RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (May 14, 2024) — Heavyweight history will be made soon in The Kingdom.

WBC/Lineal champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown this Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner becomes the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis accomplished that feat in 1999.

On Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, the main event combatants and undercard fighters made their grand arrivals. The pageantry was befitting one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in modern memory, a long-simmering rivalry that will play out in four days.

Fury has been the lineal champion for nearly nine years and is coming off last October’s decision over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. Usyk survived a tough challenge before knocking out Daniel Dubois in the ninth round last August in Poland. After a Fury cut suffered in sparring scuttled their original Feb. 17 fight date, the world’s top heavyweights are finally in the same location.

The Fury-Usyk card is available on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 

The pay-per-view undercard features a pair of world title fights. In the co-feature, cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) puts his Ring Magazine belt on the line against Mairis Breidis (28-2, 20 KOs), the man he dethroned for the IBF world title in July 2022. The vacant IBF world title will also be at stake in this highly anticipated rematch. 

The fighting pride of Wales, IBF junior lightweight world champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs), defends his strap against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).

At Tuesday’s grand arrivals, this is what Fury, Usyk, and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say. 

Tyson Fury

“It feels absolutely fantastic to be in the great Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m feeling fantastic. I can’t wait to put a good show on. There’s so many people coming. It’s such an event. All the big stars are here. It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“If I was fighting an old dosser on Saturday night who had five fights and lost them all, it would be very important to me. Every fight I’ve ever had is important to me. Every little fight along the way was important to me. I believe that every left and right turn I’ve ever taken in my life, every time I’ve fallen over, and every time I’ve climbed up was all leading to this moment. It’s destiny.”

“I predict that somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go. And it’s going to be that team over there, unfortunately for them. Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. Olympic gold medalist, cruiserweight world champion, heavyweight world champion. But, unfortunately for him, he has to come against the great Tyson Fury in the era of me. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night.”

“Even if he had 20 million people screaming his name, they cannot fight for him on the night. And when there’s two men in there on the night, it’s going to be very daunting when he has the undertaker in the ring with him.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I feel good. I’m very happy to be here. Saturday is a special day because I will have the opportunity to become undisputed for a second time. It’s great. It’s very good for me. It’s very important for my country. I like that.”

“I have a plan. It’s a better plan. And it’s a great plan.”

“I really appreciate the support from my fans and Ukrainian soldiers. I love my fans.”

Bob Arum

“Unfortunately, we don’t see enough of these events in boxing. The undisputed heavyweight championship of the world occurs so infrequently that it’s almost like a blue moon coming. And now, on Saturday night, we will have the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world here in Riyadh. And that means that after this fight, there is one ‘Baddest Man on the Planet,’ the undisputed heavyweight champion. That means everything in the sport of boxing. That means everything for fans who love boxing.”

Saturday, May 18

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT)
 

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, 12 rounds, Undisputed Heavyweight World Title
 
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis 2, 12 rounds, Vacant IBF and Opetaia’s Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles

Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab, 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title

Sergey Kovalev vs. Robin Sirwan Safar, 10 rounds, Cruiserweight

Daniel Lapin vs. Octavio Pudivtr, 10 rounds, Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title 

Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz have both signed co-promotional deals with Matchroom and Universal Promotions.

Piñeiro (6-0 2 KOs) in undefeated in the paid ranks and closing in on her first title action. ‘The Medicine’ still harbors ambitions of competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer, echoing back to her amateur success where she won Central American gold in 2023 and bronze in 2018. The 33 year old also plays professional basketball in Puerto Rico, and has represented the Morovis Mountaineers in the BSNF league since 2009.

Ortiz (5-0 4 KOs) is one of the hottest young stars in Puerto Rico, and the 20 year old has banked four wins inside the distance from his five victories to date since turning pro in October 2022. “Willito” joined the paid ranks as a four-time Puerto Rican national champion and 2021 Pan Am games bronze medalist.

“As a woman in boxing, this is a great opportunity and I’m very excited about it. This catapults my professional career”, said Piñeiro. “From the first day, I signed with Universal Promotions, they promised me that many doors would open and with this, great opportunities would come.

“Now I am not only with the best promoter in Puerto Rico, Javier Bustillo, but I also going to work with the best promoter in the world. We are going to show the world that women’s boxing in Puerto Rico is a serious sports matter”.

“I am thankful and motivated for this opportunity to sign with the biggest promoter in the world!” said Ortiz. “This has always been one of my goals, to be able to showcase my level of talent locally and worldwide. I would also like to thank my family and my team for supporting and believing in me.”

“It’s an honor to fulfill this alliance with our friends at Matchroom Boxing,” said Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions. “Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz are an important part of an elite group of prospects who will go out and conquer not only the world but the world of boxing. This alliance with Matchroom Boxing is only the beginning of great things to come for the boxing sport in Puerto Rico.”

NEW YORK (May 14, 2024)-Split-T Management undefeated heavyweight Devon Young ventured into the Team Combat League (TCL) and registered two stoppage victories in the same night.

Young of Aiken, South Carolina and fighting for the Atlanta Attack took out Demek Edmonds and Fardi Pashazade of the Boston Butchers this past Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida.

Young, who is promoted by King’s Promotions, has an undefeated professional boxing record 4-0 with three knockouts.

Saturday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Split-T Management undefeated junior lightweight Javier Zamarron won a six-round unanimous decision over Donnie Reeves.

Zamarron of Sheboygam, Wisconsin won by scores of 60-51 and 59-53 on two scorecards to raise his mark to 8-0.

Reeves of Hannibal, Missouri is 9-9.

NEW YORK (May 14, 2024)-Split-T Management undefeated heavyweight Devon Young ventured into the Team Combat League (TCL) and registered two stoppage victories in the same night.

Young of Aiken, South Carolina and fighting for the Atlanta Attack took out Demek Edmonds and Fardi Pashazade of the Boston Butchers this past Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida.

Young, who is promoted by King’s Promotions, has an undefeated professional boxing record 4-0 with three knockouts.

Saturday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Split-T Management undefeated junior lightweight Javier Zamarron won a six-round unanimous decision over Donnie Reeves.

Zamarron of Sheboygam, Wisconsin won by scores of 60-51 and 59-53 on two scorecards to raise his mark to 8-0.

Reeves of Hannibal, Missouri is 9-9.

Naoya Inoue, universally recognized as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has confirmed that he will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at the 583 Park Avenue venue, at 583 Park Ave, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938. Amanda Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift.

Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Attached are a seat reservation form, journal reservation form, a list of all honorees and a general information page.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. Feel free to contact Gina Andriolo directly with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 6th!

ANAHEIM, CA – May 13, 2024 – Fanmio announces today that they will present a July Fourth Weekend blockbuster and give fans a crown jewel event on the holiday’s combat sports calendar by delivering the pro boxing showdown between Nate Diaz and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal on a new date of Saturday, July 6 live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“LAST MAN STANDING: DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL” is set to provide July Fourth Weekend fireworks marking the first time two UFC superstars will go toe-to-toe in a pro boxing ring. Diaz vs. Masvidal will be the highlight of the July Fourth Weekend combat sports schedule and be supported by an exciting week of pre-fight events for fans and media alike.

“He won the first fight, but I’m back for more. So that’s what’s popping,” said Diaz. “This is a new fight and I’m here to win. That’s what it’s all about. I’ll fight anyone in any combat sport. We got a fight and we have to figure this all out on July 6.”

“Our new date July 6 gives me more time to train and do what I was going to do before, beat Nate’s ass,” said Masvidal. “Fighting on July Fourth Weekend is great for the fans. Lots of fireworks in and out of the ring. My shots will be just like them, blasting off in Nate’s face. I am going to destroy him that night, just you wait and see.”

“The new Saturday, July 6 date puts the event on a historical and patriotic weekend at Honda Center in Anaheim, California for all fight fans to enjoy during this great holiday,” said Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel. “Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal 2 will be a very competitive and exciting sequel as both fighters are training hard in their camps to write a definitive next chapter in their rivalry. Fight fans will not be disappointed.”

Coming on the heels of July 4, and showcasing two great American fighters in Diaz and Masvidal, “LAST MAN STANDING: DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL” promises to continue delivering the fireworks with a patriotic evening of boxing on July 6. 

Pre-sale tickets for the live event starting at only $55 (plus applicable fees and taxes) will be available TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 14 from 10:00 a.m. PT until 10:00 p.m. PT. Sign up for the pre-sale at Fanmio.com/Fight.

A limited number of VIP packages will also be available starting at $1,750. Packages, which include the best ringside seats, all-inclusive hospitality in the Honda Center’s exclusive Impact Club, the opportunity to step into the ring after the fight, VIP access to the weigh-in and more.

Public on-sale will begin Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. PT with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Fanmio will present the event in association with Diaz’s Real Fight Inc. and Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing Promotions.

The 10-round 175-pound light heavyweight fight headlines a pay-per-view available now for pre-order at FANMIO.com/ppv and FANMIO.com/DiazVsMasvidal for $79.99. Fans can also purchase through the Fanmio App, which is available globally via smart televisions and mobile devices via Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, Vizio Smart TV, Google TV and Chromecast.

Throughout their storied careers, Diaz and Masvidal have accounted for three of the top 10 highest-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history, with over 10 million pay-per-view buys combined over their careers.

Their first meeting saw Masvidal take home the inaugural UFC BMF title belt, a Diaz inspired belt based on his constant assertion that the style he and Masvidal bring forward made them the “baddest” in the game. The bout ended prematurely in the eyes of many, as a cut over Diaz’s eyebrow resulted in a TKO for Masvidal. With the cut leading to an unsatisfying ending, July 6 marks an opportunity for these two warriors to finally battle it out to the finish.

**Fans who purchased tickets for the originally scheduled fight date will be issued a refund from their original point of purchase.

#         #         #

ABOUT “LAST MAN STANDING: DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL”

Follow the conversation leading up to this unique boxing duel on all social media platforms with the hashtag #DiazMasvidal and through @Fanmio, @NateDiaz209 and @GamebredFighter on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to stay tuned for more exciting announcements leading up to July 6. 

LOS ANGELES (May 13, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc., in association with Whitfield Haydon Boxing, returns June 15^th to the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington, to showcase its powerful stable of professional boxers on the “EQC Fight Night” card.

Undefeated Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of La Mesa (CA), defends his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental super featherweight title for the first time, versus 2015 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in an All-Toro 10-round main event.

Brooks, 28, captured his WBA Continental USA belt in his last fight, when he knocked out previously unbeaten (7-0) Jose Manuel Izaguirre in the seventh round this past February 10^th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.

Avagyan, now living in Burbank (CA), was a two-time bronze medalist in the European Championships as an amateur, in addition to representing his country at the 2016 Olympics. His most recent fight, after nearly three years of inactivity, was on April 12^th in Colorado, in which his opponent, Juan Santiago, was unable to continue after three rounds. 

Red-hot, power broker and 2020 Ukraine Olympian, Tsotne Rogava (7-0, 7 KOs), continues his accelerated march to a world heavyweight rating, when the 6’ 5”, 270-pounder takes on battle-tested Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs), of Seattle, in the eight-round co-featured event. 

A champion kickboxer who has successfully transitioned to boxing, the Georgia-native and Ukraine-raised Rogava has won his last four fights via first-round stoppages, and he’s only fought a grand total of nine rounds in seven pro bouts to date. Rogava now resides in Marina del Rey (CA), and he is trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen.

Toro Promotions has an imposing group of gifted and large heavyweight, including Rogava, Dante Stone (16-1, 11 KOs), Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs) and another rising prospect, Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-1, 10 KOs), who will also be in action on the June 15^th show.

Ibeh, who is a native of Nigeria who now resides in Phoenix, is a cousin of the retired, infamous heavyweight boxer Ike Ibeabuchi. The 6’ 4”, 300-pound Ibeh played football in college (Washburn U.) as well as professionally in the Canadian Football League.

Veteran mixed-martial-arts fighter Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), the former Texas and ABF USA heavyweight champion, will challenge Ibeh in the eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.  

Undefeated Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Nicaragua Youth National Champion who lives in Coachella (CA), faces 60-fight veteran Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin in a six-round match. Guerrero, 23, skillfully uses his abnormal 6’ 1” height (and length) to a tremendous advantage thus far in the super featherweight division.  

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-rounders is Hoquiam (WA) super welterweight Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), another MMA fighter who has fought in the highly respected Bellator, vs. Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), of Tucson, and Auburn (WA) lightweight Agustin Tovar (1-0) vs. Robert Jimenez (0-2), of Nampa, Idaho.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777.  Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend. 

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

.Huntington, New York (May 12, 2024)—Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing Rockin’ Fights 47 delivered an exciting night of boxing at the Paramount in Huntington, Long Island.

Undefeated Junior Younan (20-0-1 12 KO’s) was very impressive in scoring a sensational, highlight reel knockout over veteran Ricardo Adrian Luna to capture the vacant WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Younan’s had the type of performance that is sure to put the Brooklyn NY prospect on the world map as he seeks to fight the top names in boxing after recently becoming a part of Joe DeGuardia‘s Star Boxing stable. The knockout came at 2:53 in the first round

Undefeated Ryan O’Rourke (11-0 3 KO’s) returned to the ring after an injury filled layoff and had to work very hard to take the unanimous decision against determined Polish Welterweight Michal Bulik. Scores were 59-55, 59-56 and 58-56.

Ronny Reyes and Yeuri Andujar engaged in an exciting 6 round battle in the Jr Lightweight division. The fighters went toe to toe for the entire 6 rounds, each taking a turn having his way. In the end, Andujar scored the upset majority decision over the previously undefeated Reyes by scores of 57-57, 58-56, and a seemingly outrageous score of 60-54 by judge John Basile, for Andujar.

The opening fight of the night was a thrillingly engaging and entertaining war between pro debuting John McDonagh and Tevin Terrance. The fight was sensational and worthy of a ‘club show 4 round fight of the year’ award. It is an example of the fights that have made Star Boxing’s Rockin’ Fights series one of the longest running and most successful shows in boxing. The fight was an all-out slugfest. The fittingly appropriate end result was a split draw, 39-37 for each fighter and 38-38 on the final scorecard in their Super Middleweight bout. Both were winners

Star Boxing once again delivered an electrifying evening that featured competitive bouts and thrilling outcomes!

Former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri will be co-hosting the popular and exclusive live viewer chat, with award-winning combat sports journalist Kevin Iole and popular podcaster Dan Canobbio,  in real time, during PPV.COM‘s live stream of this Saturday’s, May 18 (2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT) World Heavyweight Championship boxing event headlined by the long-awaited showdown between undefeated world champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.  This will be the first time, since the Mike Tyson – Michael Spinks rumble in 1988, that undefeated heavyweight champions have battled for all the belts.  The victor will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 24 years ago.  The crystal-clear HD live stream, emanating from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be available to viewers in the U.S. and Canada.  Priced at $69.99, it can be ordered by clicking here: PPV.COM: Fury vs. Usyk.  Below, is Chris’ analysis of Fury vs. Usyk.  PPV.COM does not require a subscription.

CHRIS ALGIERI’S FURY vs. USYK PREVIEW ANALYSIS

“This is a tremendous fight with incredible historical significance.  There hasn’t been an undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 2000.  Boxing’s World Heavyweight Champion has always and will always be recognized as the baddest man on the planet.

“That being said.  A win for Fury solidifies him as one of the greatest heavyweights of the modern era.  Potentially being the guy that no one in history could ever beat.  He is the biggest, most athletic heavyweight in history of the sport, 6’9 280 lbs, with athletic head movement, the heart of a lion, and competitive spirit unmatched to date is a recipe for an all time great. 

“A win by Usyk locks him in as the best cruiserweight of all time as well as one of the best heavyweights of current times.  It would be hard to argue, based on his accomplishments, to see it any other way — Olympic gold medalist, unified cruiserweight world champion, unified heavyweight world champion, undefeated.  What else is there to be done at that point?

“As different as these two men are from their appearance, to their styles, to the way they operate in every aspect of their lives, we have two men who share a commonality.  They are undefeated and here to make history!” 

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

KEVIN IOLE

Kevin is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 40 years of experience covering the sweet science for Yahoo! Sports and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  He now runs the hugely popular combat sports website KevinIole.com

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

Dan and Chris have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click here Inside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2024) — Another chapter in Mexico’s historic saga of intra-national showdowns is set to unfold.
 
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21, inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Espinoza-Chirino will mark the 161st all-Mexican world title fight and the 20th at featherweight. 

The 10-round junior lightweight co-feature will see Andres “Savage” Cortes and Abraham “El Super” Nova collide in a high-stakes battle presented in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion. 
 
In a 10-round special attraction, unbeaten middleweights Troy Isley and Javier Martinez will reignite a fierce amateur rivalry.

Espinoza-Chirino, Cortes-Nova and Isley-Martinez headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 14, at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster.com.
 
“From top to bottom, this is a truly great card that promises action, and we’re thrilled to be doing our first show at the beautiful Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Espinoza can be Mexico’s next great champion, but he has a tough assignment in Chirino. Andres Cortes and Abraham Nova is a great grudge match, and the winner will be in great position to challenge for a world title.”
 
“Espinoza-Chirino is one of this year’s most anticipated fights, and we could not be prouder to host it at BleauLive Theater, a sports fan’s paradise where you will feel the intensity of every punch no matter where you’re seated,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Fedor Banuchi. “Espinoza-Chirino title bout underscores Fontainebleau’s 70-year legacy of delivering premier entertainment to our guests and solidifies our status as a top-tier destination for live events.”
 
Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) devoted over a decade to his pro career before capturing the WBO featherweight world title in a Fight of the Year contender against Robeisy Ramirez last December. Despite being knocked down in the fifth after taking an early lead, Espinoza rallied late and dropped Ramirez in the twelfth, nearly stopping him before the final bell. Espinoza earned a majority decision in a stunning upset. Standing at 6’1,” he is the tallest world champion in featherweight history, a division that has included Mexican greats such as Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera.
 
Espinoza said, “I’m excited to return to the ring. I’m training very hard like always. I know that I’ll be facing a Mexican compatriot who is coming to win. I will be ready to defend my title with a lot of grit and heart. And that’s what I’ll do in the ring, fight with a lot of heart and win my first title defense.” 

Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) went 9-0 before an early loss to eventual world titleholder Mauricio Lara in August 2018. Since then, he has remained unbeaten, tallying wins in different parts of Mexico. Last year, he decisioned Ally Mwerangi and Sebastian Tinoco Chavez before making his 2024 debut in February by stopping Dennis Contreras with a body shot in the third round. The 29-year-old hopes to make history by becoming the first world champion to come from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.  
 
Chirino said, “We Mexicans are known for having a lot of heart. And whenever there are two of us in the ring, it’s a battle. I’m happy for the opportunity, but at the same time, I know I’ve earned it. I’m coming for that belt. I have a lot of experience. There will be a problem in the ring, and that problem is Espinoza. But I will solve that problem and take home the victory.”
 
Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) had an impressive amateur career spanning almost 200 fights, with notable wins against Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. As a pro, he went 17-0 before entering a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank in early 2020. He suffered his first professional setback in June 2022 via a one-punch knockout against Ramirez at featherweight. Following the loss, Nova moved back to junior lightweight, notching victories over Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero before a split decision loss in his first world title shot against O’Shaquie Foster in February.
 
Nova said, “We’ve been on a collision course for a long time. It was eventually going to happen. Andres has been nipping at my heels for a while, calling me out and running his mouth at press conferences. Well, on June 21 in Las Vegas, he’s going to get a taste of what he’s been craving. Be careful what you wish for. No Fear! No Doubt!”
 
Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs), a Las Vegas native, made his mark in July 2020 by overcoming a visit to the canvas to secure a decision victory against Alejandro Salinas at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2021, he maintained his momentum by outpointing Eduardo Garza in May, knocking out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the first round in August and vanquishing Mark Bernaldez in three rounds in November. The 26-year-old inked a deal with Top Rank the following March and has since gone 5-0 with three knockouts, including last July’s seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez and February’s fourth-round TKO against Bryan Chevalier.

“This is going to be a painful night for Abraham Nova. He thinks I’m his ticket to another title shot, but I am going to plant him on the canvas,” Cortes said. “I’m ready for a title shot, and nobody, especially not Nova, will stop me from achieving my dream.”
 
Isley (12-0, 5 KOs) kicked off his pro career in February 2021 and notched his first 10 wins before joining forces with 2023 Trainer of the Year Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. Since then, the Olympian has excelled, registering a dominant points verdict over Mexican veteran Vladimir Hernandez last November on the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos bill before knocking out Marcos Hernandez in round seven in March. Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs), a five-time national champion, started his professional journey in July 2020. He only has one blemish, a split draw against Joeshon James. The Milwaukee native is coming off his most significant victory, an eight-round decision over Raul Salomon in February.

Isley and Martinez are familiar foes, having fought four times as amateurs. Isley bested Martinez in the finals of the 2016 and 2017 U.S. National Championships. Martinez responded with victories at the 2018 U.S. National Championships and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“This isn’t the amateurs anymore,” Isley said. “Javier is going to see the difference in skill when we fight on June 21 in Las Vegas. He’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, but that won’t be enough for him to win the fight.”
 
“This is the end of the rivalry. We fought some great battles as amateurs, and this one is the tiebreaker,” Martinez said.  “I’ve wanted this fight ever since I turned pro, and on June 21, I will show Troy that our last two amateur fights were not a fluke. I was the better fighter then, and I am the better fighter now.”
 
The undercard includes a pair of Las Vegas natives and the Top Rank debut of a fast-rising prodigy:
 
·      Bantamweight prospect Floyd Diaz (11-0, 3 KOs) makes his second 2024 appearance in an eight-round tilt versus Francisco Pedroza (18-11-2, 10 KOs). The Las Vegas native shined with an eight-round decision over Puerto Rican vet Edwin Rodriguez in March. Pedroza, after giving stiff tests to Gary Antonio Russell and Jason Moloney, bested three-time Olympian Rau’shee Warren over six rounds in August 2022.
 
·      Junior lightweight southpaw DJ Zamora (12-0, 9 KOs), also a native of Las Vegas, will face Jose Antonio Meza (9-9, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest. The 21-year-old earned two victories in 2023, dispatching Jesus Abel Ibarra in three rounds in March and decisioning Nikolai Buzolin across eight in July.
 
·      Junior bantamweight phenom Steven Navarro (1-0, 1 KO) will make his Top Rank debut in a six-rounder against Juan Pablo Meza (7-3, 2 KOs). The 13-time U.S. national amateur champion entered the professional ranks by stopping Jose Lopez in six in April.
 
·      Albert Gonzalez (8-0, 4 KOs), a featherweight standout trained by Robert Garcia, takes on Conrado Martinez (9-1) in a six-rounder. Gonzalez returns after blasting out Joel Alberto Mora last month.
  

# # #

 
About BleauLive Theater
BleauLive Theater is the entertainment hub of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, customizable theater capable of hosting up to 3,800 guests. More information about Fontainebleau Las Vegas dining, events, entertainment, rooms and suites can be found at fontainebleaulasvegas.com.
 
About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort. Rooted in the 70-year history of the iconic Fontainebleau brand, Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.

LINCOLN, RI – CES Boxing returns to Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino tomorrow night for “The Brawl at Bally’s,” a scintillating 7-bout card featuring 2 championship fights.  

The action begins at 7pm EST and will also be streamed on Swerve Combat TV.  There is still time to purchase tickets at CESFights.com for what is sure to be an electrifying night of championship boxing.

In the main event, New Bedford, MA’s Wilson “ill Will” Mascarenhas (10-1, 4 KOs) clashes with Accra, Ghana’s Patrick “The Mallet” Okine (21-6-2, 18 KOs) for the WBC US Silver Super Lightweight title.  The co-main event features a battle of undefeated prospects as Gary “Batman” Balletto III (4-0, 2 KOs) collides with Laurent Humes (10-0, 10 KOs) for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship.  Plus, “King” Kevin Walsh (12-0, 5 KOs) fights for the 3rd time this year and top prospect Iman Lee (9-0, 6 KOs) makes his CES Boxing debut.

Weights from Lincoln, Rhode Island:

• Wilson Mascarenhas 139 vs. Patrick Okine 140; for the WBC US Silver Super Lightweight Championship
• Gary Balletto III 175 vs. Laurent Humes 173; for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship
• Kevin Walsh 143 vs. Tackie Annan 143; welterweights
• Iman Lee 130 vs. Luis Porozo 128; super featherweights
• James Maner 164 vs. Chaklit Ali-Redwood 163; super middleweights
• Robert Degaetano 151 vs. Abdalla Nagy 154; junior middleweights
• Raheem Davis 145 vs. Jaequez Jones 145; welterweights

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

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Jaron Ennis and Cody Crowley came face-to-face at a launch press conference today in Philadelphia – as tickets flew for the homecoming defense of Ennis at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday July 13, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON GENERAL SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Ennis fights at home for the first time as a World champion and the first time since November 2018, and fans flocked to snap up tickets for the next household name of the sport, with presale tickets selling out on Thursday and then the general sale tickets proving a huge hit.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES:

Jaron Ennis

“He’s got to get in that ring and it’s going to get nasty. Keep talking and he’s going to get the worst beating of his life. I promise you that. We can make a bet or whatever. You’re in my city. It’s going to get nasty, man. 

“Look, I’m glad you accepted the fight. July 13 at the Wells Fargo Center. I’m very excited. It’s the first big fight here and it’s a blessing. I’m glad I’m going to be able to be here and put on a show. I want to look good and retain my belt in a beautiful, knockout fashion, in front of my friends, family and supporters.

“Listen, there’s really no pressure on me. I’ve been in this game since I was a baby. There’s no pressure. It’s normal for me. My brother has been at the top and I’ve seen all this stuff before. This is like being at home in my house right now. It’s natural for me and it’s normal. 

“On fight night, I can’t wait. He [Crowley] has got more pressure than me, I’ll tell you that right now. He’s going to have 20,000 fans against him and that’s way more pressure on him than me. For me being here, it will be like sitting at home with my feet up.  

“You know, he’s definitely a good fighter and a tough guy. But on July 13 it’s going to get nasty and I’m telling you that now. I’m going to put on a beautiful show and I’m going to look good. We’re going to do it in a knockout fashion. 

“My main focus right now is Cody Crowley. My eyes are on him. After this? Definitely undisputed, for sure. I want to go and collect all the rest of the belts, then go up to 154 and do the same thing there. 

“By the time I fight on July 13, it’s going to be a year. Everybody’s missed me. I’m the best. I’m the best at this game, I’m the most exciting in this game and the fans love to see knockouts, so of course they’re going to come out to see me. For sure. They’re going to come and see me put on a show, beat him up, beat him down, then get the knockout. 

“I want to thank Cody for coming out to fight. I appreciate that. But I’m sorry it had to be you. 

“You know my story and I can’t wait for this. Don’t miss it and make sure you tune in because on July 13, we’re going to put on that beautiful show. We back on tour, that P-I-A-C tour. Let’s get it, CBG! 

“July 13, we’re taking him to the church. Philly, you in?”

Cody Crowley

“I’ve been out of boxing for the last year after people on my team done stuff, so I’ve been totally out. I had people trying to negotiate on my behalf when I’ve been out. Then I tried to get back into boxing and then I had emergency double eye surgery. I just said I got my eyes taken from me and I’m still getting booed? This is kind of… hey, we don’t have to have a show on July 13! It takes two to tango and I am very, very excited to be here and I am very excited to fight Boots Ennis because I have wanted to fight him for a while. 

“I wasn’t even fighting, and I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental health. I didn’t even want to live for the past couple of years. Then my dad [passed away]. Just like everyone else in this room, when you have things happen to you it takes time to get over it. It takes time to heal yourself and come back and step up. 

“So, I went away and did what I had to do to try and heal myself. Then I had people who weren’t even on my team trying to negotiate for me. Like I said, I just wanted to reach out to you [Boots], DM you and say how can we just make this happen? 

“I want to fight for a World title and if I fight for a World title, there is one, two, three, four World titles, I want to fight the very best in the world. And I believe that at 147 right now that Jaron Ennis, you are that guy. So why would I want to fight anyone else? Out of respect to you Jaron, I love you. I hope you have the best sleep on the Friday night because on the Saturday, I want the best you to show up because I want to be there. The best me is going to show up. 

“There’s a lot of people who didn’t [step up] and it takes two to tango. You can’t even put on the gloves by yourself. You need your dad to put them on. 

“I had WBC opportunities, I had WBA and WBO opportunities, but I chose you. How comes World champions at 147 are moving up to 154? How comes former World champions won’t even fight him for a certain amount of money? It’s because he has got the crown. He’s the man right now. 

“Listen, this is a real-life Rocky Story. I’ve had my whole, entire life taken from me. I’m ready to die on July 13. He has a man in front of him who is ready to die. I’m serious. 

“The last time I was going for the IBF, I was going against the No.1 contender, and I went from No.6 after I beat him to No.14. So that tells you none of this s*** is real and it’s all f****** illusions. I don’t care about this IBF title. I don’t need the title. And I don’t need any of your guys’ acceptance. I’m whole in myself and I’m happy. I’m just proud of myself to be here. All the s*** that I’ve been through, I pulled on and I kept going. How many of you have stuff going on in your life and when you wake up you question whether you get up and keep going, or do I sit here pop a Coke and have a little potato chip? It’s much easier to do that and be comfy every day. But I’m a champion at heart. I’m a champion at life. I get up and I don’t quit. 

“I went through the back door to get here. There are gatekeepers and certain things you have to do to get to this level. I had my own promotional company, and I was my own promoter. I’ve done everything I had to do to get to this moment and I’m not going to let anyone steal my happiness or my joy. My heart is way too powerful for that. 

“I can’t wait. The second I get to walk out in front of all these people booing me, and in front of Jaron looking at me thinking he’s going to walk right through me, it’s going to be the most beautiful moment of my life where I get to actually show up the highest version of myself. I have to walk through that fire and every decision I have made in my life is going to show on July 13. 

“I’m pretty excited for this to happen and I’m pretty excited to become a champion of the world. I want to thank Jaron Ennis because in this fight, you are setting me free.

“I’m an honest guy and Jaron, you know I am coming to fight. So, it’s going to be an exciting time and I’m going to be right there for you so we can allow the best man to win. I’m going to put my heart down and I know he is going to do the same thing. That’s it. 

“For my dad, up in heaven, this one is for you. I love you.”

Matchroom Sport chairman, Eddie Hearn 

“What a great reception and what an incredible turnout. Before we get started for this incredible event on July 13, live on DAZN, judging by the pre-sale yesterday and judging by the general sale this morning I think we should make an official announcement that the Wells Fargo Center is now the home of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. 

“It took me five years to sign this man. I remember the first meeting we had in Las Vegas it was during the Canelo-Daniel Jacobs fight week. Someone said to me we had a chance to get Boots Ennis. Now there’s a lot of people here and it’s no secret here that everybody has known for a very long time that this guy is the real deal. A year later, then six months later, I said to everyone stop wasting our time. But shout out to Shaun Palmer and Kevin Rooney that they kept trying. And recently, of course, we made the huge announcement that Jaron Ennis would be signing with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN. 

“Now, this was a massive announcement for us. The news and the ramifications it’s had in the world of boxing has been simply incredible. The numbers we saw from it and the excitement it generated with many saying, finally he is going to get let off leash and show the world how great he is. 

“But the most important thing to me was to bring him home to Philadelphia – and we made it happen. When you have a fighter as special as this and you have a city as great as this – and people don’t even understand the history of boxing in this city – how has he never even fought here before? 

“Well, now, it’s time for all of that to change. And on July 13, your champion, Philadelphia’s champion, will defend his IBF Welterweight World title against a mandatory challenger in Cody Crowley live on DAZN around the world.

“When I walked in the arena this morning, the first thing I said to myself was: “Wow. Wow. What a place.” And I looked out and in the middle of the arena was Jaron Ennis doing exactly the same thing.

“What a great thing for someone from this city, who has dedicated his whole life to the sport with his father Bozy and his family, who has lived the life and is a great ambassador for you all, to finally get his moment and fight here and fight in front of his people and his city on July 13. 

“But you know the great thing? And I shouldn’t really say this! But sometimes I go to a city and I tell a little bit of a ‘porky pie’ – that’s a ‘lie’ in the UK – and I might say something like: “Oh, this kid! He’s going to be a World champion. He could be a great, he could be this…” and that’s my job. But the difference is when you have a fighter like Jaron Ennis, I’m not even lying. So now the whole city can say not only are we bringing big-time, World championship boxing back to Philadelphia, we’re doing it with a young man who may the very best in the entire sport.

“Of course, he’s got to prove it and he’s got to prove it against a very, very tough and undefeated mandatory challenger, Cody Crowley – who, I’ve got to say, is just as excited as Jaron Ennis by the way. He came up to me earlier too with a huge smile on his face. He’s already run the Rocky Steps this morning and he said to me that this is his dream, and this is his time. He said he knows that this is the big homecoming. But, as he said on his Instagram earlier today, ‘I’m going to steal the hearts of Philadelphia’. Come on guys… I thought it was a nice line!

“Just a word or two before I start this press conference, but this fight is part of an unprecedented schedule live on DAZN.

“DAZN has absolutely become the global home of boxing. Last week we had Canelo against Munguia. A couple of weeks before we had Haney versus Garcia. Tomorrow night in Mexico we have a huge card with Rocky Hernandez and Erika Cruz defending her world title. And, of course, next week we have Fury against Usyk live on DAZN for the World Heavyweight Undisputed Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Joe Cordina and Jai Opetaia will be defending their world titles.

“Then we fly back to the UK for a huge, all-British domestic fight with Josh Taylor against Jack Catterall in Leeds before we head back out to Riyadh for a historic night with Dmitry Bivol and the 5-v-5. Then we are in Puerto Rico for another World Champion, Subriel Matias, defending his World title before we’re back to the UK for an incredible card in Birmingham. Then we’re in Phoenix for Bam against Estrada – what a fight. Then we have July 6, which we’ll announce shortly and on July 13 we will be here in Philadelphia. I cannot wait.

“It always takes two fighters to make fights to happen and I promise you there aren’t many fighters in the world who want to take on the challenge of fighting Jaron Ennis. Everything Cody has been through has brought him to this moment. I want to thank him for coming today and I want to thank him for accepting this fight. We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia on fight week. 

“And, of course, the man who will fill this place up and bring big-time boxing back to this city, the reigning and defending IBF Welterweight World champion, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. 

“As I said, the pre-sale and general sale has been incredible. We’re already at 10-12,000 and we want to fill this place up. Spread the word, we’re bringing World championship boxing back to this great city and it will be live on DAZN.”

Bozy Ennis, father and trainer of Jaron Ennis

“The way you talking [to Anthony Girges, Cody Crowley’s manager], after they fight maybe me and you get the gloves on. We can go to my gym now. We’ll see. 

“Why didn’t you accept the challenge last year [for Crowley to face Boots]? We offered you $300,000 to fight him and he turned it down. He turned it down. What happened? I like you Cody, but he [Anthony] is talking that tough s*** so I will stop him. I’ll stop him.

“Cody, let me say one thing. They said you were trying to go for the WBC. But they made you take the IBF because you were the mandatory for the IBF. Understand this, we wanted to fight Crowley and we wanted to fight Spence. We didn’t ask nobody to take the title. We wanted him to fight us.  

“We appreciate Cody for taking this fight because so many other people turned Boots down. Even the top guys. We wanted Spence. We wanted Crawford. Virgil. All of them. We sent them to word. 

“I want to thank everyone for coming out, buying tickets and everything. I appreciate Cody and his team for taking the fight. He’s a good fighter. You can’t take anything away from him and I respect him. But you are going to see something different.

“Cody can fight. But you’ll see him [Boots] go to another level, which you saw in the last fight he went to another level when he’s in with someone who is real good. He might go to a different level this time too. It all depends on which version of Cody’s coming out.  

“One more thing. We fight all ways. You want to fight, we’ll fight. You want to box, we can box. We can do everything.”

Anthony Girges, manager of Cody Crowley

“He is more than ready. Nobody has seen this version of Cody Crowley. From everything, A-Z. From the management team to the training team to the resources. A-Z, nobody has even seen him. Boots shouldn’t even watch videos of him because he will be unrecognizable on fight night come July 13. 

“I see you already forgot the belt at home. Are you ready to lose it? Yeah. Bro, you got emailed that belt. You didn’t even win it. You’re not even a champion. Just so you know, we’ve had plenty of opportunities. But he’s been waiting for you. He’s here.

“Eddie, I’m really sorry that this is his [Boots] first fight under Matchroom. I apologize because I like you. He [Cody] is the real-life Rocky Story and he’s in your hometown. We didn’t turn anything down before. We are here. 

“Cody will be walking out of here on July 13 as the new World Champion. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

LEONARDO RUBALCAVA    (138.3lbs) vs. ROBERTO NEVAREZ    (139.4lbs)

Jalisco, Mexico                            Aguascalientes, Mexico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Lightweight contest

CRIZTEC BAZALDUA (136.5lbs)    vs.    LUIS FERNANDO RUIZ (134.4lbs)

Los Angeles, California                Tamaulipas, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest

RANDY LEON (140.3lbs)    vs.    MISAEL CABRERA (139.8lbs)

Mexico City, Mexico            Sonora, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBA World Super-Bantamweight title

ERIKA CRUZ (121.1lbs)    vs.    NAZARENA ROMERO (121.5lbs)

Mexico City, Mexico            Cordoba, Argentina

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Latin America and WBC World Super-Featherweight title eliminator

EDUARDO HERNANDEZ (129.9lbs)    vs.    DANIEL LUGO (129.5lbs)

Mexico City, Mexico                        Sonora, Mexico

  •  Vasiliy Lomachenko 134.9 lbs. vs. George Kambosos Jr. 134.2 lbs
(Vacant IBF Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)
Referee: Katsuhiko Nakamura
Judges: Steve Gray, Michiaki Someya, and Benoit Roussel

   •  Nina Hughes 117.5 lbs vs. Cherneka Johnson 116.7 lbs
(Hughes’ WBA Bantamweight World Title — 10 Rounds)

•  Andrew Moloney 114.5 lbs vs. Pedro Guevara 114.9 lbs
 (Vacant WBC Interim Junior Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

op-ranked lightweight contender “Prince” Lucas Bahdi is on a mission to bring a world title to his hometown of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. That quest continues on June 1 at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre when he battles fellow world-ranked 135-pounder Juan Javier Carrasco, headlining an event aired live on DAZN globally, and in Argentina on TYC Sports.

Bahdi (15-0, 13 KOs) has separated himself from the pack in the Canadian boxing scene, emerging as one of the country’s true title hopefuls. A three-time national amateur champion, Bahdi has developed a reputation not just as a skillful technician, but as a true power puncher. Two fights ago, Bahdi entered the world rankings with a bloody stoppage victory over Jesus Amparan in his first appearance on DAZN. In his most recent outing, he knocked out Eliot Chavez in five rounds in Montreal, Quebec.

Over the last year or so, Bahdi has called out notable names such as former WBA 140-pound titleholder Rolly Romero, but his vision may be even more focused. Now ranked No. 12 by the IBF, ahead of names such as Andy Cruz and Angel Fierro, Bahdi finds himself in an IBF title picture that is becoming clearer by the week. On the same night he headlines in his hometown once again, Vasyl Lomachenko and George Kambosos will fight for the vacant IBF title, giving Bahdi an obvious target down the road.

“Lucas Bahdi isn’t just Canada’s potential next world champion, he’s already one of the most marketable fighters in the country,” said promoter Lee Baxter. “There’s a reason he can headline in Niagara Falls, and there’s a reason the television cameras are starting to follow him. Lucas has the potential to bring not just gold back to Canada, but some truly massive events along with it.”

The 30-year old will battle Argentina’s Carrasco (20-1, 12 KOs), who is on a seven-year undefeated run after suffering the only loss of his career in 2017. Carrasco has enjoyed dominant run as the South American lightweight champion—in fact, all four of his defenses of the title have not gone the distance. As a result, he finds himself ranked No. 10 in the star-studded IBF rankings. With a wealth of experience fighting in 10 rounders, and additional pro-style experience battling the top amateurs in the world such as Arlen Lopez in the World Series of Boxing, Carrasco looks to spoil the Prince’s homecoming and the future plans that come with it.

“This is a legitimate Top-15 lightweight battle,” said Baxter. “This isn’t a situation where the hometown fighter has a cherry-picked opponent to make him look good. This is a fight against a Top-10 ranked opponent to see who takes the next step to mingle with the elite at the top of the division.”

In the co-feature, world-rated bantamweight Amanda Galle (9-0-1, 1 KO) will be back in action for the first time since capturing the IBO bantamweight title in December of last year. Galle dominated Niorkis Carreno to capture the title, and now is targeting the division’s top names, such as Dina Thorslund and Miyo Yoshida.

In the men’s super lightweight division, Steven Wilcox (10-1-1, 2 KOs) will be in action, looking to build back from his close decision defeat against world ranked Mathieu Germain for the IBF Inter-continental belt. Steven believes this will be his do or die moment to get back into contention.

The event was originally scheduled for May 11, however, ongoing issues regarding Canadian visas for foreign athletes plagued the organization of the event, as it has for promoters across the country.

“We wanted to be fair to all fighters involved, without the threat of clerical decisions cancelling a bout at the last minute, and decided that June 1 was the best date to ensure that everything was cleared and in order well in advance,” said promoter Lee Baxter. “There are new hurdles when it comes to putting on an international caliber boxing event in Canada, but we have the experience and reputation to still be able to bring the top-level fights fans want to this country.”

Live action will begin at 9 PM ET on DAZN globally and TYC Sports in Argentina.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. For VIP Booths, please email sales@leebaxterpromotions.com. Niagara Falls Convention Centre is located at 6815 Stanley Ave. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2G 3Y9

Follow us on our social media accounts for updates on our fighters and events.
Instagram and Facebook – @leebaxterpromotions
X – @LBPromotions_

PERTH, Western Australia (May 10, 2024) — The weather forecast called for showers, which moved the open workout indoors. But the sun stayed shining, and the fighters congregated at the intimate Big Rigs Boxing Gym in front of a standing-room-only audience.

The main event will see living legend Vasiliy Lomachenko battle Australia’s favorite son, George Kambosos Jr., for the vacant IBF lightweight world title on Sunday, May 12, at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

The event will be shown LIVE in prime time on Saturday, May 11 in the United States.

In a world championship special attraction, just before the main event, Great Britain’s WBA bantamweight world champion Nina Hughes (6-0, 2 KOs) makes her second world title defense against Australian former world champion Cherneka Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs).

The ESPN-televised broadcast kicks off with the return of Andrew Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs),who takes on Mexican former world champion Pedro Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant WBC Interim junior bantamweight championship.

Lomachenko-Kambosos, Hughes-Johnson and Moloney-Guevara will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

At the open workout, this is what the main event fighters had to say:

Vasiliy Lomachenko

“I feel great. Thank you for this atmosphere. I appreciate the Australian people. These are great fans. They understand boxing. This is why they’re here.”

“This is going to be a memorable fight. For him, it’s a war. For me, it’s a competition.”

“I have a goal. I need this title. My motivation is this title and to be world champion again.”George Kambosos Jr.

“I appreciate all the support. We have a big fight on Sunday. We are motivated. We are ready. It’s business time on Sunday.”

“The city is buzzing. There is a Kambosos fight going on. I am humbled to bring an event like this to Perth. We are coming to win this world title.”

“Sunday, Kambosos versus Loma. The biggest and the best, and we’re ready for war. I’m coming with everything I have.”

Saturday, May 11

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

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos Jr., 12 rounds, Vacant IBF Lightweight World Title

Nina Hughes vs. Cherneka Johnson, 10 Rounds, Hughes’ WBA Bantamweight World Title

Andrew Moloney vs. Pedro Guevara, 12 Rounds, Vacant WBC Interim Junior Bantamweight World Title

Philadelphia (May 9, 2024) -Weights for Friday Night’s King’s Promotions card at Live! Casino Philadelphia.

Christian Carto 121 – Jesus Martinez 120.4 

Atif Oberlton 175.4 – Juan Barajas 172.2 

Nancy Franco 117.4 – Bree Howling 119.2 

Michaele Nogue 137 – Stephanie Han 134.8 

David Thomas 144 – Muhammad Robinson 143 

David Whitmire 146.4 – Breydon Glaude 148.6 

DeMarcus Layton 150.6 – Ibrahim Robinson 148

Promoter: King’s Promotions

Venue: L:ive! Casino Philadelphia  1st Bell: 7 PM ET 

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Tickets may be purchased at https://www.axs.com/events/536863/ring-wars-tickets?skin=livecasinohotelphiladelphia

Photo by Marc Abrams / King’s Promotions

ARLINGTON, TX – May 9, 2024 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that tickets for the professional boxing mega-event featuring The Problem Child, Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) vs. the Baddest Man on the Planet Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) and Matchroom’s undisputed super lightweight world champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) vs. boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) will officially go on sale on Thursday, May 16 at 12pm ET on Seatgeek.com. Over 120,000 fans have signed up for presale access, a testament to the unprecedented global demand and excitement for the Paul vs. Tyson heavyweight mega-fight and Taylor vs. Serrano 2, the most-anticipated rematch in women’s boxing history, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, on Saturday July 20th live globally, exclusively on Netflix. Fans can sign up for advance presale access here. In tandem with general ticket on-sale, Most Valuable Promotions will present various VIP packages including a brand-new exclusive $2 million MVP Owner’s Experience.

VIP packages for Paul vs. Tyson will span four tiers, from the Contender Package, the Champion Package, Ringside VVIP Package, and the brand-new exclusive MVP Owner’s Experience. MVP has partnered with Elevate, a best-in-class sports and entertainment consulting firm, on selling the Owner’s Experience and the rest of these exclusive VIP packages.

The MVP Owner’s Experience package will offer unparalleled seats, access and amenities during fight week and on fight night. The $2 million Experience is anchored by two ringside apron seats (owner’s seats) that have never been offered in boxing before, four first row floor seats, and four second row floor seats for the event. The fight night Experience includes an exclusive stadium arrival experience, security and escort during the night, a pre-fight in locker room photo with each of Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, gloves signed by both fighters, a private green room with a top shelf open bar and all-inclusive food menu, and a post-fight in-ring photo opportunity for the group. 

Ahead of Saturday, July 20, MVP Owner’s Experience ticket holders will be provided exclusive access, accommodations, transportation, and premium gifts, including VIP lounge access and front row tickets to all of fight week events and activations, beginning Wednesday, July 17th. This includes the opportunity to be on stage with fighters during the final Paul vs. Tyson weigh-ins on Friday, July 19th. All ten guests will receive a boxing glove autographed by Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.

The MVP Owner’s Experience will also provide two-night luxury accommodations at the official fight hotel or similar luxury hotel option for 10 guests, featuring a penthouse suite for two, and four rooms to accommodate supplementary guests. Guests will additionally be provided with private luxury mini-coach transportation to and from events on Friday and Saturday.

Also available to ticket buyers looking for exclusive top-tier experiences will be the tiered Ringside VVIP Package, Champion Package, and Contender Package. Ringside VVIP ticket holders will be provided Row 1-2 floor seating on fight night. Access will include an expedited premium stadium entrance and private black car transportation for fight night, along with ringside club hospitality access with a top shelf open bar and all-inclusive food menu, meet and greet appearances from current and former boxing legends and celebrities, and a post-fight in-ring photo opportunity. Ahead of fight night, Ringside VVIP ticket holders will be provided exclusive VIP lounge access and VIP seating for Paul vs. Tyson fight week events and activations from Wednesday, July 17 through Friday, July 19, as well as 1 boxing glove autographed by Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. 

The Champion Package will include premium floor seat locations in row 2-4 on fight night, with a VIP parking pass and expedited premium stadium entrance, along with ringside club hospitality access with a top shelf open bar and all-inclusive food menu, meet and greet appearances from current and former boxing legends and celebrities, and a post-fight in-ring photo opportunity. Champion ticket holders will also be provided VIP lounge access and VIP seating for all Paul vs. Tyson fight week events and activations from Wednesday, July 17 through Friday, July 19.

The Contender Package will feature premium floor seat locations in rows 4-6, with a VIP parking pass and expedited premium stadium entrance. Guests will have access to the fighter walk lounge hospitality on fight night with a top shelf open bar and all-inclusive food menu. Contender ticket holders will be provided VIP lounge access and reserved seating at all Paul vs. Tyson fight week events and activations from Wednesday, July 17 through Friday, July 19.

“Paul vs. Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2 represents a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon, spanning six generations of fans, that warrants ticketing options for every fan,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “To enhance the fan experience even further on Saturday, July 20, we have partnered with Elevate to provide a selection of VIP packages, including a first-ever MVP Owner’s Experience, providing the most expansive and exclusive access to the action throughout fight week and fight night. With over 120,000 presale signups, we anticipate that all tickets and VIP packages will sell out very quickly, and encourage fans to continue signing up for presale access at mostvaluablepromotions.com.” 

Next week, Paul, Tyson, Taylor, and Serrano will meet face-to-face to preview their highly-anticipated Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions mega-boxing event at two press conferences. The first will be held on Monday, May 13th at 5:30pm ET at the iconic Apollo Theater in New York City, hosted by renowned boxing journalist Ariel Helwani and the second will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 7:30pm CT / 8:30pm ET at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas. Media can apply for credentials to attend the New York press conference here, and the Texas press conference here.

Additional information, including undercard bouts, will be announced at a later date. For the opportunity to sign up for presale tickets, click here.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. Since inception MVP has consistently produced the biggest combat sports pay-per-view events. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. The company signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which is the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with 270 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

About Elevate

Elevate is a full-service consulting firm that inspires high-performing organizations to find their limits and push past them. With expertise in brand consulting, sales, strategy, data-driven insights, and talent optimization, Elevate gives its clients a competitive edge in the fight for people’s precious time and attention. Established in 2018, Elevate set out to help sports teams and leagues spark innovation and drive performance. In the years since, the world of sports has transformed, today standing at the convergence of media, entertainment, and consumer brands, with Elevate supporting some of the world’s most ambitious businesses across these sectors. Elevate’s proprietary technology, data sources, and software products give clients a 360-degree view of their customers, underpinning intelligent decision-making on marketing spend, growth strategy, and more. For more information, follow Elevate on X and Instagram @OneElevate_

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 9, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing announce the signing of a co-promotional agreement with undefeated super featherweight prospect, Kaipo Gallegos (4-0-1, 3 KOs), a southpaw from Las Vegas, Nevada. The two prominent promoters have big plans for Gallegos and plan to keep him busy for the remainder of 2024 and thereafter. His next fight is scheduled for May 31, 2024, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL.

At only 18 years old, Kaipo Gallegos, who was an 18-time national champion in the amateurs, is already making a name for himself in the super featherweight division. While training in the mecca of boxing, Gallegos is well known for having sparred with some of the best fighters in boxing, which include Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Devin Haney, Alberto Puello, Jorge Linares and Robeisy Ramirez to name a few. His impressive skills have caught the eyes of both fans and experts alike.

Kaipo is trained under the guidance of his father, Jayson Gallegos, who co-manages his son with Marcelino Castillo. With a powerful team supporting him, Kaipo Gallegos, a Filipino-Hawaiian-American, is poised to make a significant impact on the boxing landscape in the years to come.

“I’m incredibly excited to join forces with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, who has been with me since I turned professional,” stated Kaipo Gallegos, who is the current WBO Youth Champion. “This is a huge step forward in my career, and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of with their support behind me. I have two of the best promoters working on my behalf, and that makes me feel good.”

With the combined expertise and resources of Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing behind him, Kaipo Gallegos is poised to reach new heights in his boxing career. Fans can look forward to witnessing his continued success and electrifying performances inside the ring as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his journey.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Kaipo Gallegos to a co-promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “Kaipo is a rare talent with immense potential, and we believe that this partnership will provide him with the platform and opportunities he needs to fulfill his aspirations in the sport. Together with Shuan Boxing, we are going to be strong!”

President of Shuan Boxing Promotions, Bélgica Pena, also expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Kaipo has been part of the Shuan Boxing family since his pro debut. His skills and determination are truly exceptional, and we are committed to supporting him every step of the way as he continues to rise through the ranks of the super featherweight division. We feel blessed to be uniting with Boxlab Promotions to help further Kaipo’s growth and development.”

CARDIFF, WALES (May 9, 2024) – Big time boxing returns to Wales as BOXXER presents a huge night of action in Cardiff on Saturday, May 11th with Lauren Price MBE challenging Jessica McCaskill for the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles at the Utilita Arena Cardiff, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, BBC Wales in Wales and Peacock in the USA.

History maker Price, the first Welsh boxer to win Olympic gold, has the chance to write her name in the record books again by becoming the country’s first female world champion.

The 29-year-old from Ystrad Mynach is yet to lose a round in the professional ranks but will face her toughest career test when she attempts to dethrone current welterweight ruler McCaskill.

McCaskill is a two-weight world champion, who unified the WBA and WBC World Super Lightweight Titles before moving up in weight to end Cecilia Brækhus’ decade long reign at the top of the welterweight division.

The two fighters exchanged words for the final time at today’s press conference ahead of their hotly anticipated world title clash on Saturday night.

Lauren Price MBE said:  “I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support I’ve received; it’s blown me out the park. I can’t thank the Welsh fans enough, there’s going to be some noise in there on Saturday night and I can’t wait to put on a show. I’m going to take my time on the ring walk, enjoy myself, soak it all in but when I get in that ring it’s game on and time for business.”

Jessica McCaskill said: “The Welsh fans aren’t supporting me, but they’ve welcomed me with open arms and just want to see a great fight on Saturday night like everybody else. I want to build fans everywhere I go. The excitement comes from stepping into my opponent’s back yard. I want to hear the crowd go wild and that will get me through the fight.”

BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom:  “McCaskill is a pioneer of women’s boxing. This is her 11th world title fight. It’s a special moment for her as well. Why now for Lauren? She’s broken records since she started her sporting career, she’s done it in her boxing career. It’s her 7th fight. Yes, it’s early, and she’s taking on McCaskill who’s never lost in this weight division. This is a huge test for Lauren Price in Cardiff. To have this much support and an occasion like this was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down. Breaking records, forging legacy. That’s what this fight is all about. There are no full gone conclusions. It really could go either way.”

A stacked undercard features rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards versus former British champion and WBA #1 contender Thomas Patrick Ward for the WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Title, unbeaten English Champion Mark Jeffers defending his Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Title against undefeated Scottish Champion Darren Johnstone, plus the return of former World Heavyweight Title challenger Hughie Fury against Germany’s Patrick Korte.

Southampton Light Heavyweight Lewis Edmondson is also set for action against Portsmouth’s Joel McIntyre in a British South Coast derby. 26-year-old Newport southpaw Kyran Jones takes on fellow unbeaten Welshman Lewis Howell, Cardiff Super Featherweight Kane Shepherd faces Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis, and Swansea giant Moses Jolly continues his quest to become Wales’ first ever heavyweight world champion against Amine Boucetta.

Price’s WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Title fight against McCaskill will be free and available to all viewers in Wales following a rights deal between BOXXER, Sky Sports and BBC Wales.

All the action is available to watch live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland with prelims on the Sky Sports Boxing YouTube channel and the main card on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event. US fight fans can watch live and on demand on Peacock.

Final remaining tickets are available from BOXXER.com

NEW YORK (May 9, 2024) — PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, returns to the ring  when it live streams to boxing fans, in the U.S. and Canada, arguably the biggest and most important fight in recent memory — the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk World Heavyweight Championship next Saturday, May 18, beginning at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.  The winner of this battle between undefeated heavyweight champions — a first since the Mike Tyson – Michael Spinks rumble in 1988 — will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 24 years ago.  The Fury-Usyk world championship event will emanate live from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Priced at $69.99, the Fury-Usyk world championship event can be ordered by clicking here PPV.COM: Fury vs. Usyk.    

The PPV.COM Fury vs. Usyk live stream will feature award-winning combat sports journalist Kevin Iole, popular podcaster Dan Canobbio,  and former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri co-hosting an exclusive viewer chat in real time.

PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, will offer Fury vs. Usyk for $69.99 in the U.S. and Canada.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including, Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and Telus, among others.

KEVIN IOLE

Kevin is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 40 years of experience covering the sweet science for Yahoo! Sports and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  He now runs the hugely popular combat sports website KevinIole.com

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

Danand Chris have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click hereInside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

PERTH, Western Australia (May 9, 2024) —The fighter known simply as “Loma” hopes to add another belt to his extensive collection.

Ukrainian fighting legend Vasiliy Lomachenko will battle home country favorite “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr. for the vacant IBF lightweight world championship on Sunday, May 12, at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs), the former three-weight world champion and pound-for-pound king of the ring, hopes to become a two-time lightweight world champion.Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs), a former lineal and unified lightweight king, looks to once again stake his claim as the sport’s top 135-pounder.

The event will be shown LIVE in prime time on Saturday, May 11 in the United States.

In a world championship special attraction, just before the main event, Great Britain’s WBA bantamweight world champion Nina Hughes (6-0, 2 KOs) makes her second world title defense against Australian former world champion Cherneka Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs).

The ESPN-televised broadcast kicks off with the return of Andrew Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs),who takes on Mexican former world champion Pedro Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant WBC Interim junior bantamweight championship.

Lomachenko-Kambosos, Hughes-Johnson and Moloney-Guevara will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

At Thursday’s press conference, Lomachenko and Kambosos played a game of mental warfare, as their faceoff lasted a cool 3 minutes, 12 seconds. It took event co-promoter Lou DiBella and veteran heavyweight Lucas Browne to separate the combatants.

Before the extended staredown, this is what the fighters and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say. 

Vasiliy Lomachenko

“I’ve been in this sport for a long time. We are two professionals. We know boxing. We know strategy. It will be very, very interesting for both. It will be very, very interesting for all fans of boxing. Good luck. Good luck to both.”

“We have a fight. We prepared very hard. And like I said, it will be very interesting.”

“I’m just looking forward to the IBF title. I need to take my title, and then after that, I can think about my future.” 

Bob Arum

“I’m looking forward to this. It should be a sold-out event, a great lightweight championship match. Vasiliy Lomachenko is a splendid tactician, and I enjoy watching him. George Kambosos is a real warrior. He comes to fight. He’s very exciting. This fight will be memorable, and I can’t wait to see it. And I know fans all over the world are looking forward to it.”

George Kambosos Jr.

“We were slated to possibly fight in 2019 when the legendary Hall of Famer Bob Arum said that a young guy from Australia called George Kambosos could come up against the then-king Lomachenko. Things obviously did not happen. Then I become the champion and Lomachenko was chasing me. We were very close. But it wasn’t meant to be. But, third time is lucky, and Sunday is when we do our battle.”

“I’m extremely confident. I bring that confidence from my preparation. I’ve had a tremendous training camp. The confidence is higher than ever. When I beat Lomachenko, there will be no more road for him to go. This is retirement for him.”

“I truly believe it. The way I’m sparring. The speed that I have. He’s never seen this kind of speed and explosive power. The will and the heart that I have. The desire I have to win this fight. I want this bad. I’ve prepared extremely hard for this fight. I’ve left no stone unturned. So, Sunday, you will all see.”

Andrew Moloney

“For both of us, this is probably the last shot at a world title. So, there is a lot on the line, and that’s why I prepared my absolute best.”

“It’s been four years since I lost my title, and it’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get back to this point. And it’s going to feel good to have that world title strapped around my waist.”

Pedro Guevara

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. So, I’m going to fight like it’s my last opportunity. He’s coming in good condition for this fight, and so am I. You’re going to see a great fight. Don’t forget my name because you’re going to have a new champion from Mexico.”

Nina Hughes

“The crowed may well be on her side, but at the end of the day, there’s only two of us in the ring. So, I’ve just got to put on a performance and do what I do best.”

“We’ve prepared for everything. We’ve prepared for all styles. So, whatever she brings, we’re prepared for it.”

Cherneka Johnson

“I’m grateful to be on this show. To fight for a world title here in my backyard is amazing.”

I’m expecting a fight. She’s a world champion for a reason. It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I think I’m going to be the bigger person in there on the night of the fight. I’m going to be a bit stronger than her. It’s going to be a banger.”

Saturday, May 11

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

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos Jr., 12 rounds, Vacant IBF Lightweight World Title

Nina Hughes vs. Cherneka Johnson, 10 Rounds, Hughes’ WBA Bantamweight World Title

Andrew Moloney vs. Pedro Guevara, 12 Rounds, Vacant WBC Interim Junior Bantamweight World Title

Matchroom Sport chairman, Eddie Hearn 

Welcome everyone to the incredible Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This has become a real gem of a fight city for America and for all of Boxing. And what a fight we have for you on June 29, live on DAZN around the world. Two pound-four-pound greats collide. Of course, we have the reigning champion: the WBC and Ring Magazine Champion, Juan Francisco Estrada going up against the two-division World Champion, and one of the youngest stars in the sport today, the pound-for-pound great Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

This is another example of the sport coming together to give us the best fights. And what a time for the sport of boxing, particularly with our partners DAZN. Last week you saw a great fight with Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia live on DAZN. This weekend we’re in Mexico for Rocky Hernandez and Erika Cruz’s world championship defenses. And, of course, next week live around the world on DAZN we have Fury  versus Usyk from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship. Jai Opetaia and Joe Cordina, our charges, defending their world titles too. The week after that we have Jack Catterall against Josh Taylor in one of the most-anticipated all-British clashes before we go back to Riyadh the week after for Dmitry Bivol and the 5-v-5. All of that, live on DAZN, before we go to Puerto Rico for Subriel Matias and then on to Philadelphia for ‘Boots’ Ennis – the press conference this Friday – wedged between June 29 when these two greats collide in what I think is the fight of the year so far.

There is so much to tell you about and so much to announce. This card is going to be incredible. Of course, already announced for this card is Sunny Edwards – who you all saw last time around against Bam – and he’s back against another former World Champion in Mexico’s Adrian Curiel. It’s a real, tough return for Sunny Edwards. Also on the card, we’re delighted to announce this brilliant clash between Robert Garcia’s charge Arturo Cardenas against a local, Phoenix fighter Danny Barrios in what promises to be an absolute war. And, as we’ll talk about shortly, we’re in final negotiations for Ramla Ali to challenge for the world title against Mexico’s Yamileth Mercado for the WBC title. There’s so much more to come and to be added to this card taking place in this incredible town, which we are delighted to be back here at the Footprint Center. Tickets are now on sale and they are already flying. We’re going the jam this place out – especially with, the day after, Mexico play Ecuador [Copa America] here in Arizona so this city is going to be absolutely buzzing. 

Juan Francisco Estrada

I’ve been speaking about this fight and about my career with my promoter Juan [Hernandez]. We did have other options for fights. [Kazuto] Ioka, the Japanese fighter, to go and face and unify. But we really wanted to fight against Bam because we believe it is a great fight. He was also a champion in the lower weight division, so I thought it would be a great test for us to go in there. Also, it’s a great fight for the fans to enjoy too.

I think Bam is a good fighter but you do have to say that. But I think if you look at his best victories like [Carlos] Cuadras, [Srisaket Sor] Rungvisai, then those guys were on the way out. The only good victory that he’s had was the Sunny Edwards fight, which I was present for. Obviously that was at a lower weight and we’ll have to see what he’s like up here fighting against me at this higher weight class because I think that will be the difference on the night. Let’s see what happens on June 29 because I also come into this with a winning mentality and the mentality of winning this fight convincingly. If it is by KO, then even better.

It’s going to be a wonderful fight, which people coming here can expect that. I’m coming in with a winning mentality, wanting to defend my title and go on to having even bigger fights in the future. Don’t rule out this being a wonderful fight and a wonderful show. But what is also really important is that we both come out of this ring safe and sound.

Jesse Rodriguez 

Like Robert [Garcia] says, I will take on any fighter. If they drop your name, I will say yes right away. If it’s any other fight that’s not challenging then I’m not interested. From here on now, it’s big fight after big fight. That’s what I’m here for to give the fans the fights they want to see. They want entertaining fights and firework fights. You know that’s what I’m all about and that’s what I’m here to do. I was probably about 13 or 14 when I first heard about Estrada. I was watching his fight against Chocolatito [Roman Gonzalez] and [Carols] Cuadras. So to share the ring with him is an honor. But come June 29, all of that goes out the window. When it’s just me and him in the ring, I’m going to take what he has. I’m a different breed and I’m a different animal. Come June 29 the whole is going to see that. I’ve proved people wrong, time after time. I’m just here to prove people wrong and come June 29 expect fireworks.

People didn’t think I could stop Sunny [Edwards]. I’m pretty sure they don’t expect me to stop Estrada. But I believe in myself that I can do it and my team believes it. It’s a very hard task to do but it is possible because nothing is impossible. So, come June 29 I feel like I am going to shock the world. Like Robert said, we’re not looking past Estrada. But we do have future plans and bigger plans than this. I’m already No.9 on the top pound-for-pound list. I feel like winning this will just put me even higher. I’d be able to hold the WBC for a second time and the Ring Magazine belt for the first time. Not a lot of fighters can say that title before, so that in itself is a blessing. The sky’s the limit, Eddie. Give me a name and I’m in there right away.

Robert Garcia

I know when my fighters are ready to step it up to the next level. When I started mentioning Arturo Cardenes to Kevin Rooney and yourself [Eddie Hearn] it took you a while but you guys finally put him on one of your cards. It looks like you guys are happy with his performances and this kid was from Mexico’s National team when I brought him in. Since day one, on his pro debut. I knew this kid could be something special. And with Matchroom, DAZN and yourself, I think after this fight – without disrespecting Barrios – then we are ready to step it up. I know it’s going to be a difficult fight but we’re excited to be here and he can fight in front of a big crowd as he has done before. It looks like Phoenix, Arizona is becoming our second home. The big fights are happening here and my fighters are fighting here. We’re here often and I can’t wait for June 29 for Arturo and, obviously, for Bam.

I was a little worried that after a little while that I didn’t know what he was going to want. But we know that Estrada is a tough opponent and a great champion. I would probably say, and I don’t think I’m mistaken, that this guy [Estrada] is the most talented Mexican right now when it comes to talent. He is a great. We’re honored and happy to be sharing the ring with him.

You know, I think I have the best Super-Flyweight in the division and we’re going to show it on the day. We knew June 29 would be the day that we would be fighting, so I told Bam that we were working on Estrada and hopefully we could get him – if not, hopefully we could fight someone else. But immediately he said to me that if it’s not against Estrada, he would rather wait a few more months and spend time with my newborn girl and my family, then fight later in the year. But you guys did a great job to finalize the fight and now we’re here. We can’t look past Estrada but there are things we have to look up to in the future. That’s definitely coming. I don’t know how long before we step up and do it. Me personally, I haven’t even brought it up to Jesse but I’d love to see him unify maybe then go after undisputed at 115. But that’s obviuously going to be a decision made by the team and, of course, Jesse is the main one who makes that final decision. I think undisputed at 115 would be my goal but if it’s going to 118 we can do that too because I know Jesse’s ready and he can compete against any of the other champions.

Juan Hernandez

Thank you, Eddie, and to all your team at Matchroom. You’re the best in the business. You, Shaun [Palmer], Kevin [Rooney] and everybody has been great. We also want to say thank you to our partners in Mexico who have been a key elemnet in Estrada’s career. It’s actually very interesting to hear Bam’s team so motivated and maybe, in my opinion, looking ahead past Estrada.

I wanted to congratulate Bam first of all on becoming a father. We noticed on social media that he has a newborn. Estrada also has a couple of kids who are toddlers and motivating him. We were having a light-hearted conversation the other day about how they’re both new fathers. Estrada made a funny comment and said that Bam might be a little over-hyped because he’s being spoon-fed his leftovers. He said look at his record: Cuadras, Rungvisai, others. We’ve compared records and Estrada has the who’s who of elite Super-Flys including the likes of [Milan] Melindo, [Hernan] Marquez, and many more. Anybody, he’s gone through everybody. It’s good to hear that Bam is very confident. It will make for a great fight. Robert [Garcia] was saying he’s not sure what Bam will want to do after this fight. But I think maybe he’ll want to come back down to 112 if he can’t handle this. But we’ll see.

It will be a great fight. No discrediting anyone but I feel like Estrada deserves all the credit in the world for his legendary career. Again, Eddie, you guys have really helped him cement his legacy with two fights with Chocolatito, one in Texas and one here [in Arizona]. I think we’re in for a real treat. Gallo has never been in a boring fight. He’s an artist inside the ring. As Eddie said, it’s a huge weekend for Phoenix. We plan on celebrating the win by watching the Mexican soccer game here live. We’ve already made plans about that. We’ll see how everything goes and come fight night we’ll see if Bam is still wearing diapers or if he is potty trained. It will be a great fight, so thank you everybody. 

Ramla Ali

I hope the fight happens! Like you said, we’re still in final negotiations. I opted to take the hard route and fight here in Arizona, which let’s be honest is practically like fighting in Mexico given the support here. There will be thousands of Mexican fans and I’m challenging a Mexican for her belts. I know it’s not going to be easy but as boxers and athletes, you always want to try and challenge yourself by trying to do the best that you can. And that’s going out there and fighting the best in the hardest situations. That way when you are victorious it’s all the more sweeter. Even though I know I’m ranked higher in the IBF and WBA rankings, I’ve wanted the WBC belt. I’ve wanted it since I was a kid watching the greats of the sport like Sugar Ray and Muhammad Ali wearing the belt around their waist. As a kid, you look up to that and you are like, “Wow, that’s going to be one day”. So I’ve always wanted the WBC belt and I’ve never shied away from saying so. It will be quite fun. I would say it is quite a tasty division. I’m really looking forward to June 29 and getting through that first before seeing where it takes me after that. 

Arturo Cardenas

First of all, I want to thank you, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for this third opportunity to fight on Matchroom. I’m really happy and I’m not going to disappoint. It’s wonderful to be here, fighting on such a huge card also fighting alongside my good friend Bam Rogriguez. I’m ready to show what I’m made of and hopefully I will go on to fight for a world title. It’s really emotional to be on great cards such as this with Estrada and Bam Rogriguez. It was something I wanted to do when I was a kid. I feel completely ready to go on and do what we can do. I know that whatever comes, we are facing a really tough opponent and I’ll be ready for whatever comes.  

Danny Barrios

What can I say, man? It feels so good to be up here. I just want to thank God for this opportunity, Matchroom, Eddie [Hearn], Kevin [Rooney] for making this fight happen and my manager. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to show the world who I am and go to work. I’m going to be a problem. I know I’m here to give the world a show on who I really am and I’m ready to step up to whoever. I know Popoca is a great fighter and I respect him. But I come here to fight and do my job – and that’s what I am going todo on June 29. After Popoca I want the big fights. I want to face whoever is out there. I want them all. I’m ready to eat. 

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (May 8, 2024)—There is no better in the business than Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King when it comes to building an action-packed championship night of boxing and he hasn’t failed the fans in putting together the Friday, June 7^th card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in a co-promotion with Kris Lawrence’s The Heavyweight Factory. 

 Six title fights are main events on the one card plus two rising stars from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale will be showcased with one of the main events finding WBC World Cruiserweight championship Norair “The Dark Horse” Mikaeljan (27-2, 12 KOs)  of Miami facing the number one challenger in Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) from Ontario, Canada. 

King is dedicating this great boxing card to the honor of the life and legacy of the late great Jose Sulaiman in the spirit of fighting for world peace.  “Jose was at the forefront of always putting on great fights and we plan to honor him with this great card,” said King. 

The popular and exciting WBA Continental USA Middleweight Champion, Paterson, NJ’s

Ian “The Young General” Green (18-2 with 12 KOs) will be defending his title against Toledo’s Roy Barringer (10-4, 6 KOs).  The fan favorite Green enters this bout on the strength of six straight victories. 

WBA NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed “The American Pharoah” Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) will defend his title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (28-3, 23 KOs) of the Dominican Republic via Colombia.

? 

The fourth title fight of the night will be for the WBC International Lightweight championship as champion Antonio Perez (9-0, 5 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA will challenge local favorite Antonio Williams (16-0-1, 7 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

A great WBA heavyweight special attraction title bout will spotlight two rising stars in the division as Cassius Chaney (23-1, 16 KOs) of New London, CT will battle Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (21-1-2, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV.  Chaney will be risking his WBA Continental North American Championship belt. 

An extra added sensational featured attraction for the WBC People’s Championship featuring Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1 with 24 KOs) of Cincinnati and Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1 with 10 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV if Broner shows up.  Blair will be there. 

Rising hometown sensation De’von Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL will meet Travis Floyd of Douglasville, GA in a super lightweight attraction and Miami’s Michael Oliveira (21-2, 16 KOs) will be spotlighted in a super middleweight attraction for eight rounds.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for “Fist of Fury”.  Tickets are priced at $75, $100 and $200.  Ringside seats are $500 and tables are priced at $5,500. 

All bouts are subject to change. 

Week six of Team Combat League’s second season got off to an electrifying and nail-biting start at the Royale in Boston, as the injury-hampered Boston Butchers team (now 1-0-1) had to rely on some “Money” round heroics late in the match from Demek “Hightower” Edmonds, “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis, Alejandro Paulino and especially Keno Luna, to pull out a 225-225 draw with a determined LA Elite squad (now 0-1-1).

Fighting in front of a raucous sold-out crowd, with former NFL Linebackers Brandon Spikes and Pepper Johnson in attendance, the coach Marc Gargaro-led Boston Butchers team jumped out to an early lead in the opening eight “Launch” rounds off the strength of a 10-7 knockout by Steven Sumpter over LA’s Jaivion Cardinal, which made the score 67-64.

Cardinal was down twice during the action. “My plan was to move around and bait him in because he’s a taller opponent,” said Sumpter post-fight. “I saw he was falling for my feints, so I faked down to the body and came over the top.”

However, the Boston momentum was brought to a grinding halt in the middle eight rounds, as the Manny Robles-guided LA Elite clawed into the lead off Jose Pablo Rodriguez’s quick knockout of Boston’s Tevin Regis which grabbed them back three points, and a subsequent pair of strong showings by Elijah Espadas in an exciting firefight win over Anthony Hines, and Cuban light heavyweight Brayan Leon’s impressive work against a capable Francis Hogan of Boston.

Despite a second impressive victory by Boston heavyweight “Hightower” Edmonds over Belgium’s Michael Pirotton to tie the score at 188 each, things appeared to turn dire for the Boston club late in the final eight “Money” rounds, when LA’s Osvel Caballero followed up his opening round win over Irvin Gonzalez of Boston by knocking Gonzalez out in the rematch round, which brought the overall team score to 198-195 for Los Angeles with just three fights to go.

Missing three of their regular fighters due to injury, Melanie Costa, Mike Fontanez and Thomas O’Toole, the Boston squad needed big finishes in the final three matches to pull out a tie.

And that’s what they did. Well-known contender “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis of Boston repeated his opening round victory over LA’s Alex Esponda to bring the score to 207-205 LA. Alejandro Paulino reversed his opening-round loss to Daniel Morales of LA with a hard-found rematch win to bring his team within one and set up Luna’s final-fight heroics to pull out the 225-225 tied final score against a tough opponent in Angel Munoz of Los Angeles.

“My team told me it was up to me that I had to pull it off, so that’s what I did,” said a happy Luna. “I was under pressure and I’m glad I got the job done. It’s me alone, but my team is with me in spirit. They were all cheering me on from the crowd. It was up to me to do it for them.”

Team Combat League President Dewey Cooper was impressed at the excitement TCL had delivered in this hotly-contested matchup. “If this were a playoff, we’d have to do a sudden death round, but unfortunately in the regular season a draw stands. What a great show by both teams. It’s only right that it ends in a draw.”

Philly Smoke Team Remains Undefeated with Convincing Victory Over Miami Stealth

In the other Team Combat League event held Thursday, May 2, the juggernaut that is coach Bob Kane’s Philadelphia Smoke moved their team record to an undefeated 4-0 with a steamrolling of coach Herman Caicedo’s Miami Stealth (now 1-1) by a final score of 233-221.

Fighting out of their adopted headquarters of the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, the Philly Smoke squad got out to an early lead, saw it vanish on the strength of a highlight-reel knockout by Miami’s Victor Abreu over Angel Pizarro to start the middle rounds, then rattled off 13 consecutive wins to seal the night’s deal.

In addition to Abreu’s starching of Pizarro, of particular distinction were the all-out war of a round between Miami’s Yunieski Gonzalez and Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson, where both men landed eye-catching power shots nearly at will throughout and the determined and unstoppable effort put in by Philly’s expert Money Rounds closer Brittany Sims against Miami’s Rosalinda Rodriguez. Philly prospect Isaiah Johnson flashed his dazzling hands in two dominant wins over Miami foe Jimmy Brenes.

#

About Team Combat League:

Through its innovative event structure, Team Combat League (“TCL”) has disrupted the professional boxing industry. With a roster of 12 teams competing out of major U.S. markets, TCL combines rising talent with seasoned veterans in a format that lends itself to non-stop action. Weekly events feature male and female boxing across a series of weight classes in 1 round contests within a tournament format culminating in the Money Rounds where winning and losing is determined by overall team performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.teamcombatleague.com or follow on Instagram: @teamcombatleague and Youtube: www.youtube.com/@teamcombatleague_

The Team Combat League Concept:

There are 24 three-minute rounds of continuous action, with competitors competing in one-round matches across eight weight classes (six male and two female).

Each match consists of three periods: Launch Rounds (1-8), Middle Rounds (9-16) and Money Rounds (17-24). Scoring is based on a 10-9 system for decision wins, 10-8 for knockdowns and 10-7 for two knockdowns or a stoppage.

Three judges from a state athletic boxing commission score each round individually, and the team with the highest total score after all 24 rounds wins!

Huntington, New York (May 7, 2024)—A loaded undercard has been set for this Saturday Night’s “Rockin’ Fights 47” at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Star Boxing (Joe DeGuardia) has put together a terrific show to support the previously announced main event featuring undefeated super middleweight Junior Younan taking on Ricardo Luna in a WBA Continental Gold Title fight.

Topping the prelims will be Danny (“El Gallo”) Gonzalez against Danny Murray in a welterweight bout in their New York vs New Jersey showdown.

Gonzalez of Queens, New York is 21-4-1 with seven knockouts. The 34-year-old Gonzalez will be making his 13th appearance at Paramount and has had thriilling battles with former world champ Chris Algieri (Madison Square Garden), Petros Ananyan (Barclays Center) and is recent victory over Keane McMahon on February 23 at The Paramount.

Murray of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey is 7-7. The 32-year-old has a win over undefeated New Yorker Kenny Robles and is coming off a win over Vinnie Kirley on January 20. The bout will be six rounds.

Also seeing action is undefeated junior welterweight Ryan O’Rourke taking on Michal Bulik in a six-round bout in an international special feature attraction.

A young Irish prospect, O’Rourke (10-0, 3 KO’s) of Dublin, Ireland, will be making his second appearance at The Paramount. In his previous appearance at the storied Star Boxing venue, O’Rourke knocked out Dashaun Johns in seven rounds (May 13, 2023).

Bulik of Poland is 6-6 with one knockout. The 35-year-old Bulik will be making his American debut and hopes to bring home a victory in this special European bout between Ireland and Poland.

In another six-round bout, Ronny Reyes (4-0, 1 KO) of Manhattan, New York (Lower EastSide) takes on hard-punching Bronx based Yeuri Andujar (6-6-1, 4 KO’s). This fight has a Caribbean beat as both have proud Dominican Republic heritage and will be battling for pride in what figures to be an entertaining super featherweight contest.

John (Fighting Irish) McDonagh (1-0, 1 KO) of Queens, NY will take on Tevin Terrance (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Quebec, Canada in a four round super middleweight bout.

Ralph Clemente of nearby Ronkonkoma, Long Island, NY, will look to thrill the hometown fans in Huntington as he makes his pro debut against Kijonti Davis, New Orleans, Louisiana, who has 6 pro fights under his belt, in four round middleweight tilt.

Get your tickets now and join us at the Paramount Fight Night

If you can’t make it to New York, watch the fights live on StarBoxing.TV (available on website, Apple IOS, Google, Roku and other platforms. See link further below.

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced former WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 28-5 22KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 25-4 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 47 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 47 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024

Click Here To Purchase Tickets

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (May 8, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of No.1 WBA-ranked super lightweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (20-2-1, 7 KOs). The former Team USA member who proudly represents Chicago, Illinois will make his anticipated Golden Boy debut on an upcoming card this summer 2024.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy family,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “Thank you to Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez and the entire Golden Boy team for making this deal happen and giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent to the world. My team and I know that with the Golden Boy team backing me, I will definitely become a world champion.”

“With a No.1 ranking in the WBA, tremendous skills and a dynamite tram behind him, Kenneth Sims is poised to make some real noise in the 140-pound division,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “Inside the company, we have a slew of mouth-watering match-ups for Kenneth that could quickly propel him into the world championship picture.”

An amateur standout, former Team USA member and ranked No.1 by the WBA, Kenneth Sims Jr. began his boxing career at eight-years-old when his father, Kenneth Sims Sr., wanted him to learn some defensive skills. Enticed by winning, he built an extensive amateur career that saw him become a nine-time national champion and make an appearance in the 2012 Olympic Trials where he lost a one-point decision to eventual Olympian and future world champion Jose Ramirez. Sims made the decision to remain an amateur following the 2012 Olympic Trials and won the 2013 U.S. National Championships to earn a spot on the USA Boxing National Team. He was soon traveling the world with his teammates, visiting locations such as Ukraine, Ireland, Chile and Puerto Rico, culminating with an appearance in the 2013 World Championships in Kazakhstan.

Sims Jr. decided to go professional in March 2014 and quickly amassed a winning streak. With only two losses and a draw as blemishes on his record, he rebuilt himself to be one of the baddest super lightweights in the division. His breakout performance was an upset win against previously undefeated prospect Elvis Rodriguez on May 22, 2021. Sims capitalized on the moment, outboxing Rodriguez on his way to a majority decision. Since then, he has added four more victories to his resume catapulting him to the top of the rankings.

Outside the ring, Sims and his fiancé Jailyn live in the Chicago area with their daughter Nova and son Kenneth Sims III. Sims has loved every second of being a father and says that it provides a whole new motivation to be successful so he can provide for his growing family.

ABU DHABI (May 8, 2024) – The spotlight shines on undefeated Arabian fighters at the “Rising Stars Arabia 4” event, promising to be the most thrilling card yet. Bader “The Master” Al-Dherat (10-0, 8 KOs), the rising star of Arab boxing, will headline the fourth edition and most stacked top-to-bottom card to date of the “Rising Stars Arabia” series, on Saturday, May 25, at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Four scheduled 10-round bouts on the Rising Stars Arabia 4 (RSA4) card will be streamed live, starting at 8 pm UAEST, on DAZN and ESPN Knockout.

RSA4 is promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and hosted in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The RSA series, the first of its kind in the relatively untapped boxing region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission and headed by Jose Mohen.

The 23-year-old Bader headlined the inaugural RSA event last September, when he stopped Jose Paez Gonzalez in the fifth round. The exciting knockout artist who gained invaluable exposure fighting on pay-per-view cards like Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua II and Jake Paul-Tommy Fury.

Al-Dherat (AKA Samreen) was a celebrated Jordanian amateur boxer, highlighted by his bronze medal performance at the 2018 AIBA World Youth Championships despite suffering an arm injury. Al-Dherat’s dedication to his pro boxing career led him to relocate from his native Jordan to Dubai three years ago, where he could access the facilities to grow and improve as a professional.

In the 10-round main event, Al-Dherat will put his undefeated record on the line against Orlando Mosquera (13-2-1, 2 KOs), the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super lightweight champion. Mosquera has already defeated a previously unbeaten prospect like Al-Dherat, 12-0 Ruben Nestor Neri Munoz, a year ago by way of a 10-round unanimous decision. Munoz is 10-1-1 in his last 12 fights.

Moroccan super featherweight Moussa Gholam (21-1, 13 KOs) has won two in a row since losing for the first time as a pro in December of 2022 to Elnur Samedov (14-1) by 10-round split decision. Gholam, who is a former WBC Youth Silver and WBO Inter-Continental super featherweight title holder, is fighting his way back into the top 15 world ratings.

Gholam faces Angel “Humildad” Rodriguez (21-3, 11 KOs), a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedecentro Lightweight Champion from Venezuela, in the 10-round co-featured event.

Undefeated Indian welterweight Faizan Anwar (17-0, 9 KOs) meets his toughest test to date when he takes on Murali Erdogan (15-2, 1 KO), a 2017 French National Champion, in a 10-rounder. The 22-year-old-Anwar, a slick southpaw who was the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in India, moved to Dubai in 2022 in order to enhance his boxing career as a member of Round 10 Boxing.

Another undefeated fighter, UAE super flyweight Sultan Al Nuami (11-0, 7 KOs), risks his undefeated record in a 10-round match versus Muhsin Kizota (20-4, 12 KOs), of Tanzania. The 30-year-old Nuaimi is a two-time national champion and the first boxer in UAE’s history to win a bout in the Asian Games.

UAE’s most experienced pro boxer, super featherweight Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (14-1, 3 KOs), will be riding a 13-fight win streak into his eight-round match against Ibrahim “The Puncher” Makubi (11-2-1, 6 KOs), of Tanzania.

Unbeaten Egyptian welterweight Marwan Mohamad Madboly (3-0, 2 KOs) steps up for a dangerous challenge against the experienced, southpaw Filipino brawler Rimar “Terminator” Metuda (17-8-1, 11 KOs), in a six-round fight. Madboy’s fellow countryman, super featherweight Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan (2-0, 2 KOs), throws-down with Hamza Rguibi (2-1, 1 KO), of Morocco.

Also fighting on the undercard, each in four-round bouts, is Kuwait super welterweight Eissa Eidan (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Pakistan’s Shahzada Sohail (0-4), Syrian heavyweight Kenan Marai (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Afghanistan’s pro-debuting Ahmadzai Abdulahi, United Kingdom flyweight Tony “Lightning Junior” Curtis (6-1, 3 KOs) vs. India’s Ismailulah Khan (1-1, 1 KO), and Saudi Arabian super lightweight Sulaiman Abbar (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. V Bharany (3-1, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

Western boxing promoters have been reluctant to promote Arab boxers, however, local promoter Ahmed Seddiqi’s vision and initiatives is changing that, and fight fans worldwide are discovering the developmental talent emerging from that region.

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing boxers in this region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. It’s event have included five world title shows that have been broadcast globally on ESPN, Sky Sports and other major networks.

Tickets to “Rising Stars Arabia 4” are on sale now at https://seddiqiboxing.com/tickets.

Leading up to the event, fans can find updates on the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and on seddiqiboxing.com

#InAbuDhabi

#RisingStarsArabia4

-END-

About Rising Stars Arabia: Presenting Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) – A fighting series promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and powered by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This marks a notable series within the UAE and the winder MENA region. This platform, humble in its intentions yet ambitious in its scopes, provides aspiring Arab athletes with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents before regional and international audiences.

This significant initiative, grounded in the values of nurturing homegrown and regional talent, represents an important leap towards evolving professional boxing within the region. By doing so, it empowers an emerging generation of athletes with genuine opportunities right at their doorstep – eliminating the need to seed participation abroad.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae