DAVID ADELEYE IS the new WBO European heavyweight champion following a resounding stoppage victory over Dymtro Bezus at York Hall on Friday night, with both Mark Chamberlain and Henry Turner retaining their IBF and WBC belts respectively.

All the photos from last night’s action can be downloaded here.
Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry

The explosive Adeleye set about the Ukrainian from the first bell, with the previously unbeaten Bezus floored with a big, straight left in the opening round and rocked by an uppercut just before the bell.

Bezus did rally in the second, but his revival proved to be short-lived as a howitzer of a chopping left hook ended his night, with referee Bob Williams calling an end to proceedings after 1.48 of the round and a bouncing York Hall acknowledged a new champion.

Mark Chamberlain took his time to figure out the threat posed by a tough customer in Vairo Lenti, with the Italian challenger having not previously suffered defeat via stoppage.

Ultimately, the Waterlooville warrior was the more aggressive, but more importantly, accurate in his work and in the fifth round the jaw of Lenti was buckled by a hellacious left hook delivered by the 24-year-old, who moves to 12-0 and still the owner of the IBF European lightweight title.

The official time of the knockout was 53 seconds of round five. Marcus McDonnell officiated.

Henry Turner celebrated reaching double figures as a professional with a third stoppage victory in four fights over the Spaniard Zeus de Armas to retain his WBC International Silver super lightweight title.

The 22-year-old is a highly-skilled operator who doesn’t rely on power in any way, but he put his man down in the third round with a looping left and again in the fourth courtesy of a right hook to the body.

Turner’s attack to the body was to prove decisive and in round seven referee Mark Lyson had seen enough when de Armas again was put to the canvas and time was called with 1.20 of the round completed.

In the non-title fights, Chris Bourke got back in the groove after his unsuccessful tilt at the British super bantamweight title last year by dropping down to bantamweight and returning against the dangerous Darwin Martinez.

The record of Martinez is deceptive. While he has taken 10 losses, six of his seven wins have come via KO, so he clearly presents a threat. This was demonstrated in the first round when he rocked Bourke with a big right and the Streatham man appeared disorientated across the first three minutes after being out with injury for knocking on a year.

The Peacock Gym pupil regrouped impressively from the start of round two and put his man down with a vicious left to the body, repeating the trick a further two times in round three and referee Lee Every had seen enough after 2.53 of the round.

Blue Chip prospect Royston Barney-Smith again showed his class in his fifth professional fight against Lesther Lara. A right hand straight to the body accounted for the typically durable Nicaraguan and now the 19-year-old has three straight stoppages on his card, with the treble taking up less than three minutes of action.

At cruiserweight, Aloys Jr continued to shine and made short work of the Czech Jiri Krejci. An attack to the body folded Krejci after just 38 seconds and the 19-year-old moved to 3-1 as a pro, with all three coming via stoppage.

Two six-rounders opened the night, with 8-0 super welterweight Carl Fail enjoying a shutout victory over Serge Ambomo and 8-0 super bantamweight Adan Mohamed doing likewise against Francisco Rodriguez.

WOBURN, Mass. (February 17, 2023 – The official weigh in was held today at Best Western Plus New Englander in Woburn (MA) for tomorrow night’s “Turf War 4” professional boxing card at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

“Turf War 4,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

Priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating), tickets are available to purchase online at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or at the venue.

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

Fighters’ weight are below:

MAIN EVENT — MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Anthony Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO), Champion, Swansea, MA 158.8 lbs.

Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), Pittsfield, MA 158.2 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – VACANT USBF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Jon Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA 226.2 lbs.

Justin Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), Fairfield, ME 266.6 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Aquila Prote (0-2), Boston, MA 259.4 lbs.

Kevin Nagle (Pro Debut), Scituate, MA 278.6 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

James Perkins (10-0-1, 7 KOs), Lynn, MA 173.6 lbs.

Juan Celin Zapata (7-21-2, 5 KOs), Bronx, NY by way of Honduras 173.2 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (10)

Mike Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA 141.6 lbs.

Daniel Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs), San Juan, Puerto Rico 150.4 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

William Parra Smith (4-13-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK 146.4 lbs.

Vaibhav Singh Yadav (9-2, 7 KOs), Delhi, India 144.8 lbs.

(card subject to change)

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

College Park, GA – February 17, 2023 – It is with great regret that BLK Prime announces the cancellation of the Adrien Broner vs Michael Williams Jr. fight scheduled to take place on February 25 at The Gateway Center @ College Park, GA.

The event was set to be broadcasted live on BLK Prime PPV, but unfortunately, Williams Jr. sustained an injury during sparring which has made it impossible for him to participate in the upcoming fight.

The fight will be postponed to a later date with a new opponent announced. We understand the disappointment this news may bring to the fans, and everyone involved in this event, but the safety of the fighters remains our top priority.

“I worked my ass off and I see what the bottom really looked like for the first time. I looked in the mirror and I told myself I am not that person and I got off my ass and went to work! These last four months I got in amazing shape and I’m in a great space in my life. I know this ain’t the WWF but right now I feel like Triple H cause I’m back healthy, happy, and HUNGRY!!! Sorry to all my fans but I will continue this journey SUPPORT ME AND I FIGHT FOR YOU” – Adrien Broner

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About BLK Prime:

BLK PRIME is a subscription video-on-demand company that offers multicultural content to a diverse audience worldwide. On social media follow #BLKPrime, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME, on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

Plant City, FL, February 17, 2023  – –  The fight card is loaded for ProBox TV’s “Future Stars on Wednesdays,” when four young fighters, each yet to taste defeat, will each fight their toughest competition to date. Vansiclen, Valsaint, Lopez and Valle will each lay their unadulterated records on the line Wednesday, February 22 at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida, live on ProBoxTV.com and the ProBox app.   

A ProBox TV subscription is only $1.99 per month!

Tickets, starting at $50, are available HERE

Doors Open at 6 pm, First Bell at the ProBox Events Center is at 7 pm and the live broadcast begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

The following are the fights that will be streamed live. Claudia Trejos, color commentator for ProBox TV, adds remarks.

10 Rounds Super Middleweights TV #4 (170lb)

Manuel “El Meno” Gallegos, 20-1, 16 KOs Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

Richard Vansiclen, 13-0, 6 KOs, Seattle, Washington

Vansiclen made his ProBox TV debut on September 9, his most recent fight, and came away with a unanimous decision win against his toughest opponent to date, Hakim Lopez, who was unbeaten in thirteen fights. Gallegos will be fighting for the first time outside on Mexico.  He had won his first seventeen pro fights prior to a unanimous decision setback in 2020, and has since won two. 

6 Rounds Middleweights Future Stars TV #3

Darelle Valsaint, 6-0, 5 KOs, 2020 Tokyo Olympian, Orlando, Florida

Lucas de Abreu, 14-2, 11 KOs, Former Brazilian Champion, Sau Paulo, Brazil

Valsaint made it to the quarter-final in the 2020 Olympic games and has become a ProBox TV staple, having fought three of his six professional fights on the platform. His last three fights have been against tough competition – opponents with records of 12-1, 6-1, 23-2, a rarity for such a young fighter. De Abreu won the Brazilian super middleweight title in 2019. He most recently fought for the World Boxing Association Fedacaribe super middleweight title, losing a decision.

Said Claudia Trejos: “DARELLE VALSAINT is perhaps the best fighter at ProBox.  He is still a prospect and his (most recent fight and) win vs veteran Paul Mendez was a good measure of his No Fear attitude. He was not intimidated by Mendez’ extensive experience.”

6 Rounds Super Middleweights Future Stars TV # 1

Najee Lopez, 5-0, 5 KOs, Atlanta, GA

Cristian Rios, 23-16-3, 7 KOs, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The heavy-handed Lopez made his pro debut as heavyweight and has yet to be involved in a professional fight going to the scorecards. His fights have ended in rounds 1, 2, 2, 4 and 3. As an amateur, Lopez was 2015 National Junior Olympics Champion, 2018 Georgia State Golden Gloves Champion and 2018 National Golden Gloves runner-up. Lopez will have his hands full going up against the rugged and experienced Rios, the former Argentina Federation middleweight champion who successfully defended that title twice.

“NAJEE LOPEZ comes from the last Chance Tournament. After fighting at 186-190, he is now fighting at supermiddleweight.   I want to see how well he does at 168,” added Trejos.

6 Rounds Super Featherweights Future Stars TV #2

Marques Valle, 7-0, 6 KOs, Wesley Chapel, Fla

Jarrod Tennat, 8-1, 4 KOs. Los Angeles, California

Valle made his pro debut on September 4, 2020 with a first round knockout and has since fought every fight at ProBox Events Center on ProBox TV. In. his first six fights, only one made it past the first round (round 2). In his seventh fight, and most recent, the opponent was disqualified in round two for excessive holding.

“MARQUES VALLE is a big Puncher,” said Trejos’

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

PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY — February 17, 2023 — Abella Boxing Promotions is back, and in full force this boxing season with their third show, Bergen County Fight Night 3, set to go down Saturday evening April 1st, 2023 at The Terrace & Biagio’s Ristorante in Paramus, New Jersey. Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!

Headlining the main event, New Jersey’s very own, Nicky “The Bull” Vitone, of Pinebrook, NJ, faces an opponent to be named later in a super lightweight bout scheduled for six-rounds. 

Vitone, 26, stands 9-1-1, with a 63.6 knockout percentage. He made his Abella Boxing Promotions debut in their first show as the main event on April 2nd, 2022 at The Terrace. Vitone’s most recent bout occurred in September of last year in Atlantic City, NJ, on a ShoBox New Generation fight-card. 

“I’m very excited to be back fighting in my home state of New Jersey,” Vitone said. “I’m glad to be back with Abella Boxing Promotions.” 

“It was a true honor headlining the main event for their first show. Excited to show Jersey who I am, this is just the beginning.” 

Out of Jersey City, NJ, Mike “The Champ” Lee, leveling to a 9-2-0 record, with a 63.6 KO% takes on southpaw Adam Kipenga, (11-3-1), in a super welterweight bout anticipated for six-rounds. 

Last July, Lee made a name for himself among Abella Boxing fans in Bergen County Fight Night 2, displaying prolific versatility in the ring, ending the bout with a second-round TKO. 

Featured in a super bantamweight bout expected to go six-rounds, John “Bodyshot” Leonardo, (9-1-1, 36.3 KO%), of Englishtown, New Jersey, will battle an opponent to be named later. 

Remaining Six-Rounders: 

In a super featherweight bout, Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado, (5-0-0, 20 KO%), out of Ridgewood, Queens, New York, will go up against Usiel Hernandez, (2-1-0). 

Cuadrado, 26, impressed many last summer in Bergen County Fight Night 2, adding a win to his resume by unanimous decision. 

Terell Bostic, (7-1-0, 12.5 KO%), of Wyandanch, New York faces an opponent to be named later in a lightweight bout. 

Highlighting the slate of potential four-rounders: Jade “Poison” Ivery, (1-2-0), residing in Lodi, New Jersey, will go toe-to-toe with Kevin Spraags, (0-1-0) in a middleweight bout. Ivery, 33, is making his third appearance on an Abella Boxing Promotions fight-card. 

Out of New York, NY, 28-year-old Christian Otero, (4-3-0, 28.5 KO%), takes on Vinnie Denierio, (3-7-0), in a lightweight bout scheduled for four-rounds. 

Remaining Four-Rounders:

Kevin Hernandez, (0-0-1), of Bergenfield, New Jersey, goes up against Tyrell Cook, (0-3-0), in a welterweight bout. 

Dane Guerrero, (0-0-0), of Ridgefield Park, NJ, will make his pro-debut in a super middleweight bout against an opponent to be named later. 

Promoter of Abella Boxing, Scott Abella, returns with his third show in the span of 12 months, and is looking forward to the extraordinary slate headlined on Saturday evening, April 1st. 

“We debuted last April at The Terrace and we’re happy to be back where it all started,” Abella said. “Shows like this are the backbone of the sport. I want to give people in this county, and in this town, a great event, and an exciting night to go out and enjoy themselves.” 

He added, “We have tremendous boxing talent across the New Jersey and New York area that deserve an event to showcase their skills in the ring and this is it… Saturday April 1st, Bergen County Fight Night 3.”

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – BERGEN COUNTY FIGHT NIGHT 3

WHEN: Saturday Night April 1st, 2023

WHERE: The Terrace & Biagio’s Ristorante located on 293 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652

BOUTS: 5 Six-Round Bouts, 4 Four-Round Bouts (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

TICKETS AVAILABLE: $100 General Admission, $300 VIP

PPV/STREAMING: To Be Announced 

Follow on Instagram: @abellaboxing

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AbellaBoxingPromotions

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 17, 2023)–TONIGHT, Split-T Management’s undefeated junior middleweight Ardreal Holmes takes on Ismael Villareal in the headline bout of a SHOBOX: The New Generation card at The Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kansas.

The fight will be seen LIVE ON SHOWTIME at 9 PM ET/PT.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan is 12-0 with five knockouts, and the 28 year-old will be making his second SHOBOX appearance. Holmes has a win over Bryan Goldsby (4-1). In his last outing, which was televised on SHOBOX, Holmes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vernon Brown (13-1-1) on March 11, 2022 in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Villareal of Bronx, New York is 12-0 with eight knockouts. The 25 year-old has wins over Kieran Hooks (3-0-1), Ezequiel Urena Santana (6-1) and Juan Medina (19-4). In his last outing, Villareal stopped previously undefeated LeShawn Rodriguez in six-rounds on July 30, 2022 in Brooklyn.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Holmes and Villareal were both 152.6 lbs.

Saturday night in Pomona, California undefeated super bantamweight Asa Stevens takes on veteran Jenn Gonzalez in a four-round bout at The Fox Theater.

The 22 year-old Stevens is 3-0 with one knockout. Stevens is coming off a unanimous decision over Mychaquell Shields on October 29, 2022 in San Diego.

As an amateur Stevens was a National Golden Gloves champion and World Amateur champion.

Gonzalez of Nicaragua is 9-16-1 with five knockouts. The 25 year-old has wins over Alberto Rivero (1-0) and Ernesto Irias (14-2-1)

LONG BEACH, CA (February 17, 2023): The Walter Pyramid in Long Beach will host the “can’t miss” matchup featuring former world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Philadelphia’s Gabriel “King” Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs). The tough, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico 12-round light heavyweight matchup is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 18 and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST. 

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Rosado go on sale Friday, February 17, at 10:00 a.m. PST and are priced at $150, $100, $80, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at LongBeachState.com/GoldenBoy and GoldenBoyPromotions.com

Returning for redemption after his loss against William Zepeda in October 2022, former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-3-1, 15 KOs) will face former world title challenger Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (33-3-3, 17 KOs) as the co-main event. The two veterans will participate in a 12-round lightweight fight. 

“I am ready to come back and show fans that I still have what it takes to be at the top,” said Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. “Mercito Gesta is no easy foe, but I am sure we’re going to put on a great show on March 18. Thank you to Golden Boy and my manager, Rick Mirigian.”

“First of all, thank you to Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, and my Manager Neil Macasadia for this opportunity to face Joseph Diaz, Jr., a true champion and warrior on March 18,” said Mercito Gesta. “I continue to train with my dad, Anecito Gesta, my coach, Marvin Somodio, and my team. I will be ready for the challenge. You will see two hungry warriors in the ring and we will put on a great show for the fans around the world. To all my countrymen and women in the Philippines and fans all around the world, I fight for you.  I can’t wait for the opening bell.”

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://emcevents.com/zurdo_rosado.html. Media applications are due EOD Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

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Zurdo vs. Rosado is a 12-round light heavyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight night will take place on Saturday, March 18 and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.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 #ZurdoRosado

Manchester, England – (February 17, 2023) – WBO world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) is aiming to do a demolition job on undefeated title challenger David Light (20-0, 12 KO’s) when the two meet in Manchester on Saturday, March 25th, live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK. 

But he knows there will be hard work involved, as Light brings a deep pedigree to the ring with him. The 31-year-old won a silver medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and was three times national champion of his native New Zealand before turning pro in 2017 and commencing his 20-fight win streak. 

“He’s got good hands, good footwork. He’s able to change up his style – fight on the back foot, fight on the front foot, have a slugfest like he did in his last fight. So I’ll be interested to see what he thinks he’s going to do on the day,” said Okolie. 

“As soon as I establish myself and I start getting comfortable letting [the big shots] off, we’ll see if that gameplan of his is working or not… We’re going to have a conversation, but not with words. I have to assert myself on him.”

Okolie has prepared for this fight – his third title defence – with noted trainer SugarHill Steward and says the partnership has produced a focused gameplan which will see Light picked apart before being taken out around the middle of the twelve-round fight.

“It’s definitely been a new experience training with a great teacher like SugarHill… it’s very much about positioning, it’s very much the tiniest little things, but it makes a big difference. It gives me a sort of structure. [Instead of] just doing what I want, I find myself paying a lot more attention to detail,” he says.

Visualizing the March 25th fight, Okolie pictures himself setting the pace and tone of the exchanges before dominating and eventually ending the encounter early.

“If I hit anyone clean, it’s the beginning of the end. But I think with him, I do see it being maybe like a mid-rounds stoppage. I have to break him down – he’s a fit guy, he’s experienced, he did ten rounds in his last fight,,” he says.

“I have to literally break him, so I’m going to do that.”

Confirmed fights for BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester on Saturday, March 25th are as follows: 

Lawrence Okolie vs David Light

12 x 3 mins WBO World Cruiserweight Championship

Frazer Clarke vs Rydell Booker 

8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest 

Karriss Artingstall vs TBA

6 x 2 mins Featherweight contest

Callum Simpson vs TBA

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest

Tickets are on sale from today via Boxxer.com

OMONA, CA (February 16, 2023): With only days left for their WBC Super Bantamweight Eliminator main event, Luis “Pantera” Nery (33-1, 25 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico and Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (21-3, 17 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Yerevan, Armenia hosted a press conference today to discuss their 12-round fight. The event is set to take place on Saturday, February 18 at Fox Theater Pomona and is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST. 

Also on hand were members of the undercard to give comments. In the co-main event, Shane Mosley, Jr. (18-4, 10 KOs) will fight in a 10-round super middleweight fight against Chihuahua, Mexico’s Mario “Aguila” Lozano (33-10, 24 KOs). Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (20-2, 15 KOs) of Rialto will participate in a 10-round flyweight bout against Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua. Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Rowdy “Legend” Montgomery (8-4-1, 6 KOs) of Victorville will face Christian “Ruso” Olivas (22-8, 19 KOs) of San Ysidro in an eight-round super middleweight match.

This is what the participants had to say:

LUIS “PANTERA” NERY, FORMER TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION:

“First and foremost I would like to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN for making this fight a possibility. I feel very happy to return to the ring for a big event that awaits for us on Saturday. I want to thank Zanfer Boxing, Fernando Beltran, and Abraham Perez for always supporting me. 

“It’s going to be a great fight. Azat is a great fighter. I have been watching him for a long time. He is a strong fighter – he throws punches and has resilience in the ring and has never been knocked out before. These are the types of challenges that I like to have that make me a better fighter.”

AZAT “CRAZY A” HOVHANNISYAN, SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:

“Hello everyone, I am in good shape, I had a very good training camp. Everything is very good. We are ready for February 18. 

I know Luis Nery. He is a good fighter with a good left hand. I have a great new coach named Julian Chua. We are ready to put on a good show.”

SHANE MOSLEY, JR., SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER:

“I’m feeling great. I want to thank Golden Boy, Oscar, DAZN, the Fox Theater and to everyone involved. I am very excited to be fighting in my hometown – where I was born, where I grew up. It’s an honor to fight here and hopefully I get to do it again in the future.

“I have a good, strong veteran in front of me coming after me, trying to deter me in my hometown that I have to defend. And if all goes well, keep pushing up the ladder like Bernard said. I thank you guys for being here. It’s going to be a great night.”

MARIO “AGUILA” LOZANO, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER:

“Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity. We feel very good. We had a good preparation for this fight. When they offered us this fight, it gave us great pleasure to know they had considered us for a great fighter like Shane Mosley, Jr. We are ready to leave everything on the ring.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:

“This main event fight was made by the actual fighters positioning themselves, and putting themselves in this place. This is an eliminator for the WBC – we have the No. 1 and No. 2 fighting each other which is unheard of in boxing these days – but that’s what Luis Nery and Azat Hovhannisyan bring to the table. They are old school, they are fighters who understand exactly what it takes to become a world champion. It’s never an easy road. But winning, and going down that road and performing gets you to the big prize of winning a world title.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, GOLDEN BOY PARTNER:

“You fight inside the ring, we fight outside for you. We’re rooting for you to get to the top of the ladder. Golden Boy is here to stay. We have an exciting fight night with this eliminator. All fighters should be working towards elimination, to bigger venues, to bigger crowds, to bigger opportunities.” 

MAURICIO LOPEZ DE CARDENAS, ZANFER BOXING:

“On behalf of Fernando Beltran and the Zanfer Boxing team I want to thank Oscar and the Golden Boy team, DAZN, the media and the fans for this. It feels great to be back in the United States with Luis Nery.

“Nery has had a very good preparation for this fight. He spent an enormous time away from his family and friends to train in Mexico City for this fight. We are very sure that Nery is prepared for this fight and is ready to fight anyone.”

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Nery vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round WBC Super Bantamweight Eliminator Fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight night will take place on Saturday, February 18, live from Fox Theater Pomona and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.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 #NeryHovhannisyan 

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“The WBA World Featherweight Title. The Super WBA World Featherweight Title. Leigh Wood against Mauricio Lara this Saturday live on DAZN around the world from the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham. What a fight we have here. Someone asked me earlier, what gives me a big fight feeling? Driving up the M1 excited, thinking about what might happen on Saturday night. Thinking about the atmosphere, thinking about the great nights we’ve experienced in this arena. Carl Froch beating Lucian Bute, Leigh Wood beating Michael Conlan. Honestly on Saturday night I think we’re going to get the best we’ve ever seen in this city. This is a tremendous fight to bring to the UK and we’re so proud of Leigh Wood the champion for accepting this challenge as the champion. The first time you’ve seen an underdog in his home city take a voluntary defence. Him and his trainer Ben Davison they see something, they see an opportunity to become the daddy of the division on Saturday night. For me this is to determine the number one fighter in the 126lbs division. There’s going to be drama, there’s going to be excitement and there’s going to be plenty of violence. We cannot wait.”

Leigh Wood – Gedling, England – 26-2, 16 KOs – defending his WBA Featherweight World Title against Mauricio Lara:

“It has been a long journey to get here. I was that little kid trying to get a slot of the Froch undercards. I’ve come a long way since then. There’s nothing that’s going to beat me on Saturday night, nothing at all. There’s nothing that he can bring that I’m not prepared for. He’s ready for war but I’m ready for a smart tactical knockout. I think the underdog mentality going into a fight does help a little bit but it’s more about having that danger. With the Can Xu fight it was punches and output. There’s a bit of that fear factor to get me up for the fight. The Conlan fight, he was a southpaw, bearing in mind before then I’d only boxed one in my career. He’s very skilful and has a massive amateur pedigree. So there was that factor as well. This fight it’s a new approach but a similar kind of thing. We’ve got the fear factor – he can punch and he’s dangerous. Whichever way this fight goes I’m prepared for it. The underdog mentality, not only do I strive on but I kind of need it. It’s going to be special. It’s going to be a wolf pit. It’s going to be a cauldron, very hostile. Massive thank you to everyone from Nottingham. It’s going to be a great atmosphere so thanks for getting behind me. Every time I get in the ring I put it all on the line, every single drop of me is going into this fight – whatever I have to do. Whatever it takes, if I have to pick myself up I’ll pick myself up. I’ve shown in my last fight I’m resilient, I can punch, I’m fit and I’m headstrong which is the most important thing in boxing. That mental capacity of not deciding to give up.”

Ben Davison, trainer of Leigh Wood:

“Styles make fights, more than levels. Leigh Wood has been written off numerous times throughout his career. When he lost for the British Title early on, when he lost in the Golden Contract, when he was boxing Can Xu, when he was boxing Michael Conlan. Every time he’s come back better and stronger and risen to the challenge. That’s when you see the best of Leigh Wood. You won’t see the best of Leigh in a fight that he’s the heavy favourite in. Mauricio Lara is a very brave fighter and a very dangerous fighter. In the mist of chaos lies opportunity and I believe that you can’t be as reckless as he is against a puncher like Leigh Wood. There is no doubt in my mind who the bigger puncher is. That’s not how it always plays out in a fight. Leigh is very well drilled and well prepared. He knows exactly what he needs to do and will have the intelligence and the IQ to create the opportunities and scenarios that favour him in the fight for him to execute what he needs to execute to end the fight. Fear is not anything to do with Leigh’s mindset going into this fight. We’re very confident, Leigh’s very confident. If anything, Mauricio Lara needs to be worrying and fearful of Leigh Wood because he’ll be the one that comes out victorious and he’s the dangerman in the fight.”

Mauricio Lara – Mexico City, Mexico – 25-2-1, 18 KOs – challenging Leigh Wood for his WBA Featherweight World Title:

“Hello to everyone here, I hope you’re all well. I’m feeling really happy. When opportunities come around I take them with both hands and I’m convinced that I will win. I’m not disrespecting him in anyway but I just know the capability of ‘Bronco’ Lara who will go on to win the World Title. I’ve prepared better than ever and I’ve prepared not for a fight, but for a war and I’m prepared to leave absolutely everything in there. I’ve prepared as well as I possibly can. I feel like this is almost my second home. This will definitely not go to the scorecards I can tell you that. I feel like I’ve been supported on the social media platforms and I’m going to give absolutely everything on Saturday.”

Alejandro Brito, manager of Mauricio Lara:

“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Eddie for the opportunity. We also have to thank Leigh Wood’s team for this opportunity. He’s now just two days away from becoming World Champion. It has been a dream that he has had for a long time, we hoped that he’d do it against Josh Warrington, unfortunately that fight wasn’t for a World Title in the end. I’m totally convinced now that through all the hard work and suffering he has gone through that he’s going to become World Champion on Saturday night. I met Mauricio a little over six years ago and he always said it was a dream to become World Champion. He always wanted his name to be recognised in Mexico and around the world and now he’s just two days away from this. We’re really confident and really motivated, not just us but every back home in Mexico. They believe he will become World Champion.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 13-0, 10 KOs – making the second defence of his British Super-Lightweight Title against Billy Allington:

“I don’t overlook anybody and I know Billy is coming with big intentions. I’ve heard it in my previous fights with people thinking I’m overlooking opponents. Believe me, I don’t do that. I just focus on the job in front of me and that’s the fight on Saturday night. I’ve got to turn up, be 100% and get the job done in style. We’re probably going to see the very best version of Billy. It’s a big opportunity for him and he’s coming to try and upset the odds. I’m not going to let that happen. I’m fully focused. I’ve had a good camp. I just keep on improving and improving with every fight. I feel like I’m turning into a good solid young man now. I just can’t wait to show you all on Saturday night. It’s going to be unbelievable and the support for me is getting bigger and bigger. I was here for my debut on Leigh’s undercard back in 2019. It’s a great sporting city and they always come out in their numbers. I can’t wait to be on that ramp walking down. I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be great.”

Billy Allington – Egham, England – 10-1-4 – challenging Dalton Smith for his British Super-Lightweight Title:

“Firstly I want to say thank you. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here. I’ve got a lot of people that want to see me do well and that’s a blessing in itself. I’m very well prepared. I’ve earnt my stripes by becoming English Champion, Southern Area Champion on the small hall shows. I’m excited to be here and challenge myself to be the best that I can be. I’ve got a great team and I’m very grateful for that as well. The magnitude of this event is very exciting. If you’d have asked me when I was a 13-year-old boy if I’d make it to where I am now I’d have probably said, ‘I don’t know’. I’m ready to take my opportunity on Saturday with both hands and become the new British Champion. It’s an honour to fight for the title and I’m more than capable of upsetting the odds here. I believe in myself, my team believe in me and this is why we’re here. We’re here for a reason. Dalton is a good fighter, I’m not going to say he isn’t, but as a champion we want to fight other champions and challenge ourselves to get the best out of ourselves. That’s how we grow as humans. I’ve got about 100 people coming up to watch me and that touches me as well. Let’s have a good night Saturday.”

Gary Cully – Naas, Ireland – 15-0, 9 KOs – fighting Wilfredo Flores for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Lightweight Title:

“I’ve been gaining a lot of momentum. I’m here and I’m back in Nottingham, it’s good vibes for me. I was here last year fighting Miguel Vazquez – 2022 was kind of my breakout year but I feel like I’ve been putting in performances like that over the past five years of my career. I’ve fought undefeated guys, I’ve had my step ups, I’ve fought my former World Champions and all of this. I believe it’s a big step up for Wilfredo Flores and he’s going to be out of his depth on Saturday night. Too good, too big and too strong. 2023 is my year. There’s lots of talk about going back to Ireland and fighting back at home. It’s been a dream of mine to fight back in Ireland ever since I was a kid so I’ve been using that as massive motivation for this camp and to push that little bit harder. There’s some big fights coming at the back end of 2023 for me if I get through Saturday night. I come to bring excitement and entertainment every time I fight. I just heard Chev Clarke say he doesn’t go in there to knock people out he goes in there to box, but I come in to take your head off and it’s going to be no different on Saturday night. No disrespect to Wilfredo Flores but I believe I’m on a different level and I’m coming in there to take his head off on Saturday night.”

Wilfredo Flores – Dunkirk, USA – 10-0-1, 5 KOs – fighting Gary Cully for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Lightweight Title:

“Thank you for the opportunity I’m very excited. Hopefully I can come away with the victory and come away with some fans in the UK. This is my opportunity to showcase myself and who I am to the world. I’m looking forward to it. This is an opportunity that comes with working hard. I have good work ethic and it’s embedded in me to continue to progress and showcase my hard work. I expect Gary to be well prepared and ready to go to war. I certainly am. This is a sport. We’re both very competitive fighters and I’m sure we’re going to steal the show this Saturday night.”

Cheavon Clarke – Gravesend, England – 4-0, 4 KOs – fighting Israel Duffus in a ten round International Cruiserweight contest:

“First and foremost I’d like to mention Dec Spellman. It’s really bad for him not being able to provide for his family doing something that he’s always done. I’ve got a tough opponent on Saturday and I’m looking forward to putting on a show. I don’t go out there trying to stop people. I go out there and I try to box. When the opportunities come I take them. If you guys think that’s exciting, I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing. There’s plenty of good fights out there for me.”

Israel Duffus – San Miguelito, Panama – 20-8, 17 KOs – fighting Cheavon Clarke in a ten round International Cruiserweight contest:

“Thank you for the opportunity. I always try to keep in shape – you never know when the opportunity is going to come. This is one of those cases. Cheavon’s amateur career looks very impressive but he’s in the professional code now and it’s not the same. Amateur and professional are two different things. I also had the opportunity back in 2012 and 2008 in the Olympics. Now we’re in the professionals. I’m really happy for this.”

Gamal Yafai – Birmingham, England – 19-2, 11 KOs – fighting Diego Alberto Ruiz in a ten round International Super-Bantamweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to getting in there a doing the job. I’ve enjoyed the move to Jamie Moore’s gym, it has been good. I feel like I’ve got some structure now in my life. I’m looking forward to showing that on Saturday night. Get Saturday night sorted and I want to push towards the world level again.”

Aaron Bowen – Coventry, England – Professional Debut – fighting Mathieu Gomes in a six round International Middleweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to my professional debut. This is obviously where I want to be. I’ve got a big following and with big fights I think even more people can get behind me. I feel like my fights in the amateurs have given me great experience. This is a big stage and it’s a little bit different but the pressure that I experience boxing in the Commonwealth Games, boxing for GB travelling the world, I’ve sort of been there now so it’s given me that little stepping stone. This isn’t too far out of my comfort zone and at the end of the day it’s just a rig. I feel like it’s done me good. I come to fight from the first bell until the last. I will be looking for the knockout but I’ll get the job done first.”

Junaid Bostan – Rotherham, England – 4-0, 4 KOs – fighting Peter Kramer in an eight round International Super-Welterweight contest:

“It’s my first eight-rounder. Whether it goes eight rounds is a completely different thing. I’m looking to do a number of this guy and carry on progressing in my career. Funnily enough I wasn’t known as the biggest puncher in the amateurs, but now I’ve turned over I’m knocking everyone out. I’m not complaining. It isn’t deliberate but you don’t get paid for overtime so if you can get them out of there then why not. If you don’t ask you don’t get, so I’ve got to ask about getting on these big shows.”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, England – 18-3-1, 4 KOs – fighting Jorge Silva in an eight round International Super-Middleweight contest:

“It’s good to be on a card so early in the year. I need to put my foot on the gas and get my career back on track. I want to use this year to rebuild. I want to keep all of my fights here in the UK. I want to win a British Title, I don’t care who’s got that. I want to go and win that next and move back on to the world scene after that. I’ve beat high level opposition and I’ve been around high-level opposition. I’m just sick of being known as this nice guy in and out the ring, now I’m coming here to destroy and bring knockouts to the table.”

Sam Maxwell – Liverpool, England – 16-1, 11 KOs – fighting Shaun Cooper in a six round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’ve got a job to do on Saturday. Get through that and let’s see what we can do after. Dalton Smith is a fight I’m interested in and that’s the fight I want. Touch wood we both come through on Saturday and we can get it on.”

Los Angeles, CA (February 16, 2023) Popular Ukrainian Super Welterweight Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (22-1, 22 KOs), is now ranked #3 by the World Boxing Council, it was announced today by the boxing sanctioning body.

The popular and hard-hitting Bohachuk is coming off a trademark knockout victory over veteran Nathaniel Gallimore on January 27, 2023 in Los Angeles and broadcast as the main event on UFC FIGHT PASS. The stoppage in front of a sold-out Hollywood Fight Nights crowd came in the sixth round.

Now residing in Los Angeles, the native of Vinitza, Ukraine is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and trained in Southern California by the renowned Manny Robles.

“This is a great honor for me and another step towards reaching my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion,” said Bohachuk. “Many thanks to my promoter Tom Loeffler and trainer Manny Robles for their great work with my career.”

Said Loeffler, “This is a tremendous achievement for Serhii and validates his position as one of the best super welterweights in the world. We’re very happy to continue to build Serhii towards his goal of becoming a world champion.”

“Ever since Serhii returned to training from the war in Ukraine, he is even more determined to fight for his country and win a world championship for his people,” said Robles.

Details of Bohachuk’s return to action in April on UFC FIGHT PASS will be announced shortly.  

Photo Credit / 360 Promotions, Lina Baker

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TOPEKA, Kan. – February 16, 2023 – Exciting rising prospect Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes, Jr. (12-0, 5 KOs) and fellow undefeated Ismael “Maelo” Villarreal (12-0, 8 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round super welterweight main event on SHOBOX: The New Generation this Friday, February 17, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kan.

In the co-main event, Misael Lopez (14-1, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colo., looks to win his fourth straight bout after suffering his first pro loss on SHOBOX^® when he takes on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (13-1, 3 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, in a 10-round featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits two unbeaten knockout artists in former NCAA Division I college football player Kurt Scoby (10-0, 8 KOs) facing Australia’s John “The Beast” Mannu (7-0-1, 4 KOs) with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Ardreal Holmes, Jr. – 152.6 pounds

Ismael Villarreal – 152.6 pounds

Referee: Jacob Villa; Judges: Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Nick Berens (Kan.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Misael Lopez – 124.4 pounds

Edward Vazquez – 125.2 pounds

Referee: Kevin Champion; Judges: Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Greg DiVilbiss (Kan.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Super Lightweight Eight-Round Bout

Kurt Scoby – 139.8 pounds

John Mannu – 139.8 pounds

Referee: Jacob Villa; Judges: Nick Berens (Kan.), Greg DiVilbiss (Kan.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Ardreal Holmes, Jr.

“In my fight with Vernon Brown last March, I was just seeing where I was at after such a long layoff, just getting back into the rhythm and timing of things. I would give myself a C+ for that performance, maybe a C++ because of my strong finish.

“I don’t get frustrated with the layoffs because I just look at my son and I want a better future for him and that’s how I get through it every time. I just have to keep fighting and get through everyone to get where I need to go.

“I could have done everything better against Vernon, but when you’ve been out so long, you have to catch up on the timing and rhythm, but I put that win behind me and I’m trying to do better this time.

“My son is two, Ardreal III. I don’t think I want him to get into boxing. But we sit together and out of nowhere he playfully punches me and wow, he has some power in that little hand (laughs).

“My opponent looks strong, looks like he comes to fight, they all have to come to me. This is a high-stakes match, and then the next one is going to be the toughest of my career. All these fights are going to be the toughest I’ve faced, so I take everyone seriously.

“I still work in a rehab center and home and healthcare. How did I get into boxing? I had uncles that used to fight, they’re not much older than me, nine or 10 years older that I am. My coach used to train them and they used to come home with trophies so it’s a family thing. That got me into it.

“I think all fighters from Flint, Michigan are tough, through their upbringing, you have to learn how to fight after school, it’s just part of growing up out there.

“Two years from now I see myself in the Top 10 and gunning for one of those titles. I have my fingers crossed on at least three more fights this year, but if I get three total, that will be fine.”

Ismael Villarreal

“This is an amazing opportunity that I have here, starring in my first main event against an undefeated fighter. We’re both going to be risking our 0. 

“Life is full of surprises. I hope a win tomorrow opens more doors in my career. I didn’t think I would ever get to headline, so life is full of mysteries.

“I wouldn’t say my last fight was my toughest. LeShawn Rodriguez was a notable fighter but it’s not my toughest fight. The only way to find out whether this will be my toughest fight is to fight the fight.

“He has those attributes which make him dangerous – his height, his reach, he’s a southpaw. But I’m not concerned about his height. I’m used to guys being taller than me. I’m usually the shorter guy in my fights. I’m not worried about that. I use my boxing and my intelligence and my ring IQ to gain an advantage. I know I need to get closer and close the distance in this fight.

“It’s not a big deal for me to get on the inside. It’s 10 rounds so giving up one or two rounds isn’t going to affect me. It’s 10 rounds and anything can happen in boxing. Of course I’m going to be ready and I’m going to pressure him.

“I found boxing because my father was a boxer. So I was born into boxing because my dad was a pro fighter. Then he retired and became my coach. I was a kid who liked to fight, I never got into street fights but I just took to fighting when I came to the gym. I had that in me.

“After this fight, I want to get that exposure where hopefully people will realize I’m one of the top guys in the division and people will want to fight me.”

Misael Lopez

“Every fight is like a title fight for me at this point. I think this matchup is a perfect style for me and to show the things I’ve been working on. I definitely recognize that he has talent and is a hungry fighter. We have the same opportunity to jump into that contender level.

“My first pro defeat was the best thing that could ever happen to me, believe it or not. After that loss I had to regroup and learned a lot about myself and what I could do better.

“This is a 50-50 fight and there is no favorite, but that is what we’ve prepared for. To have an amazing coach like Manny Robles in my corner probably tips the scales a little in my favor.

“I see a hungry fighter in my opponent. I don’t know what to expect but I know he’s hungry so I’m not sleeping on him.

“This is the perfect fight for me to make it to the next level. It was a big learning experience to lose on SHOBOX, but I want to prove that I’m a contender and that I’m ready for the big names.”

Edward Vazquez

“With a win over Lopez it will get some guys to look my way. I know it’s a little high risk, low reward until I get a top 15 ranking.

“I see Lopez as one of the best 126 pounders in the world. He is a boxer, boxer-puncher. He’s a mover and will try to find combinations. I have an answer for everything. I know he had a great camp and has a new trainer in Manny Robles.

“I just think my heart, my will, my boxing IQ and the dog inside me is just going to overpower him.

“I’ve already fought this fight visually in my mind – like a million times. I see a fast start on my end, and a little hesitation on his side just because he has someone new in his corner.

“I’m the hardest worker in boxing and everything I do every day shows that. Not just my strength but my mindset. Some of these guys haven’t seen what I’ve seen or touched what I’ve touched.

“I won’t take any time off after this fight. I plan on running a half-marathon when I get back to Texas on Saturday.”

Kurt Scoby

“My style is to not get paid for overtime. But my trainer tells me to not go in there looking for the knockout. He says we go in there to beat the other guy up. So, we’ll see how long he lasts.

“I know my opponent is basically your typical southpaw. He’s undefeated so he doesn’t know how to lose yet. He’ll soon find out how.

“My faith is very important for me. Since I came into Muslim and Islam, I always know there’s a way out. It’s a platform for me.

“It was crazy doing what I did and buying an $11 airplane ticket and coming out to New York with nothing but my two fists. I literally didn’t have anything else.

“I’ve been through a lot – 14 foster homes and my mother passing away during my sophomore year in high school.

“I was recruited for football and played running back at Azusa-Pacific. I got to a point where I got too big-headed. I wasn’t in love with football. Now, I’m doing what I truly love.

“I’ve sparred with Regis Prograis and Devin Haney. What I learned from them was the speed of boxing. How you have to slow things down and see things before they happen.

“My dedication to this sport is what has brought me here. I’m always working out. I don’t want my coaches to chase me to the gym, but to chase me out of the gym.”

John Mannu

“The money’s not too good back in Australia and if a fighter wants to make boxing their career, you have to do it in the United States. We have to take these fights and we have to travel if we are going to make it. A good win in the States could really help my career.

“I’ve been in Miami for the past two weeks just to get used to the time change, but I’m based full-time in Melbourne.

“I’ve got natural power and people will see that. My opponent looks like a tough guy. I can see this fight going the distance, but I’m just going to try and break him down and go for the late-round stoppage.

“I admired guys like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson growing up. And Marvelous Marvin Hagler and James Toney. I just love their style and the way they fight – very defensive fighters.

“I’m a natural southpaw, but I switch a lot. I’d describe myself as a boxer-puncher. This could be the best of the three fights.

“My twin brother Michael is a professional MMA fighter. It’s a competition. The ego’s always there. Whenever he’s in the gym training, I want to be in there too.

“I’ve never been down as a pro or an amateur, and I don’t plan on being down Friday night.”

# # #

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 88 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® delivers another thrilling night of fights at UFC APEX, headlined by a light heavyweight contenders’ bout between No. 6 ranked Nikita Krylov and No. 8 Ryan Spann. Also,No. 11 ranked middleweight contender Andre Muniz battles Brendan Allen in a clash of Dana White’s Contender Series signees.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: KRYLOV vs. SPANN will take place Saturday, February 25 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the prelims at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Krylov (29-9, fighting out of Donetsk, Ukraine) intends to start his 2023 season off with another memorable finish. Among the most exciting fighters at light heavyweight, he holds wins over former title challengers Volkan Oezdemir, Alexander Gustafsson and Ovince Saint Preux. Krylov now aims to stop Spann and set himself up for a shot at the division’s Top 5.

Spann (21-7, fighting out of Beaumont, Texas) looks to continue his ascent to the top of the 205-pound ladder with a statement victory. A submission specialist with KO power, he has secured impressive finishes against Dominick Reyes, Ion Cutelaba and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Spann now hopes to make the most of his second main event opportunity by taking out Krylov in impressive fashion.

Muniz (23-4, fighting out of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil) plans to continue his hot streak with another statement performance. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has earned memorable victories over Uriah Hall, Eryk Anders and Jacare Souza. Muniz now has his sights set on defending his spot in the rankings by securing his 10^th consecutive win.

Allen (20-5, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) looks to break into the middleweight Top 15 with a show-stealing finish. A talented grappler currently riding a three-fight win streak, he has turned heads with notable submission victories against Krzysztof Jotko, Sam Alvey and Kevin Holland. Allen now plans to halt Muniz’s momentum and establish himself as a middleweight title threat.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Augusto Sakai (15-5-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) locks horns with Don’Tale Mayes (10-4, fighting out of Louisville, Ken.) in a clash of hard-hitting heavyweights
• Undefeated Tatiana Suarez (9-0, fighting out of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) makes her long awaited return against Montana De La Rosa (12-7-1, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) in a flyweight bout
• Dana White’s Contender Series signees collide when Mike Malott (8-1-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. by way of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada) faces Yohan Lainesse (9-1, fighting out of St-Bruno, Quebec, Canada) at welterweight
• Unbeaten Trevor Peek (7-0 1NC, fighting out of Chattanooga, Tenn.) aims to turn heads in his UFC debut against returning Alex Reyes (13-3, fighting out of Victorville, Calif.) at lightweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Jasmine Jasudavicius (7-2, fighting out of Niagara, Ontario, Canada) faces debuting Gabriella Fernandes (7-1, fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) in a flyweight bout
• Jordan Leavitt (10-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meets Victor Martinez (13-4, fighting out of Pharr, Texas) at lightweight
• Ode’ Osbourne (11-5 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Milwaukee, Wisc.) squares off with Charles Johnson (13-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) in a 130-pound catchweight bout
• Rafael Alves (20-11, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Para, Brazil) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Nurullo Aliev (7-0, fighting out of Dushanbe, Tajikistan) in a lightweight bout
• UFC newcomer Hailey Cowan (7-2, fighting out of Robinson, Texas) meets Ailin Perez (7-2, fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina) in a bantamweight bout
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winnerJose Johnson (15-7, fighting out of Copperas Cove, Texas by way of La Romana, Dominican Republic) debuts against Garrett Armfield (8-3, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) at bantamweight
• Erick Gonzalez (14-7, fighting out of Torrance, Calif.) faces undefeated Trevor Peek (7-0 1NC, fighting out of Chattanooga, TN) in a lightweight bout

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

Mexican super middleweight Manuel Gallegos takes on undefeated Richard Vansiclen on ProBox TV, on a night that features some of the networks hottest prospects.

Gallegos holds an impressive 19-1 record with 16 of his wins coming inside the scheduled distance. Vansiclen, 13-0, 6KOs upset the odds last time out, besting Hakim Lopez over 8 rounds to claim a unanimous decision victory. 

Boxing legend Paulie Malignaggi, who was present at Vansiclen’s last outing, gave his take on the fight. 

The Magic Man stated, “Vansiclen is a tough game fighter who really comes to fight. He has a great story behind him and he has a lot of heart. Vansiclen upset the odds last time out against Hakim Lopez, and he deserved that victory.

“I’ve watched Gallegos and he is an action fighter, which is what ProBox TV is all about. Guys that come to fight and Gallegos is one of them. It’s a close fight and I expect it to be an entertaining fight for the fans to enjoy.

The supporting cast of Future Stars on ProBox TV include the highly rated trio of Najee Lopez, Darrelle Valsaint and Marques Valle whom all have been deemed Future Stars by the ProBox TV hierarchy.

Brooklyn native Malignaggi, who descended to the stars himself in the boxing world, becoming a two-weight world champion gave his assessment of the trio.

Malignaggi said, “Darrelle Valsaint is coming off the Tokyo Olympics with a lot of momentum. I think Valsaint is a real talent, he’s the full package. Darrelle is an exciting, great combination puncher with excellent fundamentals.

“Najee Lopez has moved down in weight from cruiserweight and I believe we’re going to see a completely different animal. He was excellent at cruiser, but at 175 this kid really is something special.

“Marques Valle is a machine, a really strong fighter that is constant pressure with a massive punch output. They all have live opponents so these fights should all be great developmental fights and exciting to watch free on ProBox TV’s YouTube channel.” 

Watch ProBox TV Events FOR FREE (NO SIGN-UP REQUIRED) live on Facebook/YouTube in English and Spanish. You can watch ProBoxTV ad free on ProBoxTV.com for only $1.99/Month.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (February 16, 2022) – BOXXER has signed undefeated Central Area Super Middleweight champion Callum Simpson (10-0, 8 KO’s) to an exclusive long-term promotional agreement, it was announced today. 

The Yorkshire powerhouse will make his debut at the upcoming BOXXER event taking place Saturday, March 25th at the AO Arena Manchester in a bout which will air live in the UK on Sky Sports.

Fighting out of Barnsley, Simpson, 26, has scored eight of his ten wins inside the distance and secured the Central Area title in October last year with a stunning second-round stoppage which started with a lightning-fast flurry and ended with a fight-finishing right uppercut.

Simpson started training in amateur boxing at the age of 10 and turned professional in 2019, training for some time alongside former world champion Josh Warrington at Dicky’s Gym in Batley, Yorkshire.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the BOXXER stable. I was blown away when I visited the Smith vs Eubank event with my manager and ever since that night I’ve thought of nothing but walking out into an arena like that. It was incredible,” said Simpson. 

“I think the fans are really going to like my style. I’ve knocked out my last eight opponents and the last five haven’t gone past the second round – I like to get the job done quickly. 

“I’m the current Central Area champion and I’m looking to collect more belts this year. So everyone in the super-middleweight division, I’m putting you all on notice!”

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said Simpson was an obvious signing for the brand. “There’s been a lot of talk in British boxing about Callum Simpson. He’s a crowd-pleasing fighter with potential to go far. He has a big fanbase in his hometown of Barnsley and we think he’ll be a huge hit with fans across the UK and beyond. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve, starting on March 25 at the AO Arena in Manchester.”

Tickets for BOXXER Fight Night on Saturday, March 25 go on sale at midday on Friday, February 17 via Boxxer.com.

Sheffield Super-Lightweight star Dalton Smith can take another step closer to winning the prestigious British Title outright when he makes the second defence of his belt against Billy Allington at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham this Saturday February 18, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

One of the hottest young properties in world boxing, ‘Thunder’ (13-0, 10 KOs) enjoyed a stellar 2022, winning all four of his fights in impressive fashion and picking up the WBC International Silver and British Super-Lightweight Titles to further cement himself as a World Champion in waiting.

In what is sure to be his first headline fight of many at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, Smith landed the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt by outclassing and finishing local rival Sam O’maison in six rounds to collect his fourth pro title in August.

The 26-year-old former amateur sensation rounded off an incredible 2022 by successfully defending his British 140lbs crown for the first time against Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin at Manchester Arena last November and 2023 promises to be an even bigger year for the Sheffield Wednesday fanatic. 

“The British Title has a lot of history,” said Smith. “Every British fighter wants it and I’ve always said I want the British Title for keeps. I think it was after the O’maison win when I got home and I was looking at the belt and that’s when it hit me, what I’d achieved. That’s when it really hit me. I remember watching the ringwalk back thinking, ‘wow’, if that’s what I can do in my first headliner then there’s going to be some special nights coming.

“Billy Allington is my next opponent. Billy is experienced, he’s durable and I’m expecting him to be fit, he’s got a good work rate. I just feel Billy will struggle with the movement, the angles, the power and the speed. I think slowly over the rounds he’ll run out of ideas. The British Title is definitely staying with me. The longer the fight goes on the more I’ll suss him out. I’m very confident I can get this one finished within the distance.”

Smith put pen to paper on a new multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in December that will see him fight exclusively on DAZN in 2023. The former Team GB standout, who is managed by STN Sports, believes he has the perfect team behind him to help push him towards the very top of the 140lbs division. 

“When my contract was up everyone was on me,” said Smith. “There was a lot of attention, and a lot of promoters were after me. It was nice to see because it proved my name is getting out there and I’m showing people what Dalton Smith is about. The top promoters are wanting me in their stables so it shows that the hard work is paying off.

“The team that Matchroom have behind them, that’s where I’ve been since I had my debut in Nottingham. It’s not just Eddie and Frank, it filters down to the media team, the ticket girls and that. Everyone gets on and it’s good vibes. I’ve got one of the best teams in boxing, and that’s their job to go out and do their best for me and that’s what they’re doing.

“The nights I’ve dreamt of are within touching distance for me now. For 18 months I’ve got to work hard. I always work hard but this is the most crucial time for me in my career. If you want something, this is how it is. It’s true grit and hard work. I believe I’ve got the talent. I believe I’m going to be up there with the very best Sheffield has produced. So I’ve got to handle that pressure. There’s some big nights coming.”

Smith vs. Allington is part of a big night of action in Nottingham, local hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against Mexican dangerman Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) in the main event, Irish Lightweight hope Gary Cully (15-0, 9 KOs) takes on the USA’s Wilfredo Flores (10-0-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title, Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (4-0, 4 KOs) fights late replacement Israel Duffus (20-8, 17 KOs), former European Super-Bantamweight Champion Gamal Yafai (19-2, 11 KOs) begins 2023 with a ten-rounder against Argentina’s Diego Alberto Ruiz (23-6-1, 12 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (18-3-1, 4 KOs) meets Portugal’s Jorge Silva (21-7, 12 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Middleweight, Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (4-0, 4 KOs) fights for the third time under the Matchroom banner, popular Mansfield Super-Bantamweight Nico Leivars (3-0-1) squares off against Spain’s Alberto Motos (2-0) over six rounds, Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Champion Sam Maxwell (16-1, 11 KOs) faces Shaun Cooper (13-4) over six rounds and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aaron Bowen makes his professional debut at Middleweight against Mathieu Gomes (5-4, 5 KOs).

Limited remaining tickets for Wood vs. Lara can be purchased via Stage Front.

ONTARIO, CALIF. – February 15, 2023 – All-action former world champions Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo previewed their showdown for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title during a virtual press conference Wednesday before they step into the ring 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 see former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd return to action against the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event, while unbeaten young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia meet in a 10-round showdown that kicks off the telecast.

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 move one step closer to regaining championship status by capturing the interim 126-pound title on March 4. Figueroa debuted at featherweight with a scintillating knockout last July after an impressive run at 122-pounds, while Magsayo looks to bounce back after dropping the WBC Featherweight World Championship via split decision against Rey Vargas on that same card in July.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“[Mark] Magsayo is an amazing fighter and I expect a lot from him. I’ve been in Las Vegas for over a month and things are going great. Magsayo is a strong fighter, but I’m a strong fighter as well. I have what it takes to take this fight right to him and show the world that I have the same power at featherweight.

“Everyone knows that I come to fight. Come March 4, everyone is going to see what kind of fighter I am at 126-pounds.

“I know exactly what I’m doing when I fight inside the pocket. When I’m inside, I’m really comfortable and I know how to work. I can let my body shots off from there. We’ve worked on a lot of things though, because I know Magsayo is a heavy hitter like me.

“As fans expected from Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, this is going to be an amazing fight. We both have the heart of a lion and we’re both trying to become champions again. I won’t let anyone get in my way. I’m coming out of the ring as a champion.

“I’ve been in there with a lot of world champions and great fighters. We both fought Julio Ceja, and only Magsayo got knocked down. I was able to handle the power. He didn’t make me buckle, and he weighed in four pounds heavier than I did.

“This could be another Fight of the Year candidate. I’m ready to show off my skills. The fans love when I fight because they know it’s never boring. I want to fight the best of the best and keep proving to everyone that I belong at this level.

“We’ve been focused on Magsayo and we’ve seen that he was frustrated and impatient against Rey Vargas. We’re learning from it and preparing to take advantage of it.

“People have been saying they’re going to knock me out since the start of my career. They can say what they want about my style, but I’m still here. And I’m not here by the skin of my teeth. I work hard. Come fight night, he’ll find out if I’m easy to knock out or not.

“I expected Stephen Fulton Jr., to not take the rematch with me. My job is to go out there and give a spectacular fight for the fans. I do what I do best, and that’s fight. I do feel like the rematch will happen in the future, it’s just a matter of time.”

MARK MAGSAYO

“The winner of this fight is going to be the fans. I’m coming back stronger than ever.

“I’ve been training since October for this fight and it’s been great. I’ve been doing a lot of rounds in sparring. This is going to be a great fight.

“I learned from my last fight that I needed to adjust for a fighter with a reach advantage like Rey Vargas. I really thought I won the fight, but I respect the judges. I’m coming to use my power and damage and hit Figueroa hard.

“I want to thank Freddie Roach for everything I learned from him. Now having Marvin Somodio as my trainer. He is a great trainer and we understand each other.

“I guarantee that this is going to be a great fight. [Brandon] Figueroa is strong and always comes forward. But I’m strong too and that’s going to make this fight one you don’t want to miss.

“If I get the opportunity to fight Vargas again, and I win on March 4, I’ll be ready. If he wants to come back down in weight, I’ll jump at the opportunity to fight him.

“I’m hungrier than ever. I’ve always been hungry, but I know that I need to win this fight. This is my chance to become a champion again.

“It’s going to be a great night. Southern California has amazing fight fans. We’re both exciting fighters and everyone knows that they’re going to want to be at the edge of their seats for this one.

“I’ve been smarter in training and paying more attention to the details. I’m going to add more defense and make sure that I’m always training smartly. I almost won that last fight, so there are just small adjustments that needed to be made.

“I’ve come back stronger for this fight. I learned a lot from my last fight. I’m very thankful to have an opportunity like this to show everyone that I’m a better fighter now.”

#         #         #

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.

LAS VEGAS – February 15, 2023 – Three high-stakes showdowns will put young stars and unbeaten contenders in the toughest tests of their careers to date, all as part of a jam-packed night leading up to the highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV main event between super middleweight stars and former world champions David “El Bandera Roja’’ Benavídez and Caleb Plant taking place on Saturday, March 25 live from 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.

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.

“With such an intriguing fight in the main event, it was only right that the Benavidez vs. Plant pay-per-view undercard was also filled with evenly matched showdowns highlighted by future stars looking for signature victories,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jesús Ramos vs. Joey Spencer will help determine who might be the next star at 154-pounds, while two more young stars also square off on the pay-per-view as Chris Colbert and Jose Valenzuela go toe-to-toe. With Cody Crowley putting his unbeaten record on the line against the upset-minded Abel Ramos in the telecast opener, this card lines up to be a can’t-miss event on March 25 in Las Vegas.”

A strong southpaw who at 21 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (19-0, 15 KOs) is the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos but has forged his own path toward stardom since turning pro in 2018. Jesús Ramos added two victories to his ledger in 2022, blasting out Vladimir Hernandez in round six in February before dominating Luke Santamaria in May to earn a unanimous decision. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping six of his last nine opponents, showcasing a desire to end his fights early. 

“I’ve been in the gym for months now getting ready for this opportunity and everything has been great,” said [Jesús] Ramos. “I’m expecting the best version of Joey Spencer on March 25. I know I have what it takes to beat him because of the preparation we’ve been putting in, my dedication, my skills and my will to win. I’m excited to be part of one of the biggest cards of the year thus far, and I know we will give the fans an exciting fight!”

The 22-year-old Spencer (16-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in February 2018 and immediately caught the eye of fans and pundits with his combination of speed, power and athleticism. Spencer’s most recent outing saw him earn a career-best triumph as he controlled the action throughout and scored a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Kevin Salgado in September 2022. The Linden, Mich., native has remained busy since debuting as a pro, including two knockouts out of three victories in his 2021 campaign. Prior to the Salgado fight, Spencer dispatched of Ravshan Hudaynazarov via unanimous decision in March 2022.

“It’s not that often that fans get to see fights between two undefeated rising fighters like [Jesús] Ramos and I’m thankful to be a part of it,” said Spencer. “This is the fight I asked for, and for it to take place on one of the biggest cards of the year is very special. I’m training to put the rest of the division on notice come fight night.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (16-1, 6 KOs) will look to impress in his lightweight debut after dropping a hard-fought contest to super featherweight world champion Hector Luis Garcia in February 2022. After a decorated amateur career, Colbert turned pro in 2015 and took out three undefeated fighters in his first eight bouts. Since then, he took care of a slew of former champions and contenders including Jezzrel Corrales, Jaime Arboleda and Tugstsogt Nyambayar to establish himself as a potential future world champion. He will now seek to reach that goal at 135-pounds.

“I’m happy to be back,” said Colbert. “Training camp is going amazingly for this fight. Like I’ve said before, there’s no pressure on me. I bring the pressure. It’s ‘Primetime’ on SHOWTIME^®! I’m back baby!”

The 23-year-old Valenzuela (12-1, 8 KOs) trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion Benavidez and will look for a big bounce back victory after dropping a September 2022 contest to Edwin De Los Santos. Valenzuela, who turned pro in 2018, was sensational prior to the loss, including a first-round knockout of former world champion Francisco Vargas in April 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021.

“I’m extremely motivated for this fight and have been training really hard,” said Valenzuela. “The difference with this camp is that I was in shape when camp started, so it’s giving me a head start on my preparation. My strength and conditioning are at a whole new level and I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of in this fight.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a pair of impressive victories that have catapulted him up the 147-pound division. In December 2021, he took care of the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov with a unanimous decision, and most recently he turned back the streaking Josesito Lopez with another unanimous decision in April 2022. The 29-year-old had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February.

“After years of hard work and dedication, I’m thrilled to be fighting back on the big stage for this fight,” said Crowley. “I have succeeded in overcoming obstacles and adversity, and Abel Ramos will not be able to stop me from achieving my dream of becoming world champion. I’m dedicating this fight to my father’s memory and to all of those who have worked diligently to help me succeed against all odds.”

Ramos (27-5-2, 21 KOs) is part of a boxing family out of Casa Grande, Ariz., which includes his nephew, rising star Jesús Ramos, who he shares a card with for the fourth-straight time. The 31-year-old has built a reputation as a hardnosed boxer who doesn’t back down from a fight and gives as good as he gets. He turned the tables on Omar Figueroa, Jr., when he went toe-to-toe and forced Figueroa to quit on his stool in May 2021. He also owns a split-decision defeat over former welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas, and has shown a flair for the dramatic when he scored a TKO victory over Bryant Perrella in the waning seconds of their fight in 2020. Ramos will look to bounce back from a decision loss against Luke Santamaria in his last fight in February.

“I’m having a great training camp and I can’t wait until it’s time to get into the ring,” said Ramos. “I’m prepared to take on Crowley and show off everything I’ve been working on in camp. I’m facing a strong opponent, but I believe that my experience in these big fights will get me the victory on March 25.”

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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.

WHAT: “Turf War 4” Professional Boxing

WHO:  The Lineup                                              

MAIN EVENT — MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO), Champion, Swansea, MA

vs.

Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

CO-FEATURE – VACANT USBF HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Jonathan “Lethal” Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA

vs.

Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), Fairfield, ME

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

William Parra Smith (4-13-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK

vs.

Vaibhav Singh “Ahir Boxer” Yadav (9-2, 7 KOs), Delhi, India

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (10)

Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA

vs.

Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs), San Juan, Puerto Rico

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

James “Pitbull” Perkins (10-0-1, 7 KOs), Lynn, MA

vs.

Juan Celin Zapata (7-21-2, 5 KOs), Bronx, NY by way of Honduras

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Aquila Prote (0-2), Boston, MA

vs.

Kevin Nagle (Pro Debut), Scituate, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

Carlos Marrera III (4-8-3, 0 KOs), Bridgeport, CT

vs.

Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4), Manahawkin, NJ

(card subject to change)

______________________________________________________________________

WHERE:        Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA

WHEN:         Saturday, February 18, 2023

PROMOTER: Granite Chin Promotions

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

TICKETS: Tickets are priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating). Go online to purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or from any of the participating fighters.

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

LIVE STREAM: www.bxngtv.com.

WEIGH IN: Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 starting at 4:30 p.m. ET at Best Western Plus New Englander, 1 Rainin Road in Woburn, MA (Public Welcome)

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Boston, MA (February 15, 2023) Boston Boxing Hero Danny O’Connor, (30-3, 11 KOs), will make his long-awaited return to the ring in a super welterweight clash against Luis ‘Vicious’ Garcia, (13-1-1, 9 KOs), of Richmond, CA on the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 16 at the Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University. Presented in association with Murphys Boxing, the scheduled eight-rounder is featured on the heralded Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz event presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and broadcast live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT).

“I’m excited to come back and fight in Boston, where I’ve fought so many times before,” said O’Connor. “I’m looking forward to being back in the ring and putting on a show for my hometown fans.”

Stated Ken Casey from Murphys Boxing, “We are happy to continue to support Danny in his career. This is a great opportunity for him to fight on a tremendous show at the Agganis Arena.”

Said Tom Loeffler, “We are excited to announce the addition of Danny O’Connor to the March 16th show at Agganis Arena. Danny has headlined many shows in Boston and he will be in a featured bout on UFC Fight Pass. His return will draw a wealth of fans and it’s great to be working together with Ken Casey of Murphys Boxing to present this fight.”

One of Boston’s most popular and exciting fighters and a staple of St. Patrick’s Day boxing events, O’Connor will be hitting the ring following a five-year absence punctuated by four dominant, consecutive victories. Currently working as a firefighter in Denver, CO, O’Connor’s highly anticipated return to Boston recalls his immense popularity with sports fans selling out venues including the TD Garden for his memorable fights. In his last outing on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2018, the hard-hitting southpaw won a ten-round unanimous decision over Steve Claggett in front of a huge crowd of supporters at the House of Blues in Boston.

Luis Garcia heads into the St. Patrick’s Day event fight against O’Connor riding a six-fight winning streak, the last four victories coming by knockout.

Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz is headlined by a ten-round junior 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.

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Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz is set for St. Patrick’s Eve, Thursday, March 16 at the Agganis Arena (925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215) on the campus of Boston University and broadcast live globally on UFC FIGHT PASS (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT).

Advance tickets priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $40 for the live event are now on-sale and 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.

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Mauricio Lara has warned Leigh Wood that if he switches off during their WBA Featherweight World Title showdown this Saturday February 18 at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), then “the fight will be over quickly”.

Mexico’s Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) has waited patiently for his first World Title shot following his brilliant win over ‘The Leeds Warrior’ Josh Warrington back in February 2021 – a win that would have seen him crowned the new IBF 126lbs king if Warrington had not vacated his title a month prior to their behind closed doors clash.

‘Bronco’, who is the much younger man of the two aged 24, believes his 34-year-old opponent has a lot of miles on the clock following his breath-taking back and forth battle with Ireland’s Michael Conlan in March last year – the defending champion hasn’t fought since.

“It was a tough fight – we know that he’s damaged coming into this fight, but he’s coming to defend his title and that’s what I want,” said Lara. “I’m grateful to him for taking this fight. We know nobody wants to face me at 126lbs for a World Title but this one will happen, and we know what we are capable of doing.

“We know it’s a big fight. We know it’s the acid test. We know Leigh Wood is a great champion but I have big aspirations and a great desire to become World Champion and as I’ve said, whatever it takes, I have to do it this time.

“We know he’s a great fighter but it’s going to be a really tough fight for him. We know how we’re preparing, we’ve caused an upset before in his country and it will be the same on February 18. Believe me, if he switches off, the fight will be over quickly. It won’t go beyond the fifth.”

Warrington will be keeping a close eye on Saturday’s X-rated clash, and has been touted to face the winner, despite losing his IBF Title to Luis Alberto Lopez last December. The 32-year-old Yorkshireman has picked Wood to beat Lara, but the big-hitting knockout artist isn’t bothered in the slightest.

“Well, what can someone who got knocked out in 9 rounds have to say? Who got his jaw fractured, his shoulder and elbow damaged. Chickens always criticise people but he knows ‘Bronco’ Lara is coming for him and I will destroy him.”

Wood vs. Lara headlines Matchroom’s first show of the year in the UK, Sheffield star Dalton Smith (13-0, 10 KOs) makes the second defence of his British Super-Lightweight Title against Billy Allington (10-1-4), Irish Lightweight hope Gary Cully (15-0, 9 KOs) takes on the USA’s Wilfredo Flores (10-0-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title, Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (4-0, 4 KOs) fights late replacement Israel Duffus (20-8, 17 KOs), former European Super-Bantamweight Champion Gamal Yafai (19-2, 11 KOs) begins 2023 with a ten-rounder against Argentina’s Diego Alberto Ruiz (23-6-1, 12 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (18-3-1, 4 KOs) meets Portugal’s Jorge Silva (21-7, 12 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Middleweight, Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (4-0, 4 KOs) fights for the third time under the Matchroom banner, popular Mansfield Super-Bantamweight Nico Leivars (3-0-1) squares off against Spain’s Alberto Motos (2-0) over six rounds, Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Champion Sam Maxwell (16-1, 11 KOs) faces Shaun Cooper (13-4) over six rounds and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aaron Bowen makes his professional debut at Middleweight against Mathieu Gomes (5-4, 5 KOs).

Limited remaining tickets for Wood vs. Lara can be purchased via Stage Front.

TICKETS FOR THE Copper Box clash between heavyweight giants Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang on Saturday April 15 are on sale today available from ticketmaster.co.uk

The WBO Interim world heavyweight title – held by the unbeaten Briton – will be on the line when the pair collide, live on BT Sport, with the winner in line to take on the holder of the full title, which is currently Oleksandr Usyk.

“You can expect a lot of big bangs from myself and Zhilei!” predicted the Big Juggernaut. “It is going to be a great, great fight, you haven’t seen me against a tall southpaw yet and someone who can really hit and test my chin.

“You will see if I can knock him down and see how our styles gel. It will be explosive and I don’t think it is going the distance. I know what to do with southpaws, so it should be good.”

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.

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.

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

Further exciting additions to the card will be announced shortly.

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

MEDIA ACCREDITATION: Fill out this form to apply to cover Joyce vs Zhang.

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PHILADELPHIA (FEBRUARY 14, 2023)–Banner Promotions would like to send out heartfelt condolences to the family of promoter Ken Thompson on his recent passing.

Thompson and Banner Promotions were promotional partners on several fighters such as Ruben Villa, Michael Dutchover, Taras Shelestyuk and Juan Carlos Burgos.

“I want to give out my most sincere condolences to the Thompson family, most notably his wife Vera and their children as well as everyone at Thompson Boxing and Thompson Enterprises. They lost a giant of a man in many ways. I have co-promoted with many promoters over my 35 years in boxing, and Ken was the best partner that I have worked with. To say he was a good guy, would be one the biggest understatements that I could use. He was such a great guy, and I considered him a dear friend. In all of that time, I never had a contract with Kenny, and never signed a piece of paper. It was always a handshake, and we never had a problem or issue over anything. When we would do shows together in California, he was the most hospitable host, and I will not only miss working with him, but more importantly the dinners and the social time that we spent together,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

(Feb 14, 2023) — Three light flyweight world titles will be on the line in a high-stakes unification fight on Saturday, April 8, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
 
WBC/WBA champion Kenshiro “The Amazing Boy” Teraji and WBO champ Jonathan “La Bomba” Gonzalez will collide in a 12-round battle that will put one man closer to becoming the division’s undisputed king.
 
The five-fight card will also feature Tenshin Nasukawa’s debut as a professional boxer. The former multi-division kickboxing world champion will face Yuki Yonaha in a six-round junior featherweight attraction.
 
Teraji-Gonzalez, Nasukawa-Yonaha and additional bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. in the early morning hours on ESPN+.
 
Teraji (20-1, 12 KOs) captured his first world title by defeating Ganigan Lopez for the WBC 108-pound strap. Teraji made eight defenses before losing the belt via 10th-round TKO to Masamichi Yabuki. The 31-year-old avenged the loss by stopping Yabuki in the third round of their rematch to regain the title. Teraji then notched his most impressive victory last November by stopping Hiroto Kyoguchi in the seventh round to unify the WBC and WBA championships.    
 
Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs) spent years fighting top opposition at flyweight, including a failed challenge for Kosei Tanaka’s WBO world title in 2019. The slick southpaw is unbeaten in five fights since moving down to light flyweight in 2020. In October 2021, Gonzalez upset Elwin Soto for the WBO title, which he defended last year against Mark Anthony Barriga and Shokichi Iwata. 
 
Nasukawa began his pro kickboxing career when he was only 15 and compiled an unbeaten record in more than 40 fights. Nasukawa also competed in mixed martial arts, but he has always maintained a strong interest in boxing. In 2018, the 24-year-old participated in a boxing exhibition against Floyd Mayweather Jr., but his April 8 fight will mark his first official professional outing. Yonaha (12-4-1, 8 KOs) is a nine-year veteran who is Japan’s fourth-ranked bantamweight. The 32-year-old is 5-1 in his last six fights.

In other scheduled action on the ESPN+ stream:

• Takuma Inoue (17-1, 4 KOs) vs. Liborio Solis (35-6-1, 16 KOs), 12 rounds, vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title—The younger brother of pound-for-pound phenom Naoya Inoue has won four straight fights since challenging Nordine Oubaali for the WBC crown. Solis, a former junior bantamweight world champion, will be making his fifth attempt at a bantamweight world title.
   
• Kiko Martinez (44-11-2, 31 KOs) vs. Reiya Abe (24-3-1, 10 KOs), 12 rounds, IBF Featherweight World Title Eliminator—Spanish warrior Martinez is a two-weight world champion who hopes to regain the IBF featherweight crown currently held by Top Rank’s Luis Alberto Lopez. He is coming off a stunning fourth-round stoppage over European champion Jordan Gill. Abe has won five straight fights and has never been knocked out in the paid ranks.
   
• Jin Sasaki (14-1-1, 13 KOs) vs. Keita Obara (26-4-1, 23 KOs), 12 rounds, Sasaki’s WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight Title.

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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). 

NEW YORK – February 14, 2023 – Unbeaten rising middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. will make his 2023 debut as he faces fellow unbeaten Bilal Quintyne in a six-round showdown on Saturday, February 25 from the Motor City Casino in Detroit.

The 29-year-old Hicks (4-0, 4 KOs) fights out of the growing Salita Promotions stable and will return to the ring after turning pro in January 2022 with a TKO of Montrel James. Hicks followed up the impressive pro debut by adding KO’s in May, August and October to round out his year. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, he’ll meet the 29-year-old Quintyne (4-0, 1 KO), who fights out of Marietta, Georgia, for each fighter’s fifth pro bout.

“In 2022, I was excited to get started with my professional career,” said Hicks. “I’ve been working with some of Michigan’s best boxers and they’ve all helped keep me on my toes. This year I’m looking to take the next step as a pro.”

“Joseph Hicks Jr. is one of the best blue-chip prospects in the U.S.,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “His elite amateur pedigree has helped him to seamlessly adjust to the pro ranks. Joe has the experience and the skills to be on the fast track to a world title. He’s another hidden, and soon to be seen, gem from the talent-rich state of Michigan.”

A standout amateur before entering the pro ranks, Hicks was set to captain the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2020 summer games, before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the proceedings. By the time the games were back on, the IOC’s formula for picking fighters in his weight class left him on the outside looking in. Undeterred, Hicks has shined as a pro thus far and will look to cement his contender status with a big year ahead.

“When I face Quintyne, I plan to box, establish my jab and let the fight come to me,” added Hicks. “I’m training to fight six hard rounds and be the best me possible inside the ring on the 25^th.”

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

London, 14 February 2023: Disrupt Promotions is a newly formed sports promotion company, focusing primarily within boxing and with ambitions to expand into other combat sports on a global basis. The company intends to be disruptive by revolutionising and modernising sports in order to enhance entertainment value and stakeholder worth.
 
Many popular spectator sports which have become stale or tangled up in politics and bureaucracy have successfully been re-engineered and commercialised to enhance entertainment value and engagement for spectators, while also attracting new audiences and creating additional value for stakeholders through sustainable income streams and brands.
 
The current and upcoming generations have an unsatisfiable thirst for media content and, in particular, a desire to be interactive with heightened engagement.  These are particular areas of focus in both the medium and long term for Disrupt Promotions while rolling up many of the traditional businesses in the sector and creating a brand that fighters, sponsors and media outlets want to be associated with.
 
The company has been formed by a group of prominent business leaders from the UK and South Africa who share the vision of disrupting, consolidating and modernising the boxing sector. The intention is to move the company into the public capital markets in the near future, once the first stage of consolidation of numerous key assets has been achieved. 
 
Disrupt Promotions is in advanced discussions with numerous acquisition targets, fighters, media outlets, strategically aligned businesses and sponsors in order to enable it to move at a rapid pace with its expansion plans.
 
The company will also have a long term strategy of developing fighters from grassroots level in under-developed regions such as Africa and Eastern Europe where the opportunities for fighters to grow and progress has traditionally been very limited, while also providing a platform from which athletes globally are able to develop and flourish. From this, we intend to cultivate a world class stable of fighters to contend for world titles in 2023, 2024 and beyond.
 
Disrupt Promotions Chairman, Nicolas Link, commented: “Coming from an international business and sporting background, I’m very excited to be part of building a world class team and a business that intends to revolutionise and professionalise one of the world’s most popular sports.
 
“It’s time for change in almost every aspect of boxing, which is more than just a sport to so many people. Boxing is entertainment at a time when the world craves content more than ever before. 
 
“Disrupt Promotions has huge aspirations and we look forward to working with some of the industry’s key figures in the near future as we set out to achieve our objectives.”
 
The company will be making a series of announcements over the coming months and year as the contracts with fighters, media, sponsors, key management and venues crystalise.
 
For further information on the company’s latest news, please visit disruptpromotions.com or follow us on social media via the following ways:
 
Facebook: @DisruptBoxing
Twitter: @DisruptBoxing
Instagram: @DisruptBoxing
Snapchat: @DisruptBoxing
TikTok: @DisruptBoxing

Leigh Wood has promised to meet Mauricio Lara “in the middle of the ring” and has boldly predicted that their highly anticipated WBA Featherweight World Title clash at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham this Saturday, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), won’t reach the halfway point.

Nottingham’s ‘Leigh-thal’ (26-2, 16 KOs) returns to the scene of his stunning 12^th round knockout win over Ireland’s Michael Conlan last March to put his WBA crown on the line for the second time against a man few have opted to face – Mexico City’s dangerous knockout artist Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs).

‘Bronco’ arrives on these shores for the third time with a fearsome reputation, having famously wiped-out former IBF Featherweight World Champion Josh Warrington in nine rounds in a sensational upset behind closed doors in February 2021, ending the Leeds fighter’s unbeaten record.

Wood, who picked up multiple Fight of the Year awards for his sensational scrap with Conlan, has accused Lara of making things personal between them following his injury jibes, and the 34-year-old believes he can expose his opponent’s weaknesses on the biggest stage of all. 

“From the outside looking in he looks very dangerous,” admitted Wood. “He got that devastating win over Josh Warrington. There’s a lot of things he does well and he is dangerous, but in the same hand there’s a lot of things that he does very poorly. You can’t get away with that at this level with the right fighter.

“He doesn’t have to come looking for me, I’m going to be right in front of him. I’ll meet him in the middle of the ring. When he walks into the ring he’s going to be met with a very hostile crowd. No one is going to walk into Nottingham and walk through me – it’s not going to happen. I can’t see it reaching the halfway point, and I will win by knockout.

“There was never going to be another fight. It was always going to be Mauricio Lara next. He’s said a few things which made it quite personal. He said that I faked my injury and he said that all the English are running away scared.”

Victory on Saturday potentially sets up a dream World Title defence for Gedling’s Wood at the City Ground – home to his beloved Nottingham Forest Football Club. The chance to become the first ever fighter to headline at the famous old stadium gives Wood all of the extra motivation he needs.

“Over the years things change, you don’t always want what you wanted when you started. Some things do stay the same. It was winning the British Title, boxing for and hopefully winning a World Title and the third thing is to fight at the City Ground. Now I’ve just got one more thing to do – win this fight and I believe it’s done.

“The people down at the ground have really got behind me my past few fights. It’s going to be a special atmosphere this fight. It’s going to be even better. Last time it was split with the Nottingham lot and the Irish – this time it’s predominantly going to be the Nottingham fans. They’ll be singing and making lots of noise – it’s going to be lifting.”

Wood vs. Lara headlines Matchroom’s first show of the year in the UK, Sheffield star Dalton Smith (13-0, 10 KOs) makes the second defence of his British Super-Lightweight Title against Billy Allington (10-1-4), Irish Lightweight hope Gary Cully (15-0, 9 KOs) takes on the USA’s Wilfredo Flores (10-0-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title, Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (4-0, 4 KOs) fights late replacement Israel Duffus (20-8, 17 KOs), former European Super-Bantamweight Champion Gamal Yafai (19-2, 11 KOs) begins 2023 with a ten-rounder against Argentina’s Diego Alberto Ruiz (23-6-1, 12 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (18-3-1, 4 KOs) meets Portugal’s Jorge Silva (21-7, 12 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Middleweight, Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (4-0, 4 KOs) fights for the third time under the Matchroom banner, popular Mansfield Super-Bantamweight Nico Leivars (3-0-1) squares off against Spain’s Alberto Motos (2-0) over six rounds, Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Champion Sam Maxwell (16-1, 11 KOs) faces Shaun Cooper (13-4) over six rounds and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aaron Bowen makes his professional debut at Middleweight against Mathieu Gomes (5-4, 5 KOs).

Limited remaining tickets for Wood vs. Lara can be purchased via Stage Front.