
Blantyre, Malawi
29-0-1, 26 KOs
24-3-2, 10 KOs
WT: 174.6 Trunks: White/Red
WT: 174.8 Trunks: Black/Gold

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About Kovalev-Chilemba:

The July 11 bout between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba is a 12-round fight for the WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles at the DIVS Sports Palace in Ekaterinburg, Russia as part of the opening night ceremonies for the International Industry Trade Fair “INNOPROM-2016.” The event is sponsored by Russian Copper Company and Igor Altushkin and presented by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with German Titov Promotions, and will be televised in the United States at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT (same day tape-delayed) exclusively on HBO.

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RIO RANCHO, NEW MEXICO – July 9, 2016 – Albuquerque boxing fans enjoyed eight action-packed bouts tonight at the Santa Ana Star Center, with the main event of the evening earning “fight of the night” honors. Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado, Jr. recovered from a knockdown in the second round of his bout with Gerardo “Pepino” Cuevas, only to knock down Cuevas twice to win the contest.

Full Results

Ronald Baca UD over Randy McCarty
4 Rounds – Heavyweight
39-37, 40-36, 40-36

Elijio Sena DRAW Brandon Farron
4 Rounds – Heavyweight
39-37, 37-39, 38-38

Carlos Sanchez TKO (2:31 Round 1) over Christopher Russell
4 Rounds – Super Lightweight

Jaron “Boots” Ennis KO (1:30 Round 4) over Tavorus Teague
4 Rounds – Welterweight

Jesus Alex Holguin TKO (:56 Round 1) over George Roybal
4 Rounds – Super Featherweight

Brian Mendoza UD over Daniel Calzada
6 Rounds – Welterweight
60-54, 58-56, 59-55

Matthew Griego KO (:43 Round 2) over Marco Alcaraz
4 Rounds – Super Flyweight

Fidel Maldonado Jr. KO (1:00 Round 2) over Gerardo Cuevas
8 Rounds – Super Lightweight

Victory Boxing Promotions announced it would return to the Santa Ana Star Center on October 1st.

TRENTON, NJ (July 10, 2016) – Undefeated rising super featherweight contender Mario Barrios (16-0, 8 KOs) defeated former title challenger Devis Boschiero (39-5-1, 21 KOs) by unanimous decision (120-107 X 3) in the 12-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

From the opening bell, Barrios asserted himself as the aggressor, landing his jab at will and finding his distance early.

Barrios said, “Initially my game plan was to work the jab and see what would open (Boschiero) up. But as the rounds went by he didn’t seem like he was going to come at me. He just didn’t seem to want any action.”

A very tall super featherweight at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios proved difficult for the stocky Boschiero to reach. However, near the end of the second round, the experienced Italian found a rare opening and landed several punches that briefly put Barrios on his heels.

In round three, Barrios regained control and coasted throughout the middle rounds, largely due to Boschiero’s hesitation to engage.

“It was pretty frustrating. I came out to put on a show for the fans, and unfortunately it seemed like my opponent was just trying to survive,” said Barrios. “I can try to press the fight all I want, but if he doesn’t want to fight it’s not going to happen.”

Boschiero, who challenged for a world title in 2011, added, “I had trouble finding my range tonight. He was tougher to hit than I expected.”

In round 12, Barrios scored the only knockdown of the fight, but Boschiero was able to get back to his feet and used the final seconds of the fight to execute his best combination of the night.

“I got to him in the final round,” said Boschiero. “But the opportunities were there when they weren’t in previous rounds.”

A victorious Barrios said, “This was my first 12-round fight, and it felt good to get the experience, I just wanted more intense action. But an ESPN main event takes my career to the next level. I’m just hoping for my shot at the title.”

Televised coverage kicked off with undefeated prospect Eddie Ramirez (14-0, 9 KOs) handily defeating Californian contender Jessie Roman (20-3, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-92, 99-91 X 2) in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.

Ramirez, a Chicago Golden Gloves champion, settled in early and controlled the bout from the outset. Ramirez said, “I felt like I was in control and like I was getting hit a lot less than he was.”

In the third frame, the fighters locked up for a thrilling exchange on the ropes, Ramirez landing the harder of the punches.

A frustrated Roman said, “He was landing a lot of combinations, but he never hurt me.”

Ramirez opened up the fourth round with a furious flurry, but Roman fought back with a hard left hook of his own, shocking Ramirez.

“He did catch me with a couple of clean hooks when I let my defense down,” acknowledged Ramirez. “That was my fault, but nothing that hurt me very bad.”

The middle stages of the fight saw Ramirez, the busier more precise fighter, steadily distance himself on the judges’ scorecards.

“I was prepared for tonight because I had a really long training camp,” said Ramirez. “I’ve been ready to fight since mid-June. I was just in great shape.”

Roman didn’t seem as game and admitted, “I gassed out a little bit in the end. I haven’t fought in a year and I think some of my struggles tonight were due to that. My timing was off a little bit too.”

Roman didn’t give up though, landing a barrage of shots near the close of round nine, reminding Ramirez that he was in for a fight. However, it was too little too late as Ramirez coasted to a comfortable victory.

Ramirez concluded, “”Fighting on ESPN is like a dream come true. As an amateur, I always envisioned myself on this network. So this feels like a great accomplishment, and I’m leaving with a lot of new fans tonight.”

# # #

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.sunnationalbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Boxer_Barrios, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

“Hello to everybody here in my homeland of Russia. I hope you are all going to be here Monday night to support me. I thank God for all the opportunities he has given me and all the acquaintances he has made for me including Igor Altushkin who made this event possible. Thank you to everyone for their organization and for making this event for everyone who loves boxing. The hardest time of my training camp is past now and I am going to give you good show. My opponent, Chilemba, is very motivated and that is why he is so dangerous. But I am also motivated. There are a lot of fights in my future. Also I would like to give a special thanks for television channels which are going to televise the event, Match TV and HBO. Thanks to Kathy Duva, my promoter, and Titov Boxing Promotions. Also thank you to everyone who participates in these organizations and to all the fans of boxing. Your support is very important to me. I will be glad to see you all Monday night.”

Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba – WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight Challenger

“Thank you. First of all, I want to thank God for life, strength and getting us all here today. I want to thank Main Events for standing by my team. I want to thank Sergey Kovalev and his team. I want to thank my team and HBO. I really appreciate it. For the last 10 years of my career, I got into a few title fights. I won IBO Super Middleweight Title. Since I moved to light heavyweight we have been chasing the WBC title. And we came up short three times. Now I have a shot at three world titles. I really believe God works in mysterious ways. This is my time. This is my destiny. I believe I was destined to be WBO, WBA and IBF World Champion. I want to thank the Russian people for the support and warm welcome. In my life I have been through a lot of obstacles. I stumble and fall and I know how to pick myself up. I have been through hell and made it back. Nothing can stop me. Thank you.”

Kathy Duva – CEO of Main Events

“It is a pleasure to be back here in Ekaterinburg. I want to thank our gracious sponsor Igor Altushkin and the Russian Copper Company. I would like to thank HBO and Match TV. Also I would like to thank German Titov and his staff. I have known Isaac Chilemba for as long as I have known Sergey. He has worked very hard to get his opportunity. I know he is coming to win this fight. However, I believe Sergey is the best pound for pound fighter in the world. I know he cringes when I say that, but he is special. We all know Sergey always comes to win too. As always we expect a tremendous fight on Monday night. I am not going to say the best man will win because they are both very good men. But the fans will win in the end because I know it will be a great event.”

John David Jackson – Trainer of Sergey Kovalev

“Thank you for being here. This should be a very entertaining fight for the fans. Hopefully it can be just that and you can enjoy the fight. Training camp was good for Sergey and he is ready to defend his titles. Thank you very much.”

Egis Klimas – Manager of Sergey Kovalev

“Hello. I would like to thank my fighter Sergey Kovalev. It is an honor for me to present one of the greatest fighters in the world. I would like to thank our main sponsor, Russian Copper Company. Also thank to HBO and Match TV for broadcasting this event to the world. Sergey Kovalev is going to show the world again on Monday night.”

Jodi Solomon – Manager of Isaac Chilemba

“I would like to thank Main Events for this opportunity and Sergey Kovalev and his team. I would also like to thank the people of Russia for the warm welcome we have received here. I really don’t like to give long speeches, but the magnitude of this fight compels me to say more than I am used to. Isaac and I started working together eight years ago and I was the only woman working in boxing in South Africa. As a result, most people in boxing decided I would never make it and neither would Isaac because he was working with me. In a matter of three years we proved them wrong when he won five titles during that time. I feel like now we have come full circle. For the first time in six years Isaac and I have trained in South Africa again. Again we are faced with doubters. Again we are going to prove them all wrong. Thank you very much.”

German Titov – German Titov Promotions

“I believe Chilemba is the best in top ten boxers in the world. This is a great opponent for Kovalev. Thank you Kathy Duva and Main Events.”

Alexsey Titov – German Titov Promotions

“I want to thank everyone. I am very thankful for the experience we got organizing this event. This is the top event in Russia. You will be amazed by the organization of the show. It is going to be highest level. The climax of this event is going to be Sergey’s performance. He is a very talented fighter. Let’s not look passed this show and be here.”

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About Kovalev-Chilemba:

The July 11 bout between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba is a 12-round fight for the WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles at the DIVS Sports Palace in Ekaterinburg, Russia as part of the opening night ceremonies for the International Industry Trade Fair “INNOPROM-2016.” The event is sponsored by Russian Copper Company and Igor Altushkin and presented by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with German Titov Promotions, will be televised in the United States at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT (same day tape-delayed) exclusively on HBO.

New Mexico’s top prospects will be in action tomorrow night, as Victory Boxing Promotions presents an evening of world class talent at the Santa Ana Star Center. Full weights:

MAIN EVENT
8 Rounds – Super Lightweight

Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado, Jr. (142.4) vs. Gerardo “Pepino” Cuevas (143.8)

4 Rounds – Super Flyweight
Matthew “Diamond Boy” Griego (118.2) vs. Marco Alcaraz (120.8)

6 Rounds – Welterweight
Brian “La Bala” Mendoza (148.2) vs. Daniel Calzada (149.6)

4 Rounds – Super Featherweight
Jesus Alex Holguin (131.2) vs. George Roybal (130.6)

4 Rounds – Welterweight
Jaron “Boots” Ennis (145) vs. Tavorus Teague (145)

4 Rounds – Super Lightweight
Carlos “El Tiburon” Sanchez (144.4) vs. Christopher Russell (141.2)

4 Rounds – Heavyweight
Elijio Sena (271.6) vs. Brandon Farron (214.8)

4 Rounds – Heavyweight
Ronald Baca (251.6) vs. Randy McCarty (212.6)

Tickets are priced at $54.75, $29.75 and are available at victoryboxingpromotions.com. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on fight night. First bell is at 7:00 p.m.

NICE, CALIF. (July 8, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect “Madman” Marcos Hernandez is set for a super welterweight showdown with fellow unbeatenThomas Hill that takes place Tuesday, July 12 on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes live from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.

The July 12 event is headlined by exciting veteran contender Breidis Prescott battling Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava. Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features undefeated prospect Malcolm McAllister taking on Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira.

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

Hernandez took the time to talk about his camp, his July 12 matchup and more as he nears fight night. Here is what Hernandez had to say:

On making his television debut on FS1 and FOX Deportes…

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for since I turned professional. I know I have to perform at a high level to prove I’m worthy of more TV dates. FS1 is where a lot of fights are on these days so I’m very appreciative to the PBC and FOX for giving me a chance to showcase my talent. Everyone can expect to see me go to war, and I’m going to leave everything in the ring, that you can guarantee.”

On his current training camp…

“This has been a wild camp. I got great sparring at Wild Card with Hugo Centeno and a few others. I had to travel outside of my area to get the sparring I needed to prepare me for this fight. I’m in the best shape of my life at the moment and I’m looking to be peaking on fight night. Everything is perfect right now.”

On facing undefeated fighter Thomas Hill…

“I know he’s a tall fighter with really good boxing skills, so I’ll be prepared for his movement. He’s undefeated as well so I know it’s going to be a great fight. These are the fights that take you to the next level. One of us is going to advance in their career and the other will suffer a setback. I’m coming to win.”

On his relationship with his father/trainer Joey Hernandez…

“My dad has been with me since the beginning. We know how to work with each other. He’s made a lot of sacrifices to get me where I’m at today. Of course we butt heads sometimes but at the end of the day, I know he’s got my back. We are on this journey together and I’m grateful for all that he’s done for me. We are a great team.”

On the importance of staying undefeated…

“It’s very important for my career to remain undefeated. A win will keep me in the mix as far as fighting on big cards, especially on TV. This is a major crossroad in my career and the time is now for me to take it to the next level. I need to win this bout and march up the rankings, guaranteeing me more big fights.”

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

TRENTON, NJ (July 8. 2016) –

Mario Barrios 130 – Devis Boschiero 130
Eddie Ramirez 142 – Jessie Roman 141
Tyrone Crawley 139 – Alexander Charneco 140
Darryl Bunting 165 – Kyle Kurtz 167
Christopher Brooker 169 – Gabriel Pham 168
Titus Williams 124 – Jovany Fuentes 125
Zhankosh Turarov 151 – Daniel Souza Santos 150

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $75, $55, $39 and $24, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased HERE, at the Sun National Bank Center box office or by calling 609-656-3234.

MARIO BARRIOS vs. DEVIS BOSCHIERO FIGHT WEEK MEDIA SCHEDULE

*All Times Are Eastern*

Saturday, July 9

6:00 p.m. SUN NATIONAL BANK CENTER– DOORS OPEN
Location: 81 Hamilton Avenue; Trenton, NJ 08611

6:30 p.m. FIRST BOUT

9:00 p.m. ESPN & ESPN DEPORTES BROADCAST BEGINS

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.sunnationalbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Boxer_Barrios, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

“On July 11th I will step into the ring having a “home court” advantage as they say in other sports. As for me, the fight against Isaac Chilemba will be no different than any other fight in my career. The goal does not change no matter where I fight and who sits in the audience. However, I will appreciate the home crowd cheering instead of the booing from the stands that I got so used to over the years beating my opponents in their backyards. Thousands of my supporters, friends and family have been waiting for this fight to happen in Ural and I’m very thankful to the man who made it happen, Igor Altushkin of Russian Copper Company. Although I can’t find time to read all of the comments and letters that fans send to me daily on social media, I feel that the entire country is behind me in this fight.

“I know my opponent is not sleeping either. I am sure that Chilemba recognizes how big this opportunity is for him, and he’ll definitely try to use every opportunity to spoil my November “party” with Andre Ward. He will step into the ring charged and ready to bring a big fight. I will have to show some teeth in order to win. My motivation to defend my titles in front of the home crowd cannot be any bigger. That I can assure you all about!

“The confidence I get before every fight is also driven by my global fan base. I have supporters sending me notes from Philippines, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mexico and many other countries from around the world. It humbles me and makes me even more determined to show them a great fight. They say Mondays are tough, but I hope that July 11th will be the Monday you will get to enjoy, to witness a great night of boxing. This letter would not be complete without thanking HBO Boxing for their continued support and finding a way to broadcast this fight to my North American fans in the old tradition of Monday Night Boxing.”

Kovalev vs. Chilemba will be televise Monday, July 11 on HBO at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

TRENTON, NJ (July 8. 2016) – Undefeated rising contender Mario Barrios, former title challenger Devis Boschiero, unbeaten prospect Eddie Ramirez and Californian contender Jessie Roman hosted a media workout Thursday as they prepared for their Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes showdowns taking place this Saturday, July 9 from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features Barrios taking on Boschiero in a 12-round super featherweight title eliminator, while Ramirez and Roman square-off in a 10 round super lightweight battle.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $75, $55, $39 and $24, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased HERE, at the Sun National Bank Center box office or by calling 609-656-3234.

The fighters worked out at the Sun National Bank Center for media as they near their primetime bouts, with a chance to elevate themselves closer to world title contention. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

MARIO BARRIOS

“Training has been great. We trained in Las Vegas for a large portion of this camp. We had some good runs at 7,500 feet of elevation and I feel very ready for Saturday.

“Boschiero is a tough fighter with a lot of experience. He has gone the distance plenty of times and I am ready to face the best version of him on Saturday.

“Headlining on ESPN and ESPN Deportes is a blessing. I grew up watching the fights on ESPN and knowing that I am the main event is a dream come true.”

DEVIS BOSCHIERO

“We had a very good training camp. Everything went smoothly and I had great sparring. I couldn’t have asked for a better camp.

“Barrios is a very good prospect and very tall for the weight. We will see what he has on Saturday. We’re prepared for everything and the plan is to test him throughout the fight.

“I am very proud to be fighting on ESPN and I am hoping to give the American public a great fight. I am taking this one step at a time. Saturday will not be an easy fight. May the best man win.”

EDDIE RAMIREZ

“This is a great opportunity. It’s really a dream come true. When I was young. I envisioned fighting on ESPN and now here I am. I am and ready and anxious to just get in the ring and fight. I’m on weight and ready to go.

“Training went very well. I have been ready to fight for weeks. Roman has a decent record and people tell me that he is a good fighter, but I haven’t seen anything of him.”

JESSIE ROMAN

“My father passed away in May and that is my motivation for this fight. He started me in boxing from when I was six-years-old all the way until I was 22.

“I do not know much about Ramirez other than that he is undefeated and he has a lot of power. We are ready mentally and physically for him.

“This is a big opportunity for me to fight on ESPN. It’s great exposure. Keep your eye out for me, I am going to become a world champion.”

MARIO BARRIOS vs. DEVIS BOSCHIERO FIGHT WEEK MEDIA SCHEDULE

*All Times Are Eastern*

Friday, July 8 OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN

2:00 p.m. OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Location: Wyndham Garden Trenton Hotel

1:30 p.m. – Media Arrival
2:00 p.m. – Fighters to scales

Saturday, July 9

6:00 p.m. SUN NATIONAL BANK CENTER– DOORS OPEN
Location: 81 Hamilton Avenue; Trenton, NJ 08611

6:30 p.m. FIRST BOUT

9:00 p.m. ESPN & ESPN DEPORTES BROADCAST BEGINS

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.sunnationalbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Boxer_Barrios, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Matchroom Boxing and K2 Promotions are delighted to announce that Gennady Golovkin will defend his IBF, WBA, WBC and IBO Middleweight World titles against IBF Welterweight champion Kell Brook at The O2 in London on September 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office and HBO World Championship Boxing.

The two unbeaten stars collide in London with the US-based Kazakh KO king Golovkin stepping into the ring as a defending champion for the 16th time and looking to keep up his incredible knockout percentage – with 32 of his previous 35 fights ending early, including all of his World title outings, and the 34 year old is ready to add to that run in his first fight in the UK.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in front of the great British boxing fans and promise another ‘Big Drama Show’ against Kell Brook,” said Golovkin.

Most recently Golovkin has sold out famed venues in the United States, Madison Square Garden in New York City and The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles.

On October 17, 2015 Golovkin knocked out IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux at Madison Square Garden in front of 20,548. Most recently, Golovkin stopped undefeated mandatory challenger Dominic Wade on April 23, 2016 in the second round at the sold-out Fabulous Forum before a crowd of 16,353.

‘GGG’ has beaten two British fighters already in his career in Matthew Macklin and Martin Murray, but Brook will be out to take his mantel as the World’s most feared fighter. ‘The Special One’ moves up from Welterweight where he holds the IBF title that he ripped from Shawn Porter in August 2014, defending it three times since then with KO wins in all to take his own impressive unbeaten record to 36-0 with 25 wins inside the distance.

Brook – who will retain his status as IBF Welterweight champion – has been hunting a major fight since landing the World title, and the 30 year old believes he has the tools to defeat Golovkin and become boxing’s biggest star.

“This is the fight and the moment I have been waiting for for some time,” said Brook. “We’ve tried and tried to lure the best to come and fight me and now we’ve got the best of the best – the number one pound for pound fighter in the world is coming to the UK.

“When this fight got offered to me I accepted within minutes and I can’t wait. Everyone knows I’m a huge welterweight and I know I will carry my speed and accuracy and even more power through the weights. This is the ultimate fight, one of the biggest international fights the country has seen in many years – you have seen some huge names run from GGG but I’m running to him. I’m a Special fighter and I will show the World on September 10.”
“We’re very excited to have Gennady fight for the first time in the UK,” said Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loffler. “We have a great deal of respect for Kell Brook for stepping up and facing Gennady when so many have been reluctant to do so.

“We look forward to working with Eddie and the Matchroom Boxing team on this huge international fight on September 10.”

“I cannot tell you how excited I am for this mega fight,” said Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “I’ve worked hard with Tom over the years to bring GGG to the UK and now we do it as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Right here you have the number one Welterweight in the world against the number one Middleweight in the world – 36-0 vs. 35-0, two of the best on the planet, it’s what big time boxing is all about.

“I couldn’t be happier for Kell. We have pushed for that big name for a long time with many reluctant to step into the ring with him and now this is the ultimate challenge, the biggest fight of 2016 and I can’t tell you how happy I am to bring it to the UK. September 10 is going to be an incredible night at The O2 – it’s a special night for British sport and we will provide a packed show with multiple World title fights and some of the biggest names in British boxing.”

Adam Smith Head of Boxing at Sky Sports said: “What a massive announcement! It’s the kind of an astonishing twist that can only happen in our sport. Britain’s longest reigning unbeaten fighter and world welterweight champion Kell Brook moves up to challenge Gennady Golovkin who brings his world middleweight titles to our shores. With 71 wins between them, 57 by knockout and no defeats, it’s a wonderful clash and a huge opportunity for Sheffield’s ‘Special One’. It promises to be another great night on Sky Sports Box Office!”

Information on ticket on-sale dates and prices will be released early next week.

LOS ANGELES (July 8, 2016) – “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs), one of the most promising contenders in the division will be tested in the welterweight division as he takes on Abner “Jaeger” Lopez (25-5, 19 KOs), a tough fighter from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico known for his heavy punch and endurance in the ring. The 10-round main event will headline an exciting night of boxing from Golden Boy Promotions’ home in the Coachella Valley at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, in Indio, Calif. on Saturday, July 30 and televised on HBO Latino® Boxing beginning at 11:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Also, featured as the televised co-main event of the night, undefeated contender, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) will put his NABF Featherweight Title on the line in a 10-round featherweight fight against Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Rounding out the undercard on the non-televised portion of the evening, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia (11-1-2, 6 KOs) of East Los Angeles will take on Jairo “Roca” Hernandez (17-9, 9 KOs) of Torreon, Coahullia, Mexico in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight. Los Angeles’ fan favorite Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0, 6 KOs) will fight in a six-round super featherweight event against Jesus Aguinaga (4-4-1) of Phoenix. Additionally, newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter Virgil Ortiz of Dallas will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight fight against Julio Rodas (0-2) of Flagstaff, Ariz.

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Antonio Orozco vs. Abner Lopez is a 10-round welterweight bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco has paid his dues on the way to the top, and now his only intention is to get the shot at a world championship that he’s craved. Winner of the NABF junior super lightweight title in 2014, the 28-year-old has since defeated former world champions Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Steve “2Pound” Forbes, and hot prospect Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. In his most recent bout on March 25, Orozco made another statement with a first round knockout of Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta that thrilled the fans at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

A professional since 2011, Abner “Jaeger” Lopez has been steadily climbing the welterweight ranks. Known for his punching power and resilience in the ring, Lopez has taken on tough opposition defeating Humberto Mauro ” Cachorrito” Gutierrez, Ricardo “Pelon” Dominguez, Jose David Mosquera and Aik “The Humanoid” Shakhanazaryan. Lopez was last seen in the ring in 2015 when he fought four-times winning against Daniel Calzada via decision in July and receiving his first loss after a four win streak in November against Daniel Echeverria. Now, Lopez is looking to come back into the winners column when he faces Orozco on July 30.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. has been seen as a future world champion for years, and now the NABF Featherweight Champion is closing in on that dream. Currently ranked third in the world by the WBC and ninth by the IBF and WBO, the 23-year-old southpaw from South El Monte, California has steadily moved through all opposition at 126 pounds, including Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Hugo “Guerrero” Partida. But it was in his March 26 win in his HBO debut over highly-regarded Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez that Diaz announced his arrival to the world stage.

A tested fighter out of Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Victor “Pitufo” Proa will be looking for his second victory of 2016 when he takes on the promising Joseph Diaz, Jr. on July 30. The 31-year-old last faced Oswaldo Oziel Delgado in February via first round technical knockout after a six-year fight hiatus. Before that, Proa was a six-year professional fighter that boasted a great record with only one loss, taking on some of the most experienced fighters in the game. Now with a victory under his belt, Proa will be making his first appearance in the U.S. looking to crash the featherweight division.

East LA super bantamweight Roy “Pitbull” Tapia is a popular fighter on the California fight scene. A promising fighter, Tapia maintained busy in 2014 and 2015 taking on tough fighters: Erik Ruiz, Juan Luis “Perla Negra” Hernandez, Ali Gonzalez, Luis “Titi” Maldonado and Omar “Chacalito” Aguilar. Now fighting for the first time in 2016, Tapia will be looking for redemption after his first career loss to face Jairo Hernandez in his return to Fantasy Spring Resort Casino on July 30.

A professional fighter for over 15 years, Jairo “Roca” Hernandez of Torreon, Coahuilla, Mexico has enough experience under his belt to be a dangerous fighter against any opponent. Currently maintaining a five-fight winning streak via knockout, the heavy-handed, Hernandez will be looking to impress in his U.S. debut when he takes on Roy Tapia on July 30.

A former amateur star, Nick “La Calavera” Arce became a professional with a victory over Adalbert Valenzuela and most believe that the sky is the limit for the hard-hitting featherweight of Honduran and Salvadoran descent. In his first fight of 2016, Arce took on seasoned fighter Luiz “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr., in February and went the distance for the first time in his career winning the fight via unanimous decision. In his second fight, Arce was part of the non-televised action on the undercard of Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido on June 4, at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., defeating Francisco Dominguez via unanimous decision with scores of 60-54 from all three judges.

A new fighter on the scene, Jesus Aguinaga of Phoenix, is coming off a decision loss against Justin Pauldo on June 2016. Earlier in the year, Aguinaga had a victory over Luis Bello in January and a draw against Adan Mares in April. Now, Aguinaga will be looking to be back on the winner’s column when he takes on Nick Arce on July 30.

Currently trained by the famed Joel Diaz, Virgil Ortiz of Grand Prairie, Texas is a seven-time national champion, winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with a record of 140-20. Ortiz began his career at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father and began competing at eight-years old. The decorated amateur signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2016 and is ready to begin his professional career on July 30.

In his fight of 2016 and after a four-year hiatus, Julio Rodas of Flagstaff, Ariz. will be looking to make another attempt at the fight game on July 30. With two fights already under his belt, pro-debuter, Vigril Ortiz will have a tough time going up against a more experienced fighter.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOLatino, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hbolatino, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing.

New York, NY (July 8, 2016) – Last month upon direct invitation, New York City’s Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson served as a mentor at Steve Harvey’s Youth Mentorship Camp. The camp was held on a ranch two and a half hours outside of Atlanta, GA.

The camp primarily assists troubled African American boys between 11-18 from fatherless households by providing guidance and educational mentoring. The mentorship camp involved 200 boys, with all but one being of African American descent. The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation leaned on the United States Army to provide roughly 15 soldiers to serve as the mentors with a group of 20 boys assigned to 2 soldiers.

Melson, a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, received a phone call from the U.S. Army Reserve Public Affairs Office requesting him to fly down from New York to serve as both a mentor and special celebrity invite for the youth camp. Captain Melson was paired with Sergeant Cole as they both were assigned 20 boys. During his five days in Atlanta, the WBC-USNBC junior middleweight champion and West Point graduate put all of his energy into providing an unforgettable developmental experience for all the children he came in contact with.

“Each day, the boys were mentored from 5AM until 1AM of the next day,” said Melson. “We were on them. We treated them like Privates in Basic Training and they had hate in their eyes towards us. It was 95 degrees every day and humid. Whenever they were listening to a speaker and they started falling asleep, we helped them stay awake by pulling them to the side and dropping them for push-ups. We also would have them do wall sits. Our mission was to break them in those five days so that we could strip them of their ego, anger and pride so we could help rebuild them.”

“They hated us, but we noticed a change as the week progressed. I kept reminding myself no matter how angry or frustrated I became with them they’re just children and never had a man’s guidance in their life so it was not their faults. Every time that I dropped them for push-ups or had them sit on the wall it was to mentor them while they were being disciplined so that they could understand the process and life. I constantly heard them saying that they were tired and wanted to sleep. I would say, so the hell what. You are tired, that is not a way out. Chasing your dreams will get you tired each time. That does not mean you stop. The world does not care if you are tired, and you need to understand this. I never relied more heavily on my vast life experiences to find a way to reach these boys more than I did at this camp.”

By weeks end, the boys learned how to march according to military standards along with Army standards of Drill and Ceremony. For the first time for many of the boys, they were taught the basic disciplines of life and starting answering to Captain Melson with Yes Sir and No Sir. The boys went through Army physical training each morning beginning at 5:30AM. There were breakout sessions referred to as vignettes where Melson and Cole presented certain scenarios to intrigue thought within the boys so they could share what decisions they may have made in any specific scenario. Boyd, along with Cole, chose those times to deliver heavy rhetoric from their life experiences in order to help open up the minds of these future young men.

Following the training, there were guest speakers that overcame similar difficulties during their childhood including Power 105.1 personality Charlamagne Tha God and actor Hill Harper. Steve Harvey also spoke each evening for about two hours on the hard truths of life and how the boys need to present themselves in the future to advance professionally.

“Steve was extremely raw in his delivery to these boys. He held nothing back. I was in awe watching a man worth 100 million dollars giving his time back by speaking the dead honest truths for these boys to soak up. Steve was at the camp the entire time. Each night, his camp discussion went from 10PM until midnight. His energy was relentless, Melson said.”

The most touching moment for Melson was on the final evening when Harvey had each camper write a letter to their absent fathers. All of the boys wrote negative things since they never knew their fathers, were abandoned by them, or had limited contact with a father that wanted nothing to do with them. Steve invited the boys to come on stage and read their letters.

“Every letter sounded similar,” Melson said. “Dear dad, I hate you why did you leave me. Dear dad, you’re a coward, you left us, I hope you die. I watched the first two boys walk off the stage with a look of anger and despair that you typically see in a man’s eyes, but not meant for a boy. By the time the second boy walked off stage, I couldn’t take it anymore. I went to the end of the stage, mind you most of these boys were not from my group, and I waited for them to walk off stage. When they were close enough to me, still with that look of a man’s anger and despair on their faces, I opened my arms, and each boy fell into them breaking down crying. I broke down instantly crying very hard with them. Some cried asking me why did their father leave them, and others cried saying they wished I was their daddy.”

“I squeezed them so very tight and told each one of them how much I loved them while sobbing, and I kept repeating to them that they are not alone. I cried more that night than I have cried throughout my entirety as an adult. I gave each of these boys my cell phone number. I said to each boy that for the rest of your lives, call me when you need me or just want to talk. Do not ever forget that I am a phone call or text away. Steve Harvey told them that night to forgive their fathers and it was going to be the hardest thing they’ve ever done. He said don’t forgive your father for them, but for you. If you walk around with that poison in your hearts, it will kill you. It will make you hate your wife’s father one day. You have to forgive to be free.”

Even when the Camp ended, one of Boyd’s goals became to continue making a positive influence on these boys after learning of their struggles during his five unforgettable days in Atlanta.

“It literally made me break down and cry when these boys shared their hatred for the men absent from their lives. People that have two parents in their lives don’t understand how important that is and since it’s a given, it’s not something we think about. Steve Harvey said for a young boy, a mother’s love is different than a father’s love. A mother’s love is unconditional. Her job is to nurture a young boy. When he trips and scrapes his knees, the mother comes instantly to comfort him. A father’s love for a young boy comes with conditions. When he trips and scrapes his knees, the father tells him to get back up and keep moving because you will be fine. Steve closed it by saying for a young boy, a mother’s job is to nurture and comfort you. A father’s job is to raise a young boy.”

“Since these children all had empty voids from a missing parent, they were lacking in some areas. During my time in the Camp, I dedicated my every second to making a permanent impact in these boys’ lives. I believe they all have the potential to do something great with their lives and whatever I can do to continue helping them I will. There is no race when it comes to children because they are just children.”

Melson shared that he now has 6 adopted sons he texts and calls a few times per week. He received a phone call from the mother of one of his boys in his group asking him to please call once a week to speak with him and keep him on track. When Father’s Day came, Melson received the following texts from one of the boys in his group.

“Thank you and I love you. If I could say one phrase to you for the rest of my life it would be that. You have inspired me in ways you can’t even imagine and I don’t give you nearly enough praise for that. I also don’t tell you how much I love you for all of the things you’ve done for me in the 6 days I am a great son because of you. I don’t know if I’d be able to say that had you not been in my life the way you have. Everyone needs a father figure while they are growing up. Thanks for being a genuine, loving, and caring person Captain Melson. Happy Father’s day!

I don’t know where to begin thanking you for all that you have done for me. You brought me into the world, watched out for me, taught me, laughed with me, and spent a lot of time with me. Thanks for being the best mentor I could ask for. To a mentor who loved me enough to teach me some tough lessons so my life would be easier, later on. Happy Father’s Day! Captain I can’t imagine what my life would be like without your presence. You have provided me stability in my life that I can’t put a price on.”

The boy who sent the text won a 100 dollar gift certificate at the Camp resulting from a competition at the Camp. He called Boyd that same day and said that he donated $50 of it to Team Fight to Walk.

British Light Heavyweight talents Tomi Tatham and Liam Conroy will clash at the Manchester Arena on September 24, live on Sky Sports, in a bout that has been put forward to the British Boxing Board of Control to be an official eliminator for the British title.

Tatham blasted away Eric Mokonzo inside five rounds in March to land the International Challenge belt. That was the 27 year old’s 11th win against Mokonzo and fifth inside the distance, and the Bentham ace is now targeting a shot at British champion Hosea Burton.

Conroy has his own designs on the unbeaten Burton though, and the 23 year old Cumbrian enters the bout in great form having landed the WBC Youth Silver title last month in Preston with a fourth round stoppage win over Ferenc Albert.

Tatham and Conroy are the latest fighters to be added to the blockbuster Lightweight unification clash between Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares, with Isaac Lowe defending his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Tshifhiwa Munyai.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

[ends]

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (July 7, 2016) – Just two days after dominating previously undefeated Francy Ntetu (16-1, 3 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions’ June 25th CBS card at New York’s Barclay’s Center, “El Bandera Roja,” David Benavidez, was back at his home gym in Long Beach, preparing for his next bout. The rising star had no intention of taking time off, and jumped right into an intense training regimen that included sparring with Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (34-0, 24KO), who was set to make his pay-per-view debut later in the month, but was sidelined this week with an injury.

“My last fight was hard, but I learned a lot,” stated Benavidez regarding his bout with previously unbeaten Canadian Ntetu. “It was great experience, getting rounds in.”

With only one exception, a six round fight that went the distance in 2014, Benavidez hadn’t fought beyond the second round, knocking out opponent after opponent.

“I feel better and more experienced,” Benavidez continued. “I have confidence knowing I can go into deep waters and finish a fight if I have to. I’m learning how to pace myself when I need to during a round, and I know that those later rounds made me a better fighter.”

As Benavidez prepares for his next fight, he’s focused completely on improving himself.

“I didn’t mind getting right back to the gym,” said Benavidez. “This is my lifestyle now. I just want to train. I want to look at what I did wrong in my last fight and fix it. I don’t want to get rusty in between fights. When I’m not physically training, I’m thinking about mistakes I made in fights, techniques that can be improved. I want to get better each fight, and I’m consumed by that.”

“It’s this commitment to success and improvement that sets David apart from other young men his age, and other fighters,” said Jose Benavidez, Sr., David’s father and head trainer. “This is what makes him different, and this is why he’s going to be the best.”

LOS ANGELES (July 7, 2015) – The exciting 10-round super featherweight bout between
Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (23-2-1, 16 KOs) and
Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (23-7, 16 KOs) has been upgraded to the main event on the
Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar, broadcast on July 15. The originally scheduled fight between
Alfonso Gomez vs. Pablo Cesar Cano has been cancelled due to Gomez sustaining an elbow injury earlier this week.

Live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the event will feature a new televised co-main event between undefeated prospect Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (15-0, 11 KOs) of Boston and Luis “La Roca” Hernandez (12-1, 7 KOs) of Rio Pierdas, Puerto Rico in a eight-round super welterweight fight. Decorated amateur, Cesar Diaz of Palmdale, Calif. will make his professional debut and open up the Estrella TV broadcast in a scheduled four-round super bantamweight fight.

The event will feature former five-division boxing world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard hosting a meet and greet at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center ahead of the televised bouts from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Part of the non-televised undercard and streaming on RingTVLive.com, Azat Hovanissyan (8-2, 7 KOs) of Glendale, Calif. will participate in a six-round super bantamweight fight against Sacramento’s Mario Ayala (4-2-1, 1 KOs) and Indio, Calif.’s Marco Magdaleno (3-0, 2 KOs) will face Hugo Padilla (3-6, 2 KOs) of Aguascalientes, Mexico in a four-round lightweight bout. Opening the night Jhon Leon of Los Angeles will also make his professional debut in a four-round welterweight fight against Jose Huerta (0-0-1) of Villahermosa, Mexico.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $45, $35, and $25. They can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Hailing from Juncos, Puerto Rico, 28-year-old Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez has been a fine representative of the Caribbean’s fighting capital since turning professional in 2007. Former owner of the WBC Interim Silver, WBC FECARBOX and USNBC titles over the years, Velez has made his mark with victories over the likes of Salvador “Sal II” Sanchez, Dat “Dat Be Dat” Nguyen and Daniel “Huracan” Ramirez, as well as a draw in an IBF title bout against Evgeny “El Russo Mexicano” Gradovich. On Nov. 21, 2015 Velez opened up the pay-per-view telecast of Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez against Ronny Rios and suffered his first professional defeat via decision and took on Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. in March 2016 and suffered another loss via decision. Now, looking for redemption, Velez will be hungry to get back in the winners column and title race when he takes on one of the toughest fighters coming out of Nicaragua in Rene Alvarado on July 15.

Managua, Nicaragua’s Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado comes into the ring with much experience under his belt, owning several titles over the course of nearly eight years. “Gemelo” has earned the respect from his peers and boxing fans all over the world for his hard-nosed style and willingness to fight all. The 27 year old’s biggest win was the complete stoppage at the ninth-round of current top featherweight contender Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in 2014 which earned him the WBC Silver Featherweight Championship. Alvarado last faced Manuel “Tino” Avila in April 2016, losing via decision to the rising contender in Los Angeles. Ready for another shot at championship gold, Alvarado will leave it all in the ring taking on Jayson Velez on July 15.

Undefeated welterweight Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis may have the nickname “Speedy,” but it’s his punching power that has been leading him to victory as of late. Winner of four straight fights by knockout, the 23-year-old most recently dispatched Victor “Pambele” Gonzalez in four rounds to win the vacant WBA Fedecentro and interim WBC Latino Welterweight titles. On May 7, he made his Las Vegas debut on one of the biggest sporting events of 2016, when he faced Marco Antonio Lopez on the non-televised undercard of Canelo vs. Khan on May 7 at the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Both fighters brought their “A” game, with Ellis hungry and on the prowl in the ring. Ellis dominated the fight, using good movement and effectively landing his combination blows. With a unanimous decision of 80-72 awarded by all three judges, Rashidi Ellis was able to maintain his undefeated status.

Making his return to the U.S. after four-years, Luis “La Roca” Hernandez will be looking to maintain his undefeated streak of 2016 when he takes on top prospect Rashidi Ellis on July 15. Hernandez, was last seen in the ring against Jose Miguel Torres defeating the fight veteran via unanimous decision and Jean Pablo Batista via technical knockout in the first round. A professional since 2010 and back in the fight game after a lone defeat against welterweight top contender Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez in 2012, Hernandez is ready to begin his climb to the top of the division.

Jayson Velez vs. Rene Alvarado is a 10-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The RingTVlive.com live stream will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

NICE, CALIF. (July 7, 2016) – Exciting veteran contender Breidis Prescott (29-7, 21 KOs) battles Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava (16-2-1, 12 KOs) in the 10-round super welterweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, July 12 from Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California.

Ghvamichava was scheduled to face undefeated Domonique Dolton, but he was forced to withdraw after suffering a cut during training.

“I’ve been training hard already and I’m 100 percent ready for war,” said Prescott. “I don’t know a lot about this guy, but I’ll figure him out in the ring quickly. I like fighting on short notice. I beat Roberto Garcia on short notice so fighting this guy will not be a problem.”

Televised coverage on July 12 begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features undefeated prospect Malcolm McAllister (7-0, 7 KOs) battling Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira (7-2, 4 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action while undefeated prospects Thomas Hill (6-0, 1 KO) and Marcos Hernandez (7-0, 2 KOs) compete in an eight-round super welterweight fight.

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

A standout amateur representing Colombia, Prescott fights out of Miami and was undefeated in his first 21 pro bouts, including a first round knockout of former world champion Amir Khan that cemented his spot in the sport. The 33-year-old also owns victories over Richar Abril, Jose Augustin Feria and Francisco Figueroa and enters this fight having won his last two fights heading into this July 12 showdown.

Ghvamichava will look to rebound from a defeat in his last bout after riding a five-fight win streak that had dated back to 2013. The 30-year-old took down previously unbeaten fighters Jonathan Garcia and Chris Singleton in 2014 and followed it up with triumphs over Cameron Kreal and Cosme Rivera in 2015. Originally from Poti, Georgia, Ghvamichava now trains out of Hayward, California.

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

July 7, 2016 – Leading up to the highly anticipated junior welterweight unification championship between Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol – set for Saturday, July 23 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two intriguing showdowns that highlight the remarkable skill and drive of these competitors.

On Friday, July 15 at 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, July 16 at 11:40 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Crawford vs. Gamboa 2014 and Matthysse vs. Postol 2015 back-to-back. On June 28, 2014 in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Crawford let the world know he was a force to be reckoned with by knocking out Gamboa in a battle of undefeated rising stars in the ninth round. The win earned Crawford BWAA selection for “Fighter of the Year” honors. Last October in Carson, California, Postol pulled off the upset with a 10th round knockout against one the most exciting fighters and fearsome punchers in boxing, Lucas Matthysse, in a high-action contest.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers beginning Monday, July 11.

Crawford vs. Postol takes place Saturday, July 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

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BROOKLYN (July 7, 2016) – Undefeated Irish star Carl Frampton was officially welcomed to the United States and New York City Thursday by former world champion and Brooklyn-native Paulie Malignaggi before Frampton held a media workout at Gleason’s Gym as he prepares for his matchup with featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz taking place Saturday, July 30 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center.

Frampton was joined by his manager, Hall of Fame former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan, and his son Shane, Frampton’s trainer. Frampton returns for just his second fight stateside aiming to win back the same WBA Featherweight World Championship that Barry McGuigan lost 30 years ago. McGuigan’s loss to Steve Cruz on June 23, 1986 was his second and final fight in the U.S.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader begins at at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former two division-world champion Mikey Garcia returning to take on former world champion Elio Rojas and rising super welterweight contender Tony Harrison battling once-beaten Sergey Rabchenko in a 154-pound title eliminator.

Malignaggi headlines a SHOWTIME EXTREME doubleheader against fellow Brooklyn-native Gabriel Bracero while a lightweight slugfest between Ivan Redkach and Tevin Farmer opens televised coverage at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions, start at $38 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.

Frampton and Malignaggi posed for pictures outside of Barclays Center and under the Brooklyn Bridge before heading to Gleason’s Gym, where Malignaggi got his start in the sport, for Frampton’s first workout for New York media.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

CARL FRAMPTON

“I want to be in exciting fights. From here on in my career, I want to be great. Who better to face than Leo Santa Cruz? This is a chance to put my name down in history and become a two-weight world champion from Ireland.

“I’ve been listening to Barry McGuigan since I turned professional. I just wanted to soak all of it up like a sponge. He’s got so much knowledge and he’s been around for so many years. I just need to be around him and learn. Shane does an amazing job training me, and between the two of them, I feel like I’m benefitting every day.

“It’s very nice to be here in Brooklyn, it’s a lovely borough and it’s so great to be here in New York. There are a lot of boxing fans in New York and I really think this is the number one city for boxing.

“We’re bringing a lot of lads from back home, and I also hope the Irish-Americans get to know my name, and everyone in Brooklyn as well. I expect about 1,500 traveling fans from Belfast. I think I’ll have more support than Santa Cruz.

“This fight is huge for me because I really want to create a legacy. I know how people talk, and I think people will be talking about this for a very long time. I want people to remember me as a great fighter, that’s all.

“I train very hard for every fight. No less or no more for Santa Cruz. We’re expecting a very tough fight with a lot of action.

“The last time I was an underdog was the Irish championships, when I was an amateur. You could have got me at 11:2, I was a massive underdog. I dropped him pretty early on, so the last time I was an underdog, a lot of people who knew me made a lot of money. It’s going to be the same result this time.

“Moving up to 126 pounds was definitely the right decision for me. I’m a big puncher but I lost power coming down to 122 pounds. I’m going to be punching harder and be at my very best.

“I’m right on the door step of everything. I’m so excited for fight night, it’s going to be a truly special experience.

“It’s important to be recognized in the States. This is where all of the great fighters from around the world end up fighting, and I really want to be recognized as a great fighter.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

“I think my fight with Bracero is an interesting clash of styles. We have similar styles in that we like to box and counter punch but we’re also both very familiar with each other. I’m sure he’ll have something up his sleeve for me.

“Making this kind of all-Brooklyn fight is great for the fans. We both have our own followings so it should make for an electric atmosphere at Barclays Center.

“The main event is going to be a great fight. When you look at the styles and the pedigrees of both men, it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen. Both guys have exciting styles so I’m betting on the fans getting their money’s worth.”

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer

“After Carl defeated Scott Quigg and became a unified champion at 122 pounds, we believe that all of the exciting fights in that division have passed. We want to be involved in exciting fights.

“The Quigg fight wasn’t as exciting as we would have liked, but we knew it was going to be like that. We knew he’d come on late in the fight and we had our tactics planned well. This is going to be a much better fight because Santa Cruz is brave and takes chances. He also has underrated boxing skills.

“Shane is making Carl a better fighter every day. Every day that you don’t get better is a day you wasted. Carl is in the best physical shape of his career and we will have a plan A, B and C for this fight.

“Santa Cruz is a great fighter. He’s low-key, humble and he hasn’t talked trash. This will be Carl’s hardest fight. It feels great to be involved helping Carl reach his maximum potential, it’s the second best thing to being in the ring yourself.

“We believe 100 percent in Frampton’s ability to win this fight and that he will be successful on fight night.

“There are some great fights out there for Carl. We’re 100 percent committed to July 30 but there are lots of great fights in the featherweight division. We will have lots of support on fight night and I have no doubt there will be a large Irish crowd there to support Carl.”

SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Trainer

“Leo Santa Cruz is unbeaten and there aren’t really any weaknesses from my perspective. He’s a phenomenal fighter, but I don’t believe he’s fought a fighter of Carl Frampton’s caliber, as an all-around fighter.

“When he meets someone who is as good, or in my opinion, better than him, we’ll see what he’s made of. I think it’s going to make for one of the most exciting fights of the year.

“I wouldn’t be taking on this fight it I wasn’t extremely confident in Carl, even though he’s coming in as the underdog. I don’t think Santa Cruz has ever felt the power that Carl brings before. I think Carl can beat him comfortably if he continues to prepare well, and then steps into the ring and does what he’s capable of doing.

“We’re finishing up camp now and making sure we’re 100 percent read. We have to be 100 percent to fight Leo Santa Cruz.

“Carl is extremely heavy-handed. He’s extremely skillful, a true all-rounder. He really lives the life, and that makes it easy for me. The way he trains, how he eats, how he sleeps: he takes it seriously and takes care of himself.

“The transition coming over to New York to finish training camp has been great. We could have waited until closer to fight night but we want every single percent to our advantage.

“We’re still acclimatizing to the heat, the jet lag is no problem and we’re going to be ready on fight night.

“This fight is history in the making. It’s a fight that can really put Carl on the map. It’s always a huge opportunity when you’re fighting for a title, against someone of Santa Cruz’s caliber.”

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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @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.

LAS VEGAS, NV. (July 7, 2016) — By day STAR SWAIN (photo attached) is an assistant principal at the Jefferson County Middle/High School in Monticello, Florida and a Ph.D. candidate in education policy and evaluation. But come Saturday, July 23, live on pay-per-view, Swain will live up to her first name when she steps into the center of the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. to sing The Star Spangled Banner before undefeated junior welterweight world champions TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD and “The Iceman” VIKTOR POSTOL collide in the season’s most anticipated fight.

As reported by ABC News, “Swain turned into an overnight viral sensation after her impromptu performance of the National Anthem had people stopping in their tracks at the Lincoln Memorial while she was visiting Washington, D.C. with family on June 16.” Since ABC News posted this story, the video of Swain’s incredible rendition has grown to more than 37.5 million views on Facebook.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/viral-national-anthem-singer-star-swain-brings-house/story?id=40274691

“I am so excited to sing The Star Spangled Banner in front of the world championship fans gathered at the MGM Grand Garden Arena,” said Swain. “This is a unique opportunity that most people do not get. I thank Top Rank for providing this platform for me to connect with fellow Americans as I sing the national anthem with pride.”

“Top Rank has always enjoyed enlisting the best talent available — professional or not — to sing the National Anthem at our major events. We’ve had superstars like Jamie Foxx and Ashanti and winners and contenders from American Idol. And now Star will join that illustrious group. We are very honored she accepted our invitation. Star captures the spirit of our event,” said Brad Jacobs, Top Rank’s Executive Event Producer.

Crawford vs. Postol, a 12-round world title unification rumble battle between Top-10 pound for pound gladiators, will determine the lineal king of the exciting 140 pound division. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate and the motion picture “Hands of Stone,” the Crawford vs. Postol world championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

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

The HBO Sports Special, Terence Crawford: My Fight,
debuts This Saturday! July 9 at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT on HBO.
Liev Schreiber narrates.

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Crawford (28-0, 20 KOs), of Omaha, Neb., already a two-division world champion, has won four of his last five bouts by stoppage. The consensus Top-10 pound-for-pound fighter will be making his MGM Grand Garden debut in his third title defense as World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight world champion.

Postol (28-0, 12 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, put his stamp on the boxing landscape when he scored a 10th-round knockout of the heavily-favored former world champion Lucas Matthysse to capture the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight world title on October 3, 2015. Having won two of his last three fights by knockout, the Freddie Roach-trained Postol will be making his first defense of that title.

Remaining tickets are priced at $304, $204, $104, and $54, not including applicable service fees. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call AXS at (888) 929-7849. Tickets are also available for purchase at mgmgrand.com or AXS.com (http://bit.ly/24ORYhs)

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

For updates on Ms. Swain go to www.facebook.com/StarSwainOfficial on Facebook, www.twitter.com/IAmStarSwain on Twitter, www.instagram.com/IAmStarSwain on Instagram, www.youtube.com/watch?v=G11O4uZg4-c on You Tube and @IAmStarSwain on Snapchat.

NFC #85 is set for Friday, July 22 at Electric Cowboy in Kennesaw with a HUGE main event as undefeated Chazz Walton takes on Warren Smith for the NFC Georgia Lightweight Championship.

Walton comes into the fight with a perfect 6-0 pro record. Warren steps in with a 5-4 record, but has never lost at 155 lbs; the weight that this title fight will take place.

There’s a total of 15 fights on the card with a record-setting 5 pro fights for Electric Cowboy.

Tickets are available online at www.cagetix.com/NFC.

To view the NFC Engage preview of the fight, click HERE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 7th, 2016) — With three world titles under her belt, including one of the most prestigious in all of boxing, and a well-earned reputation as one of the sport’s toughest road warriors, Kali Reis has accomplished more than most fighters can dream of.

“If I was to be 100 percent real,” Reis said, “I have nothing else to prove to myself.”

Regardless, the Providence, R.I., native and reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Female Middleweight World Champion remains as hungry as ever, motivated by the desire to achieve more and continue learning about everything the sport has to offer both in and out of the ring.

Having fought overseas five times, from everywhere from Bermuda to New Zealand, Reis (9-5-1, 4 KOs) will once again touch down in her home state Friday, July 15th, 2016 when she faces Atlantic City’s Althea Saunders (3-2-2) in an eight-round bout on the undercard of CES Boxing’s summertime spectacular at Twin River Casino.

Following a 21-month world tour in which she fought four times on foreign soil, Reis returns to Rhode Island for the second time this year. Her last appearance at Twin River ended in thrilling fashion with a 91-second knockout win over Victoria Cisneros.

Two months later, Reis traveled to Auckland, New Zealand to face Maricela Cornejo for the then vacant WBC title, the first time that country had ever hosted a major world title fight. Reis won by split decision for her third world championship, adding the infamous green belt to her Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) and International Boxing Association (IBA) titles.

“It means everything to me,” Reis said of winning the WBC title. “That’s the one belt everyone strives to get, and I’ve had that dream ever since I’ve learned about the whole boxing game from when I was younger. I had that ultimate goal to become the WBC champ and even to be a world champ and achieve that in the WBC, which is the belt of all belts. It means a lot to me. It means all the hard work has paid off.”

Still, nothing beats fighting at home, where Reis is a major box office draw, as evident by the intensity she brought to the ring when she fought Cisneros, a former WBC Silver Female Welterweight Champion and six-time world title challenger.

“I was energized the whole week of the fight. Every time I heard a bell I was swinging!” Reis said.

“It had a lot to do with being home. I hadn’t fought in a long time at home and the energy from being at home and hearing people chant my name and seeing so many familiar faces as I walked out to the ring and I was in the ring, it helped a lot. I try to bring that intensity no matter where I am, but being at home definitely, definitely helps.”

She’ll get another chance to hear the roar of the crowd next Friday against Saunders, a sturdy veteran born in Philadelphia and now fighting out of New Jersey. The two share a common opponent in Marshfield, Mass., vet Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes, whom they’ve combined to fight four times. Reis beat Lopes in her pro debut in 2009 and lost the rematch a year later. Saunders fought Lopes to a draw in 2014 and lost in the rematch last June.

Reis was originally scheduled to face fellow New Jersey fighter Akima Stocks, who withdrew from the bout a month ago, but not much has changed for Reis in terms of preparation.

“I focus on what I’ve got to do no matter who’s in that ring,” she said. “I don’t change the intensity of my training camp as far as, ‘Oh, it’s not the person I thought it was going to be, so let’s dial it down.’ I train just as hard no matter who I’m fighting.

“It does change things a little bit as far as her background versus the other opponent’s background, but I leave all of that studying up to my trainers. That’s their job. And it’s my job to listen to exactly what they’re telling me to do.”

Winning the WBC title is a landmark achievement for Reis, who has developed into one of the world’s top middleweights and carved her own road to the top despite not having a promoter in her corner for most of her career. She fought as an underdog on enemy turf against championship-caliber fighters Hanna Gabriels, Christina Hammer, and others, but, as she stated in February before her fight against Cisneros, she wouldn’t trade that experience for an easier path.

“If you asked me that 10 times, my answer will always be no. I wouldn’t change my career,” Reis said. “It has actually helped me in the long run to build skill and build boxing knowledge in and outside of the ring.

“It has done a lot to create and mold me into the fighter I am today. I love the experience. I’ve gone overseas to so many different countries and experienced so many different cultures and how they take boxing in. It’s been amazing.”

Having done it all with nothing left to prove to herself, what keeps Reis motivated? There’s always a desire to learn and continue to grow, in addition to her ultimate goal of unifying the middleweight world championship by winning in a title in every major sanctioning body.

No matter what, Reis always finds a way to keep the fire burning, even if it’s something as simple as a sold-out crowd at Twin River Casino chanting her name on the way to the ring.

“From here, the goal is to keep myself motivated and keep myself hungry,” she said. “You can never learn too much in boxing. There’s always something you can learn. There’s always new and fresh talent coming into your weight class in women’s boxing and men’s boxing.

“I want to get as much out of it as I can now, especially because I am as busy now as I should’ve been in the beginning of my career. I should’ve been this busy in the beginning, but I’m just going to take advantage of all of the opportunities and follow these titles.

“My hunger is still there. If my hunger starts dying, then it’s my time to get out.”

Tickets for the July 15th event are priced at $42.00, $67.00, $102.00 and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Undefeated Providence, R.I., native Angel Camacho Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) headlines the July 15th card and puts his Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International and New England Light Heavyweight Titles on the line in the 10-round main event against Willimantic, Conn., vet Kevin Cobbs (10-2, 4 KOs).

The Camacho-Cobbs main event is one of three title fights July 15th; Cranston, R.I., super lightweight Nick DeLomba (9-1, 2 KOs) makes the first defense of his New England Title in a six-round bout against Oscar Bonilla (3-1-2) of Bridgeport, Conn.; and Thomas Falowo (14-3, 8 KOs) of Pawtucket, R.I., the reigning New England Middleweight Champion, returns to Twin River for the first time in more than two years and puts his belt on the line in an eight-round rematch against Jersey City, N.J., slugger Chris Chatman (13-5-1, 5 KOs), who beat Falowo at Twin River in 2013.

July 15th also features the return of middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) and lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO), both from Worcester, Mass., and the professional debut of New London, Conn., welterweight Cristobal Marrero. Ball Jr. faces Woburn, Mass., native Bruno Dias, who will also be making his debut, while Ortiz battles St-Georges, Quebec, lightweight Kimmy St-Pierre (1-1, 1 KO). Both are four-round bouts.

Also on the undercard, Ray Oliviera Jr. (4-0, 1 KO) of New Bedford, Mass., battles Worcester’s Andy Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round junior middleweight attraction featuring two undefeated New England fighters.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING and use the hashtag #CamachoCobbs to join the conversation.

Ekaterinburg, Russia: On Monday night “The Krusher”, WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion, Sergey Kovalev, will return home to Russia to face challenger Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba in a 12-round championship bout. These two fighters have very different style and when they clash on July 11 sparks should fly. Below is the scouting report for this exciting event:

Category
Sergey
“The Krusher” Kovalev
Isaac
“Golden Boy” Chilemba
Age
33
29
Record
29-0-1 (26 KOs)
24-3-2 (10 KOs)
Strength
Kovalev has solidified his position in the sport as one of its most devastating punchers. He possesses knockout power in both hands.
Chilemba is a crafty fighter with good technical skills. He is an effective counter-puncher with great endurance and strong defense. He is also very accurate and uses his jab well.
Weakness
Sergey tends to leave openings in his guard allowing himself to be hit. He has been knocked down before but not hurt. He will have to pick his shots wisely in this bout when facing a good counter-striker in Chilemba.
“The Golden Boy” does not possess much punching power in either hand; he has only recorded one knockout victory since 2011. He also has a tendency to be a slow-starter in the ring, which can cost him immensely if The Krusher is able to land one early.
Experience
While Isaac has plenty of experience, Kovalev has been just as active and has been in the bigger fights throughout his career.
Isaac is very experienced and has been steadily active throughout his career.
Power
“The Krusher” has tremendous power in both hands; he throws every punch with bad intentions and puts together very effective combinations.
Isaac is a technically skilled boxer, but lacks the initial pop that could change the momentum of the fight.
Speed
Kovalev has average speed that picks up once he smells blood and goes for the finish.
Isaac is quick on his feet. He moves around the ring well making it difficult for his opponents to connect at times.
Endurance
Sergey showed the world that he can go a full 12-rounds when he earned a unanimous decision win over former titleholder and future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, but he has only been past 8 rounds once.
Chilemba has excellent endurance; he has gone a full 12-rounds on nine separate occasions throughout his career.
Accuracy
Sergey shows great accuracy with the long-range aggressive style that he utilizes. He throws very accurate and powerful body shots as well.
Isaac is a very accurate puncher who chooses his spots wisely and times his punches well. His accuracy and timing have been effective in taking his opponents out of their rhythm.
Defense
Sergey’s strength is his offense, which he has established as his best defense thus far. However, his aggressive style has allowed past opposition opportunities to land shots as well.
Chilemba is a good defensive fighter who utilizes effective counter-punching skills. He exhibits impressive foot work and moves around the ring well.
Chin
Kovalev has been knocked down twice in his career, but he has risen to the occasion both times to finish the fight and earn the victory.
Isaac has never been stopped, and was able to get off the canvas to earn a win over previously unbeaten Maxim Vlasov after overcoming two knockdowns in the fight.
Style
Sergey is an offensive fighter who likes to walk his opponents down and go for the finish. He utilizes a long-range aggressive style and does not take his foot off the gas throughout the match.
Isaac is an effective technical fighter with good counter-boxing skills. He likes to utilize his defense and a sharp jab to take his opponents out of their comfort zone.
Intangibles
Kovalev will compete in his backyard for only the third time in his professional career. Rather than provide his fans with a tune-up bout to improve his chances of earning a victory at home, he will instead face a fighter in Isaac Chilemba who can pose a problem for anyone in his division, and who has never been stopped.
Chilemba is coming off a controversial loss in a title-eliminator bout against current top contender Eleider Alvarez. Rather than request a tune-up bout to get back on track and polish up any mistakes from his last bout, he opted to seize an opportunity to take “The Krusher’s” titles in his own backyard.
Crowd Support
Sergey is fighting in his homeland of Russia and grew up not too far from the site of the bout. Expect a packed house all rooting for their hero.
He is in his opponent’s backyard and has never competed in Russia thus far in his professional career. However, Isaac has proven he can be a road-warrior.
The Match-up
1. Will Sergey be looking past this fight to his fight in November against Andre Ward?
2. Will Isaac be able to handle Sergey’s power?
3. Sergey will be fighting near his hometown for the first time as the light heavyweight champion, will he be able to handle the additional pressure?
4. Will Isaac be able to handle fighting in Sergey’s backyard?

TRENTON, NJ (July 7, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Eddie Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) will take on Californian contender Jessie Roman (20-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight matchup on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Saturday, July 9 from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headline by undefeated rising contender Mario Barrios taking on former title challenger Devis Boschiero in a 130-pound title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $75, $55, $39 and $24, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased HERE, at the Sun National Bank Center box office or by calling 609-656-3234

Additional action features Philadelphia’s Tyrone Brunson (22-6-1, 21 KOs) battling Maryland’s Joshua Okine (28-7-1, 17 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight contest, 25-year-old prospect Christopher Brooker (9-1, 5 KOs) taking on unbeaten Gabriel Pham (6-0, 2 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action, Kazakhstan-born Zhankosh Turarov (18-0, 13 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout against Brazil’s Daniel Souza Santos (15-10, 12 KOs) and unbeaten prospect Titus Williams (5-0, 2 KOs) against Puerto Rico’s Jovany Fuentes (7-7, 6 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight.

Rounding out the night of fights is unbeaten Philadelphia prospect Tyrone Crawley (5-0) taking on Puerto Rico’s Alexander Charneco (4-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round junior welterweight fight and New Jersey’s Darryl Bunting (1-0-1) against St. Louis-native Kyle Kurtz in four-rounds of middleweight action.

A Chicago Golden Gloves champion, Ramirez knocked out seven of his first nine professional opponents and picked up five victories in 2015 including a decision over former world champion Cristobal Cruz. The 23-year-old debuted in 2016 with a second round stoppage of Osumanu Akaba in April.

Fighting out of Santa Ana, California, Roman turned pro in 2009, one year after his older brother Jose began fighting professionally. Undefeated in his first 16 pro fights, the 25-year-old has won three fights in a row, including a dominant decision victory in his last outing against veteran Hector Serrano.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 7, 2016) – Undefeated contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz are deep into training camp for their pivotal welterweight showdown on Saturday, July 16 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his belt against two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Vasquez and Diaz both have world title aspirations but will have to navigate difficult southpaw opponents in the hopes of reaching the top levels of the welterweight division. Here is what both fighters had to say about each other, training camp, the 147-pound division and more:

SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.

On his opponent change from Luis Collazo to Felix Diaz …
“It’s unfortunate that Collazo got hurt, but Diaz is a very good fighter and I know he’s going to bring it. I’ve been sparring with nothing but lefties, and since both Diaz and Collazo are southpaws, it’s business as usual. Diaz is coming off a close majority decision loss…his first defeat, so I know he’s hungry to get back in that win column. This is a dangerous fight and I’m not taking it lightly. Like always, I’m willing and ready to fight anyone they put in front of me.”

On his recent training camp at the Triple Threat Boxing Gym in Colorado Springs…
“It’s been a grueling camp with a lot of hard work being put out. Sparring has been fantastic and I’m feeling really sharp right now. My weight is good and I’m feeling strong. We have a few more days left and then it’s on to fight week.”

On fighting on FOX with a global audience expected to be tuning in…
“This is what it’s all about, fighting on the big stage with millions of fans looking to see a great fight. FOX is an incredible network to be showcased on and I want to let the world know I’m here to take over the welterweight division. The fans can expect to see a lot of power punches. Hopefully I can score the knockout.”

On his relationship with his team members…
“I have an unbelievable team behind me. First off my dad Sammy Sr. is there watching my every move, so I’m very comfortable with him by my side. Charles Leverette is the head coach, with Ryan Rimsek working the mitts. Jason Barber is my strength and conditioning coach. Everyone is doing a great job. We have a great game plan that we feel we can execute against Diaz. I’m very happy with my team.”

On when he thinks he’ll be ready to challenge for a world title…
“I feel I’m ready now. I’m ranked in the top ten in three of the major sanctioning organizations, so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know a victory against Diaz will get me closer to a title shot. I have to keep winning to fulfil the goal I set for myself when I first started boxing, and that’s to become a world champion.”

On the current landscape of the welterweight division….
“The division is loaded with great fighters. With the exception of Jesse Vargas, all the champions are undefeated. The road to get to the top is very tough because everyone in the top ten is an exceptional fighter. I think it’s the toughest division in boxing.”

FELIX DIAZ

On fighting Sammy Vasquez on short notice…
“I stay ready in the gym. I had a fight scheduled with Miguel Vasquez that fell through so now it’s on to another Vasquez. I had to switch to southpaw sparring but that is nothing new to me. I fought a lot of southpaws on short notice in the amateurs. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to make the best of it.”

On his current training camp …
“I’m having a great camp. Everything is coming together for me. My punches are accurate and my timing is better than ever. I’m looking very good in sparring and I know I’ll be at my best on fight night.”

On the opportunity to get into world title contention…
“This is a big fight for me. Sammy Vasquez is a highly rated fighter. A win against him will put me right up there with all the other contenders. I live for these occasions.”

On what he thinks of Sammy Vasquez as a fighter…
“He’s a very smart fighter with good power. Although he does a lot of things right in the ring, I see some flaws in his style that I know I can expose. I believe my style will give him a lot of trouble. I know he wants to keep his undefeated record intact, but my hunger to start another winning streak is greater.”

On bouncing back from his first defeat in his last bout…
“In my last bout I suffered my first loss against Lamont Peterson, a majority decision. It was a very close fight and I really felt I came out on top. When you’re undefeated and loss for the first time, you want nothing more than to get back in the ring and prove to everyone that you belong with the elite fighters in the division. I’ve been training in the gym like an animal, waiting for an opportunity like this to come my way. Now that it’s here, I’m going to take full advantage of the situation.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com www.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions 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 Fina.

NEW YORK (July 7, 2016) – Widely acknowledged as the preeminent Mexican-born fighter in history and one of the greatest prizefighters of all time, Julio Cesar Chavez will be honored as SHOWTIME Sports® airs classic Chavez fights in continuation of its year-long celebration of 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

The month will be highlighted by four of the incomparable Chavez’ most memorable fights – against Hector “Macho” Camacho, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, the second of three fights with Frankie Randall and the rematch with Meldrick Taylor. All four fights will air Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME (full schedule below).

For years, the revered ring legend was considered the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter. In an amazing 25-year-career (1980-2005), Chavez fought 115 times (107-6-2 with 88 knockouts). At the highest level, he competed in four weight classes – 130 pounds to 147 pounds – and was a six-time world champion in three divisions.

He holds records for the most world title successful defenses (27), most title fight victories (31), most title fights (37) and the second-most title defenses won by knockout (21, after Joe Louis with 23). Chavez was 31-4-2 with 21 KOs in world title fights. A multiple Fighter of the Year winner, Chavez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

The fights will air on “Throwback Thursday” during the month of July at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME® and are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of July:
TONIGHT/Thursday, July 7: Chavez vs. Camacho
Thursday, July 14: Chavez vs. Whitaker
Thursday, July 21: Chavez Randal II
Thursday, July 28: Chavez vs. Taylor II

“Throwback Thursday” Tidbits
WBC super featherweight champion Chavez (81-0) and his WBO counterpart, Camacho, fought on Sept. 12, 1992, in Las Vegas. JCC turned back a determined bid by “Macho” to take a unanimous 12-round decision.

Chavez had an 87-fight winning streak end when he and WBC welterweight champion Whitaker fought to a highly controversial 12-round majority draw in Sept. 10, 1993, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. One judge scored it for “Sweet Pea” by 115-113; the others had it 115-115.

Chavez was dealt his initial defeat on a 12-round split decision to nemesis Randall on Jan. 29, 1994. In the rematch the following May 7, Chavez won a razor-thin, split eight-round technical decision after the fight was stopped because of a large cut over Chavez’ eyebrow. Chavez and Randall would fight a third time, with Chavez taking the rubber match on a clear, unanimous 10-round decision on May 22, 2004.

Chavez went 2-0 against Taylor, winning by eighth-round knockout in a rematch on Sept. 17, 1994. In their initial fight four-and-a-half years earlier, Chavez rallied to win by 12th-round stoppage.
# # #

About Showtime Networks:
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

LOS ANGELES (July 6, 2016) – The heat was turned up a notch at Golden Boy Headquarters as undefeated welterweight “Relentless” Antonio Orozco (24-0, 16 KOs) and undefeated NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. (20-0, 11 KOs) announced their upcoming televised fights on HBO Latino on July 30. Rising SoCal fan-favorite fighter, Nick “La Calavera” Arce (8-0-0, 6 KOs) fighting on the non-televised undercard portion of the night was also in attendance.

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

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President, Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are very proud to be partnered with Fantasy Springs for this fight, as they have been our host venues for many of Golden Boy’s events.

“Antonio Orozco reminds me of a young Julio Cesar Chavez, because he always puts on an exciting performance. He’s worked very hard to be here and this might be the fight before his shot at a world title. It’s clear he has obviously caught the eye of HBO, and this fight will be by far the toughest of his career.

“We are in an Olympic year, and our co-headliner will be ex-Olympian, Joseph Diaz, Jr. who also has a great record as a featherweight fighter. I believe the featherweight division will be the hottest division in the next few years because of all the talent we have following in the footsteps of Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

“Nick Arce is beginning to have a huge following and his fans follow him out to Fantasy Springs. He sells a bunch of tickets, and will be the future of boxing.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President, HBO Sports and PPV:

“This fight on July 30 is another great night of boxing featuring up and coming talent with Antonio Orozco and Joseph Diaz Jr., who are sure to be future PPV stars.

“Remember even if you have HBO, you still have HBO Latino because boxing is a universal right.”

CHRIS LAVOIE Public Relations Manager at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

“Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud of its long relationship with Golden Boy Promotions. Visitors come from far and wide for a great night of boxing at Fantasy Springs, whenthey hear it is a Golden Boy Promotions card.

“We are very excited to announce that Oscar De La Hoya will be a VIP at this event, and we want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for another great card at our venue. We look forward to a great night.”

NICK “LA CALAVERA” ARCE, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I want to thank my team at Westside Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions for supporting me. I’m excited to be in the ring on July 30 and will give the fans a great show.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ. Jr. NABF Featherweight Title Contender:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for this opportunity to showcase my talents.

“I’m excited to give everyone a great performance. I’ve been training very hard, and I want to showcase that I am at the same level as all the champions in the featherweight division. Hopefully, I can go for a world title soon.”

FRANK ESPINOZA, Manager to “Relentless” Antonio Orozco:

“Muhammad Ali once said, ‘Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, and a vision.’

“On July 30, we will witness such a fighter who has a desire, a dream, and a vision. I’d like to say Antonio Orozco has the X factor, and it’s no wonder he’s ranked number one by the WBC. He’s unstoppable and we’re happy to be a part of this event. We will put on a fight we won’t forget.”

“RELENTLESS” ANTONIO OROZCO, Super Lightweight Contender:

“I want to thank God for providing these opportunities. It’s a blessing to have the team I have around me. These are the moments that as a professional you look forward to. We’ve paid our dues and put in the hard work. This wouldn’t be possible without a team–even though as a fighter, you are alone in the ring, you don’t get ready without a team.”

“My opponent is a tremendous fighter from what I’ve seen, who can pull off an upset and has won against undefeated fighters before. We are putting together our relentless style of boxing and July 30 will be no exception. No one will be bored watching this fight.”

Ekaterinburg, Russia: Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (24-3-2, 10 KOs) is in for the fight of his life against the world’s fiercest light heavyweight Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (29-0-1, 26 KOs) on July 11 in Ekaterinburg, Russia but the 29-year old from Malawi is no stranger to fighting in enemy territory. The grudge match between Kovalev and Chilemba will be for the WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles.

Chilemba grew up in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries but in order to make it as a professional fighter he left Malawi for South Africa. According to Isaac, “As a professional I have never fought at home in Malawi. I have fought mostly here in South Africa which is a foreign land for me. I have also fought in the UK, Canada and the US. That has made me who I am.”

Isaac Chilemba
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

This road warrior attitude has contributed to Chilemba’s confidence as he prepares to fight “The Krusher” in Kovalev’s backyard. He said, “I love fighting in someone’s home. That is where I can prove to the world that I am not just a fighter in the ring but I am fighter in my spirit and my soul. I can go to someone else’s hometown and defeat them in their backyard.”

For the past several years, Chilemba has trained in the United States. However, for this training camp he decided to stay in South Africa. Isaac explained, “This is a new chapter for me. This is turning a new page. We have been chasing this dream for a long time. I came up short three times. This is not an eliminator fight. I am going straight for three world tiles. In order to win this fight, I believe I needed to be here. I needed to train here. I have all of the spirit right here. This is where it all started. I have got everything I need at my fingertips.”

Chilemba is coming off a controversial majority decision loss to Eleider Alvarez in Quebec late in 2015. Many believed it could have gone either way and one judge scored the contest a draw. After the tough decision Isaac believed he would need to start over again so he was surprised when he was offered this opportunity. He said, “This is something that I didn’t even dream of especially coming off a loss in Canada. I thought after that I was going to have to start at the bottom again and instead God blessed me with the opportunity to fight for three world championships. I thank God and my team for always believing in me and making this happen. I thank Main Events for standing up for me and never giving up on me even after a loss and still offer me such a big opportunity.”

Both Kovalev and Chilemba are promoted by Main Events. CEO Kathy Duva said, “Isaac Chilemba is a legitimate top ten light heavyweight contender and he’s coming to win. He won’t be intimidated by the crowd. We know he is focused on the biggest opportunity of his career and we’ll see if he can capitalize on it.”

About Kovalev-Chilemba:

The July 11 bout between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba is a 12-round fight for the WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles at the DIVS Sports Palace in Ekaterinburg, Russia as part of the opening night ceremonies for the International Industry Trade Fair “INNOPROM-2016.” The event is sponsored by Russian Copper Company and Igor Altushkin and presented by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with German Titov Promotions, will be televised in the United States at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT (same day tape-delayed) exclusively on HBO.