Katharina Thanderz (11-0, 2 KOs) and Hadi Srour (3-0, 2 KOs) return to action on August 17 on the undercard of Vincent Feigenbutz’s super middleweight clash with Cesar Nunez at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

The rising Norwegian stars will be fighting for the first time since signing promotional contracts with Team Sauerland earlier this year following impressive performances at the SØR Amfi in Arendal on March 3.

Thanderz, the former European and WBC International Champion, claimed a majority decision win over the previously undefeated Rachel Ball in Arendal. Overcoming a broken hand in the fourth-round to secure her eleventh victory.

“I felt really good in that fight,” reflects Thanderz. “I felt like I was in control of the fight, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I broke my strongest hand in the middle round, I actually thought I could have finished the fight before the eight rounds.

“I had to have an operation on my hand after the fight. They had to introduce a titanium plate with six screws in order get the bone healed. The doctors said that this was the most secure method to get me back to the ring as fast as possible, and avoiding a possible new injury in the future.”

Now fully recovered, Thanderz is looking forward to getting back in the ring to test her skills against Monica Gentili (6-10, 1 KO), the tough Italian, who has previously gone the distance with current WBO Super Featherweight Champion Ewa Brodnicka and former WBC Lightweight Champion Delfine Persoon, and has shared the ring with current Undisputed Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor.

“I know that Monica Gentili is a brave fighter. She has met the best boxers in our weight division, and she’s not afraid to take challenges,” said Thanderz, ahead of their eight-round lightweight bout.

“She’s only lost once by KO and once by TKO, so she’s physically tough and strong. Her style is a bit different depending on who she meets, but in general I would say she’s the type of fighter who likes to come forward, and as I mentioned before, someone not afraid to take some punches. I’m expecting a hard fight, but I also feel confident in making a great performance against her.”

Srour returns to the professional realm having competed at the European Amateur Championships in Belarus in June, and will be hoping to follow up on his one sided points win over Zoltan Szabo at the SØR Amfi in March as he meets Evgenii Vazem (8-7, 3 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight contest.

“I was very pleased with my performance against Szabo,” says Srour. “It was a big step up for me, and still I dominated and he barely survived in the fourth. I know what I should do now to get the stoppage in my next fight.

“The only thing I have in my head is to put on a performance and show the people I am a man for the future. We are going to deliver the whole package. It is going to be entertainment and we are going for the KO, always.”

“Katharina and Hadi are two of the most exciting talents in Scandinavian boxing and will be great additions to an already action-packed show in Ludwigshafen,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “Katharina is closing in on a World title challenge and can move another step closer with a win over Gentili, while Hadi will want to entertain as he looks to build his name in the professional ranks.”

All the action from the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle is available to watch live on Viasport+ and Viaplay in Norway, and Sport1 in Germany. Tickets are available online via www.eventim.de or by calling +49 01806-570440.

LYNDON ARTHUR insists arch rival Anthony Yarde can shock the world and crush Sergey Kovalev next month.

Ilford hitter Yarde faces a tough assignment when he travels to Kovalev’s back yard in Chelyabinsk and challenges for the Russian’s WBO light-heavyweight title on Saturday August 24.

Yarde has won all 18 fights since turning professional, and knocked out 17 of his opponents, but will be a big underdog away from home.
.
Arthur, 28, said: “It is a hard task, but I do think Yarde has got a good chance.

“Yarde is a very hard puncher and has a chance of knocking him out, but we are still waiting to see him get hit at that level.

“I think he has a good chance, but it isn’t just Kovalev. Boxing there in Russia is a lot different to being in London where there are home comforts.

“Kovalev is very good and it’s a case of what is left in him.”

Mancunian Arthur has won all 15 professional fights and next year is a likely opponent for fellow Frank Warren promoted boxer Yarde.

They might be enemies, but Arthur will be cheering Yarde on when he makes the daunting trip to Russia.

“Even though he is a potential opponent and rival we have to support him and I wish him all the best out there. I will support any British fighter especially on the road,” explained Arthur.

“I have seen people online saying Yarde has no chance against Kovalev,  but those saying that are the ones who will say, ‘I knew he could do it,’ if he wins.

“As fighters in the public eye we have to accept that people give opinions on us and will want us to get beat.

“But Anthony has to do what he wants and he is by having this fight. That is the main thing and all I can do is wish him well.”

Kovalev v Yarde will be live on BT Sport on August 24.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – There were three legends and one who wants to be one. They were there to talk about a legend and one who promises to be one.

Manny Pacquiao, already a longtime legend, and Keith Thurman, the man seeking to make his own, are at a compelling crossroads. It’s young lion versus old. It’s legacy versus wannabe. Pacquiao-Thurman Saturday night at the MGM Grand and on Fox pay-per-view television is loaded with all of the elements for a potential classic.

It’s anybody’s guess whether all of those pieces fall together into picture of anticipated drama or simply fall apart. There are lots of questions. Can Pacquaio’s 40-year-old body hold together against a younger and bigger Thurman? Can the 30-year-old Thurman battle through the injuries that have put his once-promising career on hold? Only the moment after an opening bell can provide those answers.

For now, however, there are platy of opinions about a welterweight bout that looms as the biggest fight of the summer, especially in the wake of Wednesday’s announcement that reigning middleweight Canelo Alvarez will postpone his planned Sept. 14 bout because of futile search for a suitable opponent.

For now, at least, there is a good fight that sets up further possibilities at 147 pounds. The PBC path leads to a welterweight unification bout, probably early next year against the Pacquiao-Thurman winner and the Errol Spence Jr.-Shawn Porter winner on Sept. 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

In part, that’s why Porter was there Thursday, part of round-table at the Grand Garden Arena alongside former middleweight champion Winky Wring, and ex Pacquiao foes Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.

For the record, Porter was one of three who figures he’ll be facing Pacquiao. No reason to ask whether he thinks he’ll beat Spence. He wouldn’t have agreed to the fight if he didn’t think so.

“Pacquiao by decision,’’ said Porter, the World Boxing Council champion who did offer a disclaimer, saying that Thurman’s confidence and power could force the Filipino Senator into retirement.

Morales and Barrera agree with Porter. Barrera picks Pacquiao to win a decision. Morales says the Filipino wins, by knockout or decision. Both faced Pacquiao when he was near or at his prime. Morales fought him three times, winning the first and losing the next two.

“When I beat him, I was at my technical best and that’s what Thurman will have to be if he hopes to have a chance,’’ Morales said.

Pacquiao went 2-0 against Barrera — an 11^th-round knockout in 2003 and a unanimous decision in 2007.

“Psychologically, it’s tough to fight Pacquiao, because he keeps that pressure on you,’’ Barrera said.

Only Wright picked Thurman. But that was no surprise. Wright was a mentor a to young Thurman in gyms around the Tampa Bay area, where both grew up. Thurman was there, then a 16-year-old amateur, when Wright stunned Felix Trinidad, scoring a unanimous decision over the heavily-favored Puerto Rican on May 14, 2005, also the MGM Grand.

“Bobble-head night,’’ Thurman said of a bout he remembered for the way Wright’s deadly-accurate jab made Trinidad’s head bounce around as though his head were attached to his body by a spring.

Wright admires Pacquiao. But, he says, not even legends can beat the clock.

‘’Only Father Time is undefeated,’’ he said. “Over the many years and fights, it might take away just a split second from his speed. But that might be enough. How fast is this Manny as opposed to the Manny we knew in the day?’’

Teofimo Lopez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Mashayomi Nakatani in a lightweight elimination bout at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

With the win, Lopez earned a shot at IBF Lightweight champion Richard Commey.

Lopez, 134.4 lb of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice, ad is now 14-0. Nakatami, 134.4 lbs of Osaka, JAP is 18-1.

LAS VEGAS (July 18, 2019) – Undefeated Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee had a tense face-off and exchanged words Thursday at the final press conference before their showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes this Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also squaring-off at Thursday’s press conference and kicking off the broadcast at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT were unbeaten rising heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Ali Eren Demirezen, who compete in a 10-round attraction.

Following the action on FOX, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao battles undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is presented by Sweethands Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charged by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday.

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been saying it the whole week during my interviews. It was a goal to become a world champion, but it was not the only goal. I will be defending my world title successfully and in fashion come this Saturday. I’m encouraging everyone to tune-in, because it will not go 12 rounds. He’ll either wave the white flag or I’ll wave it for him.

“If you’ve been paying attention I’ve been telling everyone I’m in better shape than I was for the Jose Uzcategui fight. I’m hitting harder and my sparring has been better. You will see a new Caleb come this Saturday.

“He’s never fought on a stage like this and to be honest neither have I. This is my first time being on FOX. I feel like I am more prepared than he is. I have been in tough fights and I have been through the fire so I know I am prepared.

“I keep grinding because if you don’t you will fail. With every decision you can take two roads. You can take the wrong one or the right one. Sometimes there are gray areas but when it comes to your question, there’s no gray areas, it’s either you work or you don’t eat. There isn’t a back-up plan for me.

“I’m not really a new school guy. I don’t really do all the visual stuff & the new aged technology. I do old school boxing stuff. I hit the bag, I hit the speed bag, I hit the heavy bag. I spar, I run, I have a great strength & condition coach and we do a lot of sprints. We do a lot of difficult stuff which is high caliber, but I’m old school.

“There’s so much more to obtain, there’s so much more that I’m after. I am not at the peak of the mountain I feel like by winning the world title I just got to the base of the mountain. The goal is to be the first undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

“There are zoo lions and there are jungle lions and the zoo lion will look at the jungle lion and think they are the same thing. But it’s all the peace that he’s had throughout his life that’s cost him his strength. And all of the victories he’s had throughout his life that’s made him weak. But from a distance they look the same. Until it’s time to eat or be eaten.

“Taking the title away from me is a tall order. I know what I am willing and prepared to do to keep that title, I don’t know if there’s too many other guys in this sport who are willing to do the same thing.

“A lot of guys in the business are starving themselves to make weight but we don’t believe in that. You stay in shape all year and you do your job all year. This is not a seasonal sport. This is a lifestyle. If you aren’t going to make it a lifestyle, then don’t even get into it. This is something I work hard all year around so I get to eat good all year around. My spirits are up, I feel good, I feel strong and I’m just excited to be here in front of all of you guys.”

MIKE LEE

“I’m excited for this fight. It’s a great opportunity and I’m going to give all the fans a show.

“I live in the present moment. That’s all I care about is this moment. You can see when I hop in the ring, I’m smiling and having fun. That’s me. When I’m having fun and I am doing my thing, that’s when I perform the best.

“The trash talking goes back and forth, that’s been as old as time. Nothing he’s saying is new. It’s all recycled stuff he’s heard on TV or heard in movies. It’s nothing new to me. It doesn’t even bother me. I laugh at it.

“It’s been beautiful losing those seven pounds. You saw us standing next to each other. You saw how skinny and little he looked and how big I looked. We are going to get down to 168 the exact time we have to and then we are going to hydrate and come back up.

“You have seen me in media workouts. You see me working out. Here we are a few days away from weigh-in and I don’t look depleted at all. I am going to step on that scale with no worries and come fight night he is going to feel why I am a 175-pound fighter.

“Maybe I should have fought at 168 sooner because 175 wasn’t difficult and 168 isn’t too difficult right now. I think once I win this belt I will be happy to defend it at 168.

“I hope he exchanges. I have the power, speed and boxing ability. Whether I end it early or late, I am going to be there and on him. I hope he comes forward and exchanges. I would love that.

“Anything Plant says doesn’t concern me. You can see my speed, my power, my strength and my mindset. That’s what wins fights. So I’m here to win and take that belt and hear ‘and the new!’

“I was born for these moments. I love the crowd and the intensity. It’s going to be an incredible night live on FOX.

“Coming down to 168-pounds has been easy. I have an awesome team behind me and a phenomenal nutritionist. I should have cut down earlier. I’m excited and am going to make the most of this moment.

“This is when I shine. The fact that this fight is on FOX and millions of people can watch is incredible. Everybody here in Las Vegas should come to MGM Grand and watch me knock this guy out.”

EFE AJAGBA

“Every fight I’m in is a big one. Saturday night is going to be show time. I get to show what I do, because I train very hard. I train two hours a day, sometimes three times a day to get better.

“There’s no way this guy is going to beat me. I’m going to stop him in round one or two.

“I train for everything. Everything I do in the ring, I do in training first. If I don’t do it in training it, then it won’t work in the fight, so that’s why I always make sure I do it in training before I try anything in a fight.

“My opponent loves to fight. But, I do too. I love to fight and I love to box. When I fight him, I will knock him out.

“Saturday night I’m going to focus on my head movements and make sure that I throw a lot of punches. Right now, I’m going to show the world what boxing is all about. When I use my head movements, he’s not going to be able to see or hit my face. The moment I move, I throw punches.

“This is my chance. This is my dream. The fans motivate me. It’s on my mind and in my dreams to become a champion. My time is coming. It’s not now, but it’s coming, so I need to keep climbing.”

ALI EREN DEMIREZEN

“I am ready for Saturday night. It is a huge fight for me and I will be the winner. Efe Ajagba is just another fighter in my way. If I cannot beat Efe Ajagba, then I don’t need to fight anymore.

“I am working hard in training for this fight to be at my very best. My knockouts come from my hard work and I want another one on Saturday.

“I know Efe Ajagba from the 2016 Olympics. The last two or three months I have watched his fights because Ajagba fought someone else from our team, Mike Wallisch.

“Ajagba is nothing special when you watch him. I fully believe that I will knock him out.

“Ajagba has too much pressure on him because everybody expects a lot from him. His opponents have not been very good. Ajagba wants to use me like stairs but I will use him. My final destination is the heavyweight world title.

“I took this fight so that I can get even bigger fights. I am able to show the United States that I am a warrior and a good fighter. It was my dream to be a fighter and I’m going to show my skills this Saturday.”

# # #

ABOUT PLANT VS. LEE
FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

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.

ESPN + (10 p.m. ET)

Teofimo Lopez 134.4 lbs vs. Masayoshi Nakatani 134.4 lbs
(IBF Lightweight world title eliminator – 12 Rounds)

Maxim Dadashev 139.2 lbs vs. Subriel Matias 139.8 lbs
(IBF Junior Welterweight world title eliminator – 12 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

Dusty Hernandez-Harrison 159.8 lbs vs. Juan De Angel 164.8 lbs
(Middleweight – 8 Rounds)

Cassius Chaney 252.8 lbs vs. Joel Caudle 255.6 lbs
(Heavyweight – 8/6 Rounds)

Tyler Howard 161.8 lbs vs. Jamaal Davis 161.8 lbs
(Middleweight- 8 Rounds)

Tyler McCreary 133.2 lbs vs. Jessie Cris Rosales 134 lbs
(Lightweight – 8 Rounds)

Esquiva Falcao 161.2 lbs Jesus Antonio Gutierrez 161.2 lbs
(Middleweight – 10 Rounds)

Swing Bouts
Rolando Vargas 134.4 lbs Nathaniel Davis 134.6 lbs
(Lightweight- 4 Rounds)

Patrick Harris 138.6 lbs vs. Donald Ward 138.4 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 8/6 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the MGM National Harbor.

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

Use the hashtag #LopezNakatani to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

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. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.
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LAS VEGAS (July 18, 2019) – All-time boxing greats Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Winky Wright, plus WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter,previewed the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman showdown for media on Thursday ahead the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event taking place this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Two of the most popular Mexican fighters of their generation, Morales and Barrera both offered special insight into what it takes to match up against Pacquiao. A former four-division world champion, Morales faced Pacquiao three times, winning once, while Barrera, a three-division champion, battled Pacquiao twice, losing both contests.

A long-reigning 154-pound world champion during his career, Wright is from the same Tampa-area that Thurman hails from and has known Thurman since childhood. He was also trained by Thurman’s head coach Dan Birmingham. Porter and Thurman engaged in one of 2016’s most exciting fights, as Porter lost a narrow decision to Thurman before Porter went on to become a two-time welterweight champion last September.

Here is what the legends had to say Thursday from MGM Grand:

ERIK MORALES

“To win that fight I was very technical against Manny Pacquiao and that’s what Thurman needs to do and be prepared for, which I was on that night.

“You definitely have to have a good strategy against Manny Pacquiao, and you have to have your timing right against him because he will slip out. So you have to work on that, and if he gets out, you have to start again and pressure him.

“I’m definitely surprised that Pacquiao is still fighting at this age, due to the fact that he’s been through so many wars. So it’s definitely interesting that he’s still fighting at this high of a level. Then again, I’m not surprised because mentally and physically he’s still training and still maintaining a great training regiment, which he has always maintained all throughout his career.”

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA

“When you’re facing Manny Pacquiao, you know that he’s a strong, explosive, fast fighter. It’s very impactful when you see him there in front of you, but we have Morales here who was one of few men to beat him, so it is possible.

“It’s very difficult to face Pacquiao. He’s a lefty and sometimes he jumps a meter away from you and then he’s right back in front of you. I’m a fighter that’s very technical so that made it even harder to hit Manny Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao puts in a lot of pressure and is always on top of you. Psychologically it’s a tough fight to fight Manny Pacquiao at any time because you think that he is going to go back but then he switches it up. He maintains a constant pressure on you mentally.

“Pacquiao hits to the body a lot. When he hits that left right into the stomach, it’s devastating. That’s how he hit me in that first fight that we had. Now he’s fighting a younger guy, 10 years younger than him, he is really going to work the body on Saturday.

“At the end of the day we all get nervous when we go into the ring especially with such a big event. But once you get into the ring and start fighting, you start adapting to it and then the plan of attack that you have been training for comes into play.”

WINKY WRIGHT

“When I first met Keith Thurman it was clear the incredible power this young kid had as well as his will to win. I think Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter and he will come out throwing a lot of punches, but I think Keith Thurman’s jabs and movements are harder than Manny thinks.

“Every fighter bets on himself or believes in himself. When I fought I bet on myself because I believed I was going to win no matter what. Keith is a fighter that believes in his ability. He believes that he’s going to go out there and knock Manny Pacquiao out. How he does it is a different thing.

“Manny is a fighter that’s in and out. He has great movement and can throw quick punches. He’s tough but father time is undefeated. Father time will get everyone. We were all great at one point but as you get older you lose that step and that one tenth of a second that took us from being great to being normal.

“That fight against Josesito Lopez allowed Keith to get his timing back and get back into the ring and remember what it feels like to get hit. Shawn put a lot of pressure on fighters. and most can’t see how much pressure he puts on. By seeing the fight with Shawn and seeing the fight with Lopez, Keith is showing you his diverse boxing game. A lot of people don’t understand that.

“Manny can hurt you, he throws a lot of good body shots, a lot of good strong shots and he can hurt you. But, I just think Keith is on his game right now. If he dictates Manny’s ability to jump in and out, then he can win this fight.”

“Manny Pacquiao looks good hitting the mitts and the bags but the bags don’t hit back. Fighters will tell you that all the time. The mitts don’t hit back, but Keith Thurman hits back. Manny Pacquiao hits back. Whichever fighter can impose their will on the other fighter, that’s the fighter that’s going to win.

SHAWN PORTER

“We all know what Manny has done. He’s a living legend and you cannot take that away from him. I think when the fight was announced everyone saw the young lion coming out and taking over, but I think that as people are started to look at this fight as a whole, they are starting to see that Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao. I think he’s the favorite to win this fight for a reason.

“Keith is not out of character at all this promotion. One thing about Keith is he does not say anything that he does not mean. He believes in everything he says. The confidence that you see coming from him now is very real. The number one thing about Keith is that he has the will to win. With 29 wins and 0 losses, he figures out a way to do it and I think going into this fight he says the way he is going to beat Manny is by destroying him and making him retire. He believes that he can do that within three rounds. I’m not mad at him. I’m a firm believer that he’s going to go out there and try to put the gas to the pedal really quick and try to get Manny out of there.

“Traditionally these kind of generation vs. generation matchups happen. It hasn’t happened in a very long time in boxing, but this is a part of the tradition. There’s always a guy that comes and takes over by taking out the guy who’s considered to be the legend. Since Mayweather has made his exit, everyone is putting Manny Pacquiao in that position again.

“The fact that this fight is happening is the best part about it. There’s so many different variables that add up in this fight. I think that that’s the best part about this matchup. It’s really interesting and exciting. I can pick Manny or he can pick Keith but at the end of the day, we all have to watch on Saturday night. I think it’s going to be a big explosion.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao vs. Thurman will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

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.

New York, July 18th, 2019

Tomorrow nights (7/19) entire “Rockin’ Fights” card weighed-in today at Modell’s Sporting Goods, ahead of tomorrow night’s fights. Tomorrow night’s entire card, including the WBC FECARBOX Silver Title main-event between DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ and JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST and the ABO America’s Welterweight Title bout between RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION and DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH, will be available via FITE.TV PPV starting at 8:00PM/ET. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all five bouts and be available for just $14.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 35 TODAY!
FIGHT: FRIDAY, JULY 19TH, 2019
$50, $60, $100, $150, $200
BUY TICKETS HERE!
10-ROUND WBC FECARBOX SILVER SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT
DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ: 139.6 lbs.
JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST.: 138.4 lbs.

6-ROUND SUPER WELTERWEIGHT BOUT:
“THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES: 154.2 lbs.
RAY OLIVEIRA JR.: 152.8 lbs.

8-ROUND ABO AMERICA’S WELTERWEIGHT FEATURED BOUT
RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (Challenger): 146 lbs.
DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Champion): 146.6 lbs.

4-ROUND SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT:
JUSTICE BLAND: 120 lbs.
RAFAEL CASTILLO: 122.4 lbs.

4-ROUND SUPER WELTERWEIGHT BOUT:
JUAN MANCILLA: 153.2 lbs.
JERMAINE CORLEY: 150.4 lbs.

If you could not catch the weigh-in LIVE, watch HERE.

The Paramount Doors open at 7:00PM, Event begins at 7:30PM, FITE.TV Stream goes live at 8:00PM.

Bouts subject to change.

“Rockin’ Fights” is presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, on a great night of action at The Paramount, in Huntington, Long Island with a WBC FECARBOX Silver Title on the line in the main event between DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ vs JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST. Featured on the undercard will be highly touted prospect RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION challenging for the ABO America’s Welterweight Title against champion DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH, as well as undefeated, Long Island fan favorite, “THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES.
FIGHT NIGHT LIVE STREAM:
Friday night’s entire card, will be available via FITE.TV PPV starting at 8:00PM/ET. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all five bouts and be available for just $14.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website. Pre-order Rockin’ Fights 35, HERE.

Rockin’ Fights 35 Gonzalez vs Conquest Promo
For media use, please tag @StarBoxing
Rockin’ Fights 35 Gonzalez vs Conquest

INFO:
STAR BOXING is excited to return to its renown Long Island venue, The Paramount, on July 19th, for another thrilling night of “Rockin’ Fights.” The 35th edition of the acclaimed fight series yet again brings highly talented New York centric fighters, with an international flair to The Paramount. The main-event
features one of The Paramount’s favorites, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY 17-2-1 7KO’s), as he returns for his fourth main event against JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST (Philadelphia, PA 10-4 1KO) for the WBC FECARBOX Silver Super Lightweight Title. On the undercard, fan favorite TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES makes his much anticipated return, while highly touted welterweight prospect, RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (10-1 6KO’s) challenges for the ABO America’s Welterweight title, against champion DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Silver Springs, MD 3-2-1 2KO’s).

PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Rockin’ Fights 35 Card Announcement
Rockin’ Fights Media Credential Application
Rockin’ Fights 35: ABO America’s Title Bout – Austion vs Okoth
Rockin’ Fights 35 Official Media Schedule
Tyrone James; The Man Behind The Character
Rockin’ Fights 35 Press-Conference Reminder
Rockin’ Fights 35 Press-Conference Quotes & Photos
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 35 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, Camelot Limousine and The Tudor Advisory Group.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow all the action via social media at Star Boxing on Facebook, @StarBoxing on Instagram and @StarBoxing on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #RockinFights. For the latest Star Boxing events and news, follow @StarBoxing across all social platforms. Sign-up for our mailing list HERE.

NEW YORK (July 17, 2019)–Two members of the Split-T Management stable will be on display in supporting bouts on Friday night at The MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Undefeated middleweight Tyler Howard will take on hard-nosed Philly Fighter Jamaal Davis, while undefeated lightweight Rolando Vargas squares off with fellow undefeated fighter Nathaniel Lee Davis.

Those bouts will be part of the undercard of fellow Split-T fighter, Teofimo Lopez taking on Masayoshi Nakatani in an IBF Lightweight Elimination bout.

Howard of Crossville, Tennessee has a record of 17-0 with 11 knockouts. The 25 year-old Howard is eager to get back in the ring after his scheduled fight for June 28th fell out at the last moment when his opponent was 14 pounds over the contracted weight.

Howard is coming off the two best wins of his career as he stopped Isiah Seldon (12-1-1) in the 1st round; a win over Cristian Olivas (16-3) on February 15th.

In Davis, Howard will be taking on a veteran who has 33 fights on his ledger Davis has wins over Joey Damalavez (2-0), Terrence Williams (4-1) and Blake Mansfield (6-1-1).

Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Milwaukee, was a 2017 National Junior Olympic Champion, will take on undefeated Nathaniel Lee Davis (1-0) in a lightweight bout, scheduled for four-rounds.

Davis will be the 2nd undefeated opponent for Vargas in three fights.

The Top Rank promoted card can be seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 PM ET.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (July 18, 2019) – Trouble, oh Keith’s got trouble, right here in sin city! With a capital “T” and that rhymes with “D” and that stands for demolished! World-famous Freddie Roach, half Hall of Fame trainer and half Professor Harold Hill, was in a lyrical mood on Wednesday after watching boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) go through a light workout before heading over to the final press conference. The amazin’ Manny, 40, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, is just two days away from challenging undefeated WBA welterweight super world champion ketchup king Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida. The Pacquiao – Thurman welterweight world title attraction headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, this Saturday, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

“Thurman is ten years younger than Manny and Manny is the one who has been more active. This will be Manny’s third world title fight in 12 months! The pressure is all on Thurman to perform. I think he will make a show of it early and come after Manny. That’s when reality will set it,” said Roach. “Thurman will try to keep up with Manny’s pace and that’s when ‘One Time’ finds out what it’s like to fight All Time. Thurman will then be faced with an unenviable choice. Does he run away from an old man like Broner, or get pushed around the ring by an old man, like Matthysse? Manny will have the Fighter of the Year award wrapped up after this one.”

A bemused Manny laughed out lout after hearing Freddie…but he didn’t disagree.

“There is a big percentage that this fight will not go 12 rounds. That is not a prediction, just my analysis. If he goes toe-to-toe with me that will be lovely. It will make it a shorter fight.” said Manny. “Keith Thurman is a good fighter. His record shows that. His record also shows who he has fought. His era of opposition is a lot different than mine. The difference between the mentality of my era compared to Keith Thurman’s is I have a strong passion for the sport of boxing and he seems to have other interests. I still have something to prove at age forty. This is not about my legacy. It is about adding an important milestone to my résumé. It is about proving that at forty I can still fight anyone, that I am still relevant in boxing. I have pushed myself to the limit in training camp and I am prepared to push myself to the limit on July 20. Keith Thurman has talked a good game. We will see how far he is willing to push himself on Saturday night.”

**************************

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN

Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

The Pacquiao-Thurman Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, remaining tickets for the event can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

For more information:

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

NEW YORK (July 18, 2019)–Boxing’s hottest star, undefeated lightweight Teofimo Lopez takes what should be the last step towards securing a world title when he takes on Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0, 12 KOs) in the main event of a big card tomorrow night at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The fight is an IBF Title Eliminator, will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 10:00 ET. (The card begins at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN+).

With the win, Lopez will be set up for a fall showdown with IBF world champion Richard Commey.

Lopez of Brooklyn, New York has had a meteoric rise up the lightweight division as he has compiled a record of 13-0 with 11 knockouts.

The charismatic 21 year-old Lopez first must get through the undefeated visitor from Osaka, Japan.

Nakatani is the long-time OBPF Lightweight champion, who has cleaned out the best fighters in Japan, and will be making his United States debut.

“Training camp was great this time around, and I just loved how everything was put to schedule,” said Lopez, who is coming off a 5th round stoppage over Edis Tatli on April 20th at Madison Square Garden.

“Nakatani is no pushover, and I know he’s going to come and try to win this fight. He’s undefeated, and is a lot taller than me so he has the advantage with his reach. I trust my coach and my team that our game plan is going to work, and I see us knocking Nakatani out before 12 rounds.”

“A win for me will lead us to become the mandatory challenger to face the IBF World Champion Richard Commey.

Lopez is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Warriors Boxing of South Florida and Russia-based Ural Promotions proudly announce the signing of highly coveted blue-chip light heavyweight prospect Osvary David Morrell Gutierrez of Cuba to a long-term promotional contract.

21-year-old Morrell Gutierrez is a fighter considered by many a Vasyl Lomachenko-level talent and one of the most promising fighters to ever come out of Cuba. Among his many amateur distinctions, he was a 2017 Cuban National Champion, a 2016 AIBA World Youth Champion in St. Petersburg, Russia, named “Best Boxer of the Tournament” and a 2018 India Open International Boxing Tournament in New Delhi, India.

Morrell Gutierrez finished his amateur career with an astounding record of 130-2, having only lost to his legendary countryman and Olympic gold medalist, Julio César la Cruz, in a fight many had him winning and to Canada’s Harvey David O’Reilly in Canada, a loss which he later avenged.

Legendary boxing manager/promoter and now Warriors Boxing Chief Operating Officer, Luis DeCubas can’t heap enough praise on the young phenom.

“Most people that know Cuban boxing think this is the best kid to ever come out Cuba. I really believe he will take over the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions,” said DeCubas. “This is a great signing and I’m very proud to be involved with him and Ural Promotions on this.”

DeCubas, who has worked with many of the greatest fighters of the last 30 years, says Morrell Gutierrez is on another level.

“He’s special. He’s like a Lomachenko with power. He has perfect timing and great footwork and he can crack. Bob Arum thought enough of Lomachenko to put him in a world title fight in his second fight. This guy is the same thing. Five fights and he can be in with a top-10 guy. He’s like a Sugar Ray Robinson type of fighter and a nice-looking kid on top of it. He is going to be a star of the highest order in boxing.”

Morrell Gutierrez arrived yesterday in Miami and is going to live and train there for his professional debut, which will probably be some time in August.

“I am now signed with the team I needed to become a world champion from Cuba,” said Morrell Gutierrez. “I have been dreaming of coming to the United States to become world champion since I started boxing. I am very honored, and I will make all of Cuba proud of my accomplishments.”

Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules said Morrell Gutierrez won’t need long to make his mark in boxing.

“This is the kind of fighter who comes along once in a generation. You don’t go 130-2 as an amateur in Cuba unless you are an extraordinary talent. We are going to help Osvary become a superstar in the sport in quick fashion. He’s not going to need the kind of warm-up fights that other prospects do. He’s already one of the best fighters in his division and he’s only going to get better and stronger as he matures. It’s exciting to be involved in this from his very first fight.”

About Warriors Boxing:

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts featured on pay-per-view, as well as networks and streaming services such as DAZN, Showtime, HBO, ESPN+, Bounce and Fox Sports.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Former amateur star George Davey says he is realising a childhood dream by signing up to turn professional with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

The super welterweight, with more than 50 amateur fights to his name, trains out of York with former European and Commonwealth champion Henry Wharton having left the family home in Lanzarote in order to dedicate himself to the sport.

Now 21, Davey returned to his place of birth to live with his grandmother four years ago and he subsequently won the Yorkshire Elite title – defending it three times – as well as the Northern Area title and is a two-times winner of the Haringey Box Cup.

He will now turn professional under the Queensberry Promotions banner and Davey couldn’t be happier over the development, having essentially swapped the beach for the boxing ring.

“It is unbelievable for me,” he said. “Basically, right from when I was a kid and I started boxing, I have wanted to sign up with Frank. Now my dream has become reality.

“I used to watch all the old fights he promoted and now I have a massive opportunity myself that I am very grateful for. My trainer Henry (Wharton) got in touch with Frank and spoke highly of me, so Frank said let’s get it on, we had a meeting and here we are now.

“I started boxing in Lanzarote and had a couple of fights there, but knew I would have to move to England to push on so I came to York to train with Henry and he got me 50 amateur fights, so it has gone well.

“I made the sacrifice of moving back after 17 years in Lanzarote from being couple of months old hoping it would pay off and it looks like it is.”

Promoter Frank Warren added on his new signing: “We are always an open door for talented young fighters and George fits right into this category.

“Taking on young fighters from day one and developing them towards major titles is what I love to do and hopefully George will become another success story.”

You can follow George Davey’s journey on his official Instagram page: /georgedavey_97

INDIO, CALIF. (July 18, 2019): A huge battle between two undefeated super lightweight prospects heads to the Coachella Valley as Luis Feliciano (12-0, 8 KOs) takes on Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round main event of the Aug. 22 edition Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The fights will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation.

Feliciano is a 26-year-old boxer who is defined by his humility outside the ring and his dangerous killer instinct in the ring. The native of Milwaukee, Wis. has his roots Puerto Rico, where he has developed a strong following after fighting there several times since debuting as a professional in 2017. Feliciano, who is under the tutelage of the renowned trainer Ben Liraand managed by Ralph Heredia, is ready to take his career to the next level.

“I’m more than ready for my career to take off,” said Luis Feliciano. “I’ve been staying really busy fighting here in the United States and in Puerto Rico. That’s going to make the difference in this fight, along with my skills. This fight is going to make me into a contender, so I’m going to work very hard to get my hand raised.”

Gamez is a native of San Diego, Calif. who possess an explosive style that combines speed and power. Since making his debut in 2016, Gamez has maintained an unblemished record, though he has had some issues making weight in previous fights. The 24-year-old pugilist maintains that his issues are in the past, and he’ll now fight at 140 pounds. Gamez will take on toughest test of his career in a battle that will demonstrate which one of these young fighters is destined for a world title shot.

“I’m back and I’m stronger than ever,” said Genaro Gamez.”I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this, so I’m excited to demonstrate my skills. When I have a big challenge, I perform even better, so I look forward to obtaining a great victory against Luis Feliciano.”

In the co-main event, Blair “Flair” Cobbs (11-0-1, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight against Steve “Manos de Oro” Villalobos(11-0-1, 9 KOs) of Mount Vernon, Wash. in a 10-round welterweight battle.

Kevin Ventura (10-0, 8 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska will participate in a six-round lightweight fight against Brian Gallegos (6-1, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (6-0, 4 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico will fight Chris “Milly” Ousley (11-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois in a six-round super welterweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.

Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (5-0, 5 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas will participate in a six-round super welterweight fight.

Anthony Garnica (3-0, 2 KOs) of Oakland, Calif. will fight in a four-round super bantamweight clash.

Opponents for the undercard will be announced shortly.

Feliciano vs. Gamez is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.”The fight will take place Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area, click here.

Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com

Media interested covering Feliciano vs Gamez must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, Aug. 19 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential on-site, no expectations.

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

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

LAS VEGAS (July 17, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before their blockbuster showdown that headlines the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also in attendance at the press conference and going face-to-face Wednesday were welterweights Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa and Yordenis Ugás, who meet in a 12-round WBC title eliminator, former champion Sergey Lipinets and John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr, who go toe-to-toe in a 10-round welterweight match, plus former bantamweight champions Luis “Pantera” Nery and Juan Carlos Payano, who meet in a 12-round bout. The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Prior to the press conference, the pay-per-view undercard fighters participated in media workouts along with fighters competing on FOX PBC Fight Night preceding the pay-per-view. That show is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee, plus unbeaten heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Ali Eren Demirezen.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. Plant vs. Lee is presented by Sweethands Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday.

MANNY PACQUIAO

“For me nothing is personal. I have to do my job and there is nothing personal with him. Our job is to fight and he has to prove something, and I have to prove something. That’s why I’m so motivated for this fight and this training camp. It’s also my first time fighting on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View, so I’m excited to fight on Saturday.

“I’m just always smiling no matter what Keith says. It’s easy to say things, but it’s not easy to do it in the ring. I’ve been in this sport longer than Keith Thurman, so my experience will be the difference.

“This is going to be an exciting fight and a once-in-a-lifetime fight. Like he has said, there is going to be a lot of action in the ring. I respect my opponent because we both believe we can give a good fight to the fans. That’s our first concern. The fans and the enjoyment of the fans.

“That’s Thurman’s style to talk a lot. Like I said, it gives me more motivation to focus, and it has helped me a lot leading up to this fight.

“I’m not predicting a knockout for this fight, but we did our best in this training camp. I’m focused and motivated, so we’ll see. I’ll do my best to make the fans happy.

“My feeling right now is happiness and excitement to prove that at the age of 40, I can still show my best.

“Boxing is my passion. I love to play basketball, but you are a team, you don’t know which people are shooting, you or your teammates. Boxing is you alone. When people are cheering for you, it is for you.

“We did our best in training and I believe we are physically ready, as well as spiritually ready. I expect a good fight so tune-in Saturday. The way Thurman spoke today, I hope he will live up to it on Saturday.”

KEITH THURMAN

“I’m looking forward to the fight. I’m looking forward to the final moment when my hand is raised. It’s been a build-up and a progression my whole career toward this moment on Saturday night.

“Manny isn’t going to do anything. With the little ‘T-Rex’ arms. He’s about to get beat up. I get to punch a Senator in the face and he’s going to feel it. If he’s upset about it, he can do something about it Saturday night. It’s called swing, swing, swing baby.

“I’m a winner in life, and to bet on myself to win in the opening rounds, it makes me do what I said earlier, which is swing, swing, swing. You’ve got to swing to hit a home run. You can’t just sit there and pump fake all day.

“It’s an honor to be here at MGM Grand. I’m truly looking forward to this fight. We’ve had a terrific, terrific training camp.

“I say I’m going to put him to sleep because I’ve got power. I want to remind the world of something. Something very simple: I’m Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman. I have the name for a reason. Not a short season.

“I feel like I’ve made boxing history. When I beat Danny Garcia, we were two undefeated welterweight champions. In boxing history, there haven’t been many times when WBA and the WBC was unified with two undefeated welterweights. But, I don’t think it’s enough to really solidify a legacy. So, I do need the victory to further my own personal legacy come Saturday night.

“Do you understand people fight in the street for no money? I’m living a dream to be on this stage, to be on this platform, to have this camera, this camera, that camera, all in front of me.

“This really is the outcome of an individual living out their dream. It all comes together on Saturday night.

“I’ve been saying it over and over again, don’t be surprised if Manny Pacquiao goes night-night.”

OMAR FIGUEROA

“I have never prepared better than I have for this fight and I am ready to prove that Saturday night.

“It means the world to me to be in this position, especially because of all of the injuries I’ve had and the setbacks. It’s my third fight in almost four years. I am just grateful for this opportunity.

“Everything is going well for me including in my last fight. There’s often something that happens, but thankfully this camp I have been completely healthy. We were very smart in camp. We were very careful. We sparred the rounds that felt like we needed to spar. I closed camp with 12 hard rounds and I haven’t been able to do that in a while because of injuries. It just feels good mentally and all around. I don’t think I have ever been in a better place.

“Fighting gets my juices flowing. I feel like I was born to fight. I have been doing this for 24 years now. This is what I live for.

“This camp I’ve felt great. I was healthy and I did exactly what I needed to do inside the ring as far as sparring and everything. I took care of my hands and my body. Mentally I’m at the best place I’ve ever been.

“My close people know that I’m taking this extremely serious. They see how I am in camp. I’ve been doing this for 24 years and it takes a toll on the body. For this fight, I’m healthy and everything is looking good. I’m probably on weight right now, and if not I still have more than enough time.

“If I stay healthy during the fight, it’s not going the distance.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m really happy to get a second opportunity to earn a world title shot. What happened against Shawn Porter is in the past and I’m only looking into the future, which is Saturday night.

“Omar Figueroa is a very strong fighter who throws a lot of punches. I believe his fighting style in combination with mine will make a very exciting fight.

“A win will put me back in contention for a world title shot, which is what I want. I see the fight as 50/50 but I am only focused on my fight, nothing beyond it.

“I predict that I will win. I’m going to give it all I’ve got. No matter If it goes the full 12 rounds, I am going to fight hard for every send.

“There are many other good Cuban fighters such as Erislandy Lara, Luis Ortiz and so on, but I feel as though I am the best. It’s up to me to prove it.

“I am focused on my fight right now but either Shawn Porter or Errol Spence Jr. has a good shot of winning and I would absolutely be ready to face either one.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“I’m very happy and I’m excited that I have this opportunity to fight on a show like this. I’m one hundred percent prepared for this fight, and I believe John is ready to fight as well. So I know it’s going to end up being a great fight.

“If someone were to tell me two years ago to imagine myself on this stage, I would never believe it. But, I’m here now and I’m here to make a statement. Everyone is going to be happy to see this fight.

“We changed corners as you know. Joe is in my corner right now and I’m very excited. It motivates me and he gives me a new boxing game and teaches me things that I’ve never even thought about. When it comes to John Molina Jr., whatever he brings into the ring, we have an answer to. There’s not going to be any question marks.

“Well ironically, we started here in the U.S. first at Joe’s gym. Finally, we came full circle and I chose to go back to Joe.

“Joe Goossen made me a different fighter. My defense got way better. I’m punching in a way where I’m hurting people more and that’s just what Joe Goossen does.

“Making weight is all about discipline, what you eat, how you maintain your weight outside of the ring and that’s what we do. If you are a professional athlete that’s what you do. I’m still maintaining my life style.

“I have Joe Goossen right now as my lead trainer, so I feel very confident. Prior to the Lamont Petersons fight, he got me in the gym and gave me a new way of fighting and I believe you saw that in the fight with Lamont Peterson. I’m trying to carry on that momentum into the fight with Molina. It’s going to be a great fight and no one is going to be disappointed.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“It’s very special to be a part of this platform. I love what I do. I love putting on for all of the fans and Saturday night is going to be a great night of fights.

“This is my job. I have been here before a million times and now it’s time for me to do my job on Saturday. Lipinets has a style that excites me because of what I can do as well to make this a great fight. The fans are in for a treat.

“He’s a tough guy and he’s going to come forward. I’m not going to have to go find him. I’m very excited about the fight. He’s going to be a good opponent and it’s going to be a good fight.

“My strong points are my power and my will to win. I look to do my job and I’m always in a position to do it. I’m always in a position to showcase to the world why I’m here.

“Lipinets is a tough guy and he he fared well against Mikey Garcia who’s one of the best, so he’s definitely a good fighter. I need to be sharp and use my experience to take advantage of him.

“I’ve been in there with the best. I’ve been in there with everybody. There’s nothing that man can do Saturday night that’s going to surprise me. So it’s up to me to capitalize on that and take advantage of it.

“I love the fact that the fans respect my craft and what I do. Because I put my everything into this fight game. Everything that I’ve ever earned and that I’ve grinded for it. This is why I give my all every time.

“I am going to use my experience to my advantage and I am going to come out on top.”

LUIS NERY

“I am very honored to be here especially with all of my Mexican fans and all of my fans from around the world. I am very pleased and thankful to be on such a great card with Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

“My strength and power comes from my heart. It will all be on display Saturday night.

“We are going to go straight at Payano. We are going to put the pressure on. We are going to go for the knockout, if it doesn’t come, we had a great camp in Puerto Rico and we are ready for whatever he brings to the table.”

“Being on this card means a lot. First I was on the Errol Spence vs. Mikey Garcia card, now its Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman. I look forward to going after (WBC 118-pound champ) Nordine Oubaali, who has the title I used to hold.

“I don’t think Nordine Oubaali fought well at all. He’s a good fighter but I don’t see him doing well in the ring with me. That’s my title and I’m going to win it back, 100 percent. He’s the champion but that’s my title and I’m ready for the opportunity and he’s going to have to step his game up when he gets in the ring with me.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I am very honored to be on this card. It is a very exciting card with both Pacquiao and Thurman, which will be a great fight. I am honored to be able to be fight for the chance to become world champion again.

“My goal is to become champion once again. I am very prepared and have worked extremely hard over the years for this chance.

“This is going to be a great fight for the fans and that’s what I’m all about. I have the skills and the determination to beat any fighter in the division. I have to show my improvement on Saturday.

“It is no secret that Nery is a power puncher, but it is not the first power puncher I have fought and it certainly won’t be the last. On Saturday night two warriors are going to get up there but only one is going to walk out victorious. I look forward to being the victorious one.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao vs. Thurman will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

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.

OXON HILL, Md. (July 17, 2019) —Teofimo Lopez is on the fast track to a world title shot. Standing in his way is a fellow unbeaten fighter, Masayoshi Nakatani, the longtime OBPF lightweight king who represents the stiffest test of Lopez’s young career.

Lopez (13-0, 11 KOs) and Nakatani (18-0, 12 KOs) will meet Friday at MGM National Harbor in an IBF world title eliminator, with the winner assured a shot at world champion Richard Commey later this year. The stakes are high, and Lopez, who has never gone past seven rounds as a pro, might have to go significant professional rounds for the first time. The consensus 2018 Prospect of the Year, Lopez has knocked out his last five opponents, most recently stopping Edis Tatli in five rounds April 20 on the Terence Crawford-Amir Khan pay-per-view undercard.

Lopez-Nakatani and the IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator between unbeatens Maxim Dadashev and Subriel Matias will stream live on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The middleweight clash between Esquiva Falcao and Jesus Antonio Gutierrez will be the featured bout on the undercard stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Two days before his first main event as a pro, at a media workout at Old School Boxing, this is what Lopez had to say.
On Friday’s fight

“I see myself as a performer in the ring, and I am coming to the MGM National Harbor to put on a show. I have respect for Nakatani because he is undefeated like me, but nobody is going to stand in my way.”

On the future

“This is what my father and I have worked for since I started training as a young kid. He envisioned this type of success for me, and here we are, headlining a card on ESPN+ one win away from a world title shot.”

“We all know what is at stake on Friday. But if you think too far ahead, you get careless. Nakatani is my only concern right now. After Friday night, we can talk about the future. Nakatani has been fighting 12-rounders since before I turned pro, so he has a lot of valuable experience. I believe my talent will outweigh his experience.”

“I say this before all of my fights — I go in there to take over the show. I’m a main event fighter now, and that won’t change. When people watch me fight, they put down their phones because they don’t want to miss anything. For the boxing fans living in the Northeast, come down and watch me fight. And if you can’t make it down, check out the best show of the weekend on ESPN+.”

On his role as an entertainer

“I do all of that stuff — the backflips and the Fortnite celebrations — because I want to entertain. I want people to remember my name. I’m a fighter, but I am also an entertainer. That’s been lost in today’s game. I’m unique in the sport of boxing.”

On his recent weight struggles

“The weight is not an issue. I’ve been working with a new nutrition team, Perfecting Athletes, and they have made all the difference. I’ll be able to make lightweight for a few more fights.”

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the MGM National Harbor.

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

Use the hashtag #LopezNakatani to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

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. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

LAS VEGAS (July 17, 2019) – Rising lightweight Ladarius “Memphis” Miller shared his thoughts on his current training camp and more as he nears his showdown against former world champion Jezzrel Corrales taking place Saturday, July 27 live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.

The 25-year-old Miller (19-1, 6 KOs) most recently scored a first round knockout of Daulis Prescott in February and will look to keep the momentum going into his fight on July 27in the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“Building off of my last camp and fight, which was on the Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz card, and bringing that energy into this camp has really helped,” said Miller. “My goal is to do everything better, go harder, and add a few things that will help to better prepare me but also to work smarter.

“The main thing is we’ve been working hard and going the extra mile. Whether it’s more rounds on the bag and in sparring or extra miles during my runs. I’ve sparred with some veterans who have helped me tweak little things here and there. I had the chance to work with some of the younger top-level guys.”

Originally from Memphis but living and fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and has been buoyed by advice from all-time great Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.

“Floyd has come in the gym a few times and watched me work and gave me some pointers while I was working the bag, he’s always helped me throughout my career to get better as a fighter,” said Miller. “Leonard always makes the time to give me motivation any time he sees me. They both watch me to see how I’m developing as a fighter and keep me focused.”

“Ladarius continues to mature inside and outside of the ring and he has a bright future ahead of him,” said Ellerbe. “I’m really excited to see him take advantage of this opportunity on this huge SHOWTIME platform. I’m looking forward to watching him go to work and do his thing.”

Since suffering a decision loss in 2016, Miller has won 10 fights in a row, adding five knockouts to his resume, plus a victory over current world champion Jamel Herring. By facing a steady slew of veterans and contenders, Miller is in position for a world title fight in the not too distant future.

“I’ve faced many of the toughest contenders in my division,” said Miller. “It shows that I can be one of the best in my weight class as long as I continue to work hard. Having said that, preparing for a guy like Corrales who’s also a former world champion isn’t anything new for me, but I don’t look past him as an opponent.”

Corrales represents perhaps the toughest test of Miller’s career and gives him a chance to make another statement on his climb towards his world championship goal. Corrales won a 130-pound title with a shocking win over longtime champion Takashi Uchiyama and made two successful defenses of his title before losing it in 2017. He has since moved up to the lightweight division and bounced back with a knockout victory in April.

“I’ve watched a few fights,” said Miller. “I’ve seen a few mistakes he’s made and I know what he does well. I’m really prepared for this fight. I know I’m going to win. I’ve prepared myself to perform at my highest peak. Whatever he decides to show in the ring, I’m prepared for it all.”

This will be Miller’s first appearance on SHOWTIME as he seeks to send a message to the rest of the lightweight division that he is next in line.

“The fact that I can see myself getting closer to my dream and goal of becoming a world champion is motivation enough,” said Miller. “Each morning I wake up and it’s the first thing on my mind and it’s the last thing on my mind when I go to sleep. No matter how tired I may get in camp, knowing what’s right in front of me is the motivation. These are life-changing opportunities ahead for me and I want that title shot and I’m going to get it.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with GTD Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Royal Farms Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.

# # #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. NÚÑEZ
Davis vs. Núñez will see two-time super featherweight champion and Baltimore native Gervonta “Tank” Davis become the first fighter from Baltimore in almost 80 years to make a homecoming title defense when he defends his WBA title against mandatory challenger Ricardo “Científico” Núñez live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 27 from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature former world champions Yuriorkis Gamboa and Roman “Rocky” Martínez battling in a 10-round lightweight attraction while lightweight contender Ladarius “Memphis” Miller meets former world champion Jezzrel “El Invisible” Corrales in a 10-round showdown.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, follow on Twitter @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @PremierBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Star Boxing held its official press-conference ahead of “Rockin’ Fights” 35 at The Paramount, this Friday, July 19th. The press-conference took place at Tutto Pazzo restaurant in Huntington. If you were unable to attend, you can re-watch the press-conference HERE. Tickets to Rockin’ Fights are still available via ticketmaster.com, and can be purchased at The Paramount box office.

Fighters and Star Boxing promoter JOE DEGUARDIA took to the podium to speak on their upcoming bouts and the excitement behind this Friday’s, night of fights. This will be the 35thedition of the acclaimed series at The Paramount. Friday nights card features some of The Paramount fan favorites including, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ,in the main event, as well as, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES in the co-feature and Brooklyn native and pro-debuter, JUSTICE “LIL NASTY” BLAND on the undercard.

Star Boxing promoter Joe DeGuardia kicked off the event by speaking on the thrilling card that is set to go this Friday, “We have a whole host of fights that should interest fans as always here at The Paramount.” DeGuardia continued The Paramount has seen some boxing greats develop through the “Rockin’ Fights” series in Joe Smith Jr., Chris Algieri and Cletus Seldin, and I believe we have some of the next stars in boxing on this card.”

In the main-event, Danny “El Gallo” Gonzalez is set to make his tenth appearance at The Paramount, and fight in his fourth main event. Danny had this to say about Friday nights WBC FECARBOX Silver Title bout against JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST, “I want to thank Joe for having me on the card. I am excited for Friday. The energy at The Paramount is one of a kind and brings something out in me. I’m looking to make a statement and that’s my goal in this fight.” Danny continued speaking on his childhood, “I’m looking to make a statement and that’s my goal in this fight. Anyone can do anything in life. I was 250 lbs., fat and out of shape with no self-esteem. I used that as fuel, and I am here today, and I am doing pretty good right now.”

In the co-feature, undefeated super welterweight, Tyrone James will be making his eighth appearance at The Paramount in a 6-round bout against RAY OLIVEIRA JR.. James is ready to bring the energy Friday night, “Since we are still in July there is going to be fireworks. I’m coming for the knockout and if it happens it happens, but I promise you will see a great show. I want to thank God, Star Boxing and Joe DeGuardia for this opportunity.”

Finally, super bantamweight Justice Bland took to the podium. Bland will be making his pro-debut against Bronx native, RAFAEL CASTILLO in a 4-round bout. As an amateur standout, Bland was not shy about the feeling of making his pro-debut, “I have jitters, but they are good jitters. I am ready to show everyone what I have. I am a Brooklyn kid, and I am just happy to be on this card and I am blessed to be here.”

In the opening bout of the night, JUAN MANCILLA of East Hampton will be taking on JERMAINE CORLEY of Mount Vernon in a 4-round super welterweight bout that is set to be a brawl from the opening bout. Also on the card, is the return of highly touted prospect, and amateur standout RONNIE AUSTION who will be challenging for the ABO America’s Welterweight Championship against DENNIS OKOTH.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 35 TODAY!
FIGHT: FRIDAY, JULY 19TH, 2019
$50, $60, $100, $150, $200
BUY TICKETS HERE!
FIGHT NIGHT LIVE STREAM:
Friday night’s entire card, will be available via FITE.TV PPV. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all five bouts and be available for just $14.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website. Pre-order Rockin’ Fights 35, HERE.

Rockin’ Fights 35 Gonzalez vs Conquest Promo
For media use, please tag @StarBoxing
Rockin’ Fights 35 Gonzalez vs Conquest

INFO:
STAR BOXING is excited to return to its renown Long Island venue, The Paramount, on July 19th, for another thrilling night of “Rockin’ Fights.” The 35th edition of the acclaimed fight series yet again brings highly talented New York centric fighters, with an international flair to The Paramount. The main-event
features one of The Paramount’s favorites, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY 17-2-1 7KO’s), as he returns for his fourth main event against JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST (Philadelphia, PA 10-4 1KO) for the WBC FECARBOX Silver Super Lightweight Title. On the undercard, fan favorite TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES makes his much anticipated 2019 debut, while highly touted welterweight prospect, RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (10-1 6KO’s) challenges for the ABO America’s Welterweight title, against champion DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Silver Springs, MD 3-2-1 2KO’s).

PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Rockin’ Fights 35 Card Announcement
Rockin’ Fights Media Credential Application
Rockin’ Fights 35: ABO America’s Title Bout – Austion vs Okoth
Rockin’ Fights 35 Official Media Schedule
Tyrone James; The Man Behind The Character
Rockin’ Fights 35 Press-Conference Reminder
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 35 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, Camelot Limousine and The Tudor Advisory Group.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow all the action via social media at Star Boxing on Facebook, @StarBoxing on Instagram and @StarBoxing on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #RockinFights. For the latest Star Boxing events and news, follow @StarBoxing across all social platforms. Sign-up for our mailing list HERE.

DILLIAN WHYTE:

“I’m good. I feel strong and fit. I saw Oscar Rivas throw a few punches in there and he looks strong and he looks big. His arms a dense, chest dense, legs dense, everything dense. He looks good.

“We’ve been working on the same things. We’re just trying to get better and better. People forget I had seven amateur fights. Most of my learning was done sparring guys like David Haye, David Price, Klitschko, Chisora, all of these guys.

“I fought a couple of these guys but I was their sparring partner at the start so my learning has been from training with these guys. I’m at a high level but I’m still learning. We just work on it until we get better and better. 

“Boxing is a strange sport. we’ve been told this for over 607 days and it ain’t happened yet. I just keep fighting. I just want to give the fans the best fights I can. I could have fought someone else. I’m still learning and I want to challenge myself so we picked Oscar Rivas.

“He’s not really someone that you pick. You fight Oscar Rivas if you have to fight him for a World title or as a mandatory challenger. What the heck, we’re in the game to try and make history and do the best we can. These kind of guys, if we I beat these guys, I’m piggy-banking on their amateur experience and their experience. This is another step in the right direction. 

“I don’t even know what the best of me looks like yet. Even the strength and conditioning guys keep saying to me ‘you don’t know your limit, we don’t know your limit because we haven’t been there yet’. There’s still probably another 20% or 30% of improvement left to come across the board. I’m just excited and working. The longer these guys leave me the better I’m getting.”

DAVE ALLEN:

“I don’t really care enough about anything in life for it to be a pressurised situation for myself.

“If David Price loses against me I know it will upset him because I never boxed when he was the next Klitschko, I had never even boxed in my life.

“So he must beat me otherwise it’s the end, where I will keep going. I’ve got no shame. I’ll fight anywhere, anyone. The pressure is all on him.

“It’s a massive advantage having Darren in my corner. I hope I don’t have to come back to the corner at the end of round one. I think it could go that quick, he hits hard enough and I hid hard enough and he’s fragile enough.

“If I hit him he could go and if he hits me I could go. That’s why it’s so intriguing because one of us will get knocked out at some point. It just depends when, how, where, who.

“I really excited to be involved in it, it’s a really exciting fight. I always wanted to be involved in these kind of fights. I’ve got all the respect in the world for David Price, I know what he’s capable of and I’m just excited by the whole week.

“I just want to keep going. I know what the prize is for this fight and I guess realistically that’s what has kept me going.

“I’m a lazy man, I like to eat, I like to go out and do things I shouldn’t do, so I do need something to keep me going and I’ve had that in this fight and I’ve got Darren as well to keep me on the straight and narrow.

“Everything has gone well for this fight, everything is 100 per cent. There’s no excuses, I’m really happy and when I’m happy I’m dangerous.”DAVID PRICE:

“It’s a pick-em fight for the public, so it’s going to be exciting to watch.

“Dave’s got a bit of momentum and I’ve got a bit of momentum. Dave Allen fits the bill for the next step up after Tom Little and Kash Ali. 

“No pressure whatsoever because I’m the B-side in this fight and it’s kind of nice, it’s refreshing because Dave Allen is the favourite.

“I know I’m capable and what I’m supposed to do on the night.”

Whyte vs. Rivas tops a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (17-4-2, 14 KOs) tackles Liverpudlian Heavyweight David Price (24-6, 19 KOs) in a must-win domestic showdown, former World title challengers Derek Chisora (30-9, 21 KOs) and Artur Szpilka (22-3, 15 KOs) clash in an explosive Heavyweight match-up, big-hitting London Cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe (9-0, 8 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental title against Bournemouth’s undefeated Chris Billam-Smith (9-0, 8 KOs), Canning Town’s Charlie Duffield (7-1, 6 KOs) clashes with Lewisham’s Dan Azeez (8-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant Southern Area Light-Heavyweight title, Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Cruiserweight title against Mariano Gudino (13-2, 8 KOs), Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (7-0, 6 KOs) continues his march towards a title and Sheffield amateur star Dalton Smith (1-0) fights for the second time.

LOS ANGELES (July 17, 2019): Golden Boy and Canelo Alvarez have made the strategic decision to postpone their typical September fight. The decision was made in an effort to secure the right opponent and to do justice to the level of promotion required for a boxing star of his magnitude. Though Canelo typically fights in May and September, it is not without precedent to fight later in the year as Canelo did fight in December of 2018 in Madison Square Garden. Canelo’s next fight will now take place later in 2019.

“As a Mexican, it’s a responsibility and an honor to represent my country in both May and September,” said Canelo Alvarez. “Those are my dates. However, as a world champion in multiple weight classes, I also have the responsibility of delivering the most exciting and competitive fights possible. That’s why Golden Boy and my team have decided to postpone the date in order to do right by my fans by promoting the best fight possible and with the best opponent possible.”

PHILADELPHIA (July 17, 2019) — Robeisy Ramirez, one of the greatest Cuban amateur boxers ever, has a date for his long-awaited professional debut. The two-time Olympic gold medalist will take on an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on the undercard of Carl Frampton’s featherweight battle against Emmanuel Dominguez.

The Ramirez fight will stream live as part of the undercard broadcast on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Peltz Boxing and Queensberry Promotions, tickets priced at $100, $55 and $35 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at the Liacouras Center Box Office and www.liacourascenter.com, or by calling Peltz Boxing at 215-765-0922.“I started boxing when I was 10 years old,” Ramirez said. “After winning two Olympic gold medals, I knew I wanted to join the world of professional boxing. I hope I can achieve the same success professionally that I did as an amateur, and I believe that Top Rank will provide me with the path to fulfill my dreams.
“I am 25 years old with a lot of experience fighting the best fighters in the world. This is the first step on my journey to a professional world title.”

Ramirez, from Cienfuegos, Cuba, won the second of his gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, edging current promotional stablemate Shakur Stevenson in the final. He made history at the 2012 London Olympics when, at the age of 18, he became the youngest men’s Olympic boxing champion in 32 years. Ramirez defected from Cuba last year while at training camp in Mexico and is ready to bring his amateur pedigree to the paid ranks.

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

Use the hashtags #FramptonDominguez and #Robeisy to join the conversation on social media.

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About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
 
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. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.