Harlem Eubank was today put through his paces by a boxing businesswoman who has just gone toe-to-toe with Lord Alan Sugar – and won! 

Unbeaten super lightweight star Eubank was invited to Bronx LDN by founder, and this year’s The Apprentice winner, Marnie Swindells. 

Harlem staged his Media Day and Open Workout at the brand-new Camberwell gym in London, as he closes in on his fight with Christian Uruzquieta on Friday night at York Hall, live and free-to-air on Channel 5 from 10pm. 

Eubank headlines the latest Wasserman Boxing show, brought to you in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, with heavyweight destroyer ‘Magic’ Matty Harris leading a brilliant undercard. 

Harris joined Eubank and German super welterweight puncher Abass Baraou at Bronx LDN, Swindell’s flagship gym and the first in a series she plans to open, after winning Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment on the hit TV show. 

Marnie is packing a punch in the business world but was once a formidable fighter, twice winning gold at the prestigious amateur tournament, the Haringey Box Cup. 

And she lent her expertise to take Eubank on the pads to help the 16-0 stylist put the finishing touches to his preparations for Friday night’s crunch showdown with Uruzquieta. 

Harlem Eubank said: “Uruzquieta is coming to fight, coming to win and coming to try and upset the odds. But I am ready to show the people what I can do. 

“Those other fights that people are talking about, such as with Dalton Smith, there has definitely been talk of them and they are fights I definitely want. They are big fights and I think they can happen, I’m excited for them. 

“But Uruzquieta is a tough threat, and he is coming to derail those plans, but I am going to put on a performance on Friday night.” 

Marnie Swindells said: “Bronx LDN is a brand-new gym in South East London, and my whole mission is to get more people into boxing gyms and understanding that magic happens here and opening boxing up to the whole world. 

“If we don’t then there could be the next Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor or Harlem Eubank on the streets, and we don’t know it. It is so important we push boxing and encourage participation in groups that might not think it’s for them. Boxing belongs to everyone. 

“And I will be there, at York Hall on Friday night, supporting Harlem and the other fighters who have come down to support me today.” 

Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin came face to face for the first time since their launch press conference at the beginning of February this evening as they kicked off fight week at the ‘New Dawn’ launch party ahead of their huge Heavyweight clash at The O2 in London this Saturday April 1, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The rivals began fight week media activities at the brand new art’otel overlooking the iconic Battersea Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames in Nine Elms, Battersea, in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs).

Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman

“We’ve just done the promo shoots downstairs and Jermaine Franklin has a six pack. I don’t know where it has come from. He’s lost 24 pounds. He fought Dillian Whyte and had a nice little belly like most of us and all of a sudden he’s ripped to shreds. He’s talking the right language, he’s telling the guys down there that he’s going to knock ‘AJ’ the f**k out.

“I think you’re going to see a great fight on Saturday and it is a dangerous fight. There’s a huge amount of pressure on Anthony Joshua on Saturday night and he’s got to stick one of this geezer early and hurt him. This is a real fight. If ‘AJ’ lets him get confident in this fight it is going to be a very difficult fight.

“It’s going to be a completely full house at The O2 on Saturday, it’ll be absolutely rammed. It will be buzzing for ‘AJ’s’ ringwalk. We’re only five days away now. When he ringwalks, check out the energy in that arena, it is going to be electric.”

Anthony Joshua

“If Franklin possesses certain weaknesses I’ll be able to exploit them. It has been difficult over the past few fights to exploit people’s weaknesses because they’re very difficult to catch and pin down but hopefully I’ll be able to exploit Franklin’s weaknesses and show some of my old self. 

“At a certain level it’s hard to go into the ring and knock someone out within like ten seconds. There’s a process to getting that knockout and you have to be disciplined. I understand, there’s high expectations. People put their own expectations on other people. People put me in high regard – that’s where the pressure comes from, me having to deliver. I understand that and I’ll do my best for sure.

“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves, fighters. Hearing that final bell or hearing the ref count it out is such a high feeling that no amount of money can give you that feeling. It’s true. It’s a mad feeling. Each fight is a new chapter I’d say. Every chapter is so important.

“If Jermaine were to be successful on Saturday night I’d give him the respect he deserves. I’ll make the decision if I want to fight on or not. I feel like I can make that decision. If I want to continue fighting I don’t think it’s up to anyone to dictate to me. I don’t think anyone can tell me what to do in my career anyway.”

Jermaine Franklin

On Dillian Whyte defeat:

“I’m very strong mentally. My team and the fans made me feel okay about the decision. This is boxing, sometimes it happens in boxing. We don’t all get fair shakes. I’ve never really had a fair shake in my whole career. I didn’t cry about it, I didn’t complain about it, I just went back home and started working. You’ve got to knock them out or you’ve got to dominate them in conclusive fashion.”

On size difference:

“He’s only four inches taller than me. He’s 6’6″ and I’m 6’2″. I’ve been sparring big guys my whole career. This is nothing new to me.”

On Andy Ruiz Jr comparison:

“We’re two different fighters. Me and Andy are two different fighters. We don’t have the same style. Andy probably provides a little more pressure than I do, he fights a little more in spurts. I try to use my jab more and work inside/out.”

On being overlooked:

“I’ve always been overlooked. Personally in my opinion I’ve just got to go out there and show him that I’m not what they think I am. They call me a tune-up and they say I’m going to get knocked out in four or five rounds so I’m just coming here to kick ass and show the world this isn’t it.”

On people saying Joshua should retire if he loses to him:

“I find that disrespectful. People haven’t really seen me. I find it disrespectful that people think that low of me. They think I’m not a great fighter, they think I’m not a good fighter. I find it disrespectful but that is the kind of sport we’re in. We don’t get love like basketball, football and all the other sports. Boxing is more either you’re on top or you’re not.”

On how he feels about Joshua:

“I respect him as a man. I respect all fighters. When people talk shit we talk it back. I’m a fan of the sport. I’ve been a fan of the sport for a long time, way before I ever thought we’d get this fight. I feel like all boxers need a little bit of respect. It’s a tough sport, it’s a real brutal sport and some of us don’t make it out of that ring.”

Joshua vs. Franklin headlines a huge night of boxing in London, British Heavyweight Champion FabioWardley (15-0, 14 KOs) meets American Michael Polite-Coffie (13-3, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental title, taly’s European Middleweight ruler MatteoSignani (32-6-3, 12 KOs) defends his title against former British and Commonwealth Champion FelixCash (16-0, 10 KOs), undefeated Texas Middleweight Austin‘Ammo’ Williams (13-0 9 KOs) fights in the UK for the third time against Coventry’s River Wilson-Bent (14-2-1, 6 KOs), Campbell Hatton (10-0, 3 KOs) is back in action against Louis Fielding (10-7, 1 KO) after hitting double figures in Liverpool in March, Essex’s John Hedges (7-0 2 KOs) lands his first eight round clash against Poland’s Daniel Bocianski (11-2, 2 KOs), Jordan Flynn (8-0, 1 KO) faces the stiffest examination of his credentials when he meets Birmingham stalwart Kane Baker (18-9-1 1 KO) over eight rounds, Albanian Cruiserweight Juergen Uldedaj (15-0, 6 KOs) takes on Switzerland’s Benoit Huber (8-3, 6 KOs) over eight rounds, Ziya Almaayouf (2-0, 1 KO) faces Bulgaria’s Georgi Velichkov (3-10, 3 KOs) over four rounds and German Heavyweight Peter Kadiru (14-1, 7 KOs) opens the evening’s action against Macedonia’s Alen Lauriolle (6-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds.

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 27 2023) – Unbeaten Polish cruiserweight Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro (10-0-1, 9 KOs) will be seeking redemption this Saturday night (April 1) on the “Night of Redemption” card at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.  

“Night of Redemption,” co-promoted by Orlando Boxing Promotions and Boxlab Promotions, will be streamed live on pay-per-view from Orlando on www.bxng.tv.

The 25-year-old Pinheiro (10-0-1, 9 KOs), fighting out of Orlando, is coming off his lone non-victory as a professional, when he fought Isaiah Thompson to a six-round split draw this past February 25.

“I wasn’t happy about the decision in my last fight,” Pinheiro said. “It was a close fight, a few rounds could have gone one way or the other, but I thought I had won. I understand.  That’s why you don’t leave it up to the judges. I took it as a lesson. I did learn a lot and I’ll keep learning and improving every fight.

“This fight seems like redemption for me. I’m excited to be headlining for the first time and in my first scheduled eight-round fight. A lot of people expected more from me in my last fight. I have another opportunity to show what I can do. I didn’t have much of an amateur career, so I’m learning on the go as a pro. Every day, every fight, I’m always trying to learn. In 2023, I want to showcase my talent to the boxing world. I hope this fight will lead to bigger fights for me with more exposure. I’d like to fight on the undercard of a big show by the end of the year. I have a good team with my promoter, Vito Mielnicki (GH3 Promotions), and my trainer, Tony Blanco.”

“I am very proud of the work Adrian has put into his craft to be in this position,” Blanco remarked. “Headlining his first show with only 11 pro fights says a lot about his work ethic. I am also proud to be part of his boxing journey and I look forward to what the future holds for him if he continues his path.”

Pinheiro, currently rated No. 13 by the NABA,  faces Demetrius Banks (12-12-2, 5 KOs), of Detroit, who is best known for ruining the 2014 professional debut of Antwaun Tubbs, the son of former world heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs, by registering a four-round technical knockout.

‘My opponent is a tough fighter who has upset a few people,” Pinheiro added. “He is more experienced than me, so I’m not taking him lightly. This fight is the next step for me.”

Undefeated 22-year-old Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela, 10-0, 3 KOs) will face the toughest test of his young career in the six-round co-feature versus Saul “Navajo” Corral (23-20, 13 KOs), the former WBC FECARBOX welterweight champion from Mexico. Estela is a fan favorite in his hometown of Orlando, while Corral has been in tough during his career, including fights with world champions Sadam Ali and Victor Ortiz.

Miami-based Cuban fighter Idalberto Umara (9-1, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense of the WBA Fedecaribe lightweight belt against challenger Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez (23-20, 13 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

Umara captured the Fedecaribe championship in his last fight, February 25, 2023, at Caribe Royale in Orlando by way of a second-round technical knockout of Deivi Julio. Rodriguez is a former WBC Latino super featherweight champion.

Two other Cuban boxers are scheduled to be in action. Miami-based welterweight Damian Lascaille (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA in a four-rounder, while Las Vegas heavyweight Henrich Ruiz Cordoba (1-0, 1 KO) is matched in a six-rounder against veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Olympico” Humberto Corral (20-32, 12 KOs), the older brother of Saul Corral.

Orlando cruiserweight Daine Smikle (1-0), a former member of the Jamaican National Boxing Team, is in a four-round match versus Tyler Jacques (0-5-1).

Also fighting in the undercard is four-round bouts are Orlando super welterweight Ramiro De Jesus (2-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Bryan Duran, of Miami; Orlando cruiserweight A’Mire “Devine” Lewis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Twon Smith (3-6, 2 KOs), Orlando lightweight and Puerto Rico native Jonathan Cortes (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Paul Amaro (0-1); Puerto Rican lightweight Carlos Rosario (5-1, 3 KOs) vs. Michael Gaxiola (4-36), Pennsylvania’s pro-debuting lightweight Shamara “Pure Perfection” Woods vs. Orlando’s Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (1-2-1, 0 KOs),  heavyweight Brandon Lynch (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Dennys Reyes (3-4, 1 KO), pro-debuting Haitian featherweight Giovanni Louis vs. Waverly Bagby (1-11-1, 1 KO), and super middleweight Jamar Pemberton (3-0, 3 KOs), of Las Vegas, vs. Honduran Juan Celin Zapata (7-22-2, 2 5 KOs).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $100.00 (ringside), $75.00 reserved seating, $40.00 general admission and available to purchase at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005E67806EB93E.

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

INFORMATION :  

www.cariberoyale.com

Twitter : @BoxLab

Instagram: @orlandoboxing, @orlandoboxingclub, @boxlab, @heavy_ap

About Caribe Royale Orlando Resort

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $140 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@cariberoyale), and LinkedIn. #cariberoyaleorlando

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 27, 2023) – The boxing world was in awe on Saturday, March 25th as 19-year-old super featherweight, Demler “The War Machine” Zamora III (11-0. 9 KOs), added another victory to his undefeated record, defeating Jesus Abel Ibarra (15-1, 7 KOs) by third-round knockout. The scheduled eight-round bout took place as the final fight of the night on the Benavidez vs. Plant card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

From the opening bell, it was clear that Zamora, a southpaw, meant business. He came out strong and aggressive, setting up his attack with an educated jab. At the end of the first round, Zamora caught Ibarra with a devastating straight left off the one-two combo, sending the undefeated fighter to the canvas. Although Ibarra managed to get back to his feet, it was clear that he was in trouble.

The second round saw Ibarra trying to regain his composure, but Zamora continued to apply pressure and landed several hard shots to the body and head. In the third round, Zamora again caught Ibarra with a sweeping left hook, off another one-two combination that sent him down for the second time. This time, Ibarra was unable to get back to his feet, and the referee called a halt to the fight early in round three.

Zamora’s victory was a testament to his skill, power, and determination. Despite his young age, he has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level in the sport. With his impressive record and destructive knockout power, Zamora who spars elite talent in Vegas, is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the super featherweight division.

“I took this fight on two weeks’ notice because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to fight on this card.” said Zamora, who was born and raised in Las Vegas. “In addition, I’m always in great shape and I believe in myself. Knocking out an undefeated fighter of this caliber, is a testament of my hard work and the team behind me. I feel with a few more fights, I’ll move from prospect to contender.”

But it wasn’t just the fans who were impressed with Zamora’s performance. Sitting ringside to watch the fight were boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Mayweather, who has been known to spot rising stars early in their careers, has known Zamora since he was 8-years-old, when he started training at the Mayweather Boxing Club with his uncle Roger Mayweather.

“Seeing Floyd and Tank sitting ringside for my fight was a great feeling.” Zamora concluded. “I had step up my game, turn up and show out. My confidence has skyrocketed, and I know I can hang with the best of them.”

Overall, DJ “The War Machine” Zamora’s victory over Jesus Abel Ibarra was a highlight of the Benavidez vs. Plant undercard. His impressive display of power and skill caught the attention of not only the fans but also some of the biggest names in the sport. With his unblemished record and growing reputation, Zamora is sure to be a fighter to watch in the coming years.

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 27, 2023): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of 20-year-old lightweight prospect Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas to its promotional banner.

“I want to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez and the entire Golden Boy Team for this opportunity to begin my professional boxing career under their promotion,” said Johnny Cañas. “I also want to thank my TKO Boxing team, Hector Lopez, Abraham Perez, and everyone who has shaped my career up until this point. The hard work ethic and discipline will only increase from this point forward.”

“Johnny Cañas has all the qualities of a future world champion. He’s been in the gym with world class fighters, battle tested veterans and trainers. Golden Boy is confident that he will make waves in the sport,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “We’re excited to welcome Johnny to the Golden Boy Family and for him to begin what we expect to be a flourishing career with us.”

Representing Santa Ana, California, Johnny was dubbed as “Sugarcane” due to his tall height that matched his last name when translated into English. Despite a short amateur career, he participated in the U.S. National Team having only 8 total amateur fights.

Since 2018 Cañas has been trained by Hector Lopez at TKO Boxing Gym in Santa Ana. Cañas has had the opportunity to sharpen up his skills and learn from professionals all throughout Southern California including Alexis Rocha, Ronny Rios, Luis Nery, Raymond Murattala, and many other great fighters.

Cañas will be making his professional debut soon.

Johnny Cañas Instagram: @sugarcaneboxing

Los Angeles, CA (March 27, 2023) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions’ has announced the signing of 20-year-old knockout artist Cain Sandoval, (8-0, 8 KOs), of Sacramento, CA to an exclusive, multi-fight promotional contract.

Sandoval battles hard-hitting Jose Angulo, (14-5, 7 KOs), of Guayaquil, Ecuador in a scheduled six-round lightweight battle on Friday, April 14 at the Commerce Casino, the next Hollywood Fight Nights event broadcast live internationally on UFC FIGHT PASS (Subscribe Here / 50% Discount Using ‘March’ Password Until 3/3123.

“We’re very excited to announce the signing of Cain Sandoval,” said Tom Loeffler. “Since turning professional in August 2021 he has been among the most talked about young fighters in California. He’s clearly got the power and knockouts boxing fans love, now our job is to provide him with the right opportunities and further exposure at our live events and on UFC FIGHT PASS.”

Said Sandoval, “Tom Loeffler’s track record speaks for itself. He’s been one of the very best boxing promoters for over 20 years and I feel very comfortable joining his team and very excited to have my fights broadcast on UFC FIGHT PASS. I can’t wait for April 14.”

Five of Cain Sandoval’s show-stopping knockouts have come in the first round. Most recently he knocked out Pedro Angel Cruz in the third round on February 18, 2023 in Daly City, CA. Among the notable undefeated fighters Jose Angulo has battled include Ernesto Mercado, Jousce Gonzalez and Alejandro Guerrero.  

The April 14 event is headlined by a can’t miss cross-town rivalry featherweight showdown between popular, hard-hitting Omar Cande Trinidad, (11-0-1, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA and Downey, CA native Adan Ochoa, (12-2, 5 KOs), scheduled for eight rounds.

Remaining tickets for April 14 priced at $200, $150, $100, $80 and $60 can be purchased online at www.360Promotions.us.The Commerce Casino is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:00 p.m. For more information and directions please visit www.CommerceCasino.com

Attached Photo / 360 Promotions

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MILWAUKEE – March 27, 2023 – The full card has been announced for the Saturday, April 1, “Gamebred Boxing 4” pay-per-view event (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, presented by Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing.

In the main event, Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. and former UFC and WEC World Champion Anthony Pettis of Milwaukee will go toe-to-toe in an intriguing six-round heavyweight clash between two of combat sports’ most skilled, accomplished and popular champions.

A colorful array of boxing and MMA’s best highlight the exciting undercard, including former UFC and Cage Rage World Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (1-0, 1 KO) making his second official pro boxing appearance in a six-round heavyweight battle against debuting fellow Brazilian and former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

The grappler Souza holds an MMA victory over Belfort, but the quick-fisted southpaw Belfort is much more established in the ring, having defeated the great Evander Holyfield by TKO in a September 2021 exhibition bout, in addition to his official first-round boxing KO over Josemario Neves in 2006.

In another MMA crossover bout, all-time great UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo of Brazil will compete in a second-sport rematch against former MMA foe and top UFC contender Jeremy Stephens. The pair first met five years ago in an entertaining struggle won by Aldo that garnered him “Performance of the Night.” The two MMA vets will meet this time in a six-round welterweight affair.

Also on the main card, Milwaukee’s own undefeated former NABF Champion and rising contender Luis Feliciano (16-0, 8 KOs) will take on durable veteran Clarence Booth (21-7, 13 KOs) of Florida in an eight-round super lightweight bout, while Florida’s undefeated Devin Cushing (12-0, 9 KOs) will face Argentine veteran Damian David Marchiano (18-11-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight tussle.

Former UFC contender Pearl Gonzalez will take on fellow mixed martial artist turned social media star Gina Mazany in a six-round featherweight showdown. Brooklyn’s Gonzalez is already 2-0 with one KO as a boxer. Originally from Alaska, Mazany will be making her boxing debut.

Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast will be a six-round heavyweight battle between 11-1 MMA/3-1 Bareknuckle fighter Dillon “Bad Boy” Cleckler and Bellator MMA and fellow bareknuckle competitor Josh “The Hammer” Burns.

“If you’re on the fence about buying this PPV, we don’t blame you. You more than likely don’t have a clue how these fights will play out, and to tell you the truth, neither do we,” said Jorge Masvidal, CEO of Gamebred Boxing. “We have no idea if wisdom beats youth in the Roy Jones vs Anthony Pettis fight, we have no idea who wins between one of the greatest strikers in MMA history, Vitor Belfort, against the former BJJ World Champion, Jacare Souza. We can all sit and make assumptions about what we think will happen between Jose Aldo and Jeremy Stephens, but you know what they say about assumptions. If there’s one thing we can promise and deliver on is that there will be sheer violence and sweet science. Bottom line, you’re just gonna have to tune in April 1st to find out.”

“I can’t think of a time we’ve seen five former World Champion from two different sports on 1 fight card,” said Dean Toole, President of Gamebred Boxing. “The best thing about this entire event is the eyeballs on the young incredible talent coming up. Undefeated prospects like Luis Feliciano, Devin Cushing and Javier Zamarron will really showcase our mission statement here at Gamebred Boxing and that’s to build new stars and promote upcoming talent. We want to build our own roster and have those fighters eventually headlining these big events. On Saturday night they’ll get an opportunity to steal the show.”

The pay-per-view can be purchased through InDEMAND, PPV.com and UFC Fight Pass PPV, with tickets to the live event available through FiservForum.com and Ticketmaster.com.  Additional event details will be announced shortly.

Several preliminary bouts are also on tap, headed up by former UFC and BKFC fighter Joe Riggs taking on fellow UFC alum Markus Perez in a six-round cruiserweight bout. Riggs replaces UFC vet Paul Daley who was forced to withdraw.

Also scheduled is a double pro debut between female fighters, as Vegas via Vietnam’s Bi Nguyen will face Myrtle Beach via Vietnam’s Andy Nguyen in a four-round bantamweight contest. This will be the rubber match between the two MMA competitors turned boxers with each previously claiming a victory over the other.

Rounding out the preliminary action will be a female four-round lightweight bout, as MMA fighters Danielle Wynn and Danielle Cohen will meet, with Cohen making her pro debut, while Wynn is 0-1 in boxing. Wisconsin southpaw Javier “El Guerito” Zamarron (2-0, 2 KOs) will take on debuting South Carolinian, MMA competitor Roberto Armas in a four-round super featherweight matchup.

Lastly, Florida’s Cade Howell (3-1, 3 KOs) will appear in a four-round welterweight bout vs. an opponent that is TBA.

#         #         #

ABOUT GAMEBRED BOXING 4: JONES JR. VS. PETTIS

Gamebred Boxing 4 will be headlined by combat sports legends Roy Jones Jr. and Anthony Pettis going toe-to-toe in a boxing showdown on Saturday, April 1 headlining the “Gamebred Boxing 4” pay-per-view event from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee in an event presented by Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing.

For more information on Gamebred Boxing visit www.gamebredboxing.com, and follow on Twitter @Gamebredboxing, on Instagram @GamebredBoxingPromotions and on their YouTube Channel.

PARAMUS, NJ — Scott Abella, promoter of Abella Boxing, has rejuvenated and shifted fight shows back to where they’re supposed to be in his home state of New Jersey. This Saturday night April 1, Abella Boxing Promotions will deliver their third show in the span of 12 months – Bergen County Fight Night 3 at The Terrace and Biago in Paramus, New Jersey – PPV Available on Bergen Audio Visual – $24.99

The historic event will include a six-fight card: three six-round bouts and three four-rounders. Headlining the main event, a six-round super lightweight bout, ‘The Rematch,’ between Nicky “The Bull” Vitone (9-1-1, 7 KO) and Jordan Rosario (4-10-0).

In July of 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, Rosario defeated Vitone by a split decision in a four-round welterweight bout, marking the 26-year-old’s first career loss. Everyday since, the Italian out of Pine Brook, New Jersey, better known as “The Bull,” looks back on that night, being his hardest critic.

“I wouldn’t be the boxer I am today without Jordan and that fight,” Vitone said. “Ever since that loss, I’ve grown tremendously, and that fight definitely brought me down to Earth. It was very tough with mental fortitude, but honestly I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“All respect towards Jordan, but it’s just business at the end of the day. I just feel like I’m going back to take what’s mine from the beginning. Everything happens for a reason. Everyday, that fight is in the back of my head, so I’m excited to be in New Jersey again in front of my friends and family. It’s gonna be one of the best fights of the night, I can guarantee you that.”

Since suffering his first loss, “The Bull,” has gone on a full head of steam, recording five consecutive victories with two coming via knockout, and plans to keep the pace going on Saturday night April 1.

“I’m a different fighter since that last fight,” Vitone said. “I’m excited for it. I’m ready for it on April 1st.”

Despite all the hype and lead up to “The Rematch” in Bergen County Fight Night 3, Vitone’s not letting the noise get to him. He went into depth on what’s fortified him into where he’s at today: his Italian heritage from his father, Frank Vitone, who was born in Bari, Italy, and immigrated to the United States at a young age.

“I really look at my father as the American Dream,” Vitone revealed. “He came here with no money, didn’t speak English, and had to teach himself the language. He grew up in Jersey City, worked his butt off to get to where he’s at and provided an amazing life for me, my two sisters and my mother, so I’m blessed”

“I definitely try to represent the Italian-American people everyday in that ring,” he explained. “I feel like the sport definitely needs someone like me. I really do fight for the people, and I really do look at myself as the people’s champ. I leave everything in that ring everyday.”

Remaining Six-Round Bouts
Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado, (5-0-0, 20 KO%), of Ridgewood, Queens, NY, will put his undefeated record up on the line against Usiel Hernandez (2-1-0) in a junior lightweight bout.

Mike “The Champ” Lee (9-2-0, 63.6 KO%) of Jersey City, New Jersey, takes on Antonio Sanchez (7-16-3) in a welterweight bout.

Four-Round Bouts
Christian “Veneno” Otero (4-3-0, 28.5 KO%) of Harlem, NY will go toe-to-toe with southpaw Vinnie Denierio (3-7-0) in a lightweight bout.

Dane Guerrero, of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, is set to make his pro-debut against Andre Hinmon (0-2-0) in a super middleweight bout.

Kevin Hernandez (0-0-1), of Bergenfield, New Jersey will go up against George Gethers (0-3-0) in a welterweight bout.

PPV Available for $24.99 on Bergen Audio Visual
The broadcast team includes ABC 7 Sports and Eyewitness News anchor Anthony Johnson, senior boxing columnist Rich Mancuso and pro-fighter John “Bodyshot” Leonardo (9-1-1, 4 KO), of Manalapan, New Jersey, with special guest appearances to be determined.

Bergen County Fight Night 3, presented by Abella Boxing Promotions is sponsored by NY METRO PROMOTION & PRINTING, TEAM PARAMUS COLLISION, PARAMUS 186 PBA, SKULL FUEL ENERGY DRINK, WIRED PRODUCTS, MYPAL BY PALADINO ENTERPRISES – NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER, HOME SERVICE APP, TURN KEY DATA, TIRE WHEEL PERFORMANCE CENTER, CIBAO MEAT PRODUCTS “TRADICIÓN DE CALIDAD”

# #

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – BERGEN COUNTY FIGHT NIGHT 3
WHEN: Saturday Night April 1st, 2023
WHERE: The Terrace at Biagio Ristorante located on 293 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652
BOUTS: 3 Six-Round Bouts, 3 Four-Round Bouts (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
TICKETS: EVENT IS SOLD OUT
PPV/STREAMING: Bergen Audio Visual – $24.99

Follow on Instagram: @abellaboxing
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AbellaBoxingPromotions

For any further questions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you from Abella Boxing Promotions.

Cranston, RI – Father Time catches up to everyone, but he’s still chasing Jaime “Hurricane” Clampitt.

The 46-year-old Clampitt won her 24th professional bout Saturday in the main event of CES Boxing’s Rhode Wars 3 card at the Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, out-classing Miami’s Taynna Cardoso for a 79-73 unanimous decision win on all three scorecards. The show was CES’ first at the Park Theatre, built in 1924 and recently renovated under new ownership.

Clampitt christened the venue Saturday with a vintage performance fitting for a classic theater setting. A four-time world champion and International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Clampitt initially launched her comeback in 2021 after eight years out of the ring. A win over Kim Wabik in February of 2022 shook off some of the ring rust, but a loss to 21-year-old Miranda Reyes in June planted some seeds of doubt as the Warwick, RI, resident carefully began plotting her next steps.

With a more focused approach in camp, including hiring a physical therapist and sports psychologist, Clampitt looked better than ever Saturday, boxing circles around Cardoso (5-3), who had just gone eight hard rounds in a much closer majority decision loss to Heather Hardy in February.

On Saturday, Clampitt was a step ahead, looking much faster, sharper, and more reactive than she did in June and shows no signs of slowing down as she approaches her 47th birthday in July. Where this win takes her next remains to be seen, but it’s clear Clampitt is far from done as she continues to find her place in this new era of women’s boxing – a path she and many others paved for the current torch-bearers.

On a night that featured six fights – and the debut of CES’ first female ring announcer, Margaret Cresta – Alejandro Paulino (12-0, 10 KOs) and Anthony Velasquez (12-0, 11 KOs) provided ample firepower.

Paulino, the fast-rising unbeaten super featherweight from New London, CT, demolished St. Louis’ Derrick Murray (17-8-1) via technical knockout in the opening round. A flurry of shots early in the round put Murray in defense mode before Paulino snuck in a short left hook that caught Murray directly on the chin and sent him crashing to the canvas. Murray made it to his feet, but stumbled into the ropes trying to take a step forward, prompting referee Johnny Callas to wave it off.

Velasquez, the hard-hitting Springfield, MA, super welterweight, also made quick work of his opponent, blasting the durable Rodrigo Lopes Rodrigues (8-5) of Brazil in the opening round with a barrage of punches that forced referee Joey Lupino to step in and quickly stop the fight.

The newest addition to the CES family, Velasquez is on the fast track to success and will return to the ring at CES’ next event April 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena. He and Paulino, 26 and 24 years of age, respectively, continue to dominate the regional circuit and now boast 24 wins with 21 combined knockouts.

Fan-favorite Gary Balletto III, who grew up just miles from the Park Theatre in Cranston, also put on a show in his unanimous decision win over Raphael Torres of Marlborough, MA. Both fighters entered unbeaten and fought at cruiserweight with Balletto simply out-working Torres over six hard rounds to earn a 60-54, 60-54, 59-55 victory. The two-sport star who also competes as a welterweight in mixed martial arts is now 4-0 in boxing, following in the footsteps of his father, Gary “Tiger” Balletto.

Johnston, RI, middleweight James Maner (3-0) scored an early knockdown en route to a 40-35 unanimous decision win on all three scorecards over debut Everet Desilets (0-1) over Pawtucket, RI; and welterweight Jeffrey Gonzalez (2-0) of East Haven, CT, won a spirited 39-37, 37-39, 39-37 split decision over Jesus Salas (1-2) of New Bedford, MA.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Celebrating its 99th anniversary, the Historic Park Theatre & Event Center is a 1,015-seat performance art theatre that originally opened in 1924 and reopened in October of 2022 under new ownership with major renovations that include the newly-launched Park Place Café, Comedy Park, and Rolfe Supper Club on the second floor. Owned by restaurateurs Ed Brady and Jeff Quinlan, the historic Park, located across the street from Cranston City Hall at 848 Park Ave., is capable of hosting an array of events and will expand later this year to include tributes to Queen, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jackson. The Park Theatre will be a space for the Rhode Island community to come together and bring history back to life.

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former WEC^® and UFC lightweight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the Class of 2023. The 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place on Thursday, July 6, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be streamed live an exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Cowboy Cerrone is one of the best lightweights in UFC history,” UFC President Dana White said. “Cowboy consistently fought the best of the best for over a decade inside the Octagon and set a ton of records in the process. He was also a complete savage who would fight anyone at any time. He is a true legend, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of International Fight Week.”

Cerrone will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining others in this distinguished category, including Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019), Georges St-Pierre (2020), Khabib Nurmagomedov (2022), Daniel Cormier (2022) and Jose Aldo (2023). The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 55 fights during his 16-year professional MMA career, Cowboy compiled a record of 36-17 (2 NC), securing victories over UFC veterans Jim Miller and Edson Barboza, former WEC lightweight champions Rob McCullough and Jamie Varner, former UFC lightweight champions Charles Oliveira and Eddie Alvarez, and former WEC and UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson.

Cerrone made his professional MMA debut on February 11, 2006, as part of Ring of Fire 21, submitting his opponent, former UFC lightweight Nate Mohr, via triangle choke in the first round. Cowboy would win his next six fights across three MMA promotions, before joining World Extreme Cagefighting as an undefeated lightweight with a 7-0 record.

Donald made his WEC debut on September 5, 2007, on the prelims of WEC^® 30: McCULLOUGH vs. CRUNKILTON, which took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Cowboy’s 56-second submission victory (triangle choke) over Kenneth Alexander would be overturned and recategorized as a no contest, but he would secure victories in his next two fights over Danny Castillo and Rob McCullough to earn a shot to win the WEC lightweight title against Jamie Varner in the main event of WEC 38.

WEC^® 38: VARNER vs. CERRONE took place on January 25, 2009, at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, Calif., and served as Cowboy’s first headlining event as a professional mixed martial artist. Jamie and Donald put on an amazing fight that would go the distance, with Varner winning via split decision.

Although that was his first loss under the WEC banner, Cowboy would bounce back by winning four of his next six bouts, including his rematch with Varner, before the organization was absorbed by Zuffa.

Over the next five years, Cerrone would win 19 of his next 23 fights, becoming one of the most consistently active and beloved contenders in the UFC lightweight division. He would continue to fight the biggest names in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions during the final six years of his career. He retired in July 2022 after a loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276.

Cerrone enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

UFC / WEC:

• Most finishes in UFC / WEC history combined – 20

• Most wins in UFC / WEC history combined – 29

UFC:

• Most KO / TKO by kick in UFC history – 7

• Most knockdowns in UFC history – 20

• Tied for second-most finishes in UFC history – 16

• Tied for second-most wins in UFC history – 23

• Third most fights in UFC history – 38

UFC lightweight division:

• Second-most wins in UFC lightweight history – 17

• Tied for second-most knockdowns in UFC lightweight history – 11

• Tied for fourth-most finishes in UFC lightweight history – 10

• Fifth-most significant strikes landed in UFC lightweight history – 1,127

Outside the Octagon, Cerrone has been honored with several awards during his career, including being recognized by the Fighters Only World MMA Awards as the Breakthrough Fighter of the Year in 2011, and receiving Fight of the Year honors by Sports Illustrated and Sherdog.com for his 2009 fight against Benson Henderson for the interim WEC lightweight title.

A native of Denver, Colo., Cowboy began his martial arts career by training in kickboxing and Muay Thai. Cerrone holds an undefeated 28-0-1 record as a professional Muay Thai artist and competed in professional boxing. He currently resides in Edgewood, New Mexico, with his wife, Lindsay, and three sons.

To view Cerrone’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/13235/donald-cerrone-ufc-hall-of-fame. To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFC.com/HOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

NEW HEAVYWEIGHT STAR Moses Itauma will be back in the ring on April 15 at the Copper Box Arena, having been added to the card headlined by the Joe Joyce-Zhilei Zhang showdown.

Itauma, just 18, moved to 2-0 as a professional in Telford tonight where he inflicted a first defeat on the Argentinean Ramon Ibarra.

The World and European youth gold medallist will step up to six round action in London.

Tickets to see Itauma in action on the showdown between Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang on Saturday, 15 April at the Copper Box Arena, London are on sale now from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

JOE JOYCE WILL defend his WBO Interim World Heavyweight title against the Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday April 15, live on BT Sport.

Super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali will fight in a six-rounder with Dagenham super welterweight Joel Kodua fighting over four.

In a battle of former world champions, Jose Ramirez stopped Richard Commey in round 11 of a scheduled to 12-round junior welterweight bout in front of nearly 15,000 fans at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In round 11, Ramirez dropped Commey with an uppercut. Later in round, it was a body that put Commey to his knees at 2:31.

Ramirez, 140 lbs of Avenal, CA is 28-1 with 18 knockouts. Commey, 140 lbs of Accra, GHA 30-5-1.

Estrada Decisions Rupprecht To Unify Strawweight Titles

Seniesa Estrada scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Tina Rupprecht to unify the WBA and WBC Strawweight titles.

Estrada, 104.2 lbs of East Los Angeles won by scored of 100-90 on all cards and is now 24-0. Rupprecht, 104.8 lbs of Augsburg, GER is 12-1-1.

Mireles win Split-Decision over Mailata

6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mireles picked him self off the deck to win a six-round split decision over Patrick Mailata

In round three, Mailata landed a short right that wobbled and eventually sent the big Mireles to the canvas. Mireles took four-rounds on two cards as he on by scores of 57-56 twice and Mailata took a card 57-56.

Mireles, 265.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 7-0. Mailata, 321.4 lbs of Apia, SAM is 6-2.

Raymond Muratalla stopped Humberto Galindo in round nine of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Galindo dropped Muratalla with a right hand. In round four, Muratalla dropped Galindo with a left to the liver.

In round nine, Muraralla dropped Galindo with a body shot combination that made Galindo stay on his knee for the 10-count at 2:46.

Muratalla, 136.6 lbs of Fontana, CA is 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Galindo, 136 lbs of Riverside, CA is 14-3-1.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Angel Rebollar in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Sheehy was cut on the left eyelid from an accidental headbutt.

Sheehy, 134.8 lbs of Brisbane, CA won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice is now 6-0. Rebollar, 133.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 6-2.

Jessie James Guerrero and Eduardo Alvarez battled to a four-round majority draw in a light flyweight bout.

In round two, Guerrero was cut over the right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Scores were 40-36 for Guerrero and 38-38 twice. Guerrero, 109 lbs of Gilroy, CA is the nephew of former world champion Robert Guerrero is 3-0-2. Alvarez, 108.6 lbs of Maywood, CA is 0-2-1.

Ricardo Ruvalcaba stopped Marco Antonio Cardenas in round one of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

Ruvalcaba dropped Cardenas with a step around body shot, and the fight was stopped at 2:59 of round one.

Ruvalcaba, 140.8 lbs of Ventura, CA is 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Cardenas, 140.4 lbs of Salem, OR is 9-8-1.

Subara Murata scored a first round stoppage over Jose Negrete in a scheduled four-round junior featherweight bout.

In round one, Murata dropped Negrete with a straight left to the chin. Negrete got to his feet, but he was wobbling all over the place and the fight was stopped.

Murata, 121.8 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 4-0 with four knockouts. Negrete, 121.4 lbs of Hartford, CA is 2-2.

Manchester, England – 25th March 2023 –  WBO Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returned to Sky Sports to retain his World Championship in a confident unanimous decision victory over the previously-undefeated New Zealand champion and WBO #1 contender David Light at the AO Arena, Manchester.

Despite having been out of the ring for over a year, Okolie dominated the fight with scorecards of: 119-108, 117-110, and 116-112, showing class and skill under his new trainer SugarHill Steward, a relationship looking likely to bear even richer fruit in future.

The North London native controlled the range of the fight very successfully with a pawing jab that stopped Light from getting into position to land any damaging shots. When Light did get close, Okolie used effective short hooks from within the clinch.

While the jab did most of the work for Okolie in the early rounds, the right hand did find its mark at an increasing frequency as the fight went on. The resulting damage accumulated to the point Light was running on fumes by the end of the fight and the scorecards remained lopsided despite a point deduction for Okolie in the 11th round. 

With Okolie a proven one-shot fight-finisher, Light showed he has a genuinely world-class chin by not being knocked down in the 10th and 11th rounds, but he could do little else than try to remain standing as the fight went on.

Lawrence Okolie said to Sky Sports after the fight: “David Light was extremely tough, but there’s no excuses and we use it to get better. I hurt him in the second half of the fight, and he was dancing round the ring away from me, but he had strong defenses and was able to survive. I’ll fight anyone, if you think you’re good enough to beat me, meet me in the ring and let’s fight.”

Britain is teeming with cruiserweight talent in the form of fighters like Richard Riakporhe and Chris Billam-Smith, but Lawrence Okolie has the right to claim to be at the very top of the pile, having made multiple defenses of his world championship against top opposition, and looking set to keep getting better after ending his period of inactivity and finding a new world-class trainer.

Who of the exciting Brits in the division will end up on top in the end is still to be seen, but it is undeniable Lawrence Okolie is right at the centre of a golden era of British boxing at 200lbs, and has huge fights with BOXXER coming for him very soon.

Televised Card Results:

Lawrence Okolie def. David Light – UD (119-109, 117-110, 116-112)

Frazer Clarke def. Bogdan Dinu – RTD Rd 2 (3:00)

Michael Gomez Jr def. Levi Giles – SD (97-93, 97-94, 95-96)

Karriss Artingstall def. Linzi Buczynski – PTS (60-54)

Callum Simpson def. Celso Neves – KO Rd 3 (1:36)

Full Undercard Results

Frazer Clarke def. Bogdan Dinu – RTD Rd 2 (3:00)

Olympic bronze medalist and top domestic heavyweight, Frazer Clarke, took the fifth stoppage of his six-fight career, forcing an opponent that has never quit before in Bogdan Dinu to end the fight on his stool with broken ribs, despite Clarke getting cut from a clash of heads.

Clarke switched up his offense effectively to the head and the body throughout the two rounds of the fight, and counter-punched well when Dinu tried to clinch and make the fight ugly. 

Frazer Clarke has again staked himself at the top of the British Heavyweight scene, and will be hungry to have big fights against top opposition in the next 12 months.

Frazer Clarke said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Bogdan Dinu saved the show, so respect to him and his family. I knew I’d hurt him to the body a few times in the fight, but I rushed in and didn’t give myself the space to hit him on the other side, and at points I was throwing shots from too far out. I’m always improving and I hope I can get out again soon.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & founder, said: “Frazer Clarke is in the best physical shape of his career so far. I think he’s really enjoying himself right now and he’s going from strength to strength. We’re aiming for the British title by the end of the year.”

Michael Gomez Jr def. Levi Giles – SD (97-93, 97-94, 95-96)

Son of a boxing legend, Michael Gomez Jr can now call himself a champion in his own right after winning a razor-tight, action-packed fight for the English Super Featherweight Championship. 

Gomez Jr never stopped coming forward for the whole 30 minutes of action, showing impeccable fitness to keep a pace up that won him the fight. Gomez Jr had to come through adversity to take victory, with Giles dominating the start of the fight, showing his grit and determination to win.

Giles has significant success by targeting Gomez Jr’s body with jabs in the first half of the fight especially, forcing Gomez Jr to back-up and reset without Giles having to take any damage. 

As the fight went on, Gomez Jr was able to close the distance more often and have the success that his more front-foot, close-brawling style can bring. Giles remained the neater fighter, but Gomez Jr was able to find the target more often.

Both men will have gained fans and improved as boxers from tonight’s 10 round war, and both will come back again much stronger in future.

Michael Gomez Jr said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I was confident I’d done enough to win the fight. There’s no way I lost more than four rounds. He deserves a rematch though, hopefully down the line we can do it again for a bigger title.”

Levi Giles said to Sky Sports after the fight: “It’s a learning curve. I thought I did enough to win the fight, but we learn from these experiences and we’ll come again strong in future.”

Karriss Artingstall def. Linzi Buczynski – PTS (60-55)

Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalist and fast-moving professional prospect, Karriss Artingstall, gave a confident, intelligent performance to move to 3-0 as a professional and dominate a talented opponent in Linzi Buczynski. 

Artingstall was happy to stand in her opponent’s range, making her miss and making her pay, or even being willing to take a few shots to give a few back, backing her boxing intelligence and punch power to be able to do more damage than she would take.

Artingstall looks supremely confident as a professional, and gained invaluable experience in this fight, she looks set to climb through the ranks quickly in the fast-moving world of women’s boxing, and no-one has been able to slow her down in her professional career so far.

Karriss Artingstall said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I had a great camp, I think I could have easily done a few more rounds. My opponent gave me a lot to think about, I didn’t have it all my own way, so it’s a good bout to have under my belt for the future.”

Callum Simpson def. Celso Neves – KO Rd 3 (1:36)

Barnsley’s new superstar, Callum Simpson, made a sensational Sky Sports debut with a cold-blooded knockout in the third round. Simpson came close to a stoppage victory in the first two minutes of the fight, sending Celso Neves to the canvas with a powerful right hand. 

Neves was able to beat the referee’s count and boxed smartly to survive the rest of the first two rounds. 

Simpson threw an inch-perfect right hook, just a fraction of a second faster than Neves threw an identical one, around half way through the third round that clattered into Neves’s jaw and collapsed him onto the floor of the ring, with the referee deeming him unable to continue despite stumbling to his feet before the count of 10.

Callum Simpson showed he deserves the hype surrounding him on his BOXXER debut, earning the ninth knockout of his undefeated 11 fight career, and catching a lot of eyes who may have never seen him fight before tonight, but will make sure never to miss any of his fights from now on.

Callum Simpson said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I’ve been working towards this since I was nine, since my dad brought me into a boxing gym at age nine. I wanted the stoppage in the first round, but I’m happy to have got it. I want to be fighting for titles by the end of the year.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & Founder, said: “We’ve been quietly excited about this man for a long time. He’s the sleeping giant of British boxing. He’s already operating at a very high level and now we want to go all the way with him.”

Rhys Edwards def. Brian Phillips – PTS (60-55)

Rhys Edwards took a huge step towards following in the footsteps of his World Champion stablemate Joe Cordina by handily winning an evenly-matched fight against Brian Phillips that many thought could be a serious challenge for the Welshman. 

Edwards managed the range of the fight with veteran-like skill, making sure that Phillips’s high output was totally unable to do any damage to him, while Edwards could move into range, land powerful shots, and move back out again.

Edwards is now 14-0 as a professional, and gained a huge amount of fight-experience from these six rounds. He looks set for massive fights from now on in his career, and to keep moving up to the top of the boxing world.

Aaron McKenna def. Jordan Grant – PTS (60-54)

Ireland’s impressive 23-year-old prospect at 147lbs, Aaron McKenna, moved to 16-0 as a professional in dazzling fashion, smashing a tough opponent in Jordan Grant in a fight where McKenna came within moments of a stoppage on multiple occasions. 

Grant showed tremendous grit to see the final bell under a constant barrage from McKenna, who didn’t drop from his rapid pace of output for the whole six rounds of the fight.

Grant even found a few opportunities to fire back while facing McKenna’s whirlwind, occasionally landing shots that kept McKenna on his toes, but the fight’s overall direction is shown by McKenna’s perfect showing on the referee’s scorecard.

Shakiel Thompson def. Robert Talarek – PTS (59-54)

Sheffield’s future superstar ‘Dr Steel’ Shakiel Thompson battered a 47-fight-veteran in Robert Talarek from pillar to post for six rounds in the 10th victory of his undefeated career. 

Somehow Talarek refused to be stopped despite the 18 minutes of punishment, with Thompson in the sixth round especially landing a number of brutal straight right hands that would have knocked out almost any other opponent. 

Thompson’s dominance was unaffected by a point being taken away from him in the final round, taking a clean sweep on the card otherwise.

Harvey Lambert def. Casey Brown – PTS (40-37)

Exciting 6’3” Super Welterweight prospect Harvey Lambert cruised to another victory in only the second fight of his professional career, consistently landing the better punches and doing the better work against a vastly more experienced opponent in Casey Brown. 

Lambert looked calm and collected across the four rounds of the fight, failing to lose a single one of them on the referee’s scorecard.

Full Card Results: 

Lawrence Okolie def. David Light – UD (119-108, 117-110, 116-112)

Frazer Clarke def. Bogdan Dinu – RTD Rd 2 (3:00)

Michael Gomez Jr def. Levi Giles – SD (97-93, 97-94, 95-96)

Karriss Artingstall def. Linzi Buczynski – PTS (60-54)

Callum Simpson def. Celso Neves – KO Rd 3 (1:36)

Rhys Edwards def. Brian Phillips – PTS (60-55)

Aaron McKenna def. Jordan Grant – PTS (60-54)

Shakiel Thompson def. Robert Talarek – PTS (59-54)

Harvey Lambert def. Casey Brown – PTS (40-37)

Prospects deliver on Okolie vs Light undercard

Tonight’s undercard action, live at the AO Arena, Manchester, and streamed live on the Sky Sports Boxing YouTube channel, kicked off in style.

A raft of massively exciting young fighters showing the world why they are so highly regarded and why BOXXER has the greatest stable of fighters in British boxing today.

22-year-old Welsh talent Rhys Edwards shone in a fight against a seriously formidable opponent, undoubtedly adding everyone in the arena to his already sizable list of fans, while devastating middleweight Shakiel Thompson once again showed his savage punch power. 

None of the electrifying BOXXER prospects on the undercard lost a round to their opponent in an unprecedented display of talent and skill against a raft of dangerous opponents who would have given a lesser set of fighters a lot of problems.

Full Undercard Results:

Rhys Edwards def. Brian Phillips – PTS (60-55)

Aaron McKenna def. Jordan Grant – PTS (60-54)

Shakiel Thompson def. Robert Talarek – PTS (59-54)

Harvey Lambert def. Casey Brown – PTS (40-37)

The event’s main card is live and exclusive in the UK on Sky Sports Action from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 8pm.

Rhys Edwards def. Brian Phillips – PTS (60-55)

Rhys Edwards took a huge step towards following in the footsteps of his World Champion stablemate Joe Cordina by handily winning an evenly-matched fight against Brian Phillips that many thought could be a serious challenge for the Welshman. 

Edwards managed the range of the fight with veteran-like skill, making sure that Phillips’s high output was totally unable to do any damage to him, while Edwards could move into range, land powerful shots, and move back out again.

Edwards is now 14-0 as a professional, and gained a huge amount of fight-experience from these six rounds. He looks set for massive fights from now on in his career, and to keep moving up to the top of the boxing world.

Aaron McKenna def. Jordan Grant – PTS (60-54)

Ireland’s impressive 23-year-old prospect at 147lbs, Aaron McKenna, moved to 16-0 as a professional in dazzling fashion, smashing a tough opponent in Jordan Grant in a fight where McKenna came within moments of a stoppage on multiple occasions. 

Grant showed tremendous grit to see the final bell under a constant barrage from McKenna, who didn’t drop from his rapid pace of output for the whole six rounds of the fight.

Grant even found a few opportunities to fire back while facing McKenna’s whirlwind, occasionally landing shots that kept McKenna on his toes, but the fight’s overall direction is shown by McKenna’s perfect showing on the referee’s scorecard.

Shakiel Thompson def. Robert Talarek – PTS (59-54)

Sheffield’s future superstar ‘Dr Steel’ Shakiel Thompson battered a 47-fight-veteran in Robert Talarek from pillar to post for six rounds in the 10th victory of his undefeated career. 

Somehow Talarek refused to be stopped despite the 18 minutes of punishment, with Thompson in the sixth round especially landing a number of brutal straight right hands that would have knocked out almost any other opponent. 

Thompson’s dominance was unaffected by a point being taken away from him in the final round, taking a clean sweep on the card otherwise.

Harvey Lambert def. Casey Brown – PTS (40-37)

Exciting 6’3” Super Welterweight prospect Harvey Lambert cruised to another victory in only the second fight of his professional career, consistently landing the better punches and doing the better work against a vastly more experienced opponent in Casey Brown. 

Lambert looked calm and collected across the four rounds of the fight, failing to lose a single one of them on the referee’s scorecard.

Main Card Running Order:

Callum Simpson vs Celso Neves – 8 x 3 minute rounds at Super Middleweight

Karriss Artingstall vs Linzi Buczynski – 6 x 2 minute rounds at Featherweight

Michael Gomez Jr vs Levi Giles – 10 x 3 minute rounds for the English Super Featherweight Championship

Frazer Clarke vs Bogdan Dinu – 8 x 3 minute rounds at Heavyweight

Lawrence Okolie vs David Light – 12 x 3 minute rounds for the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship.

NEW YORK (March 25, 2023)-6’9″ undefeated heavyweight Antonio Mireles will be back in action as he takes on Patrick Mailata tonight at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

The fight can be seen live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 PM ET.

The 25 year-old Mireles is 6-0 with six knockouts, and has looked spectacular in his early pro career. Mireles already has stoppages over two undefeated foes in Brandon Hughes (2-0) and Eric Perry (5-0-1). The win over Perry came on November 12, 2022 in Las Vegas.

Mailata of Crem, Utah is 6-1 with three knockouts. The 28 year-old Mailata has a win over undefeated Jorge Sevilla Acosta (2-0). Mailata has won two in a row, which includes his first round stoppage over Francois Russell on March 26, 2022 in Little Rock Arkansas.

Mireles weighed 265.4 lbs. Mailata was 321.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

Mireles is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank.

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images.

Atlantic City, NJ (March 25, 2023 )–Weights for Saturday Night’s Rising Star Promotions at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Kristian Prenga 255 – Sam Crossed 208

(NBA Continental Title and NABA Heavyweight Titles

Anthony Johns 112 – Ramon Velasquez 116.5

Justin Figueroa 154 – Manuel Moreira 154

Malik Nelson 125,5 – Joseph Adorno 127.5

Francisco Rodriguez 134 – Marco Dorame 134.4

Gabe Gerena 131 – Joshua Maldonado 132

Avious Griffin 146.5 – Jose Gazzo 140=9

Isaah Flaherty 157.5 – Dewayne Williams 161,5

Derek Starling 276 – Dennis Vance Jr. 273

Promoter : Rising Star Promotions

Venue: Boardwalk Hall

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Tickets are available for $65, $85, $150 and $200 and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE

Lyndon Arthur remains on track to fight for the world title in May after flooring late replacement Boris Crighton on the way to a unanimous points win. 

Arthur, live and free-to-air on Channel 5, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, had to bide his time against his former sparring partner from Scotland, after original opponent Braian Suarez failed a medical on Thursday. 

Suarez’s withdrawal meant the vacant IBO light heavyweight world title was no longer on the line, but Arthur could afford no mistakes against Crighton on the Wasserman Boxing card at the University of Bolton Stadium, if he wanted to challenge for the belt later this year. 

And though the spirited Crighton made life difficult for ‘King’,  Manchester’s Arthur refused to be ruffled and proved his world class credentials down the stretch in front of a sell-out crowd.

After a strong eighth session, Arthur hurt ‘Blade’ in round nine and then detonated a huge right hand to send Crighton to the canvas late in the 10th.

Crighton rose to his feet to hear the final bell but Arthur was awarded the victory with scores of 98-92, 96-93 and 99-91 by the ringside judges and he now turns his attention back to the IBO world title.

Arthur, now 22-1, said: “Crighton literally came in at the last minute and I was supposed to be fighting someone completely different, with a completely different style, for the title.
“It was scrappy at times but, in the end, it was a good 10 rounds for me and we keep moving.”

Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland said: “We march on, to May and the world championship for Lyndon Arthur.
“We have had it confirmed by the IBO that Lyndon is now mandatory challenger for the vacant belt and we will find out his opponent in the next few weeks, but there will be a world title for Lyndon Arthur in May.”

Also live in front of the Channel 5 audience, Kane Gardner edged out Conah Walker after an electric eight rounds in Bolton.

Local hero Gardner was given the nod 78-76 over Wolverhampton’s Walker but both men emerged with huge credit after delivering a thrilling contest.

The fearsome flyweight Chloe Watson closed the show by extending her unbeaten professional record to 5-0 with a four round win over Romina Sosa.

Watson, coached by Ricky Hatton, set a lightning quick pace against her Argentinean rival and, roared on by her loyal army of fans, took a well deserved 39-37 victory.

James Moorcroft earned a shot at the English welterweight title with a devastating second round stoppage of Nathan Bennett. 

Moorcroft, trained by Manchester legend Anthony Crolla, sent Bennett to the floor after a barrage of heavy shots and though his Liverpool rival beat the count, the referee decided he was in no fit state to continue. 

Victory in this final eliminator now secures Wigan’s Moorcroft a shot at English glory. 

Crowd favourite Niall Brown and Bahadur Karami engaged in a fight-of-the-night contender over six punishing rounds. 

Both men received a standing ovation, but it was Brown who had his hand raised, winning 59-55 on the official’s card. 

Unbeaten German middleweight Denis Radovan saw his blood-stained battle with Fouad El Masaoudi brought to a premature finish in round five. 

The ringside doctor deemed the cut above El Masaoudi’s eye was too severe for him to continue and so at 1:45 of the round, the fight was stopped with the referee having Radovan 50-46 ahead at the time. 

Other undercard results:  

Bobby Faulkner 40-36 Georgi Velichkov 

Sultan Zaurbek WTKO5 Facundo Arce 

Oliver Zaren 40-36 Frane Radnic

Alex Murphy 40-36 Liam Fox 

Katharina Thanderz 77-75 Ioana Fecioru  

Ashley Marron WRTD1 Daryl Pearce  

WBC Super Middleweight Title (Interim) – 12 Rounds

David Benavídez – 166 ¾ lbs.

Caleb Plant – 167 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Kenny Bayless; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Dave Moretti (Nev.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Jesús Ramos – 153 ¼ lbs.

Joey Spencer – 153 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Chris Colbert – 134 ½ lbs.

Jose Valenzuela – 134 lbs.

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Lisa Giampa (Nev.), Don Trella (Conn.)

WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Cody Crowley – 145 ¼ lbs.

Abel Ramos – 146 lbs.

Referee: Robert Hoyle; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Super Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Kevin Gonzalez – 121 ½ lbs.

José Sanmartin – 121 ½ lbs.

Referee: Allen Huggins; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Lisa Giampa (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Orestes Velazquez – 142 lbs.

Marcelino Lopez – 141 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. with Bob Dunphy, son of Hall of Fame boxing announcer Don Dunphy, directing. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as the expert analyst. 

The SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, who also serves as an analyst alongside Marquez on SHOBOX.

#          #          #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. PLANT

Benavídez vs. Plant will see undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant meet in a high-stakes, 12-round showdown for Benavídez’s Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer will go toe-to-toe in a 10-round super welterweight scuffle, as each fighter looks to make their claim as the future of the 154-pound division. The action will also see rising lightweights Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela meet in a 10-round duel, while unbeaten welterweight contender Cody Crowley faces the hard-hitting Abel Ramos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezPlant, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

    •  Jose Ramirez 140 lbs. vs. Richard Commey 140 lbs
(WBC Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

   •   Seniesa Estrada 104.2 lbs vs. Tina Rupprecht 104.8 lbs
(WBA, WBC & Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles — 10 Rounds)

•  Antonio Mireles 265.4 lbs vs. Patrick Mailata 321.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

•    Raymond Muratalla 136.6 lbs vs. Humberto Galindo 136 lbs
 (Lightweight— 10 Rounds)

•  Charlie Sheehy 134.8 lbs vs. Angel Rebollar 133.4 lbs
 (Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Jessie James Guerrero 109 lbs vs. Eduardo Alvarez 108.6 lbs
 (Light Flyweight — 4 Rounds)

•  Ricardo Ruvalcaba 140.8 lbs vs. Marco Antonio Cardenas 140.4 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Subaru Murata 121.6 lbs vs. Jose Negrete 121.4 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to the APEX with a pivotal clash in the heavyweight division that will see No. 3 ranked Sergei Pavlovich take on No. 4 Curtis Blaydes. The co-main event will see bantamweight contenders No. 8 Song Yadong and No. 10 Ricky Simon square off.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: PAVLOVICH vs. BLAYDES will take place Saturday, April 22 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the prelims beginning at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

The hard-hitting Pavlovich (17-1, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) sets out to deliver a sixth consecutive first-round knockout in his first UFC main event. The Russian-born striker has delivered devastating finishes against formidable foes Tai Tuivasa, Derrick Lewis, and Shamil Abdurakhimov, and now has his sights set on putting away Blaydes and becoming a viable title contender.

Heavyweight veteran Blaydes (17-3 1NC, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) aims to showcase another dominant performance. Throughout his UFC run, Blaydes has scored numerous memorable victories, including wins over Tom Aspinall, Chris Daukaus, and former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. Blaydes now intends on extinguishing Pavlovich’s win streak and proving that he deserves a shot at the heavyweight throne.

China’s Song (19-7-1 1NC, fighting out of Heilongjiang, China) looks to regain momentum with a decisive win over a surging contender. An unrelenting force in the bantamweight division, he holds wins over Marlon Moraes, Marlon Vera, and Casey Kenney. Song now plans to defeat another ranked contender in Simon.

Simon (20-3, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) looks to start 2023 with a bang by handing out a show-stealing win. A versatile finisher, he has delivered impressive wins over elite competition such as Merab Dvalishvili, Raphael Assunção, and Jack Shore. Simon is now gunning to deliver a highlight-reel performance against Song to inch his way closer to the Top 5 rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• UFC veteranBrad Tavares (19-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) looks to deliver a stellar showing against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Bruno Silva (13-5-2, fighting out of Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil) at middleweight
• An electrifying welterweight bout sees Jeremiah Wells (11-2, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) lock horns with the always entertaining Matthew Semeslberger (11-4, fighting out of Frederick, Md.)
• Exciting lightweights Bobby Green (29-14-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) and Jared Gordon (19-6, fighting out of Astoria, N.Y.) look to steal the show
• Iasmin Lucindo (13-5, fighting out Fortaleza, Brazil) meets The Ultimate Fighter season 30 finalist Brogan Walker (8-3, fighting out of Hagåtña, Guam) at flyweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Caio Borralho (13-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) goes toe-to-toe with Michal Oleksiejczuk (18-5, fighting out of Barki, Poland) in an exciting middleweight matchup
• Rick Glenn (22-6-2, fighting out of Des Moines, Iowa) battles Christos Giagos (19-10, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) at lightweight
• At bantamweight, Rani Yahya (28-10-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) looks to break the three-fight win streak of Montel Jackson (13-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
• A stylistic thriller pits No. 9 ranked bantamweight Karol Rosa (16-4, fighting out of Niteroi, Brazil) against Sanda black belt Norma Dumont (8-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) at featherweight
• A fiery flyweight contest sees undefeated Rafael Estevam (11-0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) make his UFC debut against fellow Dana White’s Contender Series signee Carlos Candelario (8-3, fighting out of Springfield, Wash.)
• Guaranteed fireworks are set for the heavyweight division as The Ultimate Fighter season 30winner Mohammed Usman (9-2, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) takes onundefeated UFC newcomer Junior Tafa (4-0, fighting out of Queensland, Australia)
• An exciting featherweight tilt will see Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Francis Marshall (7-0, fighting out of N.J.) put his perfect record on the line against William Gomis (11-2, fighting out of Paris, France)
• Heavy-handed striker Priscila Cachoeira (12-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Karine Silva (15-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) square off at flyweight
• Bantamweights start the night’s action as The Ultimate Fighter season 30 finalist Brady Hiestand (7-2, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.)meets Batgerel Danaa (12-4, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

Boxing is heading into Beast Mode. 

English football’s biggest cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa is the new voice of boxing, live on Channel 5, after signing up with Wasserman Boxing, to become the MC for tonight’s huge show in Bolton. 

Akinfewa, known to football fans around the world as ‘The Beast’, will kick-off his ring announcing journey as Lyndon Arthur faces the dangerous late replacement Boris Crighton live in front of a huge audience on free-to-air TV, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment. 

The larger-than-life former striker played almost 800 times, and scored over 200 goals, in a career that saw him become one of the game’s most colourful and recognised characters. 

Described by Pep Guardiola as a “legend of English football”, the iconic Akinfenwa will now bring his booming voice and heavyweight personality to the boxing ring. 

“Boxing better get ready for some Beast Mode energy” roared Akinfenwa  

“When I retired from football last year, I made it clear that I wanted to try my hand at a lot of different things, and being a big-time boxing MC was top of that list. 

“Everyone knows I’m a huge boxing fan and I cannot wait to bring my Beast energy to Bolton on Friday night, on a huge night for Lyndon Arthur, live on Channel 5, with Wasserman Boxing. 

“The atmosphere on Friday night is going to be electric and I cannot wait to announce the fighters to the ring.” 

Akinfenwa, known as the strongest striker in the world during his playing days, amassed a huge army of followers because of his footballing exploits but hopes to win new fans by stepping through the ropes, and picking up the mic. 

“Big time boxing on Channel 5 just got a whole lot bigger!” buzzed Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland. 

“We are thrilled to have Adebayo announcing the fighters to ring, live on Channel 5, on Friday night and the Beast Mode energy he is going to bring will crank up the excitement levels for Lyndon Arthur’s dangerous fight against Crighton. 

“Adebayo became a huge fan favourite in football and we know the boxing fans are going to love him!” 

Lyndon Arthur vs Boris Crighton is live and free-to-air on Channel 5 at 10pm.

Tickets are available from Wassermanboxing.com   

Manchester, England – Lawrence Okolie‘s world championship title defence tomorrow night is now official, following both fighters making weight at today’s pre-fight weigh-ins in Manchester, England.

The defending WBO world cruiserweight champion faces undefeated New Zealand-based challenger David ‘The Great White’ Light, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist who has fought his way to mandatory challenger status in the WBO rankings.

Light (20-0, 12 KO’s)  has promised the upset while Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) is confident he can end the fight early and retain his title with a highlight-reel finish.

The event airs live and exclusively this Saturday night in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

Also on the scales today were English Super-Featherweight Championship contenders Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s)  – son of Manchester boxing legend Michael Gomez – and Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s), who face off for the vacant belt tomorrow night. 

Gomez made sparks fly when the two faced off after weighing in, shoving Giles over and prompting security to intervene and separate the pair, setting the stage for a fiery showdown tomorrow night.

2020 Olympic medallists Karriss Artingstall (2-0) and Frazer Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) made their fights official when they stepped on the scales, Clarke getting to see his opponent for the first time as Romanian heavyweight Bogdan Dinu (20-4, 16 KO’s) arrived as late replacement for American veteran Rydell Booker, who was taken ill at the start of the week.

BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom has lauded the main event as “a serious fight, a proper world-title fight” which will test Okolie, who trains with Tyson Fury’s coach Sugar Hill Steward.

“[Light] is someone who has earned his position, not someone we have chosen and not necessarily someone we would choose for [Okolie’s] first fight after a year out, with a new trainer on a new platform,” said Shalom at yesterday’s press conference.

“We know David Light is tough, durable and can punch. We know he’s always fighting on the front foot and he’s going to stick it on Lawrence on Saturday night. There’s a lot of pressure on Lawrence to prove to everyone who he is, why we believe he’s the best cruiserweight in the world.

Today’s weigh-in results in full:

Lawrence Okolie (14st 4lbs) vs. David Light (14st 2lbs 5oz)

WBO World Cruiserweight Title (12×3)

Frazer Clarke (19st 5lbs) vs. Bogdan Dinu (17st 10lbs)

Heavyweight (8×3)

Michael Gomez Jnr (9st 4lbs) vs. Levi Giles (9st 2lbs 5oz)

Vacant English Super-Featherweight Title (10×3)

Karriss Artingstall (9st) vs. Linzi Kuczy?ski (9st 2lbs)

Featherweight (6×2)

Callum Simpson (11st 4lbs 3oz) vs. Celso Neves (12st 0lbs 5oz)

Super-Middleweight (8×3)

Rhys Edwards (9st 2lbs 5oz) vs. Brian Phillips (9st 3lbs 5oz) 

Featherweight (8/6×3)

Shakiel Thompson (11st 12lbs 5oz) vs.Robert Talarek (11st 11lbs) 

Middleweight (6×3)

Samiel Antwi (10st 13lbs) vs. Omar Rodriguez (10st 13lbs)

6×3 Welterweight

Frankie Stringer (9st 12lbs) vs. Jacob Laskowski (9st 11lbs)

6×3 Lightweight

Harvey Lambert (10st 13lbs) vs.  Casey Brown (11st 5lbs 2oz)

Super-Welterweight (4×3)

Lyndon Arthur faces a last-minute change of opponent in Bolton after Braian Suarez failed a pre-fight medical. 

And late replacement, Boris Crighton has warned ‘King’ Arthur to expect an easy night at his peril, as the former sparring partners become rivals for real. 

Arthur was ready to lock horns with KO artist Suarez for the vacant IBO light heavyweight title at the University of Bolton Stadium, but medical issues meant the Argentinean was forced out and the supremely confident Crighton was drafted in. 

Crighton, nicknamed ‘Blade’, travelled from Glasgow on Thursday and was brimming with confidence ahead of his big chance on the Wasserman Boxing show, live on Channel 5, from 10pm, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment. 

Arthur knew victory over Suarez, and winning the IBO title, would put him in pole position to land huge fights with any number of the world’s leading light heavyweight fighters. 

But to keep those dreams alive, the Manchester hero must deal with Crighton, a two-time Great Britain Amateur Championships winner and fighter determined to seize his golden chance. 

“This is a win-win for me, I’m in with a guy who fights at a weight that I don’t normally fight at, and someone who has had a full camp to prepare for a world title, so this is no small feat I am looking at,” Crighton said. 

“He is much bigger than me, but as the lighter man I will be faster, sharper and I have got that power regardless of whether I am at super middle or light heavy. 

“In those 10oz gloves, from super middleweight to light heavyweight, everybody has the power to put you down. Lyndon is not oblivious to that, and neither am I. The first few rounds will be like a chess match, but the middle rounds are where we are going to find out. The fifth, sixth and seventh will be where it gets exciting and where it will be make or break.” 

Crighton, who was preparing for a fight next month, received the phone call as he stepped out of a yoga class and instantly knew he had nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by accepting the offer. 

An upset win over Arthur would be “unimaginable” for his career and the 29-year-old, a double Scottish amateur champion, has promised his rival that he will bring the heat tonight. 

“I have sparred Lyndon before, it was good sparring and when you spar a high-level fighter like Lyndon, then the spars are like world championship fights – and that is how tonight is going to be.  I sparred Lyndon for the bout before he fought the rematch with Anthony Yarde and before the first fight with Yarde. 

“Lyndon won the Yarde fight with his jab; it is his prime weapon and if you allow him to get into a rhythm with his jab then he will control the fight.” 

Wasserman Boxing return for their opening event of the year and delivers an action-packed undercard featuring 50-50 fights, a title eliminator and a host of national and international stars.  

Formidable flyweight Chloe Watson is one to watch and she aims to continue her march to the top of the sport, with a six-round showdown in Bolton.  

Kane Gardner and Conah Walker engage in a fiery looking super lightweight tussle with James Moorcroft facing Nathan Bennett in an English title eliminator which is being tipped to steal the show.  

The first bell is at 17:45. 

Full weigh-in results and tonight’s running order can be found at www.WassermanBoxing.com  

Ahead of the April 1 featherweight title match at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Tulsa, OK, ESPN will air the original program, Blood, Sweat & Tears: Ramírez vs. Dogboe.

Fans will be treated to a 30-minute all-access preview that will feature both training camps ahead of the battle for the vacant WBO featherweight world championship between 29-year-old Cuban sensation Robeisy “El Tren” Ramírez (11-1, 7 KOs) and the 28-year-old Ghanaian former world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe (24-2, 16 KOs).

Ramírez enters the title bout having won 11 straight, including a successful return victory over Adán Gonzáles who stunned Ramírez via split decision in his pro debut. Now the highly decorated amateur prodigy and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist steps up to the plate in his first-ever world title opportunity.

The fighting pride of Africa, Dogboe was born in Ghana and now resides in London, England as he looks to become a two-division world champion. Dogboe previously held the WBO junior featherweight world title, including one successful title defense before going nearly 24-straight rounds in back-to-back wars against Emanuel Navarrete, the three-division kingpin. Since then, “Royal Storm” has bounced back with four-straight victories to setup his next world title opportunity.

In addition to the air times below, Blood, Sweat & Tears: Ramírez vs. Dogboewill also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Blood, Sweat & Tears: Ramírez vs. Dogboe

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real Time Go all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
• Boxing
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PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY — March 23, 2023 — It is with our deep regret to inform you of the devastating, and tragic passing of Ernest Hall, who was 32, and a father of three. 

Statement from Scott Abella

Abella Boxing Promotions extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Ernest Hall, who met a tragic and untimely death Wednesday evening in his native city of Baltimore, Maryland. 

Ernest was a young and thriving fighter looking for an opportunity to have a debut fight with Abella Boxing Promotions and had the mutual respect from all of us in the promotion and with his opponent John Leonardo.

The sport of boxing and the gym provides an outlet for youngsters and those like Ernest as an alternative to the continued violence that continues to plague our society and Ernest had that positive outlet that was provided. A moment of silence for Ernest will be observed at our scheduled show Bergen County Fight Night 3, next Saturday at The Terrace at Biagio’s in Paramus, New Jersey.

Again our deep condolences to his family and friends.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Due to the unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances, John Leonardo will no longer be fighting on Saturday April 1 in Bergen County Fight Night 3. The remaining fight card remains as previously noted. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

For any further questions, or concerns, please contact us, Robert Rizzo and/or Rich Mancuso with the contact information provided below. 

PLEASE NOTE OF THIS REVISION FROM THE PREVIOUS PRESS RELEASE OF JOHN LEONARDO DISTRIBUTED FROM EARLIER TODAY THURSDAY MARCH 23, 2023. 

Six-Round Bouts

Nicky “The Bull” Vitone (9-1-1, 63.6 KO%) of Pine Brook, New Jersey, fights Jordan Rosario (4-10-0) in a super-lightweight bout. 

Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado, (5-0-0, 20 KO%), of Ridgewood, Queens, NY, will put his undefeated record up on the line against Usiel Hernandez (2-1-0) in a junior lightweight bout. 

Mike “The Champ” Lee (9-2-0, 63.6 KO%) of Jersey City, New Jersey, takes on Antonio Sanchez (7-16-3) in a super welterweight bout. 

Four-Round Bouts

Christian “Veneno” Otero (4-3-0, 28.5 KO%) of Harlem, NY will go toe-to-toe with southpaw Vinnie Denierio (3-7-0) in a lightweight bout. 

Dane Guerrero, of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, is set to make his pro-debut against Andre Hinmon (0-2-0) in a super middleweight bout. 

Kevin Hernandez (0-0-1), of Bergenfield, New Jersey will go up against George Gethers (0-3-0) in a welterweight bout. 

FRESNO, Calif. (March 23, 2023) – Top Rank on ESPN will deliver another action-packed tripleheader this Saturday at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. 

In the main event, former unified world champion Jose Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs) takes on former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs) in a 12-round junior welterweight showdown. 
 
In the co-feature, WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) will face WBC champion Tina Rupprecht (12-0-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round unification fight that will also crown a Ring Magazine queen. In the six-round heavyweight ESPN-televised opener, Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs) battles Patrick Mailata (6-1, 3 KOs).
 
Ramirez-Commey, Estrada-Rupprecht and Mireles-Mailata will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $29 are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.
 
At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Ramirez 
 
“It’s always an honor for me to fight here in Fresno in front of the people who saw me grow up as a fighter. I hope to go out there on Saturday to showcase my talent in front of the people who love me the most.”
 
“I’ve experienced being at the top with people praising me and me being ranked at No. 1. Then, I became unified world champion when I beat Maurice Hooker. Then, all of a sudden after one loss, people started to walk away from that. But I’m just blessed that I have a beautiful family, a beautiful team, and a wonderful promotional company. That’s all I need. So, I found myself, and I realized who I am. I feel like I’m ready to show that lion that we all saw before I started getting distracted with some of the stuff that comes with being at the top. Now it’s time for me to work.”
 
“We’re focused on Richard Commey. This is a fight that is going to deliver a lot of excitement on Saturday.”
 
Richard Commey
 
“I’m always excited to get back in the ring. This is what I do. It’s going to be an interesting fight on Saturday. I really want to become a two-time world champion, so I’m coming strong this Saturday.”
 
“Like Ramirez said, he’s got the ‘fire’ back in him. So, I think he really wants to get back to the top. Just like me.”
 
“It’s always good to represent people, especially when those people don’t have a lot of eyes on them. So, to be the focal point and represent them is an amazing feeling.”
 
Seniesa Estrada 
 
“I’m so excited. This is the moment that I’ve dreamed of since I was seven years old. It’s crazy to think about how far I’ve come in this sport and how far this sport has come for women. Who would have thought that a little girl from East L.A. would be unifying titles on ESPN? It’s insane to think about how far I’ve come, and I’m just happy to represent all women in sport on Saturday night.”
 
“I expect Rupprecht to come in there at 100%. I expect her to go in there to win. She’s coming to win. She’s a good fighter. She’s a tough fighter. But I know that I’m different. I’m special, and I’m going to show that on Saturday.”
 
“I’ve been wanting to make the fight against Yokasta Valle. But this is the first step in making that fight happen. I have to beat Tina to fight Valle for the undisputed championship.”
 
Tina Rupprecht
 
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m happy to have my first fight in the U.S. I’m excited, and I’m ready to fight. It’s a big honor to fight for both titles. This is always what I wanted. And on Saturday you will see the best version of Tina.”
 
“Of course, I have watched her fight. But I’m not the kind of fighter who only focuses only on the opponent’s style. I also focus on myself. You will see on Saturday.”
 
Antonio Mireles
 
“I’m very excited. I knew this would happen. I just didn’t know it would happen now. It’s going to be nice to finally fight in front of a packed crowd on ESPN. It’s crazy that it’s been over a year since I turned pro. It shows how fast time goes by. But compared to where I was last year, I just feel like a completely different fighter. I’ve improved so much. But, I’m also more confident in my abilities.”

Raymond Muratalla
 
“I’m excited to be here. It’s my first time fighting in Fresno. I’m excited to be on the undercard of Jose Ramirez. I can’t wait. Each fight, I’m getting better and better. You’re going to see me go crazy. I’m just so ambitious. I’m just working hard. And I’m just really trying to stop these opponents.”
 

Saturday, March 25

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Jose Ramirez vs. Richard Commey, 12 rounds, WBC Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator

Antonio Mireles vs. Patrick Mailata, 6 rounds, Heavyweight
 

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Raymond Muratalla vs. Humberto Galindo, 10 rounds, Lightweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Angel Rebollar, 6 rounds, Lightweight
 
Jessie James Guerrero vs. Eduardo Alvarez, 4 rounds, Light Flyweight
 
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Marco Cardenas, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 
Subaru Murata vs. Jose Negrete, 4 rounds, Junior Featherweight

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 23, 2023) – Undefeated super featherweight, DJ “The War Machine” Zamora (10-0, 8 KOs), is excited to be returning to the ring as prepares to take on his toughest test when he battles Jesus Abel Ibarra (15-0, 7 KOs), in what is sure to be an epic clash of unbeaten fighters. The 8-round bout will take place this Saturday March 25, 2023, on the highly anticipated Benavidez vs. Plant card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I am very excited to share the ring with another undefeated fighter and this is by far the biggest opportunity of my career,” stated Zamora, who will be fighting in his hometown Las Vegas. “I know exactly what is on the line and what I must do. I hope to give the fans a great show and send a message to the super-featherweight division. I know Ibarra, like me, is a tough fighter with a lot of heart, so we both will be leaving everything in the ring. Fans can expect to see an explosive fight.”

Zamora, who is only 19 years old, has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the Las Vegas boxing scene. He’s already shown that he has the power and skill to be a force in the ring. But his impressive record is not the only thing that sets him apart. Zamora has sparred with some of the biggest names in boxing. These experiences have given him valuable insights into the sport and have helped him to hone his skills even further.

“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and experience having sparred guys like Devin Haney and Shukur Stevenson, as well as my others out here in Las Vegas,” continued Zamora. “Ryan Garcia invited me to one of his training camps a few years back, and that work was incredible. I know what I’m capable of and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be fighting under the bright lights. I want to thank my team for making this possible. My confidence is at an all-time high and all the hard work will be on display this Saturday.”

The excitement surrounding this fight is palpable, with fans and experts alike eagerly anticipating the clash between these two unbeaten fighters. It’s sure to be a thrilling battle. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most exciting young fighters in boxing take on his toughest challenge yet.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (March 23, 2023) – World cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie came face to face with David Light in Manchester today at the pre-fight press conference ahead of this Saturday’s clash at the AO Arena Manchester, which will air live on Sky Sports.

<CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PHOTOS>Credit to BOXXER / Lawrence Lustig

Light has battled his way to the mandatory challenger position for this shot at Okolie’s WBO title. Both fighters are undefeated, which means one of them will lose his ‘0’ this weekend.

Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) says the loser of the bout will become “irrelevant” and confidently expects that to be New Zealand man Light, while Light (20-0, 12 KO’s) is revelling in his underdog status and promising the upset.

Olympic standouts Karriss Artingstall (2-0) and Frazer Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) – both of whom won bronze medals at the 2020 Olympics – also compete this weekend in the next bouts of their nascent professional careers.

Clarke had been due to face American veteran Rydell Booker but now has a late change of opponent due to Booker falling ill. 

The slot has gone to towering Romanian special forces soldier Bogdan Dinu (20-4, 16 KO’s), who challenged for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title last year and has also faced former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev in 2019.

Also facing off at today’s press conference were local favourite Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s) son of Manchester boxing legend Michael Gomez, and his undefeated rival Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s). The two are competing for the vacant English Super-Featherweight Championship.

Here’s what today’s press conference participants had to say:

LAWRENCE OKOLIE

“He’s coming to win, [which] sets you up for a lot of openings. But you don’t get to this position by overlooking people, ever.

“It’s a nice safe place to hide behind being the underdog. When I see him I know what he really is. I’m prepared for what he may bring and will do what I need to do.

“I am going to be matching him and overmatching him for pressure and power from round one.

“Saturday’s going to come. One of us is going to win and the other one’s going to become irrelevant. So I’m looking forward to it.”

DAVID LIGHT

“I’m not here on somebody’s else’s terms… I’ve earned the shot. I’m coming to win. I know he’s a proud man and he’s going to defend with everything he’s got.

“I could have taken this fight a few years ago, for the money, but I am not here for the money – I’m here for the title.”

BEN SHALOM, BOXXER PROMOTER + CEO

“This is a serious fight, a proper world-title fight. It’s someone who has earned his position, not someone we have chosen and not necessarily someone we would choose for [Okolie’s] first fight after a year out, with a new trainer on a new platform. 

“We know David Light is tough, durable and can punch. We know he’s always fighting on the front foot and he’s going to stick it on Lawrence on Saturday night. There’s a lot of pressure on Lawrence to prove to everyone who he is, why we believe he’s the best cruiserweight in the world.

“He’s got to be able to deal with David Light. I’m very excited for it, I think we’re in for an absolute treat and we’re certainly not overlooking David Light.” 

MATT ROSE, DAVID LIGHT’S PROMOTER 

“He knows how to go into people’s backyards and win, that’s one thing he’s really good at. He’s based in New Zealand, he comes to Australia and wins, he goes to the US and wins. I know his trainer Isaac Peach has put a great game-plan together and I’ve told Ben Shalom we’re here to spoil the party.”

MICHAEL GOMEZ JR 

“I’ll punch you up now,” Gomez told Giles directly.

“I don’t know anything about him. Saturday night we’ll find out who he is. 

“I’m just going to punch his face in. I’m just going to go in there, stick it on him and see how good he is.

LEVI GILES

“I do my talking in the ring. It’s a good test for me, see where I’m at.

“We know what he brings. Forward, one dimensional. We know what he’s going to bring and we know how to deal with it.”

KARRISS ARTINGSTALL

“Her throwing her shots is going to leave more openings for me so I’m going to find my shots as well.”

“I am a level above [her] – two levels, if anything! – and I’ll show that on Saturday.”

LINZI BUCZYNSKYJ

“I just wanted the opportunity to show everyone on a big stage what I can actually do. I’m not scared to take any fight. I’ll fight anyone at any time on any stage.

“I have got the experience. She’s the one that’s got everything to prove.”

FRAZER CLARKE

“Unfortunately, Rydell Booker had to pull out of the fight. He had a medical problem and best wishes to him, we hope he gets better soon. But we’ve got a new opponent, Bogdan Dinu, he’s a credible opponent, who’s boxed some great names. It’s a good fight for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

“This is heavyweight boxing. It’s dangerous. Especially this guy at short notice. It’s up to me to be professional, which I am, go in there and do my job. I’m looking forward to it.

“It doesn’t matter who’s getting in with me at the weekend. I feel confident, I’m fit and strong. I’m ready to do a job.”

LONDON, England – Wednesday, March 22 – BOXXER, the next generation boxing promotion, will warm up British boxing fans before the summer with three sizzling shows, stacked with some of the UK’s leading prize fighters – including its first-ever stadium show on home soil.

The headline news begins with BOXXER’s first-ever UK stadium show on Bank Holiday Weekend in May, as BOXXER heads back to Bournemouth for another blistering battle on the beach on Saturday, May 27, headlined by hometown hero Chris Billam-Smith (17-1, 12 KO’s). 

It takes place at the 15,000-capacity Vitality Stadium – home of Premier League football team AFC Bournemouth. An opponent for diehard Cherries supporter Billam-Smith will be revealed next Monday at a press conference in London (details to media will follow this week) in a main event that promises to be one of the fights of the year. 

“I think it will be an amazing event and an amazing show. To become number one in my division by winning at my team’s ground would be a dream. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. There’s been a lot of special moments there. Hopefully I can create another one,” said Billam-Smith.

And domestic cruiserweight quality will occupy the chief support slot on the South Coast with Mikael Lawal (17-0, 11 KO’s) making his first defence of the British Cruiserweight Championship he won by stopping David Jamieson in November.

Standing opposite him will be Isaac Chamberlain (14-2, 8 KO’s), making his second trip to Bournemouth following his unsuccessful attempt to take the Commonwealth and European cruiserweight belts from Billam-Smith in July last year.

Further fights will be announced in due course, along with ticket news for fight fans.

BOXXER’s terrific trio of electrifying events kicks off with ‘Crowning Glory’ on Saturday, May 6th at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham when newly-announced BOXXER signing Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KO’s) makes his eagerly-anticipated promotional debut. 

On the day King Charles III is coronated, the former British light-heavyweight champion – who is ranked No.1 in the world by the WBA – faces Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KO’s) in the headline bout and looks to end his Polish rival’s undefeated record in emphatic fashion as he kicks off his conquest for a world title.

In big news, generational prodigy Ben Whittaker (2-0, 1 KO’s) will make his long-awaited return to the ring in home city of Birmingham.The enigmatic 2020 Olympic silver medallist has already captured fans’ hearts and imaginations with his stunning skills, entertaining showboating style and inhuman reflexes – and he’ll be looking to come back with a bang for what will be his third professional outing.

BOXXER’s first visit to the UK’s second city will also feature Birmingham man Tyler Denny (16-2-3) defending his English middleweight championship in his home city. Denny won the belt in Coventry in June last year and will be making his third defence in this May bout with an opponent to be confirmed.

And Team GB golden girl Lauren Price MBE (3-0, 1 KO) – the nation’s most decorated amateur fighter of all-time – will return, fresh from her impressive victory away from home in Paris where she outclassed Naomi Mannes.

On Saturday, June 10 we head to London where new school meets old school as the incredible Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) competes at the historic York Hall which holds a special place in British boxing folklore.

Azim, 20, has been heralded as a future world champion and last month overcame Santos Reyes at Wembley’s OVO Arena to extend his incredible, unbeaten start to life as a professional fighter.

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “We are excited to announce phase one of what is a huge schedule coming up for BOXXER and Sky Sports.

“It’s amazing to see new headliners get to the top, new marquee signings start with us and the return of fighters from injury. It really is going to be a groundbreaking few months with career-defining fights and huge nights.

“A special thanks to Joe Ashford-Ellis and AFC Bournemouth for making everything possible for us to stage our first-ever UK stadium show – and a first for the Premier League club too.”

For further details on tickets and event news, head to BOXXER.com

These events will be presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.