LAS VEGAS (Sept. 10, 2019) —Tyson Fury sure knows how to dress for the occasion. Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion, entered Tuesday’s media workout in a traditional lucha libre wrestling mask. Fury will defend his title against fellow unbeaten Otto Wallin Saturday at T-Mobile Arena as part of the Las Vegas’ Mexican Independence Day Weekend festivities.

WBO junior featherweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete will defend his title against Juan Miguel Elorde in the co-feature (ESPN+, 11 p.m. ET), while former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza will take on Mexican veteran Jose Zepeda in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.

The entire undercard, including Pedraza-Zepeda and appearances by Gabriel Flores Jr. and heavyweight sensation Guido Vianello, will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

This is what the fighters had to say at the media workout.

Tyson Fury

“I’m just enjoying life, taking one day at a time and inspiring people to do well in their life, too.”

“I wore a traditional Mexican mask because it’s Mexican Independence Day Weekend and the ‘Gypsy King’ is here in Las Vegas to put on a show for all the Mexican fans. Viva Mexico!”

“I can defeat all the heavyweights with one hand. As you saw today, lightning speed, lightning reflexes for a giant. I’m a giant of a heavyweight. There has never been a heavyweight like me. There has never been a man of my size who can move like that. I’m a natural freak of nature. I defy every law of gravity. It shouldn’t be possible for a man of my size or my weight to move like that.”

“I have no interest in future fights. One day at a time in my life. One fight at a time, one hour at a time. ‘Cause that’s all we have. We’re not promised tomorrow, so we live every day like it’s our last as our Lord tells us to.”

“You’re going to see a great fight on Saturday, a real Mexican, 6-foot-9, 260-pound giant.”

“Do I look like I’m enjoying life? One hundred percent. I’m ecstatic to be alive. A true blessing from God. I’m very thankful that I was given this life. I’m thankful to be here in Las Vegas and thankful for all the people that turned out.”

“Otto Wallin is a tall blonde, just the way I like them. We’ll see what he brings on Saturday.”

Otto Wallin

“I don’t know Fury too well, but I have to Las Vegas to put up a great fight and pull off the upset. We’ve seen a big upset in the heavyweight division already this year.”

“I’ve dreamed of a fight like this since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to fight a big fight in Las Vegas. All of my hard work has paid off and led me to this moment. Sweden’s last heavyweight champion was Ingemar Johansson, and that was 60 years ago. So to make that type of history would be extra special.”

Emanuel Navarrete

“I am really excited to accomplish another dream of mine of fighting as a world champion in Las Vegas and on such an important date for my country, Mexico. We are celebrating our nation’s independence, and on September 14, I will go to the ring to put on a great show for my country. I will make them proud and raise our flag high.”

Juan Miguel Elorde

“I accepted this challenge without hesitation. It is my dream to become a world champion, and when I got the offer, it was a great day. But now, it’s time for me to put on a great fight and bring the WBO title back to the Philippines.” 

Jose Pedraza

“I am thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas on such a big card. This will be another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico classic, and the first step as I chase my goal of becoming a three-division world champion. Only Puerto Rico’s greatest fighters have done that.”

“This will be my debut at 140 pounds, and I didn’t want an easy fight. I know that he gave Jose Ramirez a great fight, and I want to prove that belong in the world title picture at 140 pounds as well.”

Jose Zepeda

“I am very thankful to Zanfer and Top Rank for the opportunity to show my Mexican warrior blood on such an important date for my country. We will show the Mexican style, and we will give the fans another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fight.”

“I had a great showing against Jose Ramirez earlier this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the decision, but I know I have what it takes to become a world champion. Against Pedraza, I will show that I deserve another world title shot.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“These are the types of platforms I want to perform on. I am happy to once again be fighting in Las Vegas and on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. My opponent is tough, but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”

Guido Vianello

“It is always an honor to fight on Tyson Fury’s cards. I fought in Las Vegas in June, and it was a special experience. I can’t wait to get out there and do it again.”

“I have a new trainer in Kevin Barry. Kevin understands my style. My athleticism is more like Wladimir Klitschko, and he’s teaching me the art of boxing like a big man. I’m using my size better and punching harder than ever.”

“I’m in camp with Joseph Parker, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him train and prepare. Boxing fans will see my improvements in this fight.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Salita Promotions, tickets for Fury vs. Wallin priced at $606, $456, $306, $206 and $106 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #FuryWallin, #NavarreteElorde and #PedrazaZepeda to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
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Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.

New York, NY, (September 10, 2019) Just days ahead of their eagerly awaited showdown this Friday night, September 13, the stakes have risen for Brooklyn rivals, Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-0, 4 KOs), the WBO Women’s Featherweight World Champion, and Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (36-1-1, 27 KOs). The two biggest New York City female boxing stars will vie in a turf battle to be crowned “Queen of Brooklyn” with a specially made title belt awarded to the winner. Also, in addition to Hardy’s WBO world title, the interim WBC Women’s Featherweight World Title will now be at stake as well. The 10-round co-main event will be held at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and telecast on DAZN.

“Brooklynites Heather Hardy and Amanda Serrano are the two biggest female boxing stars in New York City and their world championship clash on Friday night will feature tremendous action,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Heather will be defending her WBO featherweight world title and the interim WBC world title has now been added to the pot as well. The winner will also be honored with a special ‘Queen of Brooklyn’ championship belt. With each of their very large and passionate fan bases in the building, the atmosphere inside Hulu Theater at the Garden will be electric. The ladies have stolen this promotion; I won’t be surprised when they steal the show.”

Hardy captured the WBO Women’s Featherweight World Title with a 10-round unanimous decision victory in a rematch against Shelly Vincent on October 27, 2018, at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

A record-setting seven weight division world champion, Serrano returns to the same venue following her first-round knockout of Eva Voraberger on January 19, for the WBO Women’s Super Flyweight World Title. The bout was also telecast on DAZN.

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated welterweight Jacob Bonas to a promotional contract.

Bonas will have his debut fight under the Salita Promotions banner on Saturday, October 5, on the undercard of the Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin battle for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Championship at the Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich.

The popular 25-year-old Bonas (3-0-1, 2 KOs) is one of the last of the young fighters trained by the late, great Emanuel Steward, who considered him a prodigy.

Under Steward’s guidance, Bonas was National Ringside Champion and went 45-5 as an amateur while training with many of Steward’s top fighters. Bonas spent numerous camps with Wladimir Klitschko and was one of main sparring partners for Miguel Cotto when he regained his world title. He is now trained by Steward’s nephew, Javan Sugarhill Steward, at the new Kronk Gym.

“Words can’t describe how glad I am to be signed to Salita. I’ve wanted this my whole life. I sleep so well now. I’m in such a blessed place in my life right now,” said Bonas. “I feel like I signed with the right person to give me the best future. I’m ready to go.”

Bonas turned professional in 2012 and had three quick fights before legal troubles sidelined his career and saw him have only one more fight, a two-round victory in 2017.

“It’s a part of my life I learned a lot from,” said Bonas of his incarceration. “People always say they regret going to prison. I don’t regret it because it showed me a lot. I experienced so much and was exposed to so many different personalities and cultures. Being there made me a better man today and I don’t regret going. I have no problem sharing my past with people. I know where I’m at in life now, mentally, because of how much I grew up in prison.”

Quick and strong with high ring intelligence and a strong fighting heart, Bonas is a beloved figure in the Romanian community of Detroit, and they flock to his fights en masse.

“Emanuel taught me the real basics of boxing and I learned a lot about determination and dedication from Emanuel – a lot about respect,” continued Bonas. “And now Javan is like a family member to me. I love him. I trust him wholeheartedly. I am blessed to have him on my team.”

“I’ve known Jacob since he was 10. I used to go after school and help him with his homework and stuff like that,” recounted SugarHill Steward. “He and his (twin) brother (also undefeated Joseph) caught on very fast and became instant stars in the gym. They were beating up everybody, but he’s been in and out of trouble previously in his life. Now it’s all behind him and he’s back training and preparing for his return.”

Steward said it took a few weeks for Bonas to sharpen back up, but he’s still got the wealth of natural fighting gifts that had his Uncle Emanuel convinced he was a future champion.

“He still has it, we had to sharpen him back up,” said Steward. “He’s back in shape and motivated knowing he’s fighting. I’ve seen a change in him since he came back and started preparing for a fight. It gives him some direction. I feel very positive about this. Dmitriy has been doing a lot in boxing and he’s part of the Kronk family as well, so this is good for everyone involved.”

“As one of Emanuel Steward’s last young fighters now training with Javan SugarHill Steward, Jacob Bonas is connecting the rich history of Kronk to the future,” said Dmitriy Salita. “He has all the skills inside the ring to reach boxing’s heights and add another world title to Kronk Gym’s legacy.”

Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is delighted to announce the signing of former lightweight world champion Mickey Bey to a long-term promotional contract.

Bey (23-2-1, 11 KOs) rose to the top of the lightweight division after a standout amateur career, winning the IBF 135-pound title back in 2014 against Miguel Vazquez.

The Cleveland native, who now resides in Las Vegas, recently joined forces with Havoc Management and Advisory Inc., headed up by world-renowned trainer/manager Andre Rozier, paving the way for Bey to link up with GCP.

“First, I want to thank God for giving me this amazing opportunity to reignite my career,” said Bey. “Thank you to Greg Cohen Promotions for giving me the opportunity to show the world that Mickey Bey is still a force at 130 and 135 pounds and thank you to Team Havoc for facilitating this fantastic deal for my career.

“Greg Cohen Promotions has been a mainstay in world boxing for decades and have helped the careers of so many good fighters achieve world titles and I believe that I still have the capabilities of winning a world title at 130 or 135 pounds and I believe Greg Cohen Promotions, along with Team Havoc, can make that a reality for me.”

Greg Cohen Promotions has always prided itself on helping the development of the world’s most elite fighters, and Cohen himself weighed in on the capture of the highly rated lightweight.

“Mickey Bey is a fantastic fighter and I am delighted that our team has worked out a deal with Team Havoc to bring Mickey under the GCP banner and we are confident that we can take Mickey back to where he belongs, as a world champion.

“We are really excited to work alongside Team Havoc as they have an amazing infrastructure which is only going to help fighters such as Mickey Bey reach their goals. We are delighted with not only the acquisition of Mickey Bey but with our relationship with Team Havoc as a whole.”

Team Havoc’s Andre Rozier also added his assessment on Bey’s link up with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Rozier said, “Havoc Management and Advisory was created to work with the best promoters and best fighters in the world. Mickey Bey is a world-class fighter and Greg Cohen Promotions are a world-class promotional outfit, so I can speak for the whole of Team Havoc in saying we are delighted to have facilitated a deal for Mickey Bey to work with GCP and I truly believe Mickey has the ability to become a two-time world champion at either super featherweight and lightweight.”

MEXICALI, MEX (Sept. 10, 2019): Former world title challenger Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz Jr. (29-1, 15 KOs) will return to the ring against Jesus Cuadro (18-5, 14 KOs) in the main event of the Sept. 21 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at The Auditorio del Estado in Mexicali, Mexico. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Diaz Jr. is a 26-year-old southpaw who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Immediately after, Diaz Jr. signed with Golden Boy and began a stellar career that has included fights against Gary Russell Jr., Jesus Rojas, and Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera. Now at 130 pounds, the native of South El Monte, Calif. is in search of another world title opportunity, but first he’ll return against a tough opponent in his second headlining event on Facebook Watch.

“I’m ready to defend my WBA Gold Title in Mexicali,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I want to show everyone that I am proud to be Mexican American. I’m ready to put on an entertaining performance for my raza. I’m going to put everything on the line for those who have been with me since the beginning.”

Nicknamed “The Shotgun,” Cuadro is a 33-year-old puncher who has traveled to places like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Russia in search of big challenges. This nomadic native of Caracas, Venezuela will now look to pull off an upset of a lifetime against Diaz Jr. in the Mexican state of Baja California.

“Joseph Diaz Jr. is an elite fighter, so we have to defeat him,” said Jesus Cuadro. “I’m a natural 130-pounder, and I’ve even fought at lightweight. That will give me an advantage because I’m going to go into the fight with a lot of strength. I can’t tell you how the fight will finish, but I can tell you that I’ll be walking away with my hand raised in victory.”

In the co-main event, Leonardo “Leon” Baez (16-2, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will defend his NABA Super Bantamweight Title for the first time against Edison “El Cabezon” Perez (19-4, 14 KOs) of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela in a 10-round fight. Baez is returning after his dominant victory against two-time Olympian Alberto “Impacto” Melian.

Cristian Bielma (13-3, 5 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will participate in a 10-round lightweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Jan “Nito” Salvatierra (2-0, 1 KO) of Los Cabos, Mexico will battle Juan Borja (0-1) of La Paz, Mexico in a four-round flyweight bout.

Angel Villa (6-0, 4 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will return against Dilan Loza (15-2, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico in an eight-round welterweight battle.

Genaro Rodriguez (5-5-1, 1 KO) of Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico will fight Gustavo Guerrero (10-2, 3 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico in a six-round super bantamweight fight.

Roberto Perez (4-0, 4 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico to fight Victor Perez (1-2) of Mexicali, Mexico in a super bantamweight bout scheduled for six rounds.

Arturo Torres (4-0, 2 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will return against Esteban Vargas (1-1, 1 KO) of Mexicali, Mexico in a four-round super flyweight fight.

Jose Adame (2-0, 1 KO) of Mexicali, Mexico will face Jorge Rios (2-11, 1 KO) of Mexicali, Mexico in a four-round middleweight battle.

Melissa Meras (5-0, 1 KO) of Mexicali, Mexico will return against Jazmin Medina (1-0, 1 KO) of Calexico, Mexico in a four-round super flyweight bout.

Diaz Jr. vs. Cuadro is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Super Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Auditorio del Estado in Mexicali, Mexico. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for Diaz Jr. vs. Cuadro are on sale and are available at Zonaticket.mx.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy Follow the conversation using #DiazJrCuadro. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/DiazJrCuadro into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

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Tyson Fury walked to the ring for his Las Vegas debut June 15 dressed like Apollo Creed and flanked by showgirls He was set to defend his lineal heavyweight title against Tom Schwarz, but first, the man who authored one of sport’s greatest comeback stories wanted to give the fans a show.

Two days before Fury returns to the ring to defend his crown against unbeaten contender Otto Wallin this Saturday, September 14 live and exclusively on ESPN+ (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT), director Peter Berg and Film 45 give viewers an intimate portrait of Fury and Schwarz in the days, and tense moments, leading up to their fight.

Produced and directed by renowned filmmaker Berg, the creator and executive producer of the multiple award-winning NBC drama series “Friday Night Lights” and several ESPN Films’ “30 for 30”installments, “HEAVY: Fury vs. Schwarz” features behind-the-scenes footage of Fury and his then-undefeated challenger as they prepared for their showdown.  The documentary is executive produced by Matthew Goldberg, Brandon Carroll and Matthew Shattuck for Film 45, and it will premiere this Thursday, September 12 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN.

Fury won the lineal and unified heavyweight titles in November 2015 with a unanimous decision over longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko, but mental health and substance abuse issues nearly derailed his career. He returned to the ring in June 2018, and less than six months later, fought WBC world champion Deontay Wilder to a highly disputed draw in one of the sport’s most memorable heavyweight championship battles. Now a noted mental health advocate and motivational speaker, Fury is fighting for his boxing legacy and aiming to inspire those afflicted with mental illness.

“We are excited to provide a raw and intimate account of the Tyson Fury vs Tom Schwarz fight,” said Berg. “The documentary takes viewers into the minds and lives of the boxers as they navigate the pressures of the mentally and physically taxing sport.”

‘“HEAVY: Fury vs. Schwarz” is a terrific documentary and we are thrilled to be able to bring it to boxing fans on ESPN platforms, the home of combat sports,” Matt Kenny, vice president of programming at ESPN said.  “Peter Berg is a master storyteller of exceptional credentials who has created an unforgettable portrait of Fury’s Las Vegas breakout moment.”

Fury vs. Wallin will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, Saturday beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. ESPN+ is available via the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices, on ESPN.com and at ESPNplus.com.

presale tickets are now LIVE for the rematch between KSI and Logan Paul at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN in a fight presented by Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing USA in association with OP Talent. 
TICKETS ARE ON PRE-SALE NOW FROM $40 (PLUS FEES) HERE – USE THE CODE ‘MBUSA’
The YouTube rivals clashed in August 2018 at the sold-out Manchester Arena in Manchester, England and was watched by over 1 million live pay-per-view buyers on YouTube, with the fight ending in a majority draw with KSI edging the battle on one card with two judges unable to split them.

Now the pair meet once again to settle the score in the ring with Paul welcoming his rival to his LA backyard, and this time they do so as professional fighters having passed their relevant medicals last week, and they will come face-to-face for the first time since their fight at a launch press conference in Los Angeles on Saturday September 14, which is when tickets will go on
general sale.

The larger-than-life internet stars with over 40 million YouTube subscribers between them have been itching to get their hands on each other once again, as have their loyal armies of fans, and now the countdown begins to their second night in the boxing spotlight.

New York, NY (September 10, 2019) Irish amateur boxing star Joe Ward will make his highly anticipated pro debut on Saturday, October 5, at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, as part of the undercard to the Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin-Sergiy Derevyanchenko middleweight championship contest. Ward, who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Ken Casey’s Murphys Boxing, and managed by Times Square Boxing Co., will take on Marco Delgado (5-1, 4 KOs), of Modesto, CA, in a six-round light heavyweight clash. The 25-year-old Ward, a native of Westmeath, Ireland, is trained by Hall-of-Famer James “Buddy” McGirt and Irishman Jimmy Payne.

A member of Ireland’s 2016 Olympic team, Ward is joined by undisputed world champion Katie Taylor as the only Irish boxers to win more than one European Elite gold medal. His acclaimed amateur career includes 15 Irish National Championships, three gold medals at the European Amateur Championships (2017, 2015, 2011), a gold medal at the World Youth Championships (2010), and a gold medal at the World Junior Championships (2009). Ward also earned the silver medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships in Hamburg, Germany. Competing for the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing, Ward compiled a record of 8-1 with a 2018 ranking ahead of Cuba’s two-time Olympic champion Julio La Cruz. Having his first fight at 11 years old, Ward ended his amateur career with a record of 290-15.
“I’m really looking forward to making my pro debut at Madison Square Garden, which is a great venue to introduce myself to the boxing world as I enter the professional ranks,” said Ward. “It’s going to be a special night that I will never forget. I’d like to thank my team, DiBella Entertainment, Murphys Boxing and Times Square Boxing Co., for the opportunity and I am excited to put on a great performance.”
“Ken Casey and I are both thrilled that super prospect Joe Ward is debuting on the GGG-Derevyanchenko card,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We expect to see a lot of support from New York’s Irish community and believe it’ll be one of many New York City fights for Joe as he begins his rise up the ranks of boxing’s elite.”
“Joe is a world-class prospect and a future star, and we are incredibly excited that he can begin his journey as a professional at such a historic and venerated venue,” said Adam Glenn, CEO of Times Square Boxing Co. “This is an amazing way to start what we know will be a tremendous boxing career.”
“Fighters spend their whole lives dreaming of fighting at Madison Square Garden,” stated Joe Winters, Chairman of Times Square Boxing Co. “Joe Ward’s hard work, dedication and accomplishments allow him to start his career there. We believe that this is going to be the first of many special nights for Joe.”
“I would like to thank my team at KO Night Boxing for working to get this opportunity against Joe Ward,” said Delgado. “I’ve been waiting for this call my whole life. I’m here to do my job and that’s to make the judges’ job easy.”
“I am truly excited for the world to get a look at Marco Delgado,” said John Anderson, of KO Night Boxing. “I think Lou DiBella will be in for a big surprise. I have all the respect in the world for Lou, but in this fight, I feel Marco is way too rugged for Joe Ward and it will show as the fight progresses.”

OUTSTANDING AMATEUR AND seven-time national champion Henry Turner is turning professional and will be promoted and managed by Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

The 19-year-old from near Amersham spent all bar one year of his amateur stint at the Repton Boxing Club, having joined at the age of 12. His roll of honour includes becoming Minors National champion, Schoolboy National champion, twice Junior ABA champion, NABC champion, GB Schoolboy champion, GB Junior champion, European Junior gold medallist, European Schoolboy quarter-finalist, six-times London champion and four-times International Box Cup winner.

Turner’s amateur tenure spanned 60 fights, of which he lost only four. He describes himself as a southpaw counter-puncher and he intends to campaign professionally at super lightweight, training out of the iBox Gym in Bromley.

“I am just over the moon to get this signed after all my years of being amateur,” said Turner, an amateur teammate of Dennis McCann. “It has all finally fallen into place for me and I couldn’t ask to have a better team around me, with having Alan Smith at the iBox Gym along with Frank.

“I am thrilled with how it has worked out and hopefully I will get to make my professional debut in November. It is brilliant for me that Frank will manage me too and not many fighters get to say that.

“I am a southpaw counter-puncher off the back foot and I think that appeals to my trainer Al, who was not looking to take on any more boys as he is so busy. I went for a trial and after a couple of minutes on the pads he said he would be delighted to take me on.

“Hopefully it will be a good journey with Alan and Frank for me.”

Promoter Warren said, with a nudge towards one of British boxing’s most favourite sons, that Turner would be named after another famous Henry.

“I am delighted with this signing and he is a top little fighter with an exceptional amateur pedigree,” said the Hall of Fame promoter. “We are going to call him ‘Our ‘Enry’ and I believe he is a cracking fighter and another star in the making that we have got in our stable.”

You can follow Henry’s journey on his social media channels:

Twitter – @Henryturner_123
Instagram – /henryturner_123

LAS VEGAS (September 9, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda plans to do some early trick or treatin’ October 25th, when he headlines another installment of “RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®,” co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW in Reno, Nevada.

The Oct. 25th show in Reno will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.

The 25-year-old Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, is a rising star and reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) super lightweight champion. His last fight was an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory over dangerous knockout-artist Eudy Bernardo (24-3) last March.

“An impressive win on UFC FIGHT PASS means everything for me and my career,” said the personable Castaneda, who will be fighting outside of his native Texas for only the third time as a professional. “Getting back in the ring is just another date for me. Come October 25th, the people are in for a ‘Tremendous’ thrill, because I will portray Michael Myers on a classic Halloween Night of Boxing.”

Castaneda had approximately 120 amateur fights, highlighted by his gold-medal winning performance at the 2018 Ringside World Championships. He was also a two-time San Antonio and Texas State Golden Gloves champion (201102012), losing both times at the Golden Gloves National Championships to the eventual champion.

At 18, Castaneda decided that he’d had enough of amateur boxer and he turned pro, largely because he his style is much better suited for the pro ranks.

Castaneda will face the stiffest test of his young career, Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who fights out of Belmont, California, the main event.

Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.comwww.SilverLegacy.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacy
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyReno
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino

DALLAS (September 9, 2019) – Unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. was honored as a special guest at the home openers of the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and the Southern Methodist University Mustangs on Saturday as he nears his title unification against WBC Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter Saturday, September 28 in the main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

“It was really exciting to feel the love from my city at the Cowboys and SMU games,” said Spence Jr. “This is a city of champions and I’m looking to stand out amongst all the stars here. I definitely know that Dallas is going to be in my corner September 28 and its’ got me even more motivated to bring another title back home.”

Spence’s big weekend first saw him take part in the pre-game coin toss as an honorary captain for SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Spence met with the University’s leadership including President Gerald Turner and watched the hometown team defeat the University of North Texas.

On Sunday, Spence returned to the site of his March triumph over four-division champion Mikey Garcia at AT&T Stadium to watch his Dallas Cowboys in their season opener live on FOX against the New York Giants. After visiting the field pregame, Spence was show on the FOX telecast with a promo for the event on September 28 and featured on the main video screen in the stadium.

Tickets for the September 28th event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

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

MANCHESTER, Conn. (September 9, 2019) – If not for a critical decision four years ago, 21-year-old “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams could very well be elite amateur training to compete for a spot on the 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Team, rather than the 15-0 rising star that he is today in professional boxing.

Williams (15-0, 7 KOs), who lives in East Hartford (CT), has overcome life-altering obstacles in which his father was murdered when Mykquan was only eight months old, and the family house burned to the ground when he was 10.

Ineligible to compete for a roster spot on the 2016 USA Boxing Olympic Team because he was too young, Williams had two choices: remain an amateur for four years without any guarantees of qualifying for the Olympics, or get a jump start on his professional career. He chose the latter route and hasn’t looked back.

Williams was a decorated amateur whose style, in retrospect, is much better suited for pro boxing than the amateurs. He had a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to capturing top honors at the National PAL and National Silver Glove championships.

“I was too young for the last one,” Williams explained his decision to turn pro when he did.” Williams explained. I ended my amateur career after there were scoring changes. I lost some tough decisions. I decided to take the next step and go pro to get paid. My style was more suitable for the pros. I don’t throw 100 punches a round; I pick my spots when I have openings.

“I didn’t want to wait several years. I chose to turn pro (when he was a senior at Prince Tech). I’m already 15-0, climbing the rankings, and I’m getting paid to do this. I was meant to do this.”

Williams is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion, rated No. 5 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), and No. 12 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).

Williams is promoted by Lou DiBella, managed by Jackie Kallen (pictured above to left), and trained by Paul Cichon (far right).

“I believed that Mykey was ready to turn pro,” Kallen commented. “Under Paul’s tutelage he was far enough advanced and eager to tackle the pros. His style was perfectly suited for the pros and at 18 years old he was ready to take the leap. His youthful good looks made him an ideal young prospect.”

My concern at that time was the Olympic Team was no sure thing,” added Cichon, who has trained Williams for the past 10 years. I had the confidence in Mykey, but the risk wasn’t worth the gain. We decided to go pro.”

Four years later, instead of competing against America’s elite amateur boxers in his weight class – Keyshawn Davis, Bruce Carrington and Dalis Kaleiopu — at the 2020 Olympic Trials and USA Boxing’s National Championships, December 7-15, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Williams is one of the top 21-and-under prospects in boxing.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen
Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen

Eddie Hearn:

Good afternoon everyone, thank you for being here today for a very special press conference ahead of our huge show on October 26 at The O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN.

What a card, what a main event and what a group of fighters we have here today. The Unification match up, the Ali Trophy, The World Boxing Super Series Final between Regis Prograis the WBC Diamond, WBA World Champion and Josh Taylor the IBF World 140lb champion. It’s an absolutely brilliant fight, I was lucky enough to be there in Glasgow when Josh Taylor won the World title against Baranchyk in the Semi-Finals and I am delighted to be working alongside Kalle Sauerland and the WBSS to bring this to Sky Sports Box Office on a huge card.

You have only got to look at the names, I feel a bit bad that these guys are on a bottom table if there was such a thing. Three-weight World Champion Rick Burns, former World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby, Conor Benn, Yves Ngabu, Lawrence Okolie brilliant European Cruiserweight match-up as well and of course Derek Chisora against Joseph Parker. The two came head-to-head in Los Angeles last week, we’ll be bringing you exclusive content of that. Parker is now in camp, he’s underway.

Adam Smith:

What a monster, monster show it really is a fantastic one. October 26, at The O2, we were treated by Vasiliy Lomachenko’s brilliance and Luke Campbells superb display as well and an amazing atmosphere the other week. Its a special place the O2 and it is going to be lit up by this card. As Eddie said the bottom table shouldn’t be. Ricky Burns is a three-weight World Champion that we have worked with for many years, Lee Selby, utter class down there. A fantastic European Title fight and Conor Benn is going great guns. Look up here, I know we are missing Joseph Parker but Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker is a wonderful Heavyweight fight in the blue-ribbon division. It’s a mouthwatering fight, Derek finding form even at this stage of his career and you never quite know what you’re going to get, what a terrific knockout against Artur Szpilka last time. Joseph Parker is young and hungry and wants to play a real part in this division.

As for this one, the World Super Series Final, Kalle I am so glad you have brought the guys to us. I’ve wanted Josh Taylor on Sky for so many years. We had him on the Semi-Final, that was fantastic. I wasn’t there that night in Scotland as we were in America but I cannot wait to be ringside for this. This young man to my right Regis Prograis could be a real superstar of this sport. He is dangerous, exciting and unbeaten like they both are. It’s a terrific top of the bill and I think it is one of the best cards Eddie you have put on in a long time. We’re not going to miss this one.

Kalle Sauerland: 

It’s great to be in London, it’s great to be putting this fantastic Ali Trophy final on and we have to thank Matchroom and Sky Sports Box Office for providing this great platform at The O2 in London. The atmosphere there is incredible and is fitting for this super final. This is it, the Champions League of boxing, the Super-Lightweight final. As a fan this is my peak, this is the one that when we set it out this was the golden final. The ticket to the Ali Trophy and it is a dream to have both guys, two undefeated and very young fighters with huge personalities. Two fighters who will come forward, both slick in different ways and both amazing to work with. It’s not often you see the best going against the best, this is one of the fights of the year and is an amazing card from top to bottom.

Conor Benn:

My career has been a rollercoaster. It feels like I have been pro for a long while but really it’s only been four or five years. It’s been so dramatic but I know that I have Britain behind me and all these learning fights are going to put me in good stead for the future. I have been dropped twice and managed to get back up off the canvas, put the other opponent down twice, boxed ten rounds, been cut and had injuries all these things. I am only 22 so when I am 25, 26 these things won’t be anything new to me so as far as I am aware, I’m on course and I’m excited to have a great year.

As I get older my man strength is coming and people are going to get laid out clean. They are not going to get back up! My last fight was expected to be a hard fight and when I looked at him I thought I’m in trouble here and then he came out flying in the first round and I managed to get him out of there. If people want to come and have it with me I will have it back with them. If I go down, then they’re going down with me. I’m not worried who they put in front of me, whoever it is there it will be the same outcome and I am going to go out there and do one job and one job only.

Yves Ngabu:

I came here one year ago to the UK with a plan, the first was to win my fight and the second was to fight the number one from the UK who is Lawrence Okolie. Lawrence is a good fighter but I know where I want to go and to get where I want to get – these are the things I have to do and get out of my way. 

I am focused on my work and we are going to see on October 26 how I am going to beat him. He is a good fighter, he is tall and strong and everything until now he has done perfectly but I believe I can beat him and I believe I am stronger than him.

Lawrence Okolie:

I’m happy to be here, shoutout to Josh Taylor. This is going to be the third Champion I have boxed. I have beaten the British Champion, beaten the Commonwealth Champion and I am looking forward to beating the European Champion next. I’ve seen a lot of interviews with him and I like the way he speaks, he speaks very confidently. I’m just looking forward to going through training camp and then going to work.

It is going to be a very exciting fight, he has got a style which is opposite to mine. He is a come-forward fighter who also knows how to box with good counter-punching. There is going to be a lot of things to deal with on the night but I will deal with them all comfortably and go on from there. The most important thing is to make weight in seven weeks and we can go from there.

Lee Selby:

The O2 has been great to me and I have boxed there more than any other venue. I won the Lonsdale belt there, won and defended my World title and now I am back there on October 26. I’ve got a tough opponent in front of me, Ricky Burns is a former three-weight World Champion and to be a World Champion and defend it once you have got to be a great fighter, to do it twice you have got to be brilliant and to do it at three different weights, you’re elite. I have got the upmost respect for Ricky Burns and we shared the ring back in 2014. He got me in for sparring in preparation for his fight with Crawford and from what I can remember it was great sparring, up and down. After each session, everyone in the gym would give us a standing ovation so if the sparring is anything to go by then we are in for a treat.

A few years back when I was British Champion making Featherweight was a real struggle and I remember you asking me Eddie, “how do you make the weight?”. The sacrifices and some of the stuff I had to do to make the weight you wouldn’t believe. Losing the World title was very upsetting but it was a weight lifted off my shoulders, I can fight at a more comfortable weight and I’m in the gym and feeling good.

Ricky Burns:

I’ve finally got a fight over the line, it has been a frustrating year for myself. We have had a couple of fights being spoke about but they fell through. My last fight was in November last year but we have pulled it out the bag with this one. I know that I am in for a tough fight, as Lee said, we sparred before and he came up to help me when I was boxing Crawford and I can always remember when we were sparring I said to him he “you’re so big for a Featherweight, how do you do it?”. It was competitive sparring and like I said, on the night the best man will win. I just feel like I am going out there to do a job, training has been going well so far and I can’t wait for October 26.

David Haye:

We know what Parker brings to the table, he is well established. More importantly he holds that all important win over Andy Ruiz Jr who is arguably the number one Heavyweight on the planet after the crazy stoppage victory he got over AJ in New York which I was ringside for. For me, Derek getting that win against Parker means more than just a win. It really catapults him up there to the top players in the division and he has shown time and time again that he can come again. Last time out against Artur Szpilka his training camp hadn’t gone well, sparring was a struggle but he managed to get it together in the last two sparring sessions. Fortunately the universe works in strange ways and I was in the Hayemaker gym round the corner today watching Derek Sparring for the first time since that fight in his first real war sparring and he is back. He is in a better place now seven weeks out than he was on fight night last time out. The fact he hasn’t had long out the gym and is back working hard means he is a great spot and he is going to build on what we brought to Artur Szpilka at the O2, an arena where he has a great history. Parker is in shape and is going to come to win this fight and I think it is going to be an absolute barnstormer. 

Dave Coldwell will no longer be training Derek Chisora because of a logistical issue in the sense that Dave couldn’t come down to London and Derek wasn’t able to get up to Dave. We will make an announcement in the coming weeks who will be in the corner but if sparring is anything to go by you are in for an absolute treat and Joseph Parker would never have had the heat that is going to be brought to him on October 26.

Derek Chisora:

I’m bringing war, I’m not playing. This is my show. Boxing is thriving because of the Heavyweights. Mike Tyson said it when AJ knocked out Klitschko, the money is back in the division. I want more money if I’m not headlining the show!

Josh Taylor:

I’m really looking forward to fighting for the first time in London, headlining at The O2 and I am so excited for it, I can’t wait.

I am fully confident going in to this fight. I am bigger than him, stronger, quicker and punch just as hard – I can beat him in every department. If he comes and tries to walk me down then I believe that he will walk onto a shot and I will get him out of there, if not I can outbox him for the full 12 rounds. I am fully confident I can win this fight either way It goes so I am happy and excited to be here. I have always wanted to box on a big show in London and I’ve been to watch shows here in the past. I am so excited to be headlining and to be a part of a great night.

I believe myself and Regis are one and two in the division – we’re the two guys to beat. We will prove this on October 26 and I feel like this is my time to shine. I can’t see him beating me at all and I am super confident. However it goes you will see a Josh Taylor win, I can’t see anything other than a win for myself.

Barry McGuigan MBE:

These are the two best Super-Lightweight fighters in the world. Prograis is a tremendous puncher, very aggressive and he can box on the back foot too – he is very exciting to watch. Josh Taylor has improved rapidly since he has turned pro. We have moved him very aggressively and I think that he is the best 140lb fighter in the world. 

Regis Prograis:

I am so glad to be here and I am so excited for October 26. It has been a dream for me for a long time to come and fight in London, the fans over here are some of the best in the world. For me, there is no animosity towards anybody and most fighters don’t get this chance in a lifetime. You have got four things on the line, my title, his title, the Ali Trophy and the Ring Magazine belt. I had a late start but a lot of fighters have been fighting for 20 or 30 years and never have got this opportunity. For me to be here is the opportunity of a life-time and this is about personal legacy right now.

To be getting this chance in London, at The O2 – I can’t wait! This is number one and number two, two undefeated fighters in their prime, both champions – sometimes you have two champions but they’re not number one and number two but this time it’s two prime undefeated guys. This is a huge show and I am so excited to be a part of it. Everybody that I have fought was supposed to be an even, 50-50 fight but I dominated. He is taller and longer than me but the tale of the tape doesn’t matter to me. You can’t determine my hook by the tale of the tape or my boxing IQ. I don’t just want to repeat what he said but I really cannot see how he can beat me. I am not being cocky or arrogant but I just can’t see it. He’s been hurt in his last fight and he was dropped too. The past is the past and this is going to be me and him and I think he will bring his A game like I will – this is going to be one hell of a fight.

I am not going to predict what round I will win I am just going to go out there and do my thing. Just like I always say, I go out there and I have fun and I do my thing. If I hurt him or knock him out I don’t know but so far I have been dominating and that’s what I plan to do on October 26.

Sam Katkovski:

We are so glad that everything got sorted out and was finalised – we cannot wait for October 26. We are coming to fight and will be finishing our camp over here in the UK – we’re looking forward to a great fight. Regis is special in and outside of the ring and to be able to fight on such a massive show is amazing and the winner will establish themselves in the P4P rankings. The winner potentially goes on to fight to be Undisputed for all four belts and that will be Regis Prograis. Every time he has told how he was going to do something that’s how it happened – all I am expecting is the same on October 26.

Star Boxing has an exciting regional title fight that will co-feature the September 20 card at The Paramount. Dominican Republic native, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE (12-0 9KO’S), will be defending his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title against a talented Michigan super bantamweight powerhouse, ERNESTO GARZA III (10-3 6KO’S). The critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights”series will be headlined by Long Island’s own undefeated super welterweight, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (Elmont, NY 10-0 7KO’s).

Through trials and tribulations both fighters have earned their way onto the September 20 card at The Paramount. Junior Almonte, was an outstanding amateur and shows great promise for the Bantamweight division. As an amateur he had a record for 92 wins and 8 defeats with 4 victories over highly respected Olympians. Almonte is world ranked by WBC (#24) . In Almonte’s most recent bout against ANGELO “EL OLIMPICO” MUNOZ, Almonte showcased his power with a first-round TKO. Almonte is proving to be a knockout machine who is prepared to take the world of boxing by storm, starting with his United States debut. On September 20th, Almonte for the first time in his young and bright career will fight on American soil at The Paramount and will be looking to finish Garza like he finished his previous six of seven opponents.

Almonte had this to say about the great opportunity that is ahead of him, “The first phase of my training was in the Dominican Republic, and the second phase has been in the US and everything is going well. I am going to do my best to Impress the American fans and I am thankful to be on American soil defending my title. God willing, there will be greater things ahead. I want to do a good job and show that there is talent in the Dominican Republic, and I am just very happy for this opportunity.”

However, standing in Almonte’s way is, Ernesto Garza III, who is more than ready for his shot at the WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title. Garza’s pedigree and experience actually exceeds that of Almonte. As an amateur, Garza holds many National titles including the 2008 national Golden Gloves title at 119 pounds. He finished third in 2009, then fought at 125 pounds in the U.S. National Championships, also finishing third. As a pro, Garza has taken on top prospects Including several bouts on Showtime. Garza has fought at weights over 130 lbs, seeking money and opportunity but is now fighting Almonte as his natural 118 lbs division. In his latest fight Garza dominated JENO TONTE by TKO in round 1. Garza knows a lot is on the line for him as well, and a win over undefeated Almonte on September 20, will skyrocket him up the world rankings in the bantamweight division.

Garza had this to say about his co-feature bout on September 20, “First off I would have to thank my Lord and Savior and Jesus Christ for blessing me with this big opportunity and victory and Split-T-Management Davud McWater and Joe Quiambao for making this fight happen. This will be just the beginning from me and it feels great to win a title that would put me in the ranking of the WBC. The fans can expect the best out of me to give it my all in the ring. I’ll give the fans what they want to see. I’ll be the one forcing the fight. He’s never fought anybody like me before, my resume speaks for itself. It’s gonna be a fight and the fans can expect me to come out on top.”

These hard punching bantamweights come from different parts of the world, but on September 20th they will meet at The Paramount for what promises to be a thrilling fight. For Junior it’s an opportunity that will open doors for him in the United States. For Garza, it’s a shot to prove he the heralded prospect that he was considered when he came out of the US amateur program at 118 lbs. This will be a promising fight and will leave little room for imagination.

CEO of Star Boxing, JOE DEGUARDIA, had this to say about the bout, “We are very excited to bring Junior Almonte to the United States against one of the toughest possible guys out there. Almonte has dominated in the Dominican Republic, and he has his WBC FECARBOX Title to show for it. But Garza is a special fighter himself. This is an eagerly anticipated fights by ‘those in the know’ as Garza is a very experienced and tough known quality fighter. I expect a thrilling fight for the fans at The Paramount come September 20.”
BUY TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” AT THE PARAMOUNT HERE
TICKETS START AT $50 | FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20

BENSALEM, PA- The action is sure to pick up at Parx Casino® when Omar Kabary Salem meets Jamaal Davis in the co-main event of Xcite Fight Night 5 on Friday, Sept. 20.

This semifinal bout will pit a fighter with a young and promising career in Salem against one with a lengthy resume in Davis. A pro since 2003, Davis has more fights on his card than Salem has rounds in the ring. He’ll take that experience to the Xcite Center along with the momentum of being active recently. This will be his third fight in the last sixth months.

“Being able to pick and get right back into the motion of things has been fun.” Davis said. As far as the veteran’s game plan for the young southpaw, he said, “Reflexes are everything, we gotta wear this kid down and box this kid.”

While Davis (18-5-1, 7K0s) comes into the fight with the edge in experience, Salem (9-0, 4K0s) will have the physical edge, being both taller and having recently fought in a higher weight class. In his last time out at Parx Casino, the southpaw impressed the crowd with a quick first-round knockout of Jacob Fox.

“I’m a boxer-puncher, I move around a lot but at the same time I can get it in and scrap if he wants to.” Salem said.

He’ll be gunning for another impressive showing in his return to Xcite Fight Night. The Brooklyn-based Salem isn’t afraid of coming down to Philadelphia for a fight, and he relishes the opportunity.

“I love it, I love competing with Philadelphia, they have a lot of competition,” he said. “I like the fans, too. The people in Philly, they love boxing.”

The main event will follow. Steven Ortiz (10-0), the recently crowned Pennsylvania state lightweight champion takes on a former Ohio state champion in the game challenger, Alejandro Salinas (10-2). Their lightweight showdown is a showcase of two young, rising talents.

The undercard fights each feature an undefeated fighter looking to take the next step in their careers. Recent Lou DiBella signee Joshafat Ortiz will be try to move to 7-0 as he takes on Andrew “Sweet Pea” Bentley, who is riding his own three-fight winning streak into the bout.

Daiyaan Butt (4-0) is returning once again and looking for his third straight knockout. He’ll face his most experience opponent to date in Latorie “War Machine” Woodberry in a super lightweight fight.

Also making a return is Jan Czerklewicz. The powerful Polish light heavyweight is back for his second turn at Parx Casino, and will be the welcome wagon for Nigerian-born Afunwa King’s pro debut.

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By Bart Barry-

Latenight Saturday on ESPN+ lineal heavyweight
champion Tyson Fury will defend his strapless title against an undefeated
28-year-old Swede named Otto Wallin, a man BoxRec’s rankings place squarely
atop the formidable, fourperson Swedish-heavyweight heap (while allowing him to
crack the world’s Top 50 just barely). 
It will be shocking joyful if Wallin featherdusts Fury, and he won’t.

The Fury victory tour continues apace.  He rose from substance abuse to challenge
Deontay Wilder nearly a year ago and rose from Wilder’s wildness to win a
draw.  Those feats and promoter Top
Rank’s feat of finding its way back to a division in which its touch has not
been magical for a decade or two are the reasons we got served the June fight
with Tom Schwarz – ostensibly about a lineal championship (that traces all the
way back to Wlad Klitschko, who beat no one the previous generation considered
great but is brother to a man who gave Lennox Lewis a couple tough rounds). 

Aficionados rightly saw the Schwarz thing for what
it was.  In case they didn’t ESPN, more
camp than champ, saved its greatest enthusiasm for Fury’s ringwalk.

Saturday’s ringwalk better include live dinosaurs
accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. 

Less than that mayn’t reinflate the seeping Fury
balloon.  Ratings and press releases and multiplatform
coverage from ESPN will imply something else entirely, of course, but trust
your gut on this, come Sunday morning.

Fury’s style is not conducive to playing the
overdog.  Had he completed his denuding
of Wilder by remaining upright for 36 minutes Fury and his enablers would’ve had
another 18 months of goodwill to tinkle on. 
Alas, “Wilder &” Wilder dropped Fury often enough to dissuade any
loose immediate-rematch chatter from the lineal champ and make Wilder’s standard-loop
claims of being avoided feel a touch credible. 
Wilder’s folks, obviously, are in no real hurry to see their guy tested
again, or they simply do not know what they’re doing – but Luis “El Viejo”
Ortiz is still a more meaningful opponent at 40 1/2 than either of Fury’s recent
foes (if that fight actually happens). 

Which is all a fairly direct route to saying over
and again: Thank heavens for Andy Ruiz!

Ruiz’s stamping CUR on the nearest thing the
heavyweight division had to an undisputed champion is the one gift heavyweight
prizefighting gave us in 2019.  When he
does it again in December he will fairly well cut Fury out of the conversation
altogether.  However much Ruiz’s manager sacrificially
fed him to a rival promoter in June he’s still a PBC asset.  That means when AJ taps out again a few weeks
before Christmas, PBC will have each heavyweight belt except Fury’s imaginary
one.

It will require no imagination whatever for PBC to
host a fullthroated superfight in 2020, crowning a WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO Heavyweight
Champion of the World in a genuinely intriguing unification match between Ruiz
and Wilder.  Fury and Joshua will play
footsie for a year or two about a British-contenders-unite match whose purse
negotiations will not be helped by their post-Brexit economy. 

While the rest of the world forgets who they
are.  ESPN+ will have full coverage of
the negotiations and quite a few features about Tyson’s dad, “Gypsy John”, and
Anthony’s dad, Robert, with the striking, unforeseeable conclusion these men
influenced their sons.  “Not since I
promoted Muhammad Ali . . .” will go many of Bob Arum’s colorful quotes about Fury.

While we’re on about Arum let’s use one of his
best verbs: To dissipate.  About 15 years
ago I had a chance to ask Arum a few questions at a media gathering in a
Phoenix supermarket.  One of those
questions concerned what qualities he looked for in a prizefighter before
signing him, and Arum listed but one: “Does he dissipate between fights?”

If Fury hasn’t dissipated fractionally so much as
expected between fights, interest in his rematch with Wilder sure has.  As goes its flagship division, so goes our
beloved sport.  If there isn’t less
collective interest in boxing in 2019 there most certainly is not more, and
that’s with the full might of late-boom economics driving network acquisitions
and broadcast calendars.

Storm clouds now gather on the American economy’s
horizon, and while a recession may mint a new generation of prospects it’ll do
nil to prod this generation’s fatted calves towards greatness.  Showtime will follow HBO, while Fox follows
DAZN and ESPN to boxing’s destination platform: App Store.  Circus barkers will contrive a new language
of YouTube likes and trailing-month replays, and what few of us still write
regularly about the sport will begin a fifth or sixth search for green shoots while
the BWAA hasn’t a choice but to award boxing’s best tweeters.  Floyd and Manny will make a desperate
cashgrab of a rematch, and the old salts’ll use whatever gaudy revenue number
comes along to do a 27th installment of the Boxing Is Not Dead serial.

Whatevs. 
We’ll always have and must always cherish what Andy Ruiz did to Anthony
Joshua on June 1, 2019.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Gervonta Davis vacated his WBA Jr. Lightweight title and is planning a move to lightweight according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I just want to move up and try to win more belts, basically make myself one of the top guys,” Davis told ESPN on Friday. “So I think it was best for me to move up and try to get one of them belts. If not, I’m comfortable fighting at 130 [pounds]. I can actually come back down and fight at 130.

“But right now it was frustrating not being able to get big fights at 130. So I’ll move up and see who I can get at 135. If I can’t get anyone at 135 or if I win a belt, and there’s a big opportunity to fight with someone at 130, I’d do that.”

“My main goal was just try to look good [against Nunez],” Davis said. “My mind wasn’t on moving up to 135. The time I have issues making weight is because of me. It’s nothing like I’m too big [for the division].”

“I want to be in position to fight for a belt. So if I can get one of the champions [at lightweight] or get someone that would line me up to get a belt then I’m cool with that,” Davis said. “I’m open to fight whoever.”

“Lomachenko is definitely one of the top opponents for me at 130 or 135. I believe it will happen, but it got to be at the right time,” Davis said of a tough fight to make, because he is with Premier Boxing Champions and fights on Showtime and Lomachenko is with Top Rank and fights on ESPN.

“I’m willing to fight Tevin (Farmer). I’m willing to fight anyone they put in front of me,” Davis said. “That particular fighter and that situation is making it hard because you got two promoters going back and forth.”

There’s a good chance that Davis’ next fight, either late this year or in January, will come against former unified featherweight titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-2, 18 KOs), the former Cuban Olympic gold medalist who knocked out former junior lightweight titlist Roman “Rocky” Martinez in the second round on the Davis-Nunez undercard. Gamboa’s presence on Davis’ undercard was no accident, although he is not a lock to be Davis’ next foe.

“There were talks about me fighting him. They put him on my undercard and I actually watched the fight and he looked good,” Davis said. “He’s definitely another opponent I’d like to fight and if I get a chance to have him on my résumé that’s great for me.”

Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez will meet for the vacant WBO Featherweight title on October 26th in Reno, Nevada, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Devil is in the details,” he said. “I need a contract from Top Rank and then Joet and [manager] Frank [Espinoza] have to sign off on it, but Carl (Moretti) and I are good,” said Eric Gomez of Gonzalez promoter, Golden Boy Promotions

“This is by far the toughest fight for each guy,” Moretti said. “We didn’t care where the fight ended up. We know how good Shakur Stevenson is and fully expect him to win his first of many world titles that night. He’s special.”

New York, NY (September 6, 2019) Following his victory on August 23 in Tampa, FL, DiBella Entertainment’s 25-year-old undefeated heavyweight prospect Amron “The Sandman” Sands (9-0, 8 KOs) returned to his native Bahamas to visit family when Hurricane Dorian struck. With his countrymen, relatives and friends left to recover from the effects of the destruction, Sands has since done all he can to offer his assistance and help the relief efforts.

“What happened to the Bahamas was devastating and my heavyweight, Amron Sands, was among the many thousands of people personally affected by this tragedy,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He stayed behind to weather the storm with his family to help them and others stay safe and healthy through the devastation. Amron has continued to help by donating fresh water, clothing and other important items. There are many great relief organizations to donate to, including AllHandsandHearts.org, and DiBella Entertainment supports their efforts.”

“I went back to the Bahamas shortly after my last fight to spend time with my family. About a week later, Hurricane Dorian touched down and ravaged the islands,” said Sands. “My father’s house in Nassau was flooded and left without power and my seventy-year-old grandparents’ home in Freeport was absolutely destroyed. They are currently living in a shelter right now, as the airport in Freeport is shut down and the only way in and out is via helicopter.

“After the hurricane hit, I moved into a hotel for a few days on Paradise Island. Even with the hotel built at a higher elevation in case of situations like this, the pouring rain was still beating down through the windows, and hotel personnel made everyone on the ground floor move up to at least the third floor. A few friends of mine displaced by the storm came by my room to use the shower and sleep on the floor. I have other friends still sleeping in their cars.

“When I left the Bahamas to head back to Orlando, the airport in Nassau looked like a crowded hospital with people bandaged up and lying on the floor hoping to get out. My sister and I have been bringing packages of water, canned goods, clothes and other helpful supplies to the Bahamas Air terminal at Orlando Airport, where they have been transporting items back to the Bahamas for people in need. Anyone local can go to their drop-off location to donate. I’ll be heading back to the Bahamas myself as soon as I can to help with the cleanup and rebuilding process. I also strongly support hurricane relief groups like AllHandsandHearts.org and I encourage anyone that is capable to please donate and help those affected by this storm.”

Lance Pugmire, of The Athletic, detailed Sands’ extensive relief work in a story that can be read HERE.

The heavy-handed Sands turned professional in 2017 and has scored eight knockouts in his first nine fights, all coming within the first two rounds.
About All Hands and Hearts/Hurricane Dorian
Disaster Profile — Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas as a slow-moving category 5 hurricane, with heavy rains, damaging winds and severe storm surges. As Dorian pulls away from the Bahamas and moves up the US Atlantic coast, it has weakened to a category 2 hurricane.
Our Work — Our Disaster Assessment Response Team is prepared to deploy to the Bahamas. Given our 14+ years of experience, having worked in more than 100 disasters, we recognize that our team should not move in until the hurricane has passed, local authorities have signaled that search and rescue is winding down, and they can safely arrive via the airport. All funds donated will be used to help the impacted communities and our experienced team’s preparation will ensure we effectively and efficiently provide needed help. Additionally, our US assessment team has staged in Georgia, in anticipation of Dorian’s potential impact on the US coast. They are prepared to head into affected areas to perform ground assessments as soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to update our website so please check back for the latest information periodically.

Devin Haney is thrilled to have the chance to land the WBC Interim World Lightweight title when he faces Zaur Abdullaev at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday September 13, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. 
TICKETS START AT JUST $30 (PLUS FEES) AND ARE AVAILABLE FROM TICKETMASTER HERE
Haney (22-0 14 KOs) arrived in New York last night having finished training camp at home in Las Vegas, and has a spring in his step after his final eliminator clash with Abdullaev (11-0 7 KOs) was given added spice by the WBC adding the Interim title to the spoils.

Pound-for-pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko added the WBC strap to his WBA and WBO crowns with victory over Luke Campbell in London last weekend, and the winner next weekend will be in pole position to face the Ukrainian for the full title.

“The WBC Interim World Championship means a lot to me,” said Haney. “Some people kept labeling me a prospect when I knew I was so much more. Being able to fight for an Interim World title means everything. This not only makes me the WBC mandatory for Vasiliy Lomachenko, but I’m able to do Interim title defenses until Loma is ready to fight. I believe the winner of Haney vs Abdullaev is in a really good position with the WBC.

“I know Abdullaev is focused, he’s been at the top of the rankings for a while now, so I know he’s ready to fight. He’s an undefeated fighter, who has beaten some quality opposition, so I take him very seriously. I’m just very excited to face Abdullaev because it will show the world my skills and why I am the new face of the sport.

“Training camp has been great. We started strength and conditioning with Coach Reggie at Phase 1. I really got stronger and I can feel the difference. I spent the next portion of camp at the SNAC System facility in the Bay Area working with Victor Conte. There I worked on my speed and explosiveness with well renowned track coach Remi Korchemny. I’ve had a world class training camp, with everything from strength and conditioning, to tremendous sparring, included with a lot of rest and recovery. This will be another memorable performance like my last fight on DAZN.”

Haney’s clash with Abdullaev is part of a huge night of action as record-breaking seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano challenges WBO World Featherweight champion Heather Hardy in an all-Brooklyn affair, brought to you by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Boxing USA.

Serrano (36-1-1 27 KOs) conquered her seventh weight class at the Hulu Theater in title in January when the Puerto Rican destroyed Eva Voraberger inside the opening round to claim the vacant WBO Super-Flyweight title.

Serrano held the WBO Featherweight strap in 2016 before vacating it then her sister Cindy picked it up later that year. Hardy (22-0 4 KOs) was next in line to win the vacant title in October in a rematch against Shelley Vincent in the Hulu Theater. Hardy put boxing on hold to return to MMA in June with an outing at Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden but returns to boxing to go head-to-head with her fellow Brooklynite.

The Heavyweight landscape remains a hot one and there’s a great 50-50 clash on the card as Michael Hunter challenges Sergey Kuzmin for the WBA Intercontinental title. Hunter (17-1 12 KOs) holds the International strap with the WBA having KO’d Alexander Ustinov in Monte Carlo in November and defended that with a second round KO of Fabio Maldonado in Maryland in May. The 31 year old is rapidly rising in the rankings and can take a huge leap towards World title action with a win but faces a crunch challenge in the form of Kuzmin (15-0 11 KOs).

The unbeaten Russian puts the strap he won at Wembley Stadium in London in September against David Price and first saw off LaRon Mitchell and then Joey Dawejko in successful Stateside defenses. With Kuzmin ranked #5 and Hunter #8 with the WBA, the victor in New York will be knocking on the door for a title shot, raising the stakes in this pick’em match-up, in association with World of Boxing.
 Tickets are on sale now starting from just $30 plus fees and available here: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/3B0057098391108F?dma_id=345

LAS VEGAS (September 6, 2019) – Rising star and undefeated lightweight contender, Devin “The Dream” Haney (22-0, 14 KOs), has wrapped up training camp for his upcoming showdown with Zaur Abdullaev (11-0, 7 KOs).

Haney vs. Abdullaev, promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Devin Haney Promotions, will be a 12-round main event bout for the WBC interim lightweight championship on Friday September 13 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Haney, who will be making his first appearance at “The Mecca of Boxing” – Madison Square Garden, will look to make it a memorable one as he has plans to take over the lightweight division.

TICKETS START AT JUST $30 (PLUS FEES) AND ARE AVAILABLE FROM TICKETMASTER HERE

Here is what Haney had to say about the upcoming fight:

On his upcoming fight against Zaur Abdullaev:

“I know Abdullaev is focused, he’s been at the top of the rankings for a while now, so I know he’s ready to fight. He’s an undefeated fighter, who has beaten some quality opposition, so I take him very seriously. I’m just very excited to face Abdullaev because it will show the world my skills and why I am the new face of the sport.”

On his recent training camp:

“Training camp has been great. We started strength and conditioning with Coach Reggie at Phase 1. I really got stronger and I can feel the difference. I spent the next portion of camp at the SNAC System facility in the Bay Area working with Victor Conte. There I worked on my speed and explosiveness with well renowned track coach Remi Korchemny. I’ve had a world class training camp, with everything from strength and conditioning, to tremendous sparring, included with a lot of rest and recovery. This will be another memorable performance like my last fight on DAZN.”

On fighting for the WBC interim lightweight title:

“The WBC Interim World Championship means a lot to me. Some people kept labeling me a prospect when I knew I was so much more. Being able to fight for an Interim World Title means everything. This not only makes me the WBC mandatory for Vasiliy Lomacheno, but I’m able to do Interim Title defenses, until Loma is ready to fight. I believe the winner of Haney vs Abdullaev is in a really good position with the WBC.”

On headlining at Madison Square Garden on DAZN?

“This is something I’ve always dreamed about for sure. MSG is the most historic and iconic arena in all of sports. I’m headlining a card full of great fights. Heather Hardy (22-0) vs Amanda Serrano (36-1) for the WBO World Female Featherweight Title will be a very exciting fight. My good friend from Las Vegas, Michael Hunter (17-1) vs Sergey Kuzmin (15-0) will be a terrific fight as well. There are only two losses between all six of the fighters on the main card. This is my first time at the Hulu Theater, and I’m going to put on a helluva show. Everyone should get their tickets now, because it’s going to be a great night of boxing and entertainment.

OAKLAND, Calif. (September 6, 2019) – Undefeated rising star Mario “El Azteca” Barrios is deep into training camp for the biggest fight of his professional career as he prepares to battle fellow unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov for the WBA Super Lightweight title Saturday, September 28 as part of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old Barrios will fight for the title, look to earn a career-best win and reach a milestone in his professional journey that dates back to 2013. After competing at featherweight and super featherweight, the 5’11” Barrios moved up to 140-pounds in 2016 and has been on an eight-fight knockout streak since.

“I’ve worked my whole life to get into this position,” said Barrios. “Fighting for my first world title is a dream come true and I won’t be denied. This is my time to shine and show the world that I’m the best super lightweight in the world.”

Barrios’ years of experience have led him to one of the biggest stages in boxing, a pay-per-view event in the fight hub that is Los Angeles, with a chance to put on a star-making performance and officially announce his arrival at the championship level.

“Every fight keeps getting bigger and bigger and this is the biggest one yet being on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter pay-per-view,” said Barrios. “My goal is to steal the show and give all the fans watching their money’s worth. I’m grateful for this opportunity to perform on the FOX Sports platform and I want to thank everyone for believing in me.”

Standing in Barrios’ way is the 28-year-old Akhmedov, who’s already reached this point in his career in just seven pro fights after a stellar amateur career that included representing Turkey in the 2016 Olympics. With two unbeaten fighters looking for their first title, it has the makings of a memorable duel.

“We’ve both had a lot of time to prepare for this fight so the fans can expect an explosive night of boxing when Batyr Akhmedov and I step in the ring,” said Barrios. “He’s a southpaw with a lot of power and he has good footwork. It’s going to be a clash of two fighters who are going to leave everything in the ring. Once he feels my power, we’ll see how he reacts.”

Barrios is currently in training for the September 28 clash working in the Bay Area with renowned coach Virgil Hunter. Barrios’ knockout streak also coincides with the time that he has worked with Hunter, all leading up to this first title fight.

“Training camp is going great,” said Barrios. “Like always I started off training back home in San Antonio with my dad Martin Barrios. Then I headed off to train with Virgil Hunter in the Bay Area, where I do all my boxing training at his gym. Training at the SNAC facility with Victor Conte is another important part of my regimen. Everyone has got me in tremendous shape and I’ll be ready to let my hands fly on fight night.”

# # #

ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

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

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of current IBO Women’s Super Welterweight World Champion Hannah Rankin to a promotional contract.

The first Scottish woman in history to win a boxing world title, Rankin (7-3, 1 KO), from Glasgow, is a well-known celebrity athlete in the UK where she headlines sold-out shows, moonlights as a commentator on Box Nation and her fights are shown live on the BBC.

Rankin didn’t start boxing until the relatively late age of 21, but her wealth of natural talent quickly caught the eye of respected London-based trainer Noel Callan. After an undefeated stint on the UK’s unlicensed boxing circuit, Rankin turned professional at age 26 and in just 10 fights, has already held the WBC Silver 160-lb title in addition to her world championship.

Hungry to learn from the best, the now 29-year-old Rankin has traveled the globe to spar with a long list of world-class female fighters including Cecilia Breakhus, Christina Hammer, Mikaela Lauren, Klara Svensson, Kali Reis, Elin Cederroos and Ewa Brodnicka. In 2018, the fearless Rankin stepped up in weight to face two of the sport’s best, performing admirably against current WBA Super Middleweight Champion Alicia Napoleon at 168 lbs and against women’s superstar and unified 160-lb champion Claressa Shields in separate fights.

Remarkably, Rankin also studied Bassoon at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and passed a worldwide audition process to attend The Royal Academy of Music. She also has a total of three degrees, a BMUS Hons, Master of Arts and a Professional Diploma.

Rankin will make her debut under the Salita Promotions banner on Saturday, October 5, on the undercard of the Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin battle for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Championship at the Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich. She is scheduled to face veteran Erin Toughill.

“I’m delighted to have signed a promotional deal with Salita Promotions,” said Rankin. “I admire Dmitriy’s support of women’s boxing. I love fighting in America and I can’t wait to give all my Scottish fans living in America the opportunity to watch and cheer their champion as I start this chapter in my career. I’m looking forward to fighting and getting back under the lights on October 5 and being part of an historic night for women’s boxing in Flint, Michigan. I can’t wait!”

“I’m thrilled that Hannah has signed a promotional deal with Salita Promotions for US-based fights,” said Mark Taffet, President of Mark Taffet Media and co-manager of Hannah Rankin, along with Sam Kynoch of Kynoch Boxing. “Dmitriy Salita’s demonstrated track record of success in women’s boxing is second to none, and I look forward to working with Dmitriy, Hannah Rankin, and Sam Kynoch to lift women’s boxing even higher.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita, a champion of women’s boxing and one of the main driving forces behind its recent resurgence, says that Rankin adds a unique presence to his growing stable.

“I’m excited to have Hannah Rankin join the Salita Promotions team. She is a world-class fighter and person — a champion and young woman with the heart of a lion who exemplifies the best of women’s boxing,” said Salita. “Salita Promotions is proud to represent Scotland’s boxing bassoonist and first female champion and looks forward to a great future with her.”

London (6 September 2019) Classy super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani aims to punch himself into the 130lb world rankings and line up a world title fight when he faces the dangerous Nicaraguan Francisco Fonseca at Mote Hall, Mote Park, Maidstone, on Saturday 28th September, live on terrestrial free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

A fistful of fighters from the home isles already feature in the 130lb world rankings, but criminally, the super talented 28 year old southpaw – who is now undefeated in his last 15 starts spanning well over eight years – isn’t among them.

However, the dashing ‘Dilma’ – now under the guidance of renowned promoter Mick Hennessy – is determined to show he deserves to be listed alongside the best in the division by scalping the lethal Latino.

The 25 year old from the nation that delivered ring legends Alexis Arguello, Ricardo Mayorga and ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez has been bettered just twice in a 28 fight pro career that has brought a daunting 19 stoppage wins.

Both reverses on Fonseca’s slate came in IBF world title tilts on megashows over in the USA. Baltimore’s Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis stopped him in eight (contentious) on the Mayweather-McGregor undercard in Las Vegas (2017), while Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmer edged him out on points over 12 on a ‘Canelo’ Alvarez card at the hallowed Madison Square Garden, New York last December. Fonseca has rebounded with a hat-trick of impressive stoppage wins in 2019 and is clearly a major player within the division.

Dilmaghani, a Southampton University law graduate who conquered his craft under arguably the sport’s finest contemporary coach ‘Nacho’ Beristain at the world renowned Romanza Gym in Mexico City, is positively salivating at the prospect of breaking out into genuine world class.

‘Many other leading contenders turned down the opportunity to face me on this date but Fonseca showed he’s a true gladiator by stepping up,’ stated Dilmaghani, who copped rave reviews for his eight round slaughter of 25-2-1 Slovakian Martin Parlagi – who had never been stopped – in his first British start for almost six years in late May.

He added, ’But Fonseca will be dealt with accordingly. I’ve stopped seven of my last 10 and will certainly be seeking an eighth here. I expect another fantastic win on free to air terrestrial TV that’ll expose my talents and take me a step closer to the world title fight that is my destiny.’

Hennessy is delighted to bring national free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5 to Kent for a big night of boxing. He said, “I’m really going to be banging the drum for Alex now and with Channel 5’s backing I firmly believe that he is going to become a big star on the channel. The fight against Fonseca, who is a world class operator, is just the type of fight Alex needs and it will bring the best out in him. When people see it put on him that is when he will really shine and his heart and talent will be clear to all. I’m really excited with this main event fight and we’ll announce a quality undercard over the next few days.”

Tickets are priced at £40 and £75 (VIP) and are available from MyFightTickets at https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-mote-park

Philadelphia, PA- Junior welterweights Victor Padilla, of Berlin, NJ, and Romain Tomas, of Brooklyn, NY, will square off in the main event Friday evening, Oct. 4, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The eight-bout card, labeled Blood, Sweat & 50 Years, will celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Peltz Boxing Promotions. The card is being promoted by Raging Babe (Michelle Rosado) with J Russell Peltz serving as the matchmaker. First bout 7:30 p.m.

Going old-school on this one, Peltz has scheduled the Padilla-Tomas fight for six rounds, harking back to the first two decades of the 20th century when all main events in Pennsylvania were limited to that distance.

The 20-year-old Padilla, originally from Vieques, Puerto Rico, is a southpaw with speed and power. He has won all five of his fights by first-round knockout. In fact, he has only been in the ring for a total of six minutes, 29 seconds, in those five contests. Although none of his five opponents had a winning record when he fought them-their combined mark was 17-29-1 at the time-Padilla still is considered one of the best young pros on the East Coast. He is promoted by Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment.

The 30-year-old Tomas is originally from Emerainville in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, outside Paris. He brings an 8-2 record into the fight with Padilla. Tomas is coming off his biggest career win, a six-round decision over previously unbeaten (7-0) Omar Bordoy in Bordoy’s nearby backyard of Hampton, NH.

“Some of the greatest fighters of all-time appeared in hundreds of six-round main events during those 20 years at the turn of the last century,” said promoter J Russell Peltz. “In my 50 years in boxing, this marks the first time I have been involved with a six-round main event. When you’ve never done something before, often that is the best reason for doing it.

“Hall-of-Fame champions like Jack Johnson and Benny Leonard boxed six-round main events in Philadelphia during those years,” said Peltz. “How about Stanley Ketchell vs. Sam Langford or Joe Gans taking on Jack Blackburn? I would have loved to have seen those battles. Lew Tendler, Abe Attell, Terrible Terry McGovern, Rocky Kansas, Philadelphia Jack O’Brien. Philadelphia was the boxing capital of the country and six-round main events was the norm.

“I’m an old-school kind of guy so this is going to be fun for me. This represents the past and Padilla vs. Tomas will give us a peek into the future.”

The undercard is topped by three additional six-round rematches.

Junior middleweights Roque Zapata, of Culpeper, VA, and Isaiah Wise, of North Philadelphia, meet in a rematch of their 2016 at the 2300 Arena, won by Zapata via majority four-round decision, the first loss of Wise’ career.

Zapata (6-2-4) also defeated Fred Jenkins, Jr., early in 2017 over six rounds in the same ring. Wise (7-2-1, 4 K0s) last boxed 10 months ago when he knocked out Andy Gonzales, of Worcester, MA, at the 2300 Arena.

Junior welterweights Gerardo Martinez, of Coatesville, PA, and Osnel Charles, of Atlantic City, collide in the other six-round rematch.

Martinez (4-1, 1 K0) earned a four-round majority decision over Charles (13-19-1, 2 K0s) at the 2300 Arena. While Martinez has been idle since, Charles picked up a four-round points victory in June over Laquan Lewis, of Brooklyn, NY, at the Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA.

North Philadelphia welterweight Marcel Rivers (7-1, 4 K0s) will fight in a six round contest.

Four-rounders scheduled for Oct. 4 include: Shinard Bunch, of Trenton, NJ, vs. Rakym Dyer, of South Philadelphia, welterweights; Christopher Burgos, North Philadelphia, vs. Tyree Arnold, North Philadelphia, junior welterweights; Vinnie Denierio, Elmira, NY, vs. Seifullah Wise, North Philadelphia, lightweights.

Lightweight Shamar Fulton, of North Philadelphia, also will appear in a four-round contest.

Tickets to “Peltz Boxing 50th Anniversary Celebration” are priced $50, $70 and $90. They can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-758-2173 and/or 215-765-0922. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm. Credential applications are due by Sept 20 and can be requested at ragingbabe.com/credentials. Blood, Sweat & 50 Years is brought to you by Rocco’s Collision and Cricket Wireless.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Anthony Joshua is unbeaten at home in the UK. He’s winless on the road.

It’s hard to know whether his record serves as much of a roadmap, but it might be a signpost of why he’s headed to Saudi Arabia, a site as unlikely as it is controversial for a heavyweight title fight.

Joshua, 22-0 in the UK and 0-1 on the road, has yet to prove he can fight away from the UK’s adoring fans and media. He even won his Olympic gold medal in 2012 at the London Games.

He could no wrong until he answered his first opening bell on foreign shores where Andy Ruiz Jr.’s fast hands left him looking confused and his fans betrayed throughout a stoppage loss at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The futile journey to New York June 1 was supposed to represent his first step toward would-wide celebrity. It was designed to raise American awareness of a UK heavyweight who had been sold and packaged as a transformational athlete. All it did, however, was raise a red flag.

It’s not exactly clear what happened in New York to Joshua, who was bewildered by Ruiz combinations throughout six-and half rounds. The bewildering defeat was followed by strange behavior. Joshua celebrated with Ruiz. He smiled like a naive kid who didn’t look as if he exactly knew where he was or why he was there.

“There’s pressure, being an ambassador for boxing, to be bigger than boxing,” Joshua said Thursday in a return to New York in the second stop of a three-city tour for the Saudi Arabian rematch with Ruiz. “That’s my ambition and I have to deal with it.”

Boxing needs another ambassador like it needs a new Don King. A genuine heavyweight champ isn’t created by diplomacy, although some of today’s matchmaking might suggest otherwise. It’s just about skill and will, a couple of ingredients that were missing in Joshua’s last performance.

Whether a sense-of-self shattered in New York can be repaired a half-year later in Saudi Arabia is anybody’s guess. But the journey might be worth the risk. Might be the only option, too.

A lot has been made of the site fee. Saudi Royals reportedly are paying $40 million to Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn for the right to a fight that has been called part of a PR campaign to clean up the country’s image with “sportswashing.” Forty million buys a lot of bone saws.

The trip to Saudi, however, also is an opportunity for Hearn to control much of what can never be controlled in New York. There’s still no clear news on how the fight will be regulated. Or by whom. It’s not even clear how many seats will be available in an arena still under construction.

It’s hard to imagine Joshua’s UK fans will want to travel to a country where they can’t buy a beer. They might just prefer to watch the bout on DAZN at home where they won’t need a ticket or a visa. Then, at least, a stocked refrigerator will be nearby in the event Joshua’s journey fails to produce a victory that says this heavyweight can still travel onto much bigger things.