Weights from Newtown, PA

NEWTOWN PA (March 3, 2023)–Weights for Saturday night’s RDR Promotions card at The Newtown Athletic Club

Isaiah Johnson 144.5 – Antonio Sanchez 144.5

Oscar Barajas 137.8 – Roberto Gomez 144.5

Nimal Farmer 145.3 – Boris Nde 141.2

Dominique Mayfield 265.6 – Jerome Aiken 227.8

Erron Peterson 160.4 – Tariq Green 159.4

Najeem Johns 139 – Raekwon Butler 138.5

Soslon Alborov 154 – Brendan O’Callaghan 155.4

Jonathan Wiles 229.8 – Ali Ellis 211.4

Promoter: RDR Promotions

Venue: Newtown Athletic Club

Stream: BXNGTV.com

1st Bell: 6:30 PM ET

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

Tickets are $200, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at The Following Link

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND COMMISSION OFFICIALS

WBC Featherweight Title (Interim) – 12 Rounds

Brandon Figueroa – 125.8 lbs.

Mark Magsayo – 126 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Gary Ritter (Okla.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Jarrett Hurd – 159.2 lbs.

Armando Reséndiz – 161 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.) 

Note: Contracted weight is 162 lbs.

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Amilcar Vidal – 159 lbs.

Elijah Garcia – 158.6 lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Terrell Gausha – 156.6 lbs.

Brandyn Lynch – 155.6 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight is 157 lbs.

Referee: Jerry Cantu; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Edward Hernandez, Sr. (Calif.), Gary Ritter (Okla.)

Welterweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Travon Marshall – 145.6 lbs.

Justin DeLoach Dock – 147 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 8/10 Rounds

Enriko Gogokhia – 143 lbs.

Samuel Teah – 141.6 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight is 143 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Ivan Guillermo (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

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

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

# # #

ABOUT FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO

Figueroa vs. Magsayo will see a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions, as hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa meets Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah García meet in a 10-round attraction.

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




OFFICIAL WEIGH IN RESULTS FROM WHITE EAGLE HALL

Jersey City, NJ (March 3, 2023) – Jersey City Fight Night will take place tomorrow night (3/4) at White Eagle Hall, in Jersey City New Jersey. Today, the fighters took to the scale for the official weigh in.

OFFICIAL JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT WEIGH IN RESULTS
8 Round Super Bantamweight BoutRAJON “PICASSO” CHANCE: 122 lbsMARTIN “EL GATO” DIAZ: 121.5 lbs
8 Round Super Welterweight BoutJAHYAE “GOLDEN CHILD” BROWN: 153 lbsDENIS “BILABONG” OKOTH: 151.5 lbs
8 Round Heavyweight BoutNORMAN “NO NONSENSE” NEELY: 235 lbsNATHAN BEDWELL: 225.5 lbs
4 Round Light Heavyweight Bout:LOUIS “IL MARTELLO” MAIETTA: 171.5 lbsLEVAN LOUTSOUPITZE: 163 lbs.

Doors at White Eagle Hall will open at 6:30PM ET, and the event will begin at 7:30 PM ET. Fists will fly shortly thereafter. If you cannot make it to Jersey City Fight Night, you can tune in LIVE on StarBoxing.TV starting at 7:30 PM ET.

Rajon Chance (L) vs Martin Diaz (R)Jahaye Brown (L) vs Denis Okoth (R)
Norman Neely (L) vs Nathan Bedwell(R)Louis Maietta (L) vs Levan Loutsoupitze (R)
Photos Credit: @TheFightPhotos/Instagram
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JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT TICKETS ON SALE NOW!Tickets Start at $50. Fight Night: March 4, 2023 at White Eagle HallBUY TICKETS HERE



WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER FROM FIERRO VS. ESTELA WEIGH-IN

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
Criztec Bazaldua (136.4lbs)  vs.     Jose Bustamante (135.4lbs)
Los Angeles, California          Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Featherweight contest
Alejandro Young (127.2lbs)  vs.     Francisco Piña (125.8lbs)
Los Mochis, Mexico                        Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
Misael Rodriguez (162.6lbs) vs.     Aaron Guerrero (161.2lbs)
Chihuahua, Mexico                         Culiacan, Mexico
 
Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
Eduardo Núñez (130.6lbs)    vs.     Martin Ceyca (128.8lbs)
Los Mochis, Mexico                        Culiacan, Mexico
 
Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO NABO Lightweight title
Angel Fierro (134.4lbs)         vs.     Eduardo Estela (134.2lbs)
Tijuana, Mexico                     Montevideo, Uruguay




“LA GUERRA CIVIL” IN A CUIDAD OBREGON TURF WAR UNBEATEN LUIS TORRES FACES ONCE BEATEN MISAEL CABRERA MARCH 8 STREAMED LIVE ON PROBOX TV

Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México, March 3, 2023 – – Luis “Koreano” Torres and Misael “Pichón” Cabrera, both born and raised in Obregon, will meet in the ring for the right to declare being the best lightweight in town. The Torres-Cabrera ten-round lightweight bout will be the main event on March 8, at Palenque De La Expo, in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, and will be streamed live at ProBoxTV.com and the ProBox TV app.

The event is being promoted by Marquez Promotions, Chiquita Gonzalez Promotions and ProBox Promotions.

Luis “Koreano” Torres (17-0, 10 KOs) born and raised in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México, made his professional debut in 2017. Luis won the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver lightweight title on August 25, 2020 and won the WBC Latino lightweight title on June 2, 2022.

Miguel “Pichón” Cabrera (13-1, 10 KOs) born and raised in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México, made his professional debut as a lightweight in 2016. Pichon won his first twelve bouts prior to fighting outside of Mexico for the first time in 2022, in Canada, where he succumbed via close unanimous decision. Cabrera returned to the homeland for his next bout, in Acapulco, and won the WBC Fecarbox lightweight title by fifth round knockout.

“This is a high-level fight that fans have wanted to see it for a long time, so we prepare like never before and we are ready for war,” said Luis “Koreano” Torres.  “This has been the best camp of my career.  We have been training hard for eight weeks at the New Body Gym in Obregón and I feel better than I ever have. Cabrera is the toughest opponent of my career.  We know each other very well since we’re both from Obregón and the fight fans have wanted to see this fight for years!” 

“It’s going to be a war, of that I am sure. This will be a real fight that you cannot miss,” said Misael “Pichón” Cabrera. “Camp has been great. I am in the best shape of my life, and we expect a very tough fight on March 8th. I have known Torres for a long time, and I expect him to be a great shape for this fight. He is strong and fast, but even that won’t be enough to beat me!” 

There will be three fights total on the March 8 ProBox live stream, which begins at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. The opener will be unbeaten Oscar Alvarez (8-0, 7 KOs) fighting in a eight-round featherweight bout against Diego Lopez (3-1-1, 2 KOs). Leading into the main event will be a ten-round lightweight bout between once beaten, big puncher Miguel Madueno (28-1, 26 KOs) against Willmak Canonico (12-2-2, 10 KOs).

Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en




EUBANK- URUZQUIETA FIGHT CARD COMFIRMED FOR MARCH 31 AT YORK HALL

Fans can look forward to an unbelievable night of action when Harlem Eubank (16-0, 6 KOs) returns to London’s iconic York Hall on Friday March 31 as the Brighton man looks to continue his climb up the Super Lightweight rankings against Mexico’s Christian Uruzquieta (21-5, 8 KOs), live and free on Channel 5 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

A stacked undercard at the legendary East End venue features a fifty-fifty English Cruiserweight Title bout, a highlight reel heavyweight, two huge German names plus a host of local talent.

Former Southern Area Cruiserweight Champion, ‘Nightmare’ Nick Parpa (10-1, 6 KOs) will take on Middlesbrough’s undefeated Michael Webster (7-0, 5 KOs) in an eagerly anticipated English Cruiserweight Championship clash.

Parpa will be looking to pick up where he left off with a win after ending things in the first round against Nicolas Holcapfel in May 2023. Webster set up his British Title opportunity by putting Erdogan Kadrija down twice in the third round to claim a stoppage win in a one-sided contest at the Newcastle Arena.  

Rising Heavyweight star Matty Harris (4-0, 3 KOs) returns to face Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Milos Veletic (2-2, 1 KO). 23-year-old Harris will look to build off the back of his three consecutive first-round finishes in his last three outings, with his most recent win coming against Jiri Surmaj on the undercard of Eubank Jr vs. Smith on January 21 in Manchester.

The IBO Continental Super Welterweight champion Abass Baraou (12-1, 8 KOs) will hope to make his York Hall debut, and second fight in Britain, a memorable one as he returns having been out of the ring since March 2022. A statement win could see one of Germany’s hottest prospects continue to close the gap between himself and the top ten Super Welterweights.  

Another exciting German fighter joins the card in the form of undefeated featherweight Sophie Alisch (8-0, 1 KO), who will have to look for maturity beyond her 21 years as she faces the hugely experienced Bec Connolly over six rounds. Alisch will be eager to stamp her authority against a fighter like Connolly, who has shared the ring with the likes of Natasha Jonas and Ebanie Bridges.

Jesse Brandon (1-0) will be hoping to bring a similar jubilant crowd that supported him at York Hall in his last Super Lightweight outing in another four- round fight at the historic venue. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Brandon will be Codie Smith, who makes his professional debut at Featherweight against Italy’s Luca Genovese (4-19-5) in a four-round contest.

The historic York Hall hosts an unbelievable night of free-to-air action, headlined by Harlem Eubank as he faces off against Christian Uruzquieta on Friday March 31 live on Channel 5, in association with Infinitum Entertainment.
 

Tickets are on sale now and available via WassermanBoxing.com.




FIERRO VS. ESTELA – FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM CULIACAN, MX

Eddie Hearn 
 
“We have a huge card here in Culiacan, live on DAZN around the world. This Mexican adventure has been incredible for Matchroom, some of the best cards we’ve seen from top to bottom and Saturday is no exception. We have a fantastic main event and a deep card with some exciting young fighters. 
 
“What a night in Nottingham when Mauricio Lara beat Leigh Wood to become World champion and he’s a great example of the young talent here that needs to be unearthed and given an opportunity, and all we do as promoters is make great fights and deliver value for fight fans, and these cards see hot prospects and World rated fighters continuously step up and fight the very best in the business.”
 
Angel Fierro – defends WBO NABO Lightweight title against Eduardo Estela
 
“I am delighted to be here in Culiacan. All my fights are guaranteed to be wars. God willing, we come through Saturday, it will out me in a wonderful position to fight for a World title, so I am extremely motivated.
 
“I have fought in many different places in Mexico and it’s nice to become known and to be a favorite with people. I boxed in Mexico City in front of my home fans and that was special, I feel the fans like me and that makes me very happy.
 
“I’m calm, I’m motivated, I’m close to that shot of getting a World title fight. He is confident and I respect him, but it will be a complete war in the ring, and I will be ready to give what I need to give.”
 
Eduardo Estela – challenges Angel Fierro for the WBO NABO Lightweight title
 
“We’re totally prepared for Saturday; it’s a big fight and it’s going to be a war. I hope all the Latin fans enjoy it as when you get two Latin fighters in the ring together you are guaranteed a war and that’s what’s going to happen. 
 
“We’re confident because we’ve trained so well and we’ve put the work in, day in, day out. We have clear objectives, we understand that victory would catapult us to get the big fights, those are what all boxers want so we are so ready.
 
“We’ve studied him, we know he hits hard but can also take a shot, we’re completely ready for it.”
 
Eduardo Nunez – takes on Martin Ceyca over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
“It’s a great opportunity and an important one, and I won’t let it pass me by. I’ve prepared really well; I have a great opponent in front of me and I have put the work in and everything is on the table to do what I need to do.
 
“I have no issues with weight, I control it well and I can fight at 126 and 130. I would love the chance in the short term to fight for a World title and I think it’s something I will do very soon. 
 
“I’m just excited to be on such a fantastic card, it’s a small step in my career but I want to show that I am ready and for people to know my name on Saturday.”
 
Martin Ceyca – takes on Eduardo Nunez over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
“I want to thank Matchroom and BXSTRS for putting on a show in Culiacan, we could never imagine a show of this magnitude happening here. For Saturday, I feel I belong on this card, and I am ready to perform.
 
“Every show that’s happened here, we’ve always had a great atmosphere and that’s down to the fights being 50-50, and I expect something similar on Saturday, and the fans will be happy.”
 
Criztec Bazaldua – Matchroom’s latest signing making his professional debut
 
It’s an honor to be part of such a great company with Matchroom, it’s the best and it’s truly a blessing. 
 
I have the best trainer in the world in Manny Robles, the best teammates and I think I have the best team around me, I have shared the ring with great pros and amateurs already and I can’t wait for Saturday.
 
Misael Rodriguez – unbeaten (12-0 7 KOs) Middleweight facing Aaron Rocha
 
“It’s a big challenge in front of me but we’re ready for big things. I am taking this year as one to grow and I am hoping to put on a show in Culiacan. 
 
“We have plans and I am looking to do great things with Matchroom, I am proud to be fighting on this card and will give the fans the fight they deserve.”




RAMLA ALI NAMED TO TIME’S 2023 WOMEN OF THE YEAR LIST RECOGNIZING EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS FIGHTING FOR A MORE EQUAL WORLD

TIME named Ramla Ali to the 2023 TIME Women of the Year list, recognizing 12 extraordinary leaders fighting for a more equal world. The full list and related tributes appear in the March 13 / March 20 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, March 10, and now at time.com/women-of-the-year. 

Ali, a UNICEF ambassador, began the Sisters Club in 2018 a nonprofit that offers boxing lessons to women who don’t usually enjoy access to the sport: those from ethnic or religious minority backgrounds, as well as survivors of domestic abuse. There are four locations in London, and having opened in Los Angeles, Ali will add a second American location in Fort Worth, Texas soon.

Ali is flying inside the ring too, with TIME interviewing the Somali Olympian in the build-up to her last action where Ali comfortably outpointed Avril Mathie to land her first pro title, the IBF Inter-Continental Super-Bantamweight strap.

READ MORE AT TIME.COM ON RAMLA ALI HERE




BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. MARK MAGSAYO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ONTARIO, CALIF. – March 2, 2023 – Hard-hitting former world champions Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo went face-to-face at Thursday’s final press conference and promised fireworks when they meet for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title this Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and power-punching Armando Reséndiz, who meet in the 10-round middleweight co-main event, plus unbeaten young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah García, who square off in the 10-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

Figueroa and Magsayo will each look to earn a fight for the WBC Featherweight World Championship currently held by Rey Vargas with a statement victory on Saturday. For Figueroa, the former WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion, it presents an opportunity to become a two-division titlist, while Magsayo will be looking to reclaim the featherweight belt that he lost to Vargas via decision in his last fight.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport:

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I have all the abilities. Everyone knows that I love to fight. I want to dominate my opponent, break them down and get them out of there. I train really hard to go in there and do what I do best.

“I’m going to do anything it takes to win this fight. If I have to box, I’ll box. But if I can hurt him on the inside, I’ll get in there with body shots. I can beat him any way I have to.

“Everyone is going to see that I’m coming with everything. I have to make a big statement at 126 and leave my mark. I’m trying to win more titles and show I’m one of the best.

“Just expect a great fight. I hit a lot harder than Julio Ceja. Especially now that I’m at 126-pounds. I’m strong and powerful. Everybody is going to be surprised by what they see.

“I had a great training camp working in Las Vegas. I have an amazing team and I have my family supporting me. I can’t wait to give everyone a great show. I’m going to mix it up with Mark. I have nothing but respect for him, but I’m ready.

“This is going to be early ‘Spring Break’ action. We’re both coming to fight and coming to win. This is what boxing is all about. We’re facing the best of the best. Now we just have to put it all together on Saturday night and give the fans a great show.”

MARK MAGSAYO

“This is different than my last fight. Rey Vargas likes to run, but Figueroa comes to fight. It’s a big difference and it’s going to be much more exciting.

“Fans can expect that this is going to be a real fight. Neither of us are backing down. We’re coming forward. I know that he fights from different stances, but we’re prepared for it. We’ve been working hard since October for this.

“Whatever happens in the fight, we’re ready for it. I’ve fought a lot of good fighters and big punchers. I can take it, because I want to win.

“I’m not a big talker, but there’s going to be a knockdown in this fight. We’re ready to take advantage.

“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s a good opportunity to get back to a world title fight. I’ve learned from my mistakes and I’m ready to go.

“I guarantee this is going to be a great fight. We’re both prepared, so let’s see what happens on Saturday night. The winner of this fight is definitely the fans.”

JARRETT HURD

“We’ve been staying ready. I had a lot of wars in the beginning of my career, so I think that a break wasn’t such a bad thing. I’ve been in some tough fights and I took the time to get myself together.

“Training outside of my hometown just wasn’t a great thing for me. I had all my success there in training. Now I’m training with my new coach Andrew Council back in Maryland. We’re a great match and he allows me to be myself.

“I almost feel like I’m back to where I was before I was unified world champion. I’m back to the guy that people weren’t really believing in. I’m back to being the guy who has to go out there and prove every time why I was where I was. I had to go out there and beat guys that nobody thought I would beat. This time off made me fall back in love with the sport.

“Middleweight is where I’m going to stay at. They’re going to be saying that ‘Swift’ is back after Saturday. I’m going to shake off the cobwebs, but I’m going out there to dominate.

“I know he’s coming with the Mexican style, but they all say I have the Mexican style too. So it’s going to be a war for sure.”

ARMANDO RESENDIZ

“Jarrett has earned his place and I consider him a great fighter. But I know that I also have to earn my own place. I want to solidify myself in this sport just like Jarrett has in the past. I have to work hard to do it.

“I was always ready for a big fight. My coach Manny Robles and I have been tirelessly going through the lessons I had to learn from my past fights. I’m Mexican, so it’s in my blood to be ready for the pressure that Hurd is going to bring.

“I’m ready for war and I’m ready to fight at a distance. I’m not interested in predictions, but I’ve had amazing preparation for this fight and I’m ready to show what I’m all about.

“I want to give everyone a great show. Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to go with the flow, rely on my training, and get my hand raised at the end of the night.”

AMILCAR VIDAL

“He better be ready because every fight that I’m in is a dream come true for me and I’m looking to make more dreams in the future.

“I had an awesome training camp with Bob Santos as my coach and he’s prepared me really well. I’m ready to send a message of my own on Saturday.

“I want Uruguayans everywhere to know that I’ll do my best to make them proud. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot lately being away from my family, but I know that I can keep improving and go after what I want. My goal is to become the first ever world champion from Uruguay.

“I wanted to be focused on only working hard and giving the best that I could. I was well aware of what I was getting into working with Bob Santos. We’ve gelled really well and everyone is going to see the fruits of our labor on Saturday night. That’s for sure.”

ELIJAH GARCIA

“I wouldn’t say this is a step up too soon. This is something we’ve been preparing to do for years. The whole plan turning pro was to win fights. I’m 19-years-old and we’re aiming to fight for a world title in the next few years. If this is the route I have to go, then that’s what it’s gonna be.

“I want everybody to know that I’m not an average 19-year-old. You don’t see 19-year-olds taking these kinds of fights. I’m here to get the win in a fashionable way.

“I’m not a big talker. I’ll let my performance speak for itself. He’s a good opponent and I’m sure he had a good training camp. But he’s not the only one. I’m more than prepared.”

#         #         #

ABOUT FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO

Figueroa vs. Magsayo will see a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions, as hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa meets Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah García meet in a 10-round attraction.

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




‘KING’ CALLUM WALSH TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LosAngeles, CA (March 2, 2023) Under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, CA, fast-rising Irish star ‘King’ Callum Walsh, 

(5-0, 4 KOs), is preparing for his next challenge against hard-hitting Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz, (10-1, 9 KOs), set for the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 16 at the Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University. The highly anticipated headlining battle is scheduled for ten rounds in the super welterweight division.

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz will be broadcast internationally on UFC FIGHT PASS (Subscription SignUp / $9.99 Per Month).

Advance tickets for the live event priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $40 can be purchased at www.AgganisArena.com. Student tickets priced at $25 can be purchased at the Agganis Arena Box Office with valid student ID. The Agganis Arena is located at 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Below are comments from Team Walsh two weeks prior to the fight.  

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“We’ve had an excellent training camp, my sixth with Freddie and it’s amazing how much I’ve learned in the last year and half. My conditioning is the best it’s been, I’ve had great sparring the last few weeks and Freddie and I have a terrific game plan for this fight.”

“The trip to Boston for the press lunch a few weeks ago was very impressive. It was great to see all the local media who have taken such a strong interest in this fight. I know how tough Ruiz is, he’s been knocking everybody out and has predicted the same for me but on March 16 I’ll be ready to celebrate with the Irish in Boston.”

Freddie Roach, Trainer of Callum Walsh

“Callum has had a real spark in this training camp.  He’s been punching harder and crisper. It’s been our best training camp, for sure.  It’s obvious he understands how important this fight is and the significance of fighting in an arena filled with Irish boxing fans on the night before St. Patrick’s Day.  I can’t wait to show him off to Boston.”

Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions

“We’re excited to bring big-time boxing back to boxing. The enthusiasm for Callum’s fight in Boston has been tremendous since we announced the event at the beginning of February. The rapidly increasing interest from fans and media has made this a must-attend event for New England boxing fans.”

“We’re very happy to feature many local fighters and work with Ken Casey of Murphys Boxing and Jimmy Burchfield of CES Boxing; having their fighters included in the event.”

“Callum has looked very sharp the last few weeks in training and we expect his performance on March 16 to continue his validation as one of boxing’s most talented young fighters.”

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Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz is headlined by a ten-round super welterweight battle between fast-rising Irish star ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (5-0, 4 KOs), of Cork, Ireland and Spain’s Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz, (10-1, 9 KOs). Walsh is guided by Boston legend and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Also, Boston boxing hero Danny O’Connor, (30-3, 11 KOs), will make his long-awaited return to the ring in an eight-round super welterweight clash against Luis ‘Vicious’ Garcia, (13-1-1, 9 KOs), of Richmond, CA.

In an eight-round lightweight clash, former WBA Super Featherweight world champion Andrew ‘El Chango’ Cancio, (21-5-2, 16 KOs), of Blythe, CA, battles Jonathan de Pina, (11-1-0, 4 KOs), of Boston, MA.

Fighting in the middleweight division over eight scheduled rounds, Francis ‘Frank the Tank’ Hogan, (13-0, 12 KO’s), of Weymouth, MA hits the ring against New Haven, CT native Jimmie ‘The Quiet Storm’ Williams, (18-10-2, 6 KOs).

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“JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT” A NEW BOXING EXPERIENCE TAKES JERSEY CITY BY STORM THIS SATURDAY NIGHT (3/4) 

Jersey City, NJ (March 2, 2023) – Star Boxing’s inaugural “Jersey City Fight Night” is just days away, set to take place at White Eagle Hall on Saturday night (March 4), in Jersey City, New Jersey. The unique venue calls for a unique fight night, which includes live music from Jersey City’s own, DJ Anthony Vera, a silent sports memorabilia auction and the chance to socialize with former and current professional boxers, athletes, celebrities and local businesses.

Doors to White Eagle Hall will open at 6:30 PM ET with action starting at 7:30 PM ET and fists flying soon thereafter. The live stream of the event will take place on the newly launched StarBoxing.TV at 7:30 PM ET.

In an 8-round bout, New Jersey born and raised super bantamweight, RAJON “PICASSO” CHANCE (E. Orange, NJ, 7-0-1 5KO’s) will fight MARTIN “EL GATO” DIAZ (Managua, Nicaragua, 18-14-2 8KO’S). Chance was a standout amateur, amassing a record of 135-15, with three national championships to his name. Chance returns to his home state of NJ for the second time, facing Diaz, who is a former WBA Fedecentro Bantamweight Champion. Diaz is a tough challenge for Chance having faced an opponent record of 68-8-3 in his last six fights.

Also, in an 8-round bout, undefeated super welterweight, JAHYAE “THE GOLDEN CHILD” BROWN (Schenectady, NY, 13-0 9KO’s) will take on, DENIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH, who has made a habit of defeating Star Boxing prospects. Brown, who took his training camp to Las Vegas for the first time, is preparing for a pivotal 2023 that begins at “Jersey City Fight Night.” Born in Kenya, now residing in Silver Springs, Maryland, Okoth (4-5-1 2KO’s) has defeated former Star Boxing prospects Ronnie Austion, and the formally undefeated, Dylan Moran, by emphatic TKO. As Brown looks to transition from prospect to contender, he will need to bite down and avoid the fury of Denis Okoth.

In an 8-round bout, hometown heavyweight NORMAN “NO NONSENSE” NEELY (Paterson, NJ, 13-1 8KO’S) returns with vengeance on his mind, to face off with Lexington, Tennessee heavyweight, NATHAN BEDWELL. Neely, formerly the #1 rated US amateur, and five-time national champion, was on an undefeated warpath before getting stunned in his last bout, by an early first round right hand courtesy of veteran Rydell Booker. With the past behind him, Neely looks to get back to his winning ways when he meets Nathan Bedwell (7-19-1 6KO’s) at Jersey City Fight Night.

In a 4-round light heavyweight bout LOUIS “IL MARTELLO” MAIETTA (1-3-1) will make his way from the Bronx to Jersey City to fight LEVAN LOUTSOUPITZE (New York, NY, pro debut) in what is slated to be an exciting opening contest.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the card, “With Jersey City Fight Night we will be presenting not just a fight card, but a melting pot mixer from the moment doors open until the final bell of the last fight. From music, to mingling, to silent auctions, this event will blend a fun night out coupled with professional boxing action.”

JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. Tickets to “Jersey City Fight Night” are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting whiteeaglehall.com or www.starboxing.com. White Eagle Hall is located at 337 Newark Ave., Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:

Apply for “Jersey City Fight Night” media credentials: CLICK HERE!

*Only for accredited media members

NOTE: The scheduled 8-round super lightweight showdown between Ryan O’Rourke and Deshaun Johns has been cancelled due to O’Rourke coming down with an illness. Likewise, the previously scheduled 6-round super middleweight bout between Harley Burke and Joe Aguilar has been called off after Aguilar suffered a torn bicep late in camp.

All bouts are subject to change;

For more information visit: whiteeaglehalljc.com and StarBoxing.com

Guests can purchase tickets for all upcoming shows by visiting whiteeaglehalljc.com.

For the most up-to-date news on event announcements, follow:

White Eagle Hall on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Star Boxing on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Tickets Start at $50. Fight Night: March 4, 2023 at White Eagle Hall




INJURY FORCES SMITH OUT OF STEPIEN CLASH; MARCH 11

An injury has forced Callum Smith out of his Light-Heavyweight clash with Pawel Stepien at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday March 11.
 
The event will go ahead, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), with Diego Pacheco’s WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown with Jack Cullen and Robbie Davies Jr’s Super-Lightweight fight with Darragh Foley now co-headlining.
 
Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in American boxing, looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle.
 
Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) was set to square off with Australia’s Liam Paro but will now face late stand-in opponent Foley (21-4-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds, and the Australia-based Irishman arrives in Liverpool brimming with confidence following four straight wins.
 
Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and decorated amateur star turned Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut.
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
Refunds for tickets purchased for the March 11 event are available from the original point of purchase.




Reyes Fire Fist Boxing and Conlan Boxing to co-promote in Ireland

Tampa, FL (March 2, 2023) – Reyes Fire Fist Boxing Promotions and Conlan Boxing are pleased to announce they’ll co-promote three shows in Ireland.

The first fight card features a significant super middleweight bout between NABA Gold champion Yamaguchi “The Problem” Falcao and Padraig “The Hammer” McCrory.

Born and raised in Brazil but now residing in Florida, Falcao’s an excellent 24-1-1 with 10 wins by knockout. In his most recent bout, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist scored a seventh round stoppage over Ernest Amuzu. Ranked #6 by the WBA and seventh by the WBC, Falcao would move closer to a world title opportunity if victorious, but defeating McCrory is a tall task.

Fighting out of Belfast, Northern Ireland, McCrory’s unbeaten at 16-0 with 9 KO’s. McCrory had a breakout 2022, stopping Marco Antonio Periban (26-5-1) in five rounds, Leon Bunn (18-0) in six and defeating Dmytro Fedas (8-0-2) by decision. Currently, “The Hammer” is ranked #4 in the world by the WBA and sixth by the WBC.

Falcao-McCrory is scheduled for ten rounds.

“This is a great partnership. Both of our stables can grow in Ireland and the US, said Jamie Conlan of Conlan Boxing, “There are excellent benefits to working together with Reyes Fire Fist Boxing.”

“We are really excited to be working with Jamie Conlan and Conlan Boxing,” said Jody Caliguire of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing. “Our vision aligned well and there’s a lot of opportunities for both our fighters. We promote Yama and Conlan is the promoter for McCrory. Both guys want to fight for a world title but have been passed over, so matching these two hungry fighters was a natural fit. Big things are on the horizon and we’ll have updates in the near future.”

NABA middleweight champion Connor “The Kid” Coyle,18-0 (8 KO’s), will fight in Ireland for the first time in six years when he battles an opponent to be named in a ten round contest. The Derry native, who is the WBA’s fourth ranked middleweight, will first defend his title April 29 in St. Petersburg, FL.

Additional information including venue and fight dates will be announced shortly.




11TH ANNUAL UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK™ TAKES OVER LAS VEGAS FROM JULY 3 – 9   

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that the 11th Annual UFC International Fight Week™ will take place in Las Vegas from Monday, July 3, through Sunday, July 9, with several events taking place at marquee venues including the Las Vegas Convention Center, T-Mobile Arena, and Resorts World Las Vegas. As one of the tentpole events of UFC’s 30th anniversary celebration, UFC International Fight Week will be highlighted by the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the fully immersive and interactive two-day UFC X. The week-long celebration will be anchored by UFC® 290, which takes place on Saturday, July 8, at T-Mobile Arena.

Spanning more than 200,000 square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s entertainment activation space, UFC X, the organization’s fully immersive and easily accessible two-day fan experience, will be enhanced for UFC’s 30th anniversary to include larger brand and partner activations, live stage programming, expanded autograph sessions, and increased athlete participation, providing fans with unparalleled access to UFC champions and Hall of Famers, top-ranked contenders, and other UFC personalities.

UFC X will take place on Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, at the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the premier meeting and conference venues in Las Vegas. Fans who attend UFC X will also have access to purchase exclusive merchandise at the UFC Store, while also having the opportunity to participate in numerous activities with brand partners. General admission tickets for UFC X start at $25 for one-day access and $45 for two-day access. All children ages 12 and under will receive free entry. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com. The first 3,000 fans who purchase UFC X tickets will receive a complimentary 30th anniversary gift. VIP packages will also be made available for UFC X at a later date through UFC’s Official VIP Experiences partner, On Location, at UFCVIP.com. UFC X will be produced by global full-service cultural marketing agency 160over90.

Fans from around the world who converge on Las Vegas for International Fight Week will also be able to enjoy ceremonial weigh-ins, press conferences and live entertainment of a traditional Fight Week leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFC® 290, on Saturday, July 8, at T-Mobile Arena. Details regarding the bout card for UFC® 290, as well as event locations and additional activities for UFC International Fight Week, will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.COM.




LOADED THREE-BOUT SHOWTIME® BOXING COUNTDOWN SHOW TO STREAM LIVE THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 4 AT 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

ONTARIO, CALIF. – March 2, 2023 – A jam-packed lineup featuring a former title challenger and U.S. Olympian, a top prospect in his toughest test to date and an emerging unbeaten super lightweight will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation this Saturday, March 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha will top the action in a 10-round showdown against once-beaten Brandyn Lynch that streams live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The lineup kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

Also featured in the ring will be sensational rising prospect Travon Marshall stepping up in competition to face the veteran Justin DeLoach Dock in an eight-round welterweight clash, plus unbeaten super lightweight Enriko Gogogkhia duels Samuel Teah in the 8/10-round opener.

The live streaming fights will precede the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by all-action former world champions Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo meeting for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (22-3-1, 11 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif. The 35-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Erickson Lubin. Following a KO of Jamontay Clark in March 2021, Gausha most recently lost a decision to Tim Tszyu last year after dropping Tszyu in round one. He will take on the 31-year-old Lynch (12-1-1, 9 KOs), a native of New Jersey who now resides in Los Angeles. Lynch is unbeaten since after his third pro fight, having avenged his only other blemish by winning a unanimous decision over Marcos Hernandez in May 2022 following a draw in their first matchup.

At just 22-years-old, Marshall (7-0, 6 KOs) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly regarded prospect in just seven fights. Born in Landover, Md., and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Md., Marshall is trained by former contender Andrew Council and made a strong 2023 debut in January by stopping Shawn West in one round. He will be opposed by Augusta, Georgia’s DeLoach Dock (19-5, 10 KOs), a veteran who appeared on SHOBOX® and owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Domonique Dolton, Livan Navarro, Junior Castillo and Dillon Cook. He’s faced top competition at 154 and 147 pounds, having battled former unified champion Jeison Rosario and most recently welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis in November 2020.

Gogokhia (13-0-2, 8 KOs) will return to the ring after two 2022 clashes against fellow unbeaten Kent Cruz that both ended in draws. A 31-year-old former kickboxing pro, Gogokhia originally hails from Zigdidi, Georgia and now resides stateside in Woodland Hills, Calif. He takes on Liberia’s Teah (18-4-1, 8 KOs), who most recently scored a first-round knockout of Larry Fryers in September 2019. Now residing in Philadelphia, Teah, who has competed on SHOBOX, owns victories over current 130-pound world champion O’Shaquie Foster and super lightweight contender Kenneth Sims Jr.

The non-televised undercard will also include Dallas-native Miguel Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round middleweight fight taking on Dario Guerrero (1-3-1) and unbeaten featherweight Albert Gonzalez (3-0, 1 KO) facing Joseph Cruz (3-5, 1 KO) in a six-round showdown.

Rounding out the action is undefeated lightweight prospect Anthony Cuba in a six-round lightweight duel against Florida’s Darel Harris and unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel Blancas battling Kansas’ Kynndale Prather in a four-round attraction.

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ABOUT FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO

Figueroa vs. Magsayo will see a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions, as hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa meets Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah García meet in a 10-round attraction.

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




FIERRO: I WILL PROVE I’M THE DANGERMAN AT LIGHTWEIGHT

Angel Fierro has promised to take his headline chance with both hands on Saturday night and launch himself into the World title picture when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Eduardo Estela at Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico exclusively live on DAZN.
 
Fierro (20-1-2 16 KOs) defends his belt for the third time and the 24 year old is sitting pretty at #5 in the WBO rankings at 135lbs – no more motivation is needed for Fierro to keep hold of his title and put pressure on the big names at Lightweight to face him next.
 
‘Tashiro’ last defended the strap in October in Mexico City on a card topped by Mauricio Lara in ‘Bronco’s’ last fight before he defeated Leigh Wood in Nottingham to become WBA World Featherweight champion in Nottingham, England last weekend – and Fierro is using his friend’s victory as fuel to land his own dream title shot.
 
“I will show the world that I am a fighter at 135lbs who is ready for them,” said Fierro. “I am looking for my World title shot and ready to hunt the best down. Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Isaac Cruz; they are all on my list to fight next.
 
“I am focused on Eduardo, but once I win, I will have my hand up asking for my opportunity. I’ve been on the same card as Mauricio Lara and he motivates me a lot, knowing that a fellow Mexican friend got his shot and became World champion, and I know my chance will come soon. 
 
“Being another World champion that’s crowned from Mexico would make you a legend like so many of the great fighters from Mexico, and it would motivate the next generation looking to achieve their dreams, by showing that with sacrifice and discipline, your dreams can come true. 
 
“It’s my third defense, I know he is a strong and brave fighter, with a lot of character in the ring. I think he is one of the best fighters I have faced so far, and it’s one of the most important fights of my career so far. 
 
“The moment I knew I would be fighting him, I’ve been watching and analyzing him, because I know it’s a tough test. I think it will be a fight where we trade, we will see in the middle of the ring, looking for our chance. Neither of us want the fight to go to the judges. 
 
“It motivates me even more to fight at home, to be able to put on a great show for the people of Mexico. Everyone knows that Mexican fighters are brave and give everything in the ring, and I think that is what Mexican people and everyone likes to see, that a Mexican fighter goes to the ring and is not afraid of a tear-up.”
  
Eduardo Nunez will provide the co-main event action as he meets unbeaten Jesus Ceyca over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight. KO merchant ‘Sugar’ Nunez (23-1 23 KOs) has won all of his bouts inside the distance, and the 25 year old comes into the bout on the back of a tenth round stoppage win in Culiacan in September, his only fight of 2022. The Los Mochis man will be eager to keep his streak going on March 4, but will need to take the ‘0’ of local man Ceyca (17-0 8 KOs) to do so, who will be on home turf for his first action in 2023 and in his first ten round contest.
 
Elsewhere on the stacked card, 2016 Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez (12-0, 7KO’s) who will take on Aaron Guerrero (10-1-1 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Middleweight, and teenage sensation Yair Gallardo (2-0 2 KOs) is looking for a third straight first round KO and takes on KO artist Bernardo Jimenez (9-1 9 KOs) over six at Light-Heavyweight and the second pro fight for Uzbek Olympian Dilshodbek Ruzmetov (1-0) who meets Jesus Palomares (7-1-1 4 KOs) over eight at Super-Middleweight and there’s a pro debut for Eddie Hearn’s latest signing, Critic Bazaldua. 




TICKETS FOR STANIONIS VS. ORTIZ, JR. TO GO ON-SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 3! 

RLINGTON, TX (March 2, 2023): Tickets for the highly anticipated clash for the WBA Regular Welterweight Title between undefeated knockout artist Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas and current undefeated World Champion Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) will go on sale Friday, March 3. The 12-round championship showdown is set to take place on Saturday, April 29 at College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington campus. The exclusive fight night will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN. 

Tickets for Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. will go on-sale at 10:00 am CT/ 8:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75 and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at UTATickets.com, AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

Information on the undercard will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Media interested in applying for a credential can apply at https://emcevents.com/ortizjr_stanionis.html. Media credential applications are due by EOD April 17. 

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Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. is a 12-round fight for the WBA Regular Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 29 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #StanionisOrtiz




URUGUAYAN MIDDLEWEIGHT AMILCAR VIDAL EYEING HISTORY AS HE PREPARES FOR SHOWDOWN AGAINST ELIJAH GARCIA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 4 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

ONTARIO, CALIF. – March 2, 2023 – With the historic opportunity to become the country of Uruguay’s first world professional boxing champion inching closer with every victory, unbeaten WBC #9 middleweight Amilcar “Pety” Vidal is hard at work in the gym with 2022 Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated “Trainer of the Year” Bob Santos, preparing for his 10-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) clash against Arizona’s also unbeaten Elijah Garcia on Saturday, March 4 from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Vidal (16-0, 12 KOs) and Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) will meet in the opening televised bout of a Premier Boxing Champions event topped by a high-powered matchup of former world champions, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title live. The telecast will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal is now under the guidance of top trainer Santos in their mutual adopted home of Las Vegas. The 26-year-old put together an impressive streak between November 2019 and November 2020, defeating three previously unbeaten fighters in a row, as he knocked out Zach Prieto on SHOBOX: The New Generation®, Leopoldo Reyna and Edward Ortiz. Vidal followed that up with a decision victory over veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in July 2021 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and has added three more triumphs since then, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz last July.

“I’m too close to lose now,” said Vidal during a break. “I am training with the will of the people of Uruguay and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, who is also from here, and I have the best trainer in the world to get me past Garcia and the rest of the way to becoming my country’s first world champion.”

Vidal says that against the power-punching southpaw Garcia he’ll be looking to make a final statement in his case for a championship fight.

“There will be no denying me after this,” said Vidal. “I will make my final case for a title shot by destroying my opponent’s will and taking his undefeated record. He’s a good fighter, but this is history in the making that cannot be stopped.”

The 26-year-old Vidal and trainer Santos both agree that his experience and skills will be too much for the comparably untested 19-year-old Garcia.

“The lights and the people. The stakes. They make it harder if you’re not used to it,” admitted Vidal. “He’s not ready for me with just one notable win on his record.”

“In this sport, one punch can change everything, but I think Pety’s experience will be the big key factor,” added Santos. “That’s what will lead us to victory.”

Santos says he and Vidal aren’t working on any particular facet of the game to prepare, but rather just upping all of the South American’s considerable assets.

“Everything is great. I couldn’t be more pleased. He’s such a hard worker and a quick learner with so much attention to detail. A very strong kid with good power in both hands. He has a lot of good attributes and he’s also a tremendous person to be around. There’s no particular area we’re focusing on, just getting better every day, from top to bottom.”

Santos says he foresees little problem dealing with Garcia’s left-handed stance.

“Any time you fight a left hander they will present a problem because you don’t fight as many of them. That said, Pety is a veteran and he’s been in there against quality guys. He’s got a lot of experience and we’ve got some good quality sparring to get him ready. He will be prepared to make an impressive statement on March 4.”

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.




 JESUS RAMOS JR. AND ABEL RAMOS PHOENIX MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

PHOENIX – March 1, 2023 – Unbeaten rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos and veteran welterweight contender Abel Ramos held a media workout in Phoenix, Ariz., on Wednesday as the Casa Grande-natives prepare for their respective showdowns on the David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant SHOWTIME PPV® undercard on Saturday, March 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Jesus, Jr., will battle fellow unbeaten Joey Spencer in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event, while Abel will take on undefeated Cody Crowley in the pay-per-view telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased HERE through AXS.com.

At just 21-years-old, Jesus, Jr., (19-0, 15 KOs) has compiled an impressive record and achieved contender status by displaying potent power and boxing acumen heading into perhaps his toughest test to date against the unbeaten Spencer. For his uncle Abel (27-5-2, 21 KOs), March 25 is another opportunity for him to score a signature upset, having stopped former champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., in May 2021 in addition to a final round KO of Bryant Perrella in February 2020, turning the tide in a fight Abel trailed at the time of the stoppage.

Here is what Jesus Jr. and Abel, along with their trainer, Jesus Jr’s father and Abel’s brother Jesus Ramos, Sr., had to say Wednesday from Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix:

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I feel like so far in my career I’ve taken big steps and faced tough opponents, and this won’t be an exception. It’s going to be a great fight.

“I feel like I do a lot of things well. My reach, my conditioning, the body shots that I throw, it’s all going to be important on fight night.

“I’ve been working hard with my strength and conditioning coach. We’re working on being more explosive and throwing more punches. We want to really increase the pace of the fight.

“I feel even stronger now than before my last fight. We’ve had time to make the necessary adjustments, so my focus is better than ever. I’m ready for this.

“I do feel like I’ve fought on some big stages getting to this moment, but no matter what, I can’t let the size of the moment get to me. This is my childhood dream. Now it’s become a reality and on March 25 I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

“Representing Arizona means a lot. There’s not a lot of athletes or big names coming out of Casa Grande. If I can bring a world title back to Casa Grande, that would mean everything to me. That’s the main goal. I want to pave the way for the next generation, not necessarily just in boxing, but whatever they dream of.

“This is going to be fireworks, and we’re here to win. Whatever it takes. We’re winning on the night. Ideally, it’s going to be a stoppage in the later rounds.

“I’m here to make the best fights, and the most entertaining fights as well. I’m here to stay.”

ABEL RAMOS

“I’m feeling really good. Training has been going great and I’m in top condition. We’re getting into those last couple weeks and getting everything sharpened up for the ring.

“I hope the fans get to see all the hard work that we put in here in Arizona pay off on March 25. I hope they appreciate the work ethic that we have and the excitement that we bring to boxing.

“Jesus, Jr., and I motivate each other. We’ve been training together for a long time and we motivate each other every day.

“We give each other pointers, but Jesus, Jr., is a kid who works hard. He doesn’t need much to get him going.

“The key for this fight is going to be to use the experience that I have and every trick that I know. I’m expecting an exciting fight.

“I’ve fought everybody since the beginning. I have a lot of rounds inside of the ring and I just have to make sure that I use everything I know in this fight.

“I really think that my resume and the opposition that I’ve fought, compared to Crowley, is going to be the biggest factor. I’ve got way more experience and it’s going to show on March 25. I’m predicting a win however it comes.”

JESUS RAMOS SR., Jesus, Jr.’s Father and Trainer, Abel’s Brother and Trainer

“It’s a great feeling to see Jesus, Jr., in this position. He put in all the hard work to get to where he is now. I’m really proud of him.

“My son is a very disciplined fighter and he’s very smart in the ring. I don’t think the pressure is going to get to him. He’s excited about the fight, but he’s focused too.

“I have to be hard on Jesus, Jr., because I don’t want to see him bleed in the ring. I have to train him hard. That’s what motivates me to keep pushing him harder.

“Jesus, Jr., is very close to that top level. He’s got good skills, he’s very strong and loves boxing. I really think he’s very close to a title shot.

“Abel is training really hard and he’s very motivated. This is a great matchup for him but also a make-or-break fight. I think it’s a perfect clash of styles to favor Abel. He has to win..

“If Crowley comes forward like he says he will, then, I think we can stop him in the middle rounds.

“I think the Jesus Jr. vs. Joey Spencer fight will be a more technical fight because both fighters know when to be cautious. I think toward the end of the fight, Joey Spencer is going to fade. That’s what we’ve been training for. We’re ready to go the distance and we’ll see what happens.

“March 25 is going to be a very special night for the Ramos family.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. PLANT

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

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

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




UNBEATEN SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER TIM TSZYU BATTLES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TONY HARRISON LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON SATURDAY, MARCH 11 FROM SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – March 1, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will return to fight in front of his hometown fans when he takes on former world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison for the vacant Interim WBO 154-pound title headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, March 11 (Sunday, March 12 in Australia) from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast  begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/7:45 p.m. PT and features Tszyu, the son of former unified champion Kostya Tszyu, as he looks for a career-best victory against the veteran former champion Harrison. Undisputed Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo will join host Brian Custer, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares at the CBS Studios in New York City as a special guest. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood serves as unofficial scorer.

Tszyu had originally been scheduled to face Charlo in a January clash before Charlo was forced to withdraw due to injury. Harrison, who arrived in Australia this week, has his own history with Charlo, having won his world title by defeating Charlo in 2018, before dropping their rematch. Now, the winner on March 11 will put themselves in prime position to not only face Charlo, but to become an undisputed world champion. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu and Tony Harrison have both sought out the biggest challenges in the stacked 154-pound division and that continues on March 11 live on SHOWTIME from Australia,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Wildly popular in his home country, Tszyu will have the home crowd edge, but this is precisely the kind of challenge that brings out the best in a fighter like Harrison. The 154-pound division has delivered classic fight, after classic fight, and March 11 certainly shapes up to be the next chapter in that story.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) has quickly climbed the rankings in the 154-pound division with an all-action, aggressive style. The notable names on his resume include former welterweight champion Jeff Horn, whom Tszyu stopped in round eight, and Terrell Gausha, a top contender and member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his US. and SHOWTIME debut against Gausha and showed his poise and toughness by rallying back from a first-round knockdown to win the fight via unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I can’t underestimate Tony Harrison, but with the way I’ve been training, I’m extremely confident that I’m going to give my fans a big KO victory,” said Tszyu. “Full credit to him for taking the challenge and coming to Australia, but he’s going home empty-handed. It’s exciting that my fans in the U.S. will be able to watch this matchup on SHOWTIME and I hope they’re ready to see a great atmosphere and a thrilling fight.”

The fighting pride of Detroit, Mich., Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) spent his early boxing career under the tutelage of the late Emanuel Steward in the legendary Kronk Gym. As a professional, the 32-year-old is still considered one of the most skilled fighters in the sport. Despite coming up short in his first two attempts at a world title, the third time was the charm for Harrison, who shocked the boxing world in December 2018 by outpointing Jermell Charlo to earn the WBC title. Their rematch one year later ranks among the best fights of 2019. Harrison and Charlo fought on even terms until Charlo stopped him in the eleventh round to regain the belt. Harrison returned to the ring for the first time since that fight in April 2021, fighting Bryant Perrella to a draw and most recently, dominated Sergio Garcia on his way to a unanimous decision victory in April 2022.

“I’m here on a mission,” said Harrison. “My only focus is on Tim Tszyu. I’m extremely confident in my abilities and in my training, but I know Tim is going to be tough competition. I can’t wait to see the crowd all out there to support him, because I’m going to give them no choice but to love me too. I hope he’s ready for 12 grueling rounds, because I’m ready to go as long as he can last.” 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is executive produced by four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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




GOLDEN BOY SIGNS MEXICAN BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT GAEL CABRERA

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 1, 2023): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of 18-year-old Mexican bantamweight prospect Gael Cabrera. 

“I would like to express to Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez my sincerest gratitude for making my dream come true,” said Gael Cabrera. “Every fighter’s dream is to sign with the best promoter. I have done so with Golden Boy Promotions. They will guide me, they will polish me, and most importantly, they will be by my side to lead me to become one of Mexico’s next great fighters. I promise to work hard. I promise to be committed, and I promise to deliver a world title to my family when the opportunity presents itself.” 

“Gael Cabrera has the amateur pedigree and the heart of a champion that we look for in top prospects,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “He has been battle-tested amongst the best in his division in the amateurs and has the discipline to continue to improve his craft. We are excited to launch his professional career under our coveted promotional banner.” 

Hailing from Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, the pugilist is an eight-time State Champion, three-time Mexican National Champion, two-time Mexican National Bronze Champion, and the 2022 IBA Junior World Championship Silver Medalist. With more than 200 amateur fights under his belt, the naturally ambidextrous boxer-puncher has the solid foundation for a bright professional career. 

Cabrera began boxing at age 4 where the love for boxing was instantaneous. He developed his passion for the sport by watching his older brother, Misael, train at the gym. Misael, along with his trainers Gabriel Lopez and Gabriel Escarsega, have been an integral part of Gael’s development since day one. Gael trains at a small, humble gym next door to his home in Mexico that his father, his brother, and he have constructed. 

With his sights set to be recognized in Mexico as one of the best young prospects in his division once he makes his professional debut, he hopes to get closer to becoming a world champion within the next five years.

Gael Cabrera’s Instagram: @terrorcabrera__




HEANEY HEALED AND ALL SET FOR FLATLEY SEQUEL

NATHAN HEANEY REPORTS that his dashing good looks are still intact with his facial features having survived a brush with the dome of Jack Flatley back in September.

Heaney and Flatley were approaching the midway point of a fascinating title fight at the Manchester Arena when battle was halted after Heaney was sliced open above the right eye following a heavy clash of heads.

The fight was stopped on medical advice by referee Steve Gray and Stoke favourite Heaney was judged to be leading on all three cards, therefore retaining his IBO International middleweight title.

The Stoke vs Bolton rivalry will now resume at the Telford International Centre on March 25 when the pair will rematch with the WBA Continental title on the line.

Despite the severity of the wound, Heaney reveals that the fight night doctor adopted a less is more approach when it came to sewing up the gash.

“To be fair it actually healed, superficially, in about a week,” said the 33-year-old ‘Hitman’. “It was dead weird, it was like it never happened a week later. But, I didn’t get punched on it for at least eight weeks after, when I started sparring again.

“Now it is bang-on.

“He literally put four stitches in and I thought ‘is that it?’ for like a cut of that size. So he put four in and two of them fell out two days later!

“When I saw the surgeon in Stoke, he said the doctor at the fight did great because the less stitches you have, the less tight it is in the seal. If it is too tight, basically the skin dies in the seal where the pressure is too much and it doesn’t heal as well.

“So I was buzzing with that, really,” continued Heaney, who has recently sat down to assess his abbreviated night’s work in Manchester.

“I actually watched it back the other day because I hadn’t watched it for ages. The way I felt the fight was going was I was in complete control and I was picking the pace up going into round five.

“Even the round where the commentators had him winning, if I was being very generous, I’d give it a 10-10. I still thought I was winning it when I watched it back.

“He caught me with a right hand in round three, but just because he caught me with a shot doesn’t mean he was winning it, he just did better than he did in the first two when I was jabbing him.

“The way I saw it, I was controlling all the rounds and then picking the pace up. That is why I was moving more and throwing more combinations, which is what led to the head clash coming because he lunged in while I was moving in and out.

“That is how I felt it was going,” concluded Heaney, who went on to answer whether he feels the sequel will follow a similar pattern.

“I would imagine he has to start at a fast pace, but that is a double edged sword because it is a 10-round fight. Unless he believes he can go in there and stop me within the first five rounds… I don’t think he has got the power to do that.

“That is the only way he could change it, but if he gets to round five by setting a really high pace he has got another five rounds of me sticking the jab in his face and stuff.

“In the first few rounds you are gauging each other and setting a game plan. It wasn’t a terribly exciting first five rounds first time around and the exciting part would have been in that second half.

“Now we’ve got the chance to do it again with the crowd much closer this time because my guys were in the gods last time. I don’t think he felt the atmosphere like he will at this event because ticket sales have gone amazing, as always.

“It is a much tighter arena and it will be very loud in there.”

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

NATHAN HEANEY WILL rematch Jack Flatley with the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at stake and Andrew Cain will defend his WBC International Silver super bantamweight title against Ionut Baluta at the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25, live on BT Sport.

The night will also see the return of former European super bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham (31-7, 7) to the ring. The Doncaster man will take on Miguel Gonzalez (33-3, 9) of Chile with the vacant WBO International strap at stake. 

Heavyweight star of the future Moses Itauma (1-0, 1) will have his second professional fight over four rounds, while Raven Chapman (5-0, 2) will make a first defence of the WBC International featherweight title with The Omen will take on the Czech Lucie Sedlackova.

Also on the card, Liverpool super bantam Brad Strand (9-0, 3) will hit double figures as a pro with an eight-round assignment.

Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (7-0, 2) will also be in eight-round action, Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0, 1) will fight over six.

Light Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (4-0, 3) and Super Welterweight Ben Fail are both in action over six rounds.

Natty Ngwenya (1-0, 0) has his second pro outing, the first on a Queensberry show, in a four-rounder while Ilkeston super welterweight Jimmy Smith will make his professional debut, also over four.

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.




UFC® RETURNS TO KANSAS CITY WITH CRUCIAL FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDERS’ BOUT BETWEEN (#2) MAX HOLLOWAY AND (#4) ARNOLD ALLEN

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Kansas City, Mo. for the first time in almost four years with a star-studded lineup as former UFC featherweight champion and No. 2 ranked contender Max Holloway faces No. 4 Arnold Allen in a crucial matchup with title implications. Also, in another featherweight clash sure to produce fireworks, No. 14 ranked Edson Barboza battles Billy Quarantillo.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: HOLLOWAY vs. ALLEN will take place Saturday, April 15 at T-Mobile Center. The main card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off streaming exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: HOLLOWAY vs. ALLEN tickets will go on sale Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, March 1 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 2 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: HOLLOWAY vs. ALLEN fight week credentials may sign up here.

Fan favorite Holloway (23-7, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) aims to make his first Octagon appearance of 2023 a dominant one. Among the greatest featherweights to ever compete in the UFC, Holloway holds the divisional records for most wins (18), most finishes (10), longest win streak (13), and total strikes landed (2,872). He now plans to earn his way back into the title picture by taking out a fellow top contender.

Allen (19-1, fighting out of Trimley St. Martin, Suffolk, England) intends on delivering his best performance yet in the biggest opportunity of his MMA career. Undefeated in the UFC since joining in 2015, he has worked his way to the Top 5 rankings with notable wins over Calvin Kattar, Dan Hooker and Gilbert Melendez. Allen now looks to leave no doubt against Holloway and stake his claim for a title shot.

Barboza (22-11, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returns to action aiming to add another spectacular highlight to his resume. An explosive striker, Barboza has delighted fans with finishes over Shane Burgos, Dan Hooker and Terry Etim. He now has his sights set on becoming the first person to KO Quarantillo in the UFC. 

Rising contender Quarantillo (17-4, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.) seeks to break into the Top 15 for the first time. Known for his relentless cardio and pace, he owns thrilling victories over Alexander Hernandez, Gabriel Benitez and Kyle Nelson. Quarantillo now plans to secure his second Performance of the Night bonus in a row and begin his run toward title contention.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • No. 15 ranked light heavyweight contender Azamat Murzakanov (12-0, fighting out of Nalchik, Russia) defends his undefeated record against Dustin Jacoby (18-6-1, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.)
  • Tanner Boser (20-9-1, fighting out of Alberta, Canada) makes his light heavyweight debut against Ion Cutelaba (16-9-1 1NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova)
  • In a battle of Top 15 bantamweights, No. 9 ranked Pedro Munhoz (19-7 2NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) faces No. 12 Chris Gutierrez (19-3-2, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.)
  • Featherweights Bill Algeo (16-7, fighting out of King of Prussia, Penn.) and TJ Brown (17-9, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) collide in a Fight of the Night contender
  • Kansas City’s own Zak Cummings (24-7, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) matches up with fellow veteran Ed Herman (27-15 1NC, fighting out of Portland, Ore.) at light heavyweight
  • UFC Hall of Famer Clay Guida (38-19, fighting out of Johnsburg, Ill.) returns against Rafa Garcia (15-3, fighting out of Imperial, Calif.) at lightweight
  • The record holder for most finishes in UFC women’s flyweight history, Gillian Robertson (11-7, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) aims for another signature stoppage against Piera Rodriguez (9-0, fighting out of Maracaibo, Venezuela)
  • Top 5 flyweights lock horns as No. 4 Brandon Royval (14-6, fighting out of Lakewood, Colo.) meets No. 5 Matheus Nicolau (19-3-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
  • Dana White’s Contender Series alums Bruna Brasil (8-2-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Denise Gomes (6-2, fighting out of Niteroi, Brazil) clash in a strawweight tilt
  • Bantamweights Aaron Phillips (12-4, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) and Gaston Bolanos (6-3, fighting out of Dublin, Calif.) vie to secure their first UFC wins
  • Lando Vannata (12-6-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and Daniel Zellhuber (12-1, fighting out of Estado de Mexico, Mexico) battle in a striker’s delight at lightweight
  • Joselyne Edwards (12-4, fighting out of Panama City, Panama) and Lucie Pudilova (9-6, fighting out of Pribram, Czech Republic) kick off the event at bantamweight

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Center

T-Mobile Center is Kansas City’s home for live entertainment and sporting events. Anchor to more than $8 billion of reinvestment in a revitalized downtown Kansas City, the award-winning venue operated by ASM Global has welcomed more than 12 million guests and transformed the live entertainment experience in the Midwest. For additional information or to join the conversation, follow T-Mobile Center on social media via Facebook: @TMobileCenter; Twitter: @TMobileCenter & Instagram: @TMobileCenter.

About ESPN+

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

About ESPN

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




RYAN CLASHES WITH HOULE FOR WBO WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE IN CARDIFF

Sandy Ryan will clash with Marie-Pier Houle for the vacant WBO Welterweight Title on the undercard of ShavkatdzhonRakhimov vs. Joe Cordina at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday April 22, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Derby’s Ryan (5-1, 2 KOs) was last in action at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November, outpointing Argentina’s Anahi Ester Sanchez over ten rounds in the first defence of her WBC International Super-Lightweight Title.

The former Team GB star, who avenged her one and only loss to former World Champion Erica Anabella Farias at the Sheffield Arena last summer, steps up to 147lbs as she bids to become Britain’s latest World Champion.

Canada’s Houle (8-0-1, 2 KOs) has yet to taste defeat since joining the professional ranks back in June 2019, contesting all but one of her nine pro fights in her homeland, and the 32-year-old from Quebec is promising to inflict Ryan’s second defeat in the pros. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be challenging for a World Title in my next fight,” said Ryan. “The level of opponents I’ve faced since my debut proved how serious I am about becoming a big star in this sport.
 
“We respect Marie-Pier for accepting the fight when many didn’t and I’m ready to become a World Champion on April 22 in Cardiff. I want to give a shout to my team, Matchroom, my trainer Clifton and my manager Paul Ready for working hard on this.”
 
“This fight represents the culmination of my hard work since the beginning of my career,” said Houle. “It’s a huge opportunity for me to demonstrate the strength of character and perseverance that I have acquired over the years.
 
“I have a lot of respect for Sandy Ryan and I’m aware that it will be a tough fight, but I thrive on challenges, and I have no intention of leaving empty-handed. I would like to thank my promoter, Groupe Yvon Michel, for his trust in me.”
 
“I would like to thank Matchroom for this opportunity,” said Yvon Michel. “Marie-Pier Houle is ready to deliver an epic fight against Sandy Ryan on April 22 in Cardiff. We are proud to represent her and have full confidence in her abilities to conquer the WBO Welterweight World Championship Title. We will be there to support her every step of the way and we are convinced that she will give it her all in the ring to secure the victory.”

Ryan vs. Houle is part of a huge night of World Title action in Cardiff, Tajikistan’s Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) defends his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) in the main event, Welsh rivals Gavin Gwynne (15-2-1, 3 KOs) and Craig Woodruff (12-6-1, 4 KOs) rematch for the British Lightweight Title following their thrilling draw at the Bolton Whites Hotel last September, World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (28-2, 16 KOs) faces Alex Dilmaghani (20-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title, Manchester Cruiserweight Jordan Thompson (14-0, 11 KOs) puts his IBF European Title on the line against Swindon’s Luke Watkins (16-2, 11 KOs), plus there’s action for Swansea Featherweight Brandon Scott (4-0, 1 KO) and Swansea Light-Heavyweight Sammy Lee (1-0).

Tickets for Rakhimov vs. Cordina are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the Cardiff International Arena (cardiffinternationalarena.co.uk) NOW.




ZHANG WARNS JOYCE OF CHINESE POWER SURGE

ZHILEI ZHANG PROMISES that Joe Joyce will feel the Far East force when the pair collide at the Copper Box Arena on April 15, live on BT Sport.

Big Juggernaut and Big Bang will trade bombs with Joyce’s WBO Interim world heavyweight title at stake, with the pair fighting for the right to challenge for the full world championship, currently held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joyce is renowned for walking through heavy fire without flinching, as evidenced throughout his career and last year in fights against Christian Hammer and Joseph Parker.

Zhang, who fought a final eliminator for the IBF belt against Filip Hrgovic last year and rocked the fancied Croatian, warns that being prepared to take punishment would be a risky strategy against himself.

“Joe Joyce has good punch resistance but he has never felt Chinese power,” is the chilling warning coming from the 39-year-old who hails from Zhoukou in China.

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang will be broadcast live in the U.K. on BT Sport and streamed live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Also featuring at the Copper Box will be the return of Denzel Bentley with a defence of his British middleweight title against Scottish challenger Kieran Smith. Peacock Gym puncher Bentley is back fighting in London after his unsuccessful WBO world title tilt against Janibek Alimkhanuly in November.

Former unified super-featherweight belt-holder Mikaela Mayer, fighting in the U.K. for the second time in a row, will make her lightweight debut against former two-time super-lightweight world champion Christina ‘Medusa’ Linardatou.

Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Dennis McCann will make a first defence of the title he won via defeating Joe Ham last time out, with his Queensberry iBox Gym teammate Sam Noakes defending his WBC International Silver and Commonwealth lightweight titles.

McCann made it a title treble at The O2 in November, with the 22-year-old Menace having won the WBC International Silver featherweight championship and the WBO Youth super bantamweight title in his previous two fights, beating James Beech Jr and Charles Tondo respectively.

Former amateur star Eithan James, winner of five national titles, is on the card in an eight round super lightweight contest. While another super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali will fight in a six-rounder with Dagenham super welterweight Joel Kodua fighting over four.

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

Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry




STACKED UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED FOR ARTHUR-SUAREZ WORLD TITLE CLASH ON MARCH 24 IN BOLTON

Top local talent and rising stars are confirmed to feature on Wasserman Boxing’s first free-to-air show of 2023, live on Channel 5 from the University of Bolton Arena on Friday March 24 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Manchester boxer Lyndon Arthur (21-1, 15 KOs) tops an action-packed event as he faces Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez (18-1, 17 KOs) for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Championship.

An electric undercard will see Wigan’s James Moorcroft (18-2, 6 KOs) and Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (12-3, 2 KOs) put it all on the line in an epic Final Eliminator for the English Welterweight Title over 10 Rounds.

After three impressive wins in his beloved Merseyside, Bennett will be looking to pick up from his flawless wins against the likes of Mykhailo Sovtus, Rustem Fatkhullin and Lee Connelly to edge out an incredible eliminator matchup against his domestic foe.

Moorcroft will also be looking to build on the foundations of familiar surroundings when he returns for his third consecutive fight in Bolton. After a TKO win against Olaide Fijabi in September 2022, Moorcroft produced a dominant points win over Serge Ambomo to set up this tantalising bout.

Rickey Hatton’s Flyweight protégé, and former Team GB star, Chloe Watson (4-0) will be returning to take on Carolina Ornella Ferrari (3-2-2) at Flyweight. With the six-rounder confirmed, Watson will look to keep her undefeated record going following a dominant points victory over Minerva Gutierrez in November 2022 at York Hall.

Watson has not only impressed the likes of Hatton as she shows fantastic signs of improvement in each fight, the 23-year-old is showing maturity beyond her years as she continues to bank valuable rounds in her quest to become the next poster girl of British boxing.  

In another mouth-watering domestic match up, Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (11-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Manchester’s Kane Gardner (15-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round Super Lightweight contest. “Sugar Kane” had an untouchable 2022 as he remained unbeaten in his three fights during the calendar year. With two victories coming by way of unanimous points wins, the highlight for Gardner came in his bout against Samuel Opaogun as he twice put the Nigerian down on the way to a fourth-round stoppage win.

Walker bounced back from a narrow English Welterweight Title loss to dominate Iliyan Markov in his backyard of Wolverhampton in May of last year. Walker has shown he is a class above in the professional ranks after a statement points win to claim the Midlands Area Welterweight Championship against Levi Ferguson to get his first taste of titles. In a clash that could swing either way, there could be a potential domestic title shot waiting in the wings for the man who makes it to the other side with their hand raised.

Another Mancunian features on the card at Cruiserweight, as Ashley Marron makes his professional debut against the experienced Daryl Pearce. Traie Duberry also makes his professional debut as he lines up a Cruiserweight clash over 4 rounds. The undefeated Nial Brown looks to build on his seven wins as he goes toe-to-toe with fellow Middleweight Bahadur Karami over 6 rounds.

Lyndon Arthur faces Braian Nahuel Suarez for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Championship on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live and free on Channel 5, promoted by Wasserman Boxing in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now and available via WassermanBoxing.com.




Marques Valle, Otha Jones III and Joseph Hicks All Get Victories

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 27, 2023)–Three Split-T Management fighters came home with victories over the past five days.

It all started on Wednesday night as junior middleweight Marques Valle remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Jarrod Tennant in Plant City, Florida.

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to keep his unblemished mark at 8-0. Tennant of Los Angeles falls to 8-2.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions

Saturday night in Orlando, Florida, Otha Jones III won a six-round unanimous decision over 63-fight veteran Raymond Chacon.

The bout, which took place at The Caribe Royale Resort saw Jones win by scores of 60-54 on all cards to raise his record to 6-1-1.

Jones is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Also on Saturday. Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with a tough six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Quintyne in a super middleweight contest.

Hicks was sent to the canvas at the end of the opening frame. Hicks showed heat by shaking off the first round and coming back to get the better of the next five rounds in the crowd pleasing fight.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan won by scores of 57-55 and 57-56 twice to raise his record to 5-0. Quintyne is now 4-1.

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.




RDR Promotions set for Big Night of Boxing This Saturday, March 4th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, PA

NEWTOWN PA (February 27th, 2023)–THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, Saturday March 4th, RDR Promotions will present a huge night of boxing at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

In the featured six-round bout, rising and undefeated junior welterweight Isaiah Johnson will take on veteran Antonio Sanchez.

Johnson of New Jersey has had an explosive start to his career as he is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 20 year-old Johnson is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over William Parra Smith on October 22, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Sanchez of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico is 7-15-3 with three knockouts. He has quality wins on his resume over Carlos Lopez (4-0), Bernard Leon Figueroa (10-1) and Courtney Jackson (21-3).

In a six-round bout, Roberto Gomez faces veteran Oscar Barajas in a junior welterweight bout.

Gomez of Mexico is 5-1 with five knockouts. Gomez is coming off a shocking stoppage win over Quadir Albright (6-0) on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico is 18-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 32 year-old Barajas had defeated Roxie Lam (7-1) as well Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2). Barajas has developed into a “Philly-Killer” as he has defeated two favorites from the City of Brotherly Love in Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1).

In Four-Round Bouts:

Nimal Farmer (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on Boris Nde (4-1, 1 KO) of Harrisburg, PA in a welterweight contest.

Dominique Mayfield (2-1) of Philadelphia takes on Jerome Aiken (1-6-1, 1 KO) of Annapolis, MD in a heavyweight bout.

Ghandi Romain of Union City, NJ will make his pro debut against Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Erron Peterson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tariq Green (2-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Najeem Johns (2-0, 2 KOs) of Darby, PA tussles with Raekwon Butler (5-4.3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY in a super lightweight battle.

Brendan O’Callaghan (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Soslan Alborov (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

Jonathan Wiles (0-2) of Philadelphia will take on debuting Ali Ellis of Philadelphia in a heavyweight battle.

First Bout at 5 PM ET

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

Tickets are $200, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at The Following Link

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




April 8: Jared Anderson-George Arias & Keyshawn Davis-Anthony Yigit Round Out Televised Tripleheader at Newark’s Prudential Center LIVE on ESPN 

NEWARK, N.J. (Feb. 27, 2023) —Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson has climbed the heavyweight rankings with his devastating knockout power. The 6’4, 240-pound wrecking ball will face fellow unbeaten George Arias in a 10-rounder Saturday, April 8, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Anderson-Arias will be the co-feature to the WBC lightweight title eliminator between Shakur Stevenson and Shuichiro Yoshino. 

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis will face his stiffest challenge in the 10-round lightweight televised opener against former world title challenger Anthony Yigit.

Stevenson-Yoshino, Anderson-Arias, and Davis-Yigit will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $55 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Anderson (13-0, 13 KOs), a 23-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, has notched five consecutive second-round stoppages, including a demolition of the normally durable Jerry Forrest last December. Anderson received international headlines for his work as Tyson Fury’s chief sparring partner, but he’s now forging his own path as boxing’s most decorated young heavyweight.

Anderson said, “This is the kind of fight I’ve been waiting for, a big fight between two undefeated heavyweights. I’m excited to once again be fighting on the same card as Shakur Stevenson. Don’t miss this fight. April 8 is going to a special night in Newark.”

Arias (18-0, 7 KOs), a Dominican boxer-puncher, began his pro career in 2014 and has toppled seven unbeaten fighters in his ascension to contender status. Arias continued that trend in his previous two fights, defeating Cassius Chaney and Alante Green by split decision. The New York City resident will give up five inches and roughly 20 pounds to Anderson. 

Arias said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to go to war with Jared Anderson, one of the most highly regarded heavyweights right now. I thank my team for helping me get to this position. I can’t wait to show my skills on such a big platform. On April 8, I will pull off the upset.”

Davis (7-0, 5 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, went 3-0 in the pro ranks before capturing a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank and has scored four wins since, including a violent knockout over Omar Tienda at Prudential Center last year. In his most recent outing, the 23-year-old standout dominated former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos.

Davis said, “The Newark fans showed me so much love last time, and I can’t wait to give them another special performance. I’m going to make Yigit regret taking this fight. He’s been in the ring with some good fighters, but I’m on another level.”

Yigit (26-2-1, 10 KOs) is a Swedish contender who represented his homeland at the 2012 Olympics. The 31-year-old began his pro career the following year and scored wins over DeMarcus Corley and Sandor Martin before unsuccessfully challenging Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF junior welterweight title in 2018. Yigit bounced back with three victories before losing to Rolando Romero in July 2021. He is now settled as a lightweight and has knocked out his last two opponents. 

Yigit said, “I’m excited to get back into the mix. Huge respect to Keyshawn for taking this fight, but he’s young. Too young. He’s fast, I’m fast. He’s strong, I’m strong. He’s an Olympian, I’m an Olympian. My edge is my experience. I’m going to use it.”

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 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. The arena is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, which opened its doors to the public in October 2017. The 8,200-square-foot experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost on the East Coast and features a dynamic combination of educational programming and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally 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 PruCenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.




Kenny “Lionheart” Larson challenges Mass. Welterweight Champion Denzel Whitley in battle of undefeated prospects

QUINCY, Mass. (February 27, 2023) – Style make fights and a potential instant classic in on tap March 11th in the “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” main event, when undefeated Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (6-0, 5 KOs) challenges defending Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) in the 8-round headliner, at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Springfield Championship Boxing 2”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

“This fight has all the makings to be one of those local fights that people talk about for years,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “You have a hyper aggressive guy like Kenny going up against a slick counter-puncher like Denzel. Both guys are undefeated and there’s a state title on the line. Kudos to both guys for taking this fight, one that nobody will want to miss.”

Larson, 33, is an ultra-aggressive fighter who constantly applies pressure on his opponent; Whitley’s an intelligent counter-puncher that breaks down the other guy in the ring. It figures to be an exciting showdown to determine who fights his fight. It’s so rare for a pair of undefeated prospects to fight each other so early in their professional careers.

“We are looking to showcase that we are both serious,” Larson explained. We both want to make statements! As long as I do what I’m supposed to do, fighting like I do in the gym, it doesn’t matter that I’m fighting him in his neck of the woods. (Whitley is from Holyoke, which is only 8 miles from the Springfield venue.) One night a fan said to me,

‘You fight with the heart of a lion.’ I couldn’t think of a better nickname for me. He (Whitley) beat Kris Jacobs (WMDEC8) in his last fight (to capture the vacant Mass. welterweight title) and I knocked out a guy (Ryan Clark) in the first round who defeated Jacobs.

“We’ll see what happens when the kitchen starts getting heated up (vs. Whitley). Everybody has a plan going into a fight. Anyone who knows me knows my assets and what I have for him. I’ve watched him (Whitley) on tape and saw a few things that interested me. I was kind of amused by what he had to say. Let the cards lay where they may and we’ll see what it comes down to. I’ll have people there for me. I’ve always had a huge crowd behind me since I was an amateur because of my fan-friendly style.”

Larson was a hockey player who didn’t pick up boxing until he was in high school. He started at a gym that wasn’t, as he described, super serious about boxing, more for fitness, and one day a friend suggested that he go to train at the Somerville Boxing Club., where he changed his life,  both in and out of the ring.  

“Everything there was serious,” Larson reported. “Things clicked and I had focus and direction. I had a substance abuse problem, drinking, but I changed addictions from drinking to boxing for the last 10 years. Today, I have no days off from boxing.”

Larson now trains out of Broadway Boxing in Everett (MA) with Joe Riccardi as his head trainer.

A native of Salem (MA), Larson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division.

The O must go for either Larson or Whitley. Fans will be the biggest winner!

The Cruz brothers, lightweight Isaiah (5-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Calixto (1-0), fighting out of Springfield, will both be in action in front of fans, family, and friends. In the 6-round co-featured event, Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz will face Akeem “Action Action” Jackson (6-5, 5 KOs) in the 6-round co-featured event, while Calixto meets Luis “Broccoli” Gerardo Avila (8-22-3, 5 KOs) in a 4-round bout.

Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke (MA); Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), and Springfield super lightweight Liz Humphries (0-1-1)

Card subject to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMMC%3AMMC22%3AEX031123%3A&linkID=mmc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=CHIN&cgc=&dataAccId=224&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_mmc  or from any of the participating boxers.

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