NEW YORK – February 26 – Undefeated heavyweight power puncher Apti Davtaev will face veteran Lucas Browne in the 10-round co-main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas. Davtaev replaces heavyweight contender Otto Wallin, who was forced to suspend training and withdraw from his scheduled bout due to an injury to his foot.

From Kurchaloi, Russia, Davtaev (20-0-1, 19 KOs) has earned a 90-percent knockout ratio with his aggressive style and devastating power. The athletic, 30-year-old has remained active since moving his camp to the United States in 2017 after signing with Salita Promotions. He trains at Kronk Gym in Detroit, Mich., under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward, nephew of legendary Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.

“Otto suffered a minor injury and suspending training was the smart thing to do,” said Wallin’s promoter Dmitriy Salita. “He will be back in the ring in no time. Fortunately, Apti was in top shape and ready to go. He is a gifted heavyweight and he’ll be on everyone’s radar after March 28.”

In his last outing on February 21, the six-foot-five-inch Davtaev handed previously unbeaten John Napari his first defeat with a vicious second-round knockout. A few weeks prior, on January 10, he scored an impressive third-round stoppage over veteran Keith Barr. This is his fifth start in the U.S. and first nationally televised bout.

Fighting out of New South Wales, Australia, Browne (29-2, 25 KOs) most recently scored a knockout victory over John Hopoate in November, his second win of 2019. He’s won four of his last five bouts, with his only career losses coming to Dillian Whyte and David Allen in the U.K. Browne won his first 25 pro fights, including a stoppage of Ruslan Chagaev in 2016 to capture a WBA Heavyweight Championship. He will be making his U.S. debut.

The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast features unbeaten former bantamweight world champion Luis Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) taking on undefeated contender Aaron Alameda (25-0, 13 KOs) in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator main event. Rising light heavyweight prospects Joseph George (10-0, 6 KOs) and Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs) open the telecast with a 10-round rematch of their November ShoBox showdown that saw George win a narrow-split decision.

Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will serve as telecast host with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Rounding out the telecast team are Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. David Dinkins Jr. serves as Executive Producer with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are now on sale and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Davtaev vs. Browne is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

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

• Three live events added to BoxNation schedule for March, starting with a PBC card featuring Adam Kownacki’s World Title eliminator next week
• VIP Promotions bill from Steve Wood live on March 14th
• Third month of exciting new strategic partnership with Premier Sports

Undefeated Heavyweight Adam Kownacki fights in an eliminator for Anthony Joshua’s IBF World Title on the first of three live shows on BoxNation in March 2020 – the third month of an exciting strategic partnership with Premier Sports.

Kownacki has stopped 15 of his 20 foes, holding wins over Charles Martin, Chris Arreola and Artur Szpilka in recent years. The Poland-born, Brooklyn-made puncher could be in line for a World Title shot in the next 18 months if he beats Robert Helenius on March 7th.

After Tyson Fury’s momentus victory this weekend, Heavyweight boxing fans will want to tune in to the Barclays Center undercard to see powerful prospects Efe Ajagba (12-0, 10 KOs) and Frank Sanchez (14-0, 11 KOs) in action.

British boxing returns to the channel one week later with a VIP Boxing Promotions
Event promoted by Steve Wood. Jay Farrell and Damian Chambers collide for the vacant Central Area Cruiserweight Title at the Olympia in Liverpool.

On March 28th we head to Magdeburg in Germany for Dominic Boesel’s first defence of the interim WBA World Light-Heavyweight Title against heavy-handed Zac Dunn.

List of confirmed events on BoxNation:

• Adam Kownacki v Robert Helenius: Sunday 8th March at 1am (Saturday night show)
• Jay Farrell v Damian Chambers: Saturday 14th March at 8pm
• Dominic Boesel v Zac Dunn: Saturday 28th March at 7pm (time TBC)

Coming shortly in 2020, BoxNation will be available free of charge to current Premier Sports customers on Sky and the Premier Player. Customers subscribed to BoxNation via Sky will automatically get free access to Premier Sports 1, 2 and LaLigaTV.

Since the start of the Premier Sports partnership BoxNation have televised five World Title fights, with the likes of Gary Russell Jr, Danny Garcia, Caleb Plant, Claressa Shields, Ryan Garcia and Guillermo Rigondeaux boxing on the channel.

New customers looking to sign up to BoxNation can do so via https://www.boxnation.com/subscribe/ and to Premier Sports via https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow.html.

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ORANGE, CA- February 25, 2020 – The accolades continue to come in for undefeated featherweight Ruben Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) as he is now ranked #2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Last week it was announced that Villa is now ranked #9 by Ring Magazine

The new position has the Salinas, California native inching ever closer to a world title opportunity against amateur rival Shakur Stevenson. Villa and Stevenson split four bouts in their amateur career.

“Now to be ranked #2 by the WBO shows that the hard work is paying off. I am looking to face any champion. I am just being patient, and when my time comes, I will be ready for that opportunity,” said Villa.

Villa is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the recent Coronavirus outbreak has forced the cancellation of boxing events in Japan.

The bouts scheduled in March will be rescheduled but not until the coronavirus situation plays out.

There is a card scheduled for Thursday at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo that will take place as planned.

By Kyle Kinder–

Violence and boxing are inseparable.  For some fighters, the violence boxing demands is omnipresent.  It already exists inside their being when they enter the ropes and remains with them when they exit the ring.  It’s an unshakable part of their existence, and left unchecked, can land themselves or others in early graves.

In Slaughter in the Streets: When Boston Became Boxing’s Murder Capital, the third offering of Hamilcar Publication’s true-crime Hamilcar Noir series, author Don Stradley unearths an astonishingly long list of 20th century Boston boxers who failed to escape the city’s long shadow of violence, each ultimately dying unnatural, gruesome deaths. 

Written in sixteen brief, fast-paced chapters, Stradley highlights the tragic ends of different ex-Boston fighters in each, though murder is hardly reserved for the chapter’s main subjects. Readers begin in Prohibition-era Boston where a former South Boston flyweight-turned mob boss winds up face down in a pool of his own blood in an attorney’s office two days before Christmas, 1931.  Stradley chronologically bookends his work in the final chapter where he details the 1999 killing of a former amateur standout; an unlucky recipient of a round bullets pumped into his body in broad daylight.  

In between the Prohibition-era slayings and the murder near the close of the millennium, Stradley writes about the final moments of former fighters of all fistic skill levels — from regional titlists to career journeymen to amateurs.  And though these Massachusetts

men willingly partook in sanctioned violence, it was their shared fate, brought on by unsanctioned, criminal violence that binds their stories together in the pages Slaughter in the Streets.

For a few fighters, their deaths were simply a matter of wrong place, wrong time.  But most of

Stradley’s subjects were men who sought out a violent lifestyle, drawn to the bright lights and false promises of Boston’s underworld, but rarely ever amounted to anything more than wannabe gangsters — bodyguards, henchmen, and low-level criminals.

While there is no shortage of literature on boxing’s ties to organized crime, most stories focus on the Northeast’s other two big cities:  New York and Philadelphia. In Slaughter in the Streets, Stradley uses the murders of ex-pugilists to delve into Boston’s underbelly.  Readers first journey back to 1920’s Boston where they’re introduced to Southie’s ruthless “Gustin Gang” and their Italian rivals.  Eventually, they wind up in Whitey Bulger’s realm and learn of connections between the sweet science and his infamous Winter Hill Gang.

The brutal stories brought forth by Stradley in Slaughter In The Streets will appeal to a broad audience, including history buffs and New Englanders.  But if nowhere else, this book belongs in the hands of every boxing fan and true crime aficionado, for it’s sure to quench the primitive thirst for blood shared by both.

Slaughter in the Streets: When Boston Became Boxing’s Murder Capital

By Don Stradley

144 pages. Hamilcar Publications. $10.99.

Publication Date: February 25, 2020

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 25, 2020): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (15-0, 15 KOs) and Samuel Vargas (31-5-2, 14 KOs) hosted a press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title. Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the presser. The fight will take place on Saturday, Mar. 28, 2020 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what fighters had to say at today’s press conference:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., WBA Gold Welterweight Champion:
“I’m thankful to have one of the best promotors in the world. We’re a big family, and I’m very proud to be a part of Golden Boy Promotions. I train for every fight like I’m training for a world title. I don’t think I’m the most talented fighter in the room, but I do know that I work the hardest in the game right now.”

SAMUEL VARGAS, Welterweight Contender:
“I’m open to fighting everyone. I’ve fought a lot of talented boxers have had great experience throughout the years. I’m confident and I’m ready. I’ve been training very well, and I’m excited for this fight. A huge shout out to my fans in Canada and Columbia who will be watching and supporting me.”

AZAT HOVHANNISYAN, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“I’m as ready for any champion. I’m in the best shape and have the best trainer. I can’t wait to show everyone a wonderful fight on March 28.”

SENIESA ESTRADA, WBC Silver Light Flyweight Champion:
“This is going to be my fifth time at the Forum, but this time it’s going to be very different. The last four times that I fought at this venue. I didn’t have promoter. I wasn’t making any money and I wanted to give up on my dreams. I honestly didn’t think I could make it as a boxer. This time coming back to the Forum, I’m at the best place in my career right now, physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m ready for a great fight.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy:
“There’s a lot of great boxing history at the forum. A lot of famous world champions have fought at this venue, including Oscar De La Hoya, who made his debut back in 1992. This is a great card and all these fights are going to be exciting, especially Vergil Ortiz Jr., who is no longer a prospect but now a contender. He has captivated the world of boxing, and I hope for him to win a world title this year. Vergil has proved himself in the ring, but make no mistake Samuel Vargas is a dangerous fighter. Vergil needs to be able to beat a fighter like Vargas. This is a big test for Vergil. Vargas is going to challenge him, but this is what he needs to go through to win a world title.

Ortiz Jr. vs. Vargas is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, March 28 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. Vargas are on sale now and are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100. Prices do not include applicable facility fees and service charges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/OrtizVargas into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

NEW YORK (February 25, 2020) -This past Friday night, bantamweight Antonio Vargas took a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Centeno at The Miccosuke Indian Gaming Resort in Miami, Florida.

Vargas, a 2016 United States Olympian, won his 2nd straight bout as he completely outboxed Centeno by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice.

The 23 year-old Vargas, who is a native of Kissimmee, Florida raised his mark to 12-1.

Las Vegas (February 25, 2020) – Four-division world champion Erik Morales has confirmed that he will appear at the sixth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com- @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://bitly.com/BoxingExpo2020

Morales will make his third appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Morales will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “El Terrible”.

Morales joins Michael Spinks and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Erik Morales
Erik Morales Nicknamed “El Terrible,”is a retired Mexican boxing legend and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 10th, 2018). Morales compiled a 52-9 record in 61 fights, including 41 straight wins to start his career, and won world titles in four different weight classes (junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, junior welterweight). He also ended Manny Pacquiao’s six-year unbeaten streak in 2005 with a unanimous decision win. Morales notable fights came against Marco Antonio Barrera (nicknamed “The Baby Face Assassin”). The Morales versus Barrera trilogy is one of Boxing’s most famous fight trilogies of all time, involving two of Mexico’s most revered boxers. Their memorable fights were also named Ring Magazine’s fight of the year on February 19, 2000 and once again on November 27, 2004.

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

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

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

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

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:
For media credentials:

CONTACT US:
Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222
For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com
More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com
Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo
Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

SALINAS, CA (February 25, 2020) – Highly decorated amateur, 18-year old super middleweight Angel Chavez of Salinas, California, will turn pro after winning numerous national titles. Chavez, who had well over 100 amateur fights, will have his professional career guided by established manager Bob Santos.

“I felt it was the best move for my career to turn professional since everyone says I have more of a pro-style,” said Chavez. “I know I’m young, but Bob Santos has an incredible track record working with great fighters. He guided Robert Guerrero to multiple world titles, and there are many more world champions that he’s helped get to the top. I feel I have a great team in place, and I know I’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase my talent with Santos in my corner.”

Chavez, who stands 6’3, is a big Mexican-American super middleweight, who will be trained by former #1 contender, Jose Celaya.

“Chavez has great size and athleticism for the super-middleweight division,” said Bob Santos, who also works with WBA Super Welterweight champion Erislandy Lara and WBA champion Mario Barrios. “This kid has tremendous power in both hands and we’re excited to see what the future holds for such an exciting young fighter. I really think Chavez can be something special.”

Chavez will make his professional debut on a PBC card TBA.

CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (Shirley, Long Island 24-1 20KO’S) is set to defend his NABA Super Lightweight Title against thunderous Colombian slugger, LUIS FLOREZ (Puerto Libertador, Colombia 25-15 21KO’s), this Friday (2/28) night at The Paramount, after former opponent, Humberto Martinez pulled out for medical reasons.

Florez, who has 21 KO’s in his 25 wins, will take on Long Island’s premier knockout artist, Cletus Seldin, who has 20 KO’s in 24 wins. Both fighters are known for their punching power and devasting knockouts. Florez has the distinction of being the only man to defeat multi-time world champion, and current WBC World Champion, MIGUEL BERCHELT’s (37-1, 33KO’s), beating Berchelt via a huge first-round knockout upset. Florez also has other impressive opponents of top talent that includes bouts against world class level fighters, REGIS PROGRAIS (then 17-0 15KO’s) and JAMEL HERRING (then 14-0 8KO’s). Florez has also challenged for the WBA Fedebol title and the NABF Super Lightweight Title.
The late scratch has not phased Seldin, “I have been training hard, and whoever they put in front of me, the game plan remains the same – defend my NABA title and bring the hammer for my hometown fans.”

Seldin-Florez tops a fantastic Rockin’ Fights 38 card, that also features world rated heavyweight CARLOS TAKAM (37-5-1 28KO’s) against tough Brazilian FABIO MALDONADO (26-3 25KO’s) in the co-main event.

The stacked undercard features, undefeated rising stars in Dominican, WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight Champion, JUNIOR ALMONTE (13-0 9KO’s), Long Island’s WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (10-0 4KO) making his 2020 debut, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (5-0 1KO) in a step up fight against veteran Antonio Sanchez. The action continues through the opening bouts of the evening including a pick em’ pro debut fight between PRINCE SLAUGHTER against decorated amateur AHMET “THE TURKISH WOLF” TUNCEL, the pro debut of Local 3 electrician BARKIM LOGAN, and kicking off the action, the first Lebanese professional fighter looking to remain undefeated, NADIM SALLOUM (3-0 2KO).

(Feb. 25, 2020) —Top Rank has signed Russian light heavyweight Umar Salamov, the WBO No. 2 contender, to a multi-fight promotional agreement. From Grozny, Russia, the 25-year-old is trained and managed by Kevin Barry, who is known for his work with the likes of David Tua, Robbie Peden and Joseph Parker.
 
Salamov, who is scheduled to return on an ESPN platform this summer, trains with Barry at the Team Barry Gym in Henderson, Nev.
 
“Now approaching the biggest time in my career, I am excited and very pleased to be signing with the world’s top boxing promoter, Mr. Bob Arum and Top Rank,” Salamov said. “I am confident that I now have the right team to take me all the way to a world championship. This opportunity is huge, and I plan on making the most of it.”
 
Said Barry: “At 25 years old, Salamov is a tremendous talent. At 6-foot-3½, he is a huge 175-pounder. His power and unorthodox style make him a difficult and dangerous challenge for any of the top light heavyweights. This is a very proud Chechen from a long line of battle-hardened fighters.”
 
Salamov (25-1, 19 KOs) has won six consecutive bouts since the lone defeat of his career, a July 2017 decision loss to Australian contender Damien Hooper on the Jeff Horn-Manny Pacquiao undercard in Brisbane, Australia. He has won five of his last six by knockout and has made three defenses of the WBO International light heavyweight title he won via second-round KO over Denis Liebau. He last fought in September 2019 in Grozny, thrilling the hometown fans with a third-round stoppage over big-punching Ghanaian Emmanuel Danso. He hails from the same region of Russia as promotional stablemate and IBF/WBC light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev.
 
Salamov has his sights set on the WBO world title, last held by Canelo Alvarez, who vacated the title shortly after dethroning Sergey Kovalev last November.
 
“Umar is a gentle giant of a young man, an excellent fighter who has only begun to tap his immense potential,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “With Kevin Barry in his corner, he is in great hands. The light heavyweight division is on fire, and Umar is ready to add his name to the championship mix.”

RVING, TX (February 25, 2020) — Lone Star State-based non-profit organization Ring of Hope returns for a resounding night of sanctioned professional boxing when it presents its ninth annual “Night To Fight” pro boxing and charity event on Saturday, March 7 at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas.

The main event will present an 8 round light heavyweight attraction between two battle-tested warriors when Dallas-Fort Worth born-and-bred boxer Samuel Clarkson (22-5, 15 KOs) challenges the Freddie Roach-trained Israel Duffus (19-6, 16 KOs).

The marquee match of the night will culminate to serve as the major fundraising event to help support the Ring of Hope boxing program. Since 2010, Ring of Hope has transformed communities and changed the lives of the youth by educating, empowering and engaging students through the fundamentals of boxing.

“I’m often asked why I’ve had such a desire to be a part of Ring of Hope. It’s all about the future of the young men and women in our communities,” said Ring of Hope founder Steven Bolos. “We believe for them, believe in them and believe with and through them that they can be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (3-0, 3 KOs), the son of Hall of Fame fighter Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, will continue on his quest to follow in his legendary father’s footsteps when the 22-year-old returns to the ring. Presented by Main Events, the Houston-based Holyfield made his pro boxing debut in November with his legendary father supporting ringside.

Local talent and 18-year-old standout Tristan Kalkreuth (4-0, 3 KOs), who last year inked a deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, will continue his climb up the ranks in a separate fight as well. Kalkreuth was born in Carrollton and is a resident of Duncanville. He’s trained by renowned coach Ronnie Shields, and has a decorated amateur background, where he participated in over 100 fights, earned two National Championships and fought for the USA Boxing Team in the World Championships in 2018.

Also to be featured in separate bouts are welterweights Jessy Martinez (14-0, 9 KOs) and Brandyn Lynch (10-1, 8 KOs), cruiserweight Robin Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) and heavyweight Patrick Mailata (4-0, 2 KOs), Austin-based super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) and the Corpus Christi-based lightweight John Rincon (4-0, 2 KOs).

Night To Fight will be available live on Integrated Sports Pay Per View on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, Shaw PPV in Canada and worldwide via the FITE.TV app and website.

Hall of Fame Showtime TV broadcaster Al Bernstein, former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi and LA Times and Boxing Scene journalist and writer Manouk Akopyan will call the action from ringside.

Limited tickets and VIP dinner tables can be obtained through a sponsorship to Ring of Hope. For more information, go to www.ringofhope.com.

The Toyota Music Factory is located at 300 West Las Colinas Boulevard in Irving, Texas.

For more information on sponsorships, volunteering or to enroll a child in a Ring of Hope program, please email info@ringofhope.com. To provide a safe place for youth in the Dallas Fort Worth area to participate in after school boxing programs, click here to donate.

For up to date information, news and developments, visit www.RingOfHope.com, and follow along online on the following Ring of Hope platforms—Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
? Highlights from previous Ring of Hope Night To Fight events

? Photos from 2019 Night To Fight, which took place Feb. 28 at the Frontiers Of Flight Museum in Dallas. The fight card featured undefeated prospects, former US Olympians and the likes of Hall of Famer fighter Thomas Hearn and The First Lady of Boxing Jackie Kallen in attendance.

ABOUT RING OF HOPE: Founded in 2010 by Steve Bolos, Ring of Hope is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate, empower and engage the youth through the fundamentals of boxing. With two gym locations—the South Dallas Club and the Colony Club—Ring of Hope emphasises on leadership development, fitness programs and community outreach while teaching the discipline of boxing. The locations also provide a safe place for youth in the Dallas Fort Worth area to participate in after school boxing programs. Through the sweet science, Ring of Hope’s coaches and volunteers empower youth to become more committed to health, fitness and wellness while also inspiring them to become more engaged in their community.

Jay Harris is in Texas to shock the world as the unbeaten European champion and amazon.co.uk warehouse worker challenges Julio Cesar Martinez for the WBC World Flyweight title on Saturday February 29 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $25 VIA SEATGEEK
Harris (17-0 9 KOs) travels to Texas for a night of firsts as he meets the exciting Mexican talent in his first World title fight and debut on American soil.

The clash represents the biggest steps for the unbeaten European champion on a remarkable journey over the last 18 months, that saw the Swansea man contemplate walking away from the sport and concentrating on his job at the online retail giant’s warehouse in his hometown.

Encouragement from his family and friends to stick with the sport and a change in promoter to MTK Global saw Harris excel in a European title win over former World title challenger Angel Moreno in June and then traveling to Belfast to stop Paddy Barnes in October to tee up the World title tilt.

The 28 year old has been able to concentrate solely on his big night in Frisco after getting two months off work for his training camp, and Harris believes he can upset the odds and keep his dream run going on a life-changing night.

“I’ve been working at amazon.co.uk for about eight years and trying to juggle boxing and work at the same time can be very tiring,” said Harris. “I was full time at the start and working nightshifts, so 6.45pm start through to 5.15am and I was trying to train twice a day as well. That was very tiring but after a while I was fighting more regularly so I dropped to just doing Thursday and Friday nights for the past four years. 

“Luckily for me, they have given me two months off for this fight but with the Paddy Barnes and the Angel Moreno fights I was still juggling work and training. It can be really hard, but I can’t afford to give up my job – so this fight could change my life forever.

“After I won the Commonwealth title in 2017 the fights just dried up and I had to think hard about my future, because I could earn more money from working than fighting. Luckily, I managed to get on some small hall shows and run my contract down with Frank Warren and I then signed with MTK. 

“I really seriously thought about walking away though, but I have good friends and family around me and a good manager, they talked me into sticking with it and to see what happens, and from where I was 18 months ago to where I am now, it’s all been an absolute dream. 

“I’ve gone from signing with MTK and fighting Brett Fidoe to a European title fight, then the Barnes fight and now a World title fight. It’s the best feeling to be out regularly and knowing when you are going to fight, that’s what makes you happy as a boxer, knowing where you are, because not knowing when you are fighting makes you feel shit.

“Looking back at the times I thought about quitting, it’s all been worth it listening to the people that have talked me round, look where I am now. It will change my life forever, it will give my family a better future, and that’s the main thing really.”

Harris’ clash with Martinez is part of a stellar night of action in Frisco, topped by the blockbuster Welterweight showdown between Mikey Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) and Jessie Vargas (29-2-2 11 KOs) with the WBC Diamond title on the line and the longest reigning British World champion Kal Yafai (26-0 15 KOs) putting his WBA World Super-Flyweight title on the line against the former pound-for-pound king and four weight World ruler Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40 KOs). 

Israil Madrimov (4-0 4 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental Junior-Middleweight title in an official eliminator for the #2 position in the WBA against Venezuelan Charlie Navarro (29-9 22 KOs), Matchroom Boxing USA talents Diego Pacheco (8-0 7 KOs) and Alexis Espino (5-0 4 KOs) get their first taste of action in 2020 and headline star Garcia will showcase two of his Garcia Promotions charges with 20 year old unbeaten Texan Flyweight Jesse Rodriguez (10-0 6 KOs) clashing with Marco Sustaita (12-2-1 10 KOs) over ten rounds and unbeaten Mexican Middleweight Leo Ruiz Acevedo (6-0 4 KOs) taking on Dennis Knifechief (12-11 7 KOs) over six rounds.

ENDS

About The Star in Frisco
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games, other world class sporting events such as top flight boxing matches, concerts and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

Worcester, MA (February 25, 2020) – CES Boxing’s long-awaited return to Massachusetts is just 72 hours away as hometown heroes Jamaine Ortiz and Irvin Gonzalez Jr. attempt to make history at The Palladium in downtown Worcester.

The east coast’s No. 1 promotion launches its 2020 schedule on Friday, February 28 in the heart of the Bay State live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS. Ortiz, the reigning WBC World Youth Lightweight Champion, headlines in an eight-round bout against 21-year-old Mexican challenger Luis Ronaldo Castillo(22-5, 17 KOs) while Gonzalez (13-2, 10 KOs), also of Worcester, aims for his own title in the eight-round co-main event when he battles Reading, PA, vet Yeuri Andujar (5-2, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBC Youth World Featherweight Championship.

Tickets for the event are priced at $35, $45 and $85 (VIP) and are available online at CESBoxing.com or ShowClix.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253. Preliminary bouts begin at 7 p.m. ET with the main card streaming live on FIGHT PASS at 9. Subscriptions for FIGHT PASS are available online at UFCFightPass.com. CES Boxing matchmaker and publicist Michael Parente handles play-by-play alongside legendary color commentator “Sucra” Ray Oliveira.

In February of 2019, Ortiz became just the third WBC Youth champion in CES Boxing history, joining a short list that includes former pound-for-pound king Chad Dawson and featherweight title-challenger Matt Remillard. A victory Friday by Gonzalez would make him the fourth WBC Youth title-holder in promotional history and make CES Boxing the only active promotion in the world with two reigning WBC Youth World champions. Ortiz and Gonzalez would also reign as the only American-born youth title-holders among the 16 current champions.

In anticipation for Friday’s championship event, CES Boxing will host a final press conference Thursday at Lundgren Honda of Auburn. This event is open to the public.

London, UK (25 February 2020) Chad Sugden has received a shock dream shot at the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight title against Shakan Pitters on Saturday 28th March at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK, following the withdrawal of original challenger Craig Richards.

Newark warrior Sugden (11-1-1, 4 KO’s) was originally scheduled to feature on the undercard, but was training as if he was going to challenge for the 175-pound title just in case Pitters or Sugden withdrew from the fight and he had to step in.

That has now become a reality for Sugden after Richards was ruled out of the title fight due to suffering from a viral infection that has left him unable to train and Sugden steps up to fight the undefeated Pitters in the main event.

All-action Sugden, 25, caused a massive shock when he held the WBA Continental Champion and number 10 World ranked Richards to a draw last December at the York Hall where at just a week’s notice and coming in the underdog he fought the fight of his life to level with Richards and saw his stock rise considerably.

‘2-Slick’ Sugden is thrilled to be challenging for the prestigious Lonsdale belt in the first championship contest of his 13-fight career and now heads into a red-hot Midlands derby showdown against his Birmingham rival.

He said, “It’s a dream come true. From fighting Richards at one week’s notice and getting a draw and then being constantly in the gym training over Christmas and New Year looking for the next fight, to then getting a slot on the undercard of Pitters versus Richards and to now getting a shot at the British title is the stuff dreams are made of. I’m not getting carried away with it though, the reality is I’ve got to now train like never before and make this dream real and win the British title. I’ll go into the fight the underdog and I love that because I know I can cause a huge upset.”

Pitters (13-0-0, 4 KO’s) is not unnerved with the change of opponent from Richards to Sugden and will not let that detract his focus and determination to win the British title.

“I’m just getting on with the job in front of me and winning the British title. I don’t care who is in the ring on the night, they’re getting beat, simple. This is my destiny to become British Champion and nothing is going to derail me. The fight is still nearly five weeks away so there is plenty of time to readjust from Richards to Sugden. He thinks he’s seen chinks in my armour because of my height, but he’ll find out for real on the night what he’s up against.” Said Pitters.

Whilst disappointed, Richards has not lost his opportunity and will fight the winner out of Pitters and Sugden next and aims to be at ringside for the fight to see who emerges victorious on the night. He said, “After two weeks out of the gym with a flu virus my manager and trainer Peter Sims has made a decision that I objected to, but I understand it’s for my own health to pull me out of the fight against Shakan Pitters for the British Title on 28th March. However, due to my GP supplying the relevant medical paper work to the BBBofC, I’m still the mandatory challenger and will fight the winner of Pitters and Sugden in Coventry where I will hopefully be watching at ringside.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy added, “Sugden’s proved he is more than a worthy challenger for the British title after his tremendous performance against Richards and to hold a quality fighter like him to a draw at a week’s notice was a great achievement. We’re sorry to see Richards having to withdraw due to a viral condition, but at least he has consolation in the fact that he will get first crack at the winner for the British title. Between Pitters and Sugden, we have a real Midlands derby tear-up between a tall, skilled, box-puncher in Pitters and the rough, tough and relentless Sugden which will make for an intense battle with the prestigious British title on the line. With Richards waiting in the wings, it’s great to see a dearth of talent in the domestic 175 pound division who will square off against each other.”

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Channel 5, Infinitum and John Pegg, tickets are priced at Standard £40, Ringside £70 and Inner Ringside £100 are presently available through the boxers on the card as the event is almost sold out.
A top quality undercard is headlined with the return of red-hot cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain from Brixton, South London, as he returns to action and back on his pursuit of a world title. One of British boxing’s most exciting fighters, Birmingham’s Sam Eggington, the former British, Commonwealth, European and WBC International Silver Welterweight Champion, makes his long awaited return to the ring as he targets a World title fight this year.

The card also features some great Midlands match ups that includes a fiery Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s River Wilson Bent clashes with Tamworth’s Lee Gunter in a four-round light-middleweight contest; Tamworth welterweight Tom Silcox in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest and Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine in a four-round contest.

Also on the card will be exciting middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. from Sevenoaks, Kent, in his fifth professional bout in a six round contest.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports and join the conversation at #PittersSugden

BritishTitle

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Deontay Wilder will exercise his rematch clause against Tyson Fury. Wilder also cited that his costume he wore for his ringwalk hindered him and caused him to not have the proper leg balance in the fight.

“We’re definitely going to exercise it,” said Wilder, who fought to a disputed draw with Fury 14 months ago. “We’re looking forward to it. I’m a warrior and a true champion, and I fight like that every bit of the way. We’re definitely going on with it. That’s for sure. By the summertime.”

“There were a lot of things that went wrong leading up to the fight, in the last minutes before the fight, but I accept full responsibility,” Wilder said. “I paid a severe price because my legs were how they were because of my uniform. My uniform was way too heavy. It was 40-plus pounds. We had it on 10 or 15 minutes before we even walked out and then put the helmet on. That was extra weight, then the ring walk, then going up the stairs. It was like a real workout for my legs. When I took it off, I knew immediately that game has changed.”

“I really let the designers freelance with it. It was really their idea,” Wilder said. “By the third round, I had no legs. I was completely done. My legs were gone. I had to step into survival mode very early. But you know me — I’m going out on my shield. I’m a fighter. I’m a warrior. That’s what I do.”

“Well, I don’t know about the legs affecting his performance, but he had to be very, very negligent coming in with that head covering because that choked off his oxygen, and I’m sure that had an effect,” Top Rank and Fury co-promoter Bob Arum said. “Coach [Jon] Gruden [of the Las Vegas Raiders, who was at the fight] said that: ‘What is he, crazy?’ And it wasn’t covering him for two seconds. That was a long [ring] walk.”

Wilder also took um-bridge with referee Kenny Bayless.

“I don’t understand certain things that Bayless was doing because he came in the back room [for the final instructions], and he looked me in my eyes, and he said that he would disqualify me or take two points from me if I threw rabbit punches or punched after the break,” Wilder said. “But I guess that rule only applies to me because my opponent did it all night long. I got knots all on the back of my head down to my neck. [Fury] was elbowing. [Bayless] took a point, but it was too late. At that point, Fury didn’t care about that point being taken. I don’t know what was going on with Bayless. I’m at a loss for words. I thought he was there to protect us.”

“I congratulate Fury on his accomplishment,” Wilder said. “I’m very excited for him, and I am not bitter toward no one.”

Said Fury trainer, Javan “SugarHill” Steward, “I’ve heard a lot of crazy stuff, this doesn’t even rank, this is really nothing to me,” Steward said. “But if that’s what they really believe is true, that’s what they believe is true. Everybody has their own truth, so you start thinking about it, hearing about it and you’ll start believing certain things. That’s the power of the mind, we know that.”

Wilder was upset that co-trainer Mark Breland threw in the towel to stop the fight.

“For Mark to do it, I was very heartbroken,” Wilder said. “If I say statements like I want to kill a man [in the ring], then I have to abide by those same principles in the ring of him doing the same thing to me. I’d rather die than go out with someone throwing the towel in.

“He knows these things. It’s been premeditated. I’ve said this for many years. I told all my trainers, no matter how it may look on the outside, no matter how you may love me or have that emotional feeling, don’t make an emotional decision, and do not ever throw that towel in because my pride is everything. I understand what it looks like, but when you have power like me, I am never out of a fight, no matter what the circumstances. I’m never out of a fight.”

“I still had my thoughts in my mind. I had to lean against the ropes to get support because of my legs. It really hurt me,” Wilder said of Breland’s decision to throw in the towel.

At the postfight news conference, Wilder’s co-trainer Jay Deas said he did not agree with Breland’s decision to end the fight.

“Mark threw the towel. I didn’t think he should have,” Deas said. “Deontay is the kind of the guy that goes out on his shield. He will tell you straight-up: Don’t throw the towel in.”

“We haven’t decided yet. I’m about ready to go to Africa. Once I come home from Africa, we gonna get a group decision on what changes that should or need to be done as far as my camp is concerned,” Wilder said. “No matter what the decision is, I love Mark. The whole team loves Mark dearly. He’s been with me from the start. We haven’t made any type of decision of what we are going to do.

“I’m in great spirits, man. Things happen, and you can always correct them and move forward. I’m an optimistic person. I can correct things, be optimistic and move forward.”

“We may all decide to punt it to the fall, September or October,” Arum said, adding that the third fight would be in the United States, per their agreement, with the new stadium being built in Las Vegas for the NFL’s Raiders a possibility to host.

“We would certainly pick the right date, even if it wasn’t in the window that we have in the contract,” Arum said. “We would look for the best possible date in 2020. Even though we have the champion, we have a partner in PBC, and we would consult with them. We’ve been so collegial. I’m not going to upset the apple cart and shoot off my mouth. I want to hear what PBC has to say before I talk to you about dates and sites. We’ll sit and talk and come to an understanding just like we did when we made [Saturday’s] fight.”

New York, February 24, 2020–Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” 38 is set to feature Long Island knockout artist, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (Shirley, Long Island 24-1 20KO’s) who defends his NABA title against Colombian slugger, HUMBERTO MARTINEZ (33-9-2 25KO’s). In the co-main event, world rated heavyweight CARLOS TAKAM (37-5-1 28KO’s) takes on tough Brazilian FABIO MALDONADO (26-3 25KO’s).

The boxing world is exciting about heavyweights again as last Saturday night’s impressive Tyson Fury stoppage over Deontay Wilder showed. As such Star Boxing announced that its co-main event is not the only heavyweight action going down at “Rockin’ Fights”. Queens native, BARKIM “BARBELIEVES” LOGAN is focused and ready to make his pro debut at The Paramount on February 28, in a 4-round heavyweight showdown with JACKSON De SOUZA (Boston Massachusetts, 0-1).

Logan, a successful amateur, began boxing at the age of twelve, idolizing the best of the best, such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Marvin Hagler. Fast forward to today, Logan is ready to make a statement in his pro debut. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great showing of my skills and hard work,” said Logan. In this moment anything less than a win is a total death sentence to my emotions and expectations.”

Beyond his own expectations, Logan knows he has a strong support system backing him come fight night, “my team, family, friends and union brothers best believe I will leave it all in the ring to make sure we are all victorious come February 28.”

By day, Logan is a union electrician for IBEW Local #3 and credits the Union for instilling in him a standard of hard work and education that allowed for a better life for his family. Perhaps most importantly, ahead of his pro debut, being #UnionMade has created an unrivaled support system for Logan, “they support me, believe in me and that’s more important than anything I could have ever asked for.”

This is certainly not the first time that Star Boxing has featured a union worker on its “Rockin’ Fights” card. Union laborer, highly rated light heavyweight and current NABO Light Heavyweight Champion, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic Beach, Long Island, 25-3 20KO’s) developed at The Paramount in Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series, backed by his local 66 Union brothers. Smith most recently dominated Philadelphia’s JESSE HART (26-3 21KO’s)at The Hard Rock in Atlantic City to earn the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title.

Logan’s heavyweight bout is set to take place on the undercard of an expected sell out of double main event, NABA Champion Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin against Humberto Martinez and top-rated heavyweight Carlos Takam vs slugger, Fabio Maldonado.

Brand-new WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury wasn’t the only fighter whose stock rose dramatically with his dominant seventh-round stoppage of Deontay Wilder Saturday night.

By virtue of his strong performance against Fury last September, Sweden’s IBF #15-ranked Otto Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs) must now be considered a serious force in the big man’s division. “If anybody still doubted me, now they know,” said Wallin. “My fight with Fury was of course a much better fight and I showed that I belong as a top contender.”

Early in the fight, when the two met at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last Fall, Wallin opened two gruesome cuts around Fury’s right eye with legal blows and came within a hair of scoring the huge upset. After an extremely tense 12-round battle, Fury was forced to fight through his own blood and dig deep to rally in the later rounds and take a unanimous decision over Wallin.

Many boxing experts noted, post-fight, that less serious cuts had brought a halt to the action in other fights and Fury was extremely fortunate to have escaped with his unbeaten record. Fury required close to 50 stitches and had to have a web mesh inserted surgically into the horrific wound.

“Neither Wladimir Klitschko or Deontay Wilder, two of the greatest heavyweights of our time, could do to Tyson Fury what Otto Wallin did,” said Wallin’s promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Otto at 29 years is only going to get better in every facet of the game. He is on his way to becoming a dominant force in the heavyweight division.”

Wallin and Fury displayed mutual respect after their fight and it continued Saturday night with Wallin congratulating the new champion for his impressive showing and the former champion for his courage.

“I think Fury came in with a good game plan and showed he’s the number one heavyweight in the world,” said Wallin. “The trainer change he made worked out for him and the more-aggressive style made Wilder look bad. Fury seemed to be on another level. Everything worked in his favor. I honestly think that my fight with Fury helped him get ready for this fight. He fought Wilder in a similar way to how he fought me in the second half of our fight.

“At the same time Wilder deserves respect for not wanting to quit. He kept fighting and showed a lot of heart, even though I think his corner should’ve stopped the fight earlier.”

Team Wallin say they will continue to train hard and look for opportunities to move back into line for another shot at Fury.

“Otto didn’t get lucky in that fight,” continued Dmitriy Salita. “He has the right style to always give Tyson Fury big problems. We’re going to keep him busy and winning while we wait for Fury to decide to settle this unfinished business with a rematch.”

“I want a rematch and this time I will finish what I started,” added Wallin.

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

NEW YORK – February 24, 2020 – Undefeated rising prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter will face talented Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov in a rematch in the 10-round super lightweight ShoBox: The New Generation main event Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Casino in Las Vegas. Rakhmanov steps in to replace previously scheduled opponent Malik Hawkins who was forced to withdraw for medical reasons.

Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs) and Rakhmanov (12-2-1, 6 KOs) first met on February 5, 2019, in an eight-round welterweight contest that resulted in a narrow-split decision victory for Hunter. Although Hunter controlled the action in the early rounds and scored a knockdown in the second, Rakhmanov recovered and landed some heavy blows in the later rounds. The scorecards read 77-74, 76-75 and 75-76.

Rakhmanov, who fought to a draw with Alfonso Olvera on ShoBox in May of 2016, will be making his second appearance on the prospect developmental series and his ninth start at Sam’s Town Live. In his most recent performance on September 20, 2019, he broke down Andre Byrd, delivering punishment to the body for four straight rounds, leading to Byrd taking a knee and ending the fight. He currently trains with Chris Ben-Tchavtchavadze at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

The 30-year-old Rakhmanov, who was born in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, was a top amateur with more than 140 bouts, including a Gold Medal win at the 2009 Asian Amateur Boxing Championship. In 2013, he became the national champion of Uzbekistan. After signing with Mayweather Promotions in 2014, he turned pro with an impressive 1:21 first-round knockout over Brett Simmons in June of 2015.

In the ShoBox co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup to open the telecast.

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

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For more information visit: www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, , @mayweathersprts and, Instaram: @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions #ShoBox #SinCityShowdown

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 24, 2020): Explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (18-3, 15 KOs) has extended his promotional agreement with Golden Boy ahead of his 12-round fight against Jose Sanmartin (30-5-1, 20 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia for the vacant WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Championship. The fight will take place on the stacked undercard of Ortiz Jr. vs. Vargas on Saturday, March 28 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Hovhannisyan is a 31-year-old slugger who is considered as one of the most exciting contenders in the 122-pound division. After victories against the likes of Ronny Rios and Sergio “El Frio Finito” Frias, the native of Yerevan, Armenia earned is first world title opportunity against Rey Vargas in May 2018. Hovhannisyan delivered an impressive performance, though he was unsuccessful. He is now coming of four knockout victories in a row, the last of which was against Franklin Manzanilla for the chance to fight for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight Championship.

“Ever since signing with Golden Boy, my career has been taken to another level,” said Azat Hovhannisyan. “I got many great opportunities, including a fight against Ronny Rios and a world title challenge against Rey Vargas. Now that I’m fighting for an interim title on March 28, I’m happy to sign with Golden Boy again so we can score a great win and then look for even bigger fights!”

“Azat Hovhannisyan’s career is a perfect example of the outstanding way that we develop our talent,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Make no mistake, Hovhannisyan had a tough start to his career, despite being very talented. But, working together with his excellent team, we were able to hone his brutal instinct in such a way that would maximize his potential and make him into of the most dangerous contenders in the super bantamweight division. I’m positive that he will become a world champion.”

As previously announced, the March 28 event will feature a stacked card of action, headlined by the 12-round fight between WBA Gold Welterweight Champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. (15-0, 15 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas and Samuel Vargas (31-5-2, 14 KOs) of Bogota, Colombia.

In the co-main event, Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (33-7-1, 23 KOs) will put his WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Title on the line against Michael “The Artist” Perez (25-3-2, 11 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey in a 12-round fight.

Right before Hovhannisyan vs. Sanmartin, welterweight contender Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (22-0, 14 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts will defend his WBA Continental Americas Welterweight Title against Sergio Ortega (21-2, 15 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico in a 10-rounder.

Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (18-0, 7 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will defend her WBC Silver Light Flyweight Title against Jacky Calvo (12-5-2, 1 KO) of Mexico City, Mexico.

Christopher Pearson (17-2, 12 KOs) of Tortwood, Ohio will participate in a 10-round middleweight bout against Gift Chiori (14-0, 11 KOs) of Riverdale, Georgia.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (8-0, 6 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico will return in a 10-round welterweight clash.

Irish prospect Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (10-0, 6 KOs) will return in an eight-round super welterweight clash against Christopher Degollado (13-6, 10 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico.

Chris “Milly” Ousley (12-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois will participate in an eight-round middleweight battle against Jarvis Williams (8-2-1, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri.

Recently signed prospect Dalis Kaleiopu of Waianae, Hawaii will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight fight.

Opponents for Curiel and Kaleiopu will be announced shortly.

Ortiz Jr. vs. Vargas is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, March 28 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. Vargas are on sale and are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100. Prices do not include applicable facility fees and service charges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/OrtizVargas into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

ONTARIO, CA (February 24, 2020) – This past Friday, Thompson Boxing Promotions celebrated its 20th Anniversary in boxing with their signature “Path to Glory” event from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. In the main event, fan favorite Ruben “Ace” Torres (12-0, 9 KOs) remained undefeated with a spectacular 4th round knockout over Gabino Cota (19-11-2, 17 KOs).

From the opening bell, Torres came out firing his jab while applying pressure. A looping overhand right followed by a left hook to the head, sent Cota to the canvas in round one. Torres stayed poised and controlled the action in rounds two and three. In round four, Torres landed a straight right to the body and Cota could not continue. Torres scored the knockout at the 52 mark of round four.

“My opponent was a warrior and showed a lot of heart,” said Torres. “I’m gaining a lot of experience with each fight. I know he was getting uncomfortable in there when I was going to the body. Eventually I ended the bout with a powerful shot to his ribs. I want to thank Thompson Boxing Promotion’s for giving me another opportunity to fight in front of my fans. I’m ready to step up and fight the best guys in my division. I believe I’ll become a world champion when the opportunity presents itself. I’m just going to keep working hard. My time will come soon enough.”

“Our 20th Year Anniversary show was a major success to start off 2020,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Ruben Torres is a world class fighter and I see him in big fights with all the top fighters at 135 pounds.”

“Torres showed he’s one of the brightest prospects in the lightweight division,” said Alex Camponovo, Vice President and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing. “His height and reach, along with his punching power will give anyone problems. He will soon be in a meaningful fight with a ranked opponent.

Underdard Results
6-Round Lightweight Bout (Co-Main Event)
Lightweight George Acosta (9-1, 1 KO) outworked Ivan Benitez (14-4, 6 KO) over six rounds. Acosta used superior boxing skills and got the unanimous decision victory. Scorecards read 59-55, 60-54, 58-56.

8-Round Bantamweight Bout
Bantamweight Saul Sanchez (12-1, 7 KOs) routed Victor Trejo (17-12-2, 8 KOs) for eight full rounds winning a unanimous decision. Sanchez took the fight inside slugged out a hard fought win. Scorecards read 80-72 and 78-74 twice for Sanchez.

4-Round Featherweight Bout
Featherweight Jose Sanchez (6-0, 4 KOs) battered Luis Montellano (1-7-2, 1 KO) for four rounds. Sanchez applied a tremendous amount of pressure from the opening bell. Scorecards read 40-36 by all three judges in favor of Sanchez.

4-Round Middleweight Bout
Super Middleweight Richard Brewart (7-0, 3 KOs) scored a third-round knockout against Erick Martinez (14-16-1, 8 KOs). After landing some powerful combinations, Brewart ended the bout at the 1:36 mark of round three with a strong uppercut to the head.

4-Round Bantamweight Bout
Super Bantamweight Ivan Zarate (2-0) defeated Ulises Gabriel (0-2) by way of unanimous decision. Zarate displayed a great body attach throughout the fight. Score cards read 40-36 across the board.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

WORCESTER, MA (Monday, February 24) – Fight week has arrived as CES Boxing makes its long-awaited return to Massachusetts on Friday night at The Palladium in historic downtown Worcester live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

The fight card features five Worcester boxers fighting on the same lineup in their hometown for the first time in their respective careers. Reigning WBC World Youth Lightweight Champion Jamaine Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) headlines in an eight-round bout against 21-year-old Mexican challenger Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5, 17 KOs) while fellow Worcester native Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (13-2, 10 KOs) aims for his own title in the eight-round co-main event when he battles Reading, PA, vet Yeuri Andujar (5-2, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBC Youth World Featherweight Championship.

Tickets for the event are priced at $35, $45 and $85 (VIP) and are available online at CESBoxing.com or ShowClix.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253. Preliminary bouts begin at 7 p.m. ET with the main card streaming live on FIGHT PASS at 9. Subscriptions for FIGHT PASS are available online at UFCFightPass.com. CES Boxing matchmaker and publicist Michael Parente handles play-by-play alongside legendary color commentator “Sucra” Ray Oliveira.

The fight week festivities official kick off Tuesday, February 25 with a public open workout scheduled for 5 p.m. at Get Right Boxing Gym, located at 55 Millbrook St., in Worcester, featuring each of the Worcester fighters competing on the February 28 card.

This event is open to the public. Each fighter will be available for interviews, photos and autographs during a half-hour window. Tuesday’s time slots are as follows:

Eslih Owusu, 5–5:30
Jake Paradise, 5:30–6
Kendrick Ball Jr., 6–6:30
Jamaine Ortiz, 6:30–7

The pre-fight kickoff concludes Thursday, February 27 with the official weigh-in – also open to the public – beginning at 4 p.m. at Lundgren Honda of Auburn, located at 163 Washington St., in Auburn, MA. Fighters step on the scale approximately at 4.

Friday’s event ends CES Boxing’s decade-long drought in Massachusetts. The promotion last staged an event in the Bay State in January of 2010 at the venue formerly known as The Roxy (now the Royale). Boston’s Maceo Crowder (2-4, 1 KO) made his professional debut that night and now comes full circle as he again fights under the CES Boxing banner in Massachusetts on Friday, battling Worcester super welterweight Eslih Owusu (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

Headlining the main card are Ortiz and Gonzalez, both of whom competed at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in Nevada as amateurs and will fight on the same card as professionals for the first time since debuting a month apart from one another in 2016.

Ortiz earned his title in February of 2019, headlining a sold-out show at Twin River Casino Hotel in Rhode Island with an impressive win over previously-undefeated Mexican prospect Ricardo Quiroz of California. On Friday, he faces the dangerous Castillo, who boasts 17 knockout victories and has amassed 27 professional bouts in just four years.

Gonzalez, who signed a long-term promotional agreement with CES Boxing in November, has the opportunity to join his stablemate as a WBC Youth title-holder Friday when he faces the slick Andujar, a native of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, who enters fresh off an upset win over the previously-unbeaten Nathan Martinez in December.

Also returning to The Palladium, fellow Worcester native Kendrick Ball Jr. (13-1-2, 9 KOs) faces Argentinian super middleweight Sergio Samuel Castellano (11-8, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout. Ball has won his last four, including three by knockout, and will fight at The Palladium for the fourth time in his last five bouts.

In a four-round battle of unbeatens, super welterweight Jalen Renaud (4-0, 1 KO) of Springfield, MA, battles Laured Stewart (3-0, 2 KOs), who was born in Guyana and now lives and trains in San Diego. Cruiserweight Jake Paradise (2-2, 2 KOs) of Worcester aims for his third consecutive win when he faces Rogerio Dionizio (0-1) of Revere, MA, in a four-round bout.

Making her Worcester debut, flyweight Marisa Belenchia (1-0) of New Haven, CT, battles Buffalo, NY native Shawna Ormsby (0-0), who makes her professional boxing debut following a highly-successful Muay Thai career, in a four-round special attraction. An accomplished amateur boxer in addition to a professional mixed martial arts fighter, Belenchia made her long-awaited professional boxing debut last summer with a win over Delaney Owen at Foxwoods. The 27-year-old Ormsby brings a stacked kickboxing and MMA record to the table February 28. She is a three-time Muay Thai champion and member of the famed Carlson Gracie Team in Longwood, FL.

Visit CESBoxing.com, Twitter.com/CESBoxing or Facebook.com/CESBoxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

Monday, February 24 – Last Friday, Russian heavyweight slugger Apti Davtaev remained undefeated with a two-round demolition of formerly undefeated John Napari of Accra, Ghana at the Dynamo Palace of Sports in Krylatskoye, Moscow.

Despite a confident and flamboyant ring entrance, Napari (now 21-1, 15 KOs) had no answers for the incredible power of Davtaev (20-0-1, 19 KOs) once the action started. The big Russian dropped Napari twice with counter right hands, the second time for good in round two.

Davtaev has been steadily improving under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward at Kronk Gym in Detroit. The already freakishly strong Davtaev has been developing outstanding boxing skills working with Steward and the difference is obvious with each passing performance.

“Apti has gained world-class skills since we’ve been working together,” said SugarHill Steward. “He is definitely ready to become a force in the heavyweight division in 2020.”

Davtaev agrees with Steward’s assessment that his time at Kronk has made him an even more formidable force.

“I am happy that my training at the Kronk Gym has been paying off,” said the 6’ 5” slugger from Mayrtup, Russia. “The goal is to continue to score knockouts and that is what I plan to do as I continue my march to the world title.”

Davtaev’s promoter Dmitriy Salita says he was also impressed with Davtaev’s latest beat down. “Apti showed impressive power and skills in dominating his undefeated foe. He is ready to beat the big names and will be a new star in the heavyweight division.”

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

Following the order from Regione Lombardia on February 23rd 2020, that dictates the suspension of any demonstration, event and any gathering in public or private places – of any kind of nature, either religious, sports, cultural or others – until March 1st, we inform you that the Milano Boxing Night that was due on February 28th is unfortunately cancelled. The event will be postponed to a future date that will be communicated as soon as possible. The tickets sold for the event on February 28th will be considered valid for the rescheduled date.

Follow all the action as Deontay Wilder defends the WBC Heavyweight Title in a much anticipated rematch.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT/2 AM in England with Charles Martin taking on Gerald Washington in a heavyweight bout; Emanuel Navarrete takes on Jeo Santisima for WBC Super Bantamweight bout and the action starts with Sebastian Fundora against Daniel Lewis.

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Round 1 Right from Fury..Right from Wilder..Good right from Fury.Jab…Left..Ripping jab..Fury outlanded Wilder 8-5

Round 2 Jab from Fury..another….Long right from Wilder..Jab to the body..Left from Fury..Right from Wilder..Right from Fury..Right from Wilder

Round 3 Jab and flush right from Fury..Right..Stiff jab..Good rightHUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES WILDER..Wilder is very hurt

Round 4 Guys tangle legs Wilder goes down..Body shot from Fury..Wilder looking spent already

Round 5 Huge right from Fury…LEFT TO BODY AND DOWN GOES WILDER..Wilder holding on..Big right from Fury..point deducted from fury for hitting on break

Round 6 Right from Fury..hard right to body..Clipping right..Straight right..Left from Wilder..Big left from Fury..left hook

Round 7 Left from Fury..Another big left..2 HUGE RIGHTS AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Left from Martin

Round 2 Left to Body from Martin

Round 3 

Round 4 Left to body from Martin..Straight left

Round 5 Right from Washington..Straight left from Martin..Lead left..Left to the head..Right from Washington..

Round 6  HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES WASHINGTON…FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Left to body by Navarrete

Round 2 Santisima lands a left to the body..3 punch combo from Navarrete..Jab

Round 3 Body shot from Navarrete..Another body shot

Round 4 Right from Santisima...Hard left

Round 5 Navarrete lands a series of rights..Left hook from Santisima….Hard right from Navarrete..he is starting to ramp up the attack..2 uppercuts and body shot

Round 6 Right from Navarrete..Body from santisima..Left hook from Navarrete..

Round 7 Left from Navarrete..

Round 8 Body shot from Santisima…Left and right from Navarrete..Jab..Santisima lands a body shot..

Round 9 Right from Navarrete…

Round 10 Combination on inside from Navarrete..Hard right to the head..

Round 11 Hard 11 punches UNANSWERED AND THE FIGHT IS TOPPED FOR NAVARRETE

Round 1 Right from Lewis..jab from Fundora..Right hook..Right to body..Uppercut from Lewis..

Round 2 Right from Lewis…Right to body from Fundora..Right from Lewis..Good right…Blood from nose from Fundora..Hard uppercut from Lewis..uppercut

Round 3 Uppercut from Fundora…Right..Right Hook..Right Hook..Right from Lewis..Lewis bleeding under the eyes

Round 4 Right from Lewis..Left from Fundora..Left…

Round 5 Right from Lewis

Round 6 Right from Lewis…Combination from Fundora..Right from Lewis…Left from Fundora..Straight left

Round 7 Body shot from Lewis

Round 8 Jab from Fundora

Round 9 2 lefts from Lewis…Left to body from Fundora..right to body…Straight left,..

Round 10 Straight left from Fundora.

LAS VEGAS–Tyson Fury was spectacular in wearing down, beating down and eventually stopping Deontay Wilder to win the WBC Heavyweight title at the MGM Grand.

Fury was the aggressor and used his 42 pound size advantage to dictate the entire bout that had Wilder showing little resistance.

Fury sent Wilder to the canvas in round three when he landed a cuffing right to the ear. After that, Wilder seemed to lose his energy as the Fury continued to wear Wilder down. The punch the that sent Wilder down also caused bleeding out the right ear of Wilder. In round five, Fury dropped Wilder again, this time it was a body shot. Fury continued to land thudding shots and Wilder kept looking worse with each landed Fury punch.

After looking bad in the corner in between round’s six and seven, Fury came and landed two booming right hand that had referee Kenny Bayless and the corner of Wilder throwing in the towel simultaneously at 1:39.

Fury, 273 lbs of Winslow, UK is now 30-0-1 with 21 knockouts. Wilder, 231 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 42-1-1.

TYSON FURY:

“A big shout out to Deontay Wilder. He came here tonight and he manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion.

“I hit him with a clean right that dropped him and he got back up. He is a warrior. He will be back. He will be champion again.

“But I will say, the king has returned to the top of the throne!”

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I’m doing good. Things like this happen. The best man won tonight, but my corner threw in the towel and I was ready to go out on my shield. I had a lot of things going on heading into this fight. It is what it is, but I make no excuses tonight. I just wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield. I’m a warrior. He had a great performance and we will be back stronger.”

“Even the greatest have lost and came back, that is just part of it. You just take it for what it is. I can make no excuses tonight. I had a lot of complications. But we’ll come back stronger next time around. This is what big-time boxing is all about, the best must fight the best. I appreciate all the fans that came out and supported the show, and I hope that everyone gets home safely.”

Former Heavyweight champion Charles Martin scored a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger challenger in round six of their scheduled 12-round elimination bout.

The bout was void of action until Martin landed a booming left that sent Washington to the canvas. Washington got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:57.

Martin, 254 lbs of Carson, CA is 28-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Washington, 236 1/2 lbs of Vallejo, CA is 20-4-1.

CHARLES MARTIN

“I knew that I had him hurt a few times in the fight. Every round I think I hurt him, but I just couldn’t finish him. I knew that I had to take my time in there. It took me some rounds to catch up with him, because he’s very quick on the retreat.

“This win means a lot. It shows that I’ve been working hard. The people can see it. I was never hurt at any point. This has just given me more confidence in myself. I can take the punches and give the punches.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“The referee did what he thought was right. He’s a top notch ref so I won’t complain about the stoppage. He put me down and I got up, so I definitely wanted to get back to it.”

Emanuel Navarrete stopped Jeo Santisima in round 11 to retain the WBO Super Bantamweight title.

Navarrete dominated the action and finally was able to get Santisima out there with a brutal 11 punch flurry at 2:20 of round 11.

Navarrete, 122 lbs of Mexico City is 31-1 with 27 knockouts. Santisima, 122 lbs of the Philippines is 19-3.

Sebastian Fundora won a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniel Lewis in a junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fundora began to bleed from the nose

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-94 and is now 14-0-1. Lewis, 153 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 6-1.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I think it was a fair decision and a good fight. There were a lot of hard punches. I knew he would be tough. When they told me I was fighting an Olympian, I knew it would be a tough fight. He probably had more experience than me, but we prepared the right way and got the win.

“I always want to use my height and my physical gifts, but it just depends on the fight. If the situation changes, we have to be ready to adapt.

“Whether we’re fighting on the inside or the outside, I always want to be the busier fighter. The more punches you throw, the more you’re going to land. It’s the way I like to fight.

“I’ll have to talk to my team, but I want to keep facing the best competition possible and continue to grow in the sport.”

Javier Molina won an eight-round unanimous decision over Amir Imam in a junior welterweight bout.

Molina, 141 1/2 lbs of Norwalk, CA won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 22-2. Imam, 141 1/2 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-3.

Petros Ananyan won an upset 10-round unanimous decision over previosuly undefeated knockout artist Subriel Matias in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Ananyan landed some booming shots that hurt Matias and drove him back to the ropes. Matias seemed out on his feet and for some reason referee Robert Byrd administered an eight-count.

That was the difference in the fight as Matias won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 twice for Ananyan, 142 lbs of Brooklyn, NY and is now 15-2-2. Matias, 142, Fajardo, PR is 15-1.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous over Matt Conway in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Flores dropped Conway with an overhand right. In round two, Conway started to swell around his right eye.

Flores, 132 1/2 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 80-71 twice and 79-72, and is now 16-0. Conway, 132 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 17-2.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Corey Champion in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Champion with a flush counter right. In round four, Champion was bleeding from his nose.

Mielnicki, 147 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 5-0. Champion, 147 lbs of Louisa, VA is 1-3.

In a foul fest 10 featherweight fight, Isaac Lowe won a unanimous decision over Alberto Guevara.

In round four, Guevara was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Low was deducted apoint for hitting on the break and then another one for throwing Guevara down.

In round five, Lowe was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Guevara was deducted for hitting on the break. Lowe was deducted another point in the round for hitting on the break. In round eight, Lowe dropped Guevara with a left hook.

Lowe, 125 1/2 lbs of Morecambe, UK won by scores of 96-87 twice and 95-88 and is now 20-0-3. Guevara, 126 lbs of Mazatlan, MEX is 27-6.

Rolando Romero stopped Arturs Ahmetovs in round two of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Romero dropped Ahmetovs twice and the fight was stopped at 1:22 of round two.

Romero, 137 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Ahmetovs, 136 lbs of Delray Beach, FL is 5-1