JOE JOYCE CARRYING out his best work on canvas is not an unusual concept. After all, 11 of his 12 professional opponents to date have met with the floor of the ring or been saved from the imminent prospect by the instincts of a protective referee.

But Big Joe is also big into transferring his visions, experiences and emotions onto the fabric favoured by painters and artists, with the man known as The Juggernaut just as content quietly perching in front of his easel as he is marching forward with menacing intent under the lights in the ring.

The more than accomplished artist is particularly proud of his latest works. Not exactly painting by numbers, but the No.10 figures strongly in this very personal portrait.

It is a painting that tells the story of his November 28, 2020 heavyweight collision with the multi-titled, seemingly indestructible wrecking machine, Daniel Dubois.

Joyce got the sense that, in the eyes of the watching public, he was merely cast as another step on the gloried career ladder of the young world champion in waiting.

While he never doubted himself – and nor should he have, given his Olympic standing – Joyce accepted his role as a decorated underdog and knew the proof of the pudding would be in the punching.

And his jab, which essentially won him the fight, was on point and Dubois could take no more of the spearing accuracy and sunk to his knee in the 10th round to take himself out of the firing line. His left eye socket that had taken a pummelling from the left glove of Joyce was grotesquely swollen and his race was run.

The plaudits, along with belts, now belonged to Joyce and his portrait marks this moment in time for one of boxing’s quiet achievers.

“It was a turning point for me, where I went from an underdog to pretty much a fully fledged prospect,” explained the 35-year-old, who returns to the fighting fold against Carlos Takam at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night. “It was a fight where everyone thought I was going to lose and even get knocked out in the first few rounds.

“I proved a lot of people wrong and won a lot of people money for Christmas.”

The fact that many of the fight public and pundits didn’t give him a prayer, Joyce believes, worked in his favour on the night, with the weight of expectation heaped firmly on the young man.

“Yeah it was less pressure and the heat was on Dubois. I’ve been in a lot bigger fights, the Olympics for instance, with a lot of people watching me, so I am used to the pressure. I just get on with it and perform on the night.

“The painting definitely reflects my moment, but I don’t know if it is quite finished yet. I look at it and think I could do more detail, but then I might lose some of the freshness of it. Maybe I have captured it,” he wondered, before telling the process of how he went about capturing the defining point of the fight.

“I just printed off an image, but I didn’t have a particularly good picture because it was from a clip of the fight and it was a bit pixelated so I couldn’t get all the detail I wanted. It does get to the point when you can overdo a painting and it is quite good to know when to stop, otherwise you can ruin the essence of what you are trying to paint.

“I can push my work to being almost photo realistic by painstakingly painting, but it just takes so long and you can get bored of painting the same thing. More recently I have preferred to work it all out in one sitting.

“You don’t want it to be too perfect or you might as well just blow up a photograph.”

This isn’t Joyce’s first venture into personal portraits and it almost certainly won’t be his last.

“The last time I did a self-portrait was my first year of university and I had some massive canvas that one of the students in the third year helped me make. It ended up being so big that it was wider than my outstretched arms and almost as tall as me.

“I will do one for the world title, for sure.

“The thing is, with boxing and painting, it takes time and you have to work at your skills.”

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

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Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that the 9^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^™ will take place in Las Vegas from Tuesday, September 21, through Saturday, September 25, headlined by UFC^® 266: VOLKANOVSKI vs. ORTEGA, presented by Modelo.The event-filled week will also include the traditional 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonyand a two-day, interactive UFC Fan Experience^®.

The prestigious 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^® will be held on Thursday, September 23, and will honor specific achievements and contributions to UFC and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. 

In addition, on Friday, September 24, and continuing on Saturday, September 25, fans will be able to take part in an easily accessible and fully interactive, free, two-day UFC Fan Experience that will feature meet and greets, autograph sessions, and partner activations that provide unprecedented access to UFC champions, top-ranked contenders, Hall of Famers, and other UFC personalities.

Fans from around the world who converge on Las Vegas for UFC International Fight Week will also be able to enjoy ceremonial weigh-ins, press conferences and live entertainment of a traditional Fight Week leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFC^® 266: VOLKANOVSKI vs. ORTEGA, on Saturday, September 25, at T-Mobile Arena.

Details regarding the bout card for UFC 266, event locations and additional activities for UFC International Fight Week will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.COM.

World champions Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano left everything in the ring as the battled to a 12-round split draw in a fight for the undisputed junior middleweight championship and the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Early on, it looked like it would be a short and easy night for Charlo as he hurt Castano with a left hook in the 2nd round. Castano, who was clearly on shaky legs. He was able to get out of the round and that was bad news for Charlo. Over the next half dozen rounds, Castano not only righted himself, but dominated most of the rounds as he was able to get in a lot of solid offense with most of it coming by pinning Charlo on the ropes and landing effective shots. Castano was able to feature a nice straight hand and seemed to hurt Charlo on a couple of occasions with good left hooks.

In round 10, Charlo was able to get himself back in the fight by hurting Castano with a right hand that had the native of Argentina on shaky legs throughout the round. Over the final six minutes, the two stood mostly on the inside firing off and landing effective punches in an effort to clearly forge ahead on the final scorecards.

Charlo landed 151 of 533; Castano was 173 of 586.

When those scorecards were announced, Castano took a card 114-113; Somehow Nelson Vazquez gave Charlo nine rounds on his 117-111, and a third card was even at 114-114.

Charlo of Houston, Texas holds on to his IBF/WBA/WBC titles and is now 34-1-1. Castano keeps his WBO crown and is now 17-0-2.

Jermell Charlo

“Shout out to San Antonio for coming through. The win is what I wanted to hear. I won this fight. I hurt him way more than he did to me. Castano is a real warrior. But my power is serious at this weight division.

“My coach told me I needed the knockout in the ninth round and I just knew he knew what he was talking about. I trust my coach. This come with boxing – wins, losses and draws.

“He threw a hell of a lot of punches. My skills and my ability and my power – I felt like I won this fight and I deserve to be going home undisputed. I am glad to have fought for undisputed. It’s different. I still hold my titles. I can’t wait to get home to my babies, take a break from boxing and then get back to the drawing board and see what’s next.

“I want to be undisputed. That’s what I want. That’s my destiny.”

Brian Castano

“I won the fight. There were some rounds that he did hit me and he hit me hard. But I won this fight. I want to thank SHOWTIME and Al Haymon for this fight. It was a great opportunity.

“I want to thank San Antonio. I was hurt in the 10th round and I had to recoup. Same with the beginning of the 11^th round. But I did enough to win this fight. I hope I get the rematch. He is a great fighter. I need the rematch.”

Romero Knocks Out Yigit in 7 to retain Interim Lightweight Title

Rolando Romero retained the WBA Interim Lightweight title with a 7th round stoppage over late-replacement Anthony Yigit

In round three, Yigit was cut over his left eye. In round five, Romero was deducted a point for holding. Immediately after that, Romero landed a big right at the bell that sent Yigit down for a knockdown.

In round seven, Romero dropped Yigit with a hard right hand. Seconds later it was a left that was followed by a right that put Yigit down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Romero, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Yigit, 140.25 lbs of Sweden is 24-2-1.

Rolando Romero

“I fought a tough kid above my weight class. I fought a 140-pounder and I f***ing stopped him. Simple as that.

“In the seventh round, I knew it was over. I swear I thought it was over after that first knockdown but I didn’t have time in that round to jump on him.

“I want Gervonta Davis at 140. I want him at 140. I mean, he only has 16 fights. I have 14 now. I am ready for him. Time to stop him. Time to knock him out. I know what he can do but I know what I can do. I am a lot stronger. Let’s see if we can make it happen.”

Vidal wins Majority Decision over Aleem

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Amilcar Vidal Jr. won a 10-round majority decision over Immanuwel Aleem in a middleweight fight.

The fight was fought at close quarters with each guy taking turns getting the better of the action. Vidal got credit for his body punching, but this was a crowd pleasing fight that could have gone either way.57

Vidal landed 205 of 571 punches; Aleem was 183 of 647 punches.

Vidal, 160.5 lbs of Uruguay won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95 and is now 13-0. Aleem, 162 lbs of East Meadow, NY is 18-3-1.

Amilcar Vidal

“I was not surprised by his strategy of working inside. We worked on that in camp. I wanted to work him in and then I would finally show him my power in the end.

“It was a great fight against a really tough opponent, but the fruits of my labor alongside my brother during training camp paid off and I never lost my cool.

“We felt sure of ourselves as a team and I knew (Aleem) would feel me as soon as I found my ideal distance and reach.

“I believe I was a fair winner, but I am not here to argue about the score. I may have lost my way in a couple of rounds, but I regained control of the fight and I have as much as I took.

“Like I told you before the press conference, it’s about going step by step. We took a major one tonight, and now my promoter will let me know what’s next. I’ll be ready. We are nice and comfortable at 160 pounds.

“Uruguay can rest easy knowing Amilcar Vidal is here to stay.”

Follow all of the action as Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano battle it out for the undisputed Junior Middleweight championship.  The action begins at 9 PM ET as Middleweights Amilcar Vidal takes on Immanuwel Aleem as well as Rolando Romero defends the WBA Interim Lightweight title against Anthony Yigit

NO BROWESER REFESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.

Round 1: Right from Castano..Lead right to the body

Round 2 Big left hook staggers Castano..1-2…

Round 3 Charlo Jabbing..2 Big left hooks from Castano

Round 4 Right to body from Castano…Jab and left hook from Charlo..Sweeping left hook..Right from Castano.. Left hook..right and left to jaw…Right from Charlo…Right from Castano..Right from Charlo..

Round 5 1-2 from Charlo…Lead right from Castano…left hook…1-2 from Charlo..Counter from Castano…Jab and right from Charlo…

Round 6 Jab from Charlo..Counter..Body..Right from Castano..Furry..Castano landing on the ropes

Round 7 Jab from Charlo…2 rights from Castano..Chopping right…left hook to the Liver..Short left from Charlo

Round 8 Short left hok from Cstano..Right hand and left hook..Nice right..Left to head…Jab…Right from Charlo

Round 9 Jab from Charlo..Combination from Castano…Right hand..Body shot

Round 10 Left hook from Castano…Charlo lands a right..Right rocks Castano…Left hook to the body..Hard right..Left hook to the jaw..Right

Round 11 Hard right from Charlo..Left hook to body and head….Right and left from Castano…Left hook..Jab pops Charlo’s head back..Left hook and right hand..Uppercut from Charlo

Round 12 Left hook from Castano…Combination from Charlo..Double left hook from Castano…Body work…Left hook from Charlo..

114-113 CASTANO; 117-111 CHARLO; 114-114

Round 1 Left from Romero..Right drives Yigit back…Bdy shot from Yigit…Counter from Romero..

Round 2 Left from Yigit..Left hook from Romero…Left from Yigit…Right from Romero…2 Lefts from Yigit…Big right from Romero..

Round 3 Right from Romero…Right to body

Round 4 Left from Yigit..Solid left from Romero..3 punch combination

Round 5 Jab from Romero…Counter right from Romero..Left from Yigit…ROMERO DEDUCTED POINT FOR HOLDIMG…BIG RIGHT ATTHE BELL DROPS YIGIT

Round 6  Jab to body from Romero…Clipping right to the jaw..Right

Round 7 Right from Romero…COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES YIGIT..Big right from Romero....BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GIES YIGIT…FIGHT OVER

Round 1: Jab from Aleem.  Double left hook
Round 2 Lead right from Vidal…Right to the body..Left to the body…Long right…Left hook to body from Aleem
Round 3 Lead right from Aleem…Left hook…Nice left to body from Aleem..Double left to body from Vidal…Body shot from Aleem…Nice left hook to the body from Vidal…Double jab from Aleem…Left hook to liver from Vidal…Lead uppercut
Round 4 Uppercut from Vidal..Right…Left hook to body and head…Left to liver…Right uppercut from Aleem…2 body shots from Vidal..Good action inside…Uppercut and left hook from Vidal..Trading shots at close range…Right uppercut from Aleem…Short uppercut on inside from Vidal…
Round 5 Lead right from Vidal…Double jab from Aleem..Right from Vidal….Nice right…Uppercut and body shot from Aleem..Double left hook…Counter left hook from Vidal…2 right uppercuts from Aleem…Combination from Vidal
Round 6 Left hook to live from Vidal…Aleem lands on the inside…Sharp hook from Vidal…Left hook from ALeem…Vidal lands 2 shots to the body and a right to the head….Right to body hurts Aleem..Straight right and a big left to the body
Round 7 Jab o the body from Aleem..Right…Right uppercut from Aleem
Round 8 Left hook from Aleem..2 rights to body from Aleem…Left hooks to the body…Good counter shot…Left Staggers Vidal
Round 9 Trading heavy flurries…Right to body from Vidal…Combination from Aleem,…double right from Vidal
Round 10 Ripping shots to the body from Vidal….Both guys giving their all down the stretch

95-95; 97-93 TWICE FOR VIDAL

PHOENIX – The room was decorated for weddings. But there were no vows. Just violence, in the ring and the seats.

In a ring beneath a ceiling covered with a white floral display, a fight card ended wildly Friday night at the Legends Event Center in Maryvale on the westside of Phoenix.

Danny Barrios (6-0, 2 KOs) executed a definite end to the regulated violence with a powerful succession of uppercuts that drove fellow Phoenician Edward Ceballos (9-4-1, 5 KOs) though the ropes and flat on his back on the ring’s apron at the end of a scheduled six rounder. That’s where he was counted out by referee Wes Melton.

The fight for a state featherweight title sanctioned by the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission was over. But the brawl was just beginning.

As Ceballo’s corner rushed to help their fallen fighter, spectators talked trash and hurled cups of beer. The exchange quickly escalated. Members of Ceballos’ corner and spectators started shoving each other. They had to be separated as the small crowd scattered and headed for the parking lot amid flying chairs and debris.

Barrios’ victory was the main event on a card that had been scheduled to feature former lightweight champion Ray Beltran. But Beltran’s comeback was cancelled. His opponent, Daniel Perales Osorio of Monterrey, Mexico, chose not to fight.     

Best of the Undercard

Left-handed Michael Norato (9-0, 20 KOs), a tall lightweight from California, had a long jab that kept Isaac Camarillo (3-2-2, 1 KO), of Yuma, AZ, at bay, off balance and bloodied. Norato, who had ex-Oscar De La Hoya trainer Robert Alcazar in his corner, won a one-sided decision, 60-54 on all three cards.

The Rest

Phoenix super-middleweight William Northran (3-0, 2 KOs) used his superior reach and faster feet to score a second-round TKO of Tommie Stephens (0-1) of Eloy, AZ.

Brian Velasquez (3-0, 2 KOs), a Phoenix junior-featherweight, relied on agile feet and a long body to counter aggressive pursuit from Nestor Robledo (7-13-2) for a four-round majority decision over the Mexican.

Joseph Rivas, a welterweight from Coolidge, AZ, survived a tough test in his pro debut, enduring four head-rocking rounds for a unanimous decision over Misael Chacon (4-24-3, 3 KOs) of Florence, AZ.

Maximus Castro (2-0, 2 KOs), a Phoenix junior-featherweight also trained by Alcazar, possessed power, sending winless Kendall Ward (0-8), of Idaho to his knees repeatedly with big body shots that finally led to a stoppage at 1:34 of the fourth round.

Axel Rosales (3-0, 2 KOs), a Phoenix lightweight, scored with body shots, offsetting a busy style for a majority decision over Gregory Cruz (2-1, 1 KO) of Seattle.Attachments area

Backyard Brawl Extreme 6 took place this evening at the Hard Rock Live venue at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fl., featuring ten bouts of bareknuckle boxing in a triangle-shaped ring known as the Trigon. The Trigon is an unforgiving stage, with little room to run and corners that can leave a fighter with no angle to spin out, forcing an exchange with likely brutal consequences.

Calling the action were veteran commentators Paul Malignaggi, Benny Ricardo and Mike Goldberg. All welcome additions to the promotion.

Founder Dada5000 knows that the action in the Trigon is most likely to end in a knockout, as has been the trend in the first five shows. Tonight saw one fight end in a no-contest decision due to an accidental foul (hitting a grounded opponent) and several fights that went the distance.

This author’s pick for fight of the night belongs to the ladies. Patricia Juarez, a former professional boxer, who challenged tough-as-nails Christine “Knuckles” Stanley (2-0) for the promotions Lightweight Championship. Stanleys eye was moused in the first round and it seemed unlikely that the fight would go the distance. Juarez showed superior technique with her footwork and body punches but Stanley stayed in the fight for the duration. After seven rounds of explosive action, both women were bloodied and the crowd roared in anticipation as the unanimous decision was declared in Juarez’ favor.

The main event featured hometown crowd favorite Rene “White Boy” Rodriquez vs. Matt Delanoit.  Delanoit went down in the first round but quickly recovered. Round two commenced with both men swinging for glory and a rare double knockdown. Delanoit quickly recovered and picked himself up, but Rodriquez, landing on the back of his head, was shaken. The referee reached a count of 9, asked Rodriquez if he wanted to continue, but Rodriquez did not give a definitive answer. It was a rowdy end to an exciting night of fights and Delanoit will now challenge for the 185lb belt at BYB 7 in September.

Los Angeles, CA (July 17, 2021) World Ranked Super Welterweight Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (18-1, 18 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA makes his return to the ring Tonight, July 17 in an eight-round clash against Brandon ‘The Business’ Baue, (16-23, 11 KOs), of Troy,  Missouri at the Rock Rapids Rumble in Rock Rapids, Iowa. The fight is promoted by 15 Rounds Boxing in association with 360 Promotions and Ural Promotions and will be broadcast globally on FITE.TV at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

After enduring his first loss as a professional to Brandon Adams on March 4, 2021, the 26-year-old Bohachuk, one of the most exciting super welterweights in the sport, looks to resume his march towards a world title opportunity under the watchful eye of renowned trainer Manny Robles. In preparation for tonight’s fight, Bohachuk has been sparring with world ranked contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. in Southern California.

JOE JOYCE’S manager Sam Jones has hinted that he has spies in the camp of big fight rival Carlos Takam.

Several of Sam’s tweets might be mind games ahead of their Heavyweight blockbuster at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.

In a recent message Jones tweeted: “Good sparring session again yesterday

@carlos_takam the way your (sic) picking the pace up towards the end of the rounds is very impressive.”

But Takam appeared unsettled when Queensberry’s Dev Sahni asked him about Team Joyce getting info from Takam’s camp, snapping: “I don’t know how he got that information, but I don’t give a f**k.”

Takam (39-5-1,  28 KOs) who will be challenging for Joyce’s WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles added:  “I don’t want to speak about that. I just want to focus on the fight.”

Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) was also coy about whether he has inside info, saying: “You’ll have to find out if we have spies in his camp. I am not divulging any information.

“I am ready. It’s going to be a great fight. May the best man win and that will be me.”

Joyce could have got even up close and personal with Takam and not needed a gym plant. Arrangements were made for the pair to spar in Las Vegas, but his rival’s trainer got cold feet and pulled the plug.

Joyce said: “I assumed he didn’t want the smoke.

“Sam Jones sorts my sparring when I am in America training and I thought I would be sparring with Takam, but I was told he wasn’t sparring.”

Frenchman Takam defended his trainer, explaining: “I said ‘why not?’ when I was asked to spar with Joe. My trainer said he didn’t want me to spar with him because he felt we would fight.

“I was okay to spar, but my coach said; ‘One day you are going to fight that guy.’ Anyway what is the smoke?”

“What’s the smoke?” Joyce replied. “You’re going to get the smoke.”
 

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

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CARLOS TAKAM says Joe Joyce will be wishing he’s back in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk when he starts landing bombs next week.

Cocky Carlos leapt at the chance to challenge for Joyce’s WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.

Joyce had been sweating on a date with Oleksandr Usyk, but that fell through when Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua never materialised.

Joyce did fight Usyk in the WSB in 2013 losing on points and Takam told him: “I am a more difficult fight for Joe than Usyk.

“Joe knows Usyk because they boxed before and Usyk knows Joe.

“I am a problem because Joe has never fought someone like Carlos Takam. How am I going to fight him? It’s a surprise.

“I have experience. He has never fought anybody with my experience. That’s why I say he hasn’t fought anyone like me.”

Both Joyce and Takam are explosive punchers, and the French star predicts that it will be over with the first knockdown.

“He is going to try and put me down, I am going to try and put him down. Whoever puts someone down first is the winner,” he added.

“I want to hurt him like he is going to want to hurt me. We are going to punch each other and I am ready for that fight.Three further title clashes will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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To watch Dev Sahni’s full interview click here

Fighting Spirit Series .42 [Japan Youth]

Juliana Velasquez: 

“I think I would be clinching a bit more, her striking didn’t surprise me, but I felt that I did enough to retain the title.”

“I beat her with my jab, if you look at her face, it’s messed up, if you look at mine, my face is fine. I think people in the audience favor her because she has a kickboxing style and I counter, but I think it was my boxing that was the difference tonight.”

“When I come in here, I don’t think of myself as a champion, I think of myself as someone who needs to earn the belt and tonight I felt that I did that.”

#5–Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) defeated #7-Matt Mitrione (13-9, 1 NC) via submission (strikes) at 1:45 of round one

Tyrell Fortune:

“I feel great coming out of the fight. He stepped forward so I went for the shot instead of throwing the punch and I guess I made contact with my head. Besides that I was running through him for the takedown. As you saw, I finished on top, and the fight went from there.

“I didn’t feel it (the clash of heads), I can only go off of what he was saying at the time. Like I said, I was just looking to get on top and continue to fight so I didn’t really know what else to do. I thought if there was a contact that the ref would have saw and we would have stopped that’s why I paused for a second on top of him. I didn’t go right to punching. Once the ref said to continue, I was continuing to fight.

“I want Tim Johnson. I don’t want a title shot. I’d rather have Tim Johnson first. That’s really the only fight I’ve been training for since that loss. To me, with him taking that loss (against Valentin Moldavsky) and me getting this win, it should line us right up… I’m gonna’ try to knock his a– out just like he did me.”

Matheus Mattos (13-2-1) defeated Cee Jay Hamilton (15-9) via TKO (strikes) at 1:33 of round two

Matheus Mattos:

“He’s a wrestler. So, he could have done the boring game and taken me down. But he chose to go for the striking. Fortunately, he did it because it was a beautiful knockout. If Bellator could send more strikers to me, then they would be welcomed.”

“I feel great, perfectly strong. But I felt my knee go ‘thwack.’ And I stopped moving a lot. I didn’t do much footwork. I knew this was going to be on my hands, because my leg was painful. Hopefully, everything went well. 

“My two losses were to two of the best in the world. So, I’ve been fighting at a high level a long time and I’m prepared for everyone. They can see that this fight welcomed me to Bellator, and now they know me. They know Matheus Mattos is a striker and he’s coming for us.

“I’m in my prime now so I’m prepared for everyone.”

 #2–Arlene Blencowe (14-8) defeated Dayana Silva (9-6) via TKO (punches) at 1:00 of round three

Arlene Blencowe:

“I feel great. I want to give a shout out to my kids at home. I’ve been away from home for nine weeks and it’s the longest I’ve ever been without my kids. So, this win is for you.”

“I was just trying to gauge my distance. It was starting to be a little bit of a slow fight, so sorry about that fans. I could hear you yelling. But I was determined to keep my pace and not rush into anything. We knew that she swung with power and that the overhand right and the left hook came pretty quick. We’ve been working a lot on kicks, and I’m going to have a lot of bruises tomorrow. And hopefully her calves will be sore too.”

#5-Johnny Eblen (9-0) defeated Travis Davis (10-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Johnny Eblen:

“My coaches when I came back to the corner told me not to brawl. So, I took their advice and I thought I wrestled smart.”

“He was talking s— saying, ‘Hey, let’s brawl in the corner.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, that’s stupid.’ That’s why you’re not where I’m at. Because you don’t fight smart. You’re trying to come out here and brawl. You can do that all you want, but you’re not going to be a world champion like me.”

Preliminary Card: 

Said Sowma (7-2) defeated Ronny Markes (19-9) via KO (punches) at 1:09 of round one

Cody Law (4-0) defeated Theodore Macuka (1-1) via TKO (punches) at 1:54 of round one

Diana Avsaragova (4-0) defeated Gabriella Gulfin (2-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Adil Benjilany (6-3, 1 NC) defeated Johnny Soto (4-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Charlie Campbell (4-1) defeated Nicholas Giulietti (2-2) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round two

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

PHILADELPHIA (July 16, 2021)–Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Junior Middleweight world title tonight against Brian Rose on the next installment of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

Currently the WBO Middleweight champion, Andrade (20-0) met Rose (25-5-1) on June 14, 2014, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Andrade was making the first defense of the crown that he had won just seven months prior with a win over Vanes Martirosyan. The former U.S Olympian was looking to make a statement in front of the New York crowd against Rose, who was riding an 11-fight winning streak, which included wins over former world champions Vivian Harris and Joachim Alcine.

Watch what happens when these two junior middleweights collided in this world title showdown at 8 PM ET.
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About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Super Welterweight World Championship Unification – 12 Rounds

Jermell Charlo – 153 lbs.

Brian Castaño – 153 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Hector Afu; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Nelson Vazquez (P.R.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

WBA Lightweight Interim Title – 12 Rounds

Rolando Romero – 135 lbs. 

Anthony Yigit – 140 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Lisa Giampa (Nev.), Wilfredo Esperon (Texas), Robin Taylor (N.Y.)

*Yigit weighed in over the 135 lb. limit. Romero cannot lose his title.

Middleweight Bout (162 lbs.) – 10 Rounds

Amilcar Vidal – 161 ½ lbs. 

Immanuwel Aleem – 162 lbs.

Referee: Ellis Johnson; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas), Glen Crocker (Texas), Anthony De Los Santos (Texas)

#          #          #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO

Charlo vs. Castaño will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño battle for undisputed status at super welterweight as all four 154-pound belts hang in the balance for the first time in history on Saturday, July 17 live on SHOWTIME from AT&T Center in San Antonio in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature unbeaten Interim WBA Lightweight Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on lightweight contender Anthony Yigit in the co-main event, plus unbeaten middleweight Amilcar Vidal matching up against veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout that opens the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.attcenter.com. Romero vs. Yigit is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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

Xu Can will defend his WBA Featherweight World Title against Leigh Wood on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

Can (18-2, 3 KOs), who is recognised by The Ring Magazine as the No.3 Featherweight in the world, won China’s first ever WBA World Title when he defeated Puerto Rico’s defending Champion Jesus Rojas with a unanimous decision at the Toyota Center, Houston, in January 2019. 

At the age of 24 and 10 months, ‘Monster’ created history by becoming China’s youngest ever World Champion, and just the third from the country to win a World Title, with scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 118-110 over Rjoas, in what was his second appearance as a pro in the U.S.

He successfully defended his WBA crown at the first attempt by stopping Japan’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Shun Kubo in six rounds in his hometown of Fuzhou in May 2019. Can made the most of his hero’s welcome, flooring Kubo in round five before ending the contest in the next round.

Can’s all-action style was on full display in his next Title defence as he threw 1,562 punches on route to inflicting a first loss on Manny Robles III at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, impressively outworking and breaking down Robles over 12 rounds to earn a unanimous decision. 

Nottingham’s Wood (24-2, 14 KOs) landed the vacant British Featherweight Title last time out at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February by stopping previously unbeaten Doncaster fighter Reece Mould with a brutal knockout in the ninth round.

Wood, who is trained by top coach Ben Davison, has only lost twice in his 26-fight career – a sixth round stoppage defeat when challenging Gavin McDonnell for the vacant British Super-Bantamweight Title in just his 12^th pro fight and a narrow points loss to eventual MTK Golden contract winner Jazza Dickens last year. 

“I have been idled nearly 20 months without a fight,” said Can. “In the past 5 months in Miami, my coach Pedro Diaz has worked me very hard. This is by far THE best preparation for my Title fights. I feel that I am in an excellent status, physically and mentally. In the next 3 weeks, my goal is to focus on the training and preparation. Leigh Wood is a tough opponent to face and he also has the privileges to fight at home. I must devote 200% of efforts to keep my Title. I can’t wait to see how I turn out on July 31.”

“Opportunities like this don’t always come around, I won’t need another,” said Wood. “I’m going to be World Champion. He’s very good volume puncher, if you let him fight his fight, you’re in for a hard night. I know what I have to do, and I will be exchanging on my terms.”

Elsewhere, WBA Bantamweight World Champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) will now put her World Title on the line for the first time against the USA’s Jamie Mitchell (6-0-2, 4 KOs) on Fight Camp Week 3 on Saturday August 14. 

Can vs. Wood is part of a huge night of boxing as Fight Camp returns with a bang, Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Mexico’s Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first round KO win over Samuel Vargas, Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a huge showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight.

‘JUGGERNAUT’ Joe Joyce rode through Wembley Park this week and confidently declared that he wants a Heavyweight shootout with Anthony Joshua under the iconic arch of the new Wembley Stadium.

Before heading to BOXPARK Wembley to sample London’s largest VR arcade – Meetspace VR – Joyce took a lap of the national stadium and was clearly inspired by what he saw.

“AJ at Wembley Stadium for a World Title? That would be incredible.”

If Joyce KO’s the experienced brute Carlos Takam on July 24^th he’ll be made mandatory challenger for the winner of the expected Joshua/Usyk September showdown, so such a clash may be well within reach.

Many in boxing have made Joe the overwhelming favourite for the fight with Takam, but ‘The Juggernut’ is taking nothing for granted.

“It’s the dimensions of him, he’s a bit shorter but he’s got a long reach and throws big looping shots.”

Despite being the underdog for his spectacular November 2020 victory over fancied prospect Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois, Joyce considers Takam a tougher fight than the one he had with the young Greenwich banger.

“He’s got good head movement, experience… it’s going to be a different kind of fight than Dubois, a tougher fight. He’s got a good chin and he can bang.”

Before the serious stuff begins next week, though, there was time for some fun at London’s premier VR gaming experience, Meetspace VR.

Flanked by his managers Sam Jones and Adam Morallee, Joe was treated to time in the Undead Arena as well as being one of the first people in the UK to play the new game, Far Cry VR: Dive Into Insanity.

“I like to play games, especially after training with my feet up at my desk watching something and playing at the same time,” he revealed, “but today was different. VR is a real workout!”

“We started off by rolling around on the ground, shooting zombies, it was fun. Then we played the new Far Cry VR game.

“It was a brilliant game. I’ve had fun. It’s tactical… you don’t know where you’re getting shot from and you’ve got to work together for your objectives. It’s been a good day, I’ve had a great time.”

Alas, in boxing, it can’t all be fun and games.

“I’ve got sparring tonight, another session later this week and then it’s all eyes on July 24^th. Knock Carlos Takam out and then we can start thinking about Joshua at Wembley Stadium for real!”

About meetspaceVR: meetspaceVR brings world class free roam VR experiences all under one roof. With venues in Nottingham (Victoria Centre), London (Wembley Boxpark) and Birmingham (Utilita Arena) meetspaceVR has blown the minds of over 50,000 adrenaline seekers since launching in October 2018. Learn more at https://www.meetspacevr.co.uk/

More information about the experience can be found at https://meetspacevr.co.uk/zerolatency-farcryvr/

Watch the trailer on Vimeo here

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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NEW FRANK WARREN lightweight Charles Frankham completely lost track of time when considering exactly how long he has been out of the ring.

The hugely decorated, multi-titled former amateur star returns to the ring on July 24 at the SSE Arena, Wembley with the intention of reminding everybody just why he was considered one of the brightest young talents from within these shores to come through the amateur system.

The actual date of his last venture into the ring is June 21, 2019, but clearly time flies for young Frankham when he isn’t fighting.

“It is a year I think… Is it two? I thought it was a year…,” pondered the winner of 11 National titles – including the junior ABAs and the Three Nations twice – along with a World Youth Championship bronze medal and gold at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. “I definitely can’t believe it and it shows how quick the time is going. To be honest with you, the last year has been hard for everyone, but to be out of the ring for two years isn’t good.”

For Frankham however, he insists it has been time well spent, beefing up his previously slender frame and working on his art.

“I’ve been working very hard in the gym, practicing a lot of things and obviously I have matured a lot since back then. My body physique is changing. Look back to when I last boxed and I just look like a skinny kid, which is what I was, but now I have been working hard on S&C, eating properly and doing everything right.

“It is all coming together and, even though it sounds silly, every week I can see different parts of my body changing.

“After staying out of the ring for so long and wanting to box for ages I have got with Frank and he has got me out straight away. Now it is my time to show everyone what I have been working on and how good I am.”

Frankham’s work ethic includes making the significant sacrifice of spending his working week away from home at Loughborough University where he is trained by Angel Fernandez on campus.

“Definitely, all my mates and family are back home and even though I have got a few friends around this area it is still not the same,” considered the 21-year-old from Crowthorne in Berkshire. “Obviously I spend more time with Angel and the people at Loughborough than I do with my own family.

“It is not like it is just around the corner where I can go home if I want to. I am 140 miles away and on a Monday morning, first thing, I get up, have a shower, say goodbye then I am gone.

“It is hard at my age to do this, but hopefully it will pay off in the long run.”

Considering his pedigree and amateur accomplishments, coupled with the fact he is with a new promoter after two years out, Frankham insists he will not feel under increased pressure to perform when he is back under the lights at Wembley.

“Not really. Everyone knows how good I am and after two years I am coming back against an opponent who has never been stopped and has boxed a few good people.

“I spoke to Angel the other day and we are just going to go in there, take our time and look to get the rounds in. I will see what he is all about and if I can get the stoppage I will. He said to not go in there and just blast him out because it will be good to get some rounds,” he explained, before acknowledging that he does need to entertain and impress on his debut under the Queensberry banner, pointing out that some new-found punching power has come into play.

“I know that. In the gym, the way I have been punching and everything – to be honest, I don’t know where it has come from! Before I never used to throw body shots and I had an amateur style.

“Things are coming better to me now,  and I have been stopping people in sparring with body shots.

“Hopefully all the work I have put in and improvements I have made has done me the world of good and we will soon find out on the 24th. I feel I have got better and I am maturing into my body now and I look a lot better in pictures and clips.

“I am boxing at lightweight for this fight, where I am comfortable having gained some man strength, even though I haven’t stopped growing yet.”

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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£300 VIP Hospitality

JOE JOYCE insists he will meet Carlos Takam head-on if his rival gets tricky with his nut.

Joyce gambles his World Heavyweight title future when he risks the WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth crowns against Takam at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.

Takam’s head work has caused problems for opponents in the past including Anthony Joshua when they clashed in Cardiff in October 2017.

Joshua came through the IBF and WBA World title defence in the tenth round but had difficultly breathing throughout when Takam’s head clattered into his nose during the second round.

Joshua compared Takam to Evander Holyfield when he brought his head up, and said afterwards: “It was harder than a punch – bone on bone.”

Joyce is aware of the dangers especially as he is 6ft 6in tall and has a five inch height advantage over his Cameroon born rival.

Putney’s Joyce said:  “It is possibly tactics and his height, but I am prepared.

“We have been working in training on countering that head butt. I am not going to reveal my secrets.

“It’s going to be a tough one, but I think I can get the job done. I am here, ready and waiting.

“I’m definitely going to try and knock out Takam. I think I will find a way sooner or later to get to him.

“Carlos is perhaps the best I have fought. He is always in shape, he is strong, he is durable and you know he can do the rounds.

“He is a problem I will have to deal with on the night and I will.”Three further title clashes will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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To watch Dev Sahni’s full interview click here

New York City (July 16, 2021) Tickets sold at a record pace for the debut of ‘TrillerVerz’ set for Tuesday, August 3 in the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden presented by Triller Fight Club. The debut event features an unprecedented evening of world class professional boxing headlined by a highly anticipated heavyweight clash between top-five world ranked Michael Hunter and hard-hitting challenger Mike Wilson. Following the professional boxing, the first-ever live Verzuz Rap Battle will take place between legendary artists DIPSET and THE LOX. The tickets went ONSALE at 12:00 p.m. EST and by 12:15 p.m. EST all ONSALE inventory had been sold. In response to demand a limited amount of additional seating and tickets have been added.

Fan are encouraged to purchase tickets today for this soon to be sold-out event. Remaining tickets can be purchased at MSG.com. The event is one of the fastest selling, highest grossing in the history of the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden since the venue was opened in 1968.

Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at 5:30 p.m. ET. Entrance to the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is at Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Street. VIP packages are also available to the event through MSG.com.

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight titles at Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Their eagerly awaited triple title showdown heads a stunning night of action that includes two further British championship contests.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry wiped out their rivals when purse bids were ordered for the showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue in Lichfield and promoter Frank Warren is backing his legion of fans to roar him on.

Warren said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage.

“The bill is outstanding and a big local crowd could be the difference come fight night. What a fight it will be.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to pick up the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight  Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

London, UK (15 July 2021) Towering at 6ft 1in and undefeated in eight fights all by KO, Irish welterweight Hitman Stevie McKenna has warned rival Conor Benn that he’ll be too big and strong for the “wee” Brit if and when they fight.

Speaking to Ali Drew for an exclusive interview on Hennessy Sports’ YouTube Channel, McKenna says that he’d be major threat to Benn who knows that the County Monaghan terror is too powerful and does not fancy the fight as he would lose his title, record and pride if he lost.

Unbeaten McKenna has caused a stir since his pro debut in the super-lightweight division with eight stunning stoppages, five have been wiped out in the opening round and only one has made it into the fifth, but now that the 24-year-old has moved up to the 147-pound ranks, he believes he will be an even more devastating force.

McKenna said, “I’m building into a big strong 147, I’m six foot one, I’ll fill into a massive 147. I was big for 140 so coming up for 147 I feel a lot stronger and working on my power punching. It’s going to be exciting at 147, there’s a lot of names out there that I’d be after. As you know Conor Benn’s one of them, I’d love to get him into the ring, if he’ll get into the ring with me. I don’t think he’d want it.”

“He knows, he knows I’m too big too and strong for him. I’d have no problem taking Conor Benn out of there. I’d fight him in the morning. Conor Benn’s really only a wee small super-lightweight. He’s not a 147, he’s very small, I’m too strong and big for him,”

“The 147 is a strong division at the moment and in the next two years I want to be up there winning a world title and be up there with them names. Hopefully next year we’ll get big fights and get Connor Benn next summer. It’s a fight that the fans in the UK and Ireland would love to see and it would be a big fight. We need big fights back in Ireland as well and it could happen there and in the UK the fans would love to see it,”

In the wide-ranging interview, McKenna talks about his recent sparring trip to England with Robbie Davies Jr.; sparring with brother Aaron and becoming joint World Champions; aiming to become Irish boxing’s next big star; his increased popularity since fighting live on Channel 5; fighting the best in the 147-pound division; the winner of the super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence and his new found love of horse riding and much more. To watch the interview CLICK HERE.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

By Norm Frauenheim-

Ray Beltran’s 23 years in the ring include lots of punches. Lots of lessons, too.

One of those lessons landed all over again Thursday. No payday is ever guaranteed. Beltran’s comeback fight Friday night at Legends Center in Maryvale on the west side of Phoenix has been cancelled. His scheduled opponent didn’t show up for the weigh-in Thursday.

Beltran (36-9-1, 22 KOs), a former lightweight champion, said he was told Wednesday night that Osorio just didn’t want to fight. The bout, which would have been Beltran’s first since a stoppage loss to Richard Commey in June 2019, was supposed to be at 143-pounds. Osorio (12-20-2, 8KOs), of Monterrey, Mex., was 2-6 over his last eight bouts.

“It’s disappointing,’’ said the 40-year-old Beltran, once Manny Pacquiao’s primary sparring partner. “You invest a lot of time and money into training and all.  But it’s part of boxing. Part of the business. I used to fight because of my passion for the game. I still do. But now I also see it as a business.’’

Beltran, who lives in Avondale on the west side of Phoenix, said he hopes to fight on a card featuring super-middleweight David Benavidez-versus-Jose Uzcatequi on Aug. 28. It was announced this week that the Showtime-televised card will be at Talking Stick Arena in a ring on the Suns home floor in downtown Phoenix.

Jose Benavidez Jr. is also expected to fight on the card. It would be Benavidez Jr.’s first bout since a 12^th-round stoppage loss to welterweight champion and pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford in October 2018. The Benavidez brothers grew up in Phoenix.

“That’s going to be a big night for Phoenix boxing,’’ said Beltran, who was brought to Phoenix from Mexico in the late 1990s by late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.

Beltran made his pro debut in Tucson in July 1999.

“At this stage, I just want to stay busy,’’ said Beltran, who says he will fight at junior-welterweight. “I’m hoping for August 28. Then, maybe in September. At this stage, I’ve got to stay busy. I can’t sit around and wait.’’

With the Beltran comeback off Friday night’s card, young featherweights Danny Barrios (5-0 1 KOs) and Edward Ceballos (9-3-1, 5 KOs) will fight in the main event for a 126-pound state title sanctioned by the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission. First bell is scheduled for 6 p.m.

SAN ANTONIO (July 15, 2021) – WBC, WBA and IBF world champion Jermell Charlo and WBO world champion Brian Castaño met face-to-face on Thursday at the final press conference to preview their undisputed 154-pound world championship showdown taking place this Saturday, July 17 live on SHOWTIME from AT&T Center in San Antonio in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Thursday’s press conference also featured unbeaten Interim WBA Lightweight Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and former title challenger Anthony Yigit, who meet in the co-main event, and unbeaten middleweight Amilcar Vidal and veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem, who battle in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The hard-hitting unified champion Charlo and the exciting Argentine Castaño will go toe-to-toe as all of the super welterweight championship belts are on the line for the first time in the four-belt era. The highly anticipated matchup will add to the long and storied history of major championship fights to take place in San Antonio.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.attcenter.com. Romero vs. Yigit is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from San Antonio:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I’m excited to be fighting back in Texas, but I’ll fight anywhere. As long as everyone tunes in, they know what time it is. I’m more than ready. I’m excited and anxious to get in the ring.

“This is a dream come true. I’ve wanted to be undisputed since I was a child because this is the highest you can reach in boxing. Being in this moment really makes me thankful to my whole team who helped me get to this point.

“Now is the time that me and my brother finally get the opportunity to show the world what we’re worth. This is the moment for us. Opportunities like this don’t come around too often, so I have to go out there and take advantage.

“I’m not old enough to think about the Hall of Fame yet. I’m just focusing on the right now. I have a goal to accomplish that will take 36 minutes or less on Saturday. I’ll look into everything else that this means after Saturday night.

“I don’t have any pressure on me. I’ve been in this position so many times in my life. If I felt the pressure, I wouldn’t be in this moment. He has to come and do his thing. He has to put the pressure on me and avoid these bombs I’m throwing.

“I can’t predict the future, but just know that I’m stronger and faster than I was before. I just feel like I’m ready. I have power in every punch I throw and I’m thankful for this opportunity to face another champion.

“I have the don’t blink attitude for this fight. You never know what could happen at any moment of any round. I’ve knocked people out in just about every round. We’re both in good shape, so we’re going to find out who’s better Saturday.

“A focused Jermell is the most dangerous Jermell there could be. I have different skill sets that I can implement in this fight no matter what Castaño does. I have a lot that I can do depending what Castaño brings.

“My loss was just all part of God’s plan. After the controversial loss, I got right back in there for the rematch. I had jet fuel in me and went on to unify and now we’re going to keep going. There’s no stopping the show.

“It’s dangerous for him to come forward and walk into shots. Most opponents that I’ve faced who’ve done that, I’ve put them out. We’ll see if he’s able to stand up to the power.

“I put my life on the line to feed my family. I have a lot of things that I need the boxing world to understand before my career is over. You can see that I’ve always faced tough opponents. My mindset was always stay focused, so you don’t get cut, like in the NFL. You have to work hard so nobody takes your position. That’s how I look at it mentally. I’m in a great position, but I still have a lot more to prove.”

BRIAN CASTAÑO

“For me and my team, this is yet another opportunity to lift Argentine boxing up and add another star to that legacy. That’s what I want and I’m enjoying this moment. I promise that on Saturday night, I’m going to leave it all in the ring for everybody.

“He has all the pressure on him being in his home state. I’ve been training so hard for nine months and I’m comfortable as the underdog. I always come in as the underdog, so I don’t feel any pressure.

“When it comes down to it, if I have to lower my punch output to put more power on my punches, then I will. I don’t like to focus on past fights, because we have our own game plans for this fight. I have a plan to come out victorious Saturday night.

“We have a war to fight on July 17. I’m not thinking about anything beyond that fight. My mind is fully set on becoming undisputed champion Saturday night.

“I guarantee the fans are going to enjoy this fight and won’t leave disappointed. Both of us are going to do whatever it takes to come out victorious and that will make sure the fans will love this fight.

“I want to make not only Argentina, but all of Latin America proud. That’s what I want to do on Saturday night.

“In the end, I can only focus on what I’m going to do. If Charlo wants to be more finesse, I can deal with that, and if he wants to brawl, then by all means I will welcome that as well.

“Seeing Argentina win the Copa America last Saturday night motivated me even more. Messi deserved his title, and he made the entire country happy. I hope that the party can continue a week later with an undisputed champion as well

“Height and reach are the only similarities between Jermell and Erislandy Lara and Michel Soro. He’s his own man and he’s certainly a tough opponent to face.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“I’m going to stop him in the first round on Saturday. I’m confident in what I say and what I’ll do in the ring.

“I love fighting lefties. I prepared to face a southpaw first in Austin Dulay anyway. This camp has been amazing. I can’t even talk about all the times I’ve stopped people in camp.

“Like every single time I fight, make sure you show up on time. If you show up late, you’re going to miss a knockout.

“I’m just a different fighter from these other lightweights. You can’t prepare for me because I’m awkward. No one has ever seen my style before, plus I have power.

“I’m just happy Yigit stepped up and took this fight. I’m used to people not taking fights with me. I can’t knock him on that.

“I said I like fighting southpaws because they’re easier to hit, simple as that. Look at what I do to southpaws. I didn’t have to change my preparation at all with the change in opponent. A southpaw is a southpaw, it’s not like he’s Manny Pacquiao.”

ANTHONY YIGIT

“I’m not worried about my layoff from the ring. I’m always training and making sure that I’m in shape and ready for fights like these.

“I fought for the world title once, so I know that people are going to try to bring me in last minute with my experience and try to catch me off-guard. I was already prepared for war, so everything worked out as planned.

“If anything, 135 pounds is my real weight class. In Europe I’ve done quite well at 140, so I didn’t feel like I needed to come down. When I fought for the title I realized 140 may be too big for me.

“I’m highly ranked at 140-pounds, so that’s just where I’ve been getting the best opportunities. Now I’m here, making my move to the States and there’s no better time for me to announce my presence.

“Fans can expect a great fight Saturday. I’m going to get the win by any means. That’s why I’m here. I understand his confidence. We’re both here to win. This is the perfect co-main event to get people warmed up for the main event.”

AMILCAR VIDAL

“I have a great opponent in front of me. He has a good resume in his own right. So I’m focusing on what I can do, because we’ve put in all the hard work in the gym and you’ll see it all in the ring on Saturday.

“With the effort that I put in to training camp, you can expect that I’m going to leave the ring victorious Saturday night.

“I feel great, absolutely motivated and ready to give 100% on Saturday night. We know that we have a quality opponent in front of us, but I have proven my worth and my skills. That’s the reason I’m here.

“We had a great training camp. It was hard and complicated at first to be so far away from Uruguay, because I’m very close to my family, but that’s part of the job. I am more and more motivated each day and I know that my family is supporting me from home. They are proud of me, for sure.”

“I hope to be able to honor my country and raise our flag up high. Both of Uruguay’s world champions, Cris (Namos) and Cecilia (Comunales) called me to wish me all the best and tell me they believe in me too.”

IMMANUWEL ALEEM

“I’m looking forward to being a world champion and it all starts Saturday. Whatever he’s going to bring, I’m going to be ready. I have one of the best trainers in the game in Ronnie Shields in my corner. This is not going to be an easy fight for him.

“I’ve been working with the champs. The best of the 154 and 160-pound division. So ring rust will not be a problem for me.

“Expect a real fight on Saturday. Everyone knows that when you step in with me, it’s going to be a real fight. There’s no easy fights with me.

“They want to see what Vidal can do in a big fight. We’ll find out if he has enough on Saturday, but no matter what, he’s in for a real test.”

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

“You don’t need me to tell you how big this card is. This is the undisputed 154-pound title. That’s all you have to say. We have six fighters up here with four losses between them. This is a high quality card from top to bottom.

“The opening bout between Vidal and Aleem is a co-feature or maybe a main event on any other network. ‘Rolly’ Romero is one of the most entertaining fighters at lightweight and he’s in against a tough substitute opponent in Anthony Yigit.

“This main event is the best against the best. Jermell is the consensus number one fighter in the division and we’re thrilled to have him back on SHOWTIME. But there’s another fighter who may have an argument about who is number one and that’s Castaño. This is a real fight and whoever emerges as the victor on Saturday night has earned the undisputed title.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO
Charlo vs. Castaño will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño battle for undisputed status at super welterweight as all four 154-pound belts hang in the balance for the first time in history on Saturday, July 17 live on SHOWTIME from AT&T Center in San Antonio in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature unbeaten Interim WBA Lightweight Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on lightweight contender Anthony Yigit in the co-main event, plus unbeaten middleweight Amilcar Vidal matching up against veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout that opens the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.attcenter.com. Romero vs. Yigit is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (July 15, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt onSaturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell face the toughest test of his career in former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“Guillermo Rigondeaux is one of the most skilled fighters in all of boxing and he will seek to add to his resume against the exciting three-division champion and reigning 118-pound titlist John Riel Casimero,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These are two fighters who have accomplished a lot in the sport, but each can elevate themselves to new heights with a victory on August 14. In the co-main event, Antonio Russell looks to announce himself as the next Russell brother in line for a world title, against the sturdiest test of his career in Emmanuel Rodríguez. Opening up the night of bantamweight duels, Rau’shee Warren can step closer to regaining a bantamweight championship when he faces Damien Vázquez. These three fights will have huge implications on the future of the bantamweight division, which always provides great action for the fans.”

A longtime champion of the 122-pound division, Rigondeaux (20-1, 13 KOs) moved down in weight and captured a WBA bantamweight title against Liborio Solis in February 2020 on SHOWTIME. Since turning professional in 2009 after one of the best amateur careers in history, Rigondeaux has showcased masterful technical skills that made him a unified super bantamweight world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. 

“This is a big fight for me and my team because we have a chance to win that WBO title,” said Rigondeaux. “Fighting on SHOWTIME once again is going to be fun and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Although I’ve been out of the ring for well over a year, I’m still in great shape and have plans to ruin Casimero’s dreams. I know he has a lot of power, but he’s fighting a man with excellent boxing skills and a high ring IQ. I’m going to box circles around Casimero and show him what ‘El Chacal’ is all about.  My trainer Ronnie Shields, and I have been working on some new tricks, so don’t be surprised if I knock him out.”

The 32-year-old Casimero (30-4, 21 KOs) of Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines will make his second title defense in this August 14 matchup, having successfully defended it for the first time by knocking out Duke Micah in September 2020. Casimero trains in Las Vegas and originally won the title with an impressive third-round stoppage of Zolani Tete in November 2019. The three-division champion had previously captured titles at flyweight and light flyweight in a career that dates back to 2007. This will be his third career fight in the U.S. and his second to take place at Dignity Health Sports Park.

“I am very excited to be back on SHOWTIME and fighting in Southern California where a lot of Filipino fans can come see me fight,” said Casimero. “I look forward to defending my title against Guillermo Rigondeaux. Rigondeaux is known to a lot of Filipino fans for beating my fellow countryman Nonito Donaire . I will show the boxing world how to beat Rigondeaux and send him into retirement once and for all.”

The middle brother between WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne, Antonio Russell (18-0, 12 KOs) announced his arrival amongst the bantamweight division contenders with a technical decision over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020 on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old from Capitol Heights, Md. turned pro in 2015 after an impressive amateur career. After four wins in 2019, Russell kicked off 2020 defeating Jesus Martinez in February.

“I’m very excited for this fight on August 14 on SHOWTIME,” said Russell. “I’ve put in the work and I’m always ready to fight, no matter when the call comes. I’m so focused right now. Rodriguez is the only thing on my mind and I’m ready to put on a show.”

The 28-year-old Rodríguez (19-2, 12 KOs) returns to action after dropping a controversial split-decision to Reymart Gaballo last December on SHOWTIME. Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez went on to lose the title to unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring for this fight,” said Rodríguez. “Everyone knows what happened in my last fight against Gaballo. This time, I’m not leaving it up to the judges. I’m going for the knockout and a statement victory.”

Warren (18-3, 4 KOs) bounced back from a close decision loss in a world title fight against then unbeaten former champion Nordine Oubaali in January 2019 by earning decisions over Gilberto Mendoza and Sharone Carter. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by split-decision. The 34-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

“Vázquez is not the type of fighter that can compete with me,” said Warren. “When they sent me the name, I looked at one of his fights and 10 seconds was all I needed to see. I really want to face Rigondeaux, but I’m going to handle this and I’m going to wait until I get who I want to get. I’ve been sparring with a lot of top amateurs and that’s been keeping me sharp. They throw punches in bunches and they’re keeping me on my toes heading into August 14.”

The 24-year-old southpaw Vázquez (15-2-1, 7 KOs) was born in Thornton, Col. and now fights out of Las Vegas. The younger brother of former two-time champion Israel Vázquez, he most recently lost to super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa last September after having previously scored a stoppage win over Alejandro Moreno in February of 2020. Vázquez turned pro in 2013 and reeled off 14 consecutive wins to begin his career in the paid ranks.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Vázquez. “I turned pro at sixteen-years-old, so I took a much needed break after the Brandon Figueroa fight. Now I’m back and more ready than ever. I’m back fighting at bantamweight and that’s for sure the best weight for me going forward. I’m ready to show the world what I’m capable of. This is going to be a war. Warren is a world class fighter, but if he thinks this is an easy fight, then he is totally mistaken and I’ll prove it on August 14.”

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