NEW YORK (July 9, 2015) –Boxing returns to the Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City on Friday, Aug. 7 with an exciting ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader featuring the return to the series of Ukrainian blue-chip middleweight prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (5-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) as he faces his toughest test to date, former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (28-6-1, 12 KOs) of Reading, Pa. This crossroads battle is scheduled for eight rounds in the middleweight division and will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, Derevyanchenko’s stablemate, red-hot prospect Ievgen Khytrov (10-0, 9 KOs) of Krivoy Rih, Ukraine squares off against upset-minded Nick Brinson (17-3-2, 7 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y., in an eight-round middleweight matchup.

Opening the ShoBox telecast, undefeated knockout artists Regis Prograis (14-0, 12 KOs) of New Orleans, La., and Amos Cowart (11-0-1, 9 KOs) of Leesburg, Fla., will clash in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc.

“I have been preparing for this fight for over a month now and still have another five weeks of camp left; everything is going according to plan,” said Derevyanchenko. “I can’t wait to showcase my skills to the world on Aug. 7 as the main event. I’m truly thankful to Al Haymon and my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions for giving me this opportunity.

“Ayala is an experienced and proven contender and, without a doubt, my toughest opponent to date. That being said, there is no doubt in my mind that I will come out victorious from this battle.”

“I never really understood till now that this is what I do,” said Ayala. “The fight life is the life I chose. It’s why I was born into a broken home. It’s why I’ve been broke since I was born, because the only place you can go from the bottom is either six feet deeper or up, I used to believe that I was doing this for my family and those close to me, but now I truly believe I’m doing this just for me. You will see that hunger and desire when I step into the ring on Aug. 7.”

“This will be my third time fighting on the ShoBox series this year, and I am looking to put on my most spectacular performance yet,” said Khytrov. “Every time I step into the ring, I am looking to showcase that I’m one of the best up-and-coming fighters in all of boxing. I have been training like never before and promise another sensational victory.”

“I’ve got too much experience for this guy and will dictate the fight and back him up,” said Brinson. “Amateur experience means nothing when you take this kind of step up. He will be fighting a true 160 pounder for the first time and he will understand what it is like to be bullied. I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

“Boxing is a dangerous and vicious sport and I want to prove that I am one of the most dangerous, and vicious fighters out there,” said Prograis. “I must test myself against dangerous and vicious fighters. This fight is such a test; DiBella Entertainment promotes us both [my opponent and I], therefore, it goes without saying that Cowart has talent. This fight is an opportunity for us both, but someone will have to begin again. I expect it to be a competitive fight, but I will do what it takes to win. I am looking to move forward.”

“To be on national television and to showcase my talents and my will to win on a major network like SHOWTIME is a dream come true,” said Cowart. “This will be my second fight under the DBE umbrella and I would like to thank my promoter Lou DiBella and my manager Roy Cruz and the entire team at OPB for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to a tough fight against Regis Prograis, but most importantly, I’m looking forward to giving boxing fans what boxing is missing, an absolute war. There will be no running in this fight, exactly the type of fight I dream of every time I step into the ring.”

SHOWTIME is excited to come back to Bally’s Atlantic City, where ShoBox: The New Generation series originated over 14 years ago with a main event battle of undefeated lightweights featuring Leo Durin vs. Martin O’Malley. Durin won the clash with a ninth round TKO and went on to become the first of 62 fighters to date that have appeared on the series and have gone on to win world championships.

“Atlantic City, the Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore, and ShoBox: The New Generation, the premiere host for live events, have long had the reputation for producing some of the world’s best-known fights and we are excited to welcome this match on Aug. 7 at Bally’s,” said Kevin Ortzman, President of Caesars and Bally’s Atlantic City. “Since our last boxing match, Bally’s has opened Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, Buca di Beppo, and most recently, we debuted a brand new gaming and live entertainment space at the Wild Wild West, which will be the perfect experience for the boxing community both before-and-after the fights.”

“Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov are two of the elite prospects in all of boxing and the future of the middleweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Elvin Ayala is an experienced contender coming off of an impressive upset over previously undefeated Ronald Gavril. Nick Brinson has never been in a bad fight and is a veteran of ShoBox, having scored an upset victory over Jorge Melendez on the series. The opening bout between Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart is a can’t-miss battle between two undefeated, young punchers.”

As an amateur, Derevyanchenko compiled an astonishing 390-20 record and represented his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympics. He also won a bronze medal at the 2007 Amateur World Championships and competed in the World Series of Boxing, where he posted a 23-1 overall record and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. Derevyanchenko’s rise up in the world rankings is expected to be meteoric and anything less than a world championship would be a disappointment.

In Ayala, Derevyanchenko will meet his toughest and most experienced opponent to date. Ayala is 8-1 in his last nine bouts, with the lone loss coming against fellow middleweight contender and world title challenger Curtis Stevens. Ayala is coming off back-to-back upset victories in 2015, with the first coming over 27-1-1 Aaron Mitchell in January, and then earning an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Ronald Gavril (13 -1 ) in his most recent bout. Ayala knows he cannot afford another loss in his career if he is going to get another crack at a piece of the middleweight championship and is looking to derail Derevyanchenko’s championship goals when they meet on Aug. 7.

Known as the “Ukrainian Lion”, Khytrov has been on a tear since turning pro in December 2013. Hailing from Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, but now living and training in Brooklyn, N.Y., Khytrov, like his stable-mate Derevyanchenko, was a phenomenal amateur, accumulating a 480-20 record. His amateur career culminated with a trip to the 2012 Olympics, where he was one of the favorites to win gold, but dropped a highly questionable decision to eventual gold medalist Anthony Ogogo.

Incredibly active as a pro, Khytrov notched six victories in 2014, including first-round knockouts over once-beaten prospects Willie Fortune and Louis Rose. Khytrov has not let off the gas in 2015, having already picked up three impressive wins, all on national TV, with two coming under the ShoBox banner.

In Brinson, Khytrov finds himself facing yet another tough opponent who has fought top competition for much of his career. Brinson is 8-2 in his last 10 bouts, with the losses coming against top undefeated prospect Dominic Wade and Olympian and recent world title challenger Andre Dirrell.

Both Khytrov and Brinson hold victories over Puerto Rican contender Jorge Melendez.

The opening matchup of the night between fellow knockout artists Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart is the exact type of matchup that the ShoBox series has been built on. The bout features two young, hungry, exciting and explosive undefeated prospects looking to burst onto the scene in both of their national TV debuts. Both fighters have devastating power in each hand and fight in very similar seek-and-destroy styles. Neither fighter is expected to take a step back for as long as the fight lasts.

The 26-year-old Prograis has knocked out eight consecutive opponents and is fully confident that Cowart will be victim number nine. Cowart, on the other hand, feels that Regis’ come-forward style will only spell disaster for his foe. Cowart is coming off his most impressive victory to date this past April when he scored a dramatic come-from-behind knockout over previously undefeated Anthony Burgin.

Tickets for the event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc., are currently on sale and are priced at $120 and $60. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET.

# # #
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 62 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LOS ANGELES (July 9, 2015) – The highly anticipated showdown between undefeated star Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) and former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs) is official as the two beloved stars that call Southern California home will fight in their own backyard at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles onSaturday, August 29 live in primetime on ESPN. Televised coverage for this long awaited event begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

To kick things off, an open-to-the-public fan rally and press conference will be held next Tuesday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m. PT at Plaza Mexico in Los Angeles. Both Santa Cruz and Mares will be in attendance. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Tickets for the August 29th event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $200, not including applicable fees and service charges, go on sale tomorrow Friday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at the STAPLES Center starting Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 am (PST).

“I’m really excited for this fight, it’s a fight the fans have been asking for and I’m ready to give them what they want – a great show and a great victory,” said Mares. “L.A. is my home, I train here, grew up here and I’m ready to show this city and the world that I am the champ. I’m proud to be part of this great event on ESPN at Staples Centers. Boxing is bigger than ever. Whatever you do, don’t miss this fight.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Downey, Calif., Mares first tasted world championship gold in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to win the bantamweight world title. He continued his rise up the pound-for-pound list with wins over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight respectively. The 29-year-old has won three straight fights including his first PBC appearance in a victory over Arturo Reyes in March. He will look to add another career milestone and take hometown bragging rights by defeating the unbeaten Santa Cruz.

“This fight means so much to me because I know it is what the fans have been waiting for,” said Santa Cruz. “The opportunity to fight at STAPLES Center against a Mexican warrior and great fighter in Abner Mares is one that I plan on taking very seriously. We have been preparing for this moment for a very long time and I’m so glad it’s finally here. A win is going to take one of us to the next level.”

A two-division world champion with a fan-friendly style, the 26-year-old Santa Cruz won his first world title in 2012 before adding another belt in 2013, which he defended four times. Unbeaten as a pro, Santa Cruz moved up in weight in his last fight and handedly defeated Jose Cayetano on the pay-per-view undercard of the record-breaking Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Mexican parents, Santa Cruz faces the toughest challenge of his career when he squares off against the Mexican warrior Mares.

This explosive fight comes to primetime on ESPN in one of the most revered venues in Los Angeles in the STAPLES Center. Santa Cruz vs. Mares continues a longstanding history of top local fighters competing in front of rabid Los Angeles boxing fans and marks the first fight at STAPLES Center in nearly three years. The last fight at the famed arena took place on November 10, 2012 and featured both Santa Cruz and Mares in the main and co-main events.

“All of us here at STAPLES Center could not be more excited to host this incredible fight in downtown Los Angeles,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “It is an honor to have these two talented fighters in Mares and Santa Cruz bring this bout to their hometown and to all their fans here in Southern California, it will undoubtedly be a historic night for boxing.”

“We’re honored to bring this highly anticipated showdown between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares to the great Southern California boxing fans,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Leo and Abner have risen to the top of the sport and this much talked about battle at the STAPLES Center is a fight not to be missed.”

In addition to the evening’s main event and co-main event, which will be announced shortly, select undercard bouts will be carried live on ESPN3. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight live as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present live coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Pacific Rim. Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

TAMPA (July 9, 2015) – Junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), son of five-time world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, continues to fight out of his famous father’s shadow this Saturday night in Tampa.

The 27-year-old Tarver faces Julian Valerio (2-3) in a four-round bout off-television on the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN show, headlined by Keith Thurman vs. Luis Collazo, at USF Sun Dome.

Tarver Jr. grew-up in nearby Daytona Beach and he recently relocated in Tampa where his father also lives. They have both trained in Miami with Orlando Cuellar. “This fight means a lot to me,” Tarver Jr. said. “I’m a young, up-and-coming fighter who has the great opportunity to fight Saturday night in front of family and friends. It’s only a two-hour drive from Daytona Beach. I’d like to thank ESPN, Al Haymon and everybody else who helped get me on this card. I sparred with him (Valerio) two years ago. He probably took this fight because of that sparring session, but I’ve got a big surprise for him Saturday night.”

The fightin’ Tarvers
There are many pros and cons having “Magic Man” as your father, especially when he is still an active, world-class fighter. “I’m my own man,” explained Tarver Jr. who was a basketball college player until he proved to his father that he was fully dedicated to boxing. “He’s more calculated; I’m quicker because I’m a junior middleweight and he’s a heavyweight. He’s a defensive genius and I’m working hard every day to improve my defense. I don’t put any pressure on myself as his son. He always told me to achieve my dreams, I’ve got to work hard, bust my butt, putting it all into my skills and crafts.

“I’ve only had 10 fights in my whole career (2 professional, 8 amateur) and I’m trying to catch-up with everybody else who have much more experience in the ring. But I have my father talking in my ear with advice from all of his experience and a great trainer in Orlando. People are going to see big differences from my first two fights. I’m ready for this fight!”

Antonio’s father is excited about his son’s third professional fight. “This is an unbelievable feeling to following my son’s transformation into the fighter he wants to be,” he admitted. “Nobody works harder than Junior. He’s dedicated, focused and all of that gives me a real easy feeling. All I do is talk to him to help him mentally. I can’t fight for him, but I can guide him, hoping he takes the right strides. He has everything going for him – talent and his head on straight. I never worry about him getting in trouble. He’s a different breed of fighter, my greatest accomplishment as a man, and I’m really excited about his future in this game.

The Tarvers with coach
Jimmy Williams
“He was Keith Thurman’s main sparring partner for his fight and there was a buzz from their sparring sessions. Keith is one of the hottest young fighters in the world and Junior gave him everything he could handle. I tell Junior all the time that sparring isn’t the same as a fight. Sparring doesn’t get you paid or championships. Junior knows that in a fight he has to do what he worked so hard on in the gym. The lessons he learned from sparring with Keith made Junior more confident.”
Tarver Jr. has been taught in Tampa by the same coach, 86-year-old Jimmy Williams, who also trained Tarver Sr. when he was 12.

“Every fight is a challenge and test as Antonio works his way up the boxing ladder,” Cuellar commented. “With his limited amateur experience, Antonio has had to learn on the job, cramming for the mental and physical challenges that will be presented. He’s passionate and dedicated on a consistent basis. Antonio seems to have all the tools to make a good run. We’ll grade his July 11th performance and go from there.”

As if Tarver Jr. needed any additional inspiration, he has just that as a father to-be for the first time this September. “The due date for my little boy is September 17,” he added. “That has motivated me even more.”

Antonio Tarver and trainer Orlando Cuellar

It also means that 46-year-old Tarver, Sr. will be fighting later this year as a grandfather, on his quest to become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.

“I’m so happy for Junior but becoming a grandfather doesn’t make me feel old,” Tarver Sr. concluded. “He’s a different cat. I’m preventing him from making the mistakes I made. He’s been settled for five years with his girlfriend and now they’re having a baby. I couldn’t be happier. This is a great time for me. When I do decide to retire, I’ll hand the torch to him, still hot, and let’s see how far he runs with it.”

INFORMATION:

www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com

@Tarver25

@MagicMan5XChamp

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (July 9, 2015) – Former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., super bantamweight contender Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. and heavyweight contender Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola participated in a media workout on Wednesday at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, Calif., prior to their upcoming fights on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®. The fights will take place as part of an afternoon-night doubleheader on Saturday, July 18, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, live on CBS Sports (4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT) and SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

PBC on CBS will kick-off the action with a doubleheader featuring the U.S. debut of undefeated Irish champion Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs), who will defend his IBF Junior Featherweight World Championship against Mexican contender Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event. In the 8/10-round co-feature, heavyweight star Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs), of Los Angeles takes on Cameroonian heavyweight Frederic Kassi (18-3, 10 KOs).

In the main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader later that evening, Mexican superstar Chavez, Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) meets fellow Mexican brawler Marcos Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

The 12-round co-main event will feature a pair of top bantamweights, as Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) and Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs), of the Philippines put their undefeated records on the line for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is the first fighter to train at Robert Garcia’s new boxing academy in Riverside, which opened June 8. Garcia formerly trained all of his boxers at his well-known gym in Oxnard, Calif.

Julio Cesar Chavez, arguably the greatest Mexican fighter of all time, made an appearance during his son’s workout to show his support and offer words of encouragement.

Here’s what Chavez Jr., Gonzalez Jr., Arreola, Julio Cesar Chavez and Robert Garcia (Chavez Jr.’s trainer) had to say Wednesday at the Riverside gym:

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR., Former World Champion
“I think Robert Garcia was the best option for me after my last fight. He speaks Spanish and knows the Mexican style. He has trained a lot of champions and I have a good connection with him.

“I missed the basics of boxing training for the last fight. Since I had such a long layoff, I needed to get back to the basics and I never did.

“I feel like I am in a good place right now. I am confident in my boxing ability because I know I am in the right condition. I sparred 10 rounds yesterday, this never happened in my last fight.

“I must win this fight and then everyone will see that I am capable of fighting the big names like [Gennady] Golovkin and [Carl] Froch.

“I must stay prepared and focus on my current opponent. He’s only 27 and has the ability.

“I learned a lot in my fight against [Andrzej] Fonfara. I really felt his punches, I became very tired. He taught me that I needed to spend more time in the gym and on my strategy. But I don’t think it was the wrong decision to fight him.

“I am currently training not just for my fight with [Marcos] Reyes, but also for a potential rematch with Fonfara.

“I feel like I need to have a dominant performance to show my fans what I am capable of. I must work my jab and use my defense.

“For this fight I will be at 168, but I am not sure what I will weigh for my fights in the future. I’m ready for less than 168 to face opponents like Canelo [Alvarez].”

ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ JR., Super Bantamweight Contender
“I have a big chance, a great opportunity. I am going to take advantage of it.

“For this fight we worked differently in training camp than all my other camps. I worked more on my defense, my attack and counter punches. Everything about this camp is different and focused solely on Frampton.

“It’s Frampton’s first time coming to the United States and he wants to be a superstar. But, in order to become a superstar he must first get by me.

“I know that he’s a great fighter with a lot of experience and a hard-hitting punch, but nothing that I can’t handle.

“I’m not going to be afraid of anyone. Even though this will be the biggest fight of my career. I won’t be nervous.

“Ever since my lone loss to [Juan Alberto] Rosas last year, I gained a lot of experience. I think I am ready for this test.

“He’s looking at me as the fighter who lost to Rosas, but I’m a different fighter now.”

CHRIS ARREOLA, Heavyweight Contender
“I expect to step in the ring in the high 240s. That’s about where I need to be. Just staying in shape and making sure I don’t balloon up like I have. My last fight when I weighed 263 I could easily cut weight to 255, but what for? I’m a big heavyweight. I messed up by overeating and it’s my fault. No one else to blame but me. I’m not going to cut any vanity weight. Why would I? I’m a heavyweight.

“I will never quit in a fight. Broken nose, broken ribs, broken whatever. You would have to kill me in the ring before I ever quit.

“I watched Kassi’s last fight. He’s a good mover and switches a lot. The main thing I’m going to have to do is catch him when he’s flinching, because he’s flinching out of nowhere.

“I’ve got to make a statement and I have to give myself a shot for a world title fight. Title shots don’t come around every day so when they do you got to take them.”

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ
“Julio is more relaxed and confident in his training. It’s never too late to start over. I hope on Saturday that we will see a new Julio.

“The loss to Fonfara didn’t take him down, it woke him up. Now he must take a new path and win in a dominant fashion.

“I didn’t want him to take the fight with Fonfara because he wasn’t at the same weight and he was coming off a year of inactivity.

“I think that this is the right weight for Julio. He is taking on a challenger who trains well and is young. Julio has the essential qualities to step ahead and forge a new path.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Chavez Jr.s’ Trainer
“I think everything has come together so much easier than I expected. Julio is training every day, he’s sparring. He’s doing everything he has to do. It’s been easier than I ever expected.

“We start at 7:30 p.m. and we train till 11 p.m. sometimes. He’s training so much. He loves to train. Sometimes he goes in my swimming pool and swims for 15 or 20 minutes.

“Junior has his own style, and I’m not going to change that. I’m just correcting little things; making sure he doesn’t have his head in front of his opponent and letting them hit him like they did his last couple of fights. I want him to use the jab a little more and move side to side.

“I love it out here in Riverside. I own the whole property so my fighters all stay here. We have horses and it’s quiet. It’s just so different than Oxnard where 40 or 50 fighters could walk in at any time.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Chavez Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 dollars and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the University Ticket Center at (915) 747-5234. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezReyes become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

Tacoma, Washington (July 9, 2015) It’s fight week in the Pacific Northwest, and Brian Halquist Productions and Cagesport MMA are proud to present Super Fight League 41, live from the Emerald Queen Casino this Saturday, July 11th at 7:00PM. Fans inside the I-5 showroom are in for a treat, as two title bouts will headline this incredible night of fights.

In the main event of the evening, Tacoma’s own 3rd ranked Harrison Bevens (7-3) looks to capture the vacant SFL America Lightweight Championship against number one contender Justin “Ruckus” Harrington (6-2) of Enumclaw. This 5-round contest will be a rematch of their 2013 bout, which saw Harrington win by 2nd round rear-naked choke.

Saturday night’s co-main event will see another Enumclaw number one contender; Tyson Cunningham (3-0-1) put his undefeated record on the line against 3rd ranked Mike “Zombie” Dubois (4-1) for the vacant SFL America Welterweight Championship. Fans last saw Cunningham in December of 2014, fighting to a draw against former SFL America Welterweight Champion Ben “Flattop” Fodor in one of the more thrilling and controversial fights in recent memory.

Headlining the undercard is a highly anticipated lightweight title eliminator between 2nd ranked Jason Novelli (7-1) and 4th ranked Bobby McIntyre (3-0). The fighter to come out victorious in this one will face the winner between Harrington and Bevens in the evening’s main event.

The fights will be broadcast internationally on youtube.com and will be made available for viewing within 24 hours of the conclusion of SFL 41. A name to watch out for on the under is Gurdarshan Gary Mangat who is quickly rising up the Northwest bantamweight ranks and has his eyes set on fighting for the SFL title. Rounding out this stellar night of fights are six undercard bouts, each scheduled for three rounds, showcasing the best that Northwest MMA has to offer.

Gurdarshan Gary Mangat (7-1) vs. Damen Wood (5-3)
Corey Watson (2-0) vs. Adam Walkemeyer (2-2)
Jeremie Montgomery (debut) vs. Vince Morales (1-0)
Kody Kramer (debut) vs. Tony Reyes (8-7)
Woo Johnson (3-1) vs. Chris Aparicio (debut)

Commentating the action will be play by play man, Garett Fertig, who will be making his third appearance calling Super Fight League action. Making his debut calling the action for SFL America is 710 ESPN’s Bob Stelton who will step in as the color analyst.

“SFL 41 is definitely a world class fight card,” said promoter, Brian Halquist. “Every one of these fights are extremely competitive and Northwest fight fans will once again be in for a magnificent night of fights.”

Tickets for Super Fight League 41 America are on sale now through the Emerald Queen Casino box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations. Fans are encouraged to reserve their seats now, as this event will sell out. Doors will open at 6:00PM with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM.

Super Fight League 41 America is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions and Cagesport MMA. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the Cagesport MMA Faceboook page.

LAS VEGAS (July 9, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) will return to Phoenix, Ariz., where it delivered one of its most memorable nights of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) action to date earlier this year, with a world championship doubleheader headlined by a highly-anticipated rematch between undefeated, reigning WSOF World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje and hard-hitting challenger Luis “Baboon” Palomino at Comerica Theatre on Friday, Sept. 18, live on NBCSN.

In the co-main event, David Branch will attempt to become the promotion’s first two-division champion and first world light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion in history when he squares off with determined, hard-hitting KO artist Teddy Holder in the championship round of the four-man, multi-event tournament that kicked off at Comerica Theatre on March 28 as part of WSOF 19.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” go on sale on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. MT and will be available for purchase at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at Ticketmaster.com.

“We are excited to return to Phoenix where we witnessed one of the most incredible fights in WSOF history earlier this year between Justin Gaethje and Luis Palomino, and to see them do it all over again,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo.

“Likewise,” continued Sefo, “we look forward to crowning the first WSOF light heavyweight champion in history and, based on their recent performances in our cage, David Branch and Teddy Holder should deliver a thrilling end to our historic tournament.”

The ferocious, 26-year-old Gaethje (14-0) of Safford, Ariz. put forth the gutsiest performance of his four-year professional career, thus far, when he faced off with Palomino, a 34-year-old resident of Miami, Fla. known for his devastating KO power, in the main event of WSOF 19.

An electric, seesaw battle that repeatedly brought the crowd on hand to its feet, suddenly ended when Gaethje, after digging down deep, put together a combination of leg kicks and punches that put the tenacious Palomino down in the third round of action and prompted the referee to call off the fight, giving Gaethje the TKO win at the 3:57 mark of the third stanza.

Branch and Holder find themselves in championship round action in the WSOF tournament that kicked off in Phoenix on March 28, after both fighters faced unexpected, last-minute adversaries in the semifinal stage.

Originally slated to square off with Ronny Markes, the 33-year-old Branch (16-3), the reigning WSOF world middleweight (185 pounds) champion and a Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who hails from Brooklyn, N.Y., found himself with a new opponent in Jesse McElligott just 24 hours before fight time on April 10, after a dehydrated Markes was forced to withdraw from the affair.

Branch, who seized the WSOF middleweight strap with a first round (1:41) submission (d’arce choke) of Jesse Taylor on June 21, 2014, handled McElligott relatively easily, submitting him with a shoulder choke in the second round (1:28) of battle to notch his sixth consecutive win.

Holder (9-1) of Bartlett, Tenn. experienced a stroke of luck when, just hours before the 29-year-old was slated to enter the cage for a WSOF 19 preliminary bout, one of the original tournament participants, Matt Hamill, withdrew from his semifinal stage matchup with seasoned star Thiago Silva, and Holder was asked to replace him.

With a fraction of the professional experience of his new opponent, the heavy-handed Holder charged forward, eventually blasting Silva with a storm of punches that crumbled the Brazil native in the first round (2:00) and earned Holder a trip to the tournament’s championship round.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Friday, September 18.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open for WSOF 23 at 3:00 p.m. MT and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced soon.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

David Price (19-2, 16 KOs) is full of confidence ahead of his European title fight against the undefeated Erkan Teper (14-0, 9 KOs) on Friday, July 17 at the MHP Arena in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

The 6ft 8? British heavyweight has recently enjoyed a good run of form, claiming four successive victories to earn himself a shot at the vacant European crown, and now, following the perfect training camp, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist believes he is ready to bring the belt home.

‘’This has been the toughest training camp I’ve ever been involved in,’’ said Price. ‘’But that’s only right because this is the biggest fight of my career. You push your body to the limit and spend a lot of time tired and aching, but now, the hard work is done, and I can’t wait to get over there and take that title.

‘’I couldn’t be better prepared. I’m fired up and ready to go. All the hard work I‘ve done with Franny Smith and my strength and conditioning coach John Noonan has really paid off. It’s been the perfect camp. I’m injury free, I’ve been looking after myself, getting regular treatments and physio, and I honestly feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.

‘’I’ve had some great, competitive sparring. We brought over Agit Kabayel from Germany whose 11-0 and Bogdan Dinu from Romania whose 12-0, both undefeated prospects and both similar in size and style to Teper. It’s always difficult to exactly replicate your opponent, but we believe we’ve had the ideal sparring for this fight, so now, I’ve just got to get in there and do the business.

‘’This isn’t a fight where I’ve had to go looking for motivation. There is a massive carrot dangling in front of me. If I win this fight, not only am I European champion, but also back in contention for a shot at the world title. There’s no way I’m going to let this opportunity pass me by.

‘’I just need to stay calm and stick to the game plan. It’s a big occasion and a big fight for me, but emotionally I need to be cold. I need to keep a clear head and follow instructions. I’ve given 110 per cent in training and I’ll be giving 110 per cent in the ring, and I’m confident that will be enough to win me the belt.’’

Price’s European title challenge will be televised by BoxNation in the UK, live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

WBA World Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev and challenger Francesco Pianeta are ready for their title fight this Saturday (July 11th) at GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, Germany. Both fighters looked very sharp and focused at the public workout at Allee Center in Magdeburg doing some pad work with their trainers Dirk Dzemski (Pianeta) and Pedro Diaz and Artur Grigorian (Chagaev).

“I enjoy being in Magdeburg”, says Chagaev. “I have received a very warm welcome and feel great being here.” Added coach Artur Grigorian: “Coming to Magdeburg feels like coming home for me. I defended my WBO World Lightweight Championship here back in 2002. The fans here are great and very supportive.” Chagaev had to pose for tons of photos and gave lots of autographs after his short training session.
Challenger Francesco Pianeta looked very calm and relaxed and said that he is looking forward to the fight. “Obviously, this is a tremendous chance for me,” said Pianeta. “Training camp went very well. Dirk is satisfied and when my trainer is happy, I am happy, too!”

LONDON (9 JULY) Morden’s ‘Lightning’ Lenny Daws knows the importance of keeping his eye on the prize as he prepares for an eight-rounder in Derby on July 25 ahead of a European light-welterweight title challenge later this year.

The 36-year-old former two-time British champion must win later this month in order to set up a second stab at snatching European honours from reigning champion and former opponent Michele Di Rocco, should the Italian decide to keep his current title.

“We’re hoping the European title fight will be next for me,” Daws said. “We’re waiting to see what Di Rocco plans to do – whether he decides to fight me or vacate the belt – and then we can start preparing for it.

“He’s sitting at number four with the IBF now, and if he fights me and loses, it will all go up in smoke for him. That’s a risk. He could get some sort of world title eliminator next, or he could even get a straight shot at the IBF world title. I don’t know what his promoter’s pushing for, but the longer he waits around with his European title, the more chance there is that it all goes wrong for him.

“The main thing for me is to keep busy, get some rounds under my belt, use this eight-rounder on July 25 as a warm-up and be ready for the opportunity when it comes. We know I’m next in line now, so whether it’s Di Rocco or someone else, I’m going to be fighting for the European title very soon.”

The opponent is of no concern for Daws. Should Di Rocco hold on to the title and defend it, Daws will be offered the opportunity to avenge a controversial points decision he dropped to the Italian in June 2013. If, however, Di Rocco dumps the belt and pursues world honours, Daws is more than happy to pick up the vacant prize.

“I’d just love to fight for the European title again,” he said. “If it’s Di Rocco in the other corner, by all means I’d love the fight. It would be great to fight him again, put the record straight and nick his world ranking. But I don’t fancy going back to Italy to fight him – I know we’d be up against it again out there. Over here would be great, though.

“I can’t see him wanting to fight me again. It was such a hard fight for him first time round and I truly believe he’ll try and swerve it. Aside from one mandatory challenger, they’ve hand-picked every opponent he’s faced since me and he’s being kept in Italy and is well looked after. If you can get it that way, you get it that way. I’m not knocking him for it. But I don’t believe he’ll be keen to fight me again and it’s probably now time for him to move on and let the title go.”

Ultimately, for now at least, Daws has to forget all about his European title aspirations and focus instead on the here and now. After all, without victory on July 25 at Derby Arena, there is no European title and there is no future.

“I’ve been training hard and I’m looking forward to getting out again,” he said. “It’s been a while and I’m raring to go. It’s been a long old camp, but I’ve had the odd week off here and there – just so I’m not overcooking it – and I’ll be in good shape come July 25.

“Derby’s a bit far for us, but it looks a lovely arena and I’m just itching to get out there and perform now.”

*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***

*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25, while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening on Spike ***

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
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LOS ANGELES (July 8) – Fighters on the July 11 HBO Latino ® card held a final media workout today at Westside Boxing Club in anticipation of their respective bouts at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. In attendance, the main event fighters, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, not only showed off for the cameras but also exchanged a few heated words ahead of their anticipated bout.

Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. and Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, who are scheduled to open up the HBO Latino telecast, attended the event and were joined by fighters featured in the non-televised undercard including Nick Arce, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez and Jesus Ivan Delgado.

Below are the fighters’ finals thought about their upcoming bouts on July 11.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight Champion:

“I feel great. I feel prepared and ready to beat Lundy and if he wants to brawl, box or do whatever, I’m ready. I feel there is a big possibility that I can stop him.”

“Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, Super Lightweight Title Contender:

“He [Herrera] may have beaten another Philly fighter, Danny Garcia, but he’s got to realize I’m another type of animal. I’m a throwback fighter and on Saturday, Herrera is going to see what Hammerin’ Hank is all about.”

Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr, Featherweight Prospect:

“My dad and I have had a great training camp and I feel great. Working on sitting down on my shots and my power in general has been a huge focus for us. This fight is really important because I feel it will set up the future of where I stand in the division. My goal is to be fighting for a title a year from now and that will all come down to Saturday night.”

Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

“I’ve worked hard to prepare for this matchup. He [Diaz Jr.] is a good fighter, but I feel comfortable and calm. I have been working on my speed and focusing on fighting intelligently and I think that will be the difference in the fight.”

Nick Arce, Featherweight Prospect:

“I feel stronger. The physical training and conditioning during camp has been great and I feel comfortable with our game plan. Training has been great and I cannot wait to put on a show for all the fans. If I can keep my knockout streak that would be great but fighting smart is a huge part of our game plan.”

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. We took a short break after my last fight and then went right back to work, working on a lot of the things that helped me win. Obviously my goal is to win but also in a way that makes it exciting for the fans.”

Jesus Ivan Delgado, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m excited. I’ve been sparring a lot working my speed and power and I feel great. I’m ready to make a big impression on my fans in my hometown and show my skills. I think my style and versatility gives me a great advantage in this fight.”

Tickets for Herrera vs. Lundy are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:30 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Media interested in attending the Mauricio Herrera vs. Hank Lundy event must be pre-approved for credentials. Fight night credentials will be available for pick-up on July 11 beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the first window at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Box Office located off of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Proper personal photo identification (Driver’s license or passport) is required for wristband pick-up. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, and @nick_arce and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, and @realnickarce.

BROOKLYN (July 8, 2015) – Former two-division world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi, middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs, President of DiBella Entertainment Lou DiBella and CEO of Barclays Center Brett Yormark took time today to discuss the upcoming Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN fights taking place Saturday, August 1 at Barclays Center.

Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) will face undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs)in the headlining event on ESPN.

Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) will defend his title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs) in the televised opener on ESPN beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
“I feel good, really good right now. This has been one of the best camps I have ever had in my career. We have not only been working really hard, but also really smart. I am coming off back-to-back camps and I truly feel great.

“We have some tricks up our sleeves for this fight. I am very happy with that way I am looking and feeling. Everyday I am going in there and just putting in the work. I’m not overthinking this fight, I’m just putting in that work at the gym, and with the way I feel and look, I’m very confident. I have a strong self-belief. I truly believe in myself and my abilities. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.

“I want to live and die by my own decisions, and that is how I have structured this camp. I am listening to my body and listening to myself. We are working on different things in both my boxing training and my strength and conditioning.

“I have seen strengths and weaknesses all over Danny [Garcia]. When I watch a fight, I see it a lot deeper than most people. So when I watch Danny, I see a lot of different things. I don’t want to get too much into it, but there are definitely things we have seen that we are working on specifically in this camp to implement and capitalize on August 1st.

“Barclays Center in my home. Fighting here gives me that extra motivation. Fighting at Barclays, in front of all my friends and family, it just doesn’t get better than that.”

DANIEL JACOBS
“This is a great camp and we are ready to put on a great show come August 1st. I feel comfortable as a champion. Don’t get me wrong, when I first won my title it was totally surreal, but I always felt like a champion deep down inside. There is something that burns inside of me that has allowed me to overcome every obstacle in my life, and to me, that’s what makes a champion.

“I love being a part of PBC. There is no doubt in my mind that my popularity has grown since my first appearance on a PBC card. We are reaching a much younger and different crowd and demographic than before, and it is just great for the sport of boxing.

“This is a tough fight. Mora is a proven guy and I know he is very hungry for this opportunity. He is awkward and he is slick. He has good speed and a good jab. We have to be cautious and stick to our game plan. People are saying that this could be the toughest fight of my career and we are training with that mindset.

“With a win in this fight, I truly believe that the sky is the limit. There are a lot of big fights out there to be made in the division, but obviously, the main guy for me would be Peter Quillin. It is a fight that I have wanted for a long time, and it is a huge fight for boxing, but especially for New York.

“My legacy is in my own hands. Some of the biggest fights in the sport are in the middleweight division right now. At this particular point though, the Quillin fight is the most lucrative option for me. I am not looking past any man, especially not Sergio Mora, but that is a fight I want, the boxing world wants, New York wants and Barclays Center wants.”

LOU DIBELLA
“In addition to these two great fights, we are proud to announce that we have added Brooklyn’s own undefeated heavyweight prospect Adam Kownacki (10-0, 9KO’s) to the card, as well as one of the top prospects in the game right now, The Brooklyn Rocky, Frank Galarza (17-0-2, 11KO’s). We are also excited to announce the addition of highly regarded up-and-coming Puerto Rican prospect Prichard Colon (14-0, 11KO’s), who will be great additions to the undercard, which already features undefeated female star Heather “The Heat” Hardy, and a clash of undefeated light heavyweight prospects, Brooklyn’s Travis Peterkin (15-0, 7KO’s) against Olympian Lenin Castillo (12-0, 7KO’s).

“It’s an honor for me to be promoting another card at Barclays Center, which in my eyes has become the preeminent venue for boxing and music in the entire country. It is a great pleasure for me to work with Brett and everyone on his team. They are the best in the game.

“The public is going to have a real opportunity to see two very good, competitive fights. Look, this (Danny Garcia vs. Paulie Malignaggi) is a very tough fight. Danny has looked a bit vulnerable in his past few fights, and he is moving up in weight to fight a real deal welterweight. Say what you want about Paulie, but you cannot question his heart or desire to win. Paulie is comfortable with being an underdog, he has been an underdog his whole life. With Paulie, you know you will never get anything less than 110 percent. Fourteen years ago yesterday he made his pro-debut on one of my cards, and I am proud of that fact. It is truly an honor for me to be promoting his fight against Danny Garcia on August 1st.

“The co-feature match-up is a very intriguing fight. You have two of the best middleweights in the world in Danny Jacobs and Sergio Mora. Just like the main event, this is a very tough fight. Sergio is extremely hungry. He has been waiting for this shot for years. Danny’s story is just remarkable. How hard he has worked to get here, and win a world championship is just extraordinary. He is a champion both inside and outside of the ring, and it’s truly an honor to be working with him. That is the great thing about promoting these PBC events. I have the opportunity to work with and promote some of the greatest and most talented fighters in the sport, in exciting and competitive fights.”

BRETT YORMARK
“All of us at Barclays Center are very excited for this August 1st card. This is a great platform for us and the building promoting yet another wonderful PBC event. I am personally excited for the event. Paulie and Danny are like family to me and I am truly honored to have them in our building. Our goal is to be the premier venue in all of boxing and we are actively making a push for that, with our third major PBC card at our venue this year.

“Boxing is our third franchise, along with the Nets and Islanders, and we are proud of the events we have been able to be involved with and have in our beautiful venue. I love working with Lou and his team, there is no better promoter in the country and we are looking forward to another great event on August 1st on ESPN.”

Las Vegas (July 8, 2015) – Former IBF welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter and top trainer Kenny Porter has confirmed that they will appear and have a booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday Sept.12, 2015. The Boxing Expo will coincide with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s last fight and Mexican Independence weekend.

Porter’s spectacular win over Adrien “The Problem” Broner on June 20 has once again confirmed him as one of the brightest stars and top welterweight boxers in the world. He is trained and managed by his father Kenny Porter. Shawn Porter won the IBF welterweight championship title on December 7, 2013 by defeating Devon Alexander. Porter then defended his title by knocking out one of the top stars in the welterweight division, Paulie Malignaggi, in the fourth round. Hailing from Cleveland, Shawn Porter is a 2006 Stow High School graduate, and after sporting one of the most decorated amateur careers in US history, he made a smooth transition to becoming a professional in 2008.

Porter will have at his booth some fun activities and merchandise for his fans to enjoy and purchase.

The Porters join Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Ruslan “Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov, Terrible” Terry Norris, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor, Mia “The Knockout” St. John and “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September to large, enthusiastic crowds. This year the Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.

Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Sergio Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia, James Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Shawn Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija, Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, Mia St-John, Erislandy Lara, Peter Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and top trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.

The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will be announced throughout the next several months and weeks leading up to the event.

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

View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/video-2/

View Promo Flyer here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/promo-flyer/

View Photos Gallery 2014 here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/photos/

For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

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

To watch Shawn Porter video about Box Fan Expo go to: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/former-ibf-champ-showtime-shawn-porter-and-top-trainer-kenny-porter-confirmed-for-second-annual-box-fan-expo-taking-place-saturday-sept-12-in-las-vegas/

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

The boxing side of promoter Sampson Lewkowicz’s innovative and historic pairing of two very popular casino sports boxing and poker, entitled “Las Vegas en el Radisson,” and scheduled for the week of Saturday, August 8, at the Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel in Montevideo, Uruguay, is taking shape.

The night’s main event will now represent another historic first, as massively popular former women’s world champion Cecilia “La Reina” Comunales of Paysandu, Uruguay (12-1, 8 KOs), will engage in the first unification fight in her home country’s 100-year boxing history, as she takes on the Dominican Republic’s Lina Milagros Tejada (10-2, 8 KOs) for the WBA and WBC Women’s Super Lightweight International Championships over 10 rounds.

The Saturday boxing event, sandwiched between the semi-finals and finals of a four-day international poker tournament,

Broadcast by VTV Uruguay, TyC from Argentina (including locations in the United States) and TV Canal 4 in Panama, in the televised supporting bouts will be an “All Panama City” grudge match, as super bantamweight Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (18-7-1, 8 KOs) of Panama City, Panama, will challenge comebacking former multiple world champion Roberto “La Arana” Vasquez (32-6-2, 22 KOs), also of Panama City. In the third featured bout, Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez (17-1, 16 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic, will take on Entre Ríos, Argentina’s Marcos “Maquinita” Martinez (17-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBC Latino Super Featherweight Championship.

Local welterweight Azael “Turbo” Cosio (19-3-2, 16 KOs) will open the broadcast in a 10-round battle against Argentina’s Cristian Nestor Romero (15-7-1, 7 KOs).

The poker side of this unique doubleheader of casino sports will begin on Thursday, August 6, and is being organized by the CAM Poker Organization. On Saturday night, the poker will end at 7 pm and the boxing show will begin at 9 pm. The finals of the poker tournament will be held on Sunday.

Satellite enrollees in the poker tournament can register at www.full10poker.net, or www.aconcaguapoker.com. The cost is $800. Players can re-enroll if eliminated. The price to attend the boxing only is $200 per-seat, which also includes dinner.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

Buenos Aires, Argentina (July 8, 2015)–This Friday night in Buenos Aires, Argentina, undefeated and world ranked, Jr. Welterweight Mauro Maximiliano Godoy will defend the WBO Latino and Argentinian 140 pound titles when he takes on Xavier Luques Castillo.

Godoy of Centenario, Argentina has a record of 19-0 with 8 knockouts and is currently ranked number-9 by the WBO.

Castillo of Cordoba, Argentina is 13-4 with 4 knockouts.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to fight for Banner Promotions, and I will capitalize on being with a great company,” said Godoy.

“I have big expectations. Castillo has fought internationally, so it is an opportunity to prove I can fight at a high level. This will be a good fight but I will win the fight fight cleanly and emphatically.”

A win over Castillo will set up Godoy for a major fight in the United States.

“I am preparing to be the on the big stage in the United States. This is a new opportunity with Banner Promotions. I will prove that I have the qualities to become a star.”

Godoy will be the latest import from Argentina to be able to make a big name for himself, following in the footsteps of the likes of Lucas Matthysse, Marcos Maidana and Diego Chaves.

“I am ready for the type of fights that they have been in. I know I am on the same level as those fighters. I am on the level to take any fight and fight everybody. I just want to fight the best.”

“I just want to thank my team. I am glad that the fight can be seen online so I can prove to a large audience that I have worked very hard to realize my dream to become world champion.”

The fight will be shown live on http://www.tvpublica.com.ar at 10 PM Eastern.

Former amateur standout Sullivan Barrera (15-0) is in the final stages of his training camp for his July 25th showdown against once beaten Vasily Lepikhin for the USABA light heavyweight strap. The fight will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center under the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip.

Sullivan has tried to land fights against Isaac Chilemba (the only person to beat Lipikhin), Jean Pascal and other top fighters in the division but so far all of his efforts have been rebuffed. He plans on defeating Lepikhin in such a dominating manner that HBO will force some of these top fighters to face him.

“I’m tired of these guys ducking me. The best should fight the best. That’s what made boxing great but none of these guys will fight me. I respect Lepikhin for getting in the ring with me. After I destroy him hopefully HBO and the fans will take notice and demand that these guys fight me. I am ready for any of the top fighters,” Barrera stated.

While proud of his Cuban roots, Barrera wants to make it known that he is a versatile fighter and can adapt to any style to win in dominant fashion. All Barrera needs is for a top 10 contender to accept a fight with him.

“I am Cuban and proud of the Cuban school and with Abel Sanchez in my corner, I have the best of both worlds. I can box. I can bang. I can do it all. I’ve called out all of these guys and and we are ready to make a deal to face them.

“All I need is the opportunity and after I showcase my skills on the 25th, I hope to get my opportunity to face a top opponent. Pascal, Chilemba, Seanie Monaghan and any of the champions are all on my radar. We really pushed hard to get Pascal but he had no interest in fighting me,” said Barrera.

The new Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) presented by Corona Extra series debuts with a star-studded 12-round welterweight matchup – undefeated Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) vs. Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs) – live on ESPN on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla. The opening fight will showcase a 10-round junior middleweight matchup between undefeated Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) and Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs). ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight live as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present live coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim. Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN.

Commentators:
Host Marysol Castro, blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore, analyst Teddy Atlas and reporters Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna comprise ESPN’s commentary team. In addition, Hall of Fame boxing writer and ESPN boxing contributor Nigel Collins will provide social media content, insight and analysis. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-host the show.

Production Highlights:
ESPN will utilize 11 cameras to shoot fight action — nearly double the number used on Friday Night Fights — and a 360-degree “Round-A-Bout” camera system above the ring comprised of 32 cameras, which will allow viewers to see every punch and hit from all angles.

Special Features:
Saturday’s ESPN telecast will include a special Thurman video feature. Atlas recently sat with Thurman to discuss his career and more. Saturday’s show will also include a first-person feature on Harrison.

Atlas’ Fight Plan:
Atlas will demonstrate what each fighter needs to do to win in his “Fight Plan.”

Fighter backgrounds:
Thurman, who hails from nearby Clearwater, Fla., is widely regarded as the heir apparent in the division to Floyd Mayweather. He is coming off a unanimous decision win against welterweight contender Robert Guerrero, while former welterweight titlist Collazo, the southpaw from Brooklyn, N.Y., is looking to score another victory following a second-round TKO win over Christopher Degollado. Harrison, fighting out of Detroit, scored a third-round TKO win over Pablo Munguia in his last fight, while Cleveland’s Nelson is looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Vanes Martirosyan.

Additional Highlights:

ESPN3:
· Live coverage of Thursday’s press conference (1 p.m.) and Friday’s weigh-in (approx. 5:15 p.m.), with Tessitore and Atlas providing commentary during the weigh-in;
· The 10-round lightweight undercard matchup between Edner Cherry (33-6-2, 18 KOs) and Luis Cruz (21-3, 16 KOs) will be carried live on Saturday at approx. 7:10 p.m.

SportsCenter:
· Extensive pre- and post-fight coverage of the fights including coverage of the press conference, live coverage of the weigh-in (5:15 p.m.), and multiple pieces featuring all four main event fighters.

ESPN.com:
· Comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-fight features, videos and blogs from ESPN’s Dan Rafael, Brian Campbell, and Nigel Collins;
· Live ESPN3 coverage of Thursday’s press conference and Friday’s weigh-in and Saturday’s Cherry vs. Cruz undercard bout.

Upcoming PBC on ESPN Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Featured Bouts

Location

Networks

Sat, July 11

9 p.m.

Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) vs. Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs)—12 rounds, Welterweight

Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs)—10 rounds, Junior Middleweight

USF Sun Dome,
Tampa, Fla.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Sat, Aug. 1

9 p.m.

Danny Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) vs. Paulie Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs)—12 rounds, Welterweight

Daniel Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) vs. Sergio Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs)—12 rounds, Middleweight

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, N.Y.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (July 8, 2015) — Undefeated No. 2 world-rated contender “IK” LIAN HUI YANG is going to play to the crowd as well as to his own strengths when battles his unbeaten opponent and top-rated contender CESAR “El Distinto” CUENCA, in the main event of “Victory at the Venetian,” Next Saturday! July 18, at The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Arena. The two warriors will be duking it out for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior welterweight world title in a fight that will be streamed live (along with most of the undercard) to the U.S. via www.toprank.tv, beginning at 6:00 a.m. ET. Yang (18-0, 13 KOs), from Dalian, China, is attempting to become China’s second professional fighter to win a world title, while Cuenca (46-0, 2 KOs), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, will attempt to not only make the most of the first world title shot of his 13-year professional career, but cut the deficit to two victories in matching Rocky Marciano’s hallowed mark of 49-0.

“Yang may be the most popular fighter in China today and for one reason, he brings it,” said seven-time Trainer of the Year World-Famous Freddie Roach. “Yang has only gone the distance once in the last four years. The fans love him because he backs up his cocky attitude with devastating results. He has one-punch knockout power in both fists. He is as much fun to train as he is to watch. It’s no secret that we are training for a knockout victory. Yang knows he’s in with a master boxer and the only way to beat a guy like Cuenca is to pressure him. And when we get him on the ropes Yang is going to bang away. As the saying goes, ‘Tough guys don’t dance.’ Yang is going to shoot the works in this fight. He wants to bring the title back to China.”

“I am in the best shape of my life and have trained harder than all my previous fights,” said Yang “I have had a great training camp with Freddie and Justin [Fortune] and my sparring partners have really pushed me to the limit. I cannot wait for July 18 in Macau knowing that I have put in the necessary work.”

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with Tecate and SECA, remaining tickets to Victory at the Venetian can be purchased via Cotai Ticketing™; prices start at HKD/MOP 180, with ferry and hotel packages also available.

Former Fighter of the Year and five-division world champion NONITO “Filipino Flash” DONAIRE (34-3, 22 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, and 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated super lightweight contender JOSE RAMÍREZ (14-0, 11 KOs), from Avenal, Calif. will also be featured on the “Victory at The Venetian” card. Their fights will be televised to the U.S, via same-day delay, on Solo Boxeo Tecate on UniMás, beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. Donaire, in the hunt for another world title shot, will be taking on France’s ANTHONY SETTOUL (20-3, 8 KOs), from Clermont-Ferrand, France, in a 10-round super bantamweight battle. Ramírez will open the telecast in an eight-round super lightweight bout against RYUSEI YOSHIDA (26-7, 13 KOs), of Kumamoto, Japan.

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

Big Bear Lake, CA: Yesterday members of the media traveled to Big Bear Lake, California to The Summit for Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi’s open media workout in preparation for his upcoming IBF Mandatory match-up with Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, for the WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship live on HBO World Championship Boxing at the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also in attendance was Main Events’ stablemate Sullivan Barrera who is fighting on July 25. Below are select quotes from Mohammedi and his trainer, Abel Sanchez:

Nadjib Mohammedi
Photo Credits: Bret Newton/Main Events

NADJIB MOHAMMEDI
Abel Sanchez Having Trained Kovalev for eight bouts:
“It’s not an advantage (for me), because Kovalev is different now. He’s changed a little bit.”

About fighting in Las Vegas:
“It’s very exciting. It’s a very big stage. I’m happy.”

About being given little chance to win:
“I’m not stupid. I’m not naïve. I’m unknown. That’s no problem. I like quiet. It lets me train, train, train. Training’s not work; it’s my passion.”
“On July 25th I have a surprise. People will say, ‘Oh, my God.'”

On Kovalev:
“He’s a very good champion. But he has two arms and in this division everyone has power. All it takes is one shot.”

Prediction:
“The fight (result) will be a KO. Either him or me. It’s possible I lose because I’m just a man.”

Sullivan Barrera
Photo Credits: Bret Newton/Main Events

ABEL SANCHEZ
“He (Mohammedi) understands that Kovalev is at the top of his game now. He’s an established force.”

“He (Mohammedi) won’t be overlooked by Sergey because he’s (Kovalev) smart.”
“Win, lose or draw he’ll (Mohammedi) give a good account of himself.”

“He (Mohammedi) wants to bring the title back to France, but he knows the task in front of him. He’ll have to take it to Kovalev. He (Mohammedi) won’t beat him by staying back, waiting for something to happen.”

Mohammedi’s brother and mother operate a few pizza restaurants that Mohammedi owns in France. If he wins, will he give away free pizza? “He’ll probably open up some more restaurants,” said Sanchez.

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yunieski Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Today in Dresden, Juergen Braehmer (46-2, 34 KOs) was reunited with former training partner and stable-mate Konni Konrad (22-1, 11 KOs), but far from a meeting between two old friends, the fighters were taking part in a kick-off press conference to announce their WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship fight on September 5 at the EnergieVerbund Arena.

Speaking to the media in attendance Braehmer revealed: ‘’I have known Konni for many years. Not only were we in the same boxing-stable, we also spent a lot of time training together early in our careers.’’ From this familiarity, the 36 year-old southpaw knows not to underestimate the challenger from Cologne. ‘’Konni is a true fighter – someone who will never give up. To win this fight, I will need to stay focused from the first bell to the last.’’

For Konrad, the fight represents a chance of a lifetime. ‘’This is a massive opportunity for me,’’ said the 30 year-old. ‘’Of course many people will say I‘m the underdog and I have no chance, but I intend to prove them wrong.’’ In doing so the challenger hopes to repay the support shown to him by his mentor Felix Sturm. ‘’Felix brought me back to boxing. He believed in me when no one else did. Now, I want to repay him with a great performance and a world championship belt!’’

Tickets for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship fight between Juergen Braehmer and Konni Konrad are on sale now and available exclusively via tickethall.de

This Saturday (July 11th) WBA World Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev will defend his title against Francesco Pianeta. The winner will not have a lot of time to enjoy his victory. The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered two mandatories for the old or new Champion after exceptionally allowing Chagaev a voluntary defense one year after the “White Tyson” won the vacant title in Grozny by majority decision over Fres Oquendo.

Oquendo will get another shot at the belt within 120 days of the Chagaev vs. Pianeta bout. The winner of that fight will have to face no. 1 contender and mandatory challenger Lucas Browne. “Ruslan will be very busy in the next months”, says promoter Timur Dugazaev (Akhmat Promotion / Terek Box Event) who is convinced that Chagaev will still be the Champion at the end of the ordered fights. “Of course, we believe that he will beat Pianeta, Oquendo and Browne. It might very well be that we promote all three fights before the end of the year.”

Ulf Steinforth is optimistic that his fighter Francesco Pianeta will become the first German after legendary Max Schmeling to win the World Heavyweight Championship. “Francesco is well prepared and ready for this huge fight”, states Steinforth. “Being the Champion is not only an honor, it also means a big responsibility. So we will, of course, follow all orders by the WBA in case Francesco brings home the belt. But to be honest we are not thinking too much about that right now. We are fully focused on Saturday night and the big event.”

World Champion Ruslan Chagaev is ready to face every contender anyways: “I will defend my title against whoever crosses my way. I don’t care who my opponent is – if it’s Pianeta, Oquendo, Browne, Wilder, Fury or Klitschko. I respect every opponent but I am not ducking anybody. Right now all that counts is the Pianeta fight. We can talk about everything else after that.”
The WBA World Heavyweight Championship between Chagaev and Pianeta headlines a card billed as “Heavy Night” in Magdeburg promoted by Timur Dugazaev (Akhmat Promotion / Terek Box Event) and Ulf Steinforth (SES Sport Events Steinforth) on July 11th at GETEC Arena.

(8 JULY) By Peter Fury: We’re in the south of France, we’ve got excellent facilities and the weather is perfect. It’s 35-degrees every day. What more could anyone ask for?

We’re on top of a mountain, living by an old monastery, and it’s a struggle just getting up the steep hills each day. There’s plenty of outside activities, too. The lads in camp are doing a lot of core work, strength and conditioning, and simply using the nature and the land around us. It’s fabulous. We’ve got the sea to swim in – and they’re doing that three times a week – and we’ve got excellent boxing facilities. All in all, it’s a good camp out here. I couldn’t be happier.

Of course, given that we’re staying in an old monastery, the boxers are all living like monks. It’s eat, sleep and train, three times a day. We start at nine o’clock in the morning and finish at around ten at night.

Hughie and Young Fury are both fighting on July 25 in Derby and both are looking really sharp in camp.

Hughie is doing ten rounds no problem at all. He’s working on a few things, trying a few things out, and he’s doing well. He’s on course, he’s had a good camp. In fact, by the time the fight comes around, he’ll have completed a ten-week camp.

We’re still waiting for Hughie’s opponent to be confirmed, which is a bit frustrating. We’ve had a few letdowns in recent weeks – big names who have been offered big money but haven’t fancied the job. We’ve offered people in the top ten and top fifteen a lot of money to face Hughie on July 25 and they’ve all categorically said ‘no’.

Frankly, some of these men should be embarrassed. I don’t know what they’re waiting for. They’ve been offered good money – the kind they won’t get anywhere else – and still they don’t want any of it.

Some of these heavyweights don’t really belong in the top ten. They hand-pick opponents and just bide their time waiting for a title shot. That’s all well and good, but you still have to earn your place in the top ten by winning fights and beating those fighters around you. The fighters in question here haven’t been doing that, though. They’re running scared of a 20-year-old with 15 fights to his name.

These men in the top ten and top fifteen see a 20-year-old Hughie Fury ranked in the top fifty and they don’t want to know. We then try to convince them to take the risk by upping the money and handing them a career-high payday. That still doesn’t work.

And that’s the difficulty we’re having right now. We’re trying to find world-class opponents for Hughie, but most world-class opponents don’t want to risk their ranking against him.

So, by all means, if you read this and you happen to be a top fifteen-ranked heavyweight, give promoter Mick Hennessy a call – we may have a fight for you.

*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones & Fury vs. TBA can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***

*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25, while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening on Spike ***

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
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LONDON (8 JULY) Bolsover’s Jamie Robinson aims to make it three wins in a row on July 25 in Derby and believes familiarity will be the key to defeating Loughborough’s Sam Sharpe over four rounds.

Robinson, known as the ‘Ginger Rocket’, used to train alongside Sharpe at the Shinfield’s Gym in Somercotes and therefore enters his next pro fight – his eighth – with the inside track.

“We never sparred but I used to go down Shinfield’s and go on runs with him and we’d chat,” he said. “It was nothing too personal, but we got to know each other a bit.

“I have no doubt he’s going to turn up on July 25 and want to win. We’re both on a home show, we’re both promoted by Clifton Mitchell, but I’m the one who sells the tickets.

“It’s going to be a really good fight. I just look at the level he’s been used to boxing and know that he’s not on my level.

“He looks a raw, novice type who is just really game and really eager. He’ll definitely stand there and fight with me. I’ve got no doubt about that.”

The 23-year-old Robinson took a year out after losing two fights in a row, only to return in 2015 with wins over Patryk Jackowiak and Jack McCormack. The upturn in fortune was triggered, in part, by the arrival of a new coach.

“I had back-to-back losses and took some time out,” recalled Robinson, 5-2-1 (1 KO). “I lost a bit of love for boxing. But then Ryan Rhodes gave me a call and said he was starting up a gym and that he wanted to train me. He said he thought I was a talent and wanted to make sure I wasn’t a wasted talent.

“Even though Ryan was pestering me for weeks, though, I was adamant I didn’t want to box again. But he said you’ll kick yourself if you don’t box again and it was true.

“I ended up coming back and it only took one session with Ryan for me to fall back in love with boxing. I then joined up with a strength and conditioning coach, Shane Nicholson, who used to play for Derby County Football Club, and I’ve just developed and am enjoying the sport again.

“Ryan’s not necessarily changing my style – he’s allowing me to box how I want to box – but he’s finding little things that need tweaking and improving. Ryan’s been there and done it, so how can you argue with what he’s telling you? I have a lot of respect for him.”

Now seemingly better than ever, Robinson wants to continue his fruitful 2015 with victory against Sharpe and then work his way towards domestic titles.

“I love a body shot and I’m very, very fit,” he said. “Sam will come strong for two rounds and then I’ll finish strongly by breaking him up with body shots. I throw between 100 and 150 punches a round. He won’t be able to live with that.

“Nobody who comes and watches me ever goes home saying I’m a boring fighter. I always give value for money. I’m an exciting fighter. I’m good at entertaining the crowd and getting them pumped up. Sam Sharpe is a great opponent for me and we’ll have an absolute brawl. I’m not going to back off and he’s not going to back off, either.”

*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***

*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25, while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening on Spike ***

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Glendale, CA: On Friday, July 17 Arif “Mayhem” Magomedov (15-0, 9 KOs) will face Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (19-0, 10 KOs) on ShoBox live from Sands Resort and Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This will be the toughest opponent the young 22-year old from Chekhov, Russia has faced to date. According to Magomedov’s trainer, Edmond Tarverdyan, of the Glendale Fighting Club, “He is young, he is hungry, he trains very hard and he really doesn’t care who he fights, when he fights or what he is doing.”

Tarverdyan and Magomedov started training together about six months ago when Arif came to the United States from Russia. Although the transition from Russia to America has been difficult for Arif, Edmond explains it has also played a major role in his continued success. Edmond said, “Like a lot of other fighters who come over, he had that European style and would move around a little too much. Now he is using his jab way better and sitting down on his feet a bit. He is also getting a lot of sparring in the United States. When he was back home he wasn’t getting that. He was getting ready for 12-round fights and would only have one day a week of sparring. It was very difficult for him to get sparring partners when he was in Russia.”

The lack of sufficient sparring partners and his young age are two reasons Tarverdyan is so impressed by Magomedov. He explained, “When you consider that he is only 22 years old and he was only sparring once a week, his record becomes even more impressive. He just keeps getting better now. He always wants to go for the finish. He is a great fighter. He knows exactly how to get the win. He is very, very tough, determined and focused. When it comes down to fighting he has a great personality. Outside of the ring he is a great gentleman but when he steps in the ring the attitude kicks in and he knows what he is doing. He’s tough and I see it in his eyes. He has everything.”

This is high praise considering Tarverdyan has worked with some very impressive fighters. “I train [WBC Featherweight] World Champion Vic Darchinyan and the most famous fighter I train is Ronda Rousey [Women’s UFC Bantamweight Champion],” added Edmond. “I started with Ronda Rousey from zero, from the amateurs. Every time I told people she was special, they wouldn’t believe me but now everyone sees how great she is. Arif has everything. I see him as a future world champion.”

When asked about Arif’s place in the hot middleweight division, Edmond was cautious but optimistic when he said, “Time will tell. No need to rush. Gennady [Golovkin, WBA and WBC Middleweight World Champion] is the man. I have been up to Big Bear and their training camp up there and he is an amazing fighter. There are other great guys in the division too. [David] Lemieux just won the IBF [World Middleweight] Title. I have followed his career too. Arif could definitely take him. We’ve got Andy Lee there too – no problem. He could definitely get in there with any of them and take the title.”

But in the meantime Arif and Edmond are focused on Webster. Edmond is assured that Arif will be ready, “Webster is tall and he is a skilled boxer/puncher, so Arif knows exactly what to do. He has to get inside. We have a great game plan. We have been sparring hard so he is ready. He has fought southpaws before. He’s tall and lanky so he knows exactly what to do.”

LINCOLN, R.I. (July 7th, 2015) — Years ago, five-time world champion Vinny Paz passed the torch to Peter Manfredo Jr. as the new heir to the throne of New England boxing, and Manfredo Jr. delivered, winning 40 fights and garnering worldwide acclaim in an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade.

Nearly two years since hanging up his own gloves, Manfredo Jr. and the rest of Rhode Island’s boxing royalty are now lending their support to New England’s new generation of ring warriors, many of whom will appear on CES Boxing’s “Rhode To Redemption” card Friday, July 17th, 2015 at Twin River Casino.

Unbeaten welterweight Nick DeLomba, undefeated middleweight Khiary Gray and “Mr. Providence” himself Vladine Biosse have been tasked with carrying on the tradition of excellence in New England, a standard set decades ago by local legends Manfredo Jr., Paz and Gary “Tiger” Balletto.

“It takes the right guy, a guy that comes to fight and puts on a show. That’s what people want to see,” said Balletto, who won 26 fights by knockout and, along with Manfredo Jr., earned recognition for competing on The Contender reality television series.

“People don’t like to see great boxers. They like to see warriors. That’s what the three of us were.”

“We need a name — a big name — and we need him to be marketed well and he needs to win fights, be a little different than the average person,” added Paz, a five-time world champion who won his 50th fight at the age of 42. “I’m still waiting. I’m still waiting for the next ‘Pazmanian Devil’ to come around sooner rather than later.”

There’s potential for New England’s next great star to emerge July 17th. DeLomba, a Balletto protégé now 7-0 following a knockout win April 3rd over Joe Wilson Jr., faces his toughest test to date against 12-2 welterweight southpaw Juan Rodriguez Jr. of Union City, N.J. Gray, the Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight who also enters with a 7-0 record, fights for the eighth time in just 13 months in what will be his first six-round bout.

Headlining the event is Biosse (15-6-2, 7 KOs), returning to Providence for the first time in two years and facing another stiff test against hard-hitting super middleweight Chris Chatman of Jersey City, a fixture on the New England circuit since challenging former Olympian and current world champion Demetrius Andrade in 2009.

“To make it as a boxer, you need to be able to sell tickets and sell yourself,” Manfredo Jr. said. “We need someone that can get in there and fight and make it exciting. I think you’ve got potential with the guys coming up here.

“What we have to do is we have get some fans to come to these fights and actually watch these guys and get hooked on them and say, ‘I want to see this kid fight again!’ That’s all it’s going to take. You get a couple of people and the word will spread. Like I said, you have to have them be entertaining and sell tickets. It’s all about the style of the fighters.”

“Boxing is a trade. Not everybody can get up and go to work 40 hours a week. Not everybody is going to be a millionaire, a doctor, a lawyer. It’s a great trade to have and that’s how it started in the Great Depression. People did it for money. When I fought, I fought for money, my family, and when you have a passion for it like that, you want to see it succeed and do well.”

Balletto urges local fans to support the lesser-known talent working its way up the ladder, which would be a big step toward winning back those who’ve been turned off in recent years by the theatrics and politics of boxing at the mainstream level.

“I think boxing is for entertainment, just like football and baseball. We’re supposed to be entertainers. To fight the way Floyd Mayweather fought against [Manny] Pacquiao, it wasn’t fair to the fans. That’s not what anybody wants to see, someone running and not getting touched, not trying to knock your opponent out.

“I never not tried to knock my opponent out. That was the goal every time.”

Who will be Rhode Island’s next heir to throne? That remains to be seen, but the talent is there, and July 17th could be an opportunity for the new generation of stars to grab the spotlight.

“I think Nick DeLomba is the up-and-comer in Rhode Island. He can get in the ring with anyone,” Balletto said. “He has natural defense. You know as soon as you get in the ring with somebody if you can hit them or not. If somebody is easy to hit they’re not going to last long in boxing. You really can’t teach defense, just like you can’t teach a fighter how to punch harder.”

“Tough, tough kid. Good fighter,” Paz added. “He’s young. You know what a journey this is, all the things that one individual has to encompass? I was lucky I had great parents. I was lucky I was so strong. I was lucky I had natural, gifted talent and good people around me. There has to be a lot of skill and luck involved and a lot of heart.”

With Manfredo Jr., Balletto and Paz still playing a prominent role in helping New England boxing flourish, the sky’s the limit for July 17th and beyond. Even with the torch being passed to a new generation, the forefathers will always be a part of the fabric in the northeast. The tradition continues next Friday at Twin River.

“Boxing will always be No. 1 to me. It’ll always be something I have in my heart,” Manfredo Jr. said. “I loved doing it. Anytime we see someone come up and do well, especially from Providence, we’re going to back them. It’s exciting.

“[CES president] Jimmy [Burchfield Sr.] knows the ins and outs. He’s been doing this forever. He helped me with my career, he helped Vinny, he’s helped everyone in Rhode Island with their career. He’s a good-hearted guy and he knows what he’s doing. All of these guys that come here, Jimmy’s the guy. As long as they do their part, Jimmy will do his part.”

“Jimmy’s beautiful for the sport,” Paz added, “but Jimmy can’t make them fight. That’s the key.”

Tickets for “Rhode To Redemption” are priced at $40.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The undercard features several regional rivalries, starting with a four-round junior middleweight bout between Wilson Jr. (3-2) of Hartford, Conn., and Andy Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) of Worcester, Mass., and a four-round heavyweight rematch between Jean Pierre Augustin (4-0-1, 2 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., and Solomon Maye (1-4-1, 1 KO) of New Haven, Conn. The two fought to a draw in April.

Also on the undercard, Framingham, Mass., super lightweight Julio Perez makes his pro debut against Boston’s Rafael Francis (0-4) and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Scott Sullivan (1-1, 1 KO) returns to face Providence’s Angel Valdez (0-2), both four-round bouts. Lawrence, Mass., lightweight Jacob Solis (1-0) will make his Twin River debut and fight for the first time since 2012 when he faces Salem, Mass., vet Matt Doherty (2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.

For more information on “Rhode To Redemption” visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page.

Philadelphia (July 7, 2015)–Undefeated Jr. Lightweight Omar “Super O” Douglas has been climbing the prospect ladder since he turned professional in 2011. He has taken the route that most prospects take and now he is looking for a win that will take him to the next level.

He will be facing rising Reading, PA. native Frank De Alba (16-1-2, 6 KO’s) in a fight that he hopes will take him from prospect to contender.

The fight is scheduled for August 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be part of the Danny Garcia – Paulie Malignaggi card.

Douglas of Wilmington, Delaware has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts is ready for De Alba as the 24 year-old has hitting his stride. He is coming off of consecutive 1st round stoppages over Osnel Charles and former world title challenger Daniel Attah.

Douglas is trained by his younger brother Olu Douglas and Doug Pitford His father Omar Douglas Sr. serves as his adviser.

Douglas is signed with powerful adviser Al Haymon.

Douglas, who lives about 30 minutes from Philadelphia, trains a lot in the City of Brotherly Love and the word in the Philly fight scene is that he hits like a welterweight. Douglas has terrific power as evidenced by his 11 knockouts in 14 fights and he displays power in both hands.

He is ready to show the world what many insiders think and that is the Douglas could be the future in the 130-pound division.

A fight with De Alba would be the start down that path to glory.

Heavyweight contender Edmund Gerber knocked out three sparring partners while preparing for his planned WBC Silver International title defense scheduled for this Saturday (July 11th) at GETEC-Arena in Magdeburg, Germany. The hard hitting German returns to the ring after being sidelined for more than one year due to an injury. “It was hard for me to take such a long break. I am just happy to finally be back in action Saturday night”, states Gerber.

That the 26-year-old is fired up and in great shape has apparently scared his originally planned opponent Jason Bergman who pulled out of the fight without any specific reason. “I have no idea what happened”, says Gerber. “One day I’m told the fight is on, the next day somebody says that Bergman is ducking me. I was looking forward to facing him. But I can’t change it. I have to face whoever comes my way.”

“It wasn’t easy to find an opponent for Edmund”, adds promoter Timur Dugazaev. “We contacted more than 40 fighters but it seems they are all afraid of his power.” Finally Lubos Suda will jump in as last minute replacement for Bergman. The 39-year-old veteran from Czech Repulic is a former IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion and has been in the ring with the likes of former World Cruiserweight Champion Firat Arslan. Last year Suda decided to move up to heavyweight.

Because of the late change of opponents, the WBC decided not to sanction the fight as defense of Gerber’s Silver International Championship. To keep his belt the German will have to defend his title against a world rated opponent before the end of September. Gerber vs. Suda is featured on the undercard of the WBA World Heavyvweight Championship between Ruslan Chagaev and Francesco Pianeta on Saturday (July 11th) at GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, promoted by Timur Dugazaev (Terek Box Event / Akhmat Promotion) and Ulf Steinforth (SES Boxing).

Arthur Abraham (42-4, 28 KOs) insists he has all the motivation he needs to end his long-standing feud with domestic rival Robert Stieglitz (47-4-1, 27 KOs) in their fourth WBO World title fight on July 18 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle.

Following a memorable trilogy, Abraham holds the advantage with two wins to one defeat. Now, the 35 year-old champion is aiming for a conclusive third victory as he sets his sights on a super middleweight unification.

‘’The fact that this fight is for the world title gives me all the motivation I need,’’ said Abraham. ‘’Every time I enter the ring, I give up my title, and only become champion again when the final bell sounds and my hand is raised. I must approach every fight with the same desire and will to win, and if I were to think any differently it would be time for me to hang up my gloves.

‘’But I’m not thinking about retirement. I’m world champion and will remain so for the next two to three years until I chose to leave the sport. I have total belief in my skills and my training, and I know I can do everything as well if not better than Stieglitz. My promoter has billed this fight as the ‘Final Showdown’, and that is exactly what it will be. There will be no fifth fight. I will bring this rivalry to a successful conclusion and then look for a unification – that is my goal!’’

Arthur Abraham’s WBO World Super Middleweight title defence against Robert Stieglitz takes place on July 18 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle. Tickets are available by calling the Gerry Weber Ticket Centre on (+49) 5201 81 80 or online via gerryweber-world.de and tickethall.de. All the action will be shown live on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.

LONDON (7 JULY) Featherweight Jordan Gill is on the cusp of fighting for his first professional title, but must first stay focused and switched on – and keep his unbeaten record intact – when he fights over six rounds on July 25 at Derby Arena.

The talented 21-year-old, who last week celebrated his birthday, is unbeaten in 13 fights and has looked faultless to far in his three-year pro career. He has recently been named mandatory challenger for the English featherweight title, meaning a showdown with Jamie Speight will soon be on the horizon.

“I haven’t watched much of Speight, but he looks like a decent fighter and a tough man,” said Gill. “He’s been around the block and is experienced. It will be a good test for me – it won’t be easy. But I think I have the beating of him and my class will tell on the night. I believe that once my level of opposition increases, so too will my performances. You’ll see the best of me.

“The English title is a good start. I’ve just turned 21, so there’s no rush, but I want to be in the mix for domestic titles now. I believe I’m good enough. If I win the English title, it will give me a top ten ranking at featherweight and then I can start pushing for a British title shot.

“I’ve been very happy with my career so far. I’ve been progressing at the right pace and I’m learning a lot in the gym. I’m getting top quality sparring with the likes of Kid Galahad and Kell Brook. We even went over to America when Kell won the world title and I sparred Jorge Linares. Everything has been going smoothly.”

A product of the storied Wincobank gym in Sheffield, Gill routinely trains alongside the likes of Brook and Galahad and takes inspiration from both. Indeed, with champions to his left and right, he’s in good company – and has been since turning pro at 18.

“I wanted to turn pro early,” he said. “I had a good amateur career. I boxed for England and won a few national titles and I just felt the time was right. I could have gone to the World Championships – where Hughie Fury won gold – but I decided to turn pro and box on Kell Brook’s undercard. It’s been onwards and upwards from there. I feel I’ve served my apprenticeship now and am ready to step up.

“It’s good to train with Kell because we do exactly what he does in the gym. We know it works. Kell is proof that you can become a world champion if you work hard enough. What he’s achieved is incredible – going to America to win a world title. That’s inspiring for us.

“Every champion in the gym is inspiring because when we all first step into the gym the plan is to become a champion. Kell’s the main man to look up to right now and I want to emulate him in the future.”

*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***

*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25, while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening on Spike ***

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New York, NY (July 6, 2015) – WBC-USNBC junior middleweight champion Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson received the Humanitarian Award from the WBC during their NABF convention last weekend in San Francisco, CA.

A success since first putting on a pair of gloves as a Plebe (freshman) while attending West Point, Melson won various tournaments as an amateur prior to capturing the WBC-USNBC crown with a career-best performance against Mike Ruiz in May. Since turning pro in 2010, Melson’s donated 100% of his fight purse earnings and helped raise more than $300,000 towards stem cell research in lieu of America’s first clinical trial to help cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. His ultimate goal is to see his best friend Christan Zaccagnino, who was paralyzed from her neck down from a childhood diving accident, walk again.

Last month, Melson and other supporters of Team Fight to Walk had an emotional meeting with Congress in Washington, DC to push for the trial to officially be approved. The meeting was a major success and Congressman Chaka Fattah is a big believer in the trials, which produced outstanding results when it was conducted in China. Team Fight to Walk hopes to officially get the green light for the US trial in the very near future.

The epitome of a selfless athlete, Melson’s humanitarian efforts have been featured by ESPN, HBO, Yahoo, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, Ring Magazine and Huffington Post amongst various other outlets.

Recently, Melson was invited to San Francisco for the convention to discuss the WBC’s initiative to sponsor different amateur boxing programs. His primary goal was to meet with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and Chairwoman Jill Diamond however, he was completely caught of guard to hear his name announced as a Humanitarian Award winner for his outstanding service as a champion in and out of the ring.

“This is one of my greatest honors as a pro or amateur” said Melson. “When I was invited to San Francisco, I was thrilled to meet with the WBC and looked forward to seeing other great people in boxing receive awards at the convention. I wish you could have seen my face when I realized Jill Diamond was referring to me when she went up on stage and presented the next award of the night. Many of boxing’s all-time greats wore the green belt and won awards at their conventions. It’s extremely humbling to be mentioned among them.”

After receiving his award, Melson and the WBC discussed details of their plan to become more involved with amateur boxing in the public service sector. This is included but not limited to police, firefighters and various branches of the military. As an Army Reserve Officer who maintains many great relationships, the WBC knew Melson was the man for the job.

During the convention, Melson was officially appointed an Ambassador. His job will be to help the WBC get involved in sponsoring amateur fighters and events featuring public service workers.

“Mauricio Sulaiman said to me that you are my man, and the WBC is your family forever. I probably gave him one of the brightest smiles of my life. It’s also important to remember that throughout history, there have been great American fighters from the public service sector. My Team Fight to Walk brother Steve Cunningham is a multi-time world champion by way of the Navy and 2012 US Olympian Jamal Herring was a Marine Sergeant who served two tours of duty in Iraq. The consensus greatest fighter of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson, came from the Army. Six heavyweight champions, Ray Mercer, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Joe Louis, Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano, served our country as did legends Barney Ross and Tony Zale. My goal is to help the WBC connect with military personnel, policemen, firefighters, etc. because there is a lot of great talent out there.”

After Boyd received his award, he was given a few moments to speak. With his father Nolan Melson by his side that night, Boyd went on stage and spoke from his heart.

“I was extremely emotional to the point where I felt myself having to hold back my eyes from watering up. I said that boxing is the greatest sport in the world and it opened so many doors for me. Last weekend is one I’ll never forget.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (July 6, 2015) – After pound for pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) mentioned Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-2-1, 11 KOs) as one of his possible opponents for his final contracted fight with Showtime, the San Francisco native says is ready to step up and give Mayweather his first loss.

“I’m always ready to fight anyone anywhere,” said Karim Mayfield. “The fact that the great Floyd Mayweather has mentioned me as someone he wants to fight in September is music to my ears. It would be an honor to fight Floyd in Las Vegas. He’s done a lot for the sport and he’s arguably the best fighter to ever lace em up. My last few fights have been at 140 pounds and I know the extra weight would make me more powerful. I fought Francisco Santana at 152 pounds and gave him his only KO loss. I’m very powerful and comfortable at that weight. I know I would give Floyd all he can handle. My trainer Ben Bautista and I have a game plan we know will be successful against Mayweather. I’d give Floyd his first loss in a highly explosive fight.”

Set for September 12, 2015, Mayweather will fight an opponent TBA at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Mayfield, along with Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) are fighters Floyd Mayweather has mentioned as potential opponents. Karim feels he’s the better option.

“No disrespect to Andre Berto, he’s a good fighter and we have a mutual respect for one another, but he’s not as durable as I am. Berto has two losses against opponent’s Floyd has already defeated. I’ve never been dropped, battered or bruised in any of my fights. I bring a rough style to this fight, a style the fans want to see Floyd up against. In addition, the Bay Area is a big media market and I know all my fans here would rise up and support me. My brother La Ron and I, who are independent, sold out my last fight in San Francisco. I’m confident we can bring a big crowd to Las Vegas. It’s only an hour fight away.”

Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs), who’s been begging to fight Mayweather since 2014, is another fighter campaigning to fight Mayweather. After sparring Khan on numerous occasions, Mayfield feels Amir is an easier fight.

“Every time I sparred Amir Khan at Virgil Hunter’s gym, I put hands on him,” Mayfield declared. “So bad that Virgil had to stop the sparring sessions. Khan has also been brutally knocked out twice by Prescott and Garcia. The man has no chin and he wouldn’t last twelve rounds with Money Mayweather. He’s definitely the safer route.”

Mayfield, who’s been in camp with Manny Pacquiao, Antonio Margarito and Danny Garcia to name a few, has all the experience needed to give the fans an entertaining fight. He’s beaten many undefeated fighters and has a unanimous decision win against Mauricio Herrera.

“No one can deny my heart and determination to fight the best,” Mayfield continued. “I’ve been the ring with everyone. I soundly beat Herrera, I whooped Pacquiao and Khan in sparring. Shawn Porter refused to step in the ring when he had the choice to fight me or Erick Bone with only one day notice. A lot of fighters have ducked me because I’m a serious threat to anyone.”

Mayfield feels the fans want to see Floyd Mayweather give an African-American fighter a chance to dethrone him. Mayweather’s last seven opponents have been either, Mexican, Argentinean, Filipino or Puerto Rican.

“I think it’s time for the fans to see Floyd give a brotha a shot.” Mayfield concluded. “Shane Mosley and Zab Judah gave Floyd a run for his money. I feel I can do the same but come out victorious.”