VERONA, N.Y. (Feb. 29, 2024) — Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs) will lock horns against American standout Raymond Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA featherweight world title this Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

This battle of unbeaten southpaws will see the WBA’s No.1 and No. 2 contenders compete in their first world title bouts.

In the co-feature, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) defends his IBF featherweight crown against Japanese contender Reiya Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs).

Kholmatov-Ford & Lopez-Abe headline a loaded bill streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 5:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. PT. The co-feature is scheduled to begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed action includes welterweight standout Brian Norman Jr. (25-0, 19 KOs), who takes on Janelson Bocachica (17-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder, and the return of middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs), who sees action in a six-rounder versus Charles Stanford (7-5, 4 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Otabek Kholmatov

“It has been my dream to fight for a world title. I’ve been training my whole life for this. I’m ready.”

“I love to fight. That’s all I have done in my life. So, I’m going to bring the fight on Saturday.”

“I’m very well prepared. It’s been a great training camp. Great sparring. Great coaches. Everything went well, and we are prepared for the fight.”

“Fighting for all the titles is a dream come true. Every fighter wants to become undisputed. That is the goal for me.”

Raymond Ford

“This means the world to me. I’ve been fighting my whole life for this opportunity. It’s finally here, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

“Shakur Stevenson is like a big brother to me. I’ve been sparring with him since I was in the amateurs. It’s really no different. Just now it’s more intense. It’s great always going to Houston. I get away from home and distractions. I can fully lock in, and that’s been the difference from my past few camps.”

“I’m willing to stay for one more fight at 126 if it’s to defend against a champion or a big money fight. If it makes sense, I’m definitely here for it. But it has to be right away. If not, I’m moving up to 130.”

Luis Alberto Lopez

“I’m anxious to step into the ring and anxious deliver a great fight to the people.”

“We know he’s a fighter who likes to move a lot. He likes to be on his toes and moving backward. But if he wants to be the new champion, he’s going to have to come here and fight. We will do everything possible to win early.”

“I’ve been looking for a unification fight for quite some time. When Mauricio Lara was a champion, I wanted to unify with him. When Robeisy Ramirez was a champion, I wanted to fight him. I’ve been asking for it.

“The faster a unification fight happens, the better for me. It would be great for my career.”

Reiya Abe

“I think Lopez is a good champion. But this will be the day that I show that I’m the best at 126 pounds.”

“The level of boxing in Japan has been improving, and I’m pleased to have been recognized there. The pressure has increased, but I consider it to be necessary to become stronger.”

“I believe that bringing back a victory is the best way to give back to everyone who has supported me.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“I’m back in the U.S. I’m back on home turf. I’ve made a lot of improvements in my last fight that a lot of people haven’t seen. So, you’re going to see a bigger jump in improvement. I’m really excited to show it.”

Brian Norman Jr.

“I’ve been in the same since I was seven. This is all I know. All I know is to throw hands. I won a WBO International belt, but it don’t mean nothing to me until I win a main belt. It was just one step to get to the big goal, which is to be undisputed in the welterweight division.”

Bryce Mills

“It’s always exciting to fight here and be able to have family and friends come out and watch me. There’s no better place to fight than in your backyard. So, it’s very exciting, and I feed off that energy.”

Saturday, March 2

FIRST BELL: ESPN+ (5:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. PT)
 

Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford, 12 rounds, Vacant WBA Featherweight World Title 

Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Reiya Abe 12 rounds, Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title 

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Janelson Bocachica, 10 rounds, WBO International Welterweight Title 

Floyd Diaz vs. Edwin Rodriguez, 8 rounds, bantamweight

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Charles Stanford, 6 rounds, middleweight

Brandon Moore vs. Helaman Olguin, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with an action-packed five-round main event featuring No. 5 ranked middleweight contender Marvin Vettori and No. 7 Brendan Allen. In addition, an exciting battle in the bantamweight division sees No. 11 ranked Norma Dumont take on returning former featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VETTORI vs. ALLEN takes place Saturday, April 6 in Las Vegas and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will start at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. 

Former title challenger Vettori (19-7-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) intends to start the year strong with a win in his pocket. Vettori is a versatile competitor who has claimed victories over Roman Dolidze, Paulo Costa, and Jack Hermansson. “The Italian Dream” now looks to deliver a finishing performance against Allen in the hope of gaining momentum for another shot at the title.

Allen (23-5, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) is currently on a hot streak with six straight wins under his belt. A powerful grappler with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he owns impressive submissions over Paul Craig, Bruno Silva, and Andre Muniz. Allen now hopes to prolong his win streak with a powerful showing against Vettori.

Brazil’s Dumont (10-2, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil)is determined to break into the bantamweight Top 10 with a stellar performance. Securing six wins in her last seven fights, Dumont has quickly risen through the rankings as she collected victories against Chelsea Chandler, Karol Rosa, and Danyelle Wolf. She’s now determined to make her mark with a big win.

De Randamie (10-4, fighting out of Utrecht, Netherlands) returns to action for the first time since 2020 in hopes for a chance at redemption for the bantamweight title. A former UFC featherweight champion, de Randamie boasts triumphs over Julianna Pena, Aspen Ladd, and Holly Holm. She’s now ready to assert her dominance in the Octagon once again in search of victory.

Additional bouts on the card include: 

• Trevor Peek (9-1 1NC, fighting out of Chattanooga, Tenn.) sets his sights on fellow lightweight Charlie Campbell (8-2, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.)
• Featherweights Alexander Hernandez (14-7, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of San Antonio, Texas) and Damon Jackson(22-6-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) collide
• Alatengheili (16-9-2, fighting out of Beijing, China) squares off with Victor Hugo (24-4, fighting out of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil) in a bantamweight bout
• Josh Fremd (11-5, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Penn.) meets undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series signee Cesar Almeida (4-0, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at middleweight
• Piera Rodriguez (9-1, fighting out of Maracaibo, Venezuela) takes on Cynthia Calvillo (9-6-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) at strawweight
• Welterweights Court McGee (22-12, fighting out of Orem, Utah) and Alex Morono (23-9, fighting out of Houston, Texas) battle it out
• Undefeated Valter Walker (11-0, fighting out of Moscow, Russia. by Rio das Ostras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) looks to take down Lukasz Brzeski (8-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Nowy Targ, Poland) at heavyweight
• Bantamweights Jose Johnson (16-8, fighting out of Copperas Cove, Texas) and Lucas Rocha (17-1, fighting out of Coari, Amazonas, Brazil) meet
• Dan Argueta (9-1 2NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) faces off with undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series signee Jean Matsumoto (14-0, fighting out of Braganca Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil) in a bantamweight bout
• Nora Cornolle (7-1, fighting out of Epinay Sur Seine, France) and Melissa Dixon (6-0, fighting out of Coventry, England) look to impress in an exciting bantamweight battle
• Ignacio Bahamondes (14-5, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Santiago, Chile) clashes with Christos Giagos (20-11, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) at lightweight

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

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About UFC^® 

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. 

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus/

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. 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 29, 2024) — Following an accelerated amateur career that saw him secure two national titles, super middleweight prospect “King” Julian Delgado is ready to launch his pro career in front of his hometown fans.
 
Delgado will face an opponent to be named in a four-round special attraction on Saturday, April 13, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Delgado’s pro debut and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
 
The ESPN-televised tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will feature a pair of 10-round heavyweight showdowns, as unbeaten phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson steps up in class to face Belgian contender Ryad Merhy.
 
In the co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello will collide in a showdown between 2016 Olympians.
 
The eight-round televised opener will see Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição taking on Mexico’s Jose Guardado.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Delgado’s journey in the sweet science began not long ago, in 2021. Nevertheless, he quickly found his calling and secured two National and State titles across an almost 40-fight amateur career. In 2023, the 22-year-old etched his name in Texas history by becoming the first Corpus Christi native to secure a National Golden Gloves title in four decades, following in the footsteps of former junior featherweight world champion Jesse Benavides. Less than a year later, Delgado is gearing up for his start in the paid ranks.
 
Delgado said, “This is a moment I have been manifesting and have been working towards day in day out for the last two years of my life. I cannot wait to shine in front of my friends and family and put on an exciting fight that showcases just how bright my future is. This is an opportunity to prove myself and demonstrate the hard work and dedication that has brought me to this point.”

 6×3 rounds welterweight contest

Elliot Whale 149lbs
Fernando Mosquera weighing in tomorrow

6×3 rounds super featherweight contest

Gully Power 129lbs
Angelo Turco 134lbs

6×3 rounds welterweight contest

Kaisee Benjamin 150.9lbs
Berman Sanchez 155.11lbs

4×3 rounds welterweight contest

Nick Leahy 147.11lbs
Jake Osgood 145.11lbs

UNDERCARD LIVE FROM 7PM ON DAZN

4×3 rounds featherweight contest

Tom Welland 126lbs
Esteban Troestch 121.1lbs

MAKE A KNOCKOUT BET WITH LADBROKES
Abass Baraou 1/2
Draw 16/1
Sam Eggington 7/4

8×3 super featherweight contest

Sultan Zuarbek 134.8lbs
Victor Julio 135.12lbs

4×3 heavyweight contest

Matty Harris 269.9lbs
Amine. Boucetta 231.11lbs

BBBofC Southern Area Super Middleweight title
10×3 rounds

Andrei Dascalu 166.12lbs
Joe Jackson-Brown 170lbs

6×3 middleweight contest

Ryan Kelly 163.6lbs
Ioan Alexandru Lutic 163.3lbs

LIVE ON CHANNEL 5 AT 10PM

EBU European Super Welterweight title
12×3 rounds

Abass Baraou 153.8lbs
Sam Eggington 153.11lbs

6×3 rounds super welterweight

Dan Toward 154.13lbs
Frank Madsen 154.10lbs

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Tickets for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship fight between current champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) will kick off tomorrow, Friday, March 1. The 12-round clash is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.

Tickets go on-sale at 10:00 a.m. ET and start at $100 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

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Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

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

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “This is a real throwback fight, and for the mainstream sports fan tuning in, this is Germany vs England and for the European championship.
“Abass is very slick, he finds the shot and he lands it, and looks to take you out of there.  Sam Eggington wears his heart on his sleeve and comes forwards, forwards, forwards.  Reverse?  No, not even on the register.  A guy who has won Fight of the Year twice and he’s only 30-years-old!  So you know this is going to be a night that is going to be a great advertisement for boxing.”

MAKE A KNOCKOUT BET WITH LADBROKES
Abass Baraou 1/2
Draw 16/1
Sam Eggington 7/4
Abass Baraou said: “I am just ready to fight anyone and be in the fights that will push me towards world title fights, that is the only thing I want.
“We are finally in fight week, I feel good, I feel great and I can’t wait for Friday night.
“I know Sam is a tough fighter who comes forward all night, he has been in wars and he has a lot of experience, but this is what I’m looking for and I can’t wait.
“I wasn’t aware that Sam has been involved in two Fight of the Year fights, but this doesn’t mean anything to me.  I am expecting to deal with everything he brings in the ring.”

Sam Eggington said: “Anyone who has watched me box before, knows I have one style and that is to get the job done – and we don’t get paid overtime.
“I have Plan A and my job is to make Plan A work.  From the moment I signed for this fight, I have had the feeling that it will catch fire at some point.  How soon it catches fire, is up to Abass because I don’t back down from a scrap.
“I don’t think this fight will go the 12 rounds.”

LOS ANGELES – February 28, 2024 – Top super welterweight contender Sebastian Fundora and hard-hitting Serhii Bohachuk will meet for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, March 30, but it will be far from the first time they’ve shared a ring, as Fundora explained ahead of his opening bout on the PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“We used to spar Bohachuk all the time,” said Fundora. “I sparred him a lot before I faced Ve’Shawn Owens and the fight after that. We stopped sparring around 2019, maybe early 2020. Bohachuk and I have sparred thousands of rounds together. But that’s in the past, we’re both in different places now as fighters.

“It’s an honor to have shared so many rounds with him. I wouldn’t rather have my first world title fight against anybody else. He’s a come forward fighter who throws a lot. I know he might be stronger now, but that same aggressive style is what I see. My job is to show the difference between us on March 30.”

A native of Coachella, California, Fundora and his father and trainer Freddy have moved training camp up to the Tehachapi mountains in Southern California. Despite the change in scenery, little has changed for the close-knit team.

“We’re up in the mountains this time with the snow, rain and bears, but other than that it’s the same camp and same team that’s gotten us to this point,” said Fundora. “We’ve been getting great work here so far and we’re on track for March 30. For me, training camp is about doing what I’m told. It’s a small circle, and my dad is the leader of it all. If I get out of line, he’s right there to show us the better path.”

Fundora will return to the ring for the first time since suffering the first and only defeat of his pro career, via KO last April against Brian Mendoza. Ahead on all three cards at the time of the stoppage, Fundora explained how he was able to move on quickly from the defeat and while there are some changes that have been made, his signature all-action style remains.

“The next day after the loss we went hunting,” said Fundora. “My dad told me not to worry about it too much. As fast as you go up in this sport, you can go down. I took maybe a month off to enjoy myself, but then I was right back into camp. We took more of a ‘washing the hands’ type of approach to the loss. All you’re really going to see from going back is the knockout. During the fight, I know I was ahead, but it went the way it went. So you have to throw it all out and move on.

“I’m a more mature Towering Inferno, but fans can expect a show like always. I don’t plan on taking that out of my game. But overall it’s going to be the best Sebastian Fundora.”

As he heads into March 30, Fundora will look to become the second world champion in his family, after his younger sister Gabriela captured the IBF Flyweight World Championship last October. For the elder son, he believes it’s an opportunity to stamp the legacy of his father’s training talent.

“It’s a blessing to be in this position. My sister just won a title, so it’s time for me to catch up,” said Fundora. “It’s my turn and I’m happy that if everything goes right, my father will have two world champions. It shows how good of a coach he is, even if he likes to stay behind the scenes. It shows us that we’re the real deal.”

With a win against Bohachuk, Fundora will be in line for a potential unification opportunity against reigning WBO 154-pound World Champion Tim Tszyu, who competes in the March 30 main event. A possible clash between the two would pit two action fighters, and perhaps the top two fighters overall currently campaigning in the division, against each other.

“Of course I’d want to face Tim Tszyu next if we both win,” said Fundora. “He’s the number one guy in the division and I’d be right under him after my fight. I want that fight and I’ll be waiting for it.”

Tickets for the live event on March 30, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.

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ABOUT THURMAN VS. TSZYU & ROLLY VS. PITBULL

The stacked inaugural four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video is topped by two-time world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman dueling rising star and reigning world champion Tim Tszyu in the main event plus 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meeting in the co-main event on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will also see Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defend his belt against No. 1 rated mandatory challenger Michael Zerafa, plus all-action super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will meet fast-charging contender Serhii Bohachuk for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship in the pay-per-view opener.

The card marks the debut event for PBC Pay-Per-View available through Prime Video since the parties announced a landmark, multiyear rights agreement in December. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #ThurmanTszyu and #RollyPitbull, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

Argentina’s Sol Cudos and Venezuela’s Roxana Colmenarez will contest the World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin minimum weight belt this Saturday at the F.A.B. Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Cudos will be at home and will face a fighter who comes with desire in a fight that looks pretty even if you take into account the record and the rivals of both. 

The local fighter is 26 years old and will be going to her second opportunity for a regional title of the pioneer organization. Last year she disputed this same belt but in the flyweight category and ended in a draw with the Colombian Olga Julio. Now she will be at 105 pounds in search of this belt that eluded her in 2023. 

Colmenarez comes from a unanimous decision loss against the legend Yésica Bopp last December 16, a fight that represented a great test for the Caribbean fighter, who gave a good performance against a high caliber opponent. Now she will have this opportunity to vindicate herself in Argentinean soil and wants to use the experience of that fight to achieve a victory. 

 Dios has 6 wins, 2 draws and 1 knockout. Colmenarez, on the other hand, comes into the fight with 9 wins, 2 setbacks, 1 draw and 7 knockouts.

Julian Smith participated in one of the first World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight regional title fights of February. The American fighter knocked out Cuban Orestes Velazquez on February 2 to win the International belt of the pioneer organization. 

Smith dominated the fight from the very first round with an advantage on the scorecards at the end of the ninth round (86-80, 85-81 and 85-81) prove it. The technical knockout at the end was just the icing on the cake for the Illinois native, which took place at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. 

Smith, 33, has been making a name for himself through hard work and effort. Being deaf has made him a special case in boxing, but his victories have gotten him to where he is.

His boxing history is also curious because he started boxing at the age of 20 and his training did no start as a child like most of the professional boxers. However, he has shown that talent and hard work pays off. 

Since his debut in 2018 he has been evolving inside the ring, overcoming obstacles and having increasingly complicated opposition. His victory against Velazquez was a sign of that progress. 

Both in life and in the ring he has encountered difficult moments. The passing of his brother in 2012 brought him into boxing and once there he has had to walk a path of adaptation in which he has bounced back from defeats and moved on. 

Smith has raised the flag for his community and is a reference within it. He is now at the top of his game and his recent victory puts him in a great position going forward. 

His victory to start the month puts him with a record of 8 wins, 2 losses and 5 knockouts as he awaits the next challenge in his growing career.

After almost three years the featherweight champion, Amanda Serrano, will fight again in Puerto Rico. This Saturday she will defend her World Boxing Association (WBA) belt, in addition to the IBF and WBO versions against Nina Meinke at the Miguel Argrelot Coliseum, in San Juan, in the main event.

The home fighter will make a new exhibition in her country, where she last fought against Daniela Bermudez in March 2021. Most of Serrano’s career has taken place in the United States, where she has left her flag high and has written her history as one of the best of all time.

Now she will return home for a 12-round, 3-minute bout, her second in a row, with the likes of Jake Paul joining her on the card. Serrano will take part in the main event and will try to keep her winning streak, which now stands at four wins with her last loss coming in 2022 against Katie Taylor in a lightweight fight.

Meinke comes as a visitor and has been preparing in the Dominican Republic to get used to the Caribbean climate. The 30-year-old German comes in with six straight wins and with the intention of hurting the local’s party, a tough challenge but one for which she is fully motivated and confident.

Other young prospects like Krystal Rosado or the young Javon Walton will be in action in this great event that promises to be a full house in San Juan. Serrano has a record of 46 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 30 knockouts, while Meinke has 18 wins, 3 losses and 4 knockouts.Serrano to fight at home vs. Meinke.

The fight for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title between Otabek Kholmatov and Raymond Ford will be one of the most interesting fights this Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. Two young and undefeated fighters will be competing for the black and gold belt in a fight that looks very evenly matched. 

Kholmatov is ranked No. 1, while Ford is ranked No. 2 and both were ordered to fight each other once the belt was vacated by former champion Leigh Wood’s move up the division. 

Uzbek Kholmatov is 25 years old and began his professional career in 2021. Since then he has been growing rapidly, having resounding victories and his results have moved him to the top of the 126-pound rankings. 

Ford, 24, is a New Jersey native, so he will be close enough to home for his championship fight. He has been able to overcome obstacles and win tough fights, which has given him experience. In his most recent fight he soundly defeated Jessie Magdaleno on the scorecards and that made him ready for this challenge. 

Both fighters are undefeated, young and southpaw, which will give a plus to this fight. Kholmatov has 12 wins, 11 by knockout, while Ford has 14 wins, 1 draw and 7 knockouts.

QUINCY, Mass. (February 28, 2024) – The Sumpter brothers will be fighting on the same card for the first time in 21 months on the March 23rd “Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” card, presented on Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

Fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), undefeated IBA Americas Super Middleweight Champion Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Antonio Louis “Tony The Best” Hernandez (7-18-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round, non-title fight, while his older brother, heavyweight Quintin Sumpter (6-2, 4 KOs), faces Zach Calmus (3-2, 2 KOs), of Gloucester (MA), in a four-round bout.

The Sumpters aren’t the only siblings fighting on this card as the fightin’ Whitley brothers, undefeated welterweight Denzel (13-0, 7 KOs) and junior welterweight Derrick Jr. (7-4-1, 0 KOs), will be fighting on the same card as professional boxers.

Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley will make his first title defense in a rematch with Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-1-1, 5 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Last December 19th at The Palladium, Whitley captured the vacant Junior NABF title with a 10-round split decision over the previously unbeaten Larson, who fights out of Salem (MA), by scores of 99-90, 97-92, 92-97, also at The Palladium

Whitley’s older brother, southpaw Derrick, will be fighting former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (19-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event.

Steve Sumpter was scheduled to fight last week, but his opponent pulled out of the fight late, and he has been added to “Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” show. As Sumpter explained, the delay is only 30 days and he’s stayed in the gym training hard and sparred quality, experienced fighters from Canada, two-time world lightweight heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (36-7-1, 20 KOs) and two-time world middleweight title challenger Steven Butler (33-4-1, 27 KOs).

“It’s been a while since I fought on the same card as my brother,” Steve said. “We feed off each other. We’ve always supported each other whenever we fight whether it’s on the same show or not. We’re fighting not too far from home (Pittsfield, MA) and should have a good crowd there for us.

“I’ve watched my opponent fight on tape. He’s a tough opponent with a deceiving record. He’s fought a lot of good fighters. I never look past anybody because they all have a puncher’s chance. In 2024, I hope to be fighting on a bigger stage because I’m a grinder”

Quintin, who will be fighting on the same card as Steve for the fourth time as professionals, hasn’t fought since last August and he’s raring to go.

“It’s always better for us (brothers) to fight on the same card because we push each other and not nicely,” Quintin explained. “We talk trash but it’s good training. We pretty much have the same fans from Pittsfield, Springfield and New York (where he was born). I love fighting in Worcester; anywhere is good, but at the Palladium we want to perform extra good.

“I know my opponent is a bare-knuckles fighter. He works like a machine and brings a lot more offense than I’m used to. I was a little down after my last fight (controversial loss by decision), but I’ve been working on my offense since then.”

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $50.00 (balcony), $90.00 (mezzanine), $125.00 (floor) and $650.00 (booth of 4) and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Las Vegas (February 28, 2024) – 4-Division world champion and Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez has confirmed that he will appear at the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with a mega fight that will take place later that evening in Las Vegas, featuring boxing star Canelo Alvarez.

Marquez will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend. 

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III.  

Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

Marquez will make his fourth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Marquez will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Dinamita” 

Marquez joins Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced. 

About Juan Manuel Marquez

Marquez is a Mexican former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2014. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the class of 2020. Marquez is the third Mexican boxer (after Erik Morales and Jorge Arce) to become a world champion in four weight classes, having held nine world championships including the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO featherweight titles between 2003 and 2007; the WBC super featherweight title from 2007 to 2008; the WBA (Super), WBO, Ring magazine and lineal lightweight titles between 2008 and 2012; and the WBO junior welterweight title from 2012 to 2013. In a career that spanned over twenty years, Marquez was known for being a fast and highly technical boxer who was exceptionally skilled at combinations and counterpunches, yet also willing to engage in slugfests with opponents. He was also credited for his toughness, and never lost a fight by stoppage. His most notable bouts include his four-fight saga with Manny Pacquiao and his fight against fellow Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera. Marquez is considered to be one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time, and is ranked by BoxRec as the 30th greatest boxer of all time, as well as second best Mexican fighter of all time, pound for pound. In 2008, The Ring ranked him as the world’s second-best active boxer, pound for pound.

?About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Kholmatov vs. Ford will be presented live this Saturday, March 2, at approximately 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, exclusively on ESPN+. The event takes place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

In the main event, Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov will fight Raymond Ford for the vacant WBA featherweight world title. This duel of unbeaten southpaws will see the WBA’s No.1 and No. 2 contenders making their inaugural world title appearances. 

Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs), a former international amateur champion, debuted as a pro in August 2021 and secured nine impressive victories before the year ended. Last March, Kholmatov traveled to enemy territory to battle undefeated British contender Thomas Patrick Ward. The Uzbek powerhouse dropped Ward three times, forcing his corner to throw in the towel in the fifth round.

Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) was a two-time national Golden Gloves champion before entering the paid ranks in March 2019. In fifteen pro fights, he has only had one blemish, a draw against then-unbeaten Aaron Perez in March 2021. Since then, the 24-year-old native of Camden, New Jersey, has gone 6-0 with three knockouts, including wins over undefeated prospects Edward Vazquez and Richard Medina, as well as a victory over former world champion Jessie Magdaleno.

In the co-feature, Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez defends his IBF world crown against Japanese contender Reiya Abe. 

Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs), the fighting pride of Mexicali, Mexico, captured the IBF strap by dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, last December. In May, the 30-year-old traveled to Belfast and beat hometown hero Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO. Lopez defended his title against division mainstay Joet Gonzalez, emerging victorious via unanimous decision after 12 hard-fought rounds in September. 

Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs), the IBF No. 1 featherweight contender, suffered a few early-career setbacks before a breakout performance against then-undefeated Ren Sasaki in October 2020. The 30-year-old southpaw is unbeaten in five bouts since the Sasaki triumph. He is coming off a points victory in a world title eliminator against former two-division world champion Kiko Martinez. 

Undercard action, including the returns of Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (11-0, 7 KOs) and Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs), begins at 5:20 p.m. ET/ 2:20 p.m. PT. 

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok 

Kholmatov vs. Ford (All Times ET)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 28, 2024) — Undefeated heavyweight phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson is angling for another big knockout. The fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, steps up in class to face Belgian contender Ryad Merhy on Saturday, April 13, in the 10-round main event at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello will meet in a battle of 2016 Olympians.

The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao, as he looks to keep his junior lightweight world title hopes alive against the upset-minded Jose Guardado.

Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and Conceição Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.

“Jared Anderson is the most exciting young heavyweight in the world, and he’s stepping up against his toughest opponent to date. Corpus Christi is a great fight town, and I can’t wait for the fans there to have a front row seat for the future heavyweight champion,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Efe Ajagba is one of the division’s biggest punchers, but Guido Vianello is a skilled fighter who demanded a step up in competition. If you like heavyweights, this is a can’t-miss card.”

Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) had a banner 2023 that saw him go 3-0 with a pair of knockouts. In April, he ended the unbeaten run of George Arias, stopping the Dominican slickster in only three rounds. Less than three months later, Anderson made his triumphant Toledo homecoming and faced former world champion Charles Martin in front of more than 7,000 adoring fans. Anderson earned a clear 10-round decision over Martin and carried that momentum to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in August, where he stopped Andriy Rudenko in five rounds.

“This is going to be the start of a big year, and I can’t wait to show out in front of the fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching on ESPN,” Anderson said. “Merhy is a solid fighter, but he has never faced a heavyweight like me. He’ll see that in person on April 13.”

Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs) is an Ivory Coast native who was raised in Belgium, where most of his pro fights have taken place. He won a secondary cruiserweight world title in 2021 and then moved up in weight to pursue heavyweight glory. Merhy saw his seven-bout winning streak end when he dropped a 12-round decision to Kevin Lerena in Lerena’s home country of South Africa. Last December, he traveled to Paris for a bout with hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka. He upset Yoka by split decision to breathe new life into his heavyweight campaign.

“After ending 2023 with a great performance, I am looking for another great performance, this time on American soil against the ‘future heavyweight hope,’” Merhy said. “What I like about my current position is that I have nothing to prove. I accepted this fight because I don’t see Anderson as a big danger. It’s up to him to prove himself against a small heavyweight like me. I feel no pressure. See you on April 13, Jared.”

Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) reignited his career following his first defeat, an October 2021 decision against Frank Sanchez. He began his 2023 campaign in January with a 10-round decision over then-unbeaten Stephan Shaw and continued that momentum with a fourth-round disqualification victory over Zhan Kossobutskiy in August. Ajagba finished the year in grand fashion with November’s fourth-round stoppage over one-time amateur nemesis Joe Goodall.

“I remember Guido from the Rio Olympics, and he is a very skilled and powerful fighter,” Ajagba said. “My goal is to become heavyweight champion, and in order for me to accomplish my dream, I have to be at my best against Guido.” 

Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) suffered a stroke of bad luck on the Ajagba-Shaw undercard, losing via sixth-round TKO to Jonnie Rice due to a cut eye caused by a punch. He was leading on the cards when the fight was stopped. Vianello bounced back nine months later, shutting out veteran Curtis Harper over eight rounds. He then returned to his knockout ways in February, blasting out Moses Johnson in one round on the O’Shaquie Foster-Abraham Nova undercard in New York City.

Vianello said, “This is a big opportunity for me to fight one of the top heavyweights in the world, and I did not hesitate when it was offered. I am ready to step up to the plate, and I look forward a great fight on April 13.”

Conceição (17-2-1, 8 KOs), Brazil’s first-ever Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in November 2016. He dropped decisions in world title contests to Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson, and in November 2023, he recovered from a pair of knockdowns to salvage a draw against three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete. Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs), from Ensenada, Mexico, has never fought outside of his home country and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Aramis Solis last November.

In scheduled undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

• Puerto Rican junior lightweight southpaw Henry Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs), who is ranked in the top 10 by the WBO and IBF, will face Filipino contender Charly Suarez (16-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Lebron turned away unbeaten prospect William Foster III by majority decision last November to continue his climb up the rankings.
   
• Corpus Christi-born welterweight prospect John Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs) looks to thrill the hometown fans in a six-rounder. Rincon fought at American Bank Center last September and tallied a six-round decision over Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera.
   
• One of the sport’s fastest-rising stars, lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason (12-0, 10 KOs), returns in an eight-rounder against Ronal Ron (14-5, 11 KOs). Mason, a 19-year-old southpaw prodigy from Cleveland, Ohio, obliterated Benjamin Gurment with an overhand left in the second round on the Teofimo Lopez-Jamaine Ortiz undercard in Las Vegas.
   
• Featherweight contender Ruben Villa (21-1, 7 KOs) will fight Mexican veteran Cristian Cruz Chacon (22-6-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder

Orlando, FL (February 28, 2024) – Junior lightweight contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz returns to the ring Saturday, March 2 to face once-beaten Headley Scott at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The ten round super featherweight contest is for the WBA Continental Latin America championship and takes place on the undercard of undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano’s title defense against Nina Meinke.

Action kicks off at 4:30 PM ET live on DAZN YouTube channel, with the main card kicking off at 7 pm on DAZN.

Living in Orlando and a native of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, Diaz is 27-4 with 17 wins by knockout. The former two-time world title challenger is known for his fan-friendly style and is regarded among boxing’s most exciting fighters. He’ll return from a 22-month layoff and do so against a hungry opponent looking for a career-defining victory.

Born in Brooklyn, NY and residing in Jonesboro, GA, Scott’s an outstanding 18-1 with 12 KO’s. A pro since 2014, Scott scored most of his knockouts within two rounds.

Amaury Piedra of Boxlab Promotions said “we are thrilled to have Chris return to the ring after his time off. He had a medical issue to deal with, but the time off has been great for him. After so many tough fights against the likes of Navarrette and Dogboe he is feeling fresh and better than ever. This is just the first step in his journey towards once again challenging and winning a world title in the 130 pound division. The fact that we can showcase him in Puerto Rico in front of his many fans is great! We thank our partners at Most Valuable Promotions for this opportunity.”

The card is presented by Most Valuable Promotions. A limited number of tickets from $35 are available at Coliseodepuertorico.com/boxeoamamdaserrano/#series-buy. 

NEW YORK CITY, NY (February 27, 2024): Former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) hosted a press conference in New York City to promote their 12-round super lightweight world championship clash. The fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.

DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY: WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“DAZN, they put the bounty up. On April 20th I’m capturing the bounty and we coming home with the victory inshallah.”

“KING” RYAN GARCIA, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:
“When I first came into the game, I just wanted to make a bunch of money and then I did that. But now I want to go for the legacy, I wanna go for the belts and Devin’s in the way. I’m on my vengeance arc. I’m ready to get back in blood in everything so I’m coming straight for his neck. I promise you, I’m coming straight for you, it’s going to be ugly.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“This is the weight class to watch, this is the fight to watch, the best fighting the best. When I started Golden Boy, that was my vision to have the best fight the best and we’re here now today. I’m super excited because when you build a star you must fight in New York.”

If you guys didn’t know they fought 6 times already in the amateur and they’re three and three, so this one does count. This fight here is like they say – for all the marbles – this fight here is to see who the best fighter at 140-pound division.”
BERNARD HOPKINS, PARTNER OF GOLDEN BOY:
“So now that we are here a lot of us gotta be mindful when we ask for something because what you ask for, you might not want when you get it. These two young fighters, these two young men, not kids, gotta understand that to be great you must do great things and fight the best in the division… and that’s what Golden Boy’s set out to do.”
BILL HANEY, MANAGER, DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS:
“An assignment that Devin sent me to do was to approach the only human being that’s a Hall of Fame fighter and a Hall of Fame promoter and thats Oscar de la Hoya. I put the honest on him, I said listen when you were when you were Hall of Fame fighter you fought everybody so as a Hall of Fame promoter I put the honest on you that you are now going to make the fight between two guys in their prime just like you did.”

#

Haney vs. Garcia is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20 on DAZN PPV.

The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Magna Media will be handling credentials for this fight. Media interested in applying for a fight night credential must fill out an application by EOD Friday, April 5, 2024. Link to the application can be found at https://bit.ly/HaneyGarciaFightNightCreds.

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

BROOKLYN, NY (February 27, 2024) – Rising super bantamweight prospect, Khalid Twaiti (13-0, 5 KOs), hailing from Brooklyn, New York, added another impressive win to his undefeated record after defeating Ira Terry (28-30, 16 KOs) at the John T Rhodes Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on February 16, 2024. Advised by recognized boxing advisor Amer Abdallah, Twaiti is quickly being known as one of the top prospects in the super bantamweight division.

In a hard-fought battle, Twaiti showed great resilience, outclassing Terry over the course of the fight. With his precision punching and ring intelligence, Twaiti secured a well-deserved victory, further cementing his reputation as a skilled boxer puncher.

Reflecting on his recent triumph, Twaiti expressed his growing confidence with each fight. “It felt great to be back in the ring with a veteran. I plan to fight multiple times this year and be line for a world title shot by the end of the year InshaAllah”

Twaiti has been on an upward trajectory, with each fight showcasing his development as a professional fighter. Abdallah, impressed by Twaiti’s progress, emphasized his satisfaction with the young prospect’s performance.

“I was happy seeing Khalid get some rounds in and shake some of the ring rust off,” said Abdallah. “As long as he’s active, he will be a force to be reckoned within the division. We have big plans for him, domestically and internationally. He has a great team around him, including former 140-pound world champion Sadam Ali, who is instrumental in his progress.”

Looking ahead, Twaiti is gearing up for his next challenge, as he looks to get back in the ring in the next couple of months. With his sights set on furthering his undefeated streak, Twaiti remains focused and determined to make his mark in the super bantamweight bantamweight division.

Wasserman Boxing is proud to confirm that Abass Baraou has signed a new deal with the company.

The world-rated super welterweight will continue to be promoted by Wasserman Boxing, under the guidance of Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, who have been by his side since he made his professional debut in 2018.

Baraou fights for the vacant EBU European Super Welterweight title on Friday night in Telford, against Sam Eggington, live and free-to-air on Channel 5 from 10pm.

The German is ranked at No7 with the World Boxing Association and the former European Amateur Championships gold medal winner, is ready to catapult his career to new heights this week by claiming the European crown.

Abass Baraou said: “I am happy to have signed a new deal with Wasserman Boxing and to carry on my mission to become world champion with Kalle and Nisse.  

“There is nobody better than Wasserman Boxing to deliver the big fights I want and that all starts on Friday night, with the European title. And with Jorge Rubio as my coach, I feel very confident in the future.

“I have some huge opportunities ahead of me on the international stage this year and my team and I have a good plan to achieve my dreams. On Friday night, I become the new European champion and officially put the world title holders on notice.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “Everyone at Wasserman is delighted that Abass will continue to be part of Team Wass and we can’t wait to help guide the next stage of his career.

“Abass is one of the world’s best super welterweights and he begins a huge 2024 by challenging for the European Super Welterweight title in a brilliant fight with Sam Eggington on Friday night.  

“Abass is a sleeping giant at 154lbs and as he moves into his prime, he is ready for any and all-comers.  This year is going to be a big one for Abass as he proudly flies the flag for his country and bids to become Germany’s next world champion.”

Heavyweight Matty Harris has been buoyed by a message of support from Anthony Joshua as he sets out on the road to redemption this week.

Harris returns to the ring on Friday night, on the Wasserman Boxing show at the Telford International Centre, following a shock first defeat of his career last summer.

The 24-year-old, from Leamington Spa, was stopped by Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in Edinburgh in July and has now teamed up with world renowned coach Peter Fury in a bid to get back in the heavyweight mix as soon as possible.

Harris – known as ‘Magic’ – takes on Belgium’s Amine Boucetta over four rounds later this week and heads into his return having sparred Francis Ngannou, UFC champion Tom Aspinall and Hughie Fury, among others.

Messages of support have also come from a number of British heavyweights, including Dereck Chisora, Frazer Clarke and the man who faces Ngannou next week – Joshua.

On messages from AJ and others, Harris said:  “A lot of people, including AJ, have reached out, exchanging some nice words, which has been nice.
“And, of course, it’s encouraging to hear these messages.  I guess if they thought I was rubbish, and couldn’t box, then they may not bother and so they reached out because it was a shock defeat.  I am now putting the work in to right those wrongs.”

On sparring Ngannou, the former UFC star who has crossed over to boxing, Harris said:
“If you let him hit you, then he has heavy hands and he is an incredibly strong individual.
“But I was surprised what he did to Tyson Fury.  I expect AJ to go straight through him on March 8.”

On sparring UFC interim heavyweight title holder, Aspinall, Harris said: “He’s a decent boxer!  And he could’ve got to a very decent level in boxing.  He has really good feet, he’s absolutely a good mover and it was Peter who taught him how to box.”

On what it’s like being trained by Peter Fury, Harris said:  “I knew it was going to be hard, it’s my medicine!
“I have to go through this to become better.  Peter has trained world champions before and so I have plenty to learn with him.  He is very old-school in terms of his mindset to the way we do things and you can’t help but appreciate it and there is no substitute for hard work.  And it doesn’t matter how I’m feeling, I just have to get in there and get the work done.”

HOUSTON, TX (February 26, 2024) – In a bold statement, undefeated WBA World Champion David Morrell Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs) has declared that rising star Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs), who is fresh off his sixth-round knockout over Padraig McCrory (18-1, 9 KOs), is nowhere near his level and that he would dispatch him in just one round if given the chance.

Morrell Jr., coming off a string of impressive victories, since his dominant performance over Alantez Fox to capture the WBA World title, minced no words in his assessment of Berlanga’s recent success.

“Berlanga is simply not on my level,” said Morrell Jr. “I’ve watched his fights, and I see nothing that worries me. Berlanga sucks, and I would destroy him. If we ever step into the ring together, I’ll knock him out in one round, guaranteed.”

With his sights set on solidifying his status as one of the most formidable champions in the division, Morrell Jr. remains fearless by any challenge that comes his way.

“I’m here to prove that I’m the best,” concluded Morrell Jr. “Whether it’s Berlanga, or anyone else, I’ll be ready to step into the ring and show the world what I’m made of. I’m the best fighter in the super middleweight division, and soon everyone will know that.”

As anticipation builds for his next move, fans eagerly await Morrell Jr.’s next title defense, eager to witness his explosive talents in action once again.

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (February 26, 2024) – Heavyweight Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle remained undefeated, improving his professional boxing record to 7-0 with seven knockouts, as he headlined for the first time on last Saturday night’s “Fight Night at the Vets Club” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), in front of a packed house at cozy Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

GCP partnered with the Bridgewater-based charitable organization, Fire For Effect Foundation, which honors and empower veterans, first responders and their families by providing essential resources, support and community-building initiatives that foster resilience, restore hope, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Go to www.ffefinc.org for more information.

Fighting out of Scituate (MA), Nagle not only headlined for the first time, he also was in his first scheduled six-round fight, only a month after his previous bout. It was appropriate for a military veteran who was deployed overseas twice and works at the Brockton VA hospital in Brockton (MA) as a psychiatric nurse to shine at the Bridgewater Veterans Club.

Nagle immediately established his strength advantage, using his 287 ½ pound frame to punish his opponent, Mexican Alfred “Concho” Trevino (9-11-1, 1 KO), right from the opening bell. Trevino hit the canvas in the first round from a powerful right to the body and Nagle closed the show in the second round, stopping Trevino with a pair of right-handed punches that both landed on the button.

Nagle explained after the fight that he and his head trainer, Steve Vukosa, worked hard on being quicker in this fight, moving his feet along with his punching at a more accelerated pace than in his past fights. He even looked nimbler than before, cutting off the ring to consistently trap his opponent on the ropes and in the corner.

Marshfield welterweight prospect Joe Bush (2-0, 2 KOs), a silver medalist at the 2023 New England Golden Gloves Tournament, had the largest group of supporting fans in attendance. They stood and cheered as the 26-year-old Bush outclassed veteran Rakim Johnson (7-23-1, 5 KOs). Bush dropped the game Johnson four times, displaying accurate punching with good pop, until the fight ended in the third round after a double left-hook. 

In the Fight of the Night, Medford (MA) super middleweight Greg “Iron” Bono (2-1-1, 1 KO) and Brazilian Bruno Dias (1-13-1, 0 KOs) fought to a thrilling four-round majority draw in which Bono won on one judge’s scorecard (39-37). The other two judges scored the entertaining fight, 38-38, and the momentum went back and forth between the two fighters during the entire four rounds.

Former Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (5-3, 1 KO) was in action again for the first time in more than a year, fighting off early rust against Brazilian Igor Pessoa (0-8) for an impressive second-round technical knockout, one year to the day after his first surgery. In his previous fight, Andreozzi shattered the tip of his fibula into pieces and completely severed a few ligaments when he attempted to walk it off. Tony had two surgeries and had a plate inserted, as well as five screws and a bolt that resulted in a bone infection.

New Hampshire middleweight Ricky Ford scored two wins in one fight. He looked sharp against Erick Alves (0-2), who was decked in the corner at the end of round one by an overhand right. He took a knee in the second round after getting hit by a wicked body shot and the end came in the following round, the result of a sweet left hook. After the fight, Ford dropped to a knee in the middle of the ring to propose marriage to his longtime girlfriend who happily accepted.

In the opening bout of the evening, relentless New Hampshire middleweight Ryan Clark (4-5, 2 KOs) pressured Jay Gregory (0-10-1) from start to finish in their rematch enroute to a shutout decision as he won all four rounds on each of here judges’ scorecard (40-36 X3). 

Bridgewater TV taped the entire show live for viewing this week.

Granite Chin returns March 23^rd in Worcester (MA) with “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3.”

____________________________________________________________________

Complete Results Below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT — HEAVYWEIGHTS

Kevin Nagle (7-0, 7 KOs), Scituate, MA

WKO2 (0 :36)

Alfred Trevino (9-11-1, 1 KO), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Anthony Andreozzi (5-3, 2 KOs), Swansea, MA

WTKO2 (0:24)

Igor Pessoa (0-8), Woburn, MA by way of Brazil

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Greg Bono (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Medford, MA

MD4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38)

Bruno Dias (1-13-1, 0 KOs), Woburn, MA by way of BraziL

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Ryan Clark (4-5, 2 KOs), Berwick, NH

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)

Jay Gregory (0-10-1), Auburn, NY

Ricky Ford (5-1-2, 3 KOs), Claremont, NH

WTKO3 (2:01)

Erick Alves (0-2), Malden, MA.

WELTERWEIGHTS

Joe Bush (2-0, 2 KOs), Marshfield, MA

WTKO3 (1:49)

Rakim Johnson (7-23-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

_______________________________________________________________ 

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (February 26, 2024) – Moroccan super featherweight Jaouad “The Moroccan Bomber” Belmehdi (19-1-3, 9 KOs) embodies the spirit of the innovative “Rising Stars Arabia” pro boxing series, which showcases rapidly developing Arab boxers on a worldwide platform, veterans and prospects alike.

Belmehdi takes on undefeated Alfred Lamptey (13-0, 9 KOs), of Ghana, in the 10-round main event this Saturday (March 2) on the third installment of “Rising Stars Arabia,” under the stars at beautiful Yas Links Golf Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Rising Stars Arabia 3” will be streamed live on DAZN and ESPN Knockout, as well as broadcast on Abu Dhabi Sports TV, starting at 8 p.m. UAEST.

Belmehdi is a former French Lightweight Champion who has won his last three fights, after suffering the only loss of his pro career 1 ½ years ago to Gary Culley (14-0) at Wembley Arena in the United Kingdom. riding a three-fight win streak. His most notable victories to date have been against 17-1 James Chereji, 13-1-1 Sebri Sediri (TKO1), and 19-2 Meyyl Vegas (TKO4).

Morocco has produced one world champion, 1988 Olympian Khalid Rahilou (37-5, 16 KOs – 1988-2002), the former World Boxing Association (WBA) Junior Welterweight World Champion, plus world title challengers such as bantamweight Luis Romero (158-19-6, 78 KOs – 1942-58) and heavyweight Lucien Rodriguez (39-12-1, 21 KOs – 1973-86). Other top Moroccan boxers through the years have included 2016 Olympian and 2015 World Amateur Championship gold medalist Mohammed Rabii (pro record 10-0, 5 KOs – 2017-19) and super featherweight Moussa Gholam (21-1, 13 KOs), who knocked out Lunga Sitemela (15-1) in the fourth round at “Rising Stars Arabia: The Revolution) this past January.

The 25-year-old Belmehdi started boxing in his hometown of Beziers at the age of 10 because of his love of martial arts. He didn’t model himself after any particular fighter, but he greatly admired Thomas Hearns, Jean-Baptiste Mendy, and Mike Tyson. 

“It’s a great pleasure for me and, above all, an honor to be able to represent the Arab people,” Belmehdi said. “I think an impressive win for me will results on a significant rise in world rankings and, more importantly, better opportunities to come, God willing.”

Lamptey, 21, is a dangerous opponent for Belmehdi, arguably the second-toughest opponent he’s fought. Lamptey is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth and Ghana super featherweight champion.

“I enjoy taking on challengers and facing adversity,” Belmehdi spoke about fighting Lamptey in the main event. “I don’t know much more specifically other than he (Lamptey) he is young and hungry. It’s up to me to prove that I have more experience than him and that it will be difficult for him to win.”

The Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.

The most experienced Emirati boxer of all-time, hometown favorite Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (13-1, 3 KOs), has won 12 consecutive fights heading into Saturday’s eight- round, co-featured event against Venezuelan lightweight Andres Garcia (14-7-1, 11 KOs).

Another United Arab Emirates favorite, super flyweight Sultan Al Nuaimi (10-0, 6 KOs), puts his undefeated record on the line versus Venezuelan Eliu Canario (14-3, 11 KOs) in a 10-round match

Highly regarded Iraq light heavyweight prospect Amer Kadhum Ghaneem (3-0, 1 KO) meets Kharon Zapolsky (3-1, 1 KO), of Russia, in a six-rounder.

Egyptian super welterweight Ramy Magdi (3-2-1, 0 KOs) throws down with Issac Zebra, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), of Uganda, in a six-round fight, and former Egyptian Super Welterweight Champion Abdumonem “Braveheart” Said (23-3-1, 11 KOs) faces undefeated Faizan Anwar (16-0, 8 KOs), of India, in a 10-round confrontation.

Other undercard bouts Egyptian cruiserweight Youssef Karrar (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. pro debuting Ukrainian Mykyta Ionin, and Egyptian featherweight Mostafa Mohammed Fahmi Komsan (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Guan Mu (1-2-1, 0 KOs), of China, in a pair of six-round bouts.

Opening the event in four-round matches are Morocco welterweight Anas Hafiane (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, United Arab Emirates Fahad Alkhorri (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Ariemba Isalah Odhiambo (1-4, 0 KOs), of Kenya, and Moroccan welterweight Anas Hafiane (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Sajan Greece Makesh Daisy (0-2), of United Arab Emirates.

Card subject to change.

“Rising Stars Arabia 3” is promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and is hosted in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing fighters in the region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events include five world title shows that have been broadcasted globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

Tickets to “Rising Stars Arabia 3” are on sale now at https://swiy.co/rsa3. Leading up to the event, fans can find updates on the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and on seddiqiboxing.com.

#InAbuDhabi 

#RisingStarsArabia3

-END-

About Rising Stars Arabia

Presenting Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) – A fighting series promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and powered by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This marks a notable series within the UAE and the wider MENA region. This platform, humble in its intentions yet ambitious in its scope, provides aspiring Arab athletes with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents before regional and international audiences.

This significant initiative, grounded in the values of nurturing homegrown and regional talent, represents an important leap towards evolving professional boxing within the region. By doing so, it empowers an emerging generation of athletes with genuine opportunities right at their doorstep – eliminating the need to seek participation abroad.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.

Los Angeles, CA (February 23, 2024) Touted as an HBO Boxing After Dark level event, Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions delivered the goods on Friday night at the sold-out

Chumash Casino Resort and live on UFC Fight Pass with an outstanding six fight card loaded with world ranked contenders and rising stars.

Said Loeffler, “It was another great show at the beautiful Chumash Casino. This card top to bottom lived up to the billing. We want to thank the fans for coming out for another sold out show and everyone that tuned in to UFC Fight Pass. Congratulations to all of the winners and we are looking forward to building Chumash Casino as the destination for world class boxing.”

In the main event, Freddie Roach trained Gor Yeritsyan, (18-0, 14 KOs), defeated Quinton ‘Quickdraw’ Randall, (13-2-1, 3 KOs), in a fast paced and entertaining ten-round clash. Yeritsyan was able to overcome Randall’s switch-hitting style to effectively use his aggressiveness and take control of the fight in the second half. Earning the unanimous decision by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91, Yeritsyan claimed the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title. Staying very busy since signing with 360 Promotions, the victory was Yeritsyan’s fourth in an eight-month span.

Co-featured in scheduled ten-round super lightweight bout, knockout artist Cain Sandoval, (12-0, 11 KOs), proved he could go the distance against world class opposition, winning a unanimous decision over 2006 Olympian Javier Molina, (22-6, 9 KOs). The 21-year-old Sandoval displayed his full arsenal of skills against the valiant Molina throughout the fight. Scores at the end of the fight were 100 x 90, three times.

Fighting in a special attraction super flyweight bout, Daniel ‘Chucky’ Barrera, (5-0-1, 4 KOs), proved again that he is one to watch with a second round, show-stopping knockout over Filipino veteran, Jonathan Almacen, (7-10-3, 2 KOs). Displaying quick and aggressive hands, Barrera dropped Almacen twice in the second round leading to a popular victory with the action being halted by referee Jack Reiss at 2:35 of the stanza.

In a highly entertaining scrap on the undercard, Alfredo Castro Villafuerte, (10-0, 7 KOs), won an all-action six-round unanimous decision over Ezequiel Flores, (4-3, 3 KOs). Despite being cut over the left eye and dropped in the second round, the valiant Flores continued to withstand the hard-hitting Villafuerte’s attack while also scoring. With the crowd standing and cheering on the action throughout, the judge’s scorecards read 58-54, 58-55 and 57-55 for Villafuerte.

Junior middleweight Jorge Maravillo, (9-0, 8 KOs), kept his undefeated record intact by defeating Jesus Gonzalez, (7-2-1, 2 KOs), over six rounds. Maravillo took control of the fight in the second round against the tough as nails Gonzalez.

Opening the card, Osvel Caballero, (5-0, 4 KOs), impressed as the Manny Robles trained featherweight earned a fourth-round stoppage over Jason Buenaobra, (10-10-3, 4 KOs). Time of the stoppage was 2:22 of the round.

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