ENNIS AND CROWLEY MEET AT PHILLY PRESSER AS TICKETS FLY FOR ‘BOOTS’’ HOMECOMING

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.”




WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER FROM AGUASCALIENTES

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




 Weigh-In Results: Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos Jr.

  •  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)




Lucas Bahdi vs. Juan Javier Carrasco Headlines June 1 On DAZN & TYC Sports

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_




Open Workout: Vasiliy Lomachenko & George Kambosos Jr. Take Over Perth

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




Weights from Philadelphia

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




TICKETS FOR NETFLIX AND MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ JAKE PAUL VS. MIKE TYSON AND KATIE TAYLOR VS. AMANDA SERRANO 2 WILL OFFICIALLY GO ON SALE THURSDAY, MAY 16 AT 12:00 PM ET

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_




Kaipo Gallegos Signs Co-Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing

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 StevensonKeyshawn DavisDevin HaneyAlberto PuelloJorge 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.”




CES Boxing signs 9-0 prospect Iman LeeNew Yorker makes his CES Boxing debut on May 11

YONKERS, NY – CES Boxing is proud to announce a multi-fight promotional agreement with amateur sensation and blue-chip prospect Iman Lee.

Lee, a 24-year-old Super Featherweight fighting out of Yonkers, New York, is 9-0 with 6 knockouts.

“I am thrilled to welcome Iman to the CES Boxing family,” said CES founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. of his latest signing.  “Iman is an exceptional talent with the size, skills and pedigree to become a champion in several weight classes.”

Promoter Jimmy Burchfield wasted no time in securing a fight date for Lee, as the young fighter will be in action this Saturday, May 11 at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino against hard-nosed veteran Luis Porozo (17-9, 6 KOs). 

Tickets for ‘The Brawl at Bally’s’, a 7-bout card featuring the next generation of CES Boxing stars are quickly selling out.  Purchase yours now at CESFights.com.  Fans who can’t make it to Bally’s can catch the action on Swerve Combat TV on a tape delay basis.

“It feels great to sign with CES Boxing,” said Lee from his training camp in Yonkers, NY.  “We were in talks with many different promoters for a while now, and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do and being as busy as possible with CES.”

Activity will not be a problem for Lee, as he is also penciled in to fight on June 15 at Mohegan Sun Arena if all goes well on Saturday.  But first, the charismatic boxer must get past Porozo, a veteran fighter from Ecuador who has shared the ring with a plethora of top prospects, including Bruce Carrington, Raymond Muratalla and Henry Lebron. 

“I know he fought Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, who I fought in the amateurs,” says Lee about his opponent. “My dad sent me clips of a few people that he fought, and I watched those. He fought a few top guys in my division.”

Porozo leveraged his experience to go the distance with Lebron and was able to last 8 rounds with Carrington before succumbing to ‘Shu Shu’ in the last minute of their fight. While Porozo should serve as a good gauge of how Lee stacks up against those prospects, the Ecuadorian has 3 times as many fights as Iman.

“I don’t think there is that much of a difference in experience,” says an undaunted Lee.   “Especially being that I’ve sparred with a lot of these guys and fought some of them in the amateurs.  I don’t think experience will be too much of a factor.”

Indeed, Lee has had an extensive amateur career that included over 70 fights against many of the best amateurs in the country, including Carrington.  The New Yorker has also worked alongside many of the best prospects and contenders in the New York area, including Richardson Hitchens, Chris Colbert, Reshat Mati, and Jahi Tucker. 

In fact, boxing has been deeply embedded in the Lee family for generations.  Iman’s grandfather was a fighter, as was his father.  His younger brother Emanuel was 1-0 as a pro before deciding to enlist in the Air Force. 

“I’ve always been around boxing from a young age, but I didn’t start training and competing until around 13,” says Lee.  “It’s a family thing, but I didn’t watch too much boxing growing up.  I only watched certain fighters that kind of matched my style or fighters who I looked up to, like Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward.”

Lee fought in the amateur circuit for close to 9 years before deciding to turn pro in 2021. Trained by his father, Joshua, Lee fought 9 times in 3 years and has quickly established himself as a prospect to watch.

“I would describe my style as adaptable,” says Lee, who recently added coach David McDonough of Champs Gym in Danbury, CT to the team.  “I can box when I need to, but I can also fight when I need to.  I think I’m a very smart and crafty fighter.”

At 5’10, Lee has a lot of room to grow.  He began his amateur career at 119 lbs, but eventually settled in at super featherweight. Iman eventually sees himself moving up as high as junior welterweight.  In fact, Lee believes that it will be his physical dimensions that will cause Porozo lots of trouble on Saturday.

“The key difference between us is that I’m pretty big for this weight class,” agrees Lee.  “I think my size, my range and my reach will be a lot for him to handle on Saturday.”

Saturday night marks the beginning of a new chapter in Lee’s career as a CES fighter.  With a promotional team behind him, Lee believes that it will culminate in several world titles.

“We’re taking it one step at a time, but the goal is to become world champion, then undisputed, and then maybe multiple weight classes,” says the ambitious Lee.  “It starts on Saturday night.  I’m coming to put on a show.  Stay tuned and watch what we bring.”

Don’t miss “The Brawl at Bally’s” this Saturday featuring Wilson “I’ll Will” Mascarenhas against Patrick “The Mallet” Okine for the WBC US Silver Super Lightweight title and a battle of undefeated prospects as Gary “Batman” Balletto III collides with Laurent Humes for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship.  Plus, “King” Kevin Walsh continues his assault on the lightweight division and top prospect Iman Lee makes his CES Boxing debut.  The action takes place at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino.  Purchase your tickets now at CESFights.com.   

For more information, follow CES Boxing on FacebookInstagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.
INFORMATIONCES 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”.

 



MCCASKILL VS PRICE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE – QUOTES

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




PPV.COM RETURNS TO THE RING LIVE STREAMING HISTORIC FURY-USYK WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!

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.COMwhich 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.




Press Conference Notes: Vasiliy Lomachenko & George Kambosos Jr. Ready to Make Lightweight History in Perth Super Fight

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




JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA VS. JESSE RODRIGUEZ LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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. 




SIX TITLE FIGHTS HIGHLIGHT SPECTACULAR NIGHT OF BOXING ON FRIDAY, JUNE 7 AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO; MIKAELJAN VS. ROZICKI LEAD 6 ACTION PACKED MAIN EVENT FIGHTS

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 7th 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. 




Gary “Batman” Balletto III: “Buckle up Everybody – We’re going to make History!”

CRANSTON, RI – Gary “Batman” Balletto III (4-0, 2 KOs) fights for his third title in as many fights on Saturday when he takes on undefeated power puncher Laurent Humes (10-0, 10 KOs) in an 8-round slugfest. The pair clash for the vacant NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship.   

The bout serves as the co-feature for CES Boxing’s “The Brawl at Bally’s,” an electrifying 7-bout card taking place at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino in Rhode Island.

Tickets for the event, priced at $60, $80, $155, and $180, are quickly selling out.  Purchase yours now at CESFights.com.  Fans who can’t make it to Bally’s can catch the action on Swerve Combat TV on a tape delay basis.

For Balletto, winning titles is becoming customary.  The Cranston, RI native moved up a weight class in July 2023 to win the CES MMA World Middleweight title. ‘Batman’ followed up that feat with an impressive first round submission in February of this year to add the CES MMA World Welterweight hardware to his collection. That’s two world titles in two weight classes in consecutive fights. 

The wins etched him in the annals of combat sports history, where he joined his father, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, as a world champion. 

“My phone blew up of course with everybody excited for me and congratulating me,” says Balletto about his latest title victory.  “We spent the night at Foxwoods and grabbed a good dinner, but the next day was pretty much back to normal.”

Normal is a relative term for Balletto.  Just a few weeks after the win, ‘Batman’ was back to the drawing board, dreaming up ways to add to the family lore.

“It’s funny because these are things that are just spoken into existence, you know?” says Balletto of how this opportunity materialized.  “Like, ‘it would be cool to fight for a boxing title after winning this MMA title, right?’ and then the wheels start turning around me.  My dad, CES and Jimmy get together and make things happen.  I’m lucky for that.”

CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. immediately got to work, lobbying WBC officials about Balletto competing for one of their affiliate organization belts.  Despite only having 4 pro boxing bouts, Burchfield argued that the pugilist known as ‘Batman’ was an experienced multi-discipline fighter with 12 MMA fights under his 2 championship belts. 

“CES brought the opportunity to me and said that they’re doing a card at Twin River and it’s got to be big,” recalls Balletto.  “They said that we could fight for a belt and I guess the WBC approved if it was against this opponent.  They asked if I was interested and I said yes”.     

Enter Laurent Humes, a 30-year-old boxer from Springfield, MA with a perfect record of 10-0 with 10 knockouts. 

“He’s 10-0 with 10 knockouts, but when I see that in boxing, I immediately roll my eyes,” says an unimpressed Balletto about his opponent’s impeccable record.  “I think ‘alright, well let’s see, who did he knock out?’  There’s nobody on his record that showed up to win.  They knew what they signed up for, they grabbed the payday, and they took their beating.”

Indeed, in boxing it’s common for even blue-chip prospects to be matched against limited opposition early in their careers as they transition into the pro ranks.  Ideally, the fights are meant to offer the boxer a new wrinkle to add to their arsenal without overwhelming them.    

In Humes, Balletto is facing a fighter who got a late start in boxing at 19 years old.  Despite the late start, the Springfield native was a quick study, winning two Golden Gloves titles in his brief amateur career before turning pro.  A closer look at his 10-0 (10 KOs) record indicates that, while he surely has power, most of his wins have come against nondescript opposition.  

“I found a video from maybe 6 months ago and I watched a few rounds of it to get an idea of how he blocks, how he moves and how he fights,” says Balletto.  “I’ve got somewhat of an idea, and that’s all I really need because you never know who’s gonna change what by the time they get to the next fight. Everybody’s always trying to improve, but I think I read people well and I adapt pretty well to who’s in front of me.”

Assessing Humes’ strengths, Balletto sees an athletic boxer who relies on movement and reflexes to set up knockouts.

“I think he’s a boxer with more of a Mayweather style,” states Balletto.  “He leaves that front arm down. He boxes and moves around, so I’m just gonna try to put the pressure on him and make it ugly.”

By ‘ugly,’ Balletto is likely referring to applying extreme pressure to force Humes to fight on the backfoot where ‘Batman’ can cut off the ring and leverage his advantages, which includes the ability to grapple and wear down his opponent on the inside.   

“I wanna try to make him work harder than he has to,” agrees Balletto.  “If I just lay on him a little bit, I can get him to expend some energy pushing me back.  If he burns himself out doing it, great.”

Balletto has found that the toughest part of getting ready for Humes is not so much the opponent he’s facing, but making the mental switch between combat sports.

“It’s always a challenge switching back and forth between boxing and MMA,” explains Balletto.  It’s a much different rhythm, and the timing and distance management are different too, so I’ve just been working on tightening things up to make sure I’m seeing the boxing openings and not the MMA ones.”

Expounding on this point, one can liken the difference between boxing and MMA to a person who may know a lot about one discipline (e.g., boxing) to one who may know a little about many disciplines (e.g., MMA).  In other words, boxing is a martial art that is incorporated into the MMA game alongside other disciplines.  Whereas boxers strive to perfect one style, most MMA fighters have a foundational discipline that they supplement with striking, grappling, jiu-jitsu, etc. 

“The main thing is trying to get into a mindset where you’re not depending on your other tools,” elaborates Balletto.  “In boxing, you can only use your hands and to do that you have to be in a completely different position, literally, where you’re judging the distance you’re standing at, the angle you’re standing at, and the rhythm of the fight.  It’s very different.  You can’t use other threats to create space and to create openings, so it’s tuning in on being able to get to the right position to strike using only your hands.  It’s a much more simplified game than MMA, but in a way, it’s much more complex at the one thing that it’s utilizing.”

Confident that he’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments to neutralize Humes’ strengths, Balletto is focused on continuing to take on the biggest challenges possible while carving a unique lane within combat sports.

“Every fight feels like the biggest fight, whether it is or it isn’t,” confesses the 29-year-old.  “It’s exciting.  I don’t know of anyone else who’s winning titles in both boxing and MMA simultaneously, especially in back-to-back fights like this, so it’s definitely a major accomplishment.”

Asked whether he’ll focus on boxing or defend his MMA titles if successful on Saturday, the ever whimsical ‘Batman’ gives a noncommittal reply.

“After this fight, we have a few things potentially in the works,” says Balletto.  “We’re hoping to hear back from the UFC about their upcoming Contender series.  We’re being considered, so that might be something that happens this year or who knows?  If I can pull this off, it might put me in position for a good boxing match too.”

Regardless of the path (or paths) he chooses, one can be certain that Balletto will give it his all and leave the door open to the possibilities.

“Life is about balance: if we find it, we live it well,” says Balletto philosophically.  “It makes it a lot easier when you take the chance and accept the outcomes, no matter what it’s gonna be, and you just go for the ride.  So, buckle up everybody, because we’re trying to make history!”

Don’t miss the scintillating matchup between Gary Balletto III and Laurent Humes for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship this Saturday, May 11, from Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino.  Purchase your tickets now at CESFights.com.   

For more information, follow CES Boxing on FacebookInstagram 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”.




TEAM COMBAT LEAGUE RESULTS FOR WEEK SIX

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!




Ryan O’Rourke, Danny Gonzalez, Ronny Reyes and John McDonagh Highlight Packed Undercard This Saturday Night at Paramount

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




GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NO. 1 WBA-RANKED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT AND FORMER TEAM USA MEMBER KENNETH “BOSSMAN” SIMS JR.

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.




Undefeated lightweight sensation Bader “The Master” Al-Dherat To headline “Rising Stars Arabia 4” on May 25th in Abu Dhabi

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




Top Rank Presents IBF Lightweight World Championship Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Lomachenko vs. Kambosos will be presented live this Saturday, May 11, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, and continues Top Rank’s MAYhem Tour featuring 11 world title fights spanning four continents with 17 world champion belts up for grabs this month.

Australia’s fighting emperor and former unified world champion, George Kambosos, is on a mission for a new belt. Standing in his way is a Ukrainian fight legend, Vasiliy Lomachenko, a three-division world champion intent on writing another triumphant chapter in his Hall of Fame career.

Lomachenko (17-3, 11 KOs) is the former pound-for-pound king, three-division world champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. After a 2020 points loss to Teofimo Lopez, he reeled off three consecutive wins. During that winning streak, he joined a territorial defense battalion in his homeland during the Russia-Ukraine war. Last May, he came close to becoming the undisputed lightweight champion, dropping a hotly contested decision to then-unbeaten phenom Devin “The Dream” Haney.
 
Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs), from Sydney, Australia, spent eight-plus years climbing the lightweight ranks after turning pro in 2013. He authored the 2021 Upset of the Year with a split decision over Teofimo Lopez to become the division’s unified and lineal world champion. In 2022, his showdown against Haney for the undisputed title drew more than 41,000 in Melbourne, Australia. Kambosos lost a unanimous decision to Haney, then dropped the rematch by decision four months later at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. “The Emperor” regrouped in 2023, edging Maxi Hughes by majority decision to secure another crack at world title glory.

The world title triple header includes WBA bantamweight world champion Nina Hughes making her second world title defense against Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” JohnsonHughes (6-0, 2 KOs) turned pro in 2021 at 39 years old. She won the Commonwealth junior featherweight title in her third outing and upset Jamie Mitchell by unanimous decision in 2022 to capture the WBA bantamweight world title.  Six years after turning pro in 2022, Johnson (15-2, 6 KOs) snatched the vacant IBF junior featherweight world title with a majority decision over Melissa Esquivel in Melbourne, Australia. Johnson lost her title last June in London in a unanimous decision to Ellie Scotney. Nearly a year later, she returns to bantamweight, motivated to become a two-weight queen.

Additionally, Australian standout Andrew Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs) will fight former WBC light flyweight world champion Pedro Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant WBC Interim junior bantamweight world title.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore and Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr. with Bernardo Osuna, recently inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame, on-site in Perth.  

*** 

Original Program “Redemption Road: The Path Back to Glory” ahead of Lomachenko vs. Kambosos

Leading up to the showdown, fight fans are in for a treat with a 30-minute all-access preview prior to the highly anticipated championship battle between Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko and Australian George Kambosos. The program offers an exclusive look inside the training camps of both fighters, giving fans a glimpse into the intense preparation leading up to this ‘Down Under’ world title showdown.

The program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on ESPN.com and on ESPN+.

Redemption Road: The Path Back to Glory (All Times ET)

Date Time (ET) Network
Wed May 8 9:00 p.m.  ESPNEWS
Fri May 10 12:00 a.m.
7:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. ESPN2

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Lomachenko vs. Kambosos (All Times ET)

Date Time Event Fights Title Platform
Wed May 8 10:30 p.m. Press Conference  ESPN+
Fri May 10 8:30 p.m. Weigh-In
Sat May 11 10:00 p.m. Main Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos (Vacant) IBF Lightweight ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+
Special Feature Nina Hughes (C) vs. Cherneka Johnson WBA Bantamweight
Co-Feature Andrew Moloney vs. Pedro Guevara (Interim) WBC Jr. Bantamweight

About ESPN




Barrientes Twins, Chavez and Angel, Sign Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 8, 2024) – Two of boxing’s brightest young rising stars, Chavez and Angel Barrientes, have officially inked a promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions, a prominent company in the world of boxing promotions based out of Orlando, Florida. This partnership marks a significant breakthrough in the promising careers of these talented young fighters.

Trained by their father, Richard Barrientes, and managed by longtime boxing specialist Bob Santos, Chavez and Angel Barrientes are eager to get back on track with their promising boxing careers. Hailing from the boxing-rich city of Las Vegas, Nevada, the twins are working endlessly at the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym, refining their techniques, and preparing themselves for the next level of competition.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the twins are of Philippine and Mexican decent, and plan on captivating both regions, as well as their fellow American’s here in the states. At age 21, they both envision staying busy and rising up the rankings with Boxlab Promotions.

“We are happy to sign a promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions,” said Chavez Barrientes. “We know that staying busy is very important, and we plan on fighting as much as possible. I’m healthy and ready to take my career to the next level. With Boxlab behind us, we are going to make some noise.”

“We’ve put in a lot of hard work to get here, and we truly believe that with the help of our team and the experience of Boxlab Promotions, we can do amazing things in the boxing world,” said Angel Barrientes. “We are still growing into our bodies, and we are only going to get stronger. This is perfect timing to be signing with Boxlab Promotions, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

“We are ecstatic to welcome Chavez and Angel Barrientes to the Boxlab family,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “They are exceptional talents with a bright future ahead of them, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional boxing.”

With this new partnership in place, boxing fans can expect to see the Barrientes twins fighting on a continuous basis. Both Chavez and Angel are scheduled to make their Boxlap Promotions debut on May 31, 2024, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL.




Laurent Humes: “Balletto is just another steppingstone”

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Laurent Humes (10-0, 10 KOs) is in the biggest fight of his career on Saturday, May 11, when he battles Gary “Batman” Balletto III (4-0, 2 KOs) for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship.

The bout serves as ‘The Battle at Bally’s’ co-feature, a 7-bout card taking place at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino in Rhode Island. Tickets are available at CESFights.com, priced at $60, $80, $155, and $180.  Fans who can’t make it to Bally’s can catch the action for free on Swerve Combat TV.

“Training has been going good,” says a confident Humes just days before the fight.  “I feel good, I look good, and I’m ready to dominate this guy.  They offered me this fight on short notice – I had about 3 and a half weeks, but I’m always in the gym, so I just kicked it up a couple of notches and I’m pretty much ready for a guy like Balletto. I don’t take nothing away from him, I’ve trained 110% either way, but I don’t feel like he’s on my level at all.”

When pressed about why he feels that there is such a disparity in skills, the Springfield native points to the fact that Balletto splits his time between boxing and MMA. 

“I know he calls himself the Batman,” jokes Humes when asked what he knows about his opponent. “I know that he’s an MMA guy.  I’ve seen a few clips of his fights. That’s all I needed to see to know that I could take this guy. I think I’m an all-around better fighter than him.  Speed, IQ, everything.”

While it’s true that Balletto only has 4 pro bouts, boxing runs in the Cranston, RI native’s family. The 29-year-old has been training in some form of martial art, including boxing, since he was 8 years old.  His father, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, was a devastating puncher at lightweight who won a world title and retired with a record of 31-2-2 with 26 KOs.  In addition, ‘Batman’ Balletto has fought 12 times in MMA, winning world titles in two different weight classes in his last two fights.

“I fought MMA dudes before,” says an unfazed Humes when asked about MMA fighters who box.  “They’re a little awkward in their movement and because they like to switch here and there.  I’ve seen Balletto.  There’s very few clips of him actually boxing, but I saw that he makes little head movements going left and right. I’m gonna see all that coming on fight night.”

Regardless of Balletto’s pedigree, Humes contends that one of the key differences between them on fight night will be their level of opposition.

“I believe I fought tougher competition than him,” says Humes.  “I fought in Mexico.  If you know anything about Mexican fighters, they come to fight. I hit this guy with everything plus and he was still coming. I eventually took him out of there, but he took a lot of punishment. I won’t know until I know, but I don’t think Balletto is going to be able to take my punches.  We’ll see.” 

Asked why he thinks team Balletto chose to face an undefeated fighter who has knocked out all 10 of his opponents at this early stage in ‘Batman’s’ career, Humes believes they made a calculated mistake in their desire to win a title.

“I think he just fights whoever, to be honest,” concedes Humes.  “They probably think they see something, but no one’s actually seen me fight my best yet and it’s different when you’re actually in there and you get hit in your stomach and can’t breathe for like 5 seconds.”

A multi-sport athlete growing up, Humes picked up boxing later in life.  Despite that, Laurent has proven to be a quick study in the Sweet Science.  The 30-year-old had only 20 amateur fights before turning pro, but he won the Golden Gloves twice during his short amateur career.

“I’ve always been a huge boxing fan, but I started boxing a little late,” admits Humes, “I’m still learning, but I have a good ring IQ and I’m getting better and better.”

Humes is convinced that regardless of what Balletto brings on fight night, he’ll be able to outbox or outfight the Cranston native depending on how the bout plays out.

“I can box on the outside using my jab, or I can fight aggressively,” explains Humes. “If you watch my fights, you’ll see that I’ve done different things in each fight. I would say I’m more of a boxer puncher, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll switch into an aggressive fighter walking you down with my hands up, so we’ll see what Balletto brings.”

When assessing Balletto’s strengths, the Springfield native quickly shoots down the notion that an inside fight might favor Balletto given his grappling experience.

“I don’t think he’s going to be effective with all that grappling $#%@ in the clinch,” says Humes. “I’m very good at making adjustments on the fly during a fight, and I don’t think that will be a problem.”   

And while he is aware that the Rhode Island crowd will heavily favor Balletto on Saturday night, Humes doesn’t think anyone should be shocked at the outcome of the fight.

“I don’t think me whooping his ass is gonna be a surprise,” says Humes.  “I mean, me coming in 10-0, with 10 knockouts and him coming in as an MMA fighter at 4-0, I don’t think it’s gonna be that much of a surprise. I feel like this is just another steppingstone for me and it’s important for me to win and look good winning.”

We’ll find out for sure on Saturday night at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on FacebookInstagram 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”.




Stacked “Rumble at the Rink” card announced “Granite Chin Box Off” tournament & Two exciting title fights and hot prospects

QUINCY, Mass. (May 7, 2024) – Granite Chin Promotions has finalized this Saturday night’s (May 11) “Rumble at the Rink” pro card, featuring an innovative “Granite Chin Box Off” tournament, plus a pair of competitive title fights and entertaining supporting bouts, at Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts.

All the action will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

The one-night “Granite Chin Box Off” tournament will headline “Rumble at the Rink,” which will benefit Quincy Youth Hockey, as a quartet of tough, entertaining New England super middleweight fighters – Lynn’s (MA) James “Pitbull” Perkins (13-1-1, 9 KOs), Swansea’s (MA) Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (5-3, 2 KOs), Dorchester’s (MA) Bernard Joseph (7-1-1, 5 KOs), and Barrington’s (ME) Ryan Clark (4-5, 2 KOs) – who will be matched (in a blind draw at the weigh in) in three-round bouts (4th round of sudden death if needed in case of a draw) early in the evening with the two winners advancing to the five-round main event (6th round of sudden death in the event of a draw) to determine the inaugural champion.

In the six-round, co-featured event, undefeated Irish boxer Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole (9-0, 6 KOs) takes on dangerous Russell Kimber (2-1, 1 KO), of Peabody (MA), for the vacant Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Championship. O’Toole, fighting out of Braintree (MA) by way of Galway (IRE), was a 2019 Irish National Champion. Kimber has fighting in his blood as the son and nephew of multiple world kickboxing champions.

United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Middleweight Champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (6-4, 3 KOs), fighting out of Woburn (MA), will defend his title against New Hampshire challenger Ricky Ford (5-1-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout that has the potential to be the Fight of the Night.

Promising welterweight prospect Joe Bush, a 2023 New England Golden Gloves Tournament from Marshfield (MA), faces North Carolina’s Tracey Coppedge (0-2) in a four-round clash that promises non-stop action from the opening bell until its conclusion.

Medford junior middleweight “Iron” Greg Bono (3-1-1, 2 KOs) will bring his throng of supporters, including many of his fellow union Ironworkers, for a throw-down with Tymar Miles (0-1) in a four-rounder.

Popular Scituate (MA) fighter Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (7-0, 7 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line in his expected toughest test to date versus his Brazilian opponent, Marcelo “Queixada” Leonardo Da Silva (23-6, 18 KOs).

And gifted Jonathan de Pina (13-2, 6 KOs), of Dorchester (MA), will be showcased in a six-round match against veteran Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-23-4, 12 KOs). Pina captured a gold medal at the 2018 New England Golden Gloves Tournament.

Canadian super lightweight Thomas Blumenfeld, a 2019 Canadian National Champion, meets pro-debuting Igor Santos in a four-rounder.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale to purchase at www.granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

(L-R) – (front) Russell Kimber, James Perkins, Anthony Andreozzi and Ryan Clark; (back) Ricky Ford, Bernard Joseph, Thomas O’Toole and Julien Baptiste

(picture courtesy of Granite Chin Promotions)

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin




Wilson Mascarenhas: “The WBC Silver Championship is the beginning of my title run”

NEW BEDFORD, MA – Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas (10-1, 4 KOs) returns to the ring for the second time in as many months on Saturday, when he meets Patrick “The Mallet” Okine (21-6-2, 18 KOs) at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino for the WBC USA Silver Super Lightweight Championship.

The bout is the main event of “The Brawl at Bally’s,” a scintillating 7-bout card featuring many of the CES Boxing’s top prospects in competitive matchups. Tickets are available at CESFights.com, priced at $60, $80, $155, and $180.  Fans who can’t make it to Bally’s can catch the action for free on Swerve Combat TV.

“It’s going great, man,” says Mascarenhas when describing his preparation for Saturday night’s bout.  “It’s the same routine, just turning it up a notch because it’s my first 8 round fight.  I’ve been stepping up my level of competition little by little, so my workouts are getting harder.  I just fought 2 months ago, which gives me the advantage, so there’s nothing to do but to keep the momentum going.”

In February, the New Bedford resident made short work of Braulio Rodriguez at the same venue, stopping the savvy veteran after only one round.  The performance convinced CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. that Mascarenhas was ready for his first title.

“Rodriguez was a strong puncher, but he didn’t end up catching me flush,” explains Mascarenhas.  “I believe that Braulio underestimated me a little bit because he probably thought that I’m a young kid with only 10 fights and he’s been in the ring with veterans and top prospects, so he came in there thinking that he was gonna take me out of there and it didn’t go as planned for him.”

Indeed, Rodriguez had previously been in the ring with top jr. welterweight Ryan Garcia, former title challenger Chris “Pitufo” Diaz, and blue-chip prospect Ashton Sylve.  While Rodriguez was competitive in spots against Garcia and Diaz, he was completely blown out by Mascarenhas.

“Honestly, I wasn’t too satisfied,” admits Mascarenhas of the bout.  “The fight didn’t last as long as I wanted it to.  I didn’t really get to show my skills.  I didn’t get to show my talent and what I’m made of.  At the end of the day, it’s the ref’s call and he decided to stop the fight after the first round.  It’s too bad, because we got right to it in round one.  It was becoming an interesting fight.  I just wanted to see what would have happened in the later rounds when I started warming up.”

Speaking with Mascarenhas, one gets the sense that the 29-year-old craves the opportunity to dig deep in a fight and show the world what he can do against an opponent who is there to win.  The Portuguese native hopes that Okine will fit the bill on Saturday.

“When you work so hard in training, you want to challenge yourself and see what it’s like to go into deep waters,” agrees Mascarenhas.  “I didn’t get a chance to do that against Rodriguez.  Maybe I’ll be able to do it with Patrick Okine.”

In Okine, ‘Ill Will’ is facing a tough-as-nails Ghanian puncher who always comes to fight.  ‘The Mallet’ has 18 knockouts in 21 wins and has shared the ring with the likes of former world champions Lee Selby and Emmanuel Tagoe as well as contenders Jeremia Nakathila and Cletus Seldin.

“I know that he’s a physically strong guy,” opines Mascarenhas of his opponent.  “He’s a little flat footed, but he’s a power puncher, so you can never count those guys out.  I know that he’s coming to fight, and that’s what I want because it builds confidence to know that I’m not having a walk in the park with my opponents.”

In an era where top prospects are often fed cannon fodder for opponents, Mascarenhas is grateful that CES Boxing is giving him the opportunity to develop against hard-nosed veterans who will both test him and teach him something about himself.

“Sometimes I sit back and see guys playing around with easy fights and I think, I just wanna go out there and get knock outs too,” laughs Mascarenhas.  “But then again, I’m glad that I’m getting built this way because I’m taking tough fights so that when the big fights get to me, it’s nothing new, there’s nothing I haven’t seen.”

Wilson’s goal is not to just get a world title shot, but to be in a position to win that title when the opportunity arises.

“I’m not saying it would be a walk in the park, but it’ll be something I’m used to,” elaborates Mascarenhas when envisioning fighting for a world title.  “I’m not going to have stage fright, I’m not gonna hesitate, I’m not going to be as nervous, so I’m glad I’m having these tough fights now so that when the time comes that I fight for a major title, I’m ready to win it.”

But before Wilson takes that big step towards a world title, he must first overcome ‘The Mallet’ for the WBC USA Silver title.  It’s a task that Mascarenhas takes very seriously.

“First and foremost, all glory to God because without Him, none of this would have been possible,” reflects Mascarenhas.  “And a big shout out to CES for even giving me this opportunity because two years ago, I wasn’t even supposed to be here.”  

Mascarenhas is alluding to a stabbing incident he suffered at a post-fight celebration in 2022, when he almost lost his life and was afraid that his boxing career had suddenly come to an end.

“I wasn’t even thinking about getting this type of shot,” admits Mascarenhas, who spent nearly a year in physical therapy to recover a full range of motion.  “Two years later, I feel like everything is starting to come together.  My mental, my physicality, I’m starting to be in the best shape of my life.  I’m fighting for the WBC Silver title, so it means a lot.  It’ll mean more after I have the title wrapped around my waist.  It’s big for me, but this is just the beginning.  We have more belts to go after.”   

In what he hopes will be the first of many, Wilson’s title run begins on Saturday night at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino with the WBC USA Silver title on the line.   

For more information, follow CES Boxing on FacebookInstagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.
INFORMATIONCES 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”.

 



Sampson Boxing Renews Promotional Agreement with Lightweight Powerhouse Edwin De Los Santos

May 7, 2024 – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz proudly announces he has renewed his long-term promotional contract with WBC and WBC #4, WBO #9 and IBF #10 lightweight Edwin “La Granada” De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs)

The 24-year-old De Los Santos, a hard-punching southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has been with Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing for most of his career and found success in the United States, with nationally televised victories over fellow contenders, Luis Acosta (then 12-0), Jose Valenzuela (then 12-0) and Joseph Adorno (then 17-2-2).

De Los Santos has also picked up the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship along the way and unsuccessfully challenged for the WBC World Championship last November, losing a controversial decision to a highly reluctant Shakur Stevenson.

“I am happy to have re-signed with my promoter Sampson,” said De Los Santos upon signing. “He has done everything he said he would do for my career, and we have grown to be like family. I look forward to another world title fight soon and this time, I hope it is a fight.”

De Los Santos’ trainer, and now also manager Humberto “Chelo” Betancourt, says he’s happy to be keeping the team in place for another run at a world championship.

“I have worked with Sampson for over 20 years, and he’s always kept his word,” said Betancourt. “Edwin is an excellent fighter who works hard in the gym, and he will be the lightweight champion of the world very soon.”

Lewkowicz, known for finding hidden gems like De Los Santos in gyms around the world, says he’s very happy to continue working with the Dominican slugger.

“Edwin De Los Santos is a terrific talent and a good man,” said Lewkowicz. “He has never backed down from any fight I have offered him, and he has the talent to become a dominant champion. I’m happy he has chosen to stay with Sampson Boxing and look forward to many more big fights and great accomplishments from him during his career.”




Shakur Stevenson-Artem Harutyunyan & O’Shaquie Foster-Robson Conceição World Title Doubleheader Set for July 6 at Newark’s Prudential Center LIVE on ESPN

NEWARK, N.J. (May 7, 2024) — Newark’s three-division king is ready to defend his crown on native turf.

Shakur Stevenson will make the inaugural defense of his WBC lightweight world championship against Armenian-born German Olympian Artem Harutyunyan on Saturday, July 6, at Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.

In the co-feature, O’Shaquie Foster will defend his WBC junior lightweight world title against Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.

In the 10-round lightweight televised opener, Keyshawn Davis will take on Mexican veteran Miguel Madueño.

Stevenson-Harutyunyan, Foster-Conceição, and Davis-Madueño will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN, Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

“There is a unique connection between Shakur and the City of Newark, and we are thrilled he’s returning for another hometown appearance against a tough opponent in Artem Harutyunyan,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “O’Shaquie Foster does not shy away from the best opposition, and I know Robson Conceição is motivated to pull off the upset. And with Keyshawn Davis on the card against a rugged contender in Madueño, this is quite the tripleheader we have in store in Brick City.”

“To once again welcome back Top Rank, ESPN, and Shakur Stevenson for the third time in two years is a great honor for Prudential Center and the entire city of Newark,” said Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center. “We look forward to hosting an unforgettable evening filled with history-making moments in the heart of New Jersey as Shakur takes on a formidable opponent in Artem Harutyunyan for the WBC Lightweight Title.  Following consecutive record-breaking events with Shakur headlining, we are excited to showcase the sweet science in our world class venue, further solidifying Newark’s reputation for marquee events around the world.”

Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) has won world titles in three weight classes during his seven-year run. After securing a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, he made his pro debut in 2017 and swiftly moved up the ranks. He captured his first world title by defeating Joet Gonzalez for the WBO featherweight strap in October 2019. Two years later, he stopped Jamel Herring in 10 rounds to earn the WBO title at 130 pounds. The 26-year-old southpaw unified world titles by handing then-WBC champion Oscar Valdez his first loss in April 2022. Stevenson then claimed two consecutive victories at Prudential Center by defeating Conceição that September and stopping Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino in six last April. Hee outpointed Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos last November to become the WBC lightweight world champion.

Stevenson said, “It feels good to be going back home to Newark, where they appreciate a young legend, and to make my first title defense at 135. On July 6, Down Goes Artem!”

Harutyunyan (12-1, 7 KOs) captured an Olympic bronze medal for Germany in 2016. He started his pro career the following year and went 12-0 in his adopted country with triumphs over Samuel Molina in September 2021 and Humberto Galindo in June 2022. Last July, he made his U.S. debut in a competitive showdown against Frank Martin. The 33-year-old had success with his aggression and right hand, though Martin rallied late to win a narrow unanimous decision. Harutyunyan will have his first world title shot against his second consecutive southpaw rival.

Harutyunyan said, “I respect Shakur Stevenson as a champion, but I’m coming to shock his hometown fans and win the WBC lightweight championship. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will take full advantage of it. This will be my second fight in the U.S. I’ve learned and progressed since my loss to Frank Martin.”

Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) had a distinguished amateur career with more than 100 fights and an alternate spot in the 2012 U.S. Olympic team before entering the paid ranks later that year. He encountered two early-career setbacks, including a split decision defeat to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He returned more than a year later with renowned trainer Bobby Benton and has since gone 12-0. Last February, he won the WBC world title with a points verdict over two-division world champion Rey Vargas before a dramatic 12th-round knockout win against Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez in October. The following month, Foster signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank. He returns after securing a well-earned split decision over Abraham Nova in February.

Foster said, “I’m excited to be back for my third title defense. Conceição is a great opponent who has been in the ring with a lot of top fighters, but come July 6, we will be ready. I will keep proving that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”

Conceição (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Brazil’s inaugural Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in November 2016. His only losses have come against unbeaten world champions, including a close decision against then-WBC champ Valdez in September 2021. Following the setback to Stevenson, Conceição’s June 2022 showdown against Nicolas Polanco ended in a no contest. He followed up by challenging three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete last November, rising twice from the canvas and battling to a majority draw. In April, he registered a seventh-round TKO against Jose Guardado in April.

Conceição said, “I’m really looking forward to this fight against O’Shaquie Foster. This title is something I’ve been aiming for a long time, and I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away. I can guarantee that I’ll give my best; I’ll leave everything in the ring. Blood, sweat, and dedication—everything will be invested in this title bout. I’m ready to face any challenge that comes my way. Let’s go all in towards victory! Brazil!”

Davis (10-0, 7 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, made a quick transition from prospect to contender. After going 3-0 as a pro, he earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he inked a long-term promotional pact with Top Rank and has amassed seven wins since. In 2023, he stopped Anthony Yigit in nine rounds in April and vanquished Francesco Patera via 10-round decision in July. After his October win over Nahir Albright was overturned to a no contest due to a positive marijuana test, Davis returned with renewed vigor in February to dispatch former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza in six. Madueño (31-2, 28 KOs) tallied a three-fight winning spree after a decision defeat to Jezreel Corrales in March 2022. The streak was halted by a points setback against Canadian contender Steve Claggett last November, but he bounced back quickly by decisioning Justin Pauldo in February.

Davis said, “Madueño is a tough fighter with more than 30 pro fights, and I have a lot of respect for what he brings to the table. I love fighting in Newark. The fans there are special, and I am going to feed off their energy and put on a show.”

Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes the return of 20-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason and unbeaten heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba.

Mason (13-0, 11 KOs) will make his third 2024 appearance in an eight-rounder against Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron. The Cleveland native went 5-0 with four knockouts last year before stopping Benjamin Gurment in two in February. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Ronal Ron in April. Lebron (20-5-1, 13 KOs) has given stiff tests to Duke Ragan and Henry Lebron and stopped Giovanni Gutierrez in February.  

Knyba (13-0, 7 KOs), a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, returns in an eight-rounder versus Richard Lartey (16-6, 13 KOs). He joined the Top Rank stable in January 2023 and scored a TKO win over Curtis Harper that April followed by decisions over Helaman Olguin in June and Michael Coffie in December.

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ABOUT PRUDENTIAL CENTER

Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 5 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit https://www.prucenter.com/ and follow the arena on FacebookX and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a HBSE property.




‘SUPER’ DAN AZEEZ RETURNS ON JUNE 15TH AT SELHURST PARK

LONDON, UK (May 7, 2024) – Former British, Commonwealth and European Light Heavyweight Champion ‘Super’ Dan Azeez joins British boxing’s biggest event of the summer as the latest addition to BOXXER’s star-studded Selhurst Park stadium show on Saturday, June 15th, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Azeez returns to action after a thrilling twelve round clash with friend and fellow South Londoner Joshua Buatsi on February 3rd at the OVO Arena Wembley.

The Lewisham man lost a hard-fought points decision to Buatsi in a final eliminator for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Title.

Despite suffering his first career defeat, Azeez’s stock has risen following his ‘Fight Of The Year’ contender and the 34-year-old plans to waste no time in getting back into title contention and targeting the top names in the division.

Dan Azeez said: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. This is my job and I wear this sport on my chest like a badge of honour. I’m ready to put the graft in like I always do to prove I belong at the top of the sport. I always aim for the top and I’m excited to be a part of a huge stadium show in South London, where I am from! Selhurst Park is going to be rocking and I’m excited to put on a show for all the fans who turn out.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “It’s great to see Dan Azeez back in the ring so quickly. I know he will have learnt a lot from such a great fight with Joshua Buatsi. He has become one of the country’s most popular fighters and I now expect him to be well equipped to go right to the top of the division.”

Fans attending the huge GAME ON! show will be part of history as boxing returns to Selhurst Park in its centenary year.

The epic Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe clash tops a huge bill in South London and kick-offs a huge summer of world-class sport with a blockbuster night of world championship boxing and celebrations.

A stacked undercard features Brixton’s Isaac Chamberlain challenging the fierce punching Pole Michal Cieslak for the European Cruiserweight crown.

Ben Whittaker faces undefeated rival and press conference crasher Ezra Arenyeka for the WBA Gold Light Heavyweight belt, plus the return of 19-year-old bantamweight starlet Francesca Hennessy.

A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to the Palace For Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C, which has been working with the community for over 25 years, helping young people grow through the power of sport, inspiring them to find a better path in life and to lead a healthier life.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Integritas Property Group and HELL Energy.

Tickets are on sale now via BOXXER.com




WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Ermes Orta 139.8 – Rondale Hubbert 143,6

Curtis Harper 266.4 – Kaleb Slaughter 249.6

Khalil Smoot 237.8 – Troy Depriest Will Weigh Tuesday

Aaron Cypress 185.6 – Kenshon Carr 182.8

DeCarlo Patton 152,8 – Adrian Howell 150.6

Dryon Woods 167.2 – Terry Roscoe 159.2

Precious Harris-McCray 163.8 – Jina Bynum 167.8

Fernando Cuza Taquechel 246.4 – Francois Russell 247.8

Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions

Venue: Troubadour Nashville

1st Bell 7PM CT (8 PM ET)

TV: USA Today Network, and USA Today Sports Network; Trillerr.TV (Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the Call)

Photos By Janet Wohler / Jimmy Adams Promotions

Jimmy Adams Promotions & Country Box “Where Music Meets Boxing” is proud to announce that we have now signed a deal with USA Today. USA Today Network can be seen there on any of their viewers, please click the link https://www.gannett.com/channels/ and find the right fit for you to view Country Box March 5 at the Troubadour. Get your tickets at countrybox247.com

Country Box airs in over 100 million homes on

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Verizon Fios – Ch 662

Fontier – Ch 162

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GCl – Ch 142

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Direct TV – Ch 324

Plus Countrybox247.com. ITUBE247.com and Triller.TV




Demolition at The Dome: Naoya Inoue Pummels Luis Nery in Six

TOKYO (May 6, 2024) —It had been more than 34 years since the Tokyo Dome hosted a boxing event. Naoya “Monster” Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs), boxing’s pound-for-pound king, made it worth the wait. Inoue scored a sixth-round TKO over Mexican former two-division world champion Luis Nery (35-2, 27 KOs) in front a packed house Monday evening to defend his undisputed junior featherweight championship.

This marked the 22nd world title victory for Inoue, who recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of winning his first world title.

“Inoue is among the greatest fighters I’ve promoted, and he was sensational once again. Nery came to win, but ‘The Monster’ was too much,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.

Inoue was floored early by a counter left hand in the opening stanza as he closed in on Nery. The 31-year-old returned the favor in the following round by sending Nery to the canvas with a counter left hook. Inoue then began breaking Nery down during the ensuing rounds before dropping him again with a left hook in the fifth. In the sixth, the pound-four-pound great landed consecutive right hands to end the fight at 1:22.

Inoue said, “I appreciate Nery. That’s why I shook hands with him after the fight. The knockdown motivated me. I am thankful to have fought against a great fighter in Nery.

“I don’t remember anything my dad {head trainer Shingo Inoue} told me in the intermission, but that happening gave me motivation. I was so focused until the end of the fight.

“Thank you so much to everyone for witnessing my fight. There are over 40,000 people here in the Tokyo Dome. I promise that I will keep giving you fights that get you excited.”

Takei Dethrones Moloney

Japanese former kickboxing world champion Yoshiki Takei earned boxing hardware in just his ninth pro fight, using his length and tricky southpaw style to topple WBO Bantamweight World Champion Jason Moloney (27-3. 19 KOs) via unanimous decision.

Takei (9-0, 8 KOs) prevailed by scores of 116-111 2x and 117-110. Moloney had Takei badly hurt and out on his feet in the final round, but the Japanese upstart survived the late charge to notch the well-earned decision. 

Bantamweight: Takuma Inoue (20-1, 5 KOs) UD 12 Sho Ishida (34-4, 17 KOs). Scores: 118-109 2x and 116-111. Inoue, Naoya’s younger brother, made the first successful defense of his WBA Bantamweight World Title.

Flyweight: Seigo Yuri Akui (20-2-1, 11 KOs) UD 12 Taku Kuwahara (13-2, 8 KOs). Scores: 118-110 and 117-111 2x. Akui retains the WBA Flyweight World Title.




Christian Carto Takes on Jesus Martinez This Friday Night at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia

Philadelphia (May 6, 2024) -THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at The Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, bantamweight contender Christian Carto will take on Jesus Martinez in a eight-round bout that will headline a seven bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto of Philadelphia is 21-1 with 14 knockouts. The 27 year-old is an eight-year professional is riding a four-fight winning streak.

Carto has wins over Alonso Melendez (14-1), James Smith (12-1) and Hector Andres Sosa (12-1). Carto is coming off a second round stoppage over Ardin Diale on January 12th at Live! Casino.

Martinez of Miami is 35-20-1 with 16 knockouts. The 13 year veteran has wins over Jonathan Burgos (9-2-1), Miguel Martinez (20-2), Angel Berrio (14-2), Martinez was stopped in six-rounds to Emmanuel Rodriguez on March 9th in Atlantic City.

A great undercard has been assembled featuring Bree Howling (6-0, 2 KOs) of Calgary, Canada taking on Nancy Franco (19-19-2, 5 KOs) of Guadaljara, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.

Atif Oberlton (9-0, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Juan Francisco Lopez Barajas (8-1, 4 KOs) of Mexico in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Ibrahim Robinson (6-1-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore takes on DeMarcus Layton (9-6-1, 6 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight contest.

Steohanie Han (7-0, 2 KOs) of El Paso, TX fights Michaele Nogue (2-4-1) of Egg Harbor, New Jersey in a lightweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

David Whitmire (4-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Nelson Morales (4-14, 1 KO) of Scranton, PA in a welterweight tussle.

Muhammad Robinson (6-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore fights David Thomas (6-6-1, 2 KOs) of Orange, Texas in a super lightweight bout.

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