Felix Verdejo stopped previously undefeated Will Madera in the 1st round of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Towards the end of the end of the 1st round, Verdejo landed a big uppercut that hurt Madera. The follow up flurry sent Madera back to the ropes where Vadera landed a vicious combination that sent Madera on his back. Madera wobbled as he got to his feet and the bout was stopped 2:59.

Verdejo, 135.9 lbs of San Juan, PR is 27-1 with 17 knockouts. Madera, 135.8 lbs of Albany, NY is 15-1-3.

“I am proud of the work I put in with my trainer, Ismael Salas. The hard work is paying off,” Verdejo said. “Madera is a good fighter, but when I had him hurt, I knew I could finish him.

“As for what’s next, Vasiliy Lomachenko is the top guy at lightweight. We have unfinished business from when he beat me in the Olympics. That’s the fight I ultimately want.”

Martino Jules remained undefeated by winning an eight-round majority decision over Aleem Jumakhonov in a featherweight bout

In round three , Jules began to bleed from the nose, but Jules outlanded Jumakhonov 217-91.

Jules, 127 lbs of Allentown, PA won by scores of 78-74 twice and 76-76, and is now 10-0. Jumakhonov, 125.1 lbs of Reseda, CA is 8-3-2.

Jared Anderson remained perfect by stopping Hector Perez in the opening round of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Anderson landed a six-punch combination that was dinished up with a hard right hand to head that sent Perez down, and the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Anderson, 241.8 lbs of Toledo, OH is 5-0 with five knockouts. Perez, 220.7 lbs of Tamaranc, FL is 7-3.

Kenneth Davis Jr. scored a four-round majority decision over Eduardo Sanchez in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Davis dropped Sanchez with a left to the body. In round four, Davis was deducted a point for spitting out his mouthpiece.

Sanchez outlanded Davis 102-86.

Davis, 134.5 lbs of Reno, NV won by scores of 38-36 twice and 37-37 to raise his mark to 3-2-1. Sanchez, 134.6 lbs of Corcoran, CA is 2-3.

BOSTON (July 16, 2020) – Undefeated super featherweight prospect Jesus Vasquez, Jr. (6-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Englewood, Colorado, has signed a managerial contract with
Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker.

“I talked to my coach, Leroy Miller, who I’ve been with since the beginning, and it made sense to us,” Vasquez, Jr. talked about why he signed with Roach. “I had a good feeling about Ryan.”

“I knew Jesus was a special fighter when former world champion Vernon Phillips reached out to me and said that there’s a special kid out here you should look at,” Roach commented. “I spoke with his coach and it seemed like a perfect fit. Leroy is a great coach and I look forward to working with him. Jesus is very experienced and a well-rounded fighter. He has speed and power. I’m confident he will be competing for a world title in under 15 fights. He’s a special type of fighter and adding fighters like Jesus to my stable is remarkable.”

Vasquez, Jr. was a decorated American amateur boxer, posting a 158-25 record, at one point ranked No. 2 in the country at 123-pounds, No. 3 at 132, highlighted by gold-medal performances three times at the Ringside National Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Championships. He also medaled at numerous national and regional amateur tournaments.

Th 29-year-old Vasquez, Jr. got a relatively late start on his pro boxing career, which started February 10, 2018, when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Eberardo Lopez. Vasquez stayed an amateur to try and make the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. He was a member of the USA Knockouts of the USB World Boxing Series of Boxing, losing his Olympic bid in a losing U.S. Trials semifinals match versus Carlos Balderas, and then took off 1 ½ years from boxing. He did earn his Associates Degree from Arapahoe Community College in business.

His amateur experience included fights with Balderas, the 2016 US Olympian, reigning International lightweight World champion Teofimo Lopez, and countless others who prepared him for the pro ranks.

“I tried qualifying for the Olympic Team, but after losing to Balderas, I got away from boxing” Vasquez, Jr. said. “I returned when my love of the sport came back to me. The amateurs introduced me to different styles, fighting so many boxers nationally, and I even fought some International opponents here in the U.S.

“I got a late start in the pros, but I’m not in a super rush. I feel that I’m at the level to take hard fights. I don’t need to fight a lot of easy fights to build my record, because my amateur background puts me at that level. I would like to fight 6-8 times this year, but the pandemic has messed up plans for everybody. I had a fight scheduled for August that has been cancelled.”

A good example of Vasquez’ amateur pedigree advancing his pro career is his last fight this past January, in which he won a unanimous 6-round unanimous decision against 62-fight veteran Robert Frankel (37-24-1).

“He’s been training, and we are looking to get him back in the ring soon,” Roach added.

Vasquez, Jr. joins Fighter Locker’s growing stable that includes a talented Ukrainian trio of North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holder Stanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs), word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs) and super lightweight Zoravor Petrosyan (7-0, 3 KOs).

Other Fighter Locker stablemates include Dominican welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion; Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs),Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez, Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), and New Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs). Plus, three fighters prepared to make their pro debuts: former Kazakhstan National Team light heavyweight Alexey Sevostyanov, Irish National champion Paul Ryan, and U.S. Army bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr.

CHRIS BOURKE ENTERS into his first title encounter at the BT Studio on July 25 against the also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood, but is also happy to set his sights a little higher and contemplate a challenge to British and Commonwealth super bantamweight king Brad Foster.

Bourke, 25, gets his maiden title opportunity on the second of Frank Warren’s summer series of specials from the home of BT when he will battle for the vacant Southern Area super bantamweight belt against the 26-year-old Mahmood, who goes by the stage name of ‘The Mathemagician’.

If it is Bourke (7-0) rather than Mahmood (11-0) who gets his sums right on the night then the prospect of a mouth-watering shot at Brad the Blade could well be a realistic option.

First and foremost, however, Streatham man Bourke knows he has got a job to do against a good fighter. The term ‘trade fight’ is being bandied around, which essentially means boxing people in the know believe it will be a cracker.

“Yeah it is a fight that was going to be made for the o2 bill before it got postponed, so it was always in the pipeline and it is a good fight,” reasoned Bourke, who trains out of the Peacock Gym in Canning Town. “He is a good fighter, he has won the title before (at featherweight) so he knows what he’s doing.”

Bourke has witnessed in person what he will be up against.

“I don’t really watch tapes of the people I am fighting, but I have seen him live when he boxed Brett Fidoe because he was boxing on the same show as one of my teammates, Sean Phillips. So I saw him there.

“He does the basics really well, nothing amazing, but nothing bad either.

“I was watching the fight knowing it was a possibility I would fight him. You see weaknesses and things they don’t do well, but every fight is different when you are actually in the ring. You can’t really read too much into it.”

For the former Team GB graduate his big night at BT will represent his first experience of fighting close to the top of bill and to sample of a few of the trimmings that come with the distinction. Next time though, he will remember to vet the images of him before they go to print.

“Yeah it was good to have a poster, even though it was not a great picture of me! I had a word about that straight away. At the moment I think it is co-main event and it is live on BT so it is good for me.

“I get butterflies for every fight and I won’t treat this one differently because you go into every one to win,” he added before confirming he was glued to the first studio show on July 10  so he could see what to expect when it comes to his turn.

“It was a bit strange with the ring walks and that, while you could hear every shot. It was different and BT did it well.”

Of course, top of the bill last time out was British champ Foster winning his belt outright by defeating James Beech jr on points. While Bourke was suitably impressed, it would not deter him from attempting to part Foster from his belts.

“I thought he boxed well. I’d never seen Beech box before and he did quite well. Brad Foster started really strong and looked quite solid before fading a bit in the middle rounds and then finishing really strong.

“Definitely, if it got offered I would take it now, but it is down to my team to decide. For me personally, if it was there, I would take it.

“I see him as like, no disrespect, like a worse version of Louie Lynn. Louie is relentless constantly, whereas Brad Foster is relentless then he’ll faze off and then pick it back up again.

“He does switch well and he’s got a nice variation of shots to the head and body. I think he is a good fighter.

“You are in boxing to win titles and I won’t avoid anyone. Maybe my power would make him back off a bit more and it would be an interesting and good fight.”

Chris Bourke and Ramez Mahmood collide for the vacant southern area super bantamweight championship on Saturday 25th July live on BT Sport. The show is headlined by the return of 10-0 heavyweight juggernaut Joe Joyce as he takes on Germany’s Michael Wallisch (20-3).

LOS ANGELES (July 16, 2020): We at Golden Boy are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Travell Mazion last night. Mazion was a kind, charismatic young man who lit up every room he walked into and brought excitement to fans inside the ring. We send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.

Mazion succumbed to an auto accident last night in Texas.

Simon Vallily is determined to inflict a first career defeat on Dillian Whyte’s Heavyweight protégé Fabio Wardley when they collide for the vacant English Title on the opening week of Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday August 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The 2010 Commonwealth Gold Medallist has let himself down a few times during his 20-fight professional career, particularly in 2018. First, he was on his way to lifting the English Cruiserweight Title only to lose his discipline and end up drawing with Afran Iqbal. Later in the year, he turned up at the Newcastle Arena over the Cruiserweight Championship weight limit and was stopped by Craig Glover.

While his career was not over, it was hanging by a loose thread. But the 34-year-old talent has re-invented himself as a Heavyweight and is currently undefeated in four fights, reeling off stoppage wins over Jone Volau, Dorian Darch and Erik Nazaryan before a points verdict over Phil Williams in December.

“I think that experience will play a big part in this fight,” said Vallily. “People keep on going on about the guys Fabio has sparred with, but I’ve been around the block and I’ve sparred with some of the best lads in the world – I’m not going to bang on about it. 

“10oz gloves and no headguards, believe me it’s a whole different ball game. It’s going to be a big eye-opener for him. I’ve had a look at him, and you can see he’s got a bit of talent. He’s tricky, he’s fresh, he’s going to come and he’s going to be fit. 

“It’s going to be a really good fight but totally disregard my professional career to this point because to be honest with you it’s been a total shambles. This is where it starts now and unfortunately for Fabio, this is my coming out party and not his. He’s not going to see the final bell. Sorry Fabio, but you’re going to sleep mate!”

Wardley vs. Vallily lands of Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the billsees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs). 

16th of July 2020 – Victor Faust is definitely a name to remember. The former amateur-standout has left his days in the unpaid ranks behind to pursue greatness in the professional boxing game. To accomplish his dreams he signed a long-term deal with German promotion EC Boxing in Hamburg, Germany. Erol Ceylan, the boss of ECB, is setting ambitious goals for his new client: „I’m 100 % sure that Victor has the ability to not only climb the ranks but become the heavyweight champion of the world. Size, skills, mentality – he’s got it all. We are very much looking forward to his progression in the future.“

Just like the Klitschko brothers Faust stems from that world-class amateur-program in the Ukraine, that has produced several outstanding fighters over the years, including Vasily Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. The imposing 6’6’’, 232 pound giant won two european championships as well as four national titles, competed in AIBA’s World Series of Boxing and represented Germany’s supreme boxing team Traktor Schwerin. His solid basic fundamentals, astonishing physique and international accomplishments made Faust the perfect new signing for EC Boxing.

With the help of Peter Hanraths, who was one of the main figures leading Universum Boxpromotion to huge success in the 90’s and 2000’s, shaping the careers of fighters such as Dariusz Michalczewski, Felix Sturm or the Klitschko brothers, Ceylan was able to convince Faust to join the team. In late February the 28-year old made his professional debut, stopping the tough Belarus fighter Andrei Mazanik in less than a minute. As soon as the Corona-Crisis is over, Faust will come over to train at the EC Boxing Gym in Hamburg with coach Bülent Baser at his side. „It feels good to have such a great team surrounding me, so I can fully focus on the many tasks ahead. My goal is to become heavyweight champion of the world,“ Faust states with confidence.

Dina Thorslund (14-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBO World Super Bantamweight Title against former World Champion Nina Radovanovic (14-3, 3 KOs) as boxing returns to Denmark on September 26th at the Struer Energi Park.
 
Thorslund reunites with promoter Team Sauerland to deliver another exciting night of boxing in Struer. The Danish star will be headlining her hometown arena for the fifth time as she makes a third defence of the WBO title she claimed with a unanimous points win over Jessica Arreguin Munoz in 2018.
 
“I’m really looking forward to boxing again,” says Thorslund. “It’s been over a year since I’ve been in the ring, and my motivation has only grown, so I’m really looking forward to it. Nina Radovanovic is a good opponent, who works hard. I expect her to try to put me under pressure, but she will not succeed with that.
 
“I am happy to be working with Team Sauerland again. The cooperation works really fine. It gives me some peace of mind in the build up to the fight, as I know they know what they are doing, so I just have to concentrate on boxing.
 
“The pandemic put an end to me being able to fight, but my motivation hasn’t been affected. It’s the same as it was before and I’m 100% motivated. People can expect a top tuned Dina on September 26th. I have been training and waiting a long time for this fight, so I expect to be sharper than ever.”
 
Thorslund can expect a tough test as she returns to the ring for the first time following her points victory over April Adams in June 2019. Her opponent Radovanovic is an experienced contender. The 28-year-old Serbian is a former IBO World Champion, who has also fought twice for WBC honours.
 
“I’m very excited to face Dina,” said a confident Radovanovic. “I’ve watched a few of her fights and it seems that we have a similar temperament. She is a strong fighter and I believe the fight will be very attractive for the audience.
 
“I’ve had several title fights. They’ve always been exceptional and I have gained a lot of experience from each one, which I will use to my advantage. It’s nothing new to me to fight away from home in my opponent’s country. I love it! It’s what I’m looking forward to. I believe the Danish fans will be in for a surprise.”
 
“We’re delighted to be bringing boxing back to Denmark,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “We’re happy to be working with Dina once again, and excited to return to Struer for the fifth time, where we will be working with TK Promotion to ensure another spectacular night of boxing at the Struer Energi Park.
 
“In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will of course be taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of spectators, fighters and officials. We will be working closely with the Danish Professional Boxing Federation, and will continue to follow the latest guidance and advice from Danish authorities.”
 
Ticket details for Dina Thorslund vs. Nina Radovanovic will be shared in the coming weeks. Sign up to Ticket Alerts for priority booking.

In a battle of top-10 featherweights, Calvin Kattar won a unanimous decision over Dan Ige at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi,

In round two, Kattar began to bleed from the nose which was courtesy of some solid punching from Ige. In round three, Kattar was bleeding over his right eye. In round five, Ige’s right eye was badly swelling.

Kattar out-struck Ige 102-56.

Kattar, 146 lbs of Methune, MA won by scores of 49-46 twice and 48-47 and is now 22-4. Ige, 145 lbs of Halewi, HI us 14-3.

Tim Elliott won a unanimous decision over Ryan Benoit in a flyweight bout.

Elliott outstruck Benoit 96-61.

Elliott, 125 lbs of Lee’s Summitt, MO won by scores of 29-28 on all cards. and is now 17-11-1. Benoit, 126 lbs of Dallas, TX is 10-7.

Jimmie Rivera won a unanimous decision over Cody Stamann in a featherweight bout.

Rivera outstruck Stamann 90-38 and won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28.

Rivera, 145 lbs of Ramsey, NJ is 23-4. Stamann, 146 lbs of Sparta, MI is 19-3-1.

Taila Santos won a decision over Molly McCann in a flyweight bout

In round one, Santos was bleeding around the right eye. That did not deter her as she was able to control the fight with some solid knees and multiple takedowns where she controlled most of the fight.

Santos. 125 lbs of Brazil won by scores of 30-27 on all cards, and is now 16-1. McCann, 125 lbs of Liverpool, UK is 10-3.

In an action packed brawl, Mounir Lazzez won a unanimous decision over Abdul Razak Alhassan in welterweight bout.

Early in round one, Alhassan was all over Lazzez as he landed countless punches. Lazzez came back later in the round by landing heavy strikes with both punches and kicks. The two stood toe-to-toe and landed huge punches in the 2nd frame.

Lazzez outstruck Alhassan 114-70 and had four takedowns to Alhassan’s one.

Lazzez, 171 lbs of Dubai, UAW won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 and is now 10-1. Alhassan, 174 lbs of Accra, GHA is 10-2.

Khamzat Chimaev choked out John Phillips in the 2nd round of their middleweight fight.

Phillips began to bleed from his forehead in the 1st minute from absorbing punches. Chimaev began round two with a takedown and eventually was able to choke out Phillips at 1:12.

Chimaev, 186 lbs of Stockholm, SWE is 7-0. Phillips, 186 lbs of Swansea, WAL is 22-10-1.

Lerone Murphy stopped Ricardo Ramos in the 1st round of their featherweight bout.

Murphy landed a hard right hand that was followed by a takedown of Ramos, and a follow up barrage of punches forced the stoppage at 4:18.

Murphy, 146 lbs of Manchester, UK is 9-0-1. Ramos, 145 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 14-3.

Modestas Bukauskas stopped Andreas Michailidis after round one of their light heavyweight bout.

Bukauskas landed several hammer fists at the end of the opening round. When Michailidis tried to get to his feet, he was wobbly and the bout was stopped.

Bukauskas, 205 lbs of London, UK is 11-2. Michailidis, 206 lbs of Athens, GRE is 12-4.

Jared Gordon won a unanimous decision over Chris Fishgold in a featherweight fight.

Gordon, 145 lbs of Astoria, Queens, NY won by scores of 30-26 on all cards and is now 16-4. Fishgold, 149 lbs of Liverpool, UK is 18-4-1.

Liana Jojua submitted Diana Belbita in the opening round of their flyweight bout.

Jojua got Belbita in an arm-bar that forced Belbita to tap at 2:20.

Jojua, 126 lbs of The Georgia Republic is now 8-3. Belbita, 125 lbs of Stoney Creek, Ontario, CAN is 13-6.

Jack Shore remained undefeated by choking out Aaron Phillips in a bantamweight bout.

Shore was able to make Phillips tap from a Rear-Naked choke while on the ground at 2:29.

Shore is 13-0. Phillips is 12-4.

  •         Felix Verdejo 135.9 lbs vs. Will Madera 135.8 lbs 
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•         Jared Anderson 241.8 lbs vs. Hector Perez 220.7 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

•       Martino Jules 127 lbs vs. Aleem Jumakhonov 125.1 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•           Kenny Davis Jr. 134.5 lbs vs. Eduardo Sanchez 134.6 lbs 
(Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
Felix Verdejo  
“Having passed the initial test of the scale, it is time to demonstrate tomorrow in the ring the result  of all my dedication, effort, and perseverance. It will be different to fight in ‘The Bubble’ at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas without my fans, but I have no doubt that I will carry in my heart, my family, my people of Puerto Rico, and all who have supported me throughout my career.” 

* The Miguel Marriaga-Mark John Yap main event, contracted for 128 pounds, was canceled after Yap weighed in at 136.7 pounds. Verdejo vs. Madera is the new main event. The card will proceed as scheduled live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes TOMORROW beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

NEW YORK (July 15, 2020) – Highly regarded prospect Javier Martinez made a successful professional debut by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Ryan Burrs in a middleweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Martinez is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tom VanNewhouse.

Martinez boxed well and featured a strong right hook, especially to the body. He made Burrs back up on several occasions with those hard right hooks as the tall southpaw won by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

With the win, the 24 year-old native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is now 1-0.

“I went in there with a game-plan that I thought that I was fighting a southpaw. I quickly adjusted. I should have used my jab more. In my next fight, I will fix that, and I will have my full team with me,” said Martinez.

“I could tell that I was working the body well. Those right hooks were very effective, and I am happy to win my pro debut. I will get back in the gym and work on the things that I need to work on, and I will keep getting better with each fight.”

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with a vacant flyweight championship bout that will see No. 1 ranked contender Deiveson Figueiredo rematch No. 2 Joseph Benavidez. In an exciting clash of middleweight contenders, No. 6 ranked Jack Hermansson takes on No. 7 Kelvin Gastelum. All events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND are the result of a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: FIGUEIREDO vs. BENAVIDEZ 2 will take place Saturday, July 18 at Flash Forum on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT in English and Spanish on ESPN+. The preliminary card will kick off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The event will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.

Figueiredo (18-1, fighting out of Soure, Pará, Brazil) scored a controversial TKO win over Benavidez in February, but was deemed ineligible for the vacant championship due to missing weight. Arguably the hardest hitting flyweight on the roster, Figueiredo holds spectacular victories against Tim Elliott, Alexandre Pantoja and John Moraga. Figueiredo now looks to do right by his second title opportunity and prove his win over Benavidez was no fluke.

Considered by many to be among the greatest fighters to never win a UFC championship, Benavidez (28-6, fighting out of Las Cruces, N.M.) has a fresh opportunity to make his dream a reality. Over the course of his tremendous career, he has earned impressive victories against Jussier Formiga (twice), Henry Cejudo and Tim Elliott. Benavidez now hopes to even the score with Figueiredo and capture the UFC flyweight championship.

Known for his heavy ground-and-pound attack, Hermansson (20-5, fighting out of Oslo, Norway) has proven to be as tough and gritty as they come at middleweight. Victorious in four of his last five outings, he has netted exciting wins over Jacare Souza, David Branch and Thales Leites. Hermansson now aims to re-assert himself as a title threat by taking out another former UFC title challenger.

Winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 17, the resume of Gastelum (16-5 1NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz.) features the top names at middleweight and includes a classic five-round battle against champion Israel Adesanya. He also holds sensational wins over Michael Bisping, Jacare Souza and Tim Kennedy. Gastelum now hopes to continue his climb up the ranks by taking out Hermansson.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In an exciting lightweight bout, Marc Diakiese (14-3, fighting out of Doncaster, England) meets Rafael Fiziev (7-1, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan by way of Phuket, Thailand)
• Ariane Lipski (12-5, fighting out of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil) aims to build off her most recent win when she takes on Luana Carolina (6-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• In a pivotal flyweight contenders’ bout, No. 4 ranked Alexandre Pantoja (22-4, fighting out of Arraial Do Cabo, Brazil) squares off with unbeaten No. 7 Askar Askarov (11-0-1, fighting out of Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia)
• Undefeated Roman Dolidze (6-0, fighting out of Odessa, Ukraine) makes his UFC debut against Khadis Ibragimov (8-2, fighting out of Saint Petersburg, Russia)
• Grant Dawson (15-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) meets Nad Narimani (12-3, fighting out of Bristol, England) in a 150-pound catchweight bout
• Joe Duffy (16-4, fighting out of Donegal, Ireland) returns to take on Joel Alvarez (16-2, fighting out of Asturias, Spain)
• Brett Johns (16-2, fighting out of Swansea, Wales) goes for another highlight-reel finish when he takes on Montel Jackson (10-1, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
• UFC flyweight newcomers collide when Malcolm Gordon (12-3, fighting out of London, Ont., Canada) squares off with Amir Albazi (12-1, fighting out of London, England)
• Davi Ramos (10-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) meets Arman Tsarukyan (14-2, fighting out of Krasnodar, Russia, by way of Phuket, Thailand) in a battle of gritty lightweight grapplers
• Heavyweights kick off the evening when Carlos Felipe (8-0, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil) squares off with Serghei Spivac (10-2, fighting out of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova)

UFC will then wrap up its first series of events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: WHITTAKER vs. TILL on Saturday, July 25.

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

A full line of UFC FIGHT ISLAND products, including t-shirts, hats, water bottles, tote bags, and more are available now on UFCStore.com

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 7.9 million subscribers, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ — all for just $12.99/month.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

Matchroom Boxing USA will return in style on August 15 – taking World championship boxing to the streets in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, live on DAZN.
 
The hotly anticipated return for Eddie Hearn’s US arm will see downtown Tulsa streets blocked off from 4^th and 6^th at the intersection of S. Boston Ave, with no fans present, strict social distancing and medical protocols in place, and a ring placed in the middle of the street at 5^th and S. Boston Ave to set a stunning stage for what promises to be an explosive night of action.
 
Mexican sensation Julio Cesar Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) defends his WBC World Flyweight title against #1 ranked McWilliams Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) in a main event brought to you in association with Canelo Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, with a stacked undercard led by Cecilia Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) defending her undisputed Welterweight championship in Maryland against Jessica McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs), rising Uzbekistan star Shakhram Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs)  puts his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Francisco Rojo (22-3 15 KOs), and a trio of young talents complete the card in Nikita Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs), Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs) and the debut of amateur star Marc Castro.
 
With a stellar line-up, Hearn wanted to create another unique occasion having announced Matchroom’s return in the UK with ‘Fight Camp’ over four weekends in the garden of his Essex HQ, and Hearn is delighted to have engineered a fitting setting for the stellar night.
 
“We are taking elite World Championship boxing to the streets in Tulsa!” said Hearn. “For our return in the US we wanted to stage something as unique, ambitious and spectacular as we have with Fight Camp at Matchroom HQ in the UK, and I believe that’s exactly what we have in Oklahoma.
 
“We had so many options and offers on the table for our return on August 15 from coast-to-coast, but I’m just not a believer in boxing in a studio setting – the fighters and the sport deserve more than that.
 
“Tulsa shared our vision of wanting to create something special and I am thrilled to be working with the Mayor’s office, Joe Miller at the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission and Tony and Bryce Holden on bringing a thrilling fight night to the city.
 
“With explosive Mexican Martinez defending his World title against Puerto Rico’s Arroyo, the undisputed Welterweight battle between Braekhus and McCaskill, Uzbek star Giyasov and talents Ababiy, Ford and debutant Castro, this is a line-up that could stop traffic – so we’ve done exactly that!”
 
Matchroom are working closely on the event with Holden Productions, led by the Oklahoma boxing stalwart Tony Holden, who has promoting World Championship boxing globally for over 30 years and played a pivotal role in bringing the fight night to his hometown, and also with Bryce Holden’s Onyx the Agency
 
“I can’t imagine a better place to host this event than downtown Tulsa at 5^th and S. Boston Ave,” said Tony Holden. “The backdrop is incredible and with no audience possible during this pandemic, the site will unsurpassed in terms of innovation, safety and visual impact. We’re looking forward to working with Eddie, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN in the great city of Tulsa.” 

15th of July 2020 – Two old friends have finally reunited: Boxing promoter Erol Ceylan from Hamburg and WBA World Champion Mahmoud Charr from Cologne. Both have now signed a long-term contract in Hamburg, with the aim that Charr will defend his WBA Heavyweight belt as soon as possible. Many unfortunate circumstances have prevented Charr from defending his title since 2017, but this should now be over: “I am sure that Erol, with his close ties to US promoters, is the right partner at my side. I would like to fight Andy Ruiz and then target Tyson Fury,” Charr states confidently.
 
Erol Ceylan from EC Boxing is also very exited about this new partnership: “Mahmoud was and always will be a part of the ECB family. We are currently restructuring our stable and looking for new strategies moving forward. After signing Ukrainian heavyweight Victor Faust, we now also have a reigning Heavyweight World Champion in Mahmoud. We are in a good position, and I am convinced that he soon will be involved in massive fights.”
 
With Charr and IBO Welterweight Champ Sebastian Formella, Ceylan is now the only promoter in Germany who has two World Champions under contract. On top of that he works with a plethora of other heavyweights. Besides Charr and Faust, proven contenders such as former Fury-foe Christian Hammer, Turkish Boxer Ali Eren Demirezen and former European Champion Erkan Teper are part of his big stable. Just like the World Champions of the team they are ready to take on all comers.
 
Mahmoud Charr and his family fled to Germany when he was still a child. In his early 20s, after a short amateur career, he entered the professional game, where he worked with legendary Sauerland coach Ulli Wegner among others. Bit by bit he climbed the rankings, before fulfilling a lifelong dream in 2012, when he faced Vitali Klitschko for the WBC World Championship in Moscow. In the end only a cut to his eye could stop Charr, who gave a courageous effort and fought his heart out. The controversial stoppage is causing heated debates to this day.
 
In the following years, the almost 6 foot 4 inches tall man entered the ring against various wellknown faces in the boxing world – often outside of Germany. Particularly in Russia, he earned himself the reputation of a fighter who never ducks a challenge. With Alexander Povetkin, Alex Leapai, Johann Duhaupas, Michael Grant, Kevin Johnson, and Mairis Briedis, Charr has faced various reigning or former World Champions or World Championship challengers. In 2017, more than a decade after the start of his career, he finally got another chance to win a World Championship belt. In the König Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, Charr outpointed Alexander Ustinov and won the WBA Title. Now with Ceylan at his side, Charr is ready to add new chapters to his extraordinary story.

Zelfa Barrett insists that he was more than happy to jump at the opportunity to make his highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut behind closed doors against undefeated Irishman Eric Donovan on Week 3 of Fight Camp in Brentwood on Friday August 14. 

Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) inked a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in March and immediately secured a spot on the undercard of the blockbuster Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin show at Manchester Arena that was heading for a complete sell-out before being postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Instead of making his debut under the Matchroom banner in front of thousands of fans at one of the most iconic fight venues around the world, ‘Brown Flash’ will now look to impress Sky Sports and DAZN viewers from the unique outdoor setting at Hearn’s old family home in deepest Essex. 

“I’m very excited because all eyes are on the fighter,” said Barrett. “There’s no crowd, so everyone will be turning in to watch it on TV. The viewing figures are going to be huge. A fighter will fight anywhere. A true fighter will fight anywhere. People say ‘some fighters need crowds’ or whatever but to me it’s all rubbish.

“When you put those little gloves on and you put your shorts on; you’re in a fight. No matter what anyone else says, you’re in a fight. You get that same feeling with one person watching or 50,000 people watching. Those fans can’t help you when you’re in the ring. 

“You might hear the crowd when things are going good but you won’t hear the crowd when things are going bad. You’re in a fight, you’re there to do a job and you’ve got an opponent on the other side of the ring. A fight is a fight.”

Nephew of former European Super-Lightweight Champion Pat Barrett, Zelfa is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in British boxing. He picked up the Commonwealth Title against Lyon Woodstock at the First Direct Arena in Leeds before halting Jordan McCorry in nine rounds in his first defence of the belt. 

The Manchester native who trains out of the renowned Collyhurst and Moston ABC isn’t short on confidence and hopes to kickstart a World Title push in the 130lbs division with a standout performance against ‘Lillywhite Lightning’ Donovan in front of his new promoter next month. 

“I have to put on a performance because all eyes are on me. It’s not like another show is taking place on the same day. It’s just our show. Fighters are entertainers as well as fighters. I’ll put on a performance no doubt. I don’t train this hard and live a fighter’s life to not put on a performance. It’s my dream to fight live on TV and put on a performance. 

“The opportunities are endless with Eddie. You’ve just got to be ready. I’m like a Josh Warrington or a Kid Galahad – I live in the gym. I’m a gym rat. There’s so many opportunities out there in my weight division. Confidence is everything. You can have all of the ability in the world but if you don’t believe in it then you’re not going anywhere. I believe I’m one of the best fighters in Britain.”

Barrett vs. Donovan lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of the bill, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs), Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

JACK CATTERALL HAS signed a long-term extension to his promotional relationship with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions, one that has taken him from Central Area title level to the brink of world title success.

‘El Gato’, 27, linked up with Hall of Fame promoter Warren in 2014 and was speedily propelled into title contention against high calibre opponents. First the then unbeaten Nathan Brough was accounted for, via second round stoppage, to claim the Central Area belt, before decorated amateur and previously unbeaten pro Tom Stalker was stopped in the eighth three months later with the WBO European super lightweight title at stake.

The following year Catterall won the WBO Intercontinental title and has subsequently made eight defences of the belt to put himself into mandatory position for the shot at the full world title.

Inbetween times, the Chorley man won the British title by defeating Tyrone Nurse in October 2017 and scored notable victories over domestic rivals Tyrone McKenna and Ohara Davies.

Now 25-0, Catterall is awaiting a delayed shot at full world honours that has been held up, firstly due to former champion Maurice Hooker taking on and losing a unification fight against Jose Ramirez. The Californian was subsequently ordered to fulfil his WBC mandatory against Victor Postol before taking on Catterall, with the fight being held up due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Ramirez and Postol are reported to be scheduled to fight in August.

“I am delighted we have got a new deal done and I believe now is the right time to sign this new contract, having beaten everybody I needed to beat to get to this position,” said the stylish southpaw.

“I believe Frank is the one, along with BT, to deliver more big fights for me.

“Of course it will be great for us to see the job through together, from the Central Area through to the British and up to No.1 with the WBO. It will be nice to cross the line to being world champion with the promoter that has guided me all the way through.”

Promoter Frank Warren has long banged the drum for the quietly-spoken Catterall, confidently predicting his world title credentials all along.

“Jack joined up with us as a relatively unheralded prospect, but I quickly identified that he was one who could go all the way.

“He jumped straight into tough fights against unbeaten opponents and proved that he had something special about him, so we set about building his world ranking and he currently occupies the No.1 spot with the WBO and is mandatory challenger for the world title.

“I am delighted that he is sticking with us for the long-term so we can see the job through and enjoy many more successful nights in the future.”

James Tennyson believes he has found his perfect weight after moving up to the 135lbs division where he has finished all four of his contests inside the distance in brutal fashion, earning him a shot at the vacant British Lightweight Title against Gavin Gwynne on Saturday August 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The big-hitting Belfast powerhouse (26-3, 22 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Gwynne at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in May before COVID-19 put the sporting world on hold, but now gets the opportunity to make it two KOs in a row over Welsh opponents following his 11th round stoppage win over Craig Evans.

An impressive six-fight unbeaten streak at Super-Featherweight saw ‘The Assassin’ secure his first World Title shot against IBF ruler Tevin Farmer in Boston in October 2018. Tennyson says he suffered badly in attempting to shed weight before the fight and insists he feels much more comfortable at Lightweight as he looks to mount a fresh World Title charge at Matchroom Fight Camp.

“My last few fights at Super-Featherweight were starting to really push me on the weight as the fights went on,” admitted Tennyson. “Once the fight with Tevin Farmer came about it was one fight too many with doing the weight. I’m a natural Lightweight now, it’s not a push or a struggle to do the weight. I’m feeling strong, fit and healthy at the weight. Things have gone from strength-to-strength for me with four straight knockout wins so the move up in weight has done me good.

“Not cutting that extra few pounds is really helping my performances, I’m a lot stronger at the weight which makes a big difference. My record shows that I’m one of the hardest-hitting Lightweights in the division at the minute. I prepare for 12 hard rounds, but of course I’ll always be looking for that moment where you can just end the fight. My experience and my power will be a big factor in the fight. It always presents itself at some stage, it’s just when that opportunity arises, whether it’s round one or round twelve, I’ll pounce on it.

“This is a massive fight for my career. Gavin is a real tough lad. We’re both two come forward fighters and I believe that our styles are going to gel. It’s going to be a good war and I feel like this is a must-win fight for me. I’ll be ready come fight night. You can’t look past Gavin because he’s a big tough guy but down the line I want another World Title shot. Get this one out of the way and I’ll start chasing down that World Title.”

Tennyson vs. Gwynne lands on Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs). 

Mikaela Mayer remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Helen Joseph in a junior lightweight bout at The MGM Frand in Las Vegas.

Mayer dominated the action as she outworked and outlanded Joseph. Mayer boxed very well from distance, and worked the body on the inside, and cruised to the victory of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Mayer outlanded Joseph 195-86.

Mayer, 131.6 lbs of Los Angeles is 13-0. Joseph, 129 lbs of Lagos, NIG is 17-5-2.

Following the bout, Mayer received a word of encouragement, and a promise, from Bob Arum.

“Bob said, ‘Great fight,’ and that the next one will be for the title,” Mayer said. “We’ve been trying to get a world title fight for a while now. I said, ‘Don’t let Eddie Hearn {outbid} us.’”

The folk hero that is Clay Collard continued as he stopped Lorawnt-T Nelson in round two of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Collard dropped Nelson with a hard right hand. In round two, it was another right hand that sent Nelson to the canvas. Collard scored another knockdown in the round from a combination. Collard finished off Nelson with a hard combination that forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:57

Collard, 161.7 lbs of Burley, ID won his 4th fight of 2020, with the previous three being over undefeated opponents is 8-2-2 with three knockouts. Nelson, 158.8 lbs Aneda, CO is 5-4.

“I showed my boxing skills in there tonight. I’m unorthodox, but I get the job done,” Collard said. “As soon as Top Rank wants me back, I’ll be ready. Next month on ESPN, let’s go!”

Ruben Cervera won a six-round unanimous decision over Clay Burns in a lightweight bout.

Cervera dropped Burns in the opening seconds of the fight with a left hook.

Cervera, 131.8 lbs of Santa Marta, COL won by scores of 59-54 twice and 58-56, and is now 12-2. Burns, 133.1 lbs of Alexandria, LA is now 9-9-2.

Both guys landed 70 punches, but the knockdown proved to be the difference.

Touted prospect Javier Martinez made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Ryan Burrs in a middleweight fight.

Martinez boxed well and featured a strong right hook, especially to the body. He made Burrs back up on several occasions with those hard right hooks as the tall southpaw won by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

Martinez out–landed Burrs 52-47.

Martinez, 162 lbs of Milwaukee was the 2020 United States Olympic Trials champion, and is now 1-0. Burrs, 161.2 lbs of Frederick, Maryland is 2-2.

SAN DIEGO, CA (July 14, 2020) – Tough lightweight prospect Jorge Marron Jr. (18-1, 6 KOs) is looking to play spoiler when he fights Michael “West Texas Warrior” Dutchover (13-1, 10 KOs), on Sunday, July 26, 2020, in the 8-round main of 3-2-1 Boxing presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions, a live pay-per-view streaming event taking place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, California. The public will not be allowed to attend this event due to current health and wellness regulations caused by COVID-19.

The PPV broadcast, airing live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), will start at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET., and will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA. 3.2.1 Boxing is priced at $6.50 (US Territories, Canada, EU, Asian countries), $3.50 (Latin America, Africa, Asian countries).

Here is what Marron Jr. had to say about his recent training camp.

On his recent training camp in San Diego, CA.

“I am training like the challenger for this fight and by that, I mean, I have the mindset of an underdog looking to prove something. I am training in San Diego, CA, and all the hard work is almost complete. The sparring and road work that I put into this training camp was grueling, but I know it’s going to pay off. I’m in tremendous shape and I’ll be ready for war come fight night.”

On fighting Michael Dutchover.

“Michael Dutchover is a good fighter, but he has a lot to prove to himself against me. He lost his last fight, I didn’t like the way it ended with the cut, but he still lost and that is his last fight. Now he must come in off a loss and a year layoff to face me. I think this is a very tough thing for him to do. I feel that after my majority decision loss two years ago, people have written me off. I’m going to shock all my doubters with an electric performance by being victorious against Dutchover. I’m going to make it a dog fight as I have something to prove.”

On fighting on 3.2.1 Boxing PPV.

“I am genuinely happy and grateful to be fighting on pay-per-view. I have been involved with boxing my whole life, and now being involved in the main event of a pay-per-view is an accomplishment I will hold dear. The next step is to win this fight and parlay this victory to a bigger fight. I am grateful to Thompson Boxing for this opportunity and I promise to put on a fantastic show.”

On what a win will do for his career.

“A win would put me in line for one of the bigger name prospects or title contenders in the lightweight division. Michael Dutchover had a lot of buzz around him prior to his loss, and most people who know about him know he is talented fighter. I want to get a win and get a higher ranking by a sanctioning body so I can compete for a form of a title, but first things first, I have to win this fight, and that is my sole focus for right now.”

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Follow our media partners FightHubTV, Fino Boxing, Notifight, Supreme Boxing, and TruBoxingHeadz, to get an exclusive voucher and discount code for 3.2.1 Boxing, valid only until June 24, 2020. This voucher code will save participants 10% when an account is activated and purchase is completed.

To learn more about 3.2.1 boxing and for regular updates on our fighters, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on
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(July 14, 2020) — Live boxing is back on ESPN+ Saturday, July 18, with the return of undefeated heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel in a 10-rounder against Evgenios “Achilles” Lazaridis from Seebühne Elbauenpark in Magdeburg, Germany.
 
The event, promoted by SES Boxing, will take place in front of a limited number of fans and will mark Kabayel’s first fight since he signed a co-promotional pact with Top Rank last year. Kabayel-Lazaridis and select undercard bouts will stream live beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
 
Kabayel (19-0, 13 KOs) is a former European champion who is currently ranked in the top 15 by three of the major sanctioning organizations. Based in Germany, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 230-plus pounds, Kabayel won the title in February 2017 with a unanimous decision over Belgian veteran Herve Hubeaux. He defended the title three times — including a November 2017 majority decision over longtime contender Derek Chisora — before vacating it last year to make his mark stateside.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed Kabayel’s United States debut, but he returns following a 16-month layoff to fight Lazaridis (16-2, 10 KOs), a former Greek amateur star who has won four in a row. Now based in Germany, the 32-year-old Lazaridis is a seven-year pro who, at 6’6, will have a three-inch height advantage over Kabayel.
 
In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

• Heavyweight prospect Peter Kadiru (7-0, 3 KOs), who was victorious on the Tyson Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard in Las Vegas last June, will fight fellow unbeaten Ruben Wolf (5-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
   
• In a six-round heavyweight tilt featuring a pair of unbeatens, Collins Ojal (3-0, 2 KOs) will take on Georgij Fibich (1-0, 1 KO).

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LAS VEGAS, NV (July 14, 2020) – Amateur standout, heavyweight boxer Jeremiah Milton, will make his highly anticipated professional debut this Friday, July 17, on a live PPV streaming event promoted by Toe 2 Toe Promotions. The 4-round bout will take place at the Venice Center in Venice, Florida, as Jeremiah will face Cedric Washington (0?1) of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

“I feel like it was yesterday I came home from college and told my mother I was going to box instead, so much has changed over this short period but I remember every moment,” said Jeremiah Milton, who finished second place at the Olympic Trials in Lake Charles, LA, in 2019. “Life can pull you in many directions, but you must stay balanced because success is a tight rope. I hope to show friends, family and my son what it means to commit to one thing until you succeed.”

Milton, who trains out of Las Vegas, NV, by way of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is taught by Justin Gamber, with Larry Wade working as his strength and conditioning coach. Standing 6’4, Jeremiah has the frame to compete with the best in the division and relocating from his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas, Nevada, only shows further commit to excellence.

“Tulsa is the city that raised me, and I carry that heartbeat into any battle I face,” continued Jeremiah. “My time and team in Vegas have been able to refine and polish what was already there, greatness. I walk a path now only a select few individuals ever see, which makes it so much bigger then where we are from. While under these bright lights of Vegas, my complexion reflects the energy of those before me. I step into my greatness on July 17th and I thank God for the blessings.”

“Jeremiah Milton is one of the most focused fighters I have ever met,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports Management who guides Jeremiah’s career with co-manager Rick Torres. “You never have to ask twice about anything. He is very mature and is going to take the heavyweight division by storm.”

For more information on how to order the PPV please click HERE.

NEW YORK (July 14, 2020) – 2020 United Sates Olympic Trials champion Javier Martinez makes his highly anticipated professional debut when he takes on Jonathan Burrs in a four-round middleweight fight that will take place TONIGHT at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The bout can be seen live on ESPN beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

Martinez, 23, was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight, but has decided to turn professional under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse. A five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

A Milwaukee-native, Martinez is now training in Las Vegas, Nevada under the tutelage of renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo.

Burrs of Frederick, Maryland, has a record of 2-1, and is riding in on a two-fight winning streak, which includes his four-round unanimous decision over Justin Sykes on January 26, 2019 in Waldorf, Maryland.

Martinez tipped the scales at 162 lbs. Burrs was 161.2.

Natasha Jonas is confident that Terri Harper won’t be able to deal with ‘the best version’ of her as the Super-Featherweights prepare to meet in a historic clash on Week 2 of Matchroom Fight Camp from Brentwood, Essex on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Harper puts her WBC and IBO crowns on the line against former Team GB standout Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in a keenly-anticipated main event that will see two British female fighters compete against each other for a World Title for the first time in the sport’s history. 

Jonas, Great Britain’s first ever Olympic female boxer, bounced back from her sole pro career loss against Viviane Obenauf with three rebuilding wins over Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath, and the World Amateur Bronze Medallist believes all of the pressure will be on the shoulders of the younger Harper. 

“She’s young, she’s hungry and she’s proved she can do ten rounds,” said Jonas. “She’s fit, but I also think that some of those things can be your undoing when you’re young. Sometimes you’re a bit naive, you can be a bit overeager when you’re hungry. She’s been talking about stopping the fight early so we’ll see. That’s all I can say. 

“She’s done everything asked of her. She’s beaten people I couldn’t. She’s beaten experienced girls like Eva Wahlstrom. She’s took the title, she’s got the title, and I’ve just got to take that off her. Hats off to her for everything she’s done. I’ve got nothing bad to say about her. I’m realistic. I’ve just got to bring the best version of me, and I don’t think she can deal with that. 

“I think she’s the bookies’ favourite. Judging by some social media comments I’ve seen she’s possibly edging it with the fans too. There’s no pressure on me. She put out a statement the other day saying that there is but I don’t believe there is. She’s the Champion, she’s got to keep hold of it, she’s been very vocal about how she’s going to keep hold of it. She’s got to go out and prove it.

“Every time I’ve come back into boxing there’s always been a reason, like unfinished business. To win and to hold the belt would finally sort that unfinished business. That will make me complete. I’ll be prepared, whether it’s one round or ten rounds. I’ll be prepared and I’ll keep going. There’s nothing she does better than me, and I’ll prove it on August 7^th.”

Harper vs. Jonas tops Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) fights on UK soil again following his win on the huge Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia. 

Ted Cheeseman has promised to use his size and strength to bully a ‘fragile’ Sam Eggington when they clash for the Stourbridge man’s IBF International Super-Welterweight Title at the top of the bill on the opening weekend of Fight Camp on Saturday August 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs) is the naturally bigger man who has campaigned at 154lbs his whole professional career since turning over in September 2019, winning the English, WBA International and British Titles along the way. 

Eggington’s best wins have come at 147lbs where he was a beast domestically, using his size and punch power to win the Commonwealth and British Titles in 2015, he then stopped Ceferino Rodriguez in ten rounds to earn the European Title in 2017.

A move up to 154lbs saw Eggington notch back-to-back stoppage wins before he suffered a shock TKO defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo in September 2018. Former World Champion Liam Smith then dominated Eggington en route to a fifth-round stoppage in Liverpool – a loss that Cheeseman has taken confidence from. 

“I respect Sam as a fighter,” said Cheeseman. “He’s a really good fighter, but I think he’s a massive Welterweight. I think he’s a fragile Light-Middleweight. When push comes to shove and I stand there and start bullying him and dominating him in the middle of the ring, he hasn’t got a Plan B but I have.

“If it goes wrong for me, I can box. If I start pushing him back and he can’t handle the strength or power, he has to try and fight back. If that isn’t working what does he do next? I know I can box, I’ve got that Plan B. I feel I’m going to be too big and too strong. 

“I feel like I’ll get Sam out of there in the later rounds. He’s going to have a go early on but as the rounds go on he’s going to keep on getting hit as his defence is his face. Once I keep hitting him the damage is going to come on top and one of the shots is going to land and he’s going to go.”

Eggington vs. Cheeseman tops Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs).