ORANGE, Calif. (July 24, 2019) – Rising lightweight Ruben Torres (9-0, 7 KOs) makes his headlining debut against veteran Ruben Tamayo (27-13-4, 18 KOs) this Friday, July 26, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Thompson Boxing caught up with Torres and got his take on facing the veteran Tamayo in his main event debut, how he handles life as a college student and full-time boxer and how he prepared for his first eight-round fight.

To access the promotional video for “New Blood,” please click here, or on the graphic above.

Your opponent, Ruben Tamayo, has been in with some big names. He fought for a world title against Jesus Cuellar. He went the distance against former world champion Jhonatan Romero, plus has seen a host of top prospects. On paper, he’s the toughest fighter you’ve faced so far. What are your thoughts on him?

“Tamayo is a seasoned veteran who still has a lot of fight left in him. I expect he’s going to give me a lot of different looks and different angles. I’ll be ready for any antics too. I’ll need to have my head on a swivel because he has a lot of experience to lean on.”

Friday’s “New Blood” main event will be the first for you as a headlining attraction. How are you approaching this next step in your career?

“It’s a different type of pressure because all eyes are on you to perform. That’s the main difference. My promoter expects big things from me and I expect to deliver. In terms of training and mental preparation, it’s just another day at the office. My dedication to the sport is always there no matter who I’m fighting.”

This is your first fight at eight rounds and it is against a southpaw. What, if anything, did you do differently in training camp?

“We stressed being patient. I can’t focus on one punch or thinking about a knockout. I sparred 10 rounds to make sure my cardio is at the level it needs to be. I got some great sparring with lefties like Isaac Zarate and Anthony Sanchez, who is fighting on this card. Isaac was super helpful because he throws punches from odd angles. I also sparred with Michael Dutchover, one of my stablemates. He’s always tough and ready for anything.”

You initially went to college at San Francisco State, but transferred after one year to Cerritos College in the Los Angeles area. How are you managing your full-time education with your boxing career?

“It’s actually not as difficult as it seems because I’m in school year round. For instance, I’m taking a statistics class right now in the summer. That allows me to take less of a course load in the Fall or Spring, which opens up more time to train. I think managing both at the same time has helped me stick to a schedule and has led to a more organized lifestyle.”

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

In the six-round co-feature, lightweight Anthony Sanchez (9-0-1, 9 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. battles James Early (3-3) of Washington, DC.

All fights will be stream live on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page, YouTube channel and ThompsonBoxing.com. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

New York, NY (July 24, 2019) On Thursday, August 1, DiBella Entertainment will return with the second edition of its Broadway Boxing Summer Series, titled “NIGHT OF THE CONTENDERS”, from the Monroeville Convention Center, in Monroeville, PA. Two participants from the last season of “The Contender” tournament, Ievgen Khytrov and Eric Walker, will be co-featured in separate bouts. The event will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. Broadway Boxing: NIGHT OF THE CONTENDERS is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Pinnacle Fighting Championships, and is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

“I’m thrilled to bring the second leg of the Broadway Boxing Summer Series to the Monroeville Convention Center, just outside of Pittsburgh, an old school fight town,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Streamed exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, we are calling the August 1 event the ‘Night of the Contenders’ with former Contender series stars Ievgen Khytrov and Eric Walker appearing in co-featured bouts. Ukrainian welterweight contender Ivan Golub and hard-hitting undefeated heavyweight prospect Mike Balogun will see action as well.”

Fighting for the first time since competing for “The Contender”, Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (18-2, 15 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, will headline the event against Gabriel Pham (11-1, 5 KOs), of Atlantic City, NJ. The heavy-handed Khytrov, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., defeated both Morgan Fitch and Malcolm McAllister by knockout on “The Contender” series last year.

Pham is riding a five-bout winning streak, including a unanimous decision victory against previously undefeated Jaba Khositashvill on June 20, in Atlantic City.

In the co-featured bout, junior middleweight Eric “The Baby Faced Assassin” Walker (18-2, 8 KOs), of Plaquemine, LA, will take on Jose Antonio “Bachata” Abreu (14-5, 8 KOs), of La Romana, Dominican Republic, in an eight-round bout. On “The Contender”, Walker defeated John Jackson and John Thompson before losing a hard-fought majority decision over five rounds to tournament champion Brandon Adams on May 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. In his last fight, Walker won an eight-round unanimous decision versus Michael Moore on November 9, 2018, at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

The upset-minded Jose Antonio Abreu returns following an outstanding victory against hometown favorite Wesley Tucker in Toledo, OH, on July 6. The battle-tested veteran has faced numerous contenders and top prospects over his seven years as a professional, including Kerman Lejarraga, Euri Gonzalez and Madiyar Ashkeyev.

Welterweight contender Ivan “The Volk” Golub (16-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, will see action on the undercard in an eight-round bout. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., the 30-year-old Ukrainian southpaw is currently riding a three-bout winning streak. He last fought on April 10, earning a dominant 10-round unanimous decision against Manuel Alejandro Reyes at Sony Hall in New York City. As an amateur, Golub accumulated a 270-32 record, while becoming a five-time Ukrainian National champion, and won bronze medals at the Junior World Championships in 2006 and at the World Championships in 2009. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, winning all five of his bouts.

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Mike Balogun (13-0, 10 KOs), of Upper Marlboro, MD, faces St. Louis veteran Ed Fountain (12-5, 5 KOs) in what promises to be an exciting clash, scheduled for eight rounds. The athletic Balogun is a former college football standout who started for the Oklahoma Sooners before playing in the NFL for three years. The southpaw Balogun will be fighting for the third time this year, with knockout victories against Marquis Valentine and Danny Calhoun coming in February and April. Fountain is seeking to rebound from a hard-fought loss to undefeated contender Hemi Ahio on March 2, in Columbus, OH.

Local fan favorite Bill Hutchinson (17-2-4, 8 KOs), of Pittsburgh, PA, will face Charlie Serrano (16-4-2, 5 KOs), of Tampa, FL, in a scheduled eight-round lightweight attraction. The 30-year-old Hutchinson is currently on a seven-bout winning streak, which included a stoppage victory against Justin Savi last August.

In a four-round middleweight bout, Rick Borowski (2-0), of Pittsburgh, PA, will face John Gregory (2-2, 1 KO), of Youngstown, OH.

Rounding out the card, heavyweight Bob Weisen, of Pittsburgh, PA, will make his pro debut against Dennis Vance (1-0, 1 KO), of Detroit, MI.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing: NIGHT OF THE CONTENDERS, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Pinnacle Fighting Championships, and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance, are priced at $100, $50 and $25, and can be purchased online HERE. The Monroeville Convention Center is located at 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146, just 12 miles east of Pittsburgh. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, with the first fight scheduled for 7:30 pm. For more information on the venue, please visit their website HERE.

BROOKLYN (July 24,2019) – Unbeaten Polish heavyweight star Adam Kownacki and former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola exchanged words and previewed their upcoming showdown on “PBC Face to Face” ahead of their heavyweight duel Saturday, August 3 that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The program originally aired on Sunday on FOX and will re-air tonight, July 24 on FS1 and 9:30 p.m. ET.

The August 3 main event will see Kownacki, a rising contender in the red-hot heavyweight division, as he looks to make a statement in his hometown of Brooklyn against the three-time title challenger Arreola, who can vault himself back up the heavyweight rankings with a win against the currently unbeaten Kownacki.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here are highlights from when the two heavyweights sat down and went “face to face”:

Opening Statement

Adam Kownacki: “I love fighting. I love the mentality of going out and fighting and putting on a good show making sure the fans are happy and getting their money’s worth. I think I am the best heavyweight out there. I just haven’t been given the opportunity to prove myself.”

Chris Arreola: “If I lose this fight, I will retire, plain and simple. I love the sport of boxing and I want people to still remember me as a world heavyweight champion. I believe I still have the skills to do so.”

Kownacki on being the face of Polish boxing

Kownacki: “Wearing the red and white colors means a lot to me. That’s where I was born. That’s where my family is from, it means everything to be the first Polish born heavyweight champion of the world. There were six fighters that tried it and none of them accomplished it. So I will be the first to do it.”

Arreola on fighting former heavyweight champions

Arreola: “I literally love fighting. I think it’s the most enjoyable thing to do. The most gentlemanly sport there is. Two guys beating the crap out of each other and then after that just shaking hands like nothing happened. There’s nothing more gentlemanly than that. The older that I get, the more I appreciate that.”

Arreola on a possible title push with new trainer Joe Goossen:

Arreola: “I needed someone like Joe to light a fire in me and to be right next to me and point out the mistakes that I am making.”

Kownacki on having similar body frame to Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr.

Kownacki: “Andy Ruiz Jr. just proved that the dad bod is in style for the summer. That’s the look. That was something I dealt with my whole career, but the last couple of fights were tough ones, so the cat is out of the bag, that I can fight.”

Kownacki on watching Chris Arreola fight as he was growing up

Kownacki: “I remember even watching him as an amateur growing up. Every time he fought, I had to tune in because he was so exciting. I think our styles are perfectly matched for each other to make a fight that will be a legendary night. I think it will be an action-packed fight. Truly I wish I could watch it from the sideline, and I will do that after the fight is over.”

Arreola on what’s different about this fight for him

Arreola: “I love boxing. The love for boxing came back to me and the fact that I’m a different person. I’m more mature, I understand the significance of this fight. This is a big fight, there’s a big opportunity for him and a big opportunity for me. I can’t leave one stone unturned because I know that this man is going to come and try to break my head and try to make a statement with my name and I can’t let that happen.”

On the friendliness between the two of them and if it lasts until August 3

Arreola: “Oh no, the smiles are going to go away. That’s right. That’s for sure. But, the thing is, I have a respect for him. I have a lot of respect for him. Like you said, he was watching me. While I was at home during those two years off that I was just watching PBC at home, I got to watch him do his thing and watch him mature watch him grow and what I love most about him is his smile. The fact that he fights with a smile. I love that.”

Kownacki: “Your life is always on the line with your fight. You got to be ready, I’ve got to prove myself. He’s been there with everybody, from Klitschko to Deontay Wilder, and I think if I could beat him in a better fashion than Deontay beat him before, then that’s a good statement.”

Arreola on if he is happy with his career so far

Arreola: “No, I’m not happy at all. I started boxing when I was seven years old because I wanted to be a world champion. I remember seeing we Julio Cesar Chavez. I remember meeting him and being in awe with this man and my dream was always to be a world champion. So if I’m not a world champion. I did nothing with my career.”

Kownacki: “That definitely makes him a lot more dangerous. But don’t let the door hit you on the way out man.”

Kownacki on what version of Chris Arreola he will see & Arreola’s response

Kownacki: “Time will tell. I feel like a young, hungry dog and this will be a passing of the torch.”

Arreola: “This is this is kind of fight how I felt when I was fighting for the title. When I fought Jameel McCline, he was one of those big heavy weights that everybody was talking about, but never made it. I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t want to be his Jameel. So that’s why I’m working hard out here with Joe Goossen. To make sure to put a little setback to his plans for the world title. He will get there, but my plan is to not let him use my name as a stepping stone.

Arreola on how he plans to stop Kownacki’s offense

Arreola: “Offense.Like you said, offense is the best defense. I’ve got to give offense and that’s the beauty about this fight that we are having. We’re both fighters that just want to fight. We don’t care who we are fighting. We respect them but we just want to fight, and we love what we do. That’s the fun part about this fight.”

Kownacki on Arreola’s weaknesses that he can take advantage of

Kownacki: “He leaves himself open, he throws a lot too, he’s a little bit wild and the age, I think that will be a huge factor. But I think out of all of the boxing names out there, he’s the biggest one. He’s been through everybody and out of his generation, he’s the one who’s actually left, everybody else is either retired or gone. So I’m going to try to make sure he’s going off into the sunset.”

Kownacki on if he is ready for title fight against the elite of the heavyweight division

Kownacki: “I have been with two guys that Deontay Wilder fought with Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington. It took Wilder 10 rounds to knockout Artur Szpilka in a very competitive fight when I just walked right through him and the same thing with Gerald Washington, I knocked him out in two rounds. My next fight against Chris Arreola, another fight Wilder and I have in common, and I plan to do the same thing, walk right through him.”

Arreola on if he can stop Kownacki

Arreola: “That’s the goal. I have to stop him to win in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is his home. I have to. There is no ifs ands or buts about it. No I have to go in and bring him a war and give him a fight that he wasn’t expecting.”

Kownacki’s expectations for August 3rd

Kownacki: “I am expecting a war. I can say I was watching Chris for a long time. I know he always comes to fight so I am ready for a war.”

# # #

ABOUT KOWNACKI VS. ARREOLA
Kownacki vs. Arreola pits undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn-native Adam Kownacki against veteran former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola for a 12-round heavyweight showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, August 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The broadcast starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champion Andre Berto taking on Miguel Cruz in a 10-round welterweight clash and unbeaten interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion “Sir” Marcus Browne battling former world champion Jean Pascal in a 12-round bout.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

Vancouver, Canada – UFC^® makes its fifth stop in Vancouver with a blockbuster clash of lightweight contenders featuring two of MMA’s most exciting fighters, as No. 4 ranked Cowboy Cerrone faces No. 5 Justin Gaethje. Plus, former light heavyweight title challenger and No.10 rankedGlover Teixeira goes for his third consecutive win against dangerous finisher and No. 14 Nikita Krylov.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: COWBOY vs. GAEHTJE will air live from Rogers Arena exclusively on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday, September 14, with the ESPN+ prelims kicking off at 2 p.m. PT. Doors open at 1 p.m. PT. All UFC live events will also be available in English and Spanish.

A former lightweight title challenger and perennial fan favorite, Cerrone (36-12, 1 NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M., USA) has delivered some of the most spectacular fights in UFC history. Throughout his storied career, he has netted thrilling victories over Al Iaquinta, Edson Barboza, Mike Perry, Matt Brown and Rick Story. Cerrone now looks to remain undefeated in Canada and continue his ascent up the 155-pound rankings against one of the division’s most dangerous competitors.

Known as “The Highlight,” Gaethje (20-2, fighting out of Arvada, Colo., USA) has proven to be among the most exciting fighters on the UFC roster. In only five appearances, he has taken home six Fight Night bonuses. During his UFC tenure, he has delivered incredible wins over Edson Barboza, Michael Johnson and James Vick. Gaethje now aims to earn his third consecutive victory over one of MMA’s most respected athletes and further stake his claim as a lightweight title threat.

A 17-year MMA veteran, Teixeira (29-7, fighting out of Danbury, Conn. by way of Governador Valadares, Brazil) has fought the who’s who of MMA. Known for his heavy hands and punishing grappling attack, he has picked up impressive victories against former UFC light heavyweight champions Rashad Evans and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Currently riding a two-fight win streak, he is now poised to stop yet another surging contender.

An unpredictable and dynamic finisher, Krylov (26-6, fighting out of Donetsk, Ukraine) has yet to go to a judges’ decision in 32 MMA bouts. Equally dangerous with his striking as he is on the mat, Krylov has delivered highlight-reel finishes against Ovince Saint Preux, Ed Herman, Walt Harris, Francimar Barroso and Fabio Maldonado. He now hopes to use Teixeira as a stepping stone to crack the light heavyweight division’s top 10.

Announced bouts on the card include:

• KO artist and No. 11 ranked middleweight contender Uriah Hall (15-9, fighting out of Queens, N.Y. by way of Kingston, Jamaica) takes on submission ace and No. 13 Antonio Carlos Junior (11-3, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• No. 13 ranked heavyweight Marcin Tybura (17-5, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland) faces rising No. 15 Augusto Sakai (13-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
• No. 14 middleweight contender David Branch (22-6, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y.) hopes to rebound against gritty Andrew Sanchez (12-4, fighting out of Montreal, Canada by way of Belleville, Ill.)
• No. 15 light heavyweight contender Misha Cirkunov (14-5, fighting out of Toronto, Canada by way of Riga, Latvia) aims to slow the momentum of undefeated prospect Jim Crute (10-0, fighting out of Bendigo, Australia)
• In a clash on undefeated bantamweights, Canadian Cole Smith (7-0, fighting out of Squamish, B.C., Canada) takes on Miles Johns (8-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.)
• Kyle Prepolec (12-6, fighting out of Windsor, Ont., Canada) takes on Austin Hubbard (10-3, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) in a battle of lightweight prospects
• Heavyweight Todd Duffee (9-3, by way of Boca Raton, Fla.) returns from a four-year hiatus against Jeff Hughes (10-2, fighting out of Independence, Ohio)
• Louis Smolka (15-6, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) faces Ryan MacDonald (10-1, fighting out of North Platte, Neb.) in an exciting bantamweight bout

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

Visit the UFC^® Press Portal for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: COWBOY vs. GAETHJE go on sale Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available for purchase at ticketmaster.ca. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members have the opportunity to purchase tickets today via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, July 25 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^®, is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts more than 300 million fans worldwide, including 70 million social media followers across all of its digital platforms, and its programming is broadcast in over 170 countries and territories to one billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually and consistently sells out some of the world’s most prestigious arenas. Since 2001, UFC has been proudly headquartered in Las Vegas, supported by a network of employees around the world. UFC’s current roster of athletes features more than 590 men and women representing over 60 countries. UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand, and original content to fans around the world. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment, and fashion leader Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR, in what is among the largest transactions in sports history. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Canucks Sports & Entertainment

Canucks Sports & Entertainment owns and operates the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League, the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League, the Vancouver Titans of the Overwatch League and Rogers Arena. Ranked by Billboard Magazine as one of the top venues in Canada, Rogers Arena is also one of the most active and versatile multi-purpose sports and entertainment venues in North America. Since opening on September 19, 1995 with a sold out show by Bryan Adams, Rogers Arena has welcomed more than 29 million visitors and plays host to over 150 sporting and entertainment events each year. Rogers Arena has welcomed a number of internationally acclaimed artists and events, including Drake, Keith Urban and The International: DOTA 2 Championships. The charitable arm of the organization, the Canucks For Kids Fund, has contributed over $59 million dollars to charities in British Columbia that support children’s health and wellness, education and grassroots hockey initiatives.

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. 

About ESPN

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

Houston, TX: Today in front of a packed crowd of family, friends and fans, at the Fighter Nation Boxing Gym in Houston, Texas, hot boxing prospect Evan Holyfield announced his new promotional deal with Main Events. After talks with several promoters the 21-year old son of Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield decided to sign with the company that launched his father’s historic career.

The middle child of the Holyfield children, Evan, amassed over 80 amateur fights including the Semi-Finals for the US Team. The 6’1.5″ junior middleweight is a boxer-puncher with lightning fast speed and hard-hitting power. In addition, to his boxing prowess Evan is also a published author. His first book, 12 Rounds to Winning for the Youth is available now on his website: evanholyfield.com.

Photo Credit: Hosanna Rull/Main Events

“This is really a dream come true,” said Evan. “I have been doing this for more than 10 years and it’s not really a job if you really enjoy it. Life is always better when you have a dream you can strive for and work towards every day. I am eager to get started and excited to begin this next chapter.”

Evan Holyfield has teamed up with Maurice “Termite” Watkins as his trainer/manager. After a 61-5-2, 42 KOs professional boxing career Termite headed to Iraq to work as an exterminator for the military camps. While serving in Baghdad he formed an Iraqi Olympic boxing team. Watkins now runs Fighter Nation Boxing Gym in Houston and works with more than 200 young fighters.

Photo Credit: Hosanna Rull/Main Events

“Evan is very coachable and hungry to create his own name,” explained Watkins. “We have assembled a great team to help him achieve that goal. 1. We have Main Events. They are the ones who took Evander to the top. 2. He’s got me. I’ve had over 65 pro fights. 3. He’s in one of the best training climates in the world. That’s why athletes come here, because it is hot, humid and they can lose weight. 4. We’ve got Tim Hallmark. In my opinion, he is the best of the best of the strength and conditioning coaches and he is the one that took worked with Evander throughout his career. He is heading up our strength and conditioning team.” He continued, “Evan is the whole package: he can box, he can punch, he is very elusive in the ring and he has incredible timing. This makes for a winning combination and we plan on going all the way. We are ready to fight!”

Holyfield and Watkins
Photo Credit: Hosanna Rull/Main Events

Holyfield’s team also includes Tim Hallmark the strength and conditioning coach with over 35 years of experience who is best-known for working with Evander Holyfield throughout his professional career. In addition to extensive roster of high-profile clients Tim has also designed the SymmetriCore® and CenterForce® training equipment that have been used by some of the world’s top professional and Olympic athletes.

“This is my 40th year as a sports performance trainer,” said Hallmark. “My philosophy has always been to first get an athlete healthy, then get him fit and then make him more athletic. Evan and I have been together for about 14 months. He has a fitter physique but, most-importantly, his recovery time has improved tremendously.” Hallmark added, “It is all about making him strong mentally. If he is healthier then he going to be able to deal with stress better. Then, it is all about attitude. If he feels better, he will have a good attitude and with the right attitude he can push himself further than he ever thought possible. That is what makes a winner!”

Photo Credit: Hosanna Rull/Main Events

For over 40 years Main Events has built some of boxing’s biggest stars. In addition to Evander Holyfield, Main Events has promoted: Pernell Whitaker, Lennox Lewis, Arturo Gatti, Meldrick Taylor and many more. The company was founded in 1978 by the late Dan Duva and his widow, Kathy Duva, has carried on his legacy since his passing in 1996. The company’s current roster includes a diverse mix of seasoned veterans and hot prospects including, most-notably, Three-Time and current WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.

“From the moment Termite and Tim introduced me to Evan, I was struck with his maturity, his athleticism and his passion to succeed,” remarked Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “I am thrilled and honored that he and his team have entrusted Main Events with his career. It is our goal make the system work for him as he climbs to the top of the rankings on his way to the world title.”

Maurice Hooker has credited his tight-knit team for getting him to the edge of greatness as he prepares to face Jose Ramirez in a World Super-Lightweight unification battle on Saturday night at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.UTATICKETS.COM FROM $25
Hooker (26-0-3 17 KOs) penned a deal with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN alongside his long time promoters Roc Nation Sports last July as he entered a new phase of his career as WBO ruler having travelled to Manchester to take the title from Terry Flanagan in June 2018. The 29 year old saw off the challenges of Alex Saucedo and Mikkel LesPierre on the road before landing the unification clash with Ramirez (24-0 16 KOs) on home turf.

The Dallas ace attributes his path to the point of unification to the men that have guided his career from the start in trainer Vince Parra and his assistant manager Arnie Verbeek and promoter Dino Duva, and hopes to repay their faith and support with a big night of celebration after Saturday’s pick-em clash.

“I just like to smile and be happy in boxing and my life,” said Hooker. “I don’t like big crowds even outside of boxing, I just hang with a few people. I don’t like too much attention and you get people arguing around you and you have to worry about everybody. I keep close to the people I trust because I know that they have got my back. All you need is a few great people and you will be ok.

“Vince and I grew up with each other, learned the sport together and did everything as a partnership, the trust is there with us and I know that whatever he tells me to do in the gym or in the corner between rounds is the right advice to get the win.

“We’ve done it all from day one, gone on the road and stayed in dirty hotels to get great sparring with Terence Crawford, Miguel Cotto and more, but now we’re in the best hotels as World champion! We’ve done it all and been through a lot. It’s good to have someone in your corner that you trust as much as I do with Vince.

“There’s a lot of fighters in and around San Diego, we’re down the street from Mexico so we can get fighters in with that Mexican style. We drive to LA, Big Bear and Las Vegas and get great work as we’re right in the middle of that.”

Hooker and Ramirez clash on a bumper night of action in Arlington, as Tevin Farmer defends his IBF World Super-Featherweight title against mandatory challenger Guillaume Frenois. Tramaine Williams takes on Yenifel Vicente for the vacant USBA Super-Bantamweight title and a trio of unbeaten talents look to continue their 100 per cent KO records in Nikita Ababiy, Artur Biyarslanov and Houston’s Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.

Heavyweight Joey Dawejko meets Rodney Hernandez over ten rounds and there’s action for three Dallas fighters in Stephen Acosta, Javier Martinez and debutant Darius Bagley.

Tickets for the bumper night of World championship action are on sale now from $25 from www.utatickets.com

NEW YORK – July 24, 2019 –  A pair of undefeated and top-10 ranked prospects will return to ShoBox: The New Generation in separate tests on Friday, August 23 to round out a tripleheader telecast live on SHOWTIME from Main Street in Broken Arrow, Okla.

Hard-hitting super lightweight Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0, 14 KOs) of Uzbekistan, who is ranked in the top-10 in three of the four major sanctioning bodies, will return for his third ShoBox appearance against power-punching Mexican Abdiel Ramirez (24-4-1, 22 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

In the opening bout, Ukrainian super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (15-0-1, 10 KOs) will return for his third test on the prospect developmental series. Khegai, who is now ranked No. 5 by the WBO and No. 7 by the IBF at 122 pounds, will take on once-beaten Russian southpaw Vladimir Tikhonov (17-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

The previously announced main event will feature undefeated and top-15 rated super middleweight prospect Vladimir Shishkin (8-0, 5 KOs) in his U.S. and national television debut against the streaking and all-action DeAndre Ware (13-1-2, 8 KOs).

The outdoor event is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with Tony Holden Productions. 

“This card epitomizes what we’ve been trying to do since launching ShoBox in 2001,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation. “We have three undefeated top prospects, all already ranked in the top 15, in step-up fights against their toughest opposition to date. A victory could put them a fight or two away from title contention, while a loss sends them back to the drawing board.” 

“August 23 is going to be an action packed fight card with pick’em fights from top to bottom,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “We have hungry contenders on opposite sides of the ring looking to take the next step in their careers in classic cross roads matchups. It is one of the best fight cards of the summer.”

The 27-year-old Ergashev scored an impressive third round knockout in his ShoBox debut in 2018 against then top-10 rated Sonny Fredrickson. The former member of the Uzbek national team is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mykal Fox in February onShoBox. The hard-hitting southpaw currently trains in Detroit with Javan “Sugar” Hill at the new Kronk gym with stablemate Vladimir Shishkin. 

“I am training not just for a victory but for domination,” Ergashev said.  “I want to put the world on notice that Shohjahon Ergashev is ready to ascend to the top of the junior welterweight division.”

The 28-year-old Ramirez has been a professional for 10 years and has 22 knockouts in his 24 victories, including knockouts in his first nine professional fights. In 2018, the Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico native scored a career-best eighth round knockout over the favored Michael Perez.  The former two-time national Mexican amateur champion is coming off a close decision loss to Javier Molina on March 23. 

“Mexicans bring their heart to the ring, and I am ready to give it all to win,” Ramirez said.  “I have had excellent sparring and have already been in the gym for six weeks. I am excited to show everyone what kind of fighter I am, and I know my hand will be raised on August 23.  Ergashev is just another stepping stone to bigger and better fights.”

The undefeated Khegai is a former Ukrainian national amateur champion and two-time world champion in Thai boxing. Born to Korean parents in Lymanske, Ukraine, Khegai is an aggressive, come-forward fighter with 10 knockouts in his 15 professional fights. The 27-year-old registered two victories in 2018 on ShoBox – an eight round decision over Adam Lopez and an eight round victory over Jorge Diaz.  He’ll face his toughest test to date in the southpaw Tikhonov.

“I can’t wait to impress American boxing fans with a spectacular knockout on August 23,” Khegai said. “Vladimir is a good boxer and I know that he will come prepared to fight but my skills and my will to win will be bigger. I can’t wait – this is going to be a big year for me.”

The 29-year-old Tikhonov was a decorated amateur boxer in Russia, finishing with a record of 85-15 and a designation of “Sport Master of Russia,” a prestigious honor bestowed upon the country’s top athletes. He was an undefeated, consensus top-10-ranked super bantamweight heading into his ShoBox debut against Jesse Angel Hernandez in 2017.  The Saint Petersburg, Russia resident suffered the only loss of his career against Hernandez but has since bounced back with a victory in Russia.  He returns for his second fight in the U.S. as he looks to get back on track against the highly regarded Khegai. 

“I will be in the best shape of my life, I guarantee victory and redemption in my return to ShoBox,” Tikhonov said.  “Arnold is aggressive and at times reckless. I will show him what boxing skills are all about. He hasn’t faced anyone like this before.”

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

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

LAS VEGAS (July 24, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Welterweight World Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter squared-off Saturday in Las Vegas to officially announce their welterweight title unification that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Also in attendance at Saturday’s event was unbeaten former world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, who will challenge WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in the co main event of the pay-per-view that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday from MGM Grand, plus quotes from Spence’s trainer Derrick James and Porter’s father and trainer Ken Porter:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“He didn’t want to fight me. I wanted him. I have no choice but to come out on top. I’m the guy that’s going to make the fight on pay-per-view. I’m the guy that’s going to make the most money. So I feel like he didn’t have a choice but to fight me. It just had to happen.

“I want to be the best. I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world and he is in my way. I feel like by the end of next year, you’ll find out who is really the best welterweight in the division.

“I’m used to fighting and sparring aggressive guys that come forward. He’s not a fighter that just likes to come forward, but he likes to use his angles and use his legs. I’m expecting a Shawn Porter that is going to try to get on the inside for the fight.

“This is a fight that I have been asking for, for a long time. If you follow me on social media, you can see that since I was 14-0, I have been calling out the big name fighters and they decided not to fight me. All to keep me out. You all wanted to fight each other. Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, even Shawn Porter. I had to get in the ring and ask for this fight, saying I will fight you anytime, anyplace. Now it’s finally happening.

“I guarantee you, I will become the undisputed welterweight champion of the world, but I have to get through Shawn Porter first and become unified. This is going to be a tough fight. Shawn is a dog and he has amazing heart. I am not going to say he has all the skills in the world, but he does have talent. He’s a guy that’s going to come to fight and give it his all. But I believe I do have the skills and talent and the dog and the heart to not only make this an easy fight but I can stop him and that’s what I am looking to do.

“You saw a different fight when I fought Mikey Garcia. Everybody said I didn’t have the boxing IQ or the boxing intellect to keep up with Mikey Garcia, or to box him on the outside and to show that I was sharp. I am not just a guy who will just maul you and run through you and beat you up. In this fight I will get back to my old self and you’ll see a guy who is going to push the pace, look for the fight and try to go for the stoppage or the knockout to score an impressive one-sided victory.

“Everybody tune in to the fight. It’s going to be a great fight, action packed fight and it can be the Fight of the Year.

“I feel like there’s no way he’s going to be fighting me on the outside. So he’s going to be a guy that’s going to try to come forward and try to set the pace and rough me up. He’s going to try to show me things that have never been brought out of me, that I’m going to have to prove.”

SHAWN PORTER

“When I fought Keith Thurman in 2016, he was considered to be the most dangerous guy in the division. I wanted to take that away from him. I wanted to take that title away from him. So yes, in a lot of ways, I’ve been down this road before. I think I’m more prepared this time around.

“When you talk about the new monster in the division as Errol Spence Jr., I’m not foreign to taking on those challenges, or being prepared for this kind of challenge. I’m not foreign to understanding what a fighter can do and what skills he possesses. I’m willing and able to come out on top of the challenge. That’s why he was selected. Once he got a belt, I needed to get a belt. There’s nothing but excitement around this.

“My natural mentality is to be more aggressive. But, we have a guy right here in Errol Spence Jr. that likes to be aggressive too and dictate the pace and be the general of the ring. I like to do the same thing. So our skills are really going to be a big part of this fight.

“By the beginning of next year, we will know who is the best. It’s not just going to be who is the most aggressive in our fight that will determine who is going to win, but also who has the most skill and who is the most talented fighter. If there is any fight that can prove I’m the biggest dog in the welterweight division, it will be this one versus Errol Spence Jr.

“This guy right here calls himself ‘The Truth’, so I felt it was fitting that today I tell the truth. The truth is that you guys are in for a treat. The truth is that this going to be a fantastic fight. The truth is that this dude has skill, he has power and speed. He has everything, but the truth is, I have all those things as well.

“The truth is I don’t think you all have seen him in the ring with someone like him before. You all have not seen him in the ring before with someone who possesses all of those things. The speed, the quickness, the power, the intelligence, the mental fortitude, the dog, the fight. The truth is that I have all of those things. The truth is that it takes all of those things to beat the guy called ‘The Truth.’ The truth is, I am prepared to do those things to beat this guy and give him his first loss and finally become the unified champion in the welterweight division, which we don’t have right now.

“The truth is, I believe in myself. The truth is, I will be ready September 28 at STAPLES Center. The truth is, I am extremely excited that it will be at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. I have never fought there before. You guys asked me where I wanted to go, I say Las Vegas or Brooklyn because I have been there before. I even said Dallas because it was a great promotion when he did it against Mikey Garcia. But the truth is, I would love to fight in STAPLES and I can’t wait to get there.

“The truth is you all are going to have to wait until September 28 to see what goes down. But I am telling you the truth right now, I will leave that ring as the unified champion.

“He knows I’m a dog and have plenty of heart. I have heart to give and he knows I’m bringing all of it. He’s saying there’s going to be a man down, but I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on being prepared. I know he thinks in some ways he can make it an easy fight, but trust me, me and my team are looking at the exact same thing. No surprises on September 28 when I knock him out, it’s been said.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’m thankful to my team for allowing me to be in this fight. It’s going to be an amazing card with Errol Spence and Shawn Porter, two of the biggest welterweight stars in boxing right now. I get to co-headline the pay-per-view and I also get to go fight for my title back, which is something that I have wanted since I lost it.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point in my life. I’m only 22 years old and I’m fighting for my second world title, so everyone knows I’m very talented. People want to see me because I have exciting fights. I feel like I could be that next star, because I’m bringing that old school boxing back and knocking people out. If I’m not knocking them out, I’m beating them up the whole fight.

“Anthony is a tough fighter. He’s a fighter that I want to go against to not only show my fans but to show myself I’m the best in the division in the world today. There are so many good fights in my weight division. But right now there’s just a lot of opportunities in front of me, so I’m going to keep working hard and showing the fans and everyone that I am the best.

“I am very excited and motivated. Anthony Dirrell is a rugged tough fighter and a veteran in this sport. I have been watching him since I was 13 years old. This is a fight that I really want and I know I can go in there and really dominate and I am going to do that in spectacular fashion. I will knock Anthony Dirrell out.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I am very happy to be here on this special occasion. This is one step closer to Errol Spence’s personal goal that I plan to help him get. He wants to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world and this is another move towards that.

“We have a very formidable champ in Shawn Porter, who is a very tough rugged fighter and we look forward to the challenge. We know what he brings and that he will have a great strategy and game plan. I know that he has a great trainer in his father helping him.

“I look forward to putting together an amazing game plan. It is my goal to help my fighter be the man that he wants to be. He wants to be the IBF world champion as well as the WBC world champion and we are heading towards the WBA and anything else, and my job is to help him do that. That’s what we are in for and we are really happy to be here.”

KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer

“It feels good to be here. Shawn has done everything I have asked him to over the course of the last eight or nine weeks. All we needed was a date and location.

“Errol Spence is a great fighter and he has a great trainer. I have been a fan of Errol Spence as long as he’s been boxing. I have been up against him, been with him and I knew one day he would be a world champion. And if he recalls, we had a conversation a few years ago that he and Shawn would probably fight. When Errol is not fighting Shawn Porter, I am the biggest Errol Spence fan.

“They gave him the name ‘The Truth’ but I knew that a long time ago. He is definitely ‘The Truth,’ he always has been. So it’s up to us, Team Porter, my son Shawn Porter, my coaches and all of us to change everything that has already been said. To change the perception of what is going to happen that night. I believe we can do it. We have the team to do it. I have the fighter to do it and it’s a great challenge.

“It’s the biggest challenge of Shawn’s career but this is why we box. This is why we fight. Everybody can say what they want but the only thing that matters is fight night. When it’s over with then we will know.

“I am looking forward to this. We have great fight in front of us. This is what it takes to make great fighters. These guys can make each other great. This is for the legacy.”

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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.

BALTIMORE (July 24, 2019) – Two-time super featherweight world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will make history on Saturday, July 27 when he becomes the first Baltimore native to make a homecoming defense in nearly 80 years.

Davis will defend his WBA Super Featherweight World Championship against mandatory challenger Ricardo “Científico” Núñez live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The last Baltimore-native to make a title defense in his hometown was Harry Jeffra, a featherweight world champion who defeated Spider Armstrong in July 1940 at Carlin’s Park to retain his belt.

At 24-years-old Davis is America’s youngest reigning world champion and has proven he has the star power to put Baltimore on the map as a significant fight city. The first world champion from Baltimore was Joe Gans, who was also the first African-American world champion in boxing history when he won the lightweight title in 1902.

“I believe it’s time for me to fight in front of my hometown and thank them for supporting me,” Davis said. “I never thought a fight in Baltimore would be this big. It gives me chills, but I’m ready for it. It’s a big test. I’ve been gone for so long and coming home feels amazing.”

This will be just the second time that the power-punching southpaw has fought in his hometown since turning professional in 2013.

Davis vs. Núñez is the first world championship in Baltimore in nearly 50 years. Light heavyweight champion Bob Foster defeated Mark Tessman by knockout at the Baltimore Civic Center in June of 1970 and the city hasn’t hosted another world title fight since. The historic night will also be the first SHOWTIME boxing event held in Baltimore in the network’s 33-year history

Formerly called the Baltimore Arena and Baltimore Civic Center, Royal Farms Arena has hosted dozens of boxing events since it opened in 1962. One of boxing’s all-time greats, Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard made his professional debut at the Baltimore Civic Center in 1977 and fought there six times during his illustrious career.

A number of notable world titlist have called Baltimore home but never fought in the Charm City, including Hall of Famer Dwight Qawi, former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman and former super welterweight champ Vincent Pettway.

“These guys from the past really motivate me, and I give much respect to the guys before me and the ones after me,” Davis said. “But right now I’m laying the foundation to make history. It’s the people that I see every day in Baltimore that motivate me. I can’t think about anybody that was in the past or the future. We are all worried about what’s in front of us right now.”

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.

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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/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Jose Ramirez believes all the pressure is on hometown favorite Maurice Hooker as they clash for the WBO and WBC World Super-Lightweight titles at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Saturday night, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.UTATICKETS.COM FROM $25
WBC ruler Ramirez (24-0 16 KOs) has his own fortress in Fresno, California, where he’s successfully defended his title twice in the last ten months since landing the vacant belt against Amir Imam in New York last March.

The 26 year old will enter the lion’s den for the biggest fight of his career, but he believes that all eyes will be on WBO champion Hooker (26-0-3 17 KOs) who fights for the first time in his hometown as a World champion – meaning the visitor can concentrate on unifying the division in this mouth-watering 50-50 bout.

“Maurice wanted the fight in his hometown so it was up to me to accept those terms and I did,” said Ramirez. “When two fighters really want a fight and the promoter gives you the green light, there’s nothing to stop the big fights from being made. It just takes a little encouragement from your team. It’s a great fight for everyone involved.

“To be a great fighter you have to learn to adapt in any ring. The venue is important but it’s really down to us to perform in the ring – rings are all the same size and that is where we’re at home, no matter what city it is, that’s our territory.

“I know there are a lot of Hispanics in Texas that I am sure will be showing up to support me and I know we’re going to give the fans a great fight, like I did when I travelled to New York and won the title, I went on the road and did my job.

“Sometimes the fights on the road are easier because I don’t have the same responsibilities when I am fighting in Fresno as I am co-promoting the fights with Top Rank and I have to do a lot of appearances, but now I am the guest so I am here to do my job.”

Hooker and Ramirez clash on a bumper night of action in Arlington, as Tevin Farmer defends his IBF World Super-Featherweight title against mandatory challenger Guillaume Frenois. Tramaine Williams takes on Yenifel Vicente for the vacant USBA Super-Bantamweight title and two unbeaten talents look to continue their 100 per cent KO records in Artur Biyarslanov and Houston’s Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.

Tickets for the bumper night of World championship action are on sale now from $25 from www.utatickets.com

LOS ANGELES (July 23, 2019): Golden Boy is proud to announce the signing of major talent from the smallest and biggest weight divisions in boxing as WBC Minimumweight World Champion Chayaphon Moonsri (53-0, 18 KOs) and Olympic heavyweight Mihai Nistor have joined the Golden Boy family.

Moonsri is a 33-year-old native of Maha Sarakhm, Thailand who made his professional debut in January 2007. In his third fight, he captured the WBC Youth Minimumweight Title and captured two additional regional titles within the following five years. In November 2014, Moonsri won the WBC Minimumweight World Title, a prestigious belt held by the likes of Xiong Chaozhong (China’s first world champion) and perhaps its most popular holder, Mexican legend Ricardo “El Finito” Lopez. Since then, Moonsri has defended his title over 10 times and has developed an impressive 53-0 record, becoming one of the biggest stars in Thailand. Now he plans to continue his reign in the United States, the capital of professional boxing.

“I am very delighted that the Golden Boy has given me the opportunity to get more exposure overseas,” said Chayaphon Moonsri. “I felt really excited when I learned that I would fight abroad. It will be my very first time fighting outside my home country. This will not only be to prove myself but also to make the world know and recognize me as the great world champion in this division.”

Nistor is a 28-year-old southpaw of Erbiceni, Romania who boasts a tremendous amateur background. Nistor began boxing at the age of 16 and developed an impressive resume that includes several national and international titles. He also participated in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Nistor’s most significant victory came in the 2011 European Amateur Championships when he stopped Anthony Joshua in the third round of their fight. Nistor is ready to make his professional debut under the Golden Boy banner and plans to conquer the division.

“I am honored to be working with Golden Boy as a professional boxer,” said Mihai Nistor. “As its first Romanian heavyweight boxer, this partnership will give me the opportunity to demonstrate my expert boxing skills. I am confident that I will capture all the world titles. Stay tuned!”

“We want to make waves at all divisions in this great sport,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Chayaphon Moonsri is a great champion with an impressive 53-0 record that’s unmatched in the sport. I expect him to make exciting fights the way Ricardo Lopez did in his time defending the same title and in the same division. With Mihai Nistor, we have a fighter who stopped Anthony Joshua in the amateurs years before his upset loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. That should be enough to indicate to everyone that this Romanian standout will be a force in the heavyweight division.”

About Golden Boy
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for ESPN, RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, will return to the ring on August 10th against Evert Bravo on August 10th in Mexico, According to Dan Rafael of espn.com

(July 23, 2019) — Top Rank is devastated to report that Maxim Dadashev passed away earlier this morning due to injuries sustained during last Friday’s bout. Maxim was a talented fighter inside the ring and a loving husband and father outside the ropes. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum: “Maxim was a terrific young man. We are all saddened and affected by his untimely death.”

Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez and Sergiy Derevyanchenko are closing in on a deal that would pit them against each other this fall, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Los Angeles, CA (July 23, 2019) 360 Promotions hosted Open to the Public Media Workouts on Monday afternoon for their Hollywood Fight Nights event set for this Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the famed AVALON. Among those in attendance were Fast Rising Super Welterweight Star, Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (14-0, 14 KOs) along with his trainers Abel Sanchez and Ben Lira in addition to Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions. Also working out for the fans and media at the South El Monte Recreation Center were 19-year-old featherweight prospect Adrian Corona, (5-0,) of Rialto, CA, undefeated lightweight Mario ‘El Matador’ Ramos, (8-0, 7 KOs), and cruiserweight newcomer Marco Deckmann, (2-0, 2 KOs), of North Hollywood, CA.

Serhii Bohachuk

“I feel terrific, we’ve had a great camp again in Big Bear and I can’t wait to put on a spectacular performance this Sunday night at the AVALON.”

“Abel and Ben tell me to be patient, not to go for the knockout but just to keep the pressure on my opponent and use the skills I have to set up the stoppage. I know how tough and heavy-handed Marin is so I have to fight smart, listen to Abel and Ben and I believe I’ll be successful on Sunday night.”

“After Sunday night I look forward to bigger challenges in the super welterweight division.”

Tom Loeffler

“It’s great to see Serhii, Adrian, Mario and Marco here at the open workouts, all four of them are in tremendous shape and we look forward to another action-packed evening at Hollywood Fight Nights this Sunday.”

“We believe Serhii is ready to take the next step in the super welterweight division and on Sunday night he’ll prove that he is the fastest rising star at 154lbs.”

“Tickets are moving very fast and I strongly encourage fans to purchase their tickets in advance. We’ve got nine terrific fights planned for Sunday night with some of the boxing’s top rising stars.”

“For boxing fans from around the world they can watch the free international stream of the fights on our website and all of the 360 Promotions’ social media channels. The fights will also be telecast live in the UK on BoxNation.”

“This is our eighth Hollywood Fight Nights card at the AVALON and the fan and media support has continued to grow with each event. The Hollywood Fight Nights series has become the best regular boxing series in Southern California.”

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Just 24-years-old, Bohachuk has stayed perfect over the course of his two and half-years as a professional with all of his fourteen opponents being stopped inside the distance. Bohachuk will return to ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ at the AVALON battling Fernando Marin, (16-3-3, 12 KOs), in the ten-round main event.

Super featherweight prospect Adrian Corona, (5-0) of Rialto, CA will face Mexican veteran of nineteen fights, Francisco Camacho in a scheduled six-round bout on July 28 at ‘Hollywood Fight Nights.

In the lightweight division, exciting 19-year-old prospect Mario ‘El Matador’ Ramos, (8-0-0, 7 KOs) of San Diego, battles Emmanuel ‘MAN-E’ Castro, (2-5-1, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA in a scheduled six rounder.

Freddie Roach trained Marco Deckmann, (2-0-0, 2 KOs),a native of Germany, now residing in North Hollywood, CA will battle in a four-round cruiserweight clash against hard-hitting Keith Berry, (2-2-0, 2 KOs), of Orange, California.

Tickets for ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ priced at $150 (Limited VIP Ringmat) $125 (First Row) $100 (Second Row) $85 (Reserved Floor) $80 (General Admission/Standing Room Floor) $60 (General Admission/Balcony) are now on sale www.360Promotions.us and through the interactive seating chart by clicking HERE. VIP Booths ($1500/10 Seats) are also available by inquiring at Info@360Promotions.US. Doors will open at 3:00 p.m. with the first bell at 4:00 p.m. for the exciting card.

‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ will be streamed live internationally on the 360 Promotions’ website, (www.360Promotions.us) and all 360 Promotions social media channels. In the United Kingdom, the event will be telecast on BoxNation.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 23, 2019) – Welterweight prospect, Gilbert Venegas Jr. (11-1, 7 KOs), who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing and promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment, is training hard for his upcoming fight with Top Rank Promotion’s, Brian Mendoza (17-0, 12 KOs). The 8-round welterweight bout will take place at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on August 17, 2019.

Venegas Jr., who resides in San Antonio, TX, is coming off an impressive 4th round knockout against Adam Ealoms, a bout that took place at the Market Square in San Antonio, Texas, on April 20, 2019. Venegas Jr. feels a win against Mendoza will catapult him up the welterweight rankings.

“A win against an undefeated fighter like Brian Mendoza will surely help me climb up the welterweight rankings,” said Venegas Jr. “I’ve had plenty of time to prepare for this fight and I’m getting in great shape. My training camp has been going smooth and my timing is right on point. My goal is to win this fight and position myself into an even bigger fight. Mendoza has a lot of holes in his game that I’m going to exploit. He might be undefeated but he’s not invincible.”

“Venegas Jr. is determined to show everyone that has doubts about him, that he’s worthy of stepping up.” said Manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “A win against Mendoza will certainly make a splash in the welterweight division. We are about three weeks away and I know he’s going to be ready for war.”

“I know Venegas Jr. is training hard for this fight,” said TMB & PRB Entertainment promoter Rick Morones. “When I got the call to put him in with Mendoza there was no hesitation on his end. This is a big fight for all of us and we believe Venegas Jr. will come out victorious against Mendoza.”

“If there is one fighter that has the will to win its Venegas Jr.” said promoter Alex Draghici. “He’s always working hard in the gym and has all the tools to beat Mendoza. He’s well prepared and an upset is all he’s thinking about. This will be a good fight for the fans.”

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (July 23, 2019): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs), Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (17-0, 5 KOs) and Joshua “The Professor” Franco (15-1-1, 7 KOs) discussed training camp under renowned trainer Robert Garcia ahead of their respective fights. All three fighters will return on the Ortiz vs. Orozco card, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Ortiz will headline in his hometown for the first time against Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) of San Diego, Calif., while Franco will defend his NABF and WBA International Bantamweight Titles in a trilogy fight against Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (18-2-1, 7 KOs) of Tierralta, Colombia. Tanajara will put his WBC USNBC Lightweight Title on the line against Ezequiel Aviles (16-3-3, 6 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico.

Below is what all three fighters had to say during a recent camp visit, along with some insight from renowned trainer Robert Garcia.

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Welterweight Contender:

“I’m fighting for my hometown. I’m fighting for all the little kids that think they can’t make it because it’s a small town. Not many people make it out of Grand Prairie. I hope to set a good example for them. I felt all the love when I visited. I felt the atmosphere, and it was electric. We got a lot of people to show up to the press conference, so I know there’s going to be a lot of people who show to the fight.”

“I’m really excited to be fighting in the main event. I’ve only done that once before. For me being the main event is a test for me to show how many people want to see me and how excited they’re going to be to watch me fight. But I have a lot of people telling me they want to go and that they already bought tickets and even want some shirts.”

“Fighting alongside my childhood friends is really cool. I never thought that we would be on the same card fighting together. We’re all fighting for a title that night. I’m fighting for the WBA Gold [Welterweight Title], and Joshua [Franco] will defend his belts in the trilogy fight against Negrete. Tanajara is fighting for the belt he won in Tijuana. It’s great to see how far we’ve come.”

“Antonio Orozco believes that this fight will put him back on the map. He feels a win will make people believe in him again. Honestly, he only lost one time; I don’t see why they wouldn’t believe in him. This fight will definitely make his meter go up. People will start looking at him if he gets the win. That’s going to make him very dangerous. He’s hungry. But I’m coming up too. I want to be a world champion too. I have my dreams that I want to achieve. This fight is going to help me get there a lot faster than these other fights, so I’m very glad he took this fight. It’s a very good opportunity for both of us.”

“This is Orozco’s first fight in the welterweight division. He was having a hard time making weight at 140. We’re going to see how his power holds up and see what he can take because seven pounds is a big jump. Orozco’s body is going to be bigger. It’s a whole new story, and we’re going to find out on August 10.”

“On August 10, you can expect the same Vergil Ortiz you see in every other fight. I’m going to be at my absolute best. I’m not taking Antonio Orozco lightly at all. I’m not going to be looking for the knockout, but I’m not going to count it out either. I’m going to let it come by itself. That’s when you look the best.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, NABF & WBA International Bantamweight Champion:

“It’s very special fighting back in Texas, back in the Dallas area. With Vergil, Hector and everybody from Texas, it’s going to be a great show. I gained a lot of experience in my first two fights against Oscar Negrete. I won a lot of rounds against him, and he’s a top contender. I gained a lot of experience and a lot of confidence.”

“To me, Negrete did the same thing in the second fight. He put pressure, and he tried to throw a lot of punches. He tried to be more aggressive, but to me it was the same thing. I feel like that’s the only thing he knows how to do. Negrete didn’t really do anything to surprise me. What he did the first fight, he did the second fight.”

“For this third fight, you can expect the same fighter I always am. I’ll be smart, explosive, and I’ll be throwing a lot of combinations. I feel like I’m going to be stronger than the last two fights. The only thing that’s different is that it’s going to be in Texas. That’s going to give me more motivation. I’m always training hard like always. After this I want to go on to bigger things. I want to fight for a world title.”

HECTOR TANAJARA JR., WBC USNBC Lightweight Champion:

“It’s very special sharing this night with guys I grew up with. I know these guys since the amateurs. I saw when Joshua first walked into the gym, and I knew Vergil since we were young. I also knew the Rincon brothers [Alex and George]. We all came up together, so it feels good to be together on the same card to give fans an exciting night of boxing.”

“It doesn’t add pressure to see my stablemates getting knockouts. I’m already 17 fights deep. I just have to stick to my game plan and what my coaches tell me. That’s what works. My last fight was in Tijuana, and it was very special fighting in Mexico. I’ve always wanted to fight there, and I like the crowd. Mexican fans are always the best. They just want to see people go at it. I’m glad I was able to get a belt that night too, so it was very special for me.”

“It doesn’t bother me that I haven’t had a knockout since 2018. I know I have power. But trying to make 130 pounds was draining me a little bit. At 135 pounds, I feel much stronger. Even though I’ve been fighting better opposition, I’ve still been hurting them in there, and I feel that a lot of my knockouts are yet to come.”

“For this camp we’ve been working on all my little mistakes. I’m being busier with my jab. I’m working on putting smart pressure. I’m working on doing all the things needed to get the victory and to get try to get the guy out of there. On August 10, my fans can expect an exciting fight. I’m motivated more than ever because it’s in Texas, my hometown, and a lot of family and friends who usually can’t go are going to be there. I’m very excited, and I hope to put on a great show.”

ROBERT GARCIA, 2012 Trainer of the Year:

“It’s going to be a great event. It’s going to be awesome that we’re going to Vergil Ortiz’s hometown in Grand Prairie. I’m sure he’s very excited, along with his fans, his family, and his friends. We also have two kids from San Antonio that are going to bring a lot of friends and family.”

“We are going to be very busy, but I have a lot of help. With Vergil, his father Vergil Sr. and co-trainer Hector Beltran are always on top of Vergil and make sure he works hard. With Hector Tanajara, we have my son, Robert Garcia Jr. and Jose “Chepe” Contreras. With, Joshua Franco we have same thing. For both guys, their fathers are very involved. Hector Tanajara Sr. and Jessie Rodriguez [father of Franco] are involved and work the corner for their sons, so it won’t be as hard as it sounds that night.”

“This has been our fourth training camp with Vergil. It’s unbelievable to see him develop so fast. You hardly see that. You only see that with an Olympic Gold medalist like Oscar De La Hoya, who won his first world title in his 12th fight, or with Olympians like Fernando Vargas, who was 14-0 when he became a world champion. Vergil is one of those kids. He didn’t go to the Olympics, so he didn’t get the same recognition as the Olympians did, but he’s close to becoming a world champion.”

“Here in my gym, whoever you spar and whatever weight division you’re at, it’s going to be tough. You’re going to have to work hard to be able to compete. I have nothing but world class fighters. For example, Vergil is sparring fighters that are 160, 168. I don’t want to say dominating them because they’re also my fighters, but he’s able to compete with them and give them all they can handle, so that tells you what he is. He spars with Jose Ramirez, a world champion right now. He spars with Mikey Garcia, who is pound for pound one of the best fighters in the world, and he’s able to compete well against them.”

Ortiz vs. Orozco is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Ortiz vs. Orozco are on sale and are priced at $125, $75, $50, and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees, and service charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at The Theatre at Grand Prairie Box Office (Monday -Saturday 11:00 am CT – 3:00 pm CT or 972-854-5076).

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 @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #OrtizOrozco.

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

Jack Cullen says he will be “too good” for John Harding Jr. when he defends his English title against the Dillian Whyte managed-Middleweight at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Friday August 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Having plied his trade on smaller shows in the North West, winning the English belt against Jack Sellars at the Bolton Whites Hotel in May, Cullen will be hoping for a breakout night on Merseyside against Brixton’s Harding Jr. who holds a record of seven wins and one draw. 

The 25-year-old Tommy Battel-trained talent from Bolton has lost just one of his seventeen professional fights and is promising to shine on the big stage to secure a shot at Commonwealth Champion Felix Cash later in the year. 

“I wouldn’t turn down a shot like this if I was in his position so good on him for taking the fight,” said Cullen. “I don’t know too much about him but we’ve watched a few of his fights and I know he’s got seven wins and one draw. I think this step-up is too soon for him. I feel like I’m too good for him.

“He’s been out there talking a lot in interviews and making a bit of noise ahead of our fight which is good. He’s been saying that he’s going to be doing this and doing that. I’m glad I’ve got an opponent that’s confident in himself. He talks the talk but we’ll see if he walks the walk.

“I’m excited and it’s good to get on a Matchroom Boxing show that’s going to be live on Sky Sports and DAZN. It can only be good for my profile and I’m looking to put on a career-best performance to really get my name out there. I’m looking to put on the best performance of my life. 

“Once I beat Harding Jr. I want the Commonwealth title. If it would have come earlier this month then it would have been perfect but obviously he got injured and the show had to be postponed which was a shame. Hopefully we can rearrange it for later in the year, maybe October or November.”

Cullen vs. Harding Jr. is part of a bumper JD NXTGEN card in Liverpool. 

Top of the bill sees Liverpool’s Anthony Fowler (9-1, 8 KOs) headline his first ever show as he clashes with Blackpool’s former World title challenger Brian Rose (31-5-1, 8 KOs) in a must-win fight, Forest Hall banger Lewis Ritson (18-1, 11 KOs) makes his second appearance at 140lbs as he takes on former European champion Joe Hughes (17-4-1, 7 KOs) in a tasty showdown for the WBA Continental title, Heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (12-1, 9 KOs) returns to take on Ecuador’s Ytalo Perea (11-4-2, 7 KOs) and Welsh amateur star Sean McGoldrick (9-0, 2 KOs) meets Thomas Essomba (8-5, 3 KOs) for the WBA Continental Bantamweight Championship.

There’s also action for hard-hitting Montrose Super-Middleweight John Docherty (5-0, 5 KOs),Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (6-0, 3 KOs), Anthony Bellew-managed Light-Heavyweight prospect Thomas Hart (1-0), Anthony Crolla Lightweight protege Dylan Evans (2-0) and Manchester Welterweight debutant Nathan Farrell.

Everything is bigger in Texas – and that’s just what Maurice Hooker plans to be as he prepares for his Super-Lightweight unification clash with Jose Ramirez on Saturday night at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.UTATICKETS.COM FROM $25
Hooker (26-0-3 17 KOs) puts his WBO title on the line for the third time as he fights at home for the first time as a World ruler. The 29 year old last laced them up in the Lone Star state back in August 2017, where he claimed the WBO NABO title in downtown Dallas.

Hooker hit the road ten months later to rip the WBO World title from Terry Flanagan in the Manchester man’s home arena, and in November ‘Mighty Mo’ pulled off a stunning win in Oklahoma, climbing off the canvas in the second round to put unbeaten local favorite Alex Saucedo away in the seventh.

Hooker’s second defense took him to upstate New York where Brooklyn’s Mikkel Les Pierre was seen off in a comfortable points win – setting up the chance to come home in style and take home court advantage in the biggest fight of his career against WBC king Ramirez (24-0 16 KOs).

“I will be a champion in boxing and in Dallas as everyone will know my name after this fight. This fight means everything to me and the same for him, I just have to go harder than him and I will come out on top. This is part of my legacy – it’s just the beginning.

“This is the fight that makes me a big name. I am getting better with every fight and now I have the platform in the fight on DAZN to show my boxing skills, my power, my smarts, everything – everyone will know who Maurice Hooker is after this.

“I so excited to have this fight in Dallas, I’m ready to come with everything I have. The crazy thing about it is that I don’t feel any pressure coming into the fight, it’s just another big fight, all my fights over the last three have been really big, so I don’t feel any pressure from fighting at home. I’m just ready to do what i do and handle my business.

“I won my WBO NABO belt in Dallas but this fight is on a whole new level, I have the chance to unify at home. The first World title fight was in England and the others have been on the road too, but now I have the biggest fight of my life at home, so there’s a little pressure but not too much and I just have to focus on doing my job and getting the victory.

“It’s been crazy at home since the fight was announced. Everybody has been telling me that they are coming and telling me to put on a show. I’m confident I’ll get the win as is Jose, I’ve been watching him and it’s going to be tough in the opening rounds, but I will take over and make him adjust to me. Dallas seeing me fight as a World champion is so big for me and for the city, all the kids I’ve spoken to in the schools, the people that look up to me, can now watch me live.”

Hooker and Ramirez clash on a bumper night of action in Arlington, as Tevin Farmer defends his IBF World Super-Featherweight title against mandatory challenger Guillaume Frenois. Tramaine Williams takes on Yenifel Vicente for the vacant USBA Super-Bantamweight title and two unbeaten talents look to continue their 100 per cent KO records in Artur Biyarslanov and Houston’s Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.

Tickets for the bumper night of World championship action are on sale now from $25 from www.utatickets.com

Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of UK-based super bantamweight dynamo Thomas Patrick Ward to a multi-fight promotional agreement.

The 25-year-old Ward, from West Rainton, England is the current NABA – USA Super Bantamweight Champion and IBF #14- and WBO #4-ranked contender. He has also already held the British and IBF European Super Bantamweight Championships as well.

“I’m very happy about this agreement,” said Ward. “I believe I’m one of the best fighters out there and this will help me to prove it by fighting and beating the champions and top contenders.”

Ward made his US debut last February at the Kansas Star Casino and live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME, scoring an eye-opening unanimous decision over respected contender Jesse Angel Hernandez (scores: 100-89, 99-90 and 98-90). He had his first fight under the Salita Promotional banner last Saturday, July 20, winning an eight-round unanimous eight-round decision over tough veteran Brayan Mairena of Chinandega, Nicaragua, at the MTK Fight Night: Brentwood event at the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, UK.

A natural talent, Ward had a junior amateur record of 60-4, including winning a gold medal at the European under-17 championship in Ukraine. He was voted Best Junior Boxer by the ABA. He turned professional at the age of 17 without having had any senior amateur fights. His older brother, Martin Joseph Ward, is also an outstanding professional fighter with a once-beaten record of 21-1-2, 10 KOs. The elder Ward has held the British and European super featherweight titles.

Ward has another heavy hitter on his side in managerial firm MTK Global, who also handle stars of the magnitude of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and multiple-time world champion Carl Frampton.

“Thomas Patrick Ward is an outstanding fighter, and MTK Global is looking forward to working with Salita Promotions to further Thomas’s career and put him in line to win a world title.” said Bob Yalen, President of MTK Global. “Dmitriy and Salita Promotions have done an excellent job at handling the careers of a number of prospects and contenders, and we think that between our organizations we will have Thomas positioned at the top of the super bantamweight division at the proper time.”

“I am honored to enter into a promotional deal with Thomas and to work together with MTK Global which is emerging as one of the top companies in boxing,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Thomas Ward is one of the best pure technicians in boxing. His US Debut was absolutely sensational and I believe in the near future he is not only going to be world champion but a bonafied star in the UK, US and all over the world.”
About Salita Promotions

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

About MTK Global

MTK Global specializes in boxer management, relations, training, and event promotions and is firmly established in 10 locations worldwide with boxing gyms and training facilities in Marbella, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Scotland, Johannesburg, Sydney, Brazil and Dubai. MTK Global strives to represent and develop the finest boxers in the business and is committed to providing the highest level of professional support and services to boxers, including arranging and/or promoting fights, career development, legal support, media consultation, and endorsement / sponsorship coordination. MTK Global’s goal is to expand to new areas around the World and assist as many boxers as possible to reach their full potential both professionally and personally in and out of the ring while continuing to give back to the community through charitable causes.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good morning everyone and thank you for coming along today. Special fight, special announcement after a great night at The O2. Dillian Whyte moves to the mandatory position with the WBC. Also announced on Saturday was a huge unification fight, WBC, WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine World Lightweight titles.

“Vasiliy Lomachenko versus Luke Campbell, August 31, The O2, Sky Sports Box Office, ESPN+ in the States. It is a huge night for British boxing, we saw pre-sale records broken at the weekend and we’re expecting an immediate sell-out for this massive moment for British boxing.

“Pound-for-pound number one, former Olympic Champion, three-weight World Champion, unified Lightweight Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko taking on the greatest amateur this country has ever produced, London Olympic gold medallist, Luke Campbell.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“Thanks Eddie. I hope everyone’s not too tired after Saturday night. What a night. It was another great night at The O2 and it’s fantastic to see these two go head-to-head. Vasiliy Lomachenko, possibly the greatest fighter of our generation, a wonderfully talented amateur that lost just once in 396 fights and a fabulous pro career so far, a three weight World Champion.

“We were there at his professional debut in Las Vegas and I thought we were starting a journey that might not just end up in the Hall of Fame, but as one of the great fighters of all time. I really love watching Lomachenko, he’s got incredible ring craft and talent. It’s a pleasure to have him over here. This is going to be a special attraction. We’ve had great fighters over here in recent years like Errol Spence and Genady Golovkin but for me Vasiliy Lomachenko might be the best of the lot.

“Luke Campbell, our greatest ever amateur. He’s not only just a fabulous fighter and a beautiful southpaw  technician himself, but he’s a great guy as well. He’s an absolute pleasure, he’s been great to work with over the years and it’s a golden opportunity for Luke.

“Both of these guys hit gold in London 2012, there is no reason why Luke Campbell can’t go and achieve his dream and achieve his goals, and give Lomachenko the toughest and best night of his life. And who knows, maybe he can bring these titles back to Britain. It would be an amazing if he does. It’s a fantastic moment for us on August 31, we cannot wait. It’s promising to be a terrific card as well. For Luke it’s a chance of a lifetime and we wish them both well.”

Brad Jacobs, Chief Operating Officer at Top Rank:

“Eddie thank you so much. It is a pleasure to be here. As always we want to thank Matchroom and their entire team for their hospitality. This is a once in a generation opportunity to see a tremendous fighter, number one in the world, against such an accomplished fighter in Luke Campbell. The entire world is waiting for this event to happen so we’re just looking forward to being back next month.”

Egis Klimas, manager of Vasiliy Lomachenko:

“I am really blessed to represent the best fighter in the world. When I signed him I hit the jackpot! A lot of people say Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of Boxing, I have to disagree. UK fans know and understand boxing.

“This is two guys who are going step in the ring and they both have skills, a high boxing IQ and this more like a chess game rather than a boxing match. This is going to be a great night for boxing fans. Lomachenko’s dream is to unify all titles and this will be another step for him to reach his goal. We’re looking forward to August 31.”

George Groves, former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion:

“What an opportunity for Luke Campbell to get in there and really show what he’s all about. This week Shane said to me, ‘Lukes’ going to beat Lomachenko’ and I replied, ‘I know’. We know he’s got it all to do and he’s a big underdog but he’s going to go out there and do the job, do what he was put on this planet to do.

“He’s one of the best fighters we’ve produced. I know this first hand by training alongside him. He is going from strength-to-strength and really improving. The best is yet to come, he’s got the opportunity to fight the pound-for-pound number one and if anyone can beat him, it is Luke Campbell. He’s not here to make up the numbers and to give the British fans the opportunity to see a great fighter. I’m so excited to see my friend become World Champion, this is a huge occasion and a must see fight.

“He’s got that champion material, there’s not an ounce of self doubt inside him and he’s a born champion. Luke’s had to face frustration where you feel like you have to work harder so it is going to be that bit sweeter on the night. On paper he’s our best amateur fighter of all time and now it is his time to do the same in the pro ranks.”

Vasiliy Lomachenko – Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine – 13-1, 10 KOs:

“Hi everyone. I am happy to be in London again. I don’t want to talk too much, see you on August 31, okay.

“He is tall, he has a big reach, he is a smart boxer and has a high boxing IQ. He also has lots of amateur experience so maybe for me it will be a big challenge. I never think about being unbeatable, I just do my job and train hard. When I come in the ring I believe I win.”

Luke Campbell – Hull, England – 20-2, 16 KOs: 

“I’ve never shied sway from a challenge, this is a big one but it is the type of challenge I train and prepare for everyday. I believe this is the two best Lightweights in the division that are dancing off and this brings everything to the table. Power, speed, ability, this fight has everything. Come August 31 I believe that you’re going to see one hell of a fight. I’m a competitor and I want to compete at the highest level. I believe in myself and I will rise to occasion and be ready on August 31st. Vasiliy doesn’t need to talk much because the action will do the talking. You’re going to see a great fight.

“We know how good he is from being a young age but I never really thought we would be facing off. We set out goals and one is to have the titles. When I was young my father always said to me you’re going to be Olympic Champion and I never believed him. He also said in the pro game that I will hold all the belts and I finally now believe him.

“Im the challenger he’s the champion, obviously I respect everything he has done and achieved but I also know that every champion was once a challenger and I’ll be ready to give everyone a great fight on August 31. My carer is going from strength-to-strength. It took me a while to get settled in the pro game, now I feel like I’m finally settled. I’m in a great place and this is the perfect time for me. Both of us are in our prime and this for me is perfect timing.”

Heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev has been reinstated by the California commission after planting an an uwanted kiss on on a female reporter acording to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It was good hearing. Everybody’s side was heard again and the bottom line is Kubrat Pulev has complied over and above what was requested of him,” Ivaylo Gotzev of Epic Sports, which co-promotes Pulev with Top Rank, told ESPN. “The more important part is Kubrat Pulev wants to do more in the future. The whole world has an opinion on this situation and we want to educate and show by example how things should be handled and how athletes should behave.

“This was a lesson well learned and now we want to help others not make a mistake like this one. Kubrat is a great person and wants to help others. He’s going to educate others how they should act in these situations.”

“Kubrat has been training over the past few months,” Gotzev said. “He is the No. 1 mandatory contender for the IBF belt and now it’s time for us to demand the opportunity to fight for the belt against the current champion Andy Ruiz.”

Gotzev and Epic Sports partner John Wirt are due to meet with Top Rank chairman Bob Arum later on Monday to discuss the next move for Pulev now that he is free to fight again.

“We’re meeting with Arum to talk about different proposals and we’ll see what he’s got,” Wirt told ESPN. “Maybe we will go the IBF route and it could be Ruiz. Maybe a fight with Tyson Fury could be in the mix. You never know.”

By Bart Barry-

Saturday on Fox PPV in a match for the PBC’s
emeritus welterweight championship at MGM Grand undefeated titlist Keith “One
Time” Thurman got dropped and fairly decisioned by a 40-year-old Filipino
senator, Manny Pacquiao, who struggled to call Thurman even “a good fighter” immediately
afterwards.  Not the always gracious
Pacquiao’s fault, that.  Different era,
different priorities, different metrics.

No sooner does one imagine things going
differently in Thurman’s career were he with different management than he
recognizes different management overlooked him, didn’t it?  If manager Al Haymon plucked fruit from the
Olympic tree – some wellseeded like Errol, most misshapen like Rau’Shee and Terrell
– he discovered Thurman differently, howsoever he did it, which is to write
Haymon outbid the likes of Top Rank and affiliates, almost certainly because
they didn’t bid at all. 

Why is this relevant?  Because at the time Thurman turned pro
(nearly 12 years ago) most every great fighter a young aficionado today can
name got developed by Top Rank, starting with “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather,
the patron saint, emphasis on patron, of today’s PBC stable. 

Whither this rehashing?  It crossed my mind muchly during Saturday’s
match, as it certainly crossed Coach Freddie’s mind and “Money” Mayweather’s
mind, too, at ringside.  Accustomed to
what large-pursed, pillow-gloved, athletic-contest exhibitions PBC bubblewraps
its champions in, Thurman hadn’t an inkling what suffering must traditionally
be endured for a man to call himself champion. 
He knows about it now, though.

Over and again one marveled at how alien a figure
Pacquiao cut on the sanitized island called Premier Boxing Champions.  Like an aged tiger parachuted in the middle
of a clover sheep farm populated only by sheep and clover, Pacquiao, red of
tooth and claw, fists wrapped in Mexican horsehair, not foam, thrilled at
violence as his profession’s only point – not an ancillary unpleasantness to be
got through while doing fitnessy things for large paychecks.

Three times the absurdity of it all manifested on
Thurman’s face: When Pacquiao knocked him asswards, when Pacquiao mashed his
nose through his face, when Pacquiao touched him properly on the button.  First was the look of disbelief then the look
of disgusted betrayal then the look of offended fright.  Thurman collected a righthand and dropped
like he’d been tripped then he spit the yucky taste of his own blood at his
corner en route to his stool then he wheeled away, gumshield in glove, selling a
Pacquiao bodyshot like the foulest of things. 
The last was the caketaker; it was the act of a man unable to imagine in
his 30th prizefight such pain might be delivered by a legal blow.

And all this from a version of Pacquiao five years
past its expiration date, a version of Pacquiao unable or unwilling to contest
more than 45 seconds of a round, a version of Pacquiao much more an ideal of
selfdefense than a predator.

There was Thurman, chastened completely by getting
bluematted in round 1, tentatively pawing and countering through much of the
match, while Fox’s contracted narrative-maker tabulated hundreds of “power
punches”, knowing there was a needle he must thread: Hit Pacquiao enough to
score points but not so much as to make him mad.

Then in your mind flashed Juan Manuel Marquez,
sucking his own noseblood through an open mouth and goading, prodding, goading,
goading, prodding, goading Pacquiao till he lured him, after 125 minutes and 58
seconds of misery and conflict and fear, in the master’s trap to end his era in
ecstasy.  How even do you word such a
contrast between the sinewy savage Pacquaio faced Dec. 8, 2012, and the fatted sheep
he’s seen in 2019?  They are not sportsmen
of the same species, surely. 

O, be not so hard on gentleman Keith; after all,
he comported himself nobly in defeat and gives generous interviews and he’s
telegenic and loves his wife.  Fair
points, yes.  If you are going to lose
there are more ignoble ways of doing it, as Adrien Broner reminds us annually.

O, to hell with that.  This is bloodsport, this is men making their
livings hurting other men. 

Pacquiao just reset the hands on the clock of
PBC’s fraud.  Don’t let Pacquiao’s
reluctance to face Errol Spence blind you. 
Spence is an outlier – PBC doesn’t know what to do with him either.  Thurman was PBC’s champion, Thurman won the
PBC welterweight Super Bowl in 2017, two months before PBC even knew what it
had in Spence, Thurman was the coddled prodigy, Thurman represented PBC’s
post-Mayweather future.  And that future just
spent round 10 with his white tail in the air, skittering away from a
40-year-old.

Because decisioning Thurman this late in the day
marks only about the 27th best moment of Pacquaio’s career, Saturday was not
about Pacquiao.  Saturday was a
fullthroated indictment of the P in PBC.

Be glad “The Truth” was ringside to see it, too,
for the future of our beloved sport.  Now
Spence knows, as Mayweather knew, the PBC on FoxTime belt is a participation
trophy, the glassencased product of a minorleague affiliate, a way to bamboozle
venture capitalists and network programmers. 
Spence now knows if he doesn’t make his manager make a match with
Terence Crawford while both men are still prime Spence’s championship lineage
will run through “One Time” and “Swift”, not “Sugar” or “Sugar”, and a
halfdecade from now some young bodysnatcher will properly coin him “The Fiction”
like Spence properly coined another man “Sometimes”.

Bart
Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry