Mark DeLuca says his clash with former IBF Welterweight World Champion Kell Brook at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday February 8 is “make or break” as he looks to cause an upset in the toughest fight of his career, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), a durable and hard-hitting southpaw hailing from Massachusetts, avenged his sole career loss to Walter Wright in an immediate rematch in October 2018, unanimously outpointing the Seattle man over ten rounds to earn the NABA Super-Welterweight Title. 

‘The Bazooka’ added two more wins to his record in 2019, outclassing Jimmy Williams in Boston and then Brandon Brewer at the Dunkin Donuts Centre in Providence, and has been much more active than Brook in recent times, having fought 12 times since 2016. 

“This is the pinnacle of my career at this point, fighting a former World Champion,” said DeLuca. “Kell Brook fought two of boxing’s biggest boogeymen at the time in Errol Spence and Gennadiy Golovkin, he shook up their world. I have admiration and respect for Kell as a champion but in order for me to get to where he has been, I have to beat him in Sheffield.

“I can’t speak for him, but I know he is at the crossroads in his career. I know he wants to get back to where he once was and in order to do that he needs to beat me. I don’t think that he has taken this fight lightly as it’s a make or break fight for both of us.”

Brook hasn’t fought since decisioning Australia’s Michael Zerafa back in December 2018 and is determined to prove that he still belongs at the top of the sport after teaming up with trainer Dominic Ingle once again. A loss for Brook would be disastrous at this stage of his career and DeLuca insists all of the pressure will be on the Sheffield fighter. 

“I don’t really get into social media or read online comments, but I think he is feeling the pressure ahead of this one. All of his fans are waiting for him to come back and it’s in his hometown. He has to deal with this pressure and show up and perform, he has his hands full!

“This is my chance and this is my time. I feel great. I have been grinding on small cards in small venues to get to this point and I can showcase my skills and what I am all about in this fight. I am deceiving and people will look at me as a puncher but I can do cute things in there. Everything can change at any moment in a fight.

“This would be like winning a World Title for me. Although the belt isn’t on the line the man that I am fighting means everything. Fighting someone of his calibre means everything to me. I am confident in my preparation and that is what it all comes down to, fighting the best that I can, that’s all I can do.”

Brook vs. DeLuca is tops a huge night of action in Sheffield.Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) clashes with Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) in a unification for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles, AnthonyTomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in a Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Brentwood Super-Featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) returns, Super-Middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0 and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

By Bart Barry-

Thursday in the co-comain event of a Super Bowl
week fightcard broadcast by DAZN from a shady Miami venue called Meridian at
Island Gardens – check out its Google reviews for a chuckle – super
bantamweight Danny Roman lost his WBA and IBF titles by split decision to Uzbekistan’s
Murodjon Akhmadaliev in a very good fight worthy of a rematch.

They were there to make history, history be
damned.  Akhmadaliev was to break Leon
Spinks’ record, a record few knew existed till DAZN’s promoter unearthed it, and
if that meant the benefit of most every scoring doubt need go the Uzbekistani,
so be it.  Thursday evening’s co-comain
fare was very good, again, but not historic, even if everything broadcast these
days must be.

WBA
Scores Analysis, which seems founded on innovative logic, got the score
right, Roman 115-113, by weighing the three official scorers against each other,
in an ode of sorts to selforganization.  There
are far worse analysis tools out there.

Writing of which, punch statistics, too, appeared
to favor Roman, even if prefight research should indicate Roman did not strike Akhmadaliev
nearly so hard as he got struck by him.  That’s
the thing about research, though.  What
evidence did the eyes perceive that Akhmadaliev hits so much harder?  His was the more marked face at final
bell.  His was the much more fatigued
body for three minutes before final bell. 
And most replays showed him flurrying like a teenager whenever at close
quarters, pepperdusting Roman’s elbows and wrists and collarbone.

Akhmadaliev was not the better prizefighter in
Miami, and Roman, the unified champ, did more than enough golfing Akhmadaliev
with uppercuts to retain his titles on a traditional scorecard.

A note about that. 
Close rounds traditionally get scored for the champ, not the challenger,
because that’s where the eyes fall before each engagement.  I’ve written about this a few times before,
but even if you’re tired of reading it, methinks, I’m not yet tired of treating
it:

A truly objective scorer should begin his eyes in
the neutral space between the fighters and return his eyes to that space often
as possible, too.  From that neutral
space he should track any punch that crosses the threshold and grade its effect
thereafter.

Impossible, you say?  Quite right. 
There are no truly objective scorers.

The fighter upon whose fists a scorer’s eyes most
frequently fall has an appreciable scoring advantage, sort of like, and for
much the same reason, the actor upon whom audiences’ eyes most frequently fall
has a scoring advantage at the Oscars. 
In performance arts they call it presence, and in prizefighting it be
the champion’s gree to lose.  Except when
marketing or gambling concerns make it otherwise.

Such was the case Thursday when the barely tested Akhmadaliev
entered the ring with marketing and gambling concerns in his favor.  Of those two, of course, the gambling
concerns always be more honest, and the chalk had it that Akhmadaliev was
probably something very special while Roman was already something a bit
journeyman.

Instead, Akhmadaliev was a cross between Ukraine’s
Vasyl Lomachenko and Armenia’s Vic Darchinyan, and not the right cross
exactly.  Were a man to mix successfully Lomachenko’s
form and Darchinyan’s aggression he’d be a historic entity.  Trouble is, Akhmadaliev more often mixes Darchinyan’s
form – back elbow cocked for telegraphing – with Lomachenko’s aggression,
ballrooming his way away.

There’s a whiff of autoheadline-reading there; Akhmadaliev
believes he is more than he is by virtue of his historic career, and for reasons
both financial and patriotic nobody round him has yet to say it isn’t so.  Danny Roman kinda said it in round 12,
though, didn’t he?  Whilst Akhmadaliev tried
Will-O’-the-Wisp-ing his way to winning a round without throwing a punch for
its opening 5/6, Roman did the needful, as they say, walking forward and
winning the closing round with classic boxing.

O, but look how much Akhmadaliev did in all the
preceding rounds!  Yes, do.

Thursday’s fight was a modernday Vazquez-Marquez,
was it not?  Larger money, lower stakes, poorer
form, lighter punching, less conclusive ending. 
They aren’t making 122-pounders like Izzy and Rafa these days, even if
they’re commentating like they are.

Still, as Super Bowl fightcards go, this wasn’t a
bad one.  Skipping the amateur boxing on
the card, half the televised matches were good and competitive.

Twelve years ago I covered a Scottsdale, Ariz.,
card the week of Super Bowl XLII and the week before that a local promoter told
me: “They always try to do Super Bowl week, and it never works.” 

That wasn’t the best quote, though – that came
from “El Machito” Hector Camacho Jr., on the card to supply a patronym fiftysomething
East Coast lushes might recognize and pay some slight fraction of what $10,000 the
card’s visiting promoter initially thought he might charge for ringside seats to
a Monte Barrett mainevent in a converted carny tent called 944 Super Village at
Stetson Canal.

“I’ve disrespected the sport of boxing so many
times I’m surprised they let me put gloves on,” said El Machito (44-3-1) at the
Friday weighin, by way of promoting his Saturday afternoon battle with Luis
Lopez (13-11-1).

The reason Super Bowl week fightcards generally
don’t work is because while the Super Bowl attracts men in shiny suits, they’re
bespoke suits, generally, and boxing is decidedly off-the-rack.  By the magic math of a visiting promoter
there are at least 10,000 guys in town who could care less about $10,000, and
if he can just find 20 of them he’s on his way, 50 of them and he’s the new Don
King (who posted a Super Bowl XXX loss of his own 24 years ago in Phoenix on a
card that included famed ticketseller B-Hop). 
Shiny suits and carnival barking.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

NEW YORK (February 2, 2020) – Two members of the Split-T Management management stable, junior lightweight Otha Jones III and middleweight Hurshidbek Normatov scored big wins over the past five days.

Normatov got things started on Tuesday night when he gained a eight-round unanimous decision over Uriel Hernandez in Toronto.

Normatov resisted a knockdown in round seven en-route to the shutout victory by scores of 80-71.

The 27 year-old native of Brooklyn via Uzbekistan remained perfect as record jumped to 10-0. Hernandez falls to 13-6.

Otha Jones III (Photo by Damon Gonzalez)

Thursday night in Miami, Jones stopped 35-fight veteran Juan Santiago in round two of their scheduled six-round bout.

Jones was dominating over the four-and-a-half minute fight, as he featured a strong right hand that continuously found a home on the head of Santiago. Midway through the 2nd round, Jones dropped Santiago with that punch, and the bout was stopped at 1:29.

The 19 year-old native of Toledo, Ohio, Jones, who was a 21-time National Amateur Champion, improves his mark to 6-0 with two knockouts.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (February 1, 2020) – Hard-hitting James Kirkland will take on all-action “Madman” Marcos Hernández in a 10-round middleweight showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 14 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The action begins at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT and features unbeaten top prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis taking on Justin DeLoach in the 10-round welterweight co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

“James Kirkland and Marcos Hernández both bring exciting styles to the ring that are sure to give the fans an action packed main event Saturday, March 14 live on FS1 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Combined with Eimantas Stanionis, one of the 2016 Olympics’ most promising prospects, in a tough fight against the battle-tested Justin DeLoach, there will be high stakes drama in the ring for sure.”

Born in Austin and fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting and explosive fighters in the sport in a long career that’s only seen him defeated twice. The 35-year-old returned to the ring in 2019 with two knockout victories, his first action since losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2015. Kirkland sports an 83% knockout rate and has previously picked up notable wins against former champion Carlos Molina and Alfredo Angulo.

“I’m very excited to make the most of this opportunity,” said Kirkland. “I want to thank my whole team, Davies Entertainment, PBC and Warriors Boxing, for putting me in this position. It’s truly a blessing to be back in the mix. I’m training hard and perfecting my craft like always. Look for me to bring fireworks on March 14.”

The 26-year-old Hernández (14-3-1, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough fellow rising contenders. Fighting out of Fresno, California, Hernández has twice faced current unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He most recently lost a decision to Kevin Newman in November 2019, a rematch of a fight Hernández won in 2017. He has taken down then unbeaten fighters in Newman and Thomas Hill in 2016.

“It’s a dream come true to be in a fight like this against a dangerous man like James Kirkland,” said Hernández. “Everyone knows he has tremendous punching power and can take anyone out with one punch. But my plans are to take him to school and show him what a great boxer I am. At this point in my career, I’m ready to turn the corner and show everyone I have the talent to be a world champion. Everyone watching on FS1 will see a great battle between two warriors. The fans will get their money’s worth, that you can guarantee.”

A native of Lithuania who now lives and trains in the U.S., Stanionis (10-0, 7 KOs) is one of the most promising fighters to come out of the 2016 Olympic games and has continued to impress in the pro ranks. The 25-year-old will step up again in competition for the first time since a hand injury in May 2019 when he goes against DeLoach. Stanionis picked up three victories in 2019, beating Samuel Figueroa in March, before showing he was recovered from the hand injury by stopping Julio Cesar Sanchez and Evincii Dixon.

DeLoach (18-4, 9 KOs) will return to the ring looking to bounce back from a loss to then unbeaten Terrel Williams in April 2019. The 25-year-old put together an impressive run in 2016 and 2017, defeating three-straight unbeaten fighters in Dillon Cook, Junior Castillo and Domonique Dolton, before knocking out Christopher Pearson. The Augusta, Georgia native suffered defeats against now unified champion Jeison Rosario in 2018 and Nathaniel Gallimore in 2017, before rebounding to beat Michael Ogundo in November 2018.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

Former world title challenger Yordenis Ugas stopped Mike Dallas Jr. after round seven of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Bilox, Mississippi/

In round one, Ugas was cut on the forehead from an accidental headbutt. Other then that, Ugas dominated the battle and Dallas had enough after the 7th frame was over.

Ugas, 146.4 lbs of Santiago de Cuba, CUB is 25-4 with 12 knockouts. Dallas, 147 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 23-4-2.

“I’m not overly excited about my performance, but the most important thing was to get the victory and take a step closer to getting the title shot,” said Ugas.

“The game plan was to come forward, come strong,” Ugas continued. “I always work the body strong and want to push the action and that’s what I did tonight.

“The main goal now is to keep winning and fight for a title. I’m ready for all of the top welterweights.”

Michel Rivera stopped Fidel Maldonado Jr. in the 10th and final round of their lightweight bout.

Rivera dropped Maldonado with a right hand flush on the jaw and the bout was stopped at 1:34 of round 10.

Rivera, 134.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Maldonado, 134.4 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 27-5-1.

“I feel very good,” said Rivera. “They matched me against a boxer with a lot of experience. So, I feel happy with my performance.

“I was ready to fight all the rounds, not just looking for the knockout,” added Rivera. “My corner was telling me wait, relax, take your time because he’s an intelligent boxer. I did what they were telling me and I got him out of there in the last round.”

Clay Collard stopped previously undefeated prospect Raymond Guajardo in the 2nd round of a scheduled six-round super welterweight bout.

In round one, Collard dropped Guajardo with a left hook in the middle of a vicious exchange. Guajardo was dropped again from three body punches/ Seconds later, Guajardo sent Collard to the canvas with a left hook of his own. Collard came to back to hurt Guajardo badly with a series of hard hook, which also bloodies the nose of Guajardo.

In round two they continued to go at it with Collard landing hard thudding shots that eventually had the referee stop the bout simultaneously as the towel being thrown in at 1:42.

Collard, 159 lbs of Cache Valley, UT is 6-2 with two knockoouts. Guajardo, 159.4 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 5-1.

“It was a war,” said Collard. “That’s what fighting is. I love it. It’s awesome.

“I thought (Guajardo) was going to use his length and pick and move, but he came out gunning, and that’s how I like to fight. I like to bang.

“I think I caught him with a good left hook the first time when I dropped him, and the rest is history,” continued Collard. “I knew I hurt him, and I’ve hurt people before and jumped on them really quick, and that’s why he dropped me was because the second time I knocked him down I got too excited and I went in and got caught. So, I have to be more patient.

“I need to learn how to be more defensi

Omar Juarez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Angel Martinez in a super lightweight bout.

In round seven, Juarez dropped Martinez with a left hook to the jaw. Martinez was cut on the top of his head.

Juarez, 140 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 80-71 twice and 79-73 and is now 7-0. Martinez, 139 lbs of Mexico is 19-19-1.

“It was a beautiful experience, especially fighting a veteran with over 30 fights, my first eight-rounder as well, and overall I learned a lot,” said Juarez. “There are levels to this, and I have a lot of work left to do, but I look forward to watching the film and correcting all of my mistakes.”

Jesus Ramos stopped Ramel Amanov after six-rounds of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Ramos, 146.8 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Amanov of Uzbekistan is 16-2.

Deon Nicholson had to go to the distance for the first time in his career, but won a 10-round unanimous decision over Earl Newman in a cruiserweight fight.

Nicholson, 198.6 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 twice and is now 13-0. Newman, 199.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 10-3-1.

SHREVEPORT, La. – January 31, 2020 – After his fourth consecutive victory in a little more than 12 months on ShoBox: The New Generation, Ruben Villa is ready to graduate from the 19-year prospect series.

The undefeated featherweight Villa put on a boxing clinic in a dominating unanimous decision win over Alexei Collado. The judges scored the fight 99-91 and 98-92 twice in the main event Friday night from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, La.

Photo By Emily Harney/Banner Promotions

The 22-year-old Salinas, Calif., native Villa (18-0, 5 KOs), who entered the ring paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant by wearing his No. 8 Lakers jersey into the ring, called his performance “solid” against a “tough and aggressive fighter.”

“He was challenging throughout the fight,” said Villa. “I feel like I put on a good show. He was a big knockout puncher and he’s no pushover. He brought out the best in me.”

Villa, who was the was also the 2014 and 2016 National Golden Gloves Champion, is currently ranked No. 5 at 126 pounds by the WBO and No. 13 by the WBC. He said after the fight he’s ready for the best his division has to offer.

The 31-year-old Cuban Collado (26-3, 23 KOs) who lives in Miami, lost for the first time in seven bouts. “It was a good fight,” said Collado, who won the 2006 Junior World Title in the flyweight division. “We both brought everything. We put on a good show for the fans. He moves a lot and he’s a smart fighter. I feel like when I threw a lot I hit him but I wasn’t active enough.”

Villa said he stayed disciplined training during the holidays. “Now I’m going to take a few weeks off and then get right back in the gym,” he said.

In the co-featured bout, undefeated Ukrainian and 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (18-0, 10 KOs) recorded a dominating unanimous decision victory against Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (18-2-2, 9 KOs). The judges scored the 10-round welterweight fight 97-93 and 98-92 twice.

Shelestyuk, who overcame a bad fifth-round cut on his forehead, had boxed just 10 rounds in the last three years.

Photo By Emily Harney_Banner Promotions

“It was a good fight,” Shelestyuk said. “I hit him with some good shots, and controlled the fight. I have been out since March, and I feel that I performed well. I am happy to be back on television.

“The cut didn’t bother me. This is professional boxing, and these things happen. I want to be back in May or June. If I come back in the next several months, I want to fight a big name – guys like Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.”

In the telecast opener, late replacement Sulaiman Segawa (12-2-1, 3 KOs) looked impressive in his ShoBox debut seemingly out-boxing Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and recording the better stat sheet, but the close lightweight fight was called a split-decision draw. One judge had Segawa winning 78-74, another 77-75 for Hamazaryan and the third judge called it even, 76-76.

ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood had the fight scored 77-75 Segawa, while Barry Tompkins and Raul Marquez both saw it 78-74 in favor of Segawa.

“I won the fight,” said Segawa, who took the fight on just four days’ notice. “I maintained him and his aggressiveness. I came up to his weight and dictated the action. I staggered him a couple of times and he was not touching me.”

Segawa earned the better stats in nearly every category. Hamazaryan was more active (57.5 punches per round to Segawa’s 53.6) but Segawa outlanded him 130-100 overall, 42-14 jabs and 88-86 power and was more accurate in all phases (30%-22% overall, 28%-8% jabs, 31.3%-31.1% power). Segawa even led 25-22 in body connects

Segawa, 28, moved to Silver Spring, Md., two years ago and is originally from Kampala, Uganda. He has won six times against previously undefeated opponents with his two losses also to undefeated fighters.

Hamazaryan, who was making his third ShoBox appearance, returned to the ring after 16 months as he returned to his native Armenia to get his physical education degree.

“It was a good fight,” the 23-year-old Hamazaryan said. “I started slow because of the switch in opposition and felt rusty. I’m going to go right back to the gym and keep on learning. And I will be better.”

It was the second consecutive split draw for Hamazaryan, who also recorded a split draw against Thomas Mattice in his last ShoBox appearance in September of 2018.

Friday’s fights were promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing and Bishop Promotions LLC. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer 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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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 81 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.

Lightweight

Victor Padilla (8-0, 7 K0s) def. Israel Suarez (4-8-3, 1 K0), R1 2:46

Jr. Middleweights

Isaiah Wise (8-2-2, 5 K0s) def. Enver Halili (10-3, 3 K0s), K0 R2 1:27

Lightweights
Christopher Burgos (3-4-1, 1 K0) def. Sheldon Deverteuil (2-1-2), UD 59-55, 59-55, 59-55

Jr. Welterweights

Tyhler Williams (4-0, 3 K0s) def. Demetris Williams (1-7), K0 R1, 1:48

Super Middleweights

Charles Brewer, Jr. (1-0, 1 K0) def. Kyl Fritz (0-1), K0 R2, 1:17

Cruiserweights

David Stevens (3-0, 2 K0) def. Tahlik Taylor, K0 R1, 1:02

Jr. Lightweights
Shakhzod Atoev (1-0) def. Juan Ibarra (0-3), UD, 40-36, 40-36, 40-36

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TOPPENISH, Wash. (January 31, 2020) – Hot Filipino prospect Jade “Hurricane” Bornea struck America last night and he delivered, winning a 10-round split decision over previously unbeaten Ernesto Delgadillo, to capture the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight title.

Bornea vs. Delgadillo headlined RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, live and exclusively from Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

Fighting for the first time as a professional in the United States, the 24-year-old Bornea (15-0, 1o KOs) went into the fight rated No. 10 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA). He is a former IBF World Youth and World Boxing Oriental Youth super flyweight champion.

Last night on a show presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, Bornea made a name for himself outside his native Philippines with an impressive victory against Delgadillo (11-1-2, 2 KOs), a former World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super flyweight titlist.

Bornea (R) is a rising Filipino prospect

The 10-round main event was split into almost two different fights: Delgadillo effectively jabbed his way to take the early rounds, and he registered a somewhat questionable knockdown in the sixth round. Bornea successfully closed the distance after three rounds, sitting in the pocket and becoming more aggressive as the fight went on.

Bornea won a split decision (96-93 X 2 & 93-96) to become the new NABF super flyweight champion.

In the co-featured event, Northern Ireland middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle improved his record to 12-0 (5 KOs), needing only three minutes to take care of business. Coyle connected on a crisp combination at the end of round one, hurting his Mexican opponent, Miguel Dumas (11-3, 8 KOs). On the advice of the ringside physician, referee Joel Scobie halted the action after round one for a Coyle TKO win.

Irishman Connor Coyle improved his pro record to 12-0

In a battle of undefeated Northwest light heavyweights, Seattle’s Richard VanSicien (8-0, 4 KOs) scored a first-round stoppage of Abraham Martin (5-1, 5 KOs), of Oregon, when referee Jack Reiss waved off the fight after one round.

Washington super lightweight William Hernandez-Gomez (4-0, 2 KOs) pitched a shutout against Abdul Kamara (1-2), winning all four rounds in convincing fashion.

In a rematch of a draw, Washington super lightweight Margarito Hernandez (1-0-1) won a unanimous 4-round decision over intra-state rival Joshua Wheeler (0-1-1); Tacoma, WA featherweight Jerrell Barbour (1-0) won his professional debut with a 4-rround unanimous decision over Kendall Ward (0-6).

Florida middleweight Glenn Hagler, Jr. (4-1, 2 KOs) and Oregon’s Charon Spain (1-13-2) fought to a 4-round draw.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT NABF SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Jade Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs), General Santos City, Cota del Sur, Philippines
WDEC10 (96-93, 96-93, 93-96)
Ernesto Delgadillo (11-1-2, 2 KOs), Dallas, TX
(Bornea won NABF super flyweight title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Connor Coyle (12-0, 5 KOs), Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
WTKO1 (3:00)
Miguel Dumas (11-3, 8 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Richard VanSicien (8-0, 4 KOs), Seattle, WA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Abraham Martin (5-1, 5 KOs), Medford, OR by way of Mexico

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Glenn Hagler, Jr. (4-1-1, 2 KOs), Daytona Beach, FL
D4 (39-37, 38-38, 37-39)
Charon Spain (1-13-2), Portland, OR

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Margarito Hernandez (1-0-1), Wapato, WA
WDEC4 (39-35, 39-35, 38-36).
Joshua Wheeler (0-1-1), Blaine, WA

William Hernandez-Gomez (4-0, 2 KOs), Burlen, WA
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Abdul Kamada (1-2), Vancouver, WA by way of Sierra Leone

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jerrell Barbour (1-0), Tacoma, WA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)
Kendall Ward (0-6), Colorado Springs, CO

*denotes streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS

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Former junior middleweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout easily made weight for his showdown tomorrow night against Rosbel Montoya on the inaugural edition of boxing on the Impact Network. Trout tipped the scales at 149.1 pounds as he works his way down to campaigning in the welterweight division. His opponent Rosbel Montoya of Mexico came in at 153.6 pounds.

In the first co-feature bout, Alonzo Butler (31-3-2) weighed in at 295.6 lbs. while his opponent Jesus Albert Martinez (23-13-1) was 292.4 for their heavyweight battle. In the opening televised bout Abel Mendoza (21-0) came in just below the super featherweight limit at 129.7 pounds while his local rival Juan Carlos “Johnny” Guillen weighed in at a lean 127.4 lbs.

The action takes place at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, New Mexico. The televised portion of the card begins on the Impact Network at 830pm local mountain time.

Here are the rest of the weigh in results:

Brandon White (4-0) 112.2
Mario Chavez Tovar (0-3) 116.6

Robert Garcia (5-0) 151.0
Rey Trujillo (1-6-3) 155.3

Rene Palacios (3-0) 122.2
Manuel Rubalcaba (4-32-1) (weighing in later-not yet arrived)

Wanya Reid (pro debut) 167.0
Shawn Hamilton (pro debut) 155.2

Jack Story (pro debut) 208.9
Omar Acosta (1-6-1) (weighing in later-not yet arrived)

Rising Super-Middleweight talent John Docherty says he would love to headline a JD NXTGEN show in his native Scotland as he gears up for a ‘breakout’ 2020, starting with a six round contest against the Czech Republic’s Stanislav Eschner on the undercard of Kell Brook vs. Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield next Saturday.

The former Team GB member, now training under Tony Sims alongside Scottish fight legend Ricky Burns in Essex, made an explosive start to life in the professional ranks, demolishing his first five opponents inside the distance to earn a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting 168llbs prospects in the UK.

That KO streak came to an end when ‘The Doc’ went the distance for the first time in his career against experienced journeyman Darryl Sharp at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool followed by another points win against Lewis van Poetsch at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.

Despite banking some much-needed rounds in his learning fights against Sharp and Poetsch, the Montrose man is eager to get back on the KO train as he continues to work towards his first professional title opportunity in 2020.

“I had a rest over Christmas but not much as I knew I had this fight just after new year and this is a fight that I am really looking forward to putting on a show,” said Docherty. “I had an active 2019 but I’m used to fighting a lot because of my amateur background. I was performing and getting KO’s meaning I was consistently on the shows. It is just important for me to keep winning and looking good at this stage.

“I learnt so much from my last two fights against experienced journeymen in Sharp and Poetsch. They’re both slippery customers and know every trick in the book, so it was all good learning experience which is what I need at this stage of my career. Saying that, there’s still no better feeling than getting a big KO and the fans will be seeing more of that in 2020.”

Proud Scotsman Docherty has only boxed in his homeland once since turning over in October 2018, blitzing Wilmer Gonzalez in one round at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, and the Commonwealth games bronze medallist hopes the recent signing of slick Bantamweight contender Kash Farooq might persuade promoter Eddie Hearn to venture north of the border again.

“I would love to headline a NXTGEN show, especially in Scotland! I have this fight and then an eight rounder shortly after. If the title fight comes it comes and I am ready to take that opportunity. I want the step-up to come, I am ready for it. There is a lot of good Scottish fighters at the moment so fighting back up there is something I want to do, with the likes of Ricky Burns and Kash Farooq it’s definitely possible.

“2020 is a big breakout year for me, it’s a massive year. I want to get a big fight this year and show everybody what I am all about. I have got the rounds banked in my last two fights but now I want to get back on that KO streak, hopefully starting in Sheffield. Anyone who wants it, they can get it. Simple as that. I’ll come to your back yard!”

Docherty vs. Eschner is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield.

Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) clashes with Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) in a unification for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles, Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in a Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Brentwood Super-Featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) and Sheffield Super-Featherweight prospect Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) return, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0 and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

Following a blockbuster year for Croatian heavyweight sensation Filip Hrgovi? (10-0, 8 KOs) and German teenage prodigy Sophie Alisch (5-0, 1 KO) both have been nominated for the WBC’s ‘Prospect of the Year’ Award for 2019.

Hrgovi? started the year in style, marking his American debut with a first-round knockout win over Gregory Corbin at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, successfully defending his WBC International title for the first time.

‘El Animal’ then headed to Hermosillo, where he made quick work of local hero Mario Heredia. The referee waved off proceedings one minute into the third round following a brutal attack that sent the Mexican tumbling to the canvas.

The Olympic Bronze medalist then continued his impressive campaign on the biggest card of the year as he faced two-time World title challenger Eric Molina on the undercard of Joshua-Ruiz 2 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Hrgovi? once again ruled supreme as he forced the stoppage in the third round having dropped the American multiple times on route to sealing his tenth professional win.

Now ranked seventh with the WBC, eighth with the IBF and fifteenth with the WBO, Hrgovi? is considered one of the hottest prospects in the heavyweight division as he closes in on a World title shot in 2020. 

“Myself and my team are very satisfied with 2019,” said Hrgovi?. “I got three good wins, made my debut in America, fought in Mexico and I got to fight on the most anticipated fight night of the year in Saudi Arabia.

“The highlight of 2019 was fighting on the Ruiz Joshua 2 card. The whole world was waiting to see what was going to happen and it was a huge honour to be part of such a show. I will take 2020 step by step and continue my winning streak.”

18-year-old Alisch has been nominated in the women’s category following a magnificent 2019 that began with a knockout victory on her professional debut on February 16th in Koblenz, and concluded with an eight-round shutout points victory over two-time World title challenger Irma Adler in November.

Alisch, who won all five fights in her maiden year as a professional, is keeping her feet on the ground and hopes a successful 2020 will edge her closer to achieving her ultimate dream of becoming World Champion.

“2019 was a fantastic year for me. I got a knockout on my professional debut and ended the year with 5 victories, but we are only just beginning,” said Alisch.

“Making my debut was incredibly special for me, it was the first step towards my dream of becoming a World Champion. 2019 was full of highlights but you are only as good as your last fight. I prefer to look forward than backwards.

“My goal has been the same since I started boxing – to become a World Champion. 2020 is about chasing dreams. I want to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey so far and I look forward to sharing more success with you in the future.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland was pleased to see two of Team Sauerland’s brightest stars among the WBC’s nominations for their annual awards, and predicts 2020 will bring even greater success for the talented duo.  

“It’s great to see the WBC recognising Filip and Sophie for their fantastic achievements in 2019,” said Sauerland. 

“We see Filip as a contender rather than prospect as he is becoming a global star. He boxed in three different countries last year and won all of them by knockout. 2020 will be an even greater year. It’s now just a matter of time until he fights for a world title.

“Sophie has made a blistering start to her professional career. She knocked out her opponent in the first minute of her debut and she hasn’t slowed down since. She has only just turned 18 and is already beating World title challengers. She is known as ‘The Future’ in Germany and we expect her to be the face of female boxing for many years to come.”

By Norm Frauenheim-

Tyson Fury calls himself a boxing historian, which means more than a basic understanding of what it is to be the lineal heavyweight champion. Mostly, it means he understands deception.

He practices the art and even drops occasional references to Sun Tzu, an ancient philosopher quoted by Generals, cornermen, West Point professors and lineal heavyweight champs. Deontay Wilder calls Fury a con man and maybe he is. But a fighter without a good con enters the ring without a fundamental weapon. No feint, no chance.

“All warfare is based on deception,’’ Tzu said in his classic, The Art of War.

“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak,’’ he also wrote.

Those are quotes to remember as Fury’s rematch with Wilder approaches on Feb. 22 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand in a Fox/ESPN pay-per-view bout.

Between sticking out his tongue and mocking Wilder with dancing eyes, Fury talks. And talks. It’s hard to know what’s real and what’s fake, what’s true and what’s feint. But that’s the idea in the buildup, a series of news conferences that set the stage for the head games that precede any opening bell.

Fury is trying to confuse Wilder, who knocked him down twice with the most feared right hand in at least a generation. Wilder says there’s no eluding his power. Few have. His record includes an astonishing 41 stoppages in 43 fights. But the record also includes the draw with Fury Dec. 1, 2018 in Los Angeles.  In the twelfth round, Fury got up from the punch that landed with the concussive force that has finished virtually everyone else. But Fury got up, a singular answer to Wilder’s singular power.

Why Fury and nobody else? It’s a question Fury has been asking Wilder, again and again, in the face-to-face ritual for the cameras. Ask often enough, and maybe Fury plants a seed of a doubt, a crack in Wilder’s faith in his right hand.  Wilder shouts BOMB SQUAD and laughs at Fury, saying the right will keep Fury on the canvas this time. Maybe, it will. Maybe, there’s no way to avoid it. But Fury will continue to remind Wider that his resurrection on Dec. 1 is a reason to wonder whether that right is as all-powerful as he thinks. It’s a psychological feint from Fury, straight out of that Sun Tzu playbook: Appear strong when you are weak.

There’s also this: Fury promises to turn the tables on Wilder. He says he will knock him out in two rounds. He says he’s developing his own right hand in training with Emanuel Steward’s namesake and mentor, SugarHill Steward, of the Kronk school of power. Fury talks about a right he’ll deliver with Tommy Hearns-like leverage.

Wilder laughs at that one, too. How could he not? Conventional wisdom seems to dictate that Fury relies on his superior boxing skill to stay away from the right throughout 12 rounds. If he had done that in the first fight, there would have been no controversy. He would have won a clear-cut decision.

But Fury has never been conventional. Perhaps, he’s trying to confuse Wilder with a wild prediction. But think again. Fury goes into the fight with scar tissue from a cut above the right eye that required 47 stitches after a bloody decision over Otto Wallin on Sept. 14.

In the first of two news conferences in Los Angeles, he told www.boxingjunkie.com that he wouldn’t risk a further cut in training.

“If it ruptures, it’ll happen in the fight,’’ he said.

Translation: He might have to win an early stoppage. Nobody can be certain that the scar tissue can withstand 12 rounds. Repeated blows, even glancing ones, could result in a fight-ending rupture. Wilder believes that the fight with Wallin would have been stopped if not for the prospect of the February rematch.

Wilder has also looked into Fury’s face and sees what everybody else does. The scar is evident, a target if there ever was one. Wilder has joked that he intends to see how good Fury’s plastic surgeon is. It’s a signal he’ll go after the eye, early and often.

Fury seems to be inviting him to do exactly that. It’s as if he is urging Wilder to step inside in a head-long assault to bloody up a healing wound. Then and there, Fury might deliver his own right-handed power. The lure is that scar, also straight out of the Sun Tzu playbook.

“Hold out baits to entice the enemy,’’ he wrote. “Feign disorder, and crush him.’

Timeless advice from an ancient philosopher who could have been a corner man in any era.

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 30, 2020) — Three exciting, high-stakes showdowns have been added to the PPV undercard for the historic, mega PPV event headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury taking place Saturday, February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
In the co-main event, former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin will square off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator. The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and includes the PPV featured bout as WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” defends his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima. In the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.
 
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.
 
The 33-year-old Martin (27-2-1, 24 KOs) became heavyweight champion in January 2016 when he won by TKO against then unbeaten Vyacheslav Glazkov. After losing his title to Anthony Joshua, Martin has won four of his last five fights, with all of his wins coming inside the distance. Originally from St. Louis, now living in Las Vegas and currently training in Southern California with Manny Robles, Martin bounced back from a narrow decision defeat to Adam Kownacki in 2018 to earn victories in 2019 against Gregory Corbin in March and Daniel Martz in July.
 
“It is great to be back on the big stage,” said Martin. “Wilder vs. Fury II is the biggest heavyweight fight in a long time and it’s great to be on the PPV.  February 22 will get me one step closer to my goal of becoming two-time heavyweight champion. Gerald Washington is standing in my way, so it’s my job to go right through him toward my ultimate goal.”
 
Washington (20-3-1, 13 KOs) is a six-foot-six heavyweight contender who was a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran. Born in San Jose, California, Washington scored an impressive victory in his last outing, knocking out veteran contender Robert Helenius in July. Washington was unbeaten in his first 19 pro fights, before dropping his world title challenge against Deontay Wilder in February 2017.
 
“This title eliminator is a very big opportunity for me and I’m going to do everything in my power to win on February 22,” said Washington. “I have the right team behind me and the right mindset. I’ve known Martin my whole career and we even spent some time working together in the ring. I’m going to be at my best and I expect the same from him. It’s an honor to be a part of an event like this. Deontay and Tyson are both characters and I’m glad I can be a part of what’s going to be a great night of boxing on February 22.”
 
Representing San Juan Zitlaltepec, Distrito Federal, México, Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) captured his 122-pound title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018, and emphatically retained the title by stopping Dogboe in the final round of their rematch in May 2019. The 25-year-old stayed busy after securing the title, scoring stoppage victories in successful title defenses in August, September and most recently in December, when he knocked out Francisco Horta in Mexico. He is boxing’s most active world champion, as the Santisima bout will be his fifth title defense in nine months.
 
“I am motivated to make my fifth defense in less than a year and especially because I’m proud to be part of a historic card headlined by Wilder vs. Fury II,” said Navarrete. “This is a great opportunity to put on an exhibition for the fans and showcase my talent once again. I’m very grateful to my promoters, Bob Arum and Fernando Beltran, for giving me these opportunities.”
 
The 23-year-old Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2013 as a 16-year-old and has not lost a fight since his fourth career contest in 2014. A native of Masbate City, Philippines, Santisima will ride a 17-fight winning streak into his U.S. debut and his first world title opportunity on February 22. His 2019 campaign saw him deliver victories over Alvius Maufani in August and Rene Dacquel in December.
 
“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid,” said Santisima. “For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion. I don’t feel any pressure. I will just do my best on fight night to show the world who I am. I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight.”
 
Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora (13-0-1, 9 KOs) has used his height and length, combined with power and aggressiveness, to rack up an unbeaten record since turning pro in 2016. Fighting out of Coachella, California, Fundora fought three times in 2019, including TKO victories over then unbeaten fighters Donnie Marshall and Hector Manuel Zepeda. The 22-year-old most recently fought to an exciting split-draw against fellow contender Jamontay Clark in August.
 
A 2016 Olympian representing his native Sydney, Australia, Lewis (6-0, 4 KOs) was unbeaten in 2019, his first year as a professional. The 26-year-old picked up his first five wins between his debut in March and his U.S. debut in November where he defeated Alexis Gaytan. Most recently, Lewis knocked out then-unbeaten Rivo Kundimang in December.
 

#  #  #

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LAS VEGAS, NV (January 30, 2020) – 16-year-old featherweight sensation, Demler (DJ) Zamora III (1-0, 1 KO), who trains out of the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym, which is one of the top gyms in Las Vegas, Nevada, will return to the ring on January 31, 2020 at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico.

DJ Zamora III was a decorated amateur who has never lost in international competition, winning the Monkstown Box Cup in Ireland two years in a row, and in 2017, was voted the best male boxer at that tournament.

“It is a dream come true to have my second professional fights at only sixteen years old,” said DJ Zamora III. “I am looking to have a similar performance as my professional debut, which was a first-round knockout. I am working hard, and I feel I made the right decision to turn professional at such a young age.”

DJ Zamora III is trained by his father, Demler Zamora II, and assistant coach, Richard Barrientes Jr.

“He was an outstanding amateur, but we made the decision to turn professional when he couldn’t compete in 2020 Olympics based on his age,” said Demler Zamora II, the father and trainer of DJ Zamora III. “At his height, five-foot-ten-inch, and fighting as a southpaw at featherweight, he has a major advantage over the rest of his competition. He has an incredible work ethic and I know he’s going to be something special.”

“DJ has been getting great sparring this camp as he sparred Tugstsogt Nyambayar, who is fighting Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC featherweight title,” said Richard Barrientes Jr., Zamora III’s co-trainer. “DJ is a really good fighter and will make a lot of noise in the pros.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 30, 2020) – Prodigy twins, Angel Barrientes (1-0, 1KO), and Chavez Barrientes (1-0, 1KO), both 17-years old, will return to the ring on January 31, 2019 at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico. Both will fight in separate 4-round bouts against opponents TBA.

Angel and Chavez made their professional debut last year at the bantamweight division, both winning by 1st round knockout. The two combined have won 25 nationals in the amateurs, and are looking to duplicate that success in the pros. Together they are off to a fast start as the make their 2020 debut.

“I can’t wait to put on another great performance in Mexico,” said Angel Barrientes, who goes by the nickname AK-47, and has never lost an amateur tournament, winning all fourteen that he entered. “This will be an even better performance since I know what to expect in the professional game. I’m going to be on the attack from the opening bell.”

“I am very motivated going into this fight and I know what is needed to get the win,” said Chavez “The Beast” Barrientes. “I am setting realistic goals so that I can achieve them one by one, with the next one being this upcoming fight in Mexico. I’ll be looking to take my opponent out before the final bell.”

Both Barrientes brothers are trained by their father, Richard Barrientes Jr., and managed by Bob Santos and Luis DeCubas Jr.

“The success they have had and are having as professionals is solely based upon the hard work they put into the gym,” said father and trainer Richard Barrientes Jr. “They work very hard, and that is showing up on fight night. I expect to see another great performance from both my sons.”

“The talent both of these young phenom fighters have is incomparable to most at the same age or place in the pros,” said manager Bob Santos. “It’s exciting to work with such talented fighters, who I know will be a major force in boxing for the next decade.”

NEW YORK (January 30, 2020) – Tonight at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, Florida, Split-T Management’s undefeated junior lightweight prospect Otha Jones III will face by far his most experienced foe, Juan Santiago in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio has transitioned nicely from his amateur days, where he was a 21-time national champion to having an outstanding rookie campaign that saw him go 4-0 with one knockout.

Still just 19 years-old, the Toledo, Ohio native had a good camp in preparation for Thursday’s assignment.

“Things were good. I had good sparring. I had good Calisthenics and weight training. I feel good going into this fight,” said Jones.

Jones has relied on his immense ability, and he feels that if he does what he trained to do, the positive results will continue to come.

“It really doesn’t matter who I am facing. My first opponent was 5-1, so by Santiago having 35 fights, I don’t get discouraged at all. I just keep working hard and continuing to sharpen on my craft. My brother and my father are great to have with me. I sharpen them too, and its going to be easy.”

Santiago of Denver Colorado has a record of 16-17-2 with nine knockouts, and has scored many an upset as he has wins over Jose Morales (5-0), Brad Jackson (9-2-1), Ty Barnett (16-0-1), Cesar Holguin (9-2), Donaldo Holguin (8-1) and Antonio Diaz (5-1).

This card, which will feature three world title bouts, and will take place in the same city as Sunday’s Super Bowl 54, so a large celebrity presence is expected to be ringside and Jones is eager to show his skills off.

“It means a lot to fight on the card. There is a lot of good talent on this card. It shows me that I am good enough to be around this talent. There will be a lot of good fights”

Jones knows that at just 19, he is still growing as a fighter.

“I feel and see Improvement. After each fight we go back and look at what we did wrong and what we need to work on. I am going into my 2nd year as a pro, I know that I will get to where I need to be.”

“I am looking to be the prospect of the year, and turning into a contender.I feel good and I will show everyone when I fight on Thursday” .

Jones weighed 134.8 lbs at Thursday’s weigh-in. Santiago was 132.4

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (January 29, 2020) – Undefeated 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell will take on Mexico’s José Marrufo in a 10-round super lightweight bout, while unbeaten bantamweight contender Antonio Russell steps in the ring for a 10-round fight highlighting the non-televised undercard Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The card is headlined by the older brother of Gary Antuanne and Antonio, as undefeated WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. will defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event, plus Jaime Arboleda meeting Jayson Vélez in a 12-round bout WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator in the opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.pplcenter.com/events (direct link HERE).

Undercard action will also see super welterweight contender Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark (14-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round showdown against Mexico’s Vladimir Hernández (10-4, 6 KOs) and Springfield, Massachusetts native Anthony Velázquez (8-0, 8 KOs) in a six-round welterweight duel against Reading, Pennsylvania’s Kashon Hutchinson (7-5, 1 KO).

Rounding out the lineup is Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Torres (7-0, 3 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Edson Eduardo Neri (3-4, 2 KOs) for six rounds of bantamweight action, and a six-round battle of unbeaten welterweights as Bowie, Maryland’s Marlon Bolen (3-0, 2 KOs) squares off against Miami’s Osmel Mayorga (2-0, 1 KO).

The 23-year-old Gary Antuanne Russell (12-0, 12 KOs) has yet to allow an opponent to make it the distance against him since turning pro in 2017 following his run representing the U.S. at the 2016 Olympics. Russell added five more stoppage victories in 2019 and will be opposed by the 28-year-old Marrufo (12-9-2, 1 KO), who was born in Sonora, Mexico but fights out of Phoenix, Arizona. Marrufo split a pair of fights against then unbeaten Willie Shaw in 2019, defeating him in March before dropping a decision in the rematch in August.

Antonio Russell (16-0, 12 KOs) trains alongside his brothers Gary Antuanne and Gary Jr., with their father and head trainer Gary Russell Sr. in their Capitol Heights, Maryland hometown. The 26-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2015 and picked up four wins in 2019, including his first 10-round fight, when he bested Francisco Pedroza in July, and most recently a first round stoppage of Samuel Gutierrez in November.

–MAIN EVENT–
6 Rounds – Lightweights
VICTOR PADILLA (135.6 lbs) vs ISRAEL SUAREZ (134.6 lbs)

6 Rounds – Jr. Middleweights
ENVER HALILI (154.2 lbs) vs ISAIAH WISE (155.9 lbs)

6 Rounds – Lightweight
CHRISTOPHER BURGOS (135.6 lbs) vs SHELDON DEVERTEUIL (133.4 lbs)
**
4 Rounds – Welterweights
TYHLER WILLIAMS (143.2 lbs) vs DEMETRIUS WILLIAMS (146.7 lbs)
**
4 Rounds – Super Middleweights
CHARLES BREWER JR. (173.4 lbs) vs KYL FRITZ (173.2 lbs)
**
4 Rounds – Junior Lightweights
SHAHKZOD ATOEV (127.1 lbs) vs JUAN IBARRA (130.1 lbs)
**
4 Rounds – Cruiserweights
DAVID STEVENS (179 lbs) vs TAHLIK TAYLOR (178.7 lbs)
**

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces that Shabazz Bryant has been named GCP’s Executive Vice President, effective immediately.

For the past seven years, Baltimore-based Bryant, President of Shabazz Brotherz Boxing, has been a key figure in the surprisingly strong resurrection of his city’s boxing scene. Working with a long list of fighters including undefeated super lightweight contender Keith “The Bounty” Hunter, undefeated super middleweight prospect Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson and light heavyweight contender Travis Reeves, Shabazz Brotherz’ “Real Fights” series has been featured in first-rate venues such as Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, and the Baltimore Arena.

“I’m very happy about this opportunity and excited for the future,” said Shabazz Bryant. “I look forward to this year and to bringing new fighters to GCP.”

Bryant, along with fellow GCP Vice President Sarah Fina, will commence working together immediately on signing new talent while continuing to develop the ever growing GCP stable.

“We will be working on the day-to-day and on keeping everything moving in the right direction,” continued Bryant. “I’m looking to bridge the gap between some of the younger fighters and Greg because we have a lot of young fighters that are up-and-coming in this area and Greg has a lot of connections. As one of the top promoters in the sport, he has demonstrated his ability to bring fighters to the next level many times.”

“I’m very happy that Shabazz has officially joined GCP,” said Greg Cohen. “He is a seasoned promoter with a great eye for talent and there is no doubt he will be a tremendous asset to our company.”

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen is lauded for his expert guidance of, among many others, current WBA Middleweight Champion Rob Brant from Minnesota, top-rated heavyweight contender Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller from New York and former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout of New Mexico. All three fighters, under Cohen’s promotional watch, went from unknowns to prospects to national television stars.

In addition, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney, as well as former WBA World Champion Ismael Barroso and former WBO-NABO Super Middleweight Champion “Mean” Joe Greene.

Cohen also has a full stable of up-and-coming future champions, lead by undefeated light heavyweight Cem Kilic, undefeated featherweight prospect Ramiro Hernandez, and undefeated super featherweight prospect Abraham “El Super” Nova.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, CBS Sports, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

SHREVEPORT, LA. – January 30, 2020 – Undefeated featherweight prospect Ruben Villa and hard-hitting KO artist Alexei Collado (pictured above) both made weight a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation main event on Friday, January 31 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, La.

The former two-time Junior Olympic National Champion Villa (17-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, Calif., will make his fourth ShoBox: The New Generation appearance in just over a year as he faces Cuba’s Collado (25-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round 126-pound bout. Undefeated Ukrainian and 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (17-0, 10 KOs) meets Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (18-1-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight matchup in the co-featured bout. In the telecast opener, ShoBox veteran Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1-1, 6 KOs) from Armenia has moved over to the “A” side and will face new opponent Uganda’s Sulaiman Segawa (12-2, 3 KOs) who replaces Jerry Perez, who fell out of the fight earlier in the week because of the flu. The lightweight bout is scheduled for eight rounds.

The event is promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing and Bishop Promotions LLC. Tickets can be purchased at www.Bishoppromotions.com and prices are $20-$100.

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer 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.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Featherweight 10-Round Bout
Ruben Villa – 125 ¾ lbs.
Alexei Collado – 125 lbs.
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minnesota); Judges: Keith Thibadeaux (Houma, La.), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Micky Lofton (Monroe, La.)

Welterweight 10-Round Bout
Taras Shelestyuk – 146 ¾ lbs.
Luis Alberto Veron – 146 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Keith Hughes (Mississippi); Judges: Keith Thibadeaux (Houma, La.), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Todd Singletary (Baton Rouge, La.)

Lightweight 8-Round Bout
Zhora Hamazaryan – 136 ½ lbs.*
Sulaiman Segawa – 135 lbs.
*Initially missed weight, but was allowed to re-weigh and after one hour made weight.
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minnesota); Judges: Keith Thibadeaux (Houma, La.), Pat Dayton (Monroe, La.), Todd Singletary (Baton Rouge, La.)

FINAL QUOTES:

RUBEN VILLA:

“I said in the past it will be one year till I fight for a world title and I think that’s still true.

“I’m ready and can’t wait to display my talents. I’m on ShoBox again and a main event. I want to look good and get the win, so it’s No. 2 on my list to get the stoppage. Getting the win is most important.

“I know there are some boxing fans who appreciate what I do. As far as me being concerned about what others think of me, I don’t care. We work on footwork every day, religiously. Every day for 45 minutes. That’s our priority.

“I’m not running away from anyone in there. I’m progressing and still an exciting fighter.

“I know I look relaxed out here, but I’m locked in. Once I finish all of my interviews I’m back and locked in. The fun starts now because I get to eat.”

ALEXEI COLLADO:

“The last time I fought on ShoBox I was undefeated and weight was an issue because I’m not a 135-pound fighter.

“I know how Villa fights: Box, box, box. I have to be smart and we have our game plan. No one has been able to figure him out yet, but we will see. He’s in for a test, and I have the experience.

“The hunger is still there and I have to do this for my family. Because they have supported me and are behind me.

“I come from the Cuban school of boxing which is hit and don’t get hit. I want the knockout. We’re on T.V. so we need to be impressive.”

TARAS SHELESTYUK:

“I fought on ShoBox in the past but I think I’m more experienced now and had never fought 10 rounds before that. I think I’m mentally stronger.

“I’ve lived in Los Angeles since 2013 when I turned pro. I know I’ve been inactive but it won’t affect me. I’m 34-years-old and now I’m looking for the next big fight, the Keith Thurmans or the Kell Brooks. I want to be back in the mix at 147 pounds so it’s of course important that I look good and I’m looking forward to showing that Friday night.

“I’ve had a long layoff, 22 months. But I’ve always been training. It’s a variety of reasons I was out of the ring. Sometimes the opponent just falls out.

“I’m so excited to be back on ShoBox. Most of the great champions have fought on ShoBox. I have had a goal since a very young age to be the world champion. I feel my body has served me well over the years.

“Bobby Benton will be in my corner, as well as my brother Bogdan Shelestyuk.”

LUIS ALBERTO VERON:

“I fought just 12 days ago in Argentina so I’m definitely ready for this battle.

“I know I have to correct some mistakes I’ve made in the ring recently, and we went right back to the gym and did that.

“In my mind I’m always thinking about winning and I’m always looking for the victory.

“This is my debut in the United States and I’ve fought 20 times in my native Argentina and one time in England. It’s exciting being here, and I’m ready to put on a show. Don’t miss it. It’s going to be fun giving him his first defeat.

“I have more confidence now that I see him face-to-face and he’s not even as big as I thought or as big as me.

“I know I have to make a statement on Friday night. This is a big step-up fight for me and so important for my career.”

ZHORA HAMAZARYAN:

“I did recently receive my degree in physical education back in Armenia. Boxing is my life right now, but it’s good to have something to fall back on.

“I have a new trainer now Edmund Tarverdyan and my training camp was the best one ever. He was the Armenian National coach and worked as the former trainer to Vic Darchinyan and Rhonda Rousey. It’s been three months now and things are going great.

“I’m living full-time in Armenia but have applied for my Green Card. ShoBox fans know me from the (Thomas) Mattice fights. Not many agreed with the decision when I lost to him, but I’m just looking to move forward and just looking ahead.

“My opponent is a strong fighter and a southpaw. I’ve fought lots of them so I’ll be ready.

“I’m so excited to be back on ShoBox. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been watching fights on T.V. since I was a kid.”

SULAIMAN SEGAWA:

“I just got called on Monday for this fight, but it’s great and I’m ready.

“My style is unique and I have a ton of weapons. I’ve fought stronger competition than he has and I know this is a fight I can win.

“I haven’t watched my opponent’s past fights but my trainer and my team has. They say he reminds them of my last few opponents and comes forward.

“I’ve fought on short notice before so it’s nothing new. I’m 100 percent ready, and not just physically, but mentally. And sometimes that’s even more important.

“I moved from Uganda to Maryland two years ago and I’ve come to realize that boxing in the U.S. is war. You are under a lot of pressure to win here. They hit to kill. You have to be ready for everything.”

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 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.

Miami Fight Night on DAZN during Super Bowl Week in Miami got kickstarted live from Meridian at Island Gardens with exciting bouts.

In the main event Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight strap and stops Luke Keeler in 9 (17-2-1 5 KOs). Andrade dropped Keeler with the first one two of the fight in what looked like the very quick beginning to a very fast end. However what appeared to be a highlight reel performance by the champion, instead turned into a struggle to take out an opponent who did not belong in a world title fight. Andrade did not look like a polished Champion looking to shine on a huge stage and awaiting a big ticket payday or a marquee world title fight. He appeared more like a desperate fighter chasing a KnockOut versus an opponent who would not stand to round with any of the other top five guys in the division. In the end there was a devastating barrage of punches by the champion and the fight officially ended at two minutes 49 seconds of the ninth round.

In the co-main event 2012 Olympian JoJo Diaz 30-1(15 KO) rips the IBF Super-Featherweight title from Tevin Farmer 30-4-1(6 KO) after a war of words and battle in Miami. 

Diaz won the opening round and then Farmer won the next with a sharp jab and missile left hands, Diaz gets a nasty cut above his eye and is pouring blood the next couple rounds. The cut does not seem to slow the challenger as rounds five and six the two go toe to toe with the better work and accuracy going to Diaz. Through eight rounds I had it 6-2 Diaz. Round ten was a great tale of two halves with Diaz having the opening while he was unclose and Farmer when he was able to box at range behind his jab.  Diaz worked through the blood and cut and controlled the final two rounds and round twelve I felt Farmer was a bit concerned and knew he needed a knockout.  Both fighter left it all in the ring during the final stanza ending with Diaz bursting a scream of relief and success as the final bell rings  I scored this fight 116-112.  The judges came through with 116-112 and 115-113 twice. “He put up a helluva fight and did a great job and won” said Farmer after the fight.

Seven time, seven division female superstar Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano improved her incredible record to 38-1-1(28KO).  Serrano exploded out of the blue corner in round one and charged right at Simone Aparecida Da Silva 17-15 the former title contender from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Serrano boxed brilliantly setting up body shots and great uppercuts.  Da Silva was not afraid to mix it up and fought valiantly until :53 of round number 3 when Sam Burgos called a stop to the action saving Da Silva from herself officially a TKO win for Serrano.

MJ Akhmadaliev Makes History in Miami Winning the IBF & WBA Super Bantamweight Title

DAZN Miami Fight Night started with a historic IBF and WBA super bantamweight title clash between champion Daniel “DannyThe Baby Faced Assassin” Roman and challenger Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs).  Akhmadaliev equaled Leon Spinks’ record of becoming a men’s unified World champion in just his eighth pro fight and became the first unified ruler from Uzbekistan.  MJ started on his front foot and went after the champion loading up and getting in range with nice body shots. Roman came forward targeting the body in the middle rounds finding his range making the rounds very close. Rounds eight and nine were fantastic back and forth going into the championship rounds.  Roman suffered a cut above the right eye around round 10. Roman came forward the final  fought hard to the final bell with Akhmadaliev winning the split decision with the cards reading 115-113 for Roman and 115-113 twice for Akhmadaliev.

In the opening bout red-hot Miss Swimsuit USA International and now bantamweight prospect Avril Mathie improved to 5-0 with a 4th round TKO win over Denver Colorados Angelina Hoffschneider.

In the Second bout Movladdin Biyarslanov improved to 6-0(5KO) with a third round TKO over Nicolas Atilio Velazquez11-8. As an amateur, Biyarslavnov racked up an 85-13 overall record, and collected four national championships. His greatest amateur achievement was his victory over the great Cuban Yasniel Toledo at the 2015 Pan Am Games, which netted him the gold medal and worldwide acclaim. A year later, he became the only male Canadian boxer to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Amateur standout Otha “OJ3“Jones III From Toledo Ohio battered Juan Santiago 16-18(9KO) with a variety right hands and left hooks through two rounds. OJ3 dropped Santiago just before referee Frank Gentile saved the Colorado fighter by stepping in at 1:29 seconds of the second round officially a TKO win for Jones who improves to 5-0(2KO).

The DAZN Live feed got underway with highly decorated amateur Austin “Ammo” Williams 5-0(4KO) winning in the fourth round stopping Donald Sanchez 5-3 of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Ammo set the pace early working behind his southpaw jab and setting up his powerful left hands.  A hard overhand left in round number two put Sanchez on his ass, and again twice in the fourth marking the official end.

Colombian Roamer Alexis Angulo 26-1(22KO) retained his WBO Latino Super Middleweight Title in a chess match upset win over previously unbeaten Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr 20-1 (18KO). A point in round 5 taken from Angulo for holding did not affect his lead as he won the close rounds with aggression hunting down Sims who spent nearly every minute of the GBfight jabbing, fainting, bouncing on his feet & moving out of harm which was Angulo. 

The final cards were split with all judges turning in scores of 96-93 1 card going to Sims and the other 2 to the winner Angulo.

Alexis Espino fighting out of improved to 6-0(5KO) with stoppage over  Vincent Baccus 4-2-1 at 1:49 of of the third round.

LAS VEGAS – January 30, 2020 – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Malik Hawkins returns to the ring to make his ShoBox: The New Generation series debut as part of a three-fight telecast when he faces fellow undefeated Vegas native Keith Hunter in the main event that is scheduled for 10 rounds on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Two other Mayweather Promotions’ top prospects will face tough challenges, as 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) and once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) both return for their second ShoBox appearances fighting in separate bouts. Hitchins, the undefeated super lightweight prospect, will take on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KOs) in a 10-round bout, while Newman will seek his fifth consecutive victory when he steps in the ring with undefeated Kalvin Henderson (12-0-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown go on sale Friday, January 31 at 12 p.m. PT, start at $25 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

“As we kickstart another year, I’m confident that we will continue to exceed expectations and bring top tier events to the sports and entertainment world,” says Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Our first stop of the year is at our home venue for club shows and a stacked Friday night ShoBox card. These prospects are looking to put on impressive performances to start their year off. They’re putting in the work to take their fight game to the next level, and on February 28 we will see them challenge themselves against tough opponents at Sam’s Town Live and live on SHOWTIME.”

Hawkins, (18-0, 11 KOs) known as “Ice Man” in the ring, fights out of Baltimore, Md., and is coming off the heels of two back-to-back knockout victories. His most recent came via fifth-round stoppage against Darwin Price on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN on the Davis vs. Gamboa undercard on December 28. The 24-year-old Hawkins is trained by the highly touted Upton Gym coaches’ trio of Calvin Ford, Kenny Price, and Russ Blakey. Hawkins turned professional in 2014 with a knockout victory, which foreshadowed what was to come from the young fighter. As an amateur, Hawkins amassed an impressive 160-15 record while competing in the 2012 and 2013 National Championships and won a bronze medal in the 2012 Jr. Olympics. Best known for his gritty and powerful fighting style, Hawkins joined the Mayweather Promotions team in late 2019 with a knockout decision win over Al Rivera at Cannery Casino & Hotel.

“It feels great to headline my first ShoBox event,” says Hawkins. “This is something I wanted to do since I was a kid. A win in this fight and the exposure fighting on a platform like SHOWTIME only brings more recognition to my talent and skills and bigger and better opportunities. I have more than myself to fight for. I have the kids who look up to me at Upton Gym. I fight for them they’re my real motivation.

“I can’t say much about my opponent. I know he’s also undefeated. He is a durable opponent and he’s coming to fight, but if you watched my last fight you know I come in to take my opponents 0.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Keith Hunter (11-0, 7KO’s) comes from a fighting background. He’s the younger brother of heavyweight contender Michael Hunter, and his father was a well-respected boxer who sparred with Mike Tyson for many years before his tragic death. Hunter didn’t have a long amateur career, electing to turn professional after just 28 fights

“I feel confident coming into this fight,” said Hunter. “My last two bouts, I defeated Mayweather fighters and I’m confident with the insight I have. We’re both 6-feet tall, but he’s missing components as a fighter. He has trouble fighting on the outside. He is more comfortable on the inside. I feel I’m the better more skilled fighter going into the fight.

“Anytime I get to fight on a big stage like SHOWTIME, I invest a piece of my heart and soul, so hopefully my fans and anyone who watches my fight will see a genuine kid fighting for legacy and not money. This opportunity will help me connect with more people and I’m forever thankful for it.”

Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs), from Brooklyn, is a former two-time Golden Gloves champion who represented his parents’ home country of Haiti in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. One of boxing’s top young prospects, Hitchins has sparred and trained with several world champions including Terence Crawford and stablemate Gervonta Davis. Just 21-years-old, Hitchins boasts incredible hand and foot speed and the boxing IQ of a veteran contender. Having fought eight out of his 10 professional fights in his hometown, Hitchins will travel to Las Vegas for a second time looking for a statement win in his follow-up ShoBox appearance.

“I’m hungrier than ever,” said Hitchins. “I see my brother Tank winning and prospering and I feel that same energy around me when I’m training for hours in the gym and perfecting my craft. I’m made to be great and I have the right people around me who keep my focus, keep me training at the highest level, and push me outside my comfort zone to be victorious. That’s what will show on fight night when I’m inside the ring.”

“Nice” Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KO’s), fighting out of Cranston, RI, is coming off a five-fight win streak with three out of five wins by knockout. He’s best known for his slickness and elusiveness in the ring and looks to make a powerful statement in foreign territory as he makes his Las Vegas and ShoBox debuts next month.

“What a great opportunity this is to fight on SHOWTIME,” said DeLomba. “I’ve been fighting my way up to this point and now it’s about showing the world who I am and growing my brand. That’s what I plan on doing come fight night. I take every fight and lesson with me to the gym and train harder than the day before and push myself to really be the best fighter. I know I’m coming in as the underdog, but it’s only going to make me want the win more and to be that guy who gives Hitchins his first defeat.”.

Las Vegas’ own Kevin Newman (11-1, 6KO’s) started boxing when he was nine-years old and built up an amateur record of 25-5 before turning pro in 2014. Impressed by Newman’s skills and technique in the ring as an amateur, Floyd Mayweather signed the rising super middleweight to his stable of fighters in the summer of 2014. Newman made his professional debut on the Mayweather vs. Maidana II undercard, where he fought to a draw against Azamat Umarzoda. Newman returns to ShoBox having avenged the only loss of his career against Mark Anthony Hernandez. Newman defeated Hernandez on November 1 at Sam’s Town Live, redeeming himself from their first matchup in 2017 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard. Newman remains humble and hungry as he climbs the ranks in the super middleweight division.

“It’s always good to get that weight off your shoulders,” said Newman of his recent victory over Hernandez. “I work hard day in and day out to be the best me and I follow God’s plan. I understand that there’s more for me on my journey now and I’m past that and I’m looking to the future on February 28.

“I’ve seen Kalvin fight. There isn’t anything particular that stands out about him. I’ve been in the ring with top tier guys as an amateur and a professional and I have fought tougher opponents. I’m always the smarter opponent.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME does a lot for me. It’s not about the win, it’s about how I win. I’m going to put on another dominant performance, something that will set me apart from the rest, and I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity that continues to come my way.

Originally from Fayetteville, Ark., but fighting out of Fort Worth, Tx., Henderson (12-0-1, 8 KO’s) doesn’t have a typical background for a professional fighter. He’s a University of Arkansas alumni who pursued a career in music when he was awarded a scholarship as a percussionist. He never lost sight of boxing since he was first introduced at 15 years old and quickly after graduating in 2012, he shifted his focus back to boxing. Henderson has quickly established himself as one of the faster rising super middleweights in the division and welcomes the challenge to continue his pursuit in becoming a world class boxer.

“Fighting in other people’s backyard is not a big deal,” says Henderson. “There’s no pressure on me to do anything. I take care of business and I go home. I will say that it brings a different motivating factor. It forces me to train harder and it affects my game plan because we can’t leave the rounds too close.

“I’m excited to get in the ring and execute my game plan in front of wide audience. I want to show the world what me and my team already know. I make it hot in the ring. That’s why they call me, ‘Hot Sauce’.”

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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.

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 30, 2020) – Amateur heavyweight standout, Jeremiah Milton, has made his decision to turn professional, signing a managerial agreement with (VSE) Victory Sports & Entertainment, known for their work with two-time world champion, Badou Jack.

Standing 6’4″ 230 lbs., the 25-year old Milton was a Silver Medalist at the 2019 Olympic Trials, was the 2019 Western Qualifier Champion, and took Bronze at the 2018 US Nationals. Milton was also played Division II college football as a defensive End. He is a promotional free agent and will look to sign with a major promoter before his pro debut.

“I’m ready to take my talent to the professional ranks,” said Milton, who was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Signing with an experienced management group like VSE gives me confidence that I’m with the right people. They’ve guided many top fighters to the championship level, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of their lineup. VSE is putting a great team around me and I can’t wait to make my pro debut with the right promoter.”

Although Jeremiah has only been competing as an amateur boxer for three years, he is considered one of the best American heavyweight prospects to come out of the amateurs.

“I started boxing at a later age in my life, but learned the basics pretty fast,” Milton continued. “I had great success in the amateurs and have wins against some of the best guys who all had over one-hundred fights under their belt. I know I have the power to take anyone out with one punch, especially now with no head gear and ten-ounce gloves. My athletic ability will allow me to improve on defense, which is already is a part of my game that I feel is very solid. I’m going to make a lot of noise in the heavyweight division.”

“I’m really excited to see Jeremiah progress as a professional,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “He has all the tools to be great, and his punching power is what stood out to me when I was scouting talent at the Olympic Trials. Milton has a great attitude and work ethic, two attributes that we put a lot of faith into when we I sign a fighter. He will have an all-star team of trainers around him right from the gate. I’m looking to sign him with one of the top promoters in the next few months. Sky is the limit for this kid.”

Victory Sports & Entertainment management firm was started by Mike Leanardì and renowned boxing attorney Rick Torres. Together the group guided Jose Pedraza to his second world title and the Vasyl Lomachenko fight.

Ivan Redkach had was fined and suspended for biting Danny Garcia last Saturday night at Barclays Center, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The commission announced Thursday that it “issued the maximum fine [to Redkach] of $10,000 for engaging in dangerous, disorderly and unsportsmanlike conduct.”

Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs), 33, a Ukraine native who fights out of Los Angeles, also is supposed to forfeit his entire purse, which would be paid to the commission. However, collecting the purse could prove difficult: A source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN on Thursday that Redkach had already deposited his check for $300,000.

“Mr. Redkach has the right to challenge these penalties if he so chooses with a formal hearing,” commission spokeswoman Mercedes Padilla said.

Kid Galahad says he has unfinished business with reigning IBF World Champion Josh Warrington ahead of his Final Eliminator clash with Claudio Marrero on the undercard of Kell Brook vs. Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday February 8, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 
 
Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) fell short in his first World Title attempt against Warrington at the First Direct Arena in Leeds back in June last year, losing out on a controversial split decision after 12 close rounds, but the Sheffield ace has a golden opportunity to land a rematch when he faces ‘The Matrix’ next week. 
 
“The day after the fight I went straight back into the gym,” said Galahad. “I went back to the drawing board. I believe that I didn’t lose that fight. I didn’t feel like I lost that fight when I was in the ring. The judges saw it a different way, it is what it is. Next time I’ve got to make sure I don’t leave it in the judges’ hands. 
 
“I 100% believe that if that fight was anywhere else, and we had neutral judges, Kid Galahad would have been crowned a World Champion. I believe that the IBF is the best governing body though, they don’t mess about. They looked at the decision, they watched the fight and they gave me a Final Eliminator again. 
 
“I believe that if it was any other governing body, they wouldn’t have done that. I’ve got unfinished business. That’s the title I want. If Josh Warrington has the title after I come through February 8, then great. Josh is a hell of a fighter, he’s strong and he can fight. I don’t believe that he had a bad night, I just believe that he got beat that night. I believe he knows he got beat that night.”
 
Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) captured the interim WBA Featherweight World Title with a one round demolition of Carlos Zambrano in 2017 and the 30-year-old from the Dominican Republic is determined to shatter Galahad’s dreams and set up another attempt at gold for himself. 
 
“I’m fully focused on February 8 and Claudio Marrero. I’m fully focused on him and getting this kid out of the way because it’s going to be a very dangerous night for me. Marrero comes from a very good amateur pedigree. He’s a former Dominican Republic Olympian, he’s signed with Al Haymon as a pro. He’s had 23 fights, 17 knockouts, he’s only lost to high-calibre opponents. He can punch, he can box. 
 
“He can do everything this kid and he’s very dangerous. February 8^th is going to be a very tough night for me. I’ve been training very hard, I’m looking forward to it. Whatever he brings to the table on February 8^th I’m going to rise to the occasion and step up my game. If I don’t win this fight then there is no World Title fight for me.”

Galahad vs. Marrero is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield.Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), Terri Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) clashes with Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) in a unification for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles, AnthonyTomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in a Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Brentwood Super-Featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) and Sheffield Super-Featherweight prospect Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) return, Super-Middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0 and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

The first episode of ‘Unscripted‘, a brand new series presented by Matchroom Boxing, has launched exclusively on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.

Hosted by promoter Eddie Hearn, ‘Unscripted’ explores a variety of current topics from the world of boxing and beyond, with episode one looking at the thriving Heavyweight scene following AJ’s triumph over Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia, the explosive rise of YouTube boxing in the wake of KSI vs. Logan Paul 2 and the latest trends in the comedy and grime scenes. 

Episode one features the enigmatic Godfather of Grime and massive boxing fan Wiley, British actor and comedian Tom Davis, hugely-popular YouTube star Joe Weller and undefeated Cruiserweight World Title contender Lawrence Okolie. 

“We are constantly striving for new ways to evolve our content output across our social media channels and I’m excited to launch the brand new ‘Unscripted’ series for fans to enjoy,” said Eddie Hearn. “In episode one we talked a lot of boxing, the pros and cons of YouTube fights and a bit of comedy and grime! Make sure you give it a watch on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.”

Fans are invited to follow Matchroom Boxing across social media to watch the first episode:

Facebook: facebook.com/matchroomboxing
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YouTube: youtube.com/matchroomboxing
Instagram: Instagram.com/matchroomboxing