(November 24, 2020) — Tony Yoka, the dynamic heavyweight punching Parisian, aims to impress in his ESPN platform debut. Yoka, who won a super heavyweight gold medal for France at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will fight veteran Christian Hammer in a 10-rounder Friday at H Arena in Nantes, France.
 
Yoka-Hammer will stream live and exclusively this Friday, Nov. 27 in the United States on ESPN+ beginning at 2:55 p.m. ET/11:55 a.m. PT. The ESPN+ stream will also include the return of unbeaten 2016 French Olympic gold medalist Estelle Yoka-Mossely against Pasa Malagic in an eight-round lightweight bout. Yoka and Yoka-Mossely, who have been married since 2018, welcomed their second child in May.
 
Earlier this year, Yoka inked a promotional agreement with Top Rank, which will co-promote him with Ringstar France.
 
“Tony Yoka’s potential is limitless, and he is a grounded young man who is motivated to be a great professional fighter,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “France has never had a world heavyweight champion, and I believe Tony is the one to bring the sport’s biggest honor home.”
 
The 28-year-old Yoka’s stellar amateur run included a berth at the 2012 London Olympics and gold medals at the 2015 World Championships and 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Before his triumph in Rio, he’d already defeated the likes of former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker and current undefeated prospects Joe Joyce and Ivan Dychko. At the Rio Olympics, he defeated Croatian standout Filip Hrgovi? in the semifinals and edged Joyce in the gold medal match.
 
As a professional, Yoka (8-0, 7 KOs) made his debut in June 2017 with a second-round stoppage over the previously undefeated Travis Clark. Apart from a decision win over Jonathan Rice in his second outing, Yoka has stopped every foe, including durable Englishman David “White Rhino” Allen and former European champion Alexander Dimitrenko. He made his 2020 debut Sept. 25 and stopped former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in one round.
 
Hammer (25-6, 15 KOs) has fought many of the leading heavyweight names during his 12-year career, falling short against Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz and Alexander Povetkin. He’s notched myriad upset victories, including a highlight-reel knockout over David Price and a 2016 split decision over Erkan Teper for the WBO European belt. In March 2019, he went the 10-round distance against Ortiz and has not been stopped since Fury forced him to retire on his stool after eight rounds in their February 2015 clash.
 
For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing and twitter.com/ESPNRingside; IG: @espnringside.
 
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 10.3 million subscribers.
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 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.

PHILADELPHIA, PA/ / ORANGE, CA. (November 24, 2020) – Lightweight Michael Dutchover returns to the ring when he headlines against Jose Luis Rodriguez on Sunday, December 20th at The Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, California.

The fight will be the main event of Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1 Boxing Event.

The free stream will air live on the Banner Promotions Promotions website (www.banner-promotions.com.), as well as their Facebook page beginning at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT

Dutchover (14-1, 10 KOs), of Midland, TX, who is co-promoted with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing will return to the ring against Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (23-13-1, 13 KOs), of Monterey, Mexico, in an eight-round main event.

“My last opponent suffered a bad accident, so I was unable to fight,” said Dutchover of his thwarted effort in early November to secure an opponent for that event. “I am now very focused and working hard in the gym with my coach Danny Zamora and my stablemate, Ruben Torres and I am ready to finish 2020 with a bang.”

Rodriguez, who has been in the ring with the likes of WBA Super Lightweight champion Mario Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), Felix Verdejo (27-1, 17 KOs), Antonio Orozco (28-2, 17 KOs), Bakhtiyar Eyubov (14-2-1, 12 KOs), Jose Pedraza (28-3, 13 KOs), and Sharif Bogere (32-2, 20 KOs), will be the most experienced fighter Dutchover has ever faced.

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer, while Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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 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 – November 24, 2020 – Past opponents of legendary boxing icon Hector “Macho” Camacho, including “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, share their first-hand experiences with the former world champion and recall his trademark flamboyant style in advance of the MACHO: THE HECTOR CAMACHO STORY documentary premiere Friday, December 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

MACHO: THE HECTOR CAMACHO STORY is an unflinching look at the remarkable life, storied career and unsolved murder of one of boxing’s greatest showmen. Through rare and revealing interviews with his mother, Maria Matias, sisters, wife Amy and son Hector Jr., the documentary also delves into the legendary fighter’s troubled mind and spirit, his battle with addiction and the inner turmoil that ultimately led to his demise – a mysterious double homicide on a roadside in November 2012. The film isdirected by two-time Emmy^® Award winner Eric Drath. Drath and Danielle Naassana, both of Live Star Entertainment, served as producers and sixteen-time Emmy Award winner Aaron Cohen served as writer and consulting producer.

In addition to Leonard, Trinidad and Roach, past world champions Ray Mancini, Greg Haugen, Vinny Pazienza and more reminisce about climbing into the ring against the flashy and skilled Hector “Macho” Camacho:

SUGAR RAY LEONARD – March 1, 1997; In Ray Leonard’s final career fight, Camacho won by fifth-round TKO: “We were both naturally past our prime, but I just felt that I was a bigger man. I was smarter, stronger, all those things, but the first time he threw a punch, it was like, Pow! And I said, ‘Wow, that hurt.’ I tried the best I could to just go the distance. When he was at his best, he was a thing of beauty.”

FELIX “TITO” TRINIDAD – January 29, 1994; IBF Welterweight Title: “I first met Macho Camacho when I was 12 years old at an indoor arena event in Puerto Rico. He was already a world champion. I was in awe. Camacho was talking to everyone and being himself. He ate 12 empanadas at once just to be funny.

“When I got to fight him, it was my third title defense. I was 21 and he was 10 years older than me. He had so much experience and played so many mind games. At the final press conference, he sat at the very end of the table – sideways, kind of ignoring the press – and staring at me. When it was his time to talk, he just talked trash. He was such a showman. When we got in the ring in Las Vegas, like every fighter at a crossroads fight, I was a little nervous. He was such a great fighter. He was so experienced and technical. He was a little crazy but was such a good person. Humble.

“After the fight, he came over with his chin down and congratulated me. He was like a different person – he was so friendly and calm. ‘It was a good fight,’ he told me. ‘You are going to be a great champion. Keep on climbing.’ It was a great experience for me. After that fight, I felt something had changed in me as a fighter.  I had shared a ring with Macho Camacho. You are never the same after that. He helped me be a better fighter. He was the first Puerto Rican I ever faced. The only fighter that cut me. I got my win against him the same night [Frankie] Randall handed Julio Cesar Chavez his first defeat. It was a historic night.”

FREDDIE ROACH – December 18, 1985; Camacho won a super lightweight bout via unanimous decision to improve to 28-0: “Hector Camacho was the best boxer I ever fought. His speed was unbelievable. At one point during the fight, we were in a clinch and I bit his shoulder. He stepped back, smiled, and told me, ‘That’s not going to work.’ He was right. I had so much trouble handling his speed. You just couldn’t prepare for it – and I had a really good training camp. I was really up for that fight. I think I won one round and that was only because I stepped on his foot and got a knock down. After the fight, we bumped into each other in our hotel lobby and he took me to dinner at the hotel restaurant. We talked and laughed throughout dinner. He was a great guy.”

RAY MANCINI – March 6, 1989; Camacho won a split decision for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight title: “Hector had an uncanny ability to avoid punches. He had excellent hand speed, movement and reflexes. He got in the ring with everybody. And he was funny as hell. At first, I couldn’t stand him. But once we were retired, we buried the hatchet and every time we’d see each other, it was hugs and laughs. He made everyone laugh. He was a good soul. I was heartbroken when I heard the news about his murder. In my book, when you talk about all-time greats, he is in the top five for Puerto Rican fighters and top 20 for Latino fighters.”                 

GREG HAUGEN – February 23, and May 18, 1991; Camacho’s first career loss and the rematch for WBO Jr. Welterweight World Championship: “Camacho was looking for a tune-up fight for the big battle of the undefeateds with Julio Cesar Chavez so that’s how I got the fight. But I had studied his fights and I knew Hector only liked to fight a minute, minute and a half of each round. My plan going into the fight was to make him fight three minutes of each round. I was hitting him with body shots and he was wincing. And plus, I was talking to him the whole fight, so he was getting frustrated. So we get to the 12^th round and he ends up sucker punching me before the start of the round because I refused to touch gloves, and they end up taking a point from him which won me the fight. (In the rematch) he was so sure he lost the fight, he actually left the ring after the fight. The promoter Dan Duva had to pull him out of his dressing room and basically talk him into getting back in the ring to hear the decision. He had to win that fight because that would line him up with Chavez. I thought I beat him more so in the second fight than the first fight.”

VINNY PAZIENZA – February 3, 1990; Camacho won a unanimous decision for the WBO Junior Welterweight title: “I thought I was going to wreck him. I thought I was going to go right through him. But he was much stronger and much faster than I believed. And I was thinking, ‘Oh God, I’m in for a long night.’ He got ready for me like no other fight. He was so amped and so ready. He got off all the drugs. He wasn’t drinking. He got up so high and after he beat me, he was never the same again. Hector was such a character. He surpasses me in that capacity. He was a wild guy and he was wild his whole life.”

PJ GOOSSEN – June 18, 1999; Camacho won a unanimous decision at the age of 37 to improve his record to 68-4-1: “That was a bad night for me. I had three broken ribs, and no one really knew it. So, I could barely breathe, let alone fight, but that’s what you have to do in boxing sometimes. As we were getting ready for the fight, his dressing room was right next to mine and they had this door separating us. I could hear him before the fight yelling, ‘Macho time!’ ‘Macho time!’ And he hits the wall. And he keeps doing that, yelling louder and louder. Well, he hit the door so hard it busted through and he fell into my dressing room. So, he gets up and walks back in around through the other opening and says, ‘Sorry about that.’ It was actually pretty funny and me and my dad and brother were laughing. To come back in and apologize when he’s supposed to be getting hyped up to fight me. I would mark him down as one of the best lefthanders there ever was, especially when he was at featherweight and lightweight.”

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 24, 2020) – Many if not most Americans will be enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, eating turkey, stuffing and pie, along with watching pro football all day and night. Not so, though, for undefeated lightweight prospect
Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs), who will be flying from Boston to Los Angeles, to fight on Saturday night’s high-profile Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. show at Staples Center.

Ortiz, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion, will take on Ugandan southpaw Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Maryland, in an 8-round match for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) lightweight title.

The 24-year-old Ortiz will travel with his head coach, Rocky Gonzalez, and cut-man Kendrick Ball, who will fill in for “The Godfather of Worcester (MA), boxing,” Carlos Garcia. He will not travel cross-country during the COVID-19 pandemic because of his advanced age. A National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame trainer, Garcia was Ortiz’ first boxing coach as an amateur, and he has worked his fellow Worcester resident’s corner during Ortiz’ 4 ½-year professional career.

“Carlos will be with us in spirit,” Ortiz said. “We understand. Fighting is my career and part of that is missing out on Thanksgiving this year. I’ll be eating on the plane. This is more important, just business, part of my job. It is what it is. I’m a big family person and I see them on a regular basis, not just on holidays. I’ll get to eat my turkey when I return home.”

Ortiz like most boxers hasn’t been active due to the pandemic. His last fight was this past February at home in Worcester when he stopped Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5) in the second round.

Segawa’s last fight was an 8-round split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1-1) in January. In 2018, he lost decisions to Abraham Nova (12-0) for the vacant NABA super featherweight title and William Foster (7-0) for the vacant crown. Ortiz knows both of those fighters well having defeated Nova in the amateurs and New Haven’s Foster is a fellow New Englander.

“He’s a tough dude,” Ortiz spoke about Segawa. “His fight with Nova was close (96-94, 96-94, 97-93). He took both the distance; they couldn’t take him down. And he’s beaten some undefeated fighters (10-0 Godwin Rosa, 6-0 Brian Gallegos).

“He’s a good fighter who can win rounds. A slick fighter, but he can be a little wild, and that can be dangerous. It’s going to be challenging for me. I need to be smart, listen, and be tight. I can’t get caught when he throws wild punches.”

Although Segawa is a replacement and the opposite of his original opponent, Jamaine isn’t overly concerned that Segawa is a southpaw, even though he’s only fought one lefty as a pro (Victor Rosas in 2018), because to some extent he is ambidextrous.

“Luckily,” Ortiz concluded, “I had good sparring with a southpaw. I fight left-handed a lot myself. I shoot basketballs left-handed, bat left-handed in baseball, and arm wrestled with my left hand. A friend just sent me a picture from 2007 and I was in a southpaw stance.”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports) and advised by Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi.

James Tennyson will face Josh O’Reilly in an Eliminator for the WBA Lightweight World Title on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO Super-Middleweight World Title defence against Martin Murray at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Friday December 4, shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

Tennyson (27-3, 23 KOs) continued his destructive form last time out in August at Matchroom Fight Camp as he claimed the vacant British Lightweight Title with a powerful sixth round stoppage win over brave Welshman Gavin Gwynne.

O’Reilly (16-0, 6 KOs) is undefeated in 16 fights since turning professional in July 2014, and the 29-year-old Canadian holds the North American Boxing Association Lightweight Title and a top ten ranking with the WBA. 

“I’ve been grafting away with Eddie for over three years now and it has been an incredible journey, and while I’ve collected British, Commonwealth & European Titles, I feel I’m only getting warmed up,” said Tennyson. “I want the full deck, so I am continuously prepared to go deep until I get the World Title.

“Josh O’Reilly is undefeated and a great test for me, he is ranked 8 with the WBA and is their North American Champion, I am number 10 and the WBA International Champion, so we both have a lot to gain and it is a great achievement for us both to get this far.

“While it is pretty amazing to be out twice this year in big fights given the current climate we are living in, I’m getting pretty fed up with hearing these American’s names being thrown about as the next big thing. I would take Gamboa out in a few rounds and after the O’Reilly eliminator, I want to be headlining bills!”

Following a stunning 11th round knockout win in his last fight, Derby’s Zach Parker (19-0, 13 KOs) will be looking to impress again as he takes on Spain’s Cesar Nunez (17-2-1, 9 KOs) for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title, aiming to keep hold of his Mandatory spot for Saunders’ World Title. 

“I’m here and I’m ready to go again,” said Parker. “Everyone knows I’m in the game to win World Titles and fight on big shows. I’m ranked by the WBO as Billy Joe Saunders’ Mandatory, he knows who I am, and I’m coming for him. It is my dream to bring a World Title back to Derby and I’ve worked really hard with my team to get into a place where we’re not far from a shot at that.”
 
Tennyson vs. O’Reilly and Parker vs. Nunez land on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ (29-0, 14 KOs) WBO Super-Middleweight World Title defence against Martin Murray (39-5-1, 17 KOs), with more undercard additions to be announced shortly. 

PHILADELPHIA (November 24, 2020) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia showed off his skills and previewed his upcoming showdown against unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. during a virtual media workout on Monday before they headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, December 5 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Training in his hometown of Philadelphia alongside his father and coach Angel Garcia, Danny Garcia will look to become a unified 147-pound champion with a victory on December 5, matching the accomplishment he achieved in becoming a unified 140-pound champion. The 32-year-old owns one of the most impressive resumes in boxing with wins over Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Robert Guerrero and Paulie Malignaggi throughout his storied career.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The full workout can be watched HERE on the PBC on FOX YouTube page. Here is what the workout participants had to say Monday:

DANNY GARCIA

“I feel great. It’s been a long and tremendous camp. We’ve put in a lot of hard work. My body looks and feels like I’m 21-years-old again.

“I’m thankful for this big fight and for my family. I’m also thankful that my weight is good so I can eat a little bit on Thursday.

“This is another chapter in my career. This is my chance to have a beautiful moment to add to what I’ve already accomplished. This is a big fight for me to get back to where I want to be in my career.

“This is definitely a legacy fight. I feel like it’s a legacy fight every time I get into the ring. There’s been a lot of hard work put into this one and I’m just feeling ready to go.

“I’ve been the underdog my whole career. I’m in my comfort zone being an underdog and it’s the energy I like to have. I just have to keep proving myself again and again. That’s what keeps me going.

“I’ve fought some wizards in the ring. Facing guys like Zab Judah and Erik Morales are experiences that I went to school off of. Everything I’ve learned in my career has led me to this fight.

“If I wasn’t from Philadelphia, I wouldn’t be Danny Garcia. This city has made me what I am today. I grew up in that old school boxing mind set since I was a kid. I think it’s served me well mentally and physically. Plus, my Puerto Rican heritage is another arsenal that I have in my repertoire and it really gives me the best of all worlds.

“There’s no doubt I’m the hardest puncher Spence faced. I’m one of the hardest hitters in this sport. Almost anyone who steps in there against me is facing the biggest puncher they’ve seen.

“I can’t say whether Spence is going to have ring rust because of his layoff. That’s something that he has to figure out. I know that I’m ready to go. I can’t worry about what he brings to the table. I just have to be the best Danny Garcia.

“This is the fight I have to win. This fight is for my legacy. There’s only one goal, and that’s to win on December 5.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia’s Father & Trainer

“We’ve had a great camp and we can’t wait to get in the ring. There’s never been a fight that we’ve taken lightly. We’ve always taken everybody seriously, and of course that’s the same for this fight. We don’t change things, we just multiply fight by fight.

“Danny has always been the underdog. Whether it was Amir Khan or Lucas Matthysse, it doesn’t matter. He’s only the underdog because Spence is undefeated, but that doesn’t mean anything when we get in the ring.

“What really matters is that once Danny lands his shots, will Spence be able to handle it? I’m not worried about anything else that’s being said on the outside.

“If Danny throws a straight right and hits him flush, Spence isn’t getting up. Spence hasn’t really been hit yet. I respect every fighter, but Spence has only really fought three guys that people know. Just look at all the fighters Danny has fought. That resume matters.”

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia will see unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking on Jorge Cota in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. The lineup will also see all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair, plus former champion Julio Ceja faces featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

AT&T Stadium, which has hosted NFL fans during the 2020 Dallas Cowboys season, will be following guidelines from the CDC with protocols regarding COVID-19 safeguards and cleaning procedures. All fans attending the event will be required to wear a mask. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups who are not known to one another. For more information on AT&T Stadium’s Safe Stadium Policy, please visit the site here: https://attstadium.com/safestadium/.

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.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

Boston’s Vinnie Carita (24-1-1, 23 KOs) is no stranger to taking care of business inside the ring. With a knockout rate of nearly 89%, Carita is one of New England’s most explosive finishers. A lifelong boxer, after finishing an amateur career with over 100 fights, Carita has won the WBC Latino Cruiserweight TITLE and the ABF Continental Americas Cruiserweight Title within the last two years.

Though not being active in the ring since 2019 due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, Carita has been working on bolstering his team outside of the ring with the hiring of Danbury, CT. based boxing advisor A.J. Galante and trainers Dave McDonough and Bennie Little. Galante said he was initially shocked to hear that Carita wanted to meet him at his gym Champs Boxing Club, located in Danbury, “I received a call from Vinnie’s most recent trainer Jason Bailey who had just recently moved to California. He told me Vinnie was interested in working with our team here. I was a bit taken back being that we are 3 plus hours from Boston, but I was extremely excited at the prospect and challenge in working with a guy like Vinnie. I truly believe he’s a diamond in the rough and I know our team can help get him to the next level.” Working Carita’s corner will be long time trainers Dave McDonough and Bennie Little, who also train rising prospect Omar Bordoy Jr (10-1), Geoffrey Then (1-0), Troy Artis (5-9-1) and newly crowned New England Heavyweight Champion Mike Marshall (4-1), among others.

The Promotional Free Agent Carita feels he is set up for a breakout year in 2021, “I’m truly excited to be working with AJ, Dave and Bennie. The past few months I’ve been training in Danbury and we have all cliqued right away. For the majority of my career I’ve had to do everything essentially alone, but I finally feel I have a team that can help me get to bigger and better things.”

Following a stunning 11th round KO in his last fight, Zach Parker (19-0-13 KOs) will be looking to impress again as he defends his WBO International Super Middleweight title against Cesar Nunez (17-2-1-9KOs). 

The fight takes place on December 4th at Wembley Arena and will be live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

Ranked second by the WBO, sitting behind only Canelo and Champion Saunders, Parker is on a journey towards a world title shot of his own.

Last time out Parker expertly dispatched highly rated Rohan Murdock, then unbeaten in 22, with a showreel knockout to claim the WBO International Super Middleweight Title.

Parker believes he’s in line to make another statement on Dec 4th.

“I’m here and I’m ready to go again” said Derby County fan Parker. “Everyone knows I’m in the game to win world titles and fight on big shows. I’m ranked by the WBO as Billy Joe Saunders mandatory, he knows who I am, and I’m coming for him. 

It’s my dream to bring a World Title back to Derby and I’ve worked really hard with my team to get into a place where we’re not far from a shot at that.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says he can’t wait to see his charge in the ring again.

“Zach is one of the most exciting fighters in the super middleweight division and one that is within touching distance of world level fights. He’s shown on a number of occasions now that he’s got heart, he can box and most importantly he’s got big punching power, capable of finishing a fight with one punch. He’s on his way to the top and December 4th is another opportunity for him to show what he can do.”

Neil Marsh, Parker’s manager echoed the thoughts, while acknowledging the challenges the sport has faced this year.

“I’m delighted to see Zach out before Christmas in what’s been a difficult time for the sport, Zach is the real deal and a monster at super middleweight. In 2021 the kid will arrive with a bang on the world stage. 

I’d like to thank the Sauerlands for the opportunity and thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for the place on the bill”

The card’s main event sees Billy Joe Saunders make the second defence of his WBO Super-Middleweight World Title against British rival Martin Murray at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Friday December 4th, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 23, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s
undefeated rising featherweight Ricky Medina (7-0, 6 KOs) will be making his return to the ring after a nine-month absence as he faces Gabino Hernandez (7-7-3, 2 KOs), on Friday, December 4, 2020 in Matamoros, Mexico.

“It feels good to be back in the ring,” said Medina. “The world has changed a lot, and I am just thankful to continue my career before the year is over. My last fight was in February, and I am glad I can get one more fight this year.”

Medina, a big puncher in the featherweight division, is looking to make a statement in this bout.

“Although there may be some ring rust to shake off, I feel I need to make a statement in this fight,” Medina continued. “I’m going to be very aggressive in this fight with my mind on doing some damage. I never go looking for the knockout, but in this fight I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions.”

“Medina has some heavy hands and were expecting to see them on display in this bout,” said Greg Hannely, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Medina. “Medina has stayed in the gym and been grinding for the chance to get on a card. Now he has his opportunity, and we know he will make the most of it.”

“Medina is the type of fighter every promoter hopes to work with,” said Rick Morones, of TMB Entertainment, Medina’s promoter. “Medina is in-shape year around and works hard on his craft, making sure the fans are treated each time he fights. Medina is a special talent.”

“I want to prove a point with this fight,” concluded Medina. “I feel that next year will be a big year for me, and I am ready for those big fights to happen soon!”

This afternoon, Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of two-time world champion and WBC #2 lightweight contender Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs), is submitting a formal request to the WBC for them to order negotiations to begin immediately for Fortuna to face current WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney (25-0, 15 KOs).

In his request, Lewkowicz cites the extended series of cancelled and declined fights for his top-rated fighter:

After fighting his way to the #1 spot in the WBC ratings last November, Fortuna was supposed to face England’s Luke Campbell in April of this year for the vacant lightweight championship after champion Haney was sidelined by shoulder injury and named a “champion in recess.” However, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the fight from happening and gave Haney adequate time to recover.

The WBC then reinstated Haney as champion and granted him a voluntary defense. They further mandated that Fortuna and Campbell meet for the WBC interim lightweight championship and then face the winner of Haney’s voluntary defense immediately after. That arrangement fell through though, when Campbell’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, announced he was planning to step over #1 contender Fortuna to make a fight between Haney and #2 contender Campbell.

With Fortuna now looking for a new opponent, representatives from Golden Boy Promotions offered him a fight against WBC #3-ranked Ryan Garcia, which Fortuna agreed to without hesitation, only to be later notified that “Kingry” didn’t want to face Fortuna.

Lewkowicz then arranged for Fortuna to face Jorge Linares (47-5, 29 KOs), the WBC #5 contender and a former featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight world champion for the WBC Diamond Belt in August. Unfortunately, Linares announced he had COVID-19 a couple weeks before the fight and it was also cancelled.

Since then, Haney has gone on to successfully make his voluntary defense against former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in November and Ryan Garcia is set to face Luke Campbell in January of next year.

Fortuna, now the WBC #2 contender after the insertion of former champ Vasyl Lomachenko into the #1 spot, was finally able to find someone to fight and looked sensational this past weekend while stopping tough Mexican Antonio Lozada Torres in six rounds.

Given these circumstances, Team Fortuna believes they are justified in requesting the WBC to grant this request for an immediate Fortuna vs. Haney fight. Fortuna has been a #1 or #2 contender for over a year while lower-rated contenders have secured fights against each other. With Lomachenko tied up looking for a rematch against Teofimo Lopez, the Fortuna vs. Haney fight is a worthy matchup between champion and available top contender.

“Through his entire career, Javier Fortuna has fought anyone willing to fight,” said Lewkowicz. “He looked sensational beating Lozada on Saturday and has been a top contender for an exceptionally long time. He deserves an immediate shot at Devin Haney’s championship. I am sure the WBC will agree that the time has come for his long-awaited title challenge.
About Sampson Boxing

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

GALVESTON, Texas (November 23, 2020) – The long-awaited return of undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) will be Friday night, December 18, when he challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs), live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE TV will stream worldwide on the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv) and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

The main event fighters, Ramirez and Lopez, are co-promoters of “Battle of Rio Grande” under their promotional company names, respectively, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, fighting out of Mazatlán, Mexico, became the first Mexican super middleweight champion of the world in 2016, when he defeated defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Arthur Abraham (44-4) by way of a 12-round unanimous decision. Ramirez successfully defended his world title against 33-4-1 Maksym Bursak (DEC12), 22-0 Jesse Hart (WDEC12), 25-0-1 Habif Ahmed (TKO6), 23-0 Roamer Alexis Angulo (DEC12) and 25-1 Hart (DEC12) in a rematch.

Ramirez’ last fight, his first as a light heavyweight, was last April in Los Angeles, in which “Zurdo” stopped 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency in four rounds. Ramirez then became a promotional free agent.

Lopez will be fighting close to his home in Huntsville, Texas. “El Tigre” will be riding a 10-fight win streak into the ring for the Dec. 18th 12-round main event. He hasn’t fought in 13 months, registering a 10-round decision over 19-9-1 Denis Grachev in Lopez’ first defense of the NABF title he captured in his previous fight with a fourth-round stoppage of 21-3 Alex Theran.

“I’m looking forward to hosting my first fight and appreciate all the support and love I’ve received from everybody,” Ramirez said. I want to give special thanks to FITE.TV, El Tigre Promotions, Be Def Sports, and the state of Texas for being great partners in this event. I know it’s been a long road to return, but I feel great having full control of my career and being able to fight whenever, wherever, and however, I want. As always, I appreciate my trainers – Julian Chua, Joel Flores, and Chris Wong – keeping me in shape since my last fight and I feel better than ever to step back in the ring. I’ll see you guys December 18th in Texas!”

World-rated heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter, of Las Vegas, will take on battle-tested veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver (57-13-5, 23 KOs), the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas champion.

Hunter is rated among the top 10 in all four major sanctioning bodies — #4 International Boxing Federation (IBF), #7 WBO, #10 WBC and World Boxing Association – in addition to being ranked # 8 by The Ring independent magazine.

Hunter’s last action was a 12-round split draw a year ago in Saudi Arabia with Alexander Povetkin (35-2), the former world heavyweight champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist. A decorated U.S. amateur boxer, Hunter’s lone loss as a professional was a 12-round unanimous decision in 2017 to another Olympic gold medalist (2012), defending champion Oleksandr Usyk (11-0), for the WBO World cruiserweight title.

Additional fights will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fite.tv, @IntegratedPPV

London, UK (23 November 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title contender Craig Richards styles himself as the ‘Spider’ but champion Shakan Pitters is threatening to snare him in his web then flush him down the pan when the fierce rivals collide for the title, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5, on Friday 18th December.

‘I’ve watched Richards many times and he’s so deluded, talks like he’s better than he is, and I’m looking forward to setting the record straight,’ says the 6ft 6in Brummie who is now unbeaten in 14 after collecting his crown with a comprehensive 12 round decision over Newark’s Chad Sugden in August.

‘I’ve already sparred plenty better than him. It may sound horrible but I’m really not impressed. I don’t rate his game at all. ‘Spider’s’ not a force in this division.

‘He gets frustrated very easily. He’s certainly not going to be able to outbox me and, if he tries to walk me down, he’ll get his head panned. I bring excitement and I’ll be letting my hands go, bringing the heat.’

During the pre-fight battle of minds, south Londoner Richards, 15-1-1, has been quick to highlight that he holds a sizeable edge in experience (three more paid starts) and has tested his skills against significantly stiffer competition than the champion who has ventured beyond round six only twice.

And the once world rated ‘Spider’ man – who made an unsuccessful domestic title challenge to Frank Buglioni (LPTS12) on the undercard of the Joshua-Takem world heavyweight title blockbuster at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 2017 – also casts dispersions on how Pitters could cope under the elevated spotlight of Channel 5 at the Fly By Nite studio in Redditch.

However, skyscraper Shak, 31, scoffs at these perceived shortcomings.

He stresses: ‘Sparring is the closest thing to actually fighting and I’ve had loads of experience of that with heavyweights and cruiserweights plus some real good spars with (2016 Olympic medallist and departing domestic champ) Joshua Buatsi. I do ten rounds comfortable in the gym so it really ain’t gonna be an issue.

“Besides, Dec Spelman (beaten for the English title in September 2019) questioned whether I’d be able to do 10 rounds. Dec’s very game and came determined to avenge his previous loss to me. The pace was very high but I knew my boxing would prevail.”

“I headlined the night I won the title and showed I’ve got the temperament. It’s Craig who can’t deal with pressure. He froze against Buglioni in Cardiff and, when he fluffed his way to a draw against Chad Sugden last time, he claims it was because he was focussing on fighting me. Embarrassing! He seems to have an excuse for everything.”

“He’ll soon discover I’m a naturally bigger man. I’m coming down from cruiser, he’s coming up from super-middle. I’m in the ring at about 13.5 and I see me hurting him, winning by stoppage or, at worse, by a massive margin on points. It ain’t gonna be close. He’s got very limited skills and I intend to spank him all over the ring. He’s getting shown up.”

Whoever prevails can contemplate future bonanza paydays against the likes of Anthony Yarde, Joshua Buatsi and Callum Johnson in what could blossom into a Golden Age for British light-heavies.

But sensible Shakan refuses to get ahead of himself, stating: “All I’ve got in my head is Craig Richards, 18th December, Redditch. I’ll not comment on anyone else until after that.”

“I’ll just focus on myself, what I can bring. Stuff Richards. I’ve had plenty of notice and I’ll push my body to the absolutely limit as I always do.”

“Mick Hennessy has obviously seen something in me to give me this chance and it’s good to be on board. I’m thrilled about the exposure that boxing on Channel Five will bring.”

“I’m very hard to beat. Trust me, Richards won’t ever have met anyone similar before. His spar mates won’t be able to mimic me.

‘I’ve got the heart, the grit and the skills. It’ll take something very special to beat me and Craig Richards certainly ain’t nothing special!”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo.

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

By Bart Barry-

SAN ANTONIO – Friday afternoon this city landed the biggest prizefight of the rest of the year when promoter Matchroom Boxing announced Mexican middleweight champion and light heavyweight titlist Saul “Canelo” Alvarez would challenge for undefeated Englishman Callum “Mundo” Smith’s super middleweight Ring championship at Alamodome the Saturday before Christmas.  Four hours later every resident of this county got a text message that read:

936 new COVID-19 cases reported today – the most since July.  With the virus spreading, limit unnecessary outings, avoid social gatherings and wear your mask.

936 nuevos casos de COVID-19 reportados hoy, la mayor cantidad desde julio.  Limite las salidas innecesarias, evite las reuniones sociales y use cubrebocas.

If it appears these messages are at cross-purposes with an Alamodome superfight it’s because they are.  Here’s a sentence I didn’t before imagine writing: If you are not from here and planning to come for the Canelo fight, please do not.

The events of 2020 have made, for responsible adults, many previously unimaginable behaviors standard.  Everyone else has, in varying degrees, pretended things are normal, returning to normal, nearly normal or I’ve-waited-long-enough-for normal.  The contortions this has put folks in have been universally ugly.

A quarter of a million Americans have died from Covid.  That reality is too horrifying for all and leads some to dissemble by wondering about the numbers, asking if anything might’ve been done differently, picking nonsequitur fights with elected officials – threadbare arguments about “tyranny” and “free market” and (coming soon) “national debt”.  Looked at as goodfaith inquiries from reasonable people, these arguments raise immense ire in responsible adults.  Looked at as the castings-about of children, these arguments appear tantrums.  Which is what they are.

The formula for not spreading Covid has been unchanging for seven of the last eight months: Stay home unless you absolutely have to go out, wear a mask whenever you do go out, and keep six feet between yourself and others.  To avoid infecting yourself, do all these same things and wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

The absolutely-have-to-go-out clause above raises plenty of socioeconomic questions.  I’m not oblivious of them or the injustice of declaring things like meat-processing plants vital to national security.  In this city, too, a number of busdrivers have died of Covid, their exposures to infected and generally asymptomatic folks – themselves commuting to jobs that preclude their families’ hunger – too great for too many hours to be properly mitigated by some flimsy cloth stretched across rubberbands.  These folks deserve our deepest sympathies and financial aid in whatever form we can provide it.

But the men filling Home Depot every day for six months because it’s what happens to be open and they can’t stand being alone or with their families?  They’re a different story.  Especially the jackasses who do so masklessly.  The uncharitable if understandable reaction to such folks’ almost inevitable acquisition of the virus is they had it coming, which they did, but here are two entities that didn’t: Employees and familiars of these folks, and the American healthcare system in the long run.  What is lost on those who fixate on mortality rates is a question like: What will be the lasting impact of 12 million Americans with lingering respiratory issues?  What will that do to gross domestic product, to healthcare costs, to their children’s prospects?

Aside from the fighters themselves, their trainers and cutmen, and a handful of officials, nobody must be in Alamodome next month.  Every national promoter has proved this, out of necessity, since August.  Canelo, angry his paycheck got affected by Covid like everyone else’s, declared an empty arena, or at least a paycheck empty of a live gate, unacceptable, and a scramble began for some state, any state, dumb enough to host large indoor gatherings during a pandemic.  Nobody had to look hard.

Twenty days before our 10-fold increase in Covid cases PBC held a “successful” pay-per-view event at Alamodome.  Did Davis-Santa Cruz cause the spike in cases?  No, probably not.  Rather there was a correlation between our once-vigilant city’s newfound complacency and a 9,000-person event in an indoor arena.

Oh, I know, Canelo-Smith’s promoter will find a podiatrist or dentist somewhere to say the precautions being taken by a part-time staff of minimum-wage security guards are topnotch, and every patron will get a free squirt of hand sanitizer with any ticket purchase above $30, and thousands of people drinking and shouting for hours cannot possibly spread anything because at least half the guards working the doors’ll have functioning forehead thermometers and half of that half will remember to use them, too, so never mind World Health Organization guidance or restrictions from Center for Disease Control.  They can’t tell us what to do!

Last week’s announcement brought to mind two anecdotes.  A month after The Legend of Muhammad Ali was published, I brought an author’s copy Christmas present to the gym for the kindly father of an aspiring pugilist.  He told me his son idolized Ali.  I told him be ready to talk his limited son out of a prizefighting career someday soon.  He told me not to worry because his son had a great chin and lots of heart like Ali.  I told him I didn’t want to see his son finish his days like Ali.  He assured me boxing had nothing to do with Ali’s condition.

My mother used to say of the most delicious things in life they were “to die for”.  I happen to be a big Callum Smith fan and give him a real chance against Canelo in December.  It should be an excellent, consequential prizefight.  But I don’t think it’s to die for.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that UFC Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Marc Ratner, has been named to the UFC Hall of Fame class for 2020 as a Contributor. The UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 will be officially inducted next year alongside the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

“Marc Ratner is the most influential and respected regulator in combat sports history,” UFC President Dana White said. “Marc was instrumental in getting the sport of mixed martial arts sanctioned and regulated globally and the tireless work he did educating athletic commissions about MMA paved the way for us to host events around the world. It will be an honor for me to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020.”

Born in Phoenix, Ariz., Ratner was raised in Las Vegas and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada. Following graduation from Reno, Ratner began officiating high school sports in Southern Nevada, a role he continues to this day. During his career as an official, he served as Commissioner of Officials for all high schools in Southern Nevada for more than 25 years and an NCAA Division I football official for over 20 years. As a collegiate football official, he was selected to officiate three bowl games: the 2000 Independence Bowl, the 2003 Aloha Bowl, and the 2006 Cotton Bowl.

“Marc Ratner is the most experienced and respected combat sports regulator in history,” UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein said. “The sport of mixed martial arts and UFC do not exist in its current form without his contributions.”

A lifelong boxing enthusiast, Ratner joined the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) as an inspector in 1985. In 1987, he was named Chief Inspector before being promoted to Executive Director in 1992. During his tenure with the NSAC, Ratner oversaw the commission during some of the most memorable boxing matches in history, including when the infamous “Fan Man” incident occurred during the heavyweight championship fight between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe at Caesars Palace in 1993 and when Mike Tyson faced Evander Holyfield in their 1997 rematch. Under Ratner’s guidance, the NSAC was held in the highest regard and considered the gold standard of excellence by the boxing community.

“Marc Ratner is one of the most significant figures responsible for the continued growth and popularity of combat sports,” said former UFC Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo J. Fertitta. “As one of the most influential and respected regulators in combat sports, Marc’s contributions to boxing and mixed martials arts over the past three decades are immeasurable, and his impact will continue to shape the landscape for years to come.  He is a friend of great character and integrity, and he will be a great addition to the UFC Hall of Fame.”

Ratner joined UFC as an executive in May 2006, following two decades with the NSAC. When he first joined UFC, 22 states in the U.S. regulated the sport of mixed martial arts for competition. Today, MMA is legal in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico and Western Australia. He was instrumental in the historic 2016 legalization of professional MMA in New York State, ending a decade-long battle for regulation in the country’s largest media market. Ratner also leads UFC’s self-regulated operations in countries without formal commissions, following the guidelines of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

As one of the most respected individuals in both boxing and MMA, Ratner is universally known for his honesty and fairness by fighters, managers, and promoters. In 2005, he was inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, followed by his induction into the inaugural class of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2016, he was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

A die-hard fan of the UNLV Running Rebels, Marc has served as the shot clock operator during men’s basketball games for more than 35 years. He resides in Las Vegas with his wife, Jody, and the couple are parents of two adult children and three grandchildren. 

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

Former world champion Javier Fortuna stopped Antonio Lozada Jr. in round six of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

In round one, Fortuna dropped Lozada with a straight left hand. Fortuna was cut over his right eye due to an accidental headbutt.

In round six, Fortuna started to batter a hurt Lozada and the fight was stopped at 2:34.

Fortuna, 135 lbs of La Romana, DR is 36-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Lozada, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 40-5-1.

Austin Dulay won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Luis Gallegos in a lightweight bout.

Dulay was consistent throughout the bout and won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Dulay landed 170 of 580 punches; Gallegos 99-of 590.

Dulay, 137.8 lbs of Nashville, TN is 14-2. Gallegos, 136.6 lbs of Chicago, IL is 19-10.

18 Year-old Fernando Molina remained undefeated by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Zaragoza in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Molina landed a hard right uppercut that sent Zaragoza to the canvas.

Molina landed 107 of 370 punches; Zaragoza was 61 of 377.

Molina, 137.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 3-0. Zaragoza, 138.2 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 5-3-1.

Conor Benn remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Sebastian Formella in a welterweight bout at the SSE Arena in London, England.

It was a solid performance out of Benn, who bloodied the left nostril of Formella as early was round two.

Benn, 147 lbs of Illford, Essex won by scores of 100-91, 99-91 and 99-92 and is now 17-0. Formella, 147 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 22-2.

“I just stuck to my boxing,” Benn told Matchroom. “I was hitting him with some hard shots. The guy just went 12 rounds with Shawn Porter and I think I beat him more convincingly. I didn’t lose a round. It was an okay night’s work. I’ve had harder spars than that. I’m not being funny. I’ve been sparring with Middleweights and Super-Middleweights in 18oz gloves. They wear 14oz gloves and I wear 18oz gloves. When it comes to punching power, if I’m not going to bang them out, I’ll wear them down.

“He’s a former World Champion and I expected nothing less. I stayed cool and composed the whole ten rounds. I could have done 15. I’m barely breaking a sweat now. He tried it on the inside and I beat him to the punches on the inside. He tried it at range and I beat him to the punches at range. I was quicker, faster and stronger. People think their experience is going to get to me, what experience? Jussi Koivula got banged out in two rounds and if they want to go ten or twelve I’ll outbox them for ten or twelve. 

“People will always question me because of my vulnerability. I’m hungry like I come from the ends. I’m hungry like I came from nothing. I fight like a starving man. You don’t need to come form poverty, come from having nothing, to be a great fighter. I have a great life. I live such a blessed life, but I still fight like a starving man because of that championship mindset, that hunger and will to win. 

“I’ve just beaten No.23 in the world, a former IBO World Champion. I’m pushing on. The only domestic fight I’m interested in, the only domestic fight that the public keep talking about, not Instagram, is the Josh Kelly fight. That’s the only fight I’m interested in. If not, get me Samuel Vargas. Get me some of these top Yanks, I’ll have a bit of them. The only domestic fight I’m interested in is Josh Kelly. Let’s have it.”

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated by stopping Richard Lartey in round two of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Wardley pawed with a left and then landing a booming right that sent Lartey down and the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Lartey needed some oxygyn, but seemed alright.

Wardley, 230 lbs of Ipswich, ENG is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Lartey, 258.1 lbs of Accra, GHA is 14-4.

“The first round took some adjusting,” said Wardley afterwards. “I like to use that first round to gather information, figure out my opponent, see where gaps are, see what’s going on. Just analyse the whole situation. I did that, took a few shots doing it but that’s all part of the game. A bit of that chin check thing was ticked off for me. I can take a bang and it’s not going to give me too much bother. We got through that first round and I figured out what I was going to do from then onwards. 

“I stung him with a few jabs and I always saw that those gloves came straight up in front of him. I fought sting him with one and come around the side. That was the plan and it came off perfectly. Nobody is ever going to grumble at an early night’s work. I get to go back and chill out now. I need to start getting those rounds in and get tougher tests. I’ve ticked that box of ‘do I have one punch power?’. 

“The comparisons are always going to come. Does me knocking out Lartey quicker than Daniel Dubois mean I’m better than him? Does it mean I’d do the same to Daniel? Boxing isn’t that cut and dry. There’s a lot more to it. I take it for what it is. I beat Richard Lartey in two round and I’m happy with that performance. I did well and that’s all you take from it. We keep moving and we keep working.”

Alen Babic kept his perfect knockout streak alive by taking out Tom Little in round three of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

Babic had a tremendous unrelenting workrate. In round three, Babic put Little down with a right hand, but Little went down more from exhaustion. Later in the round, Babic landed a chopping right that put Little down flat on his back and the fight was stopped at 2:38.

Babic, 213.8 lbs of Zagreb, CRO is 6-0 with six knockouts. Little, 235 lbs of Hatfield, ENG is 10-9.

“My Savage Army, I never lie to you,” Babic told Matchroom. “If I tell them I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it. I said I would do it in the first round and it should have been in the first round, he was well prepared. He could take a punch. I think I broke both of my knuckles on his head. I can feel it. He can take a punch. “Nobody can go three rounds with me. I had fuel in my tank for twenty like that. Filip Hrgovic bet against me, I’m so glad he lost money on me. He is my fellow Croat, we live like 2km away from each other. He bet against me. That just shows he doesn’t know shit about boxing. He doesn’t know the history of boxing. He’s just a technical guy, a very good technical guy. As soon as the fans come back, I want him. 

“I’m going to take Tom back to my Savage Army because he’s a good guy. He’s a good fighter but he’s not even close to my level. He’s two stone heavier than me. and I want you to write that down. I box every day. I don’t do anything out of the ring. My training is old school, boxing, sparring and pads. Just that. I didn’t do a single push up or pull up. 

“I’m not faking anything. Hrgovic is a fake. I’m real and I want to fight. I like fist fights. I think it was a beautiful fight. I want to give people entertainment. That’s who I am and I’m always going to be like that. Unless somebody tests me I’m going to keep knocking them out. Give me a strong puncher, a knockout artist. You’re going to see the sweet science. I can do it. I can punch and I have stamina. I have a strong head, you can’t beat that with muscles.”

Jez Smith won a decision over previously undefeated Ben Ridings in a six-round super middleweight contest.

Smith, 166 lbs of Harrow Weald, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 12-2-1. Ridings, 165 lbs of Bury, ENG is 3-1.

“I’m over the moon,” Smith said afterwards. “I can’t put it into words. I had a game plan and I knew what I was going to do. I knew I had a good game plan so I stuck to my boxing. I think it was a dominant performance. The referee didn’t give him a round. If I can box like that and do that when I’m not even 30% fit,  imagine what I can do when I’m fully fit. I took this fight on five days’ notice, I’m not taking anything away from Ben, I knew I was levels above him. I’ve hardly been in the gym. I’m going to dedicate myself to this craft. I’m going to be back with another win on my record. 

“I’m a fighting man. As soon as I got the call to fight live on Sky Sports on a massive bill like this I jumped at the chance. I’ll fight anyone. I’m going to get back down to Light-Middleweight. Me and Ted Cheeseman have unfinished business from the amateurs. Me and him had a fight called off after one round as there was fighting in the arena. That would be an electric fight with fireworks. If he wants it he can have it. I’ve put myself on the map so hopefully I can start being used on these big shows more. 

“I knew tonight was my night. I knew I had to go in there and put on a boxing performance. I believe that’s what I did. He hardly touched me. I claimed every round. I think this is the biggest arena that I’ve fought in so far in my career. I’m ecstatic and over the moon. I just want to say a massive thank yo to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for giving me this opportunity. I’ll be ready for the call when it comes again.”

Liam Davies stopped Sean Cairns after round six of their scheduled 10-round bantamweight bout.

Davies battered Cairns over the six-round battle.

In round five, Cairns began to bleed from the nose, and his right started to swell. After the 6th, the corner stopped the bout.

Davies, 118 lbs of Telford, ENG is 8-0 with three stoppages. Cairns, 118 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 7-3.

“And the new English Bantamweight Champion sounds good,” Davies told Matchroom afterwards. “It is music to my ears. I’m just happy. I knew I could do it. It was just about getting in there and getting the job done, making sure that everything went to plan. I felt like it did tonight.

“I still had a lot left in the tank. I wasn’t slowing down for nothing. I was building up the pressure and putting my punches together. You’ve got to give it to him, he’s as tough as anything. He kept coming and coming! That’s why I didn’t go mad with it. I respected how tough he was and how game he was. Full respect to Sean and I wish him all the best in the future. 

“I’d give myself an eight out of ten. I know there’s still more to come from me. I just hope I get the chance to come again and show another level because this is just the start for me. I’m looking to build and get more belts around my waist. 

“The show in Telford didn’t go ahead but I landed on my feet fighting live on Sky Sports here wining my first title. This is a memory that I will never forget and hopefully something that we can build on. I don’t fold under pressure. If anything, I rise to it. I rise to the occasion and next time I’ll rise again with a bigger and better performance for another belt hopefully. That’s the plan. 

“I’m here to impress and I felt like I did tonight. I did what I intended to do. I won in style. Most people would have gone over. I hit him hard and you’ve got to respect him for taking those shots. I don’t think most Bantamweights could have taken that power. Roll on whoever is next because I’m coming now.”

• Weights for Saturday night’s Toscano Promotions card in Tijuana, Mexico

Manuel Jaimes 132 – Cristian Vazquez 132
(WBC WORLD YOUTH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE)

Damian Sosa 153 – Ernesto Olvera 153
Alessandro Riguccini 151.5 – Ivan Alvarez 153
Jose Alvarado 131.5 – Christian Flores 130
Wade Jones III 140 – Francisco Hernandez 144
Leonid Grachev 226.5 – Imanol Contreras 291
Alan Garcia 135 – Jorge Garcia 135

Promoter: Toscano Promotions
1st Bell 9 PM ET

The fights will be streamed live on the following Platforms

bestinboxing.com, globalsportsstreaming.com; Fight Hub TV on Youtube; Abrams Boxing on Youtube; www.15rounds.com www.abramsboxing.com

To Follow Toscano Boxing Promotions on Social Media, Click the Following Icons:

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Canelo Promotions and Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce that Canelo Alvarez’s clash with Callum Smith for the WBA and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles will take place with a limited live crowd at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico. 

An announcement on ticket prices and on-sale dates will be made early next week
Canelo (53-1-2 36 KOs) fights at the venue for the second time in his storied career having beaten Austin Trout there in April 2013, and it’s the fourth time the Mexican pound-for-pound king has boxed in Texas having beaten Trout, James Kirkland and Smith’s older brother Liam in the Lone Star state.

Smith (27-0 19 KOs) will be gunning for revenge for ‘Beefy’s’ defeat in September 2016, and the Liverpool star will look to rubber-stamp his position as the number one 168lber in the world and crash into the pound-for-pound rankings himself with victory on the biggest night of his eight-year pro career.

Home of the UTSA Roadrunners, the Alamodome has a rich history of staging blockbuster fights, with their first fight the infamous draw between Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez and the late great ‘Sweet Pea’ Pernell Whitaker in April of the stadiums opening year in 1993, and the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Evander Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Canelo himself headlining since then – and Canelo is excited to return to San Antonio and fight in front of his adoring faithful.

“I am thrilled to be back at the Alamodome and very thankful to be fighting in front of my fans on December 19,” said Canelo. “I have great memories of my previous bouts in Texas, and I expect this to be a special fight to close out the year.”

“It’s fantastic news to be able to hold this great fight in front of fans and in a great stadium like the Alamodome,” said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport. “It’s a fight that deserves to be witnessed in the flesh and those fans that snap up the hottest ticket in town next week will be in for a brilliant night of action, topped by the pound-for-pound king taking on the number one Super-Middleweight in the world – a simply unmissable occasion for those in attendance and watching live on DAZN.”

“The Alamodome is extremely honored to be working with Canelo Promotions and Matchroom Boxing in hosting this mega boxing event on December 19,” said Steve Zito, general manager of the Alamodome. “We are excited to welcome back Canelo Alvarez to the Alamodome and San Antonio.  Since fan safety is our number one priority, the Alamodome has created and implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 reopening plan with details available here. The venue is prepared to offer patrons a memorable, safe and exciting fight night experience.”

NEW YORK – November 20, 2020 – Two of the top fighters in the 130-pound division will meet when unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert faces the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tripleheader, originally scheduled for November 28, will see middleweight contenders Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis battle in the 10-round co-main event and rising super lightweight phenom Richardson Hitchins taking on the toughest test of his young career as he faces former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round telecast opener. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Hitchins vs. Mendez is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire was originally scheduled to take place on December 12 but was postponed after Oubaali tested positive for COVID-19.

“This main event on December 12 will pit two of the 130-pound division’s most exciting rising talents against each other as the sublimely skilled Chris Colbert faces the powerful Jaime Arboleda in a can’t-miss showdown,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The co-main event will see two middleweight contenders in Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis looking to show that they’re among the division’s elite, while the SHOWTIME opener features the exciting prospect Richardson Hitchins against the always tough Argenis Mendez in a big step up fight. These are three evenly-matched bouts that should make for nonstop drama on fight night.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (14-0, 5 KOs) has quickly shot up the 130-pound rankings, taking on high-level competition in his first 14 pro fights. The 24-year-old beat then-undefeated fighters Austin Dulay, Titus Williams and Antonio Dubose, all in his first eight fights as a professional. In 2019, Colbert added four more victories to his tally, including an explosive first-round knockout of veteran Miguel Beltran Jr. Most recently, Colbert won his interim title by dropping former super featherweight champion Jezreel Corrales on his way to a unanimous decision in their January 2020 clash.

“I’m super excited to be making my big stage debut in the main event,” said Colbert. “It’s been a long camp, but training is going great. I’m looking to put on a dominant performance, and I’m looking for the knockout if it’s there. If I can get it, that would be splendid. I know Jaime is going to come to fight. He wants the belt as bad as I want to keep the belt. It’s all going to come down to stamina, ring IQ and who has the greater will to win. I feel like I’m the guy for the job. There’s no way in hell I’m giving up my belt in my first defense.”

The 26-year-old Arboleda (16-1, 13 KOs) has amassed an impressive six-fight winning streak heading into the matchup against Colbert, with five of those victories coming inside of the distance. Born in Curundu, Panama, and now fighting out Miami, Fla. Arboleda has fought professionally since 2014 and scored knockouts over two then-undefeated opponents in 2019, Victor Betancourt and Jose Saant. In his last fight, Arboleda, who is ranked fourth in the 130-pound division by the WBA, bested former world title contender Jayson Velez by unanimous decision to win his first 12-round fight this February on SHOWTIME.

“Every boxer’s dream is to fight for a title and be victorious without leaving any doubt,” said Arboleda. “That is my plan for December 12. I’m having the best preparation of my entire career. I feel great, strong and fast like never before. I’m sure it will be a very exciting fight from the very first round.”

Korobov (28-3-1, 14 KOs) returns to action after losing his December 2019 clash against Chris Eubank Jr. when he suffered a shoulder injury that forced the fight to end in the second round.  Korobov, who notched 300 wins as a decorated amateur, came into that fight off of a majority draw against Immanuwel Aleem, after serving notice to the middleweight division that he would be a threat when he lost a hard-fought decision to undefeated middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in December. Born in Orotukan, Russia, and now living in St. Petersburg, Fla, Korobov was a late replacement and gave Charlo a tougher fight than many experts expected. Korobov had been riding a four-fight win streak before the Charlo fight, following his first professional defeat against Andy Lee in a 2014 middleweight title fight.

“I am excited to be back in a PBC event on SHOWTIME December 12,” said Korobov. “I have a difficult opponent, but I expect to win and prove that I am back and even better prepared. I must win against Ellis in order to get Jermall Charlo back in the ring. Of course, I believe I beat Charlo, but that is the past. Ellis is in my future, and I am coming to show I am still one of the best middleweights in the world.”

The 31-year-old Ellis (17-1-2, 11 KOs) will look to build off of his last outing, which saw him edge fellow contender Immanuwel Aleem by majority decision in December 2019. For Ellis, that fight got him back in the win column after his first career defeat, a majority decision against DeAndre Ware in March 2019. The Lynn, Mass.-native is the older brother of welterweight Rashidi Ellis, and had an impressive amateur career including a 2010 National Golden Gloves championship capped off by a victory over Terrell Gausha.

“It’s time for me to show out on December 12,” said Ellis. “Korobov had his chance against the top middleweights, and now it’s my time to take advantage of this opportunity and use a win over him to reach that level. We’re working hard in San Diego sparring with Canelo Alvarez so that everything is perfect and I’m at my best on fight night.”

A native of Brooklyn, Hitchins (11-0, 5 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after representing Haiti at the 2016 Olympics. The 23-year-old has flashed impressive skills as he’s amassed an unbeaten record in the pro ranks, which is the product of an extensive amateur career. Hitchins scored four victories in 2019, before debuting in 2020 with a decision victory over Nicholas DeLomba. In his first two 10-round bouts as a professional, the southpaw has scored decisive unanimous decisions.

“I don’t overlook any opponent, but I believe I have a better and sharper skillset than Mendez,” said Hitchins. “I have all of the intangibles to become a world champion. That’s often mistaken as being cocky, but it’s really just me believing in myself more than anyone else. I will take this fight seriously like I do any other fight and continue to do what I do in order to get one step closer to that title shot. Being in camp with Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis, I’ve learned a lot. I feel like I have to one-up the competition. They really pushed me to be a better fighter.”

A former super featherweight champion, Mendez (25-5-3, 12 KOs) has a reputation for providing stiff challenges to the sport’s best and has proven to be a durable contender at 140-pounds. In 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders, first against Anthony Peterson in March and then against the unbeaten Juan Heraldez in May. Born in San Juan de La Maguana, Dominican Republic, Mendez now fights out of Yonkers, N.Y. and owns victories over Eddie Ramirez, Ivan Redkach and former titlist Miguel Vazquez. He has also gone toe-to-toe with former champions Rances Barthelemy and Robert Easter Jr.

“I’m facing a young prospect who’s hungry for success, but I’m hungrier today than I’ve ever been in my career and I have the experience to go along with it,” said Mendez. “I’m also extremely motivated for this fight, which isn’t good news for Hitchins. When fight time comes on December 12, you’ll witness an intelligent but more aggressive Argenis Mendez.”

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

SAN CARLOS, Sonora, Mexico (November 20, 2020) – Last night, unbeaten Juan “Just Business” Barajas and Bruno “Tiburon” Sandoval battled to an 8-round draw in the main event on the latest RJJ Boxing on UFC Fight Pass, presented by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ) and De La O Promotions, at Marinaterra Hotel Spa and Event Center in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

The outdoor show from Mexico was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

The 24-year-old Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), fighting out of Victorville, California, remained unbeaten, albeit fighting to a draw with Mexican knockout artist Sandoval (21-4-2, 17 KOs), but the World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super middleweight title remains vacant.

Barajas won 97-93 on one of the judges’ scorecards, lost 96-94 on the second, and the third judge scored the fight 95-95.

In the co-featured event, Mexican middleweight Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui Palomares (6-0-1, 4 KOs) remained unbeaten by winning a 6-round unanimous decision against his fellow countryman, previously undefeated Jaime Portillo (3-1, 3 KOs).

Cuban heavyweight Geovany “La Bestia” Bruzon (3-0, 3 KOs), now fighting out of Guatemala, stopped Jesus “Dandy” Nerio (14-9-1, 6 KOs) in the third round. Bruzon, 22, was the 2014 Cuban National Youth champion. The gifted southpaw displayed his great hand speed and power against Nerio.

Orlando, Florida junior lightweight Jonathan Lopez (1-0, 1 KO) had a successful pro debut, knocking out Edwin “La Sombra” Salcido (3-4, 2 KOs) midway through the opening round.

Official results below:

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(R) Juan Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), Victorville, California, USA
D10 (97-93, 94-96, 95-95)
(L) Bruno Sandoval (21-4-2, 17 KOs), México City, Distrito Federal, México

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jesus Moroyoqui Palomares (6-0-1, 4 KOs), Navojoa, Sonora, México
WDEC6 (58-56, 58-56, 58-56)
Jaime Portillo (3-1, 3 KOs), Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, México

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)*
Geovany Bruzon (3-0, 3 KOs), Guatemala City, Guatemala by way of Cuba
WKO3 (2:03)
Jesus Nerio (14-9-1, 6 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Jonathan Lopez (1-0, 1 KO), Orlando, Florida, USA\
WKO1 (1:24)
Edwin Salcido (3-3, 2 KOs), Agua Prieta, Sonora, México

INFORMATION:

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

Upcoming RJJ Boxing Events:
Dec. 9 & 10, San Carlos, Mexico

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

10 x 3 mins vacant English Bantamweight Title  
LIAM DAVIES 8st 5lbs 12oz v SEAN CAIRNS 8st 5lbs 12oz        
(Telford, England)                    (Liverpool, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
BEN RIDINGS 11st 10lbs 12ozv JEZ SMITH 11st 11lbs 12oz
(Bury, England)                            (Harrow Weald, England)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
ALEN BABIC 15st 3lbs 8oz v TOM LITTLE 16st 10lbs 12oz
(Zagreb, Croatia)                     (Hatfield, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 6lbs 0oz v RICHARD LARTEY 18st 6lbs 1oz
(Ipswich, England)                       (Accra, Ghana)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
CONOR BENN 10st 6lbs 12oz v SEBASTIAN FORMELLA 10st 6lbs 13oz
(Ilford, Essex)                             (Hamburg, Germany)