Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated Dominican heavyweight “Gentleman” George Arias (15-0, 7 KOs) to a co-promotional agreement, along with DiBella Entertainment.

Born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Arias moved to New York City in 1996, at four years old. At age 18, the now 29-year-old started boxing as a hobby at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home in Brooklyn, but quickly found he had natural talent for the sport. Arias capped off his amateur career by winning the New York Golden Gloves in 2014 and subsequently turned professional in October of that year.

Though he facially bears a resemblance to “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali, Arias’ relatively diminutive height of 6’ 0” often puts him at a size disadvantage against today’s modern heavyweights. He overcomes the physical adversity with an entertaining fighting style more reminiscent of the great “Smokin” Joe Frazier than Ali. Trained and managed by Leon Washington Jr. and advised by Andre Rozier, Arias often switches between clever boxing and all-out slugging and has proven adept at both in several exciting fights.

Inactive since October 2019 due to the pandemic, Arias will finally return to action and make his first appearance under the new co-promotional banner this Wednesday, February 17, at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Fighting on the untelevised undercard of a ShoBox: The New Generation card, Arias will face deceptively skilled North Carolina veteran Joel Caudle over six rounds.

“First of all, I’m very thankful where DiBella Entertainment has brought me thus far,” said Arias. “Now I’m excited about where DBE and Salita can advance my career together. It is my goal to be the first heavyweight champion of the world from the Dominican Republic.”

Promoter Salita, who also handles unbeaten big men Jarrell Miller and Apti Davtaev, as well as previous Arias opponent Robert Simms, says his new fighter has all the makings of a new fan-favorite in boxing.

“George becomes a fan favorite everywhere he fights,” said new promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “He’s got the style and the smile to become an old-school heavyweight champion the whole worlds knows and loves. I’m happy to be pairing up with his team to help make that happen and I’m looking forward to watching this exciting prospect back in action this week.”

“George is poised for a big opportunity by the end of 2021, but he needs to fight regularly until then. We wanted to get him back into the ring as soon as possible and we’re really happy that tomorrow night he will be facing a tough opponent in Joel Caudle, who is with Russell Peltz,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Going forward, George will be co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Salita Promotions, appearing on both of our events, getting him ready for when a major opportunity presents itself.”

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

Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.

CORONA, CA (February 16, 2021) – Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO), will face fellow unbeaten fighter Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round co-main event is expected to be an all-out war.

Unbeaten middleweights Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO) vs. Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will serve as the in a 6-round main event bout. In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.

The free stream will air live this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.

Here is what Arnold Dinong had to say about his upcoming fight with Akitsugi, training camp with coach Bruno Escalante, and more.

On his recent training camp:
“We’ve been in camp for a while, waiting on the call and I’m grateful for the opportunity to finally be here. I have been training with my coach Bruno Escalante at Aloha Time Boxing Studio and we have a perfect game plan for Akitsugi. A lot of strength and conditioning has been implemented in this camp, and I think that will be the difference in this fight. I’m feeling good.”

On his matchup with Katsuma Akitsugi:
“I have been taking tough fights, and I don’t have a promoter, so I am looking to prove myself against Akitsugi. I am trying to fight the best-ranked opponents as possible, so I can put myself into contention for a regional belt. Katsuma is a very good fighter whom I am eager to face.”

On what a win would do for his career:
“Because I’ve been fighting tough guys, I’m hoping I can sign with Thompson with a victory against Akitsugi. Bruno Escalante and Mike Bazzel have put a lot of time and effort into me, and I have sacrificed a lot moving from Hawaii to the Bay Area. I met Bruno Escalante when I was 8-years-old, we were training partners, so a win would mean a lot as it has been a long journey.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“I’m grateful that Thompson Boxing sees me as a fighter that can bring an exciting fight to their card. I have worked very hard in the gym, and Thompson Boxing has always treated me well. I am grateful to be the co-main event of this card and look forward to putting on a good fight for my friends and family. “

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – February 16, 2021 – Exciting welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica and fellow undefeated Mark Reyes Jr. both made weight a day before their main event showdown tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 17, live on SHOWTIME  at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. as ShoBox continues its 20^th anniversary year showcasing boxing’s rising stars matched tough.

Detroit’s Bocachica (16-0, 11 KOs) is following up on a dominating performance in his ShoBox debut in October when by facing the power-punching Reyes (14-0, 12 KOs) from Tampa, Fla., in a 10-round welterweight bout. The co-main event will feature unbeaten Russian and Detroit-trained Vladimir Shishkin (11-0, 7 KOs) taking on Ghana’s Sena Agbeko (23-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup, while Alejandro Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) of Houston, Texas, returns to ShoBox and faces Mexico’s Abraham Montoya (19-2-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

The previously announced middleweight matchup between Timur Kerefov (9-0, 4 KOs) and Argenis Espana (15-1, 14 KOs) will no longer take place. Kerefov will now face Fernando Farias (10-0-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight non-televised scrap.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Salita Promotions.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Janelson Bocachica – 146 ½ lbs.

Mark Reyes Jr. – 147 lbs.

Referee: Danny Schiavone (Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Don Trella (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout

Vladimir Shishkin – 169 lbs.

Sena Agbeko – 168 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Arthur Mercante (N.Y.); Judges: Don Ackerman (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.)

Lightweight Eight-Round Bout

Alejandro Guerrero – 135 lbs.

Abraham Montoya – 135 lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas (Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Janelson Bocachica

“My last fight on ShoBox, I feel like I surprised a lot of people. I wasn’t surprised myself because I know what I have to give. I showed my skills even though I could have done a little better, and that’s what I’m trying to do this fight. I won’t be satisfied until I get the WBC belt.

“I could have been better with my movement in my last fight. I wasn’t totally tuned into the fight. I wanted to make him work a little bit more even though I set him up perfectly.

“I usually don’t watch much tape on my opponents. The level of opponents that he’s faced doesn’t match up to the fighter that I am, so there’s not a whole lot that I can learn from watching tape. He won’t be able to do the same things with me that he’s done with the guys he’s faced. I have seen a couple highlights though and he does look good. He looks like a good fighter and that’s why I picked this fight.

“Whenever I fight there’s a high chance for an explosion. If he tries to pressure me and he’s throwing punches, he’s going to be receiving them back. I’m not a walking punching bag. I tried to box in my last fight but every time somebody gives me an opening my precision is there. That’s what we train for. As soon as he opens up and gets cocky with it, I’ll step on the gas and get him out of there.

“I have power in both hands. If he really wants to fight, then he can look for a fight. I just don’t think a fight with me will last very long for Mark Reyes. I think I’m super close to being a top contender. This fight is going to help me a lot. It’s another stepping-stone and I feel like you guys are going to be seeing a lot more of me.”

Mark Reyes Jr.

“This could definitely be a short fight. It may not last long. But I can definitely say I’m prepared to go into the ninth and 10^th round just as strong as I’m coming on in the first. But if the opportunity presents itself, there’s no reason to sit around and wait. If I hit anybody flush a few times, I don’t think many people are going to withstand that.

“I feel like winning this fight would be a push towards making a name for myself in the welterweight division. It would definitely set me up for future fights and opportunities that I’ve been wanting and looking for.

“A lot of my power comes from my timing. Sometimes, the biggest punchers have a habit of relying on their power too much. You’ll see that with time, there are guys that are able to withhold and weather the storm and actually end up knocking those guys out. I would say the most important thing is if you are a powerful puncher, you definitely want to rely on timing and speed just as much as you do your natural abilities.

“We got in the gym right away making sure that we got our rounds in sparring. Obviously, we all know that sparring is a different type of conditioning. You can do all your running and all your training, but if you’re not having the right quality of sparring and getting those rounds in you might second guess yourself when you get into those later rounds. That’s definitely something that I wanted to make sure that I was ready for. I’m absolutely ready to go 10 rounds. If this was a 12-round fight, I would be ready to go 12 rounds.

“A win over this guy would definitely place me in a good position for my future fights this year. The long-term goal is to fight for a world title within the next two years. If I am able to move and grow steadily, then that’s the plan. I have to take the right fights and make sure that I’m always learning, always growing, and if the opportunities present themselves, I am definitely willing to take them.”

Vladimir Shishkin

“Agbeko is a solid fight for me. He is physically strong and he will come to fight. He’s a good boxer and he’s a big featherweight. I will have to put in a good performance to score a victory. My plan is to just listen to my trainer, L.J. Harrison, and if I listen and follow the plan the result will be perfect.

“I made the move to train with L.J. and stop working with SugarHill Steward because I have a very good relationship with L.J. I have a great connection with him and I believe a lot in what I’m learning and what he’s teaching me. I am more flexible, he’s teaching me distance and balance. I feel that I am improving and it’s going to pay off in this fight.

“I think that I’m an elite fighter and I want to show on February 17 that I can compete at an elite level. I think that I am ready to face the best in the super middleweight division. I have already beaten guys that were ranked in the top 15 at the time like Nadjib Mohammedi and DeAndre Ware. I am ready for guys like Canelo and the best in the division.”

Sena Agbeko

“This fight is coming at the perfect time for me. I’m ready to launch myself and possibly challenge for a world title soon. I feel like I really need to get going with my career. There have been so many starts and stops and I’m ready to be done with that and just have a more consistent flow with the fights.

“Training with people like Badou Jack and Caleb Plant, you get to understand the discipline that is required to perform at that level. Prior to that, the assumption was just to go out there and try to make a statement, but the certain patience and discipline that you have to adhere to at the highest level is what I learned. You get punished for even the simplest mistakes, so sparring with them got me a lot of experience.

“Back in 2014 when I first came to the U.S., I feel that I was mentally very underdeveloped. I had a very different perception of the sport. I feel that I wasn’t quite ready. I didn’t understand what it took mentally to be at the level I wanted to be at. That was the biggest difference. Now, I’m more mature and I’ve been around the U.S. I’ve been to different camps all around the country – New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Houston – and through it all I’ve learned to deal with the mental aspect of the sport. My mental preparation and being in a calm state of mind ready to perform is the biggest difference.

“I don’t see myself as the B-side. I actually like playing the role of the underdog. One of my biggest strengths is my ability to adapt in the ring and being the best that I can be. I have a plethora of tools to use and as the fight goes on, I will be able to adjust to whatever I need to adjust to. The goal is to win and I’m not going to wait until it’s too late. Every step of the way, I am going to do things that will put me ahead.

“I was informed on Tuesday that my opponent from my last fight, Roy King, passed away on Monday night. It’s unfortunate. Roy is somebody that was doing a lot for his city, Johnson City, in Tennessee. When I met him at the weigh-in, I talked to him and he was very nice. It’s so unfortunate that this happened. I did go to see him in the hospital shortly after our fight and I was expecting him to recover, but unfortunately, he passed away after a year of dealing with it.” 

Alejandro Guerrero

“I don’t think the layoff will have any effect on me. If anything, I’m going to come back harder and stronger. It wasn’t a big issue being laid off. I had more time to train. I was training harder and doing things the right way. This is my first fight where I’ve been completely focused on boxing. I haven’t been working a fulltime job like I normally was, so physically, I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel like I can take on the world.

“My last fight on ShoBox with no crowd felt totally off. I’m used to the crowd going crazy when I land a nice combination. I’m a crowd-pleaser. That’s what motivates me to continue going harder and harder.Not having a crowd, there isn’t a huge issue, but at the same time it does kind of change the whole setting of the fight.

“In that last fight against Angulo, I had him hurt in the last three rounds but I just didn’t have the opportunity to completely take him out of the way. He was strong. He was taking all my hits. I feel that I wasn’t at my best in that fight and I didn’t do everything the correct way. This fight, I’m coming back stronger and tougher and I’m not going to need any judges..

“Anybody who has seen me fight knows that I like to come forward. I like to throw a lot of shots. I always see myself as the big dog in the ring. I like to take control of the fight. I’m just going to take all my movement and power and skills to another level and it’s going to be more explosive. You are going to see a totally different ‘Pork Chop’ that’s way better than I was in my last fight.

“I’ve been getting great work in sparring. I started off by sparring people around my weight but I was taking them out. They couldn’t last more than four rounds so I’ve been using heavier, stronger guys for this camp. I know this guy that I’m facing has nothing compared to the guys that I’ve been sparring. That’s why I’m so confident. I’m going in with everything I have. It’s not going to be an easy fight but I’m going to make it look easy.”

Abraham Montoya

“I am a very offensive fighter naturally, but I’m also the type of fighter that is always willing to adapt and adjust to my opponent’s style. The plan is to just go out there, listen to the bell ring and get close to my opponent and get to work. I will read him, adjust as I need to and do what I have to do.

“Normally, fighters change weight classes when they have defeats. But for me, I am not coming off a loss. I decided to start fighting at lightweight because it was just the right time. I was the national champion and North American champion at super featherweight. I spent all last year looking or good opportunities but I didn’t find any. That’s why I am so excited for this opportunity and why I decided to move to lightweight.

“We have watched Guerrero and we are aware that he is a very aggressive fighter. He’s the type of opponent that will come to clash. He has a lot of fire. Getting a win against him is going to be a big deal for me and my career. I have faced better opposition than Guerrero, so I may be considered a favorite, but I feel like an underdog. When I’m the underdog, that just gives me even more motivation.

“I wasn’t born yet when my father Eduardo fought for a world title. There weren’t a ton of cameras around back then so I haven’t been able to watch a lot of video of his fights. What I rely on is the stories that he and everybody who knew him tell me. That’s what motivated me to become a fighter.

“For my fight against Yakubov in Russia, we were negotiating for four weeks. It took a long time. I accepted the fight and it was finally finalized with just 18 days’ notice. I did the best I could with that time but I was not 100 percent prepared for that fight. For this fight, of course I am 100 percent prepared. I’ve been preparing for the fight since the first week of January. I am the type of fighter that is 24/7, always training. There are no excuses this time around.”

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 83 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

(February 16, 2021) — Southpaw prodigy Sean “The Public Nuisance” McComb hopes to add Commonwealth gold to his growing résumé. McComb will step up in class versus Gavin Gwynne in a 12-round tilt for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title Friday, Feb. 19 at University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England.
 
McComb-Gwynne will headline a card streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
McComb (11-0, 5 KOs), a 2015 European Games bronze medalist from Belfast, has been dominant since turning pro in 2018. He won a pair of bouts in 2020, including a sixth-round stoppage over former WBO Latino junior welterweight champion Mauro Maximiliano Godoy.
 
Gwynne (12-2, 2 KOs) is a two-time British lightweight title challenger who hopes to spring the major upset. He last fought in August 2020 and was stopped in six rounds by former world title challenger James Tennyson.
 
In other streaming action:

• Samuel Antwi (12-1, 5 KOs), who has won five straight since the lone defeat of his career, will fight Darren Tetley (20-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the vacant English welterweight title.
   
• Junior lightweight prospect Dean “El Diablo” Dodge (9-0-1, 3 KOs), winner of seven straight, will take on fellow unbeaten DP “Cannon” Carr (11-0-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan (5-0, 3 KOs), a Top Rank-signed welterweight prospect from Limerick, Ireland, will face 20-fight veteran Siar Ozgul (15-5, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. In his last bout, Ozgul gave McComb a competitive battle en route to a 10-round decision defeat.
   
• In a scheduled six-round battle of unbeaten featherweights, Brad Daws (6-0, 2 KOs) will fight Mark McKeown (3-0, 1 KO).
   
• Dublin-born junior welterweight Pierce O’Leary (5-0, 2 KOs), a former Irish amateur standout, will tangle with Irvin Magno (5-3-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder. Magno, who turned pro in 2016, has never been stopped in the paid ranks.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 11.5 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LOS ANGELES (February 16, 2021) – Two-time super middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell takes on Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a 12-round WBC Super Middleweight World Title eliminator to headline FOX PBC Fight Night live on Saturday, February 27 from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The show features two of the most sensational teenage boxers in the sport as 19-year-old welterweight rising star Jesus Ramos battles Jesus Bojorquez in a 10-round co-feature and 18-year-old exciting prospect Vito Mielnicki, Jr. squares off against Noe Lopez in an eight-round welterweight match to open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

“Anthony Dirrell is a natural-born fighter. He’s had to overcome several obstacles in his life to become two-time super middleweight world champion. Each time he has had to come back, he’s done it and been stronger than before,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Kyrone Davis believes this is his moment to shine under the spotlight of FOX PBC Fight Night. What Dirrell and Davis bring to the ring on February 27 are the ingredients for a terrific fight. The added treat is watching the continued rise of a pair of brilliant young boxers – Jesus Ramos and Vito Mielnicki, Jr. – as they take on tough challenges.’’

Dirrell (33-2-1, 24 KOs), a two-time WBC 168-pound world champion, is a battle-tested veteran who never backs down from anyone in the ring. The 36-year-old Dirrell won the WBC title for the first time with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2014. The native of Flint, Michigan lost the title the next year to Badou Jack by majority decision. He put together six straight victories after that loss to get back into position to fight for the championship again. He won the title with a technical decision victory over Avni Yildirim in 2019. Dirrell is the younger brother of Andre Dirrell, who won a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team in 2004. He is coming off a hard-fought loss to former champion David Benavidez.

“I feel great, camp has been great and it feels good to get back in the ring with everything that’s been going on in the world,” said Dirrell. “Kyrone Davis has fought some good guys but with me being me, he’s biting off a little more than he chew. Fans can look forward to a knockout on February 27. I’m not playing, I’m going to make a statement.”

Davis (15-2, 6 KO) will face the toughest challenge of his career when he steps in against the more experienced Dirrell. The 26-year-old Davis from Monmouth, N.J. will be moving up to super middleweight for this match. His last fight was a TKO victory over Antonio Todd at middleweight in January 2020. His only two losses came against Junior Castillo and Patrick Day in 2018. His most notable victory so far came against Marcos Hernandez in 2017. Hernandez was undefeated at the time.

“I’ve worked extremely hard and I’m thankful for the opportunity and plan to take full advantage of it,’’ Davis said. “It’s my turn and you’re going to see that on FOX PBC on February 27.”

Ramos (14-0, 13 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, steadily increased the toughness of competition in 2020. The 19-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona has scored four-straight knockout wins following his only pro fight that has gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks. In his last fight Ramos scored a fourth round stoppage against Naim Nelson in December 2020 on FOX.

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring on February 27, just two months after my last fight,” said Ramos. “I want to stay active this year, and I can’t wait to kick off 2021 with another solid performance.”

Bojorquez (24-2, 18 KOs) has scored four straight victories since losing to Abner Lopez. All four of those victories came by way of stoppage. The 33-year-old Bojorquez from Sonora, Mexico will be fighting for the first time in the United States. He’s coming off a fourth round TKO win over Jose Luis Araiza.

“I know Ramos is a tough young boxer and he’s been on a hot streak. But I’ve been on a hot streak too and my experience will be the deciding factor,’’ said Bojorquez. “I’m looking forward to going against him in an exciting fight on FOX PBC in prime time. I expect it will be a tough fight but I’m ready for anything that he can come with on February 27.’’

Representing Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (7-0, 4 KOs) began turning heads during an exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Oustanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves amongst many accolades before turning pro. Last December, the 18-year-old welterweight dropped Steven Pulluaim twice on his way to a six-round unanimous decision.

“Camp is going great and I’m in the best shape of my life,” said Mielnicki. “I can’t wait to showcase my talent on FOX in my first eight-rounder.”

Veteran Lopez (10-3-1, 4 KOs) hails from the fighting town of Jalisco, Mexico and currently resides in Spring, Texas. He’s remained active during the pandemic, fighting three times in 2020, including two victories and a points loss to Joseph Francisco last November.

“I’m really excited about this fight,” said Lopez. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this and I’ve been training hard for months now. Mielnicki is a young, strong kid. I’m going to go out there, test him and shock the world.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Los Angeles – February 12, 2021 – Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020, has unveiled undercard fights for their March 4 and March 18 events, three weeks ahead of their residency in Puerto Rico. All events will be televised in the United States and Puerto Rico on NBC Sports Network and the NBC Sports app on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undercard action streaming live on Twitch. The full card, which will be announced at a later date, will be available on Twitch outside of the United States.

On March 4, Ring City will take over the Felix Pagan Pintor Gym in Guaynabo with the previously-announced main event between undefeated blue-chip rising star Serhii Bohachuk (18-0, 18 KOs) and former middleweight title challenger Brandon Adams (22-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight affair. In the co-main event on NBCSN, undefeated prospect Danielito Zorilla (14-0, 11 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will meet Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-1 5 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight fight. Also featured on the undercard will be one of Puerto Rico’s hottest prospects, junior middleweight Patrick Cora (10-0, 7 KOs).

Two weeks later on March 18, the action will head to Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, as the main event features the next chapter in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry when former super featherweight world titlist Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) faces undefeated rising prospect Hector Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight. The co-main event features a battle of two former Olympians as undefeated Christian Mbili (17-0, 16 KOs) of France faces Ukraine’s Ievgen Khytrov (20-2, 17 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super middleweight contest. Another Puerto Rico vs. Mexico affair opens the main card on NBC Sports Network telecast as Jose Martinez (21-1-2, 14 KOs) of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, takes on Israel Gonzalez (25-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in an eight-round super flyweight fight.

“As we put together the first three Ring City events of 2021, we continue to look for fighters who are willing to take risks,” said Evan Rutkowski, Head of Boxing, Ring City USA. “Zorilla continues to climb the super lightweight rankings but will take on the toughest challenge of his career on March 4 against Madiyev. Likewise, on March 18, Mbili puts his unblemished record on the line against Khytrov in a battle of two fighters with true knockout power. We are excited how the cards are coming together and look forward to unveiling more fights soon.”

Full card details will be announced at a later date. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

NEW YORK – February 16, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner and stablemate and former world champion Robert “Trouble” Easter Jr. previewed their respective showdowns taking place Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The popular Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), who by the age of 26 had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, will end his two-year hiatus from boxing and continue his quest for a fifth world title by returning to face Jovanie Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight bout. In the opening bout of the telecast, the former IBF Lightweight World Champion Easter (22-1-1, 14 KOs) will fight for the second time at super lightweight when he takes on once-beaten contender Ryan Martin (24-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round contest.

The childhood friends and Ohio natives just concluded an intense and lengthy training camp in southern Florida under the watchful eye of Mike Stafford, the longtime head trainer of Broner and assistant trainer of Easter. Here is what both fighters had to say about training camp, their respective matchups and more:

ADRIEN BRONER:

On his matchup with Jovanie Santiago…

“Santiago is hungry. He’s still undefeated and he definitely doesn’t want to lose. It’s going to be a great fight. He’s definitely going to come to fight. Anybody that has a chance to fight an Adrien Broner to put their career up another step, they’re going to bring their A-game. I’m just training my hardest and I’m going to come in and be ready on February 20.

“He’s a hell of a fighter. He’s got great skills. But I just think I’m on a different level. February 20 people are going to see that I’m still the Adrien Broner who can take over the sport. In boxing I’ve learned that it only takes one performance to bring everybody back. All I have to do is go out there and perform and everybody will be back on the bandwagon.

On his motivations for this fight…

“Even if I didn’t have these pending court cases against me, I’d still be working my ass off to come back and make a fortune. That has nothing to do with my motivation. God gave me a blessing and gifted me with some great talent and I’m not going to let it go to waste. The motivation is that I miss the sport. I miss being on top. I miss being champion and I’m going to take another run at being champion.

“I’ve found my love for boxing again. I gave myself some time to miss boxing and I’m ready to go in there and win some more world titles. My children are what fuel me now.

On how he plans to stay on track after this fight…

“I just need to go back to the gym after the fight. I’m trying to stay out of as much trouble as possible, stay out of jail and just work my ass off. I’m going to dedicate these last three to five years to straight boxing. I’m going to get as much as I can out of boxing and then retire and watch my kids grow up. I’ve matured a lot. I’ve been through a lot. It’s just time to get to business, make my money and do what I do best, and that’s box.

On getting back into fighting shape…

“I had to lose the 35 pounds and it was tough. I’ve put in the work. After this fight I’m going to stay on track and get right back to the gym. The goal is to become the five-time world champion, and then the sixth and the seventh time after that. I’m just working. I was so out of shape. I had to be gritty and I had to dig deep. Being out that long, I was overweight. I had to wake up and run miles and work my body back. It was tough.

“I’ve just had to change everything, change the lifestyle mostly. What would I tell a younger fighter? Just stay in the gym as much as possible. Don’t be blinded by the money and the lights and the girls and the partying life. I’m not saying don’t live your life. You can’t just box, box, box your whole life. You just have to stay relaxed.

On fighting at 140 pounds…

“I feel like 140 pounds is the weight that I want to be at. You can’t really say I made by bread and butter at 147. I’ve been a champion at 147 pounds but I’ve also been a champion at 140, 135 and 130 pounds. I think any fight at whatever weight Adrien Broner is at is a big fight. That’s the main thing. I want to fight where I feel the most comfortable right now in my career, and right now, I think 140 is the best for me.

On his legacy as a boxer…

“My career speaks for itself, honestly. A four-weight class world champion. I was one of the youngest to ever do it. And I’m going to be a five-time world champion soon. I’m just going to keep putting in the work and I’m going to stay focused.

“People forget that I’m only 31 years old. They sometimes look at me like an old head. It’s crazy. I have been around for a long time – about 11 years now. But I’m only 31 and I have a lot more in the tank. With my resume, I just feel like I have a lot more to do. I’m going to put the work in and I’m going to get it done. Of course, I think about the Hall of Fame. I think I’ve done enough already. I was one of the youngest to ever become a four-time world champion in four weight classes. But I’m going to go win some more titles and do what I do to seal the deal.”

ROBERT EASTER JR.

On his matchup with Ryan Martin…

“Martin is a tough opponent who is going to bring his A-game, but I don’t see much difficulty in handling him and adjusting to anything he brings. I know he’s a hard worker. We fought each other in the amateurs so I know he probably has a chip on his shoulder. I really don’t think there’s much from that amateur fight that I can take away for this fight. We both have transitioned into the pros so he probably has a little more in his arsenal now, just like I do.

“I don’t know what to expect from Ryan Martin, but I do know what I expect from myself. When I’m in the ring I will make it a one-sided fight and bring my A-game. I’m coming to get the win.

On his 15-month layoff…

“I’m just very excited to get back in the ring. I had a little rust at first but that’s gone away and I’m perfectly fine now. I was a little nervous thinking about how I was going to feel when I came back, but I’m good now. We’re training very well. We’re sparring a lot. I am more than ready.

On training with Broner…

“There’s a lot I’ve learned from Adrian. We train together every single day in the morning and in the afternoon. As soon as I turned pro, he took me under his wing. He taught me a lot of small things that you have to learn when you first come up from the amateurs into the pros. He was already a world champion by the time I came up so there was definitely a lot I could learn from him.

On his plans for 2021…

“I’m not worried about who’s next, I just have to be prepared for February 20. It’s been frustrating watching all these fights on TV. I don’t even watch it anymore. But it’s been motivating to me and I just have to stay focused and keep training like crazy.

“My plan for 2021 is that I want to fight three times and get a title shot as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter who has the title or who I have to fight, I want to go get it. I plan to stay at 140. I feel stronger at 140 than I do at 135, so that’s where I want to be. I’m taking it one fight at a time to get to that title shot.”

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

Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr is plotting a big 2021, starting with victory over Gabriel Valenzuela at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories, which would see him pick up the vacant IBF Intercontinental Title and a top 15 ranking. 

Former British, Commonwealth and European ruler Davies Jr (20-2, 13 KOs) has boxed just once since his thrilling 12-round war with rival Lewis Ritson in Newcastle, securing a shut-out points victory over Damian Yapur in March last year in his first fight under renowned trainer Dominic Ingle. 

“I’m so excited to be back, it’s been almost a year so I am raring to go,” said Davies Jr. “I’m in some of the best shape of my life. The gym is buzzing at the moment and everyone is working hard. I was feeling like the opportunity wouldn’t come but now I feel ready to showcase everything I’ve been working on.”

Valenzuela (22-2-1, 13 KOs) has only fought outside of his native Mexico on one occasion, but Davies Jr insists there is no chance of him overlooking ‘Nine’, especially after watching his Matchroom stablemate Josh Warrington suffer a shock defeat to Mexico City’s Mauricio Lara over the weekend. 

“I’m expecting Valenzuela to bring his A-game,” added Davies Jr. “I’m expecting a hard fight but I want to move as quickly as possible this year. I want to get a big fight in the summer and another big name at the end of the year. I want this year to really push me on.

“My manager Neil Marsh and my trainer Dom Ingle have got this fight together against Valenzuela and it’s for a belt as well. When I win the IBF Intercontinental Title it will be great to get myself back into the top 15 rankings. The plan is just to win this fight and then push on to a big year.

“In my life in general I’ve always been chasing more, and worrying about things I need in life. Since having my little girl, I’ve realised I have everything I want and more. Real happiness. The motivation to provide and better her little life growing up is a burning fuel inside me.”

Davies Jr vs. Valenzuela is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Jordan Gill (25-1, 7 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his professional debut against Matt Gordan (2-5-1).

CORONA, CA (February 15, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions
first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year will feature a stacked night of boxing as four unbeaten fighters will risk their 0’s. Middleweight, Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will take on Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO) in the 6-round main event bout of the evening.

The free stream will air live this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.

In the 6-round co-main event, unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), is ready for his showdown with fellow undefeated foe, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO). In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.

Here is what Nathan Weston had to say about training camp, his matchup with Brewart Jr., and more.

On his recent training camp:
“I am not doing a lot of talking for this camp. I am extremely confident that I’ve put in the work to come out victorious. I am training hard, and I am going to knock out Richard Brewart Jr.”

On his matchup with Richard Brewart Jr:
“He is a good fighter, but he was hurt really bad in his last fight and recovered. If I get him hurt, I’m going to finish the job. I have found my ability to be a gentleman outside of the ring and a killer inside of the ring. I have flipped a switch, and because of that I don’t think it really matters who is inside the ring with me.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A win in this bout would change my life. I recently became a father and I feel that this man I am fighting is trying to take money from my plate to support my family. I don’t see any other option but winning. When my hands are raised, I’ll be happy to move on to bigger fights.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“It is an honor to fight on a Thompson Boxing card. Because it will be steamed live on YouTube, all my friends and family will be able to tune in and watch. I’m hoping after a spectacular performance, they will bring me back. It means a lot to be on their card.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

LAS VEGAS (February 15, 2020) — Texas middleweight John “The Phenom” Vera returns to the ring March 4th to headline the first 2021 show presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, streaming on UFC FIGHT PASS® from Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The first 2021 installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The 32-year-old Vera (19-1, 11 KOs), fighting out Forth Worth (TX), will take on California veteran Cleotis “Mookie” Pandarvis (21-7-2, 9 KOs) in the 8-round main event.

“We’re excited to kick-off our third year streaming our fights on UFC FIGHT PASS,” RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-founder Keith Veltre said. “We’re also happy to be going back to Biloxi. Promoting during this pandemic has been a major challenge, but we’re committed to providing a platform for boxing fans a watch competitive, entertaining action RJJ Boxing is known for in the industry.

“Our March 4th show will be headlined by middleweight John Vera against veteran Cleotis Pendarvis. John’s battle back to the top of the division has been slowed because of COVID-19 restrictions, but we believe this is the start of his special journey back to where he belongs. Top middleweights will be put on notice after this fight. We also have some of the best young talent in North America scheduled to fight on our March 4th card.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vera hasn’t fought since last August in Las Vegas, when he won a 6-round unanimous decision over Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-1). Vera is a former NABA USA (U.S.) super welterweight champion, while Pendarvis was a former USBA lightweight titlist.

“I’m happy to be headlining my first show back in more than a year,” Vera commented between training sessions. “It’s unfortunate I’ve had such a long layoff, but I’m ready to get back at it. 2020 was rough for everyone, but I’ve stayed active, healthy and in shape. Only thing I could do is roll with the punches, Fortunately, I live in Texas, so we didn’t go through much of a lockdown like other states. Physically and mentally I’m in the best place.”

In 2018, Vera traveled to France to fight Michel Soro (31-2-1) for the WBA Interim junior middleweight title, in which Vera lost a 12-round unanimous decision.

In the 8-round co-feature, Georgia light heavyweight Michael Seals (24-3, 8 KOs), who lost his last fight a year ago to Eleider Alvarez, faces Detroit’s upset-minded Demetrious Banks (10-9-1, 5 KOs), a former WBC Youth cruiserweight title challenger.

In a battle of undefeated super featherweights, Dominican prospect Eridson Garcia (10-0, 7 KOs) meets Jose Miguel Diaz Valenzuela (6-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, in a 6-round match.

Roy Jones, Jr. protégé Michael ‘’Boy Wonder’’ Williams, Jr. (14-0, 10 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line in a 6-round bout against Michigan super lightweight Julius Dyis (10-3, 5 KOs). The 21-year-old Williams is trained by living legend Jones.

Scheduled to be in action on the undercard are three undefeated boxers in 6-round bouts: New Orleans super lightweight Jonathan Montrel (8-0, 6 KOs) vs. Ariel “La Guerro” Vazquez (14-28-3, 9 KOs), Texas welterweight Christian Edwards (11-2, 6 KOs) vs. Jonathan Steele (9-6-1, 6 KOs), and Tennessee super lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. TBA. Slated to make his pro debut vs. TBA is Mississippi super welterweight Randy Blythe in a 4-rounder

All fights are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass
Twitter: @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @UFCFightPass

NEW YORK (February 13, 2021) – Two of Split-T Management’s lightweight prospects emerged victorious on Saturday night in separate shows in Las Vegas and Indio, California.

Eric Puente remained perfect with an easy four-round unanimous decision over Sergio Vega to raise his mark to 5-0.

The bout took place at the MGM Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble” in Las Vegas, and was streamed lived on ESPN+

Puente boxed well and followed a solid jab with good left hooks. Vegas was never any concern to the 21 year-old Puente.

Puente, 137 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-0. Vega, 136 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 2-1-1.

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

Dalis Kaleiopu was sensational in his pro debut as he stopped Eduardo Sanchez in the third-round of their fight at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Kaleiopu dominated the opening two frames, and in round landed a blistering right uppercut that sent Sanchez down to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 48 seconds into round three.

Kaleiopu, 136 lbs of Waianae, HI is 1-0 with one knockout. Sanchez, 135.6 lbs of Corcoran, CA is 2-4.

“It’s been a long time because of COVID,” said Dalis Kaleiopu. “So, it felt great to finally make my pro debut. I hurt him many times, but I let him go. But then I landed a shot he couldn’t come back from, so it feels good to stop somebody that has never been stopped.

Kaleiopu, who is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

Josh Warrington has been given a massive boost by his huge army of fans who bombarded him with messages over the weekend.

‘The Leeds Warrior’ has received thousands since his first ever professional defeat against Mexican Mauricio Lara at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night.

Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Warrington said: “I am so thankful for the incredible support I have received since Saturday night.

“The support from the public in Leeds has been overwhelming. Also, boxing fans from all over Britain have shown concern and sent lovely messages.

“It’s not been the best weekend, even Leeds United were beaten at Arsenal but I just wanted to take time to say how much these positive messages and social media posts are appreciated.”

Warrington travelled back home to Leeds with his wife, Natasha in the early hours of Sunday Morning to celebrate the third birthday of their twin daughters, Eliza and Olivia.

He added: “Being around my wife and my girls on their third birthday was special. They will always make me smile.

“Their birthday and hearing from so many well-wishers has been a great boost.

“Obviously, I’m hurting inside. I’ve lost my unbeaten record. That’s something I have treasured and it is a dent. Anyone who knows me can tell you I stand proud.”

Warrington, 30, will see a shoulder specialist this week, but doesn’t expect any long-term issues from that or other injuries he sustained in the fight.

When the all-clear is given Josh, father and trainer Sean O’Hagan, manager Steve Wood and promoter Eddie Hearn will map out plans for a ring return.

“I have a small, close-knit team around me and it will not be long before I am ready to start the climb back to the top of the Featherweight division,” says Warrington.

“I may not have to prove myself to my fans, but I want to show them and my rivals that I still belong at the very highest level.

“Good luck to Mauricio Lara who is a serious opponent for anybody. He is heavy-handed and holds power that will trouble any Featherweight.

“Will we meet again in a boxing ring? Who knows. We only fought a couple of days ago. But, if the chance comes I will jump at it.

“It’s now about having a break after 15 months in the gym, recharging my batteries, letting the injuries heal and becoming a two-time World Champion.

“I thank everyone again from the bottom of my heart and I can’t wait until we’re lifting the roof off Leeds Arena once more, singing ‘Marching On Together.’”

WORCESTER, Mass. (February 15, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) truly lives up to his nickname in and out of the ring as a skilled boxer, union carpenter, and much more.

Fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, the poised beyond his years Ortiz is making waves in the loaded lightweight division, especially after his scintillating 8th round knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, last November on the Tyson-Jones, Jr. PPV card for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) Silver lightweight title.

Ortiz, who is a former WBC Youth World lightweight titlist, has moved up in ratings to No. 5 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), as well as No. 31 in the WBC world lightweight rankings.

Ortiz’ apt nickname, “The Technician”, came out of a conversation between Jamaine and a good friend from Worcester, retired 2-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera, a few years ago when they were training with their strength-and-conditioning coach in Boston.

“Right away,” Ortiz said, “I thought it made sense. People were telling me I needed a nickname like all boxers and ‘The Technician” fits my style. Right away, I knew it would be my nickname, because a technician cares about his craft like I do in and out of the ring. I’m very technical in everything I do.”

In 2015, Ortiz because a New England-based union carpenter, although he hasn’t been working often lately due to his rising boxing career. Ortiz noted his work as a carpenter helped his conditioning for boxing by using his muscles to carry tools and wood.

“Being a technician is second nature to me,” Ortiz explained. “I need to cut on the line in finished carpentry. Even if it’s only one-eighth of an inch off, it’s a big deal, and the same in boxing. I need to be at the right distance from my opponent and it has to be fluid: timing, distance and measurement. ‘The Technician’ is self-explanatory. It is who I am – very skilled in my craft! And boxing is the Sweet science.”

Ortiz, however, isn’t your typical boxer. He is focused on his boxing career, but he has other interests as well. In the past, he talked about going to medical school to become a doctor or medical researcher, but his construction work as a carpenter led him to real estate, and now he’s into finance.

“As a kid I was always involved in being everything and anything I could,” Ortiz remarked. “I have settled on what I’m really good at right now and that’s in the ring. Boxing is No. 1! In the future, after boxing, I may go to medical school, but I’ve ben spending a lot of time trading and investing. When I retire from boxing, I may get a license to be a financial advisor and start ‘The Technician Brokerage’ to help athletes invest in the market so they have money after they retire from their sport.

“I have a mentor who I’ve learned from in real estate. I bought a three-decker (house) a few years ago as an investment and I’ve done well. I’ve learned that cash flow is most important, making money while I sleep, as they say. I’m just doing what comes naturally.”

“Jamaine is in the gym and still training hard to keep fit for his next fight,” Ortiz co-manager Dick Shappy added. “So far, he seems to be weathering the storm. He is anxious to get out there and show the world that he is the real deal and given the opportunity, he will prove that he is a force to be reckoned with boxing’s best at the highest levels.”

Jamaine Ortiz is “The Technician” with tremendous upside in the ring and business. And remember, he’s only 24 years old, yet he’s still learning every day about boxing and life to prepare for his future.

By Bart Barry-

Saturday on DAZN in a non-title match, the fighting pride of Tajikistan, undefeated super featherweight Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, settled for a majority draw against California’s Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz, a former Olympian and IBF titlist, in a California casino.  The match was not spectacular but better than what its weighin portended.

This was to be a redemption thing of some sort for Diaz even before it had to be an even larger redemption thing for Diaz.  It sure wasn’t either.

Long before Friday’s weighin debacle Diaz’s comportment raised questions about his willingness.  Setting aside his skedaddling out the featherweight division without rematching reluctant Gary Russell, there was a contract and general understanding Diaz should give a rematch to Tevin Farmer, the man Diaz won his IBF super featherweight title from 13 months ago.  Diaz, in no hurry to fight Farmer again and promoted by an adrift outfit now without its one revenue generator, allowed COVID-19 considerations to scuttle his rematch and assign an unknown Tajikistani in Farmer’s stead.

Then Diaz missed weight by so much weight he wasn’t allowed to try again.  The culprit?  A missing sauna at Fantasy Springs Casino.  In his postfight interview Diaz used his generation’s version of postmodernist cant, beginning a torrent of excuses with the standard disclaimer: No excuses.  There were the hometown haters trying to make money off his name, and childbirth, and a host venue so unprofessional as to tell Diaz to make weight by making his own sauna in his hotel room.  There were Saturday’s judges, too, who mistook Diaz’s blocking everything thrown at him for landed punches.

Somewhere in this no-excuse-making mishmash, delightfully enough, the large gash to the outside of Diaz’s right eye, opened undoubtedly by a blocked punch, began spurting blood down the angering former titlist’s face.  It wasn’t bleeding quite so steadily as Diaz’s nose had through much of the fight – another victim of a blocked punch.

Diaz’s outrage played authentic as his haircolor and promoter’s every utterance.  Diaz long has felt like an Oscar knockoff.  The rehearsed autobiography, the California roots, the Olympic dreams, the vanity.  With about half the talent.

Saturday Diaz was easily the more talented fighter, still.  Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov holds no secrets.  With Freddie Roach in his corner, too, what secrets he once held are fewer.  Coach Freddie wants his men to hurt the men across from them – “he’s not your friend”.  Roach’s own condition, the product of other men once hurting him, lends a counterintuitive credence to his demands.  If a conditioning coach unscathed by others’ fists implored his charges to hurt other men, it would sound bullying, weekend warrior-ish, silly, in its way, as that Vince Lombardi hologram a couple Sundays ago.  That Roach’s neck is strained and his hands shake with Parkinson’s while he implores a fighter to hurt the man across from him says This is the only way, son, for if there were another way, wouldn’t I be the one to tell you?

That Roach says it doesn’t mean his charges take heed, necessarily, as Rakhimov didn’t in the later rounds Saturday, when either his conditioning failed or his affection for Jo Jo succeeded and Rakhimov relented right about the time the fight was there for his taking.  A life-changing event for Rakhimov?  No, not really.  COVID-19 is a life-changing event.  Winning a sliver of a title from Jo Jo during a pandemic is not.

Besides, if we’re going to concern ourselves with what was squandered Saturday, let’s go back to Jo Jo, where the squandering considerations begin and end.  As everyone knows, Golden Boy Promotions is not in a very good place.  Without Canelo Alvarez the company is a regional promoter with a flaky figurehead.  The contract they have with DAZN, such as it is, relies primarily on DAZN’s current lack of meaningful fights and fighters.  That should persist for some time, helping both parties overlook how little value Golden Boy Promotions brings a broadcaster without Canelo on its roster.

It would be an excellent time for Jo Jo to show his promoter and his promoter’s network he is the next Ryan Garcia.  Instead Jo Jo comes to his first title defense woefully unprepared and goofy as hell in orange coif.  Much more Son of the Legend than Niño de Oro.  Does he get in the ring on a redemption quest, bin all self-preservation and ice an opponent we might later memorialize as “that tough Russian”?  Nope.  He tries for a quarter of each opening round then goes on defense and ekes out a draw, much to his father’s vocal dismay (and has anyone thought to coach trainers on how audible they’ve become to judges?).

Jo Jo can now give Tevin Farmer that rematch, if Farmer still wants it, or Jo Jo can go away.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Follow all the action as Joseph Diaz takes on Shavkat Rakhimov in an IBF Jr. Lightweight Title bout. (Diaz lost the belt on the scales).  The action begins at 8 PM ET and will include the WBO Junior Middleweight world title bout between Patrick Teixeira and Brian Castano.

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Round 1: Nice Left from Diaz

Round 2 Left from Diaz knocks Rakhimov off balance…Another left..Body punching…Big Left

Round 3 Blood from Nose of Diaz…Straight left from Diaz..Straight left..Good body shots..Combination that is finished by a left…

Round 4 Jab from Diaz..Body shot from Rakhimov…

Round 5 Counter left from Diaz…Combination from Rakhimov…Body shot..Body shot..Overhand left from Diaz..

Round 6 Combination from Rakhimov

Round 7 Counter right from Diaz..Good Lefr from Rakhimov…Left from Diaz

Round 8 Nice Left from Diaz..Nice left from Rakhimov..Right hook

Round 9 Body shot from Diaz…

Round 10 Good Jab by Rakhimov

Round 11 Nice left from Diaz…Good left from Rakhimov..Counter righ from Diaz

Round 12 Diaz lands a straight left…Nice right hook..Nice right…Left from Rakhimov…Left

115-113 FOR DIAZ…114-114 TWICE — A DRAW

ROUND 1 Jabbing from Teixeira

ROUND 2 Catano starting to land…Left from Teixeira..

ROUND 3 Catano getting more aggressive..Pressuring against the ropes..Nice Right from Teixeira

ROUND 4 Good Body shot from Teixeira..Good left from Castano…

ROUND 5  2 Good left uppercuts from Teixeira…left..body shot..Counter right from Castano

ROUND 6 Good right from Castano..Another Good right at the bell

ROUND 7 Left from Teixeira

ROUND 8 Good body shot from Castano..Counter right from Teixeira

Round 9 Combination from Castano..Countering..

Round 10 Right to body from Castano..Big right buckles Teixeira..

Round 11 Big Right counter from Castano

Round 12 Teixeira lands a left hook…Good uppercut and body shot from Castano..Teixeira is in trouble…Hard left to the body

120-108; 119-108 AND 117-111 FOR BRIAN CASTANO

Round 1: Good right from Rios..Nice left hook…Head and body shots..Body shots
Round 2 Body shot from Rios…Nice Combination..Left to body…Uppercut…Body shot..Right…Body shots..Rios is cut on the forehead from a headbutt
Round 3 Nice combination…Uppercut..Right cross
Round 4  Nice uppercut and left from Rios
Round 5 Combination from Rios
Round 6 Sharp Shots from Rios…Negrete lands a body shot..Body shot from Rios..
Round 7 Right from Negrete..2 sweeping rights from Rios..
Round 8 Right and left from Rios…Body shot
Round 9 Good combination from Rios…Right from Negrete…
Round 10  Right from Negrete

100-90 TWICE AND 99-91 FOR RIOS

Round 1 Chopping right from Olivas
Round 2 Good left hook from Mosley…Body shot on the inside
Round 3 Olivas swelling around the Right eye..Right from Mosley…Left
Round 4 Nice left hook from Olivas…Big Right
Round 5 Doctor Checking’s Olivas Eye before round..Left from Mosley..Olivas Eye is basically shut…2 lefts from Mosley..Right..Left hook from Olivas….FIGHT IS STOPPED AS OLIVAS CANT SEE

Round 1: Right to body from Melikuziev…Straight Right
Round 2: Right to body from Melikuziev..Right hook hurts Fitch..Fitch bleeding from the nose..combination
Round 3 Straight left to the head from Melikuziev…Another…LEFT AND FITCH TAKES A KNEE…Good body shot..HARD LEFT TO THE BODY…DOWN GOES FITCH AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Joseph Diaz Jr. and Shavkat Rakhimov fought to a 12-round majority draw in an IBF Junior Lightweight world title clash at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Diaz was the reigning champion, but he lost his title on Friday when he was more then three pounds over the 130-pound weight limit.

It was a close fights with each guy having good stretches of success with the left hand. The fight was a mirror image as they both landed some solid body blows. The was some solid in-fighting with Rakhimov pulling ahead towards the championship rounds. Diaz had a good 12th and the fight was judged 115-113 for Diaz and 114-114 twice.

Diaz landed 233 of 740 punches; Rakhimov was 213 of 951.

Diaz, 133.6 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 31-1-1. Rakhimov, 129.8 lbs of Ekaterinburg, RUS is 15-1.

“I’m a little upset. I felt I had done enough to win the fight,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “It was a close fight. It wasn’t my best performance. I didn’t make weight. I lost the belt on the scales. I want to apologize to everyone. I want to apologize to all my fans. It was a mistake on my behalf. No excuses, but I’ll be back. Rakhimov threw a lot of combinations. But a lot of them landed on the gloves. I felt I threw more shots and landed more body punches. I thought I should have won the fight.”

 “I did everything I was supposed to do,” said Shavkat Rakhimov. “Victory was on my side. I feel I won the fight. There were a few mistakes, and we need to work on it. I did everything that was possible. There were a few mistakes, but I will work on that. There is no perfect boxer, and I hope to gain more American fans.”

Castano Decisions Teixeira; Wins WBO Jr. Middleweight title

Brian Castano won the WBO Junior Middleweight title with an emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Patrick Teixeira.

Castano was relentless in his output by landing hard shots to the head and body for which Teixeira had little answer for. Castano hurt Teixeira badly in round 12 as he landed a hard right that had Teixeira trying to run from Castano. Castano battered him until the final bell.

Castano landed 373 of 1136 punches; Teixeira was 197 of 972.

Castano, 153.8 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG won by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 117-111 and is now 16-1-1. Teixeira, 153.4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 31-.2

“I am very happy. We did a great job with my team,” said Brian Castaño. “It was a good fight. We all mistakes, and I have to fix things here and there, but a fight is a fight. Each fight is different, and I understand that. I knew Teixeia very well going into this fight. He is very strong, and he has a lot of heart. He is a great person. This was one of the greatest wins of my career. Not anyone can be a world champion, and I was able to do it twice. So I am very happy.”

Rios Decisions Negrete

Ronny Rios won a 10-round unanimous decision over Oscar Negrete in a super bantamweight fight.

Rios landed 290 of 880 punches; Negrete was 150 of 830.

Rios, 121.4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 33-3. Negrete, 121.6 lbs of Tierralta, COL is 19-3-2.

“I should have sat down more on my punches,” said Ronny Rios. “I went in a little bit too much with my head, and I kind of waited too long. But I’m happy with the win. I really want a world title shot for my next fight, and I think this fight was a necessary step in that direction.”

Mosley stops Olivas after 5!

Shane Mosley Jr. stopped Cristian Olivas after round five of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Olivas started to swell around his right eye. The eye kept getting worse as Mosley pounded him repeatedly with left hand, and the fight was stopped by the corner following the 5th frame.

Mosley, 161.6 lbs of Pomona, CA is 17-3 with 10 knockouts. Olivas, 161.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 19-8.

“I had a really tough opponent in there. But I went in there, looked sharp and got the job done. These are the kinds of fights that I need in order to show people that I am ready for a world title.”

Melikuziev stops Fitch in 3

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Morgan Fitch in round three of their scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, the nose of Fitch started to bleed. In round three, Melikuziev dropped Fitch with a straight left. He ended things with a vicious left to the body that sent Fitch down and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Melikuziev, 170.6 lbs of Indio, CA is 7-0 with six knockouts. Fitch, 170.5 lbs of New Orleans is 19-5-1.

“Despite everything that happened, I think it was a good performance,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “I wish I could have lasted longer and gotten a few more rounds in, but I think it was a good performance. I’m ready for any of the big names in my division.”

Azat Hovhannisyan stopped Enrique Bernache in round eight of their scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Hovhannisyan dropped Bernache.

Bernache, who was complaining of headbutts throughout the fight, bowed out in round eight.

Hovhannisyan, 122.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 19-3 with 16 knockouts. Bernache, 123 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-13.

“I’m very happy,” said Azat Hovhannisyan. “It’s my first time with Robert Garcia. We had a lot of good sparring. I’m No. 1 in the WBA. I want to fight a world champion.”

Victor Morales won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Guerrero featherweight bout.

Morales, 125.8 lbs of Vancouver, WA won by scores of 80-72 an is now 14-0. Guerrero, 125.8 lbs of Mexico City is 26-10-2.

“After 16 months away from the ring, it feels great to be back,” said Victor Morales Jr. “I knew he was going to be very tough. He is a former world champion, so I knew it was going to be a difficult bout. Either way, I was able to fight either on the outside or on the inside.”

Dalis Kaleiopu made a successful pro debut with a 3rd round stoppage over Eduardo Sanchez in a four round super lightweight bout.

Kaleiopu dropped Sanchez with a hard right uppercut and the fight was stopped 48 seconds into the round.

Kaleiopu, 136 lbs of Waianae, HI is 1-0 with one knockout. Sanchez, 135.6 lbs of Corocoron, CA is 2-4.

“It’s been a long time because of COVID,” said Dalis Kaleiopu. “So, it felt great to finally make my pro debut. I hurt him many times, but I let him go. But then I landed a shot he couldn’t come back from, so it feels good to stop somebody that has never been stopped.

NEW YORK (February 13, 2021) – Tonight, two lightweight prospects under the Split-T Management banner will be in action on two separate cards.

In Las Vegas, undefeated Eric Puente makes his first start of 2021, when he takes on Sergio Vega at the MGM Grand Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble.”

Dalis Kaleiopu takes on Eduardo Sanchez at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Puente, 21 of Vista, California, and Vega take part in a four-round bout. Puente will be making his 3rd appearance in “The Bubble” as he is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Norambuena on September 12th.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Puente will be taking on his first undefeated opponent. Vega of Woodland, California is 2-0-1 with both wins coming via knockout. He is coming off a draw with undefeated Diego Elizondo on June 8, 2019.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Puente checked in at 137 lbs. Vega was 136 lbs,

The Puente – Vega bout will be part of an ESPN+ stream, beginning at 8:15. PM ET.

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

??Kaleiopu will look to follow his fellow Waianae, Hawaii native and Split-T Stablemate, Asa Stevens in winning his pro debut in 202. Kaleiopu takes on veteran Eduardo Sanchez (2-3) in a four-round bout.

Kaleiopu, 21 years-old won the Western Elite championships in 2018, and in the same year, Kaleiopu was a National Championship runner-up.

Kaleiopu, who is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.,

Kaleiopu was 133.6 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in. Sanchez was 135.6 lbs.

(ESPN, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •     Richard Commey 136 lbs vs. Jackson Marinez 135.5 lbs 
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Adam Lopez 126 lbs vs. Jason Sanchez 126 lbs 
(Lopez’s NABF Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   Jared Anderson 249 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 276 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT)

•   Jahi Tucker 144 lbs vs. Eric Rodriguez 144.5 lbs 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Eric Puente 137 lbs vs. Sergio Vega 136 lbs 
(Lightweight  — 4 Rounds)

•    Troy Isley 157 lbs vs. Bryant Costello 158 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Floyd Diaz 117 lbs vs. Fernando Macias 118 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

February 12, 2021–Acelino Freitas, who was one of boxing’s biggest stars, looked to reclaim the WBO lightweight world title when he fought the surging Zahir Raheem. Relive the match on tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

Freitas (37-1, 32 KOs) was riding a two-fight winning streak after dropping the WBO title to Diego Corrales. The Brazilian was considered one of the sport’s most exciting fighters based on his prodigious knockout power. Coming off the biggest win of his career by defeating Mexican legend Erik Morales, Raheem (27-1, 16 KOs) earned the shot at the vacant title.

The bout took place on April 29, 2006, at The Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

See if Freitas was able to catch Raheem tonight at 8 PM ET.

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

NEW YORK – February 12, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner will end his two-year hiatus from boxing when he faces Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round super lightweight bout Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast also pits former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

“February 20 is going to be an exciting night with the return of Adrien Broner, one of boxing’s ‘must see’ attractions,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “A former world champion in four weight classes, Adrien remains one of the sport’s most popular and well-known athletes. In the co-main event, we are guaranteed action as former heavyweight title challengers Dominic Breazeale and Otto Wallin seek another chance to compete for a world championship. Plus Robert Easter continues his campaign at super lightweight as he takes on Ryan Martin, a true 140-pounder with a score to settle from the amateurs. This event is full of intrigue from top to bottom and we can’t wait to see how it will unfold.”

“There is no question that Adrien Broner is a bona fide boxing attraction and he’s never in a boring fight. His credentials as a four-division world champion are unquestioned. It’s good to see him back and ready to go,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Dominic Breazeale and Otto Wallin promises to be a heavyweight firefight and Robert Easter Jr. and Ryan Martin are both looking to establish themselves as formidable championship contenders in the super lightweight division. This is a strong PBC card from top to bottom for the fans who tune-in to SHOWTIME on February 20.’’

Cincinnati’s Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), is one of the most popular and colorful personalities in the sport. He quickly rose to prominence by combining supreme boxing with a brash outspoken personality. By the age of 26, he had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, becoming one of only eight active fighters to win a world championship in four divisions. Broner has faced several multi-division world champions such as Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, Mikey Garcia, Jessie Vargas and Manny Pacquiao. Broner returns to the super lightweight division where he dominated Khabib Allakhverdiev to win a 140-pound title in 2015.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring. It’s been a while. This will give me a chance to display my talents and show everybody what they’ve been missing,’’ Broner said. “I’ve been training and working very hard and everybody will see all of that hard work come together on February 20 on SHOWTIME.’’

Hailing from Dorado, Puerto Rico, the undefeated Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his stateside debut against Broner just two months removed from a dominating first-round knockout victory over then-unbeaten Juan Zegarra in the Dominican Republic. In 2017, Santiago defeated former super lightweight world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley via unanimous decision, marking the only time he has allowed his opponent to go the distance since 2015. Known for his come-forward style, Santiago has campaigned at 140 pounds for the majority of his career and ascended to 14^th in the WBA’s super lightweight rankings.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to step into the ring against Adrien Broner. I believe our styles are perfect for each other. But I feel like I have the skills that are necessary to beat him. I just fought a couple months ago so I feel good with the way my training has gone. I’m going to shock everyone on February 20.”

Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) has an impressive knockout ratio and numerous memorable knockout victories, including stoppages of Amir Mansour, Carlos Negron, and then-unbeaten Izuagbe Ugonoh. The 35-year-old has come up short in two heavyweight title opportunities against Deontay Wilder and current unified world champion Anthony Joshua. Born in Glendale, Calif., and now living in Eastvale, Calif., Breazeale was an outstanding high school football player who played quarterback at Northern Colorado University before taking up boxing. The 6-foot-7 heavyweight was also a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic® boxing team.

“Camp has been great. I’m working with my new trainer, Abel Sanchez, up in Big Bear,” Breazeale said. “Otto Wallin is going against a big guy who can punch and throws punches in bunches, so he’s going to be in trouble. I’m going to bring the pressure from the opening bell until the moment he hits the canvas.”

Wallin (21-1, 14 KOs) makes his second appearance on SHOWTIME within the Mohegan Sun “Fight Sphere” after defeating Travis Kauffman via fifth-round TKO in August. Before that, he nearly upset Tyson Fury in September 2019, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that almost halted the fight. While the 30-year-old lost to the lineal heavyweight world champion via unanimous decision, he proved his mettle as a potential heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache.

“Training has been going very well. I’m in a good place,” said Wallin. “Breazeale is a tough customer that’s always in firefights and is entertaining to watch. I believe it’s going to be a good fight. I’m pretty sure that he’s going to try and come out and go after me, so I don’t think I’ll have to look for him. I’m in great shape. I believe I’ll be able to break him down and take him out.”

A former IBF lightweight world champion, Easter (22-1-1, 14 KOs) won the vacant belt with a split decision victory over future world champion Richard Commey in 2016. The 30-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, successfully defended the title three times before losing it to four-division world champion Mikey Garcia in a 2018 unification clash on SHOWTIME. Following a split-draw against Rances Barthelemy in April 2019, Easter made his super lightweight debut on SHOWTIME in October 2019 with a unanimous decision victory over Adrian Granados. 

“My last fight against Adrian Granados helped me get used to fighting at 140 pounds. The time away from the ring has helped me to get comfortable at the weight,’’ Easter said. “Martin has been active and he’s fought some good competition at 140 pounds, and I expect he’ll be at his best when we fight. But I’m going to be ready for anything that he brings to the ring on February 20.”

Martin (24-1, 14 KOs), who hails from Chattanooga, Tenn., has remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic with two stoppage victories since June 2020 including a first-round knockout over Hevinson Herrera in October. Similar to Easter, the 27-year-old has moved to the super lightweight division after many years at 135 pounds. Martin was handed the only loss of his career in 2018 to now-unified 140-pound world champion Josh Taylor. As an amateur, he lost a decision to Easter in the 2012 Olympic qualifiers and was denied an opportunity to represent the United States at the Summer Games in London as an alternate.

“I’m excited to be fighting on PBC on SHOWTIME,” said Martin. “It’s a great opportunity for me to redeem myself for a bad performance overseas against [Josh] Taylor. That experience is going to help. I’m coming to fight and to win.”

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosts the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

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

Both the undefeated sons of former two-time and undisputed heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman were victorious in fights last week, as heavyweight Hasim “Gold Blooded” Rahman Jr. (10-0, 5 KOs) notched a second-round TKO over Mexico’s Alejandro de la Torre at the Salon de Eventos in Heroica Matamoros, Mexico and on Friday, February 5, and younger brother Sharif “C3” Rahman (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a third-round TKO over Haitian opponent Gladimir Jacinto at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, February 6.

The brothers, both signed to New York-based promoter Greg Cohen’s GCP, say it was nice to get back in the ring after an extended Covid-related period of inactivity.

Splitting his training time between the Upton Boxing Gym in his hometown of Baltimore with Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis and DLX Boxing in Las Vegas, where he’s trained by Dewey Cooper and his father, Hasim Sr., Rahman says he stayed ready the whole time for the chance to get back in. “Whenever it was open, I’ve been in the gym the whole time and looking forward to getting back. It felt great to get in there and get one that counts.”

A four-year pro and an accomplished amateur before that, Rahman Jr. says 2021 is the year he levels up in the family business. “This year, I want some better competition,” he said. “It’s clear that I can handle myself with B and C level opponents, so I’m looking to go ahead and get some more competitive fights this year and hopefully get on TV. I feel like I was born ready.”

Often on the smallish side, especially weight-wise, for today’s big men, Rahman says he’s looking forward to testing the waters in boxing’s newest weight class.

“My entire career has already been at bridgerweight,” he said. “I love everything about this new division. If you look at the top-50 heavyweights, you’d have to stretch to find more than a few that weighed under 225. That tells you they made this new weight class for a reason, to make it more competitive for guys around the cruiserweight limit. I think it’s perfect and I’ll definitely be campaigning at bridgerweight. If I don’t get a crack at that title, I’ll make my way down to cruiserweight. It’s not too far. I’m comfortable in either division.”

Sharif Rahman, who recently signed and joined his brother and his father before them as a member of the GCP stable, says the victory, his first in nearly three years, was a homecoming, even though it was in Mexico. “It’s rough getting fights in the US right now, so it felt great,” said Rahman. “In the ring is home for me. As far as my performance, it was good, but I can do a lot better.”

Rahman says his other family members’ experiences with GCP put him at total ease with his new promoter. “I’m looking to get to 10-0 this year,” he continued. “I hadn’t fought for a while because I had no backing and a lot of my scheduled bouts have fallen out, but I’ve known Greg since I was an amateur and I’ve got nothing but good things to say. He takes care of me well. I could have signed with Greg a while ago, but he didn’t want me to fight at 168 lbs. Now that I’m 100% disciplined and have made the sacrifices, he agreed to promote me at 154 lbs. and 147 lbs. as more appropriate weight classes. That’s fine with me because I want to be a multi-division champion.”

Like his brother, also a decorated former amateur, Rahman says fighting as a professional out of DLX Boxing in Las Vegas with trainer Chris Catalan and signed to GCP will finally allow him to let his true talents shine. “I’ve always had more of a pro style. Growing up watching my father train with fighters like Zab Judah, William Joppy and Floyd Mayweather, I would watch them and model my style after them. I’m more calculated and selective than an amateur.”

Father Hasim Rahman Sr. watched both his sons’ fights and indicates he is happy with the way things are going. “I was pleased with both outcomes to say the least,” said the elder Rahman. “I’m not concerned with rushing them. I feel like as long as they are progressing and moving forward to their goals, I’m happy. I’m also glad they are both signed to Greg Cohen now. Greg is an extended member of our family. I could have found a more prominent promoter to sign them with, but I know Greg has their best interests at heart, even beyond boxing. And I know for a fact Greg can get the job done because he got it done for me on several occasions. I have another son Hasan coming up and every one of us are going to sign with Greg automatically.”

Promoter Cohen says both brothers have big years in store for them under his guidance.

“Hasim Jr. is ready for another level,” said Cohen. “He is walking through the preliminary level of opponents. We hope to have him in with another prospect or a solid contender soon. And Sharif, he has turned his whole career around by focusing all his efforts. He looked terrific last week. I’ll be looking to continue his development by keeping him much more active in the next 12 months.”