WILLY HUTCHINSON WILL fight for his first major title at light heavyweight when he takes on the experienced Croatian Emil Markic for the WBO Intercontinental Championship at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28.

The former World Amateur champion will add to the light heavyweight theme of the night, which is headlined by Anthony Yarde’s challenge for the unified world titles of the unbeaten champion Artur Beterbiev. Young light heavyweight contender Karol Itauma also fights for his first professional title on the show, with the WBC International title on the line in his fight.

Hutchinson, 24, made an unsuccessful assault on the British super middleweight title against Lennox Clarke in March 2021 before swiftly heading back to the 175lb ranks and clocking up victories over Karel Horejsek and Luca Spadaccini, which both ended via stoppage.

The Scot currently holds a record of 15-1, with 11 of his wins coming by way of KO.

Markic is a seasoned campaigner with 36 fights under his belt – with just three defeats – and is known in the UK for engaging in a shootout against Callum Johnson at York Hall in April 2021 in a fight for the WBO Global title.

Johnson was heavily rocked and on the brink of defeat in the first round before recovering and himself forcing a stoppage in the second.

Markic won the WBO European title in 2019 with victory over Tomas Adamek, having won the same title the previous year via defeat of Kavin Gebhard. 2018 also saw him win the WBF world light heavyweight title by overcoming Denis Liebau and in 2015 he also held a WBU version of the title.

Hutchinson is thrilled to find himself back in the title mix.

“This is my big moment to break into the title mix at light heavyweight and set myself on the path towards fighting for a world title. That is where I intend to get to and first I’ve got to do a good job on a tough fighter in Emil Markic.

“Markic has a lot of experience and it is the sort of fight I need to move myself up to the next level. I will be putting on a show on January 28 and reminding everyone of what I am all about.

“I am getting right back to my best and working hard every day over here in Spain, putting in the hours and improving all the time.

“It is a fantastic show to be on at Wembley and I will be watching the main event with interest once I get my belt around my waist.”

Tickets to see Willy Hutchinson vs Emil Markic for the WBO Intercontinental Championship on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

(Jan. 10, 2023) — WBC light flyweight world champion Kim Clavel will battle WBA queen Jessica Nery Plata this Friday, Jan. 13, at Place Bell in Laval, Canada. Clavel hopes to become the sport’s only Canadian-born unified world champion.

Clavel-Plata and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Clavel (16-0, 3 KOs) won the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2020 ESPY Awards after putting her boxing career on hold to return to nursing during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She came back in July 2020, shutting out Natalie Gonzalez over eight rounds inside the MGM Grand Bubble. Clavel dominated long-reigning champion Yesenia Gomez last July to win the WBC title, seizing her first world title opportunity. Clavel and Plata were scheduled to fight in December, but Clavel had to withdraw with the flu. Plata (28-2, 3 KOs), from Mexico City, won her world title last March with a split decision over Argentina’s Yesica Bopp.

In other streaming action:

• Mazlum Akdeniz (17-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas 140-pound belt against Mexican veteran Cristian Bielma (19-4-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Welterweight prospect Marie Pier Houle (7-0-1, 2 KOs) looks to extend her winning streak to six against Marisol Moreno (6-3) in an eight-rounder.
   
• Former Canadian amateur standout Eric Basran (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Juan Carlos Ramirez Garcia (4-2) in a six-round lightweight tilt.
   
• Featherweight prospect Caroline Veyre (1-0), who represented Canada at the Tokyo Olympics, makes her second professional appearance against Estefania Gonzalez Franco in a six-rounder. 

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 24.3 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).  

MIAMI, FL (January 10, 2023)—Two championship fights are among the six undercard clashes that are part of “Let Freedom Ring!  Clash of the Champions!” boxing spectacular presented by Don King Promotions at Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, Jan. 21.

The world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV via Canada.

Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100.  VIP tables will be sold at $2,500.   Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com.   The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.

Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott.  Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.

NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his title against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego.  Wiggins thrilled fans at his last defense of his title at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai as he knocked out Travis Castellon at 2:07 of the first round on June 11.

WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, NJ will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia.   Like Wiggins, Green was impressive on June 11 at Miami Casino Jai-Alai in winning a unanimous 10-round decision over Anthony Lenk.  This will be Castro’s first fight in the United States.

Ahmed Elbiali (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Miami, FL via Cuba will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round light heavyweight bout.  Another Miami product out of Cuba, Neslan Machado will risk his 19-0 record with 8 KOs against Walter Santibanes (11-2, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, AZ in a 10-round featherweight attraction.

The first two bouts of the night will feature a super lightweight attraction between Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Fl via Cuba against Nelson Morales (3-1) FROM Scranton, PA via the Dominican Republic.  The other bout is a light heavyweight attraction for six rounds. 

WORLD YOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT champion Moses Itauma formally announced his professional debut today when he met the media ahead of his big night on 28 January at the OVO Arena, Wembley on the undercard of the unified world light heavyweight title showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Anthony Yarde.

Photos from today’s press conference can be downloaded here.
Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry

Ituma, just turned 18, was confirmed as Queensberry’s future heavyweight force with the signing of a long-term promotional agreement in the wake of his World Championship triumph in November.

The younger brother of elite light heavyweight prospect Karol also won gold at the Schools, Juniors and Youth Europeans. Moses is a two-time National champion, a Multi-Nation BoxCup winner and was unbeaten in 24 fights as an amateur.

He will now see action for the first time in the professional ranks on the same card as his unbeaten sibling, who will fight for his first title on the show.

“It has been our dream since we were young so it will definitely be special,” said Itauma on the Wembley family affair. “It will be the best time of my life, really, me and my brother boxing on the same show. Especially with it being in London, which isn’t too far from where we live.”

“I came off Covid and not having any fights at all, to having the most fights I have ever had and now signing here makes it even better.

“I want to have around eight fights this year. I want to become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion and beat Mike Tyson’s record of 20 years, four months and 22 days.

“I’ve sparred with Lawrence Okolie, Joe Joyce, Anthony Joshua and everyone on the British scene. More often than not I have held my own.

“I am very confident in my ability and now I just want to see the difference between the pros and the amateurs. I want to be part of history and, when boxing is done for me, I want to be up there amongst the biggest names.

“The record is something I am chasing down, but I won’t be beating Mike Tyson’s record if I don’t win my pro debut.”

Tickets to see Moses Itauma make his pro debut on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Sitting alongside his younger brother at the BT Sport studios was the former Olympic Youth champion Karol, who will bid to win a first title in the professional ranks when he goes up against Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna from Argentina for the WBC International light heavyweight title at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28.

The classy 22-year-old will hit double figures as a pro in North West London, having built up a perfect 9-0 record to date, with seven of the wins coming via stoppage. He fought four times across 2022 and two of his fights took place on Tyson Fury undercards at Wembley Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Maderna, 28-10 (18 KOs), has kept good company in the ring over the course of his 14-year professional career. He is a four-time winner of the Argentinean super middleweight title and he made an unsuccessful challenge for the IBO world title in 2013, losing on points to Thomas Oosthuizen.

The now 36-year-old subsequently won the WBC Latino title in 2013 before taking on and suffering a fourth round stoppage against a then 9-0 Artur Beterbiev in Montreal in mid-2016.

In the same year he won the WBC Latino belt at light heavyweight by defeating Walter Gabriel
Sequeira before returning to super middle and making an unsuccessful challenge for the WBA Continental title in Moscow against Fedor Chudinov.

“Like I have said all along, my coach does all the homework and I just try and implement things in the ring,” said Itauma of the man standing in the way of his first title triumph. “He has mentioned that he is experienced but that is what it takes to progress and move up the ladder.

“I need this kind of fight. I wouldn’t say the title has made much difference to me in preparations because the prize is just a bonus and, if anything, a cherry on top. The fight is like any other fight in that you go in there to come out victorious. The title is a little extra thing and sometimes you can think about it too much, which can bring pressure, so there is no point in thinking about it like that.

“I am excited for it though and, obviously, I am going to be there with my brother. It is crazy because during our whole amateur boxing career we never boxed on the same night. So to be able to share a night together where it is his debut and my first title fight is very special.

“It was an emotional roller coaster watching him win his world championship out in Spain, so I can’t bear to think what it will be like watching him as a pro. I know what he is capable of though and it is all in his hands.

“He is going to make statements and shock the world.”

Tickets to see Moses Itauma make his pro debut and Karol Itauma fight for his first pro title on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Bethlehem, PA – January 10, 2023 – The response has been tremendous as tickets are moving fast for a huge SHOBOX: The New Generation card that will take place on Friday night, January 20th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.

The tripleheader will air LIVE ON SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets are $150. $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by clicking:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02005D87C94E4E6A

In the main event, super middleweight prospect Sean Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) faces off against David Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs). In an eight-round super middleweight bout. In the co-main event, Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Artem Brusov (12-0, 11 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. The telecast opener pits two up-and-coming Pennsylvania fighters as Reading’s Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) and Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KOs), from Ellwood City, put their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

The show, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, will have a full undercard of exciting matchups that will be announced in the coming days. 

Miami, FL (January 10, 2023) Peter Kahn’s Fight Game Advisors has signed 2021 Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel ‘El Doctorito’ Rivera, (2-0, 2 KOs), to an exclusive, long-term managerial contract. The native of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico has quickly impressed in the professional ranks winning his first two bouts in the flyweight division.

Said the excited Rivera upon the signing with the highly regarded Kahn, “When I was a little kid, I embarked on a beautiful journey. That journey took me all the way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. After the Olympics, I started on my next journey. Only this time, I want my journey to take me to a World Championship. After meeting Peter Kahn, I knew he was the right person to take me to the elite level. I have received several offers from good, well intended entities. But I am convinced he is the manager I need to get where I want to get. I look forward to working closely with him and performing to the best of my capabilities along with fighting for my family and Puerto Rico”.  

Rivera compiled an amateur record of 133-14 with 38 knockouts prior to turning professional. In addition to participating at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics he also competed at the World Amateur Championships in Belgrade (2021) and Hamburg (2017) and is a seven-time Puerto Rican National Champion. Both his professional fights have ended in knockouts, most recently a third-round stoppage of Ramon Velasquez on November 19, 2022 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

Stated Kahn, “It’s an honor to be representing Yankiel. He had a fantastic amateur career culminating in representing Puerto Rico at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He’s in a very exciting division as a professional and has all of the tools necessary to become a world champion and a dominant force in his weight class. He has a great team behind him and I am looking forward to being a part of his journey.”

Rivera is also advised by Miguel Ortega, “For more than 25 years, Peter Kahn has been working successfully in different aspects of boxing. Peter knows this game in and out, and we are very happy to be working with him. As Yankiel’s legal advisor, I cannot think of a better manager to take him to where we all want him to be; at the top of his division. We cannot be happier with this signing, and we look forward to working with Peter every step of the way towards Yankiel becoming a world champion.”

For more information on Fight Game Advisors, please visit their website.

DAZN Group, the leading global sports entertainment platform, today announces that it will broadcast the all-British dust up, Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, Saturday, January 21^st, from BOXXER in association with Wasserman Boxing, Live from AO Arena in Manchester. The event will be available to all DAZN subscribers in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

His latest fight in February 2022 saw an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win vs Eubank JR will kick off 2023 with a bang.

 ‘DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest’ said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. ‘We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21^st for a memorable night of British boxing’.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “It’s fantastic that this mega fight will now have a global audience on DAZN, it’s a fight that merits a global audience and the eyeballs of the world will be on Manchester come next Saturday.”

The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo and further bouts involving Frazer Clarke, Matty Harris, Scott Forrest and Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta.

Power-punching welterweight Roiman Villa, boxing’s newest breakout star after his thrilling come-from-behind victory over formerly unbeaten “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis, says if the “disrespectful” Ellis would like another beating, he can get it in a rematch any time.

Fighting on the undercard of superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ ninth round knockout of featherweight champion Hector Luis Garcia, and with the Showtime PPV cameras rolling live, the explosive Venezuelan Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) patiently waited for a tiring Ellis (24-1, 15 KOs) to slow down and then took over in the second half of their fight last Saturday night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Villa lost the first five rounds on all three judges’ cards, then flipped the power switch to sweep the final four. Still down on two cards entering the final round, he dropped Ellis twice officially to secure an exciting majority decision in their IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. One judge scored the fight 113-113 but was overruled by two 114-112 tallies in favor of Villa.

“He disrespected me,” that was his biggest mistake,” said a happy Villa, post-fight. “At the press conference, he was only talking about fighting Jaron Ennis next and ignoring me. That gave me extra power. God doesn’t like ugly.”

Villa and his legendary promoter Sampson Lewkowicz say that Villa is ready for anyone in the division next, but are more than happy to accommodate Ellis’ request for an immediate rematch.

“In one of my tweets before the fight, I said that a star would be born in this fight and I was right,” said Lewkowicz. “The plan worked perfectly. You can only get away for so long against an animal like Villa. And if Ellis wants to complain, he can have a rematch any time. Just ask. Villa will do it again, but this time it will be even quicker. If not, we are ready for Boots Ennis if he wants to fight.”

The victory adds to the momentum Villa generated in his US debut, and most recent bout before this one, by dropping the previously unbeaten Janelson Bocachica on his way to a unanimous decision in a September edition of SHOBOX: The New Generation.

“If he says he has doubts, we can do this again,” added Villa. “There’s nothing different he could do to change things and if he tries to surprise me and exchange punches, then I can go home earlier next time. I’ll put him to sleep.”

About Sampson Boxing

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

Los Angeles (January 9, 2023) Fast-rising super flyweight star and local fan favorite Daniel ‘Chucky’ Barrera, (1-0-1, 1 KOs), of Riverside, CA will return to action on Friday, January 27 in a scheduled four-rounder against debuting Victor Edward Hernandez Martin of Laguna Beach, CA on the next 360 Promotions / Hollywood Fight Nights event at the Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club and live on UFC Fight Pass (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT).

The 21-year-old Barrera, a sparring partner of boxing legend Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, hits the ring following a hotly contested four-round majority draw against Isaac Anguiano on November 3, 2022.

“I wasn’t happy with my last performance, I have superior boxing skills but got caught up in a toe-to-toe war which while it was very crowd pleasing did not work completely to my advantage,” said Barrera. “I’ve worked diligently in the gym the last two months and won’t be making the same mistake.”

Barrera is managed by Ray Chaparro who has guided former world champion Andrew Cancio  in addition to former contender Daniel Franco. Prior to turning professional last year, Barrera compiled a sensational record of 64-5 as an amateur.

“Chucky is a world class talent who unfortunately got taken out of his game plan in his last fight,” said Chaparro. “The judges were clearly scoring for the aggression from the opponent although we didn’t believe it was effective. We strongly believe Chucky is a future world champion and look forward to him putting on a great show for his huge fan base on January 27.”

The January 27 event is headlined by a scheduled ten-round Super Welterweight clash between defending WBC Continental Americas Champion Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (21-1, 21 KOs) of Vinitza, Ukraine and Top-Rated Challenger Nathaniel ‘Nate the Great’ Gallimore, (22-6-1, 17 KO), of Chicago, IL.

Limited number of remaining tickets priced at $200 (First Row), $150 (Second Row),  $100 (Premium Reserved Seating) and $80 (Reserved Seating) can be purchased online at 360Promotions.us. The Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club is located at 901 via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:00 p.m.

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Matchroom Boxing’s 2023 schedule in the UK is set to begin with a bang at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday February 18 as hometown hero Leigh Wood puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

‘Leigh-thal’ (26-2 KOs) memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12^th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner.

The Forest-mad Featherweight was heavily dropped in the opening round and looked to be heading towards his third loss in the pros before brilliantly fighting back to earn a brilliant win that will be talked about for many years to come.

Wood is now recognised as the World Boxing Associations only Champion at Featherweight after former ‘Super Champion’ Leo Santa Cruz relinquished his title on Monday December 12, and the 34-year-old wants to waste no time in adding more World Titles to his collection in 2023.

‘Bronco’ (25-2-1, 18 KOs) has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity next month. 

Lara is well-known on UK shores after he floored and ruthlessly finished Josh Warrington in a sensational upset behind closed doors at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February 2021, ending the IBF Featherweight World Champion’s unbeaten record.

He rematched Warrington in front of a sold-out Headingley Stadium in Leeds seven months later, but a nasty cut over the left eye of the Mexican in round two caused by an accidental clash of heads resulted in the contest ending in a technical draw.

The power-punching 24-year-old blitzed Emilio Sanchez in three rounds in March 2022 on the undercard of Roman Gonzalez vs. Julio Cesar Martinez before stopping Jose Sanmartin in three in another destructive show of brute force to put the 126lbs division on notice.

“Mauricio Lara has made things personal between us with the disrespect he showed me regarding my injury and my country,” said Wood. “I’m going to show him what I’m all about. See you on February 18 Nottingham – And Still!”

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for 2 years and I am not going to waste it,” said Lara. “In February 2021 I beat Warrington in England, now in 2023 I will do the same with Wood. The WBA 126lbs World Title goes to Mexico, that I promised to my daughter, my family, my team and to my whole country. Your time has come Leigh Wood, no “injury” can save you now from this.”

“Quite simply this is a fight that you have to watch through your fingers,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “After the drama of the Conlan fight last March, Leigh Wood is about to bring another night of drama to the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham against the brutal, fearless and much avoided Mauricio Lara. This fight leads Leigh to the City Ground in the summer but first get ready for an epic main event and all action card as we gear up for another FOTY contender in Nottingham on February 18.”

“What a fight this is to kick off the Matchroom UK schedule in 2023,” said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. “Both Wood and Lara are incapable of being involved in anything other than brutal, toe to toe, edge of your seat fights and I for one cannot wait for February 18. Watch this barnstormer live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Tickets for Wood vs. Lara are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP)

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Wednesday January 11. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham from midday on Thursday January 12.

Miami, FL (January 7, 2023) Peter Kahn, President of Fight Game Advisors, has been announced for induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. The Induction Weekend will take place the weekend of June 30 to July 2 emanating from the St. Petersburg Hilton in St. Petersburg, Florida. More information can be found at Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

“This is a tremendous honor for me and I’m truly humbled to be named for induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Kahn. “I have been very fortunate to have worked closely with many legends in boxing over the last thirty years and owe them a wealth of gratitude for my success. The induction ceremony will be a great day for my family and I.”

A South Floridian since 1992, Kahn has been working in professional boxing for thirty years. Learning from the ground up, Kahn began as an amateur boxer in South Florida. His operational work with boxing icon Don King started in May of 1995 rising to Vice President of Boxing Operations for the then biggest promotional company in the world. During this time, Kahn worked intimately on many memorable promotions featuring boxing superstars Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Terry Norris, and Ricardo Lopez.

In 2003, Kahn joined startup boxing promotional company Warriors Boxing Promotions as Director of Boxing Operations. His work there included the signing of numerous world champions and producing countless world championship fights including memorable battles for Hector Camacho and Michael Moorer. His success also included working with three-time, two-division world champion Randall Bailey, who Kahn went on to manage. 

As an acclaimed boxing manager, one of Kahn’s earliest clients was former IBF super featherweight world champion and now a renowned trainer of champions, Robert Garcia. Kahn has gone on to manage many world champions and top prospects over the last fifteen years. In 2021 and 2022, Kahn was the only manager in the history of boxing to guide undisputed male and female fighters simultaneously; lightweight George Kambosos Jr. and super middleweight Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Kahn is currently the manager of fast rising star, junior middleweight Xander Zayas and many other world ranked contenders and highly regarded prospects through his company Fight Game Advisors. 

Kahn is a four-time nominee for Manager of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and was named Manager of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by SiriusXM.  Since 2017, Kahn has been a boxing contributor to Forbes and CBS Sportsline. Kahn is also the Associate Producer of Netflix Original Series Fightworld. 

ANTHONY YARDE IS approaching what he calls ‘the biggest fight of his career’ on January 28 at the venue where it all began for him as a professional back in 2015.

On the 9th of May in 2015, Mitch Mitchell was in the opposite corner at what was formerly known as Wembley Arena. He lasted 15 seconds into the second round.

On January 28, live on BT Sport, at the newly titled OVO Arena, Wembley, Yarde goes up against the formidable unified world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev for three belts.

Getting ready for his triple assault on world light heavyweight honours within the confines of the Box Up Crime gym in the heart of Ilford, Yarde cuts a contented figure. Sure of himself, knowing what he is coming up against and utterly convinced he will be going home with the bounty.

“I’m relaxed, I’m good and it is the biggest fight of my career,” said the 31-year-old, who happily acknowledges the odds will not fall in his favour going into battle against an 18-0 champion with 18 KOs. “I am definitely happy that I have finally got to this stage and, in my mind, I have got to bring to reality where I am going afterwards as well.

“You know what, I watched boxing even before I started and I like to watch the big moments and how they all come around. My best performances have always been when I have been the underdog.

“I like being in that position at this stage of my career and I just feel like January 28 is going to be a very special night for me.”

Thinking back to that May evening back in 2015 when Yarde was one of the early birds on a long card that was only depleted by the withdrawal of Billy Joe Saunders from headline action. Bradley Skeete ultimately topped the bill that also included Frank Buglioni, a fighter who would later be heavily linked to fighting the explosive newcomer to the 175lbs scene.

“It does feel like it was a while ago, but that moment is very fresh in my mind. Those were the days of weighing in on the day and for me this is now destiny.

“I had my pro debut in that arena and now I am about to have my unification bout in that arena and leave as the unified champion of the world.”

While his own fight might still be fresh in his mind, he was actually unaware that Saunders was not the bill-topper on his debut night.

“That shows you how focused I am on myself! Boxing is a long road and I have always been focused on myself. I have always paid homage to the people who have made it to the heights I want to get to. I have surpassed some of those heights and I still have some to pass.

“If I wasn’t focused on myself I don’t think I would have got here. A lot of people thought I was being silly or lying when I said I didn’t know who was on the same card as me or I didn’t know some of the guys who were in my weight class. I just focused on myself.

“The Buglioni thing, when that was happening and people were talking about us fighting, I thought that fight was going to happen. It didn’t happen and that is why I don’t focus on anyone other than myself.

“You don’t know how someone else’s career is going to go and you don’t know their decisions. I was adamant that fight was going to happen because it was being spoken about so much and then he retired!

“It didn’t slow down my career in any way, shape or form, but it is why I have always been an advocate of focusing on yourself.”

Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde for the WBC, WBO and IBF world light heavyweight titles takes place at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28, live on BT Sport. The bumper card also features the WBA world flyweight title fight between unbeaten fighters Artem Dalakian v David Jiminez.

Willy Hutchinson and Karol Itauma fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International light heavyweight titles respectively, with the show also featuring top prospects Charles Frankham, Umar Khan, Sean Noakes, Joshua Frankham, Khalid Ali and Tommy Fletcher.

Tickets for Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

WBA Lightweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis – 134 lbs.

Héctor Luis Garcia – 134 lbs.

Referee: Albert Earl Brown; Judges: Dave Moretti (Nev.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Wayne Smith (Va.)

IBF Interim Welterweight Championship – 12 Rounds

Jaron Ennis – 145 ½ lbs.

Karen Chukhadzhian – 146 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Malik Waleed; Judges: David Braslow (Md.), Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

IBF Welterweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Rashidi Ellis – 146 ¼ lbs.

Roiman Villa – 145 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Brent Bovell; Judges: David Braslow (Md.), Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Super Middleweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Demetrius Andrade – 167 lbs.

Demond Nicholson – 167 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Malik Waleed; Judges: Stephen Rados (Md.), Wayne Smith (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight/10 Rounds

Vito Mielnicki, Jr. – 153 ¼ lbs.

Omar Rosales – 152 ¾ lbs.

Referee: David Braslow; Judges: Wayne Smith (Va.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Super Lightweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Brandun Lee – 141 ½ lbs.

Diego Luque – 141 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Brent Bovell; Judges: Wayne Smith (Va.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Note: Contracted weight 143 pounds.

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Travon Marshall – 149 ¾ lbs.

Shawn West – 151 ¼ lbs.

Referee: David Braslow; Judges: Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C) Manuel Vincens (Wash. D.C.), Wayne Smith (Va.)

Note: Contracted weight 152 pounds.

Veteran sportscaster and “The Last Stand” podcaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will once again handle the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three more Hall of Famers round out the most decorated team in boxing – ringside reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez will call the fights in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with accomplished sportscaster Alejandro Luna. Four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. will executive-produce the broadcast with Bob Dunphy, son of the storied boxing announcer Don Dunphy, directing. Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell of the award-winning MORNING KOMBAT digital talk show will host the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN streaming card before the pay-per-view.

#          #          #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, areon sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

MONTRÉAL (January 6, 2022) — Late last night, Jean Pascal informed Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. His symptoms are too severe for him to continue training for his IBF Light Heavyweight title elimination fight against German Michael Eifert, “No Limit”, scheduled for Place Bell in Laval on February 9th.

Co-promoter of the event, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) President Lou DiBella, contacted Eifert’s promoter, Benedikt Poelchau, President of Blanko Sports, and also informed the IBF of the situation. It was agreed that the fight and the entire event would be postponed to a later date to be determined in March.

More details will be communicated soon.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 6, 2023): Golden Boy will kickstart 2023 with dynamite, as Santa Ana’s very own ace Alexis “Lex” Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) is scheduled to defend his NABO Welterweight Title and level up against Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round main event presented in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The welterweights will go head-to-head on Saturday, January 28 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, and the event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST. 

“January 28th marks my first fight of 2023 and a fight that will set the stage for my best year yet. I have patiently worked to reach the point of being the main event on a major card and now I’m here,” said Alexis Rocha. “2022 provided its challenges, as I had to overcome a hand injury, but it made me stronger. I can’t wait to start the year with a knockout victory and as always, I’m thankful to Golden Boy, Robert Diaz, Abraham Perez and SOA Boxing, DAZN, my coach Hector and my entire team for the opportunity and support. Now it’s time to put on a show.”

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to perform on this platform,” said Anthony Young. “With the beliefs and strength of Allah we are going to shock the world twice.” 

“We are excited to welcome Alexis ‘Lex’ Rocha to defend his title against Anthony Young for the first boxing event at YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park on January 28,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “YouTube Theater’s intimate setting will create a great atmosphere for the fans, and we look forward to hosting more boxing events across Hollywood Park in the future.”

Tickets for Rocha vs. Young will go on-sale Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. PST at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ and https://www.goldenboypromotions.com/. For more information, visit YouTubeTheater.com. YouTube Theater is located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use sports and entertainment destination that is home to SoFi Stadium and being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. 

The co-main event for the night will feature a special, blue-chip prospect inching his way up into world contender status – Austin, Texas’s Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (12-0, 10 KOs) – who will participate in a 10-round match against Humacao, Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado (16-1-1, 3 KOs) which is presented in association with Davies Entertainment. Schofield and Mercado will battle it out for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title. 

Also on the DAZN broadcast is a 12-round WBO Minimumweight World Title Eliminator fight presented in association with Cotto Promotions, which will be a clash of Puerto Ricans as Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (5-0, 3 KOs) of Villalba faces Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez (18-2, 6 KOs) of Caguas. Having only turned professional in February 2020, if Collazo secures the victory he will be on the doorstep of a world title opportunity and with the potential to make history as one of the fastest to become a world champion in his division.

Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Indio’s Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (10-1, 8 KOs) will return in full force after an impressive technical knockout win on August 6, 2022 on the undercard of the Ortiz vs. McKinson. His opponent for the scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight will be announced soon. 

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://bit.ly/RochavsYoungCredentials. Media applications are due EOD January 20, 2023. Credential decisions will be sent by EOD January 23, 2023.

Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a fighting family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at 14-years-old in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world as he continued on to become a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made an electrifying professional debut in March 2016, knocking out Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. His only career blemish is a unanimous decision loss in October 2021 against Rashidi Ellis, in which he confidently came back with five consecutive wins. Rocha locked in the NABO Welterweight title in a unanimous decision victory against Argentinian Luis Alberto Veron in July 2022 on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Javier Fortuna, which he successfully defended against Jesus “Ricky” Perez in October 2022. 

Anthony “Juice” Young represents Atlantic City, New Jersey. He made his professional debut at 23-years-old on October 28, 2011 against Kywayne Hill, winning by unanimous decision. With only two blemishes on his early career resume, he has had a string of wins, including a stunning upset of former WBO junior middleweight champion Sadam Ali via third-round knockout on the May 2019 Alvarez vs. Jacobs undercard in Las Vegas. Since then, he has fought victoriously three times, the last being a unanimous decision win over Jose Zaragoza in October 2022. 

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Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round welterweight fight for the NABO Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Schofield vs. Machado is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Davies Entertainment. The fight night will take place on Saturday, January 28, live from YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA 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 #RochaYoung

About YouTube Theater

YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue also offers guests both an interior and exterior balcony, luxury boxes, an industry room, and a private club with premium seats. Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.

Melrose, MA (January 6, 2023) – Reyes Boxing Promotions kicks off their 2023 schedule with “Down and Dirty 5,” Saturday, January 28 at Lowell Auditorium in Lowell, MA.
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Reyes Boxing Promotions hosted 3 action-packed cards in 2022 featuring exciting matchups between local New England area fighters. In 2023, Reyes Boxing Promotions’ goal is to continue putting on entertaining cards while providing fighters the opportunity to remain active.
Promoted in association with Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, tickets for “Down and Dirty 5” are on sale at shorturl.at/bikx1. Those unable to make it to the Lowell Auditorium can watch on Reyesboxingtv.com.

Doors open at 4 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 5.

Headlining is the highly-anticipated heavyweight matchup between Donnie Palmer of Dorchester, MA and Quincy, MA’s Steve Vukosa. Palmer and Vukosa are a combined 25-3-2 with 15 knockouts. The 6’10 Palmer and 6’5 Vukosa have been on a collision course for many years.

In a six round junior welterweight contest, Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti faces Brandon Sandoval for the ABF 140 pound title.

?Fighting out of Haverhill, MA, Gigliotti is 8-4 with 3 knockouts. The 27-year-old’s been in tough, facing Brandon Higgins (7-1), Antonio Williams (14-0-1) and Delante Johnson (4-0) his last three bouts. Gigliotti defeated Higgins, dropped a razor-thin split decision vs Williams and went five rounds against 2020 US Olympian Johnson.

A winner in his last two bouts, the Salem, MA based Sandoval is coming off a decision victory over Justin Morales in what was one of Reyes Boxing’s most exciting fights in 2022.

Fans will enjoy more than 10 undercard fights including the pro debut of multi-time New England Golden Gloves champion Jaydell Pazmino, Devon Williams, Alicia Pike, Tahmir Smalls, Justin Morales, Luke Iannuccilli, Gabriel Morales, and Ricky De Los Santos.

Lightweight contender Willian “Babyface” Silva, world title challenger Steve Geffrard and undefeated featherweight knockout artist Hegley “El Torpedo” Mosqueda will all appear in special attraction bouts.

“This is going to be a really fun card to kick off the new year and I’d like to thank Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions for helping put this together,” said Michael Reyes of Reyes Boxing Promotions. “Palmer-Vukosa has significant local interest as does Gigliotti-Sandoval. There’s also a good bit of buzz surrounding the debut of Jaydell Pazmino. We’ve got a deep card with local favorites and three bouts featuring world class talent. I look forward to seeing everybody on January 28.”

For more information, visit Reyesboxingclub.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 5, 2023 – Boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García went face to face Thursday and exchanged shoves before cooler heads prevailed at the final press conference before they meet for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title this Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conference also featured face offs between pay-per-view undercard fighters who step into the ring on the telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-main event, unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis duels IBF No. 4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the vacant Interim IBF Welterweight Title, while undefeated top welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis takes on the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a 12-round IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade battles Demond Nicholson in a 10-round super middleweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

The Baltimore-native Davis will return to fight in D.C. for the first time since 2016, as he headlines a stacked pay-per-view lineup against the dangerous and streaking Héctor Luis García, needing a win to pave the way for the recently announced blockbuster clash against unbeaten star Ryan Garcia in the Spring of 2023.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“We trained hard. He’s been saying some things that have turned me up. You definitely don’t want to miss this one. We’re going to make sure this is a tough fight for him. Don’t get no popcorn during this fight. Keep your butt glued to the seat. I promise you it’s gonna be fireworks.

“This is my job. I’ve been doing it since I was seven. I know that a lot comes with it, but if I stop now, then I wouldn’t have done what I came to do.

“D.C. has always been exciting when it comes to boxing. There’s a lot of talent here that people sleep on. It’s a boxing town and I’m excited to come back and be fighting here. We used to have to get through D.C. to get to the national level in the amateurs, so I always treated this place like a second home.

“Garcia earned his spot in this fight for what he’s done this past year. He’s been in good fights and beaten good fighters. He’s not someone to sleep on. He’s a tough opponent and this is going to prepare me for a Ryan Garcia fight next.

“I just want to put on a great performance in front of a nice crowd and show everyone that I’m one of the top guys.

“There’s been a lot of talk from other fighters in the division. I’m putting them on notice with this fight and the Ryan fight. I can’t get to Ryan unless I get past Héctor. I’m showing everyone that I’m one of the elite guys.

“The last thing I want to say to Héctor is just, be ready. I’ve had a great camp and I know that Héctor’s coming. Just don’t make a lot of mistakes, because if you make too many, it might be an early night.

“This is a stacked card. Saturday night, boxing wins. From the first fight to my fight, you don’t wanna miss it.”

HÉCTOR LUIS GARCIA

“My camp could not have been better. My team is tireless, and we work so hard. Everyone is going to see the results on Saturday night.

“I feel equally comfortable at 130 and 135 pounds. I took this challenge because I always want to surpass my own limits and go after the very best. At the end of the day, it’s up to me to be at my best on Saturday night.

“The bottom line for me is that I can fight at whatever distance the fight requires me to. I can use my reach or my power. I’m going to be ready.

“I think the back and forth we’ve had is normal and in good fun. It brings more heat to the fight and it probably motivates us both more.

“Gervonta better watch out on Saturday night. Because he lit the competitive fire under me when he put his hands on me during the face off. 

“The real Garcia is right here. I don’t care who he’s focused on, because I know that I’m the true challenge. Fans are going to see a thrilling fight. It’s going to be a show that everyone is gonna enjoy.”

JARON ENNIS

“This win can put me right in line for Errol Spence Jr. This is a perfect time to make a big statement and I can’t wait.

“I’m looking to make a statement to the whole world. I’m just focused on putting on a show, getting an explosive knockout and then seeing what’s next.

“I’m on my ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. I don’t go in there looking for the knockout, but if I see that opening, I’m definitely taking it. I’m not afraid to get him out early. Everyone knows I’m in and out like a robbery.

“I’m putting my own twist on Tyson. I picked up a few things from watching Tyson, so this is gonna be a fun night. I’m going to be explosive with it.

“My message to the world is just continue to watch me grow and progress and make sure you don’t miss this knockout on Saturday night. Philly is definitely gonna be in the building.”

KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN

“Jaron is a very strong fighter, but we’ve trained very well ourselves. I’ve worked with a lot of different fighters in sparring and we have a good strategy. I’m here to fight and win.

“This is my chance to prove myself to the U.S. public. Everyone knows the biggest fights are here in the U.S. and I plan to be back again.

“I’ve wanted an opportunity like this and I’m very motivated finally being here in the U.S. I’m coming to win for everybody rooting me on in Ukraine.

“I can’t get caught up with worrying too much about Ennis and what he can do. I have great abilities and I trained hard with only one goal in mind. That’s winning on Saturday night.”

RASHIDI ELLIS

“I’m coming to take over the 147-pound division and show I’m the big dog in this division. We’re always ready and Saturday is no different.

“We’re going to see who’s top dog. Villa is in here talking crazy, so I’m going to have to beat him down for it.

“Everybody knows what I want to do. I want the smoke. Give me the best fighter available and I’m gonna get into that ring.

“This is a great stage for me to display my talents. I know that I’m the future of this division, I just need the opponents in front of me that will let me show the whole world.

“You could definitely say that is the biggest fight of my career, but at the end of the day, I’m treating this like another shift at the office. I’m coming to work.

“This is gonna be a great fight. He’s a strong, tough guy who’s gonna come forward and try to hit me with a lucky punch. If he wants to fight differently against me, then I’ll be ready for that too.”

ROIMAN VILLA

“Talk is cheap. Whatever he wants to say, he’s entitled to it. But I’m all about coming here to do my job and give the fans the show that they want to see. You’ll see the action in the ring on Saturday night.

“I’m no fortune teller. I’m just going to control what I can control and let it be what it may be. I’m 100% ready for this fight.

“I’m confident in my training. I’m much more prepared this time than I was for last victory, so my belief is sky high. If Ellis is underestimating me, he’s going to be in trouble.

“I come here to represent not just my country, but the whole Latin community. We’re here to make them proud and that’s what we’re going to do on Saturday night.

“I studied in school, I’m not here to study anybody. I’m going to come after him and be aggressive. No matter what happens, I’m going to be myself.

“I want to stay humble, but I want to see if that smile that he’s got on his face right now will remain after Saturday night.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“I’m just bringing even more talent to a stacked division. We’re here to give the people what they’ve been looking for, including all of the big fights.

“The message I’m sending is that the best fighters need to fight each other. There’s nothing standing in the way anymore. It’s time for us to get in the ring and make it happen.

“Everyone says they’re coming to make a splash, but I prove it every single time when I step into the ring. I’m going to do what I always do and that’s win.

“I hope he brings the pressure. I’m ready for whatever. If he says this fight isn’t going the distance, then I guess he’s going down.”

DEMOND NICHOLSON

“My goal is to dominate and win whatever way possible. I’m shooting for the moon. It’s my time now.

“I can’t be humble right now. There’s no time for humbleness. Everyone is saying I’m a tune-up, but this is the first fight I’ve been 100% healthy for.

“Everyone is going to see my skills. On January 7, my new life and my career starts. I’m not worried about his talking, I let my hands talk for me.

“He hasn’t fought me yet, so he can forget about Jermall Charlo. He’s doing this thing where he’s talking about facing other fighters, but he has to beat me first. I’ve got a built up frustration about it. You’re never supposed to look past the next man.

“I have to apply the pressure. Pressure bursts pipes. This fight is not going the distance.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“Gervonta Davis vs. Héctor Luis Garcia is the first big boxing event of 2023 and the first of many high stakes quality matchups we’re putting together on SHOWTIME. Davis is taking a huge risk against a fighter like [Héctor Luis] Garcia. He’s one of the hottest fighters in boxing and a candidate for 2022 Fighter of the Year.

“This will be ‘Tank’s’ 13^th time on SHOWTIME and fifth time on pay-per-view, and by now we know what to expect. Every time ‘Tank’ fights, he is must-see TV. He has sold out arenas in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Baltimore and Brooklyn. His last fight in May was the most attended combat sports event at Barclays Center. If you look across boxing for fighters with these kind of attendance numbers, you can count them on one hand.

“From established veterans to some of the best young fighters in the sport, this is a fantastic card from top to bottom. Make sure you get there early, and we’ll see you there.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, 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 – UFC^® kicks the year off with a thrilling middleweight contenders’ clash that will see No. 12 ranked Nassourdine Imavov battle No. 13 Kelvin Gastelum. Also, No. 13 ranked featherweight contender Dan Ige squares off with streaking Damon Jackson.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: IMAVOV vs. GASTELUM will take place Saturday, January 14 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.

Rising star Imavov (12-3, fighting out of Paris, France) hopes to make the most of his first UFC main event opportunity. A well-rounded competitor who is currently riding a three-fight win streak, he holds notable victories over Joaquin Buckley, Edmen Shahbazyan and Ian Heinisch. Imavov now goes for the biggest win of his career to prove he is a threat in the middleweight title picture.

Former interim middleweight title challenger Gastelum (17-8 1NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz.) looks to start his 2023 campaign on the right track. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 17, he has delivered spectacular finishes over Michael Bisping, Tim Kennedy and Jake Ellenberger. Gastelum now intends to halt Imavov’s momentum with another vintage win.

Ige (15-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Haleiwa, Hawaii) aims to begin the year with a vintage performance. A gritty and well-rounded competitor, he has secured impressive wins against Gavin Tucker, Edson Barboza and Danny Henry. Ige now plans to defend his spot in the rankings by turning back another budding contender.

Jackson (22-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) looks to make the most of his first UFC co-main event opportunity. An exciting submissions specialist, he has earned memorable victories over Pat Sabatini, Charles Rosa and Mirsad Bektic. Jackson now has his sights set on stopping Ige to enter the UFC featherweight Top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Exciting middleweights collide when Punahele Soriano (9-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Oahu, Hawaii) takes on Roman Kopylov (9-2, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia)
• No. 2 ranked bantamweight contender Ketlen Vieira (13-2, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) looks to stake her claim for a title shot when she takes on former title challenger and current No. 5 Raquel Pennington (14-9, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.)
• No. 11 ranked bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov (15-0, fighting out of Kizilyurt, Russia) battles Raoni Barcelos (17-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Seriescontract winner Claudio Ribeiro (10-2, fighting out of Jundiai, São Paulo, Brazil) faces Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-5, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Accra, Ghana) in an intriguing middleweight bout
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Mateusz Rebecki (16-1, fighting out of Szczecin, Poland) locks horns with short-notice replacement Nick Fiore (6-0, fighting out of Windham, N.H.) in a clash of debuting lightweights
• Javid Basharat (13-0, fighting out of London, England by way of Paktia, Afghanistan) takes on Mateus Mendonca (10-0, fighting out of Pindare Mirim, Maranhao, Brazil) in a battle of unbeaten bantamweights
• Allan Nascimento (19-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) meets Carlos Hernandez (8-1, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) at flyweight
• Undefeated newcomer Isaac Dulgarian (5-0, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) squares off with Daniel Argueta (8-1, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M. by way of Orland Park, Ill.) at featherweight
• Charles Johnson (12-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) takes on returning Jimmy Flick (16-5, fighting out of Tulsa, Okla.) at flyweight
• Priscila Cachoeira (12-4, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Sijara Eubanks (8-7, fighting out of Brick, N.J. by way of Springfield, Mass.) in a hard-hitting flyweight matchup

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 688 million fans and 207 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 5, 2023 – Fight Week is underway as undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis faces unbeaten world champion and upset specialist Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, areon sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

As both Davis and Garcia put the finishing touches on their fight-night preparations, here are some fight-week highlights and notes to help ring in the first major boxing card of the new year:

“TANK” DAVIS AMONG BOXING’S BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS

Davis continues to establish himself as one of boxing’s hottest, must-see attractions, capturing five world titles through three divisions, with three of his last five fights ending in one-punch knockouts. The 28-year-old has knocked out 17 of his last 18 opponents and will need to dispatch the dangerous and upset-minded García to pave the way for the recently agreed-upon blockbuster clash against unbeaten star Ryan Garcia in the spring of 2023. Of note for Davis as he prepares to participate in perhaps the most significant fight of his career:

• This marks Davis’ 13^th total appearance on SHOWTIME^® and SHOWTIME PPV and fifth time headlining a SHOWTIME PPV.
• Davis is from Baltimore, 35 miles northeast of D.C. He turned pro in D.C. in 2013 and has fought in the District four times but never at Capital One Arena.
• Davis has sold out arenas in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, when his sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero was the highest-grossing and most attended combat sports event in Barclays Center history with nearly 19,000 fans (18,970).

STACKED UNDERCARD LED BY UNBEATEN RISING STAR JARON ENNIS

Unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis highlights a stacked undercard as the Philadelphia native faces IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title. Ennis has fought nine previous times on SHOWTIME. Unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis duels the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a 12-round IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator, and undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson will clash in a 10-round super middleweight fight opening the pay-per-view. Andrade fought on SHOWTIME twice previously. 

SHOWTIME BOXING IN THE DMV REGION

The last SHOWTIME boxing event in the DMV region was April 30, 2016 when Badou Jack took on Lucian Bute for a super middleweight title at The D.C. Armory. This is the fourth time SHOWTIME has visited the Capital One Arena (formerly MCI Center & Verizon Center). The last time SHOWTIME visited Capital One Arena was for Mike Tyson’s farewell fight against Kevin McBride on June 11, 2005, when it was MCI Center.

WHERE TO CATCH ALL THE ACTION

The four-fight pay-per-view event kicks off at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is widely available for purchase and live streaming in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME app on supported devices including Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, Roku, Amazon FireTV, Samsung Smart TV and LG Smart TV (2019 models and newer), Xbox One, Xfinity Flex, the Cox Wireless 4K Contour Stream Player and online at SHOWTIME.com. The event is also available for purchase in the U.S. via satellite and telco systems through DIRECTV^®, DISH, Sling TV and Vubiquity.  The suggested retail price is $74.95 (SRP). In Canada, viewers can purchase and access the event via traditional cable and satellite distributors (Bell, Rogers, Shaw and SaskTel/TELUS). Liberty and Claro TV will offer the event in Puerto Rico. G&G Closed Circuit Events is the commercial distributor within the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

WALL TO WALL WRAPAROUND COVERAGE

SHOWTIME SPORTS^® will present continuous, wraparound fight coverage of all fight week events, featuring live HD satellite footage, video highlight packages and live event streaming heading into Saturday’s big PPV telecast starring the PPV fighters as well as boxers in action on the SHOWTIME BOXING PPV COUNTDOWN SHOW. Fight week activities and assets include footage from Wednesday’s open media workout; Thursday’s final press conference at 1 pm ET/10 a.m. PT; Friday’s official weigh-in at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT and the post-fight press conference following the main event. The press conference, weigh-in and post-fight presser will be streamed live via the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube Channel  and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page. The all-inclusive content, which includes fight night highlights, past fight footage and media event b-roll, etc., will  be available for download HERE. All footage is cleared for news usage only through January 15, 2023 and must credit SHOWTIME (unless otherwise noted). The SHOWTIME BOXING PPV COUNTDOWN SHOW, which features blue-chip prospects Vito Mielnicki Jr., Brandun Lee and Travon Marshall in separate bouts, kicks off at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT and will stream live  on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

THE MOST TRUSTED VOICES IN ALL OF BOXING

Veteran sportscaster and “The Last Stand” podcaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will once again handle the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three more Hall of Famers round out the most decorated team in boxing – ringside reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez will call the fights in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with accomplished sportscaster Alejandro Luna. Four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. will executive-produce the broadcast with Bob Dunphy, son of the storied boxing announcer Don Dunphy, directing. Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell of the award-winning MORNING KOMBAT digital talk show will host the SHOWTIME BOXING PPV COUNTDOWN streaming card before the pay-per-view.

ACCESSING EMMY-AWARD WINNING ALL ACCESS

SHOWTIME SPORTS released ALL ACCESS: GERVONTA DAVIS VS. HECTOR GARCIA on Friday, December 30 on SHOWTIME in an episode that delved into how boxing’s hottest attraction, Davis, and his longtime trainer Calvin Ford, prepared in Miami for the formidable challenge of facing the upset-minded Garcia. The episode also chronicled Garcia’s immense pride in representing his native Dominican Republic and how his devotion to his country has helped fuel his meteoric rise. A link to unlock the full episode of ALL ACCESS with its award-winning storytelling can be found HERE. To watch, share or embed a quick video highlight that opens the episode, click HERE.

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

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

MIAMI, FL (January 5, 2023)—The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, is returning to Casino Miami Jai Alai with another sensational championship card, “The Clash of the Champions!  Let Freedom Ring!”, on Saturday, January 21.

The card will be highlighted by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as NABA Gold Heavyweight Champion Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA will be risking his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV via Canada.

Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100.  VIP tables will be sold at $2,500.   Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com.   The card will also be presented steaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.

Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott.  Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.

Guidry had started the year suffering his first loss after 17 straight victories as a professional, losing a split decision and the WBA Championship to Trevor Bryan in Warren, Ohio on Jan. 29.

Stiverne, like Guidry, lost his last fight to Trevor Bryan for the WBA Heavyweight Championship on Jan. 29, 2021 at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.   Bryan floored Stiverne twice, the last coming with 1:27 of the 11^th round when referee Frank Gentile called a halt to the proceedings.

Seven other undercard bouts will be announced soon.

QUINCY, Mass. (January 5, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced it will present its first boxing event in Melrose, “Turf War 4” Pro-Am card, February 18^th at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

“Turf War 4”, which will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com, will mark Granite Chin’s first promotion in Melrose, which is located in Greater Boston.

“I am excited to be running for the first time at the Melrose Memorial Hall,” Granite Chin President Chris Traietti said. “Over the last few years there have been some exciting local shows there and it will be nice to have Granite Chin be a part of the boxing legacy of Melrose Memorial Hall.” 

Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) will make his first title defense in the 6-round main event versus challenger Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), of Pittsfield (MA). In his last fight this past November, Andreozzi captured the vacant title with a 6-round majority decision in Bridgewater (MA) versus Julien Baptiste.

The 6-round co-featured event pits former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Fairfield, ME, against Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs), of Fall River, MA., for the vacant USBF title. Rolfe will return to the ring for the first time in 10 months.

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs) will bounce back from his last fight in December against undefeated U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (7-0, KOs), in which the popular Holbrook fighter gained respect at a national level for his tough performance, albeit in a loss by way of a 5^th round stoppage. The fight was at famed Madison Square Garden and streamed live on ESPN+. Ohan will face Puerto Rican junior welterweight Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout.

The opening fight on the pro card matches New Jersey welterweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), the former ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title holder, and veteran Indianapolis fighter DeWayne Wisdom (8-61-3, 4 KOs) in a 4-rounder.

“This is going to be an action-packed card from top to bottom,” Traietti added. “Putting on the amateurs is always a nice way to get a look at the future of boxing in the area. I have no doubt that both the amateurs and the pros will come to fight and put on a show for the fans in attendance and those buying the live stream at BXNGTV.COM.”

Several USA Boxing-sanctioned bouts featuring local amateurs will be in action prior to the first pro  fight..

Tickets are on sale and 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.

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

INFORMATION:  

www,granite-chin-promotions.com

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

NEW YORK (January 5, 2023) – Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a historic two-part exclusive partnership with Jake Paul which will accelerate PFL’s mission to innovate and grow the global sport of MMA.

First, Jake Paul begins his MMA journey with PFL by signing as the first fighter in the new Pay-Per-View division he co-created with PFL called “PFL PPV Super Fights.”  Second, Jake Paul, along with his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, will utilize their expertise and platforms to help recruit, market, and promote the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division for the benefit of all top fighters. 

The new PFL PPV Super Fight Division is open for business effective immediately. The league is in the process of signing top PPV fighters, who want to become true economic partners. Fighters in the PFL PPV Super Fight Division will earn 50% of the revenue from PPV events, which is groundbreaking pay in MMA.  

As the first fighter under contract for PFL PPV Super Fights, Paul is partnering with PFL due to its “fighter-first” culture to co-create this new 50-50 revenue partnership model for all PPV fights.  As a long-time advocate for fighter-pay, Paul has also been appointed Head of Fighter Advocacy and will continue to work towards a business model that benefits all top fighters. 

PFL PPV Super Fights are stand-alone events separate from the PFL League Season.  PFL will stage two PPV Super Fights starting in 2023, scaling to more PPV events in following years. 

PFL is entering its next phase of expansion by launching the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and is welcoming Paul and Bidarian as minority equity owners in its parent company.  Paul and Bidarian will deploy their expertise, creativity, network, and platform to help promote fights, produce content, and recruit talent to help build PFL and the grow the awareness of its great fighters.  

“I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring and now I am going to do the same in MMA, and there is no limit to the positive impact I can make on the sport,” said Jake Paul. “I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and once again show the world that that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Outside of the cage, equal fighter-pay and advocating for female fighters has been my passion, and I am aligned with PFL to evolve the sport.  I believe in PFL, their mission, and what they have accomplished in a very short period of time. That is why I chose to partner with PFL exclusively, both as a fighter and a businessperson. As Head of Fighter Advocacy, I will consistently promote PFL fighters and I invite all top MMA fighters, both men and women, to join the PFL and get a payday like they’ve never had before.”

“I founded PFL to innovate, professionalize, and grow MMA, and we have done that with our disruptive sport-season format which put “fighters-first” as they control their own destiny,” said PFL Chairman and Founder Donn Davis. “Today, we begin our next phase of growth by disrupting the MMA pay-per-view market, with an unprecedented new model where fighters will be true 50-50 economic partners in PPV revenues.   I’m gratified that Jake and Nakisa chose to join PFL, and I can’t wait to see what Jake does as a fighter, creator, and promoter in MMA with PFL.” 

 “Jake and I have proven our ability to successfully promote and stage major international PPV events.  We look forward to having a similar result with PFL within the sport of MMA.” said Nakisa Bidarian. “Our creativity and expertise, paired with PFL’s great reputation and strong position, will push MMA into a new phase of growth and one with more freedom and economic opportunity for fighters. Through our years of experience, we have developed a unique network of people and a novel approach to promotion and content, which we plan to bring to PFL with full force.” 

“Jake Paul begins his journey to fight in MMA today by signing exclusively with the PFL for our global capabilities, innovative platform, and fighters-first culture,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray. “PFL built a great roster of world-ranked fighters for our PFL League, and PFL is now open for business to partner with the best MMA PPV fighters on the planet to be part of our new PFL PPV Super Fight Division.”

Further information regarding the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and this historic exclusive partnership will be announced in the coming months. 

PFL is the #1 fastest growing company in MMA and the #2 MMA company on worldwide basis.  PFL is the only in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in sports-season “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports.  The PFL fighter roster is global and world-class, with fighters from over 20 countries and 25% independently ranked in the top 25.   PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience.   PFL airs live primetime in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and via 25 distribution partners is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries worldwide.
 

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE 

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide on all key metrics and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.  

The Company has four global live fight franchises:  PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series, PFL PPV Super Fights, and PFL Europe.  PFL airs primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries with 25 international leading media partners, including DAZN, DirectTV, Viaplay, Sky Sports, and MBC.  PFL has dozens of major brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, GEICO, Bose, US Marine Corps, and Celsius Energy Drink.  

PFL is backed by blue-chip investors including Ares, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with over 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.

PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (January 4, 2023) – Fresh off his motivational speaking engagements in his community, lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (13-1, 9 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, will face Donald “Bulldog” Ward (18-11-1, 8 KOs), of Memphis, TN. The bout scheduled eight-rounds will take place at The Bruce Convention Center, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on Saturday, January 14, 2022. The event is presented by One One Six Productions, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

“I am ready to get my 2023 started off right in the right direction,” said Ty Tomlin, who at 23 years old, is ten years younger than his opponent. “I had a hard fight last time, but I am not dwelling on the past, I am looking toward the future. I have been out of the ring for six months and can’t wait to be back. I have a strong team, who hasn’t lost faith in me as a fighter, and this will be another major milestone in my career. As always, I’ll be gunning for a knockout.”

Tomlin is looking to rebound after a controversial stoppage last year but says that the past is the past.

“Look I could say a bunch of things about my last fight, but I’d rather get in the ring, and be a man of action,” said Tomlin. “I didn’t love the result, but everyone always says too much in boxing. Everyone says they got robbed, they were treated wrong – what I am going to do is constantly improve. I put all my frustrations into this camp so the fans can see the best version possible of Ty Tomlin. I am starting my new year off right with a fight, and I plan on being as active as I can possibly be.”

Tomlin promises an explosive night for those who are coming out to Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

“I know Cheatham County is a fight town, and I will see a lot of familiar faces on fight night, so I am going to do my part to entertain and make it worth their time to come out and see the show,” concluded Tomlin. “The love and support I get motivates me to be able to show the world where I’m from. My opponent, Donald Ward is a tough veteran, who has faced some top fighters. This is the type of fight I need right now in my career to show the world how serious I am about boxing at this point in my life.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 4, 2023 – Five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis donated fight night tickets to local youths at the Kennedy Recreation Center during Wednesday’s media workout that kicked off fight week activities for his WBA Lightweight Title defense against unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García on SHOWTIME PPV this Saturday January 7 from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian, who meet for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis and hard-hitting Roiman Villa, who square off in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Demond Nicholson, who kick off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round super middleweight matchup.

Rounding out the workout lineup was sensational prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr., who takes on Omar Rosales in a super welterweight tilt that tops the three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show that will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Davis made the donation Wednesday alongside Delano Hunter, the Director of the Parks & Recreation Department and Danielle Hunter, the Roving Leader Manager for the department. Here is what the fighters had to say from the Kennedy Recreation Center in Washington, D.C.:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“This means a lot. I’ve actually fought in this gym before as an amateur. I’m happy to be home in front of a great crowd. I know that Hector Luis Garcia is going to come to fight and we’re going to give the fans what they want to see.

“Garcia did what he had to do to earn this fight. He beat a top contender and then won the belt. Giving him the shot was the perfect timing for everyone. He’s earned his stripes.

“Our main focus is Hector Luis Garcia. We know that he’s a threat to everything I want to do. The goal is to put on a great performance, nothing else.

“Coming up through my whole career, back to the amateurs, I had to fight in D.C. if I wanted to get to the nationals. I’ve been fighting in D.C. forever and it’s like a second home to me.

“Calvin Ford is family. My trainers have been like dads. They’ve been in my corner since I was eightyearsold. We’re definitely a tight unit.”

HECTOR LUIS GARCIA

“It’s going to be all about how the fight starts out. I respect him and I know what he can bring, so I’m going to have to study him and see how the fight shakes out in the first few rounds.

“I know that I have an advantage with my reach. It definitely could be a factor in this fight. But at the same time, I have to take the fight moment by moment and be attentive to every detail. It’s so important against an opponent like Gervonta especially.

“This fight is not only important to me, but to the whole Dominican Republic. I’m going up against one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and I know that I have to be ready for that challenge. I’m coming to show the world that superstars can fall too.

“I can guarantee that the Dominican Republic will be proud of me. Our flag will be raised up high. Everyone can expect a great performance from me on Saturday night.

“I’ve been fighting since I was 14yearsold and I come from a very small province in the Dominican Republic. I’ve had to earn everything I’ve ever gotten. This is a great opportunity and I’m ready to capitalize.”

JARON ENNIS

“I’m feeling great and ready to go. Training camp has been great. I’m in tremendous shape and I’m 100% ready to rock and roll.

“I’ve got a lot of motivation and I can’t wait until Saturday night. I feel like this is another step toward greatness and getting those belts.

“It’s not hard to be the next guy up. I just have to stay focused and do what I do. I know my time is coming real soon. It’s that simple.

“I know Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford are holding up the division right now, but whatever way I can get my hands on the belts, I’ll be ready. I just want to fight. I’m young, hungry and I’m going to keep shining and demolishing these guys they put in front of me.

“Getting knockouts gives the fans what they want and makes them keep gravitating toward me. As long as I keep doing what I’m doing, my fan base is just going to grow.

“I know Spence says he’s the ‘big fish,’ but we like to go fishing. If I have to sit on the side and ride a jet ski for a while, that’s okay for now. You know what happens when they bring a fish to land right? They squirm.”

KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN

“People pay to see a great fight, so I’ve been training hard in order to deliver that. I want all the fans to remember that I bring action to the ring. I’m coming to win this fight for everyone back in Ukraine.

“I’m coming here to win. If he wants to avoid going toe to toe, then I’ll be ready to box. If it’s a battle on the inside he wants, I know that I can win that way.

“I know that Ennis is a good fighter, but my focus is on my abilities and what I can do in the ring. I’m very confident. I have everything I need to win this fight.

“It’s very motivating to be fighting in the U.S. for the first time, and on a big stage like this. My goal is to keep coming back for bigger and bigger fights.”

RASHIDI ELLIS

“I’m ready for any of the top dogs. I’d step in there right now with anyone in the top five. Ideally, I’d fight the champions, but right now I’m ready for the best man available.

“I feel like it’s my turn now. Especially after January 7. I think everyone is going to see that I’m coming to take over.

“We’re going to have to see what Villa brings into the ring. He’s a come forward fighter, which can be a difficult task for some. He’s gonna have to show me in the ring. I don’t think he’s going to be able to just walk me down.

“I see a lot of things that I can do in there, that I don’t think he’s capable of. I’ve been the best kept secret, but I’m not a secret anymore. I’m here now.

“I don’t really have any rivals yet because nobody wants this action. Nobody wants to get in there with me. I’d love someone to talk trash with and make the fights even more exciting.”

ROIMAN VILLA

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to step into the ring on Saturday night. I’m beyond excited to show the whole world what I can do against Rashidi Ellis.

“I wasn’t as prepared for my last fight as I wanted to be, but I still got the victory. Right now, I’m feeling really good and more prepared than I’ve ever been.

“I’m extremely confident heading into this fight. I don’t care if people say that I’m the underdog, because I believe in myself and I know what I can do. It doesn’t matter what Ellis can or can’t do. I believe in myself and my abilities.

“Anything is possible with a victory in this fight. I’m willing to step into the ring with anybody. I trust my team, and if they want me to face Jaron Ennis next, then bring it on.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“I jumped on the opportunity to be on this card with all these young stars. I know everyone is coming to do what they do, and I’m gonna set the stage right. I respect what Nicholson can do and I know he’s leaving it all in the ring. But my skills will speak louder than my words. 

“I was trying to get the big names at middleweight, I was knocking on everyone’s door, but at the end of the day, it didn’t happen. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe that this is the best division for me.

“At the end of the day, all the fights at the top of the division will be tough. I would have to look real close to break down who the biggest challenge is, but I’m giving them all credit and acknowledging that they’re all gonna be tough fights when we get in there.

“I want to give the sport what they’re looking for. Because that’s also what I want with myself. Me and Jermall Charlo have had this rivalry brewing for years. It’s nothing but respect, but I want to take care of it in the ring. Who else is calling him out the way I am?

“I want the Charlo twins, I want David Benavidez and Caleb Plant. I’m ready for anyone who wants to put on a big show.”

DEMOND NICHOLSON

“Andrade definitely has an awkward style, but I’ve been boxing my whole life. When it comes to skill and timing, it wasn’t hard for me to prepare. You’ll see that on Saturday night.

“This is definitely the biggest stage I’ve been on, but it’s not my first rodeo. I’m not really motivated by the crowd, I’m more just excited to get this victory.

“My advantage right now is that I’m mentally more prepared than he is. I’m feeling as strong mentally as I ever have in my career.

“I’m not thinking about anything past this fight. It’s only Plan A now. From here on out, I feel like I’m staying at this level. This is where I belong.

“For this whole entire training camp I’ve been envisioning the victory. I’ve been playing it in my mind over and over again. The doors are wide open now. It’s all about taking it Saturday.”

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“We had a great training camp with ‘Chino’ Rivas and now we’re just ready to put on a show. I’m excited to be back in a position to showcase my talent on a big stage.

“The 154-pound division, and the divisions around it, are all really exciting. There are a lot of top guys and eventually the big fights will be able to get made. Right now we’re in the growing stage of my career and we’re going to keep learning. When the time comes, we’ll be ready.

“Everyone goes on their own path in this sport. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes you see fighters rush and their career doesn’t go the way it should. We’re going to take our time. We’ll know when it’s time to take that next step.

“I’m in great condition because I’m always staying in the gym. I stay ready because you never know what type of opportunity might come your way.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, 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 (January 4, 2023) – 25-year-old professional boxer, Darren “The Gift” Cunningham (16-2, 8 KOs), is now ranked #15 in the WBO super bantamweight ratings and is excited about his future in boxing.

“They are seeing the grind and the hard work I have put in, and now it is time to execute,” said Cunningham, who trains in Las Vegas by way of St. Louis. “I want to fight for a title in 2023 or at the least by 2024. This now puts me in a position to get those types of opportunities. These are the moments I have positioned myself for all my life.”

Cunningham has had his ups and downs during his career but vows to make the most of the opportunity that he’s earned with the WBO. He’s on a mission to fight all the top contenders at super bantamweight.

“I’ve learned a lot in my losses as a professional and I know what needs to be done moving forward,” continued Cunningham. “2023 will be a fresh new start for me and I’m willing to fight anyone ranked higher than me to march up the rankings. I want to fight the best.”

“This is what we have been waiting for,” said David Belcher, Cunningham’s manager. “Darren has devoted his whole life to boxing, and now the WBO is saluting Darren and all the time he has put into the sport. This is a big moment for us, and we want to thank the WBO for honoring us with this ranking. This is the first step towards a major fight.”

QUINCY, Mass. (January 4, 2023) – Strengthening its objective to make Western Mass. its power base, Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced the signing of a pair of promising prospects from Springfield, super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO).

Granite Chin’s stable already includes several Western Mass. boxers including Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs), of Holyoke; Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Champion Steve Sumpter (7-0, 6 KOs), of Pittsfield, and his brother, heavyweight Quintin Sumpter (5-1, 4 KOs); and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Carlos Castillo (6-0. 4 KOs).

“I’m thrilled to be part of Isaiah’s and Ian’s career,” GCP President Chris Traietti said. “Both guys have a ton of talent and are genuinely good guys. It is always humbling when young fighters trust you to help guide their careers. I take that responsibility seriously and won’t let them down, or any of my fighters for that matter down. There are a ton of quality fighters out in Springfield, but nobody has taken the time to try to build a home for boxing there. I intend to change that. I mean it, sincerely, within 2 years Springfield is going to be the spot for the best shows in New England and Granite Chin will be the one running them.”

Cruz, 20, had 90 amateur bouts and competed in numerous national tournaments. He was rated as high as No. 6 in the country. He is friends with Castillo and also knows Whitley and the Sumpter brothers.

(L-R) — Isaiah Cruz, promoter Chris Traietti & Isaiah’s father, Cesar Cruz

“We’ve always had talent here,” Cruz noted, “but we didn’t have the connections – promoters and managers – to get noticed and fight our way out of here. This is a great opportunity for me (to sign with (GCP). I had a few opportunities, but this was the best. I signed with Granite Chin because Chris (Traietti) is not going to rush my career. We’re going to take it step-by-step. I’ll also get a belt in my second year and I’m going to be fighting at home.

“I can’t wait to fight again in Springfield on March 11th (at MassMutual in Springfield). There’s a lot of talent on this show and our fans will be hyped up. Granite Chin will succeed in promoting shows in Springfield. We all have a lot of fans here.”

The 24-year-old Garcia is a native of Puerto Rico, who moved to Springfield in 2000. During the pandemic, Garcia traveled to Tijuana to make his pro debut, which resulted in a 4-round majority draw on the road against a local opponent.

(L-R) – Promoter Chris Traietti & Ian Garcia

“I agree that there is a lot of talent in Western Mass.,” Garcia noted, “but we had no outlet to show our skills. And there are a lot of young kids coming up, too, who will be able to get to the next level of boxing. They will get better because of shows held in Springfield. There are a lot of hungry kids here, especially me.

“I signed with Granite Chin because Chris is going to be a great help for me. My fans want to see me fight, and now they can because Granite Chin is promoting shows here.”

Cruz and Garcia were both winners on Granite Show’s inaugural show in Springfield this past November 19th at MassMutual.

The upbeat continues as Granite Chin Promotions clearly invests in Western Mass.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Hialeah, FL / January 4, 2023 – Former two-time world boxing champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, with a professional record of 20-3-1 (13 KOs), will return to the ring for the first time in almost one year when he headlines the fight card at Hialeah Park on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Rigondeaux, whose last bout was a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Vincent Astrolabio on February 26, 2022 in Dubai, has been sidelined since suffering severe facial burns and eye injuries in a freak kitchen accident at his home in Miami nine months ago.

Now 42 years of age, the former WBO/WBA Super Bantamweight and WBA Bantamweight world champion will attempt to tap the fountain of youth in his 25^th professional fight as he looks to win for the first time since defeating Liborio Solis in February of 2020.

Tickets for what promises to be an action-packed card at Hialeah Park on Friday, February 24, 2023 are on sale now at https://hialeahparkcasino.com

Hialeah Park Casino, with entrances at 100 East 32^nd Street and 2200 East 4^th Avenue, is easily accessible from all major Miami highways and conveniently located just minutes by car from Miami International Airport, South Beach, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, and Doral.

Uncasville, CT – One of combat sports’ fastest-rising stars continues his transition from the cage to the squared circle Saturday, January 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Mixed martial arts standout John Gotti III of Oyster Bay, NY, returns for his second professional boxing match at Winter Brawl, promoted by CES Boxing, the parent company of CES MMA, which promoted all six of Gotti’s MMA bouts.

Gotti, who is 1-0 as a pro in boxing, faces Alex Citrowske (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Saint Cloud, MN, in a four-round cruiserweight bout. Tickets for Winter Brawl are available online at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office.

Gotti is no stranger to the limelight; the highly-touted MMA welterweight prospect made is professional debut in the cage at CES 46 in Rhode Island in October of 2017 and went on to win his first four bouts by first-round knockout. Inactive for two years due to the pandemic, Gotti made his pro boxing debut in October, beating Albert Tulley by unanimous decision at The Paramount in Huntington, NY.

January 21 marks Gotti’s long-awaited return to CES; he last fought for the promotion in October of 2020.

“We’re thrilled to welcome John Gotti III to the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena and allow him to further showcase his talents inside the boxing ring,” said CES president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “John is a tremendous athlete and a skilled, instinctive fighter. He’s risen to the occasion each time he’s been tested, whether it’s MMA or boxing. This is not an easy transition for any fighter to make, but I have no doubt John will be as successful in the ring as he’s been in the cage and he will soon be on everyone’s radar in the boxing community.

Winter Brawl is headlined by heavyweight “The Sicilian Nightmare” Juiseppe Cusumano (21-4, 19 KOs) facing “The Hungarian Hammer” Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event and the long-awaited return of Stamford, CT, light middleweight Chordale Booker (17-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round showcase against 37-fight veteran Angel Hernandez (17-17-3, 11 KOs).

The event also features the highly-anticipated six-round interstate battle between Michael Valentin (7-1-1, 1 KO) of Providence, RI and the undefeated Kevin Walsh (6-0, 4 KOs) of Brockton, MA; Worcester, MA, featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (15-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bout against the dangerous Headley Scott (18-1, 12 KOs) of Jonesboro, GA; and super featherweight Alejandro Paulino (11-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-round bout against Ryizeemmion Ford (8-3, 6 KOs).

In another potential showstopper, undefeated welterweight Josniel Castro (9-0, 7 KOs), a Boca Raton, FL, native who’s fought his entire pro career in New England from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, faces one of his toughest tests to date in a six-round showdown against Quebec native and Boston resident Mitch Louis Charles (6-3-2, 3 KOs). Winter Brawl also marks the return of female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (3-1, 1 KO), who faces New Jersey’s Michaele Nogue (2-2) in a four-round bout, and Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (19-1-2, 12 KOs) in a six-round bout against Argentinian and 22-fight vet Victor Hugo Exner.

In preliminary action, Brockton heavyweight Chad Leoncello (1-0-1, 1 KO), fresh off his first career victory in November, faces Boston’s Wallace Nass Silva (0-4) in a four-round bout and MMA standout Mike Kimbel of Watertown, CT, makes his professional boxing debut against Robert Banks (0-1) of Monroeville, NY, also in a four-round bout.

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

INFORMATION

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

Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest Arenas in the United States and is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the United States regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the award-winning venue has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven-time national award winner for “Casino of the Year – Arena” by the Academy of Country Music. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit MoheganSun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.