NEW YORK – July 12, 2019 – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Vladimir Shishkin will make his ShoBox: The New Generation debut against the streaking DeAndre Ware on Friday, August 23 live on SHOWTIME from Main Street in Broken Arrow, Okla.

Shishkin (8-0, 5 KOs) is a fast-rising 168-pound prospect from Russia who has secured a top-10 rating in the WBC and top-15 position in the WBA in just eight fights. The 27-year-old will make his U.S. and national television debut in a 10-round showdown with Ware (13-1-2, 8 KOs), an all-action fighter who is coming off a career-best win over then-undefeated Ronald Ellis in February on ShoBox.

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

“Vladimir Shishkin, after only eight professional fights, is the best new face in the super middleweight division,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita.  “He is facing a very tough, skilled and accomplished DeAndre Ware in what I expect will be a very competitive fight and the type of test Vladimir needs to show his world-class abilities.”

The 6-foot-1 Shishkin was a standout amateur in Russia, compiling 301 wins in 330 fights before turning professional in 2016.  He has won his last three contests – all scheduled 10 or 12 round fights –via knockout, including a career-best 10^th round TKO of former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi in his last bout in October of 2018.  Now aligned with Salita and training in Detroit under Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward at the new Kronk Gym, Shishkin looks to make a statement in his U.S. debut and prove he has what it takes to compete in the wide open super middleweight division.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and show the U.S. fans what I am all about,” said Shishkin.  “DeAndre Ware is strong and spirited, but not technically equipped to handle me.  I know that I may be unknown to a lot of fans in America, but on August 23 I’ll win them over with my skills, power and exciting style.”

The 31-year-old Ware will look to hand another undefeated fighter his first professional defeat on ShoBox. The Toledo native was the aggressor against the favored Ellis last February, winning via majority decision to make Ellis the 185^th fighter to lose their unbeaten record on the long-running series.  A 2013 National Golden Gloves Bronze Medalist, Ellis also owns a win over 2012 Olympian and previously undefeated prospect Enrique Collazo.  A former collegiate football player at the University of Toledo, Ware works fulltime as a firefighter in his hometown of Toledo and expects to use similar tactics from his victory over Ellis.

“Shishkin is a good fighter, I respect him just like any fighter that steps in the ring with me, but when the fight starts he’ll be another obstacle in my way,” Ware said.  “Fans can expect nothing but excitement come fight night.  As you saw in the Ellis fight, I’m here to win and I’m here to fight. ShoBox has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent multiple times and now I have these titles to show for it.  I look forward to putting my talents on display once again as I work towards my first world title shot.”

The full televised undercard will be announced in the near future.

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.

ANTHONY YARDE WILL challenge long-standing world champion Sergey Kovalev for his WBO World Light Heavyweight championship in Chelyabinsk, Russia on August 24. The fight will be broadcast live and exclusive in the UK on BT Sport.

Yarde, 18-0 with 17 Kos, has again accepted the delayed mission of heading into the home nation of the world champion known as Krusher in order to fulfil the first part of his dream of holding multiple world title belts and ruling the division for years to come.

The 27-year-old now gets the opportunity to take on the most experienced and formidable of the current world champions, with the 36-year-old having clocked up 28 Kos from his 33 wins. Kovalev has operated in world title competition since parting Nathan Cleverly from his WBO belt in August 2013 in Cardiff.

“This is my time now and I am going to show the world what I am all about,” said the challenger, the self-styled Beast from the East of London. “Waiting for my time to come around could have been a frustration but we turned it into a positive and I am even more ready to seize the moment.

“Everything has fallen perfectly into place for me, this will be my coronation as world champion and I am going to realise my dream by beating the most decorated of the current world title holders.

“I am more than happy to achieve my goal in Russia and I think it is only right that a great world champion such as Kovalev is given the opportunity to defend in his home country. He has earned that right.

“What I know is that on August 24 another world title belt will be under British ownership and I will have done it the hard way, one that nobody will be able to question.

“My promoter and my manager have made all the right moves to get me into this position and I thank Frank Warren and Tunde Ajayi for creating this opportunity for me. They have done their part and it is now up to me to deliver.”

Frank Warren said the self-belief of his light heavyweight star was the key to accepting a mandatory challenge on away territory.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Anthony and he has earned his shot by working his way to the No.1 spot in the rankings,” said the promoter. “He has showed what he is all about by being prepared to go into Kovalev’s back yard and it demonstrates the confidence he has in his own ability.

“Everybody knows Kovalev is a tremendous puncher and a fearsome presence in the ring. It is something we first saw over here when he fought Nathan Cleverly and he has continued to operate at the very highest level.

“Anthony possesses tremendous self-belief and we back him to come away with the spoils but, whatever does happen in the fight, it is one that he will take a lot of valuable experience from.”

Yarde’s trainer-manager Tunde Ajayi added: “We’re here now! It’s been stage by stage, it’s been calculated and everything is timing, which I have said from the start.

“The time is now and we are about to shock the world. I cannot remember a fighter with so little experience going over to another man’s back yard to take on a great champion, so I don’t want to hear any excuses when Anthony knocks him out.

“I know that is going to happen.”

Former world title challenger Martin Murray won a 10-round decision over Rui Manuel Pavanito in a super middleweight bout.

Murray won by a 99-92 score and is now 38-5-1. Pavanito is 10-9-1.

Gerard Carroll remained undefeated with a decision over Jordan Ellison in a super lightweight fight.

Carroll won by 58-56 tally and is now 11-0. Ellison is 11-23-1.

Natasha Jonas stopped Bec Connolly in round four of their scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Jonas dropped Connolly twice in the first 20 seconds of the contest.

Jonas continued to pound away at Connolly until a couple of hard boy shots forced a referee stoppage at 1:07.

Jonas, 135.8 lbs of Liverpool is 8-1 with six knockouts. Connolly, 131.8 lbs is 2-6.

Former world champion Terry Flanagan stopped Jonas Segu in five round of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Flanagan dropped Segu with a crisp 1-2 combination. In round five, a straight left sent Segu down for the count at 1:25.

Flanagan, 139 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 34-2 with 14 knockouts. Segu of Tanzania is 19-9-2.

The Heavyweight title eliminator between Dillian Whyte and Oscar Rivas for the number one spot in the WBC will be streamed live in all DAZN markets on Saturday, July 20, from The O2 in London. DAZN is available across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Whyte (25-1 18 KOs) holds the number one slot with the WBC and puts that on the line as the hard-hitting ‘Body Snatcher’ continues to blast his path to a World title shot. The Brixton banger put Derek Chisora away in devastating style in his last outing, the pair thrilling the Greenwich crowd in their rematch in December – before icing Del Boy in the 11th round.

The 31-year-old Briton will be gunning for a tenth straight win against Rivas, with wins over Joseph Parker, Robert Helenius and Lucas Browne sandwiched between his two wins over Chisora. Whyte has become a must-watch fighter since rocking old foe Anthony Joshua in their battle at The O2 in December 2012, and yet again takes on a high-risk challenge as he cements his spot as the leading Heavyweight contender in the world.

Rivas (26-0 18 KOs) is yet another dangerous challenger for Whyte to risk his number one rankings with, and the Colombian comes into the bout on the back of his biggest win in the paid ranks. Rivas traveled to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York in January and KO’d former World title challenger Bryant Jennings in the final round of their clash, underlining his dangerous potential to World titlists and fellow contenders.

In the United States, action will begin on DAZN at 1:00 p.m. ET with the full six-fight Matchroom Boxing undercard from The O2 in London.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is a huge night of Heavyweight boxing and I’m excited that DAZN subscribers will get to watch it live. Dillian Whyte, who has proved himself as one on the best Heavyweights on the planet, takes on the relentless and unbeaten Oscar Rivas who is coming off a brutal KO of Bryant Jennings. Brit Derek Chisora faces off against Poland’s Artur Szpilka and crowd favourite Dave Allen tackles David Price in a big domestic shootout. Tune in and don’t miss it!”

British Light-Middleweight contender Kieron Conway has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

Conway, 23, turned in an impressive performance in his British title fight with reigning champion Ted Cheeseman at York Hall last month, but was left frustrated as the contest ended in a split draw. 

The Kings Heath Boxing Club product was aiming to create history by becoming Northampton’s first professional British boxing champion but had to settle for a hard-fought draw with scores of 116-113 Conway, 115-114 Cheeseman and 114-114 from the judges. 

It was the first time the MTK Global-managed talent had contested 12 rounds but he dug in to show his grit and last the distance while showcasing his slick boxing ability with some accurate counter-work along the way. 

Conway is excited to make his mark after announcing himself in the 154lbs scene and has already set his eyes on the winner of the slated Cheeseman vs. Scott Fitzgerald Lonsdale Belt clash later this year. 

“I’m over the moon to team up with Matchroom Boxing and showcase my skills on Sky Sports and DAZN,” said Conway. “I feel like my journey is only just beginning and still have so many improvements to make but this activity and experience on the big stage is going to lead me to major domestic fights that I will win in fashion and beyond.”

 Promoter Eddie Hearn commented: “I’m excited to welcome Kieron Conway and I’m excited to see where his potential could take him. We had him on our Birmingham shows when he began his career and he’s always looked like he had the talent but after watching his British title fight against Ted Cheeseman recently, I think there is bundles more to come. He has great support from Northampton and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the domestic mix in what is a very exciting division.”

Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions are delighted to present Saturday night’s ‘Heavy Duty’ show at The O2, London live on BT Sport. 

In the main event, unbeaten heavyweight prospects Daniel Dubois (11-0) and Nathan Gorman (16-0) collide for the vacant British Heavyweight Championship. In chief support, Joe Joyce (9-0) takes on his toughest test yet in American Bryant Jennings.

Below is the running order and the weights registered at today’s weigh in:

Fight # 1 – 16:15 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Bantamweight Contest

JAKE PETTITT – 9st 9oz                                                                             
V                                
ELVIS GUILLEN

Fight # 2

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest

MARK CHAMBERLAIN – 9st 10lbs 1oz                                                              
V                                
SERGIO GONZALEZ 

Fight # 3

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

MICKEY BURKE JNR -10st 7lbs 4oz                                                                 
V                                
MICHAEL WILLIAMS – 10st 5lbs 6oz

Fight # 4

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

FLORIAN MARKU  – 10st 10lbs 2oz                                                                      
V                                
TOMMY BROADBENT – 10st 6lbs

Fight # 5

8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest

HAMZAH SHEERAZ – 11st 1lb 2oz
V                                
SCOTT JAMES – 11st 1lb 4oz

Fight # 6

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest

JONATHAN PALATA – 16st 2lbs 2oz                                                                  
V                                
FERENC ZSALEK – 17st

Fight # 7

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Middleweight Contest

WILLY HUTCHINSON – 12st 11lb 8oz                                                                
V                                
JOSIP PERKOVIC

Fight # 8

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Bantamweight Contest

DENNIS McCANN – 8st 5lbs 9oz                                                                         
V                                
JERSON LARIOS
 BT SPORT LIVE BROADCAST COMMENCES @ 19:30 HRS

 
Fight # 9

THE VACANT IBF INTERNATIONAL SUPER-FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 115 lbs

SUNNY EDWARDS – 8st 2lb 7oz
V
HIRAM GALLARDO – 8st 2lb 7oz

Fight # 10

THE WBO EUROPEAN SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 130 lbs

ARCHIE SHARP – 9st 3lb 5oz                                                                            
V                                
JORDAN McCORRY – 9st 3lb 6oz

Fight # 11

THE VACANT WBC SILVER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 160 lbs

LIAM WILLIAMS – 11st 5lbs 4oz                                                                          
V                                
KARIM ACHOUR                  

Fight # 12

THE WBA GOLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

JOE JOYCE MBE – 18st 4lbs                                                                          
V                                
BRYANT JENNINGS – 16st 2lbs

Fight # 13

THE VACANT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF GREAT BRITAIN

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

DANIEL DUBOIS – 17st 1lb                                                                           
V                             
NATHAN GORMAN – 18st 4lbs

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com or on the door at The O2 Arena.
 
£300 – Hospitality
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tied

NEW YORK, NY (07/12/19) – DiBella Entertainment will host a three-part Broadway Boxing summer series, all exclusively live streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. The action begins on Wednesday, July 17, with a special international edition from San Jose, Costa Rica, headlined by WBA world champion and local sensation Hanna Gabriels defending her world title, as well as top-rated super featherweight contender O’Shaquie Foster and undefeated heavyweight contender Trey Lippe Morrison, the son of former heavyweight champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison.

DiBella Entertainment will also present Broadway Boxing events on UFC Fight Pass on August 1, from Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and August 29, from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

WBA super welterweight world champion Gabriels (19-2-1, 11 KOs), of Alajuela, Costa Rica, will defend her crown for the fourth time in front of her hometown fans at the Gimnasio Nacional against WBA #2 rated contender Abril Argentina Vidal (8-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round contest.

Gabriels defeated Sarah Dwyer via unanimous decision in defense of her WBA title, in her last fight on January 26. Overall, Gabriels is a three-time, two-division world champion. She previously held the WBO title at welterweight and twice at super welterweight.

In June 2018, Gabriels became the only person to ever knock down unified world champion Claressa Shields, despite losing a competitive decision.

Vidal is a 20-year-old unbeaten Argentinean, who has amassed an impressive resume in only 15 months as a professional. The world title challenge will be Vidal’s fourth fight in a busy 2019 that has seen her win the Argentinean and South American championships in separate bouts. In her last fight on June 8, Vidal earned an impressive unanimous decision victory against the experienced, three-time world title challenger Yamila Reynoso.

“Hanna Gabriels is one of the top pound-for-pound talents in the women’s boxing game and a star in Costa Rica,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “I am thrilled to bring her title defense to her rabid fans while exposing this great champion to the worldwide subscriber base of UFC Fight Pass.”

WBC #9 rated Foster (15-2, 9 KOs), of Houston, TX, will vie for the vacant WBA Fedecentro title in the 10-round co-feature against Lima, Peru’s Jesus Bravo (19-1-1, 17 KOs).

Foster is coming off of a huge 2018 that saw him explode into the world ratings. In September 2018, Foster handed highly touted Spaniard Jon Fernandez his first loss in a sensational nationally televised performance to capture the WBC Silver super featherweight title. Before that, in April, Foster won an impressive unanimous decision against contender Frank De Alba. All told, Foster is riding a five-fight win streak versus competition with a combined record of 71-16-6. Before his 2012 pro debut, Foster was also a highly accomplished amateur, with a 94-12 record, winning numerous Ringside National Championships, Houston Golden Gloves tournaments and PAL National tournaments, as well as participating in the 2012 Olympic Trials.

The 24-year-old heavy-hitting Bravo has knockout wins against previously unbeaten prospects Bryan Mercado and Cesar Diaz. His only loss came last year via controversial majority decision against Rafael Hernandez, challenging for the WBA Fedebol featherweight belt.

Heavyweight knockout artist Trey Lippe Morrison (15-0, 15 KOs), of Tulsa, OK, will end a near 13-month ring absence, due to injury, taking on Pedro Rodriguez (10-1, 4 KOs), of Venezuela. Trey Lippe will be fighting outside of the United States for the first time as a pro in his sixteenth pro bout, something it took his legendary father 50 fights to do.

Rodriguez’ lone defeat came in March on points to former Russian National champion Artem Suslenkov.

The August 1 event will feature middleweight contenders Eric Walker and Ievgen Khytrov, as well as welterweight contender Ivan Golub. The August 29 event will feature a title defense by WBA super middleweight women’s world champion Alicia Napoleon, as well as the return of top contender Toka Kahn-Clary. Full details on both cards will be announced shortly.

“The Broadway Boxing summer series will be a parade of world champions, present and future, in some of the biggest fights of their careers,” said DiBella. “This commitment to quality is what has always set Broadway Boxing apart as a premier boxing series in the USA and, as of July 17, internationally as well.”

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (12 July 2019) Two Time World ChampionAmir Khan is set to make history tonight when he becomes the first Muslim boxer to headline a boxing event in Saudi Arabia.

British-Pakistani Khan faces Australian Two-Time World ChampionBilly Dib at the King Abdullah Sport City stadium in Jeddah with the WBC International Welterweight title on the line, exclusively live in the UK on Channel 5 starting at 8pm on 5Spike.

Ahead of the ‘Red Sea Fight Night’ extravaganza held during Jeddah Seasons, Khan wore the traditional Saudi male attire called the Thobe as he went for a walk by the Red Sea coast. 

A victory over Dib may lead to a potential mega showdown with superstar Manny Pacquiao, who takes on rival Keith Thurman next week in Las Vegas, that could take place later this year back in Saudi Arabia.

The Bolton star has previously visited Saudi Arabia to do his Umrah, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, but has always dreamed of one day fighting in the The Kingdom and popularising boxing as a sport to spectate and participate in.

Khan said, “I’m here in Saudi Arabia to make a major statement.  Fighting in Jeddah is as big and important as any of the big fights I’ve had in my career.  This is about breaking new frontiers and new territory and I’m really excited about the potential and future here.  Being the first Muslim boxer to headline a show here is great honour and tonight is a massive opportunity to showcase Saudi Arabia as a big boxing destination and I believe in a short time it will be become just as attractive as any of the big fight cities.  It’s important to put on a great fight against Dib tonight and come away with the win and the title to line up another big fight out here.”

AHEAD OF THE weekend when Frank Warren brings his ‘Heavy Duty’ card to the o2 Arena, the Hall of Fame promoter is ready to further add to the heavyweight mix with the signing of top prospect David Adeleye to his ranks.

Adeleye is set to turn professional having enjoyed a successful stint in the amateurs, which he combined with his studies at the University of Wolverhampton, from where he graduated last year with a degree in Business Management.

The Londoner was a Junior ABA champion in 2013 and won the Senior ABA Novices in 2017 before winning the Senior ABAs the following year. He also represented England in an international against Denmark in 2018, also winning gold at the British Universities and Colleges Sport Boxing Championships.

Adeleye firmly believes his professional career has been placed in the right hands following his alliance with Frank Warren, who already has top heavyweights Daniel Dubois, Nathan Gorman, Joe Joyce and Jonathan Palata on his books as well as, of course, lineal world champion Tyson Fury.

“I am humbled and grateful to join such a highly-ranked promotional team, which is one of the best in the world,” stated the 22-year-old with experience of 30-plus amateur fights. “Frank has got Tyson Fury, Anthony Yarde, Dubois and Gorman, so it is great time.

“English boxing is at an all-time high and joining this stable now is pretty much perfect timing,” he added, before taking up the story of how he combined left hooks with lectures.

“I was juggling boxing and Uni at the same time, but I got it done because I want to be the best I can be. It was very hard because you would wake up in the morning and go to your lecture, then you would have to train again and have to get up even earlier the next day to do the jogging.

“I lived in the Uni halls as well and there were a lot of students partying, but I knew when to do what and I got through it. The educational side of things I knew would only be temporary and my boxing would be a long term thing, so I got it out of the way so I could focus solely on the boxing afterwards.

“For the last year I have been preparing for this and working with Hughie Fury, who I helped for his fight with Sam Sexton and again for Kubrat Pulev. I also sparred with Dereck Chisora for his fight with Dillian Whyte in December, but I then picked up a small hand injury that set me back a few steps.

“I’ve carried on training and I boxed in February – stopping the kid in the second round – before visiting a hand specialist to see about my injury. Everything is good now and I will be back knocking everyone out as soon as.

“I would say I will be moved along at about the speed of Daniel Dubois. Although I am not fussed who I fight, I know my lane and I am not in a rush. Frank will know the best timing and has the most experience of anyone in this game.

“He will know from the way I box the progression I should be making. I like what they have done with the likes of Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman, so Frank knows what he is doing with heavyweights.

“It is a great time to be a British heavyweight and I can’t wait to be part of these rivalries and dust-ups.”

Frank Warren added on his new signing: “I was determined to add David to our squad of hugely talented young fighters. I’ve seen him, he is exciting, he can punch and I think he will be a fantastic addition to the heavyweight scene.

“David is another top young heavyweight coming through, so I am happy to have him with us and I am looking forward to him making his debut and seeing him become part of what is happening with the heavyweights now.

“In a couple of years, hopefully he will be up there and ready to be part of a fight like we have got this weekend between Daniel and Nathan.”

8 Rounds – Featherweights
Titus Williams (8-2, 3 KOs) 123.4 lbs.
vs. Aaron Exheveste Lopez (6-3, 3 KOs) 122.4 lbs.

6 Rounds – Junior Featherweights
Ariel Lopez (12-0, 7 KOs) 119.8 lbs.
vs. Ivan Martino Jiminez (5-3, 5 KOs) 118.4 lbs.

6 Rounds – Welterweights
Cesar Francis (5-0, 4 KOs) 142.4 lbs.
vs. Antonio Sanchez Hernandez (6-6-2, 3 KOs) 143 lbs.

6 Rounds – Welterweights
Mathew Gonzalez (8-0, 5 KOs) 144.8 lbs.
vs. Federico Jesus Malespina (16-12-2, 2 KOs) 145.2 lbs.

4 Rounds – Middleweights
Hosam Abdeldayem (Pro Debut) 159.8 lbs.
vs. Daniel Jefferson (Pro Debut) 158.4 lbs.

4 Rounds – Cruiserweights
Jan Czerklewicz (1-0, 0 KOs) 176.8 lbs.
vs. Mike Diorio (0-1) 178.2 lbs.

4 Rounds – Junior Middleweights
Raymond Wilburg (Pro Debut) 148 lbs.
vs. Jean Hernandez (0-1) 149.6 lbs.

Ryota Murata regained the WBA Middleweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over the man who beat him Rob Brant in Osaka, Japan.

In round two, Murata hurt Brant with a body shot. The Japanese challenger jumped on Brant and landed a hard barrage of punches that put Brant on the canvas. With Brant clearly hurt, Murata landed a series of hard head shots as well as some body blows that forced referee Luis Pabon to stop the bout at 2:34.

Murata of Japan regained the title that he lost to Brant last October, and now ups his record to 15-2 with 12 knockouts. Brant of Minnesota is 25-2,

By Norm Frauenheim-

Keith Thurman has lots to say, more than enough for Manny Pacquiao to pick and choose whatever he might need for just the right amount of motivation before their welterweight fight July 20 at Las Vegas MGM Grand.

“Never been more focused,’’ Pacquiao said Wednesday during a media workout at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and again on Thursday during a conference call.

Never more grateful, either.

Pacquiao has heard it all over nearly two decades at the top of a very noisy game. At this point, the Filipino Senator, boxing’s humble elder, knows what to use and what to discard. It doesn’t matter if it’s true. It just matters if it works. Enter Thurman, who is providing a whole menu of rhetorical options.

Want outrage? Thurman can do that. In the early news conferences, he promised to “crucify” Pacquiao, a deeply religious man.

Want cocky? Thurman can do that, too. Throughout subsequent media days and conference calls, he said he had the most complete resume in the welterweight division. Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. are the consensus best at 147 pounds, but they don’t’have the bully pulpit this week or next.

For now, that stage belongs to Thurman, a many-sided personality who is doing his job. Big fights are about salesmanship, and Thurman is delivering it fearlessly and relentlessly. That’s a dangerous combination. But it is endlessly fascinating from a fighter who has also called himself an entrepreneur. He understands risk and roles. He has taken on both in a difficult challenge of Pacquiao, who has always played the good guy.

That’s Pacquiao’s natural role, his only role. Guess here, Thurman knows that and has filled the only role left to him. He knew he was the bad guy the day he signed for the fight. The black hat fits him well. But does it define him? I don’t think so.

“I bring entertainment,’’ Thurman said this week in a conference call. “If I win, I bring entertainment. If I lose, I bring entertainment.’’

If that stretch of canvas between the ropes is theater, Thurman might be the most versatile actor of them all. There’s a fair question as to whether he has as many punches as he has sides to his personality. But his bold salesmanship is bound to attract an audience full of Pacquiao fans who want to see him silenced and another crowd wondering whether he can in fact back it up. For now, it’s a pick-em fight

After it is all over, however, it would be no surprise to see two fighters more alike than different. Many-sided often means inherent contradictions, and there were plenty of those on display in Thurman throughout the build-up for the Fox pay-per-view fight. Thurman practices yoga. There is a spiritual side to him, just like Pacquiao.

There’s a practical side to him.

I asked him last week if he envisioned fighting at 40. He’s 30; Pacquiao is 40.

“Hell, no,” he said. “At 35, I’ll pick up a book and maybe go to college.

“At least now, I can afford a college education.’’

Oh yeah, he’s funny, too.

Mostly, however, there are repeated reasons to believe he really admires Pacquiao, despite all of that over-the-top trash talk. Thurman watched Pacquiao beat Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand in January, his first fight after he turned 40 in December. Thurman had a fight a week later against Josesito Lopez, whom he beat in a so-so performance on Jan 26 in Brooklyn.

But Pacquiao inspired him.

“I went out for a run at 1 a.m. the week before my own fight because of what Manny did,’’ Thurman said. “I was inspired by what I saw in him, by what he wants to do now at 40.’’  

Now, Thurman is in a role to stop who, what inspired him.

TACOMA, Wash. – July 11, 2019 – Heavyweight prospects Jermaine Franklin Jr., and Jerry Forrest both weighed in on Thursday for their ShoBox: The New Generation main event clash Friday night live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Emerald Casino in Tacoma, Wash.

The co-featured bout will feature a 10-round matchup between undefeated Swedish heavyweight and top-10 ranked contender Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs) and former world title challenger BJ Flores (34-4-1, 21 KOs). 

Prospects Franklin (18-0, 13 KOs), Forrest (25-2, 19 KOs) and Wallin aim to leap into contention and further their resumes in the resurgent heavyweight division, while the veteran Flores will look to play spoiler and hand Wallin his first professional defeat. 

The opening bout of the tripleheader telecast will feature a 10-round matchup of undefeated super featherweight prospects as Giovanni Cabrera Mioletti (16-0, 7 KOs) faces off with Luis Porozo (14-0, 7 KOs).

The event, billed as the “Battle at the Boat 122,” is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with Brian Halquist Productions.

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.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Heavyweights 10-Round Bout 

Jermaine Franklin Jr. – 240 ¼ lbs. 

Jerry Forrest – 222 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Robert Howard; Judges: Alan Krebs (Issaquah, Wash.), Tim Wood (Lakeland, Wash.), Hunter Walton (Tacoma, Wash.) 

Heavyweights 10-Round Bout 

Otto Wallin – 234 lbs. 

B.J. Flores – 234 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Joel Scobie; Judges: Alan Krebs (Issaquah, Wash.), Tim Wood (Lakeland, Wash.), Hunter Walton (Tacoma, Wash.) 

Super Featherweights 10-Round Bout 

Givovanni Cabrera Mioletti – 129 ½ lbs.

Luis Porozo – 129 ½ lbs.

Referee: Robert Howard; Judges: Alan Krebs (Issaquah, Wash.), Tim Wood (Lakeland, Wash.), Hunter Walton (Tacoma, Wash.) 

Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday from Emerald Casino.

FINAL QUOTES:

JERMAINE FRANKLIN JR.:

“With the heavyweight division being wide open, a lot can change if I continue to win. The Joshua-Ruiz fight showed that anything can happen in the ring. I see myself right in there as a prospect in the heavyweight division. I feel like I belong and deserve my shot to prove I’m amongst the top heavyweights. I’m just going to take care of business and show people why I feel like I belong.

“I’m just ready to go. It’s a surreal experience, I mean headlining on SHOWTIME. I’m up to the task and just trying to get the job done.

“I really took it to another level in my training camp. I think the boxing fans will see it.  I knew I had to push myself harder after my last fight. I made some mistakes and was impatient. I was looking for the knockout and rushing things. A lot of people said I fought better than I give myself credit for, but I’m my own worst critic.

“I’ve watched a lot of film of my opponent. I think he’s going to be over-anxious and try to rush me. I’m a sharpshooter and I’m going to give him a bunch of different looks.

“I think I had some nerves and jitters in my last fight [April 13]. But I know exactly what to expect this time. [Rydell] Booker was a hard guy to look good against. I could have used my jab more and picked him apart. I missed a lot of opportunities that were presented to me. 

“Boxing has had its ups and downs in the state of Michigan but it’s now on the up with the Direll brothers and Claressa [Shields]. Detroit has had some top boxers and now me in Saginaw. I’ve been doing interviews with some of the Detroit daily papers and have a big following there. I can’t wait to show them and a national TV audience what I can do in the ring.”

JERRY FORREST:

“Jermaine is a very explosive guy. I don’t really look at film, my coaches do. I just fight my fight and don’t plan for much. I don’t focus too much on what the other guy is going to do. We know who we are fighting and we know he’s good.

“Everything I’ve done since I was a kid has prepared me for this and prepared me for boxing. I’m the ‘B’ side but all the great champs were once the ‘B’ side. This is the perfect timing for me.

“We’ve tried to fight some top guys and now we are starting to get noticed. We’re making our moves at the right time.  The heavyweight division is hot and it’s time to strike.

“Looking back, I probably took fights that I ended up losing against Gerald Washington and Michael Hunter a bit too early in my career. I wasn’t fully focused.  But now I’m ready to prove I can face the top guys.

“I’ll probably come in around 225, 227 pounds and feeling like I’ve prepared for this fight better than in other fight in my career.”

OTTO WALLIN:

“The heavyweight division is hot right now, and this is a fight for me to show I belong with the top guys.

“We’re prepared and had great sparring. My opponent has a name and people will recognize him. So it’s a good matchup for me.

“I want to look good and I want rounds. At the same time, I don’t want to get carried away and I want to just keep developing. It’s not a race.

“I was a little bit bummed out after what happened in the last fight with it ended with a first-round no-conest. In the [Nick] Kisner fight, he didn’t want to fight. Hopefully we have a guy who wants to come and fight.

“Sparring with Anthony Joshua (in 2016) really helped me. I just went in and had them take a look at me and I ended up staying the entire seven-week camp.”

B.J. FLORES:

“I’m the only opponent who comes in expecting to win. I honestly believe I will win and I should win. And I’ve been working on that for the past 10 weeks.

“I have no plan after tomorrow. I’m just thinking about round 1, then I’ll focus on round 2. It’s all I care about. I’m going to take it one round at a time.

“I don’t care how I win this fight. I just have to win. I don’t have a Plan B.”

“I thought I was done after my last fight [a loss to Trevor Bryan in August, 2018]. The fight date kept getting changed and I didn’t think it would happen. Then I got the call saying the fight was happening in 18 days. I wasn’t ready for it. That wasn’t the best version of me as a fighter.

“After the New Year I took time off and didn’t plan on coming back. But I was working out in the gym and felt I should give it another shot. And that’s when Dmitriy [Salita] called me with this opportunity.  

“I have nothing to lose, that’s my mindset for this fight.”

GIOVANNI CABRERA MIOLETTI:

“This is my hometown. The fans know me. My first fight here was just my second professional fight and against Jeremy McCleary, who was actually the hometown favorite. They were all quiet at first until I beat him. Then I became the hometown favorite. This is kind of my office, the Emerald Casino. I’m stepping into comfortable territory and this is nothing new to me. I’m comfortable and in my zone.

“I’m familiar with my opponent. He’s an Olympian. He was in the Pan-Am Games. This is a step up for me. He’s an international guy and he’s trained hard for this fight, as I’ve been told.

“I’ve beaten six undefeated fighters. I’m hoping to make this No. 7.

“I want it to be an action fight. I want to see what this guy brings. I hope he comes and tries his best. I like an action fight and I want him to come forward.

“This has been my dream to fight on SHOWTIME. I’m a boxing historian and have watched lots of video. Growing up Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao were my favorites. I also liked Pernell Whitaker, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard. I’ve watched guys with a lot of different styles.

LUIS POROZO:

“I’ve been in the States since January and working out at a gym in Brooklyn.

“Ecuador has never had a world champion boxer, so that is my motivation. It would be great to be the first one. A lot of things would change for me and my family if I was able win a world title.

“I’ve fought several southpaws and have been sparring with some bigger guys.

“I’m 29 years old and so there is an urgency. I’ve been fighting since I was 10 and had more than 500 amateur fights. I spent 10 years on the Ecuadorian National team and they supported me and my family.

“This is a turning point for me in my career. I have to go in there and show what I can do and that I’m ready for this next step.”

# # #

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

NEWARK, N.J. (July 11, 2019) – It was a press conference befitting a Newark King. Mayor Ras Baraka was on hand, as well as a large contingent of media from Northern New Jersey and New York.

Shakur Stevenson, Newark’s favorite son and a 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, is ready for his homecoming.

WBO. No. 1 featherweight contender Stevenson (11-0, 6 KOs) will face Alberto Guevara (27-4, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event Saturday evening at Prudential Center (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET). In the televised co-feature, bantamweight contender and proud Chicago native Joshua Greer Jr. (20-1-1, 12 KOs) will look to make it eight knockouts in a row versus Nikolai Potapov (20-1-1, 11 KOs).

The ESPN+ undercard (7 p.m. ET) will feature the U.S. debut of Indian sensation Vijender Singh (10-0, 7 KOs), the pro debut of 17-year-old New Jersey native Vito Mielnicki Jr., and local favorite Julian Rodriguez (16-0, 10 KOs), who is returning from a nearly two-year layoff.

In front of a packed Newark house, this is what the fighters had to say.

Shakur Stevenson

“It means everything to me being that this was a dream of mine to come here to the Prudential Center and fight in front of the hometown, my home crowd, family, friends. I’m happy to be here, and it means everything to me.”

“I’m not overlooking him. Honestly, I’m not going to let you {Top Rank’s Crystina Poncher} put no pressure on me either [smiles}. I feel like I’m going to go in there, box my fight and have fun. I’m going to let everything take care of itself.”

Mayor Ras Baraka

“We are extremely proud of Shakur Stevenson here in the city of Newark. I got an opportunity to see him with the young people yesterday. That was an incredible, incredible scene. You should’ve been there. The young people love him in this city. The city loves him. The kind of discipline, commitment to his craft – all of those things are amazing. Not just for him growing up from the city of Newark, but all of these young people get an opportunity to see what it takes to be a professional, what it takes to be a champion, to stand out and do the things that he’s doing.”

Alberto Guevara

“I know Shakur is a tough fighter, but I want to prove that I can do more in boxing. All of my experience will show on Saturday night.”

“I have a lot of experience as an amateur and a pro. My experience will be important in this fight.”

Joshua Greer Jr.

“This means everything to me. You asked {Nikolai} a way to beat me. The only way to beat me is to kill me because I’m not giving him nothing.”

“I work hard. I leave no stone unturned. Me and my coach work hard day in, day out. I make the sacrifices.”

“I’m dedicating this fight – my whole career, basically – to Ed Brown, who was 20-0 with 16 knockouts. He got killed in Chicago {in 2016}, and I know that we got Ed Browns everywhere, even in Newark, so I’m just bringing awareness to the situation.”

“Shakur is like a brother to me. He calls me his brother. If I call you my brother, I mean that. Him, his family, his grandfather, the way that they’ve been to me since I’ve been out here, his people, Newark. I mean, they treat me like a king out here. I wouldn’t have it no other way if Shakur was to come to Chicago.”

Nikolai Potapov

“I’ve been wanting this fight. I’ve been looking at this fight and watching {Greer’s fights}. I feel great. Everything with the weight cut has gone well, so I can’t wait to get started on Saturday night. That’s it. I’m excited.”

“I’m happy that Joshua has been following my career and that he wants to knock me out. We’ll see on Saturday night how he’s going to do it.”

“I don’t want to predict too much. He’s a very tough fighter, so there will be a lot of punches, a lot of movement. It’s going to be a very interesting fight to watch.”

Vijender Singh

“I’m happy to be here. I think it’s going to be a great show.”

“I’m focused on my boxing career and my craft. I want to fight two more times this year, keep busy and work towards a world title opportunity.”

“There are a lot of Indian people in this area, and I know they will come out to support me. It’s been a long time out of the ring for me, and I am ready.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Shakur Stevenson vs. Alberto Guevara, 10 rounds, featherweight

Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Nikolai Potapov, 12 rounds, IBF bantamweight eliminator for No. 2. ranking

ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Josue Vargas vs. Manuel Lopez, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Tamarcus Smith, 4 rounds, super welterweight

John Bauza vs. Angel Sarinana, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Julian Rodriguez vs. Hevinson Herrera, 6 rounds, super lightweight

Vijender Singh vs. Mike Snider, 8 rounds, super middleweight

Joseph Adorno vs. Adriano Ramirez, 8 rounds, lightweight

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 and in person at the Prudential Center box office.

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

Use the hashtags #StevensonGuevara and #GreerPotapov to join the conversation on social media.

SANTA MONICA, CA. (July 11, 2019) – Unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee held a media workout Thursday at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica, California before his upcoming title showdown against super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant Saturday, July 20 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

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

Lee is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned a finance degree from the Mendoza School of Business before embarking on his pro boxing career. Here is what Lee had to say about his training camp, his journey to fighting for the title and more:

MIKE LEE

“I’m very excited. On July 20 I will be fighting for the world title live on FOX in Las Vegas and it’s a dream come true. I’m 21-0, about to be 22-0 and bringing everything I’ve got to this fight. I’m normally fighting at 175-pounds but I’m bringing all the power and speed down to 168 and I’m ready to win this belt. It has been a long camp and I feel ready.

“Anytime you’re training for a fight of this magnitude you’ve got to step up. You have to work hard but smart as well. I have a phenomenal team. We’ve been stepping everything up between diet and nutrition. It’s been a long camp but I’ve been pushing it. I feel phenomenal.

“I think anybody could have certain perceptions of me in and out of the ring. But it doesn’t matter. All that matters is when the bell rings and I’m the best Mike Lee. What Plant says doesn’t matter to me. I see it as insecurity. I feel confident. People have doubted me my entire career. They didn’t think I would get to 10-0 or 20-0, but here I am fighting for a world title. I love proving the doubters wrong. It really motivates me.

“I’ve done a lot outside the ring whether it’s starting companies or philanthropy with the children charities I’ve worked with. I’m very proud of that. At the end of the day I want my legacy to be known that I went for it and that although I won belts, I helped people along the way. For every single fight I have had a children’s charity involved and I will keep doing that. If anyone wants to say that I’m involved in too many things outside of boxing, I think that’s crazy and my undefeated record proves otherwise.

“I don’t know Plant personally at all so I can’t speak about him personally. All I know is that we fight July 20th and that’s all I care about.

“I’ve fought on a lot of Manny Pacquiao undercards in Las Vegas. I love it. Manny has incredible fans and they always come to support me as well. Just to be a part of that card is an honor. Manny is one of the biggest names in boxing and in the world right now. I am grateful, excited and very honored.

“I turn to Jamal Abdullah and Julian Chua for anything boxing-related. I’ve had Jamal and Julian with me for about seven fights and they’ve been a phenomenal part of my success. I trust them both.

“A few years back I got diagnosed with this auto-immune disease that put me in the hospital for two years. I was in and out of hospitals and dealt with so much pain. Doctors told me that I would never fight again. For me to be sitting here is a blessing. I’ve won eight fights since I was diagnosed and it hasn’t been an easy road at all, but it’s going to make this victory so much sweeter. The fact that I’ve sacrificed so much and put my body through so much and have had people tell me that I can’t do it, that I’m not strong or fast enough, will be all worth it. I’m here now. I’m on this world stage now where the cameras are flashing and I’m just so grateful to be in this position right now to chase my dream.

“Anything that comes out of Plant’s mouth does not matter to me. My entire career I’ve had guys that are either been quiet in press conferences or guys that talk trash in press conferences. I have beat them all. All that matters is this fight. What he says is irrelevant.

“I started boxing at a young age and at Notre Dame where I started boxing in the amateurs I really just learned a lot about who I was as a man and really started giving back. The Notre Dame community has been incredible. Their alumni network has followed me all over the country. Whether I’m in Vegas, L.A, New York or Chicago, the alumni network follows me around and has instilled this ideology of giving back throughout my career. For that I am grateful and I’m excited to make them proud on July 20.

“Whether it’s health or anything in life, I’ve always been huge on visualization and just going after what I love. I’m constantly throughout training camp closing my eyes and visualizing myself with that belt and visualizing round by round how I am going to win. I’ve done that every single fight of my career and it’s interesting because when you keep going through those motions mentally, when you step into the ring, it’s like you’ve already been there hundreds of times. For me it’s all about staying calm and staying focused, whether it’s press conferences or anything with the media, I say ‘have fun Mike.’ Those are the words I say to myself. If I come out all intense I don’t have a good fight. For me it’s just about staying loose and having fun. That is how I fight the best.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had a Chicago fighter win the world title. We’ve won NHL, MLB, NBA. We have a history of great sports so to be able to bring this title back to Chicago is a dream come true and I really look forward to it.

“I tell people to follow their passion no matter what and don’t let those one or two comments of negative energy into your head. At the end of the day I want to go to bed when I am 100 years old knowing that I went for it. That I put all the chips on the table and went for it because I don’t want to live with that pain or regret. Go after what you love, go after your passion and really do what you love because the pain or regret hurts a lot more than the broken hands and broken noses and all the pain that I have gone through.”

JULIAN CHUA, Lee’s Co-Trainer

“This is my seventh fight working with Jamal Abdullah and with Mike. He’s grown so much with each camp. We’ve worked on so many things for this fight and he’s in great shape as you can see. There will be no issue with him making weight and retaining his power for July 20.

“The excitement and enthusiasm inside the camp has grown each day. As a team we realize how high the stakes are and we’re all looking forward to victory next Saturday night.”

# # #

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2019): WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Rey Vargas (33-0, 22 KOs) and No. 1 Contender and former world champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (36-2, 20 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the DoubleTree By Hilton in Carson, Calif. ahead of their 12-round fight. The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

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

REY VARGAS, WBC Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I’m happy to be here once again in the United States and Los Angeles where the beautiful people here always receive us well. I’m thankful for being a world champion. I’ve always categorized myself as someone who’s not a talker – I show it in the ring. We’re ready for war. We know the Japanese people are always willing to die in the line of fire, but Mexicans, we’re warrior too. And if you want, we can start the fight right here so bring the scale and let’s get the party started.”

TOMOKI KAMEDA, No 1. Contender for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship:

“I’m super excited and happy to be fighting here in the United States but most of all in Los Angeles, where there are a lot of Mexican and Japanese people. We are ready, we did a very good preparation, more than four months of training and I promise to give a good show because I prepared really well. I respect all opponents, Vargas too. The only thing I want to tell Vargas is – Champ, are you a champion, are you Mexican? Then this fight, fight like a Mexican. Let’s give a good fight. This Saturday, my story will begin.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:

“We had a really good preparation. Thank you to my promoter Golden Boy, my manager, my trainers, all of them for believing in me. This fight is very important. It’s one more step towards a world title. And this Saturday, Ronny Rios and I are going to steal the show. It’s going to be a great fight, it’s going to be a big war.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“First and foremost, I want to thank DAZN and Golden Boy for giving me such a great opportunity and putting me on such a great card. I especially want to thank Robert Diaz for always confiding in me and my team. I want to thank my team for always being there for me through thick and thin. It’s been a tough, challenging year but we’re back to where we want to and we’re here to make the best of it. I just want to let everybody know that I don’t see myself as a stepping stone. I’m here to give it my best shot and Diego and I are going to give the fight fans a great fight on Saturday.”

JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Contender:

“I want to thank Golden Boy and DAZN for giving me the opportunity to show my boxing this Saturday. And my team, my dad who’s my trainer, my manager Frank Espinoza, and my brothers. I had a good camp. I’m ready for Saturday night, and I just can’t wait.”

MANUEL AVILA, Featherweight Contender:

“I’d like to thank God for this opportunity, Golden Boy, DAZN, my dad as my manager. I trained hard for this fight. I tell people it’s just another fight. I’m ready for the fight to be here. I’m just excited to be here.”

ROCKY HERNANDEZ, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s going to be a very good card and I believe I’ll be walking away with my hands raised because I trained very hard. I want to thank Golden Boy, Promociones del Pueblo, all the people who support me, my family, friends, everyone in Mexico who has been sending me messages, and I want to thank Victor Flores for all the support that he’s been giving me.”

ROGER GUTIURREZ, Super Featherweight Contender:

“It’s a pleasure being here on such an important card. I’m grateful to Golden Boy for all the support and the fact that they believe in me and that they’ve given me another opportunity. I’m also grateful to Gilberto Mendoza, the president of the WBA, who has never stopped believing me and has always supported me.”

Vargas vs. Kameda is a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Promociones del Pueblo and TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, July 13 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Vargas vs. Kameda are on sale now and are priced at $75, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at the Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

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 #VargasKameda

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

MINNEAPOLIS (July 11, 2019) – Welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James and former world champion Antonio DeMarco went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in a 10-round welterweight attraction that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday night from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Also in attendance at the press conference were heavyweight contenders Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, who meet in a 10-round attraction, plus former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin and Daniel Martz, who battlein a 10-round heavyweight fight also featured on the telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

James was joined on-stage during the press conference by Minnesota Twins legend, eight-time All-Star and James’ family friend, Tony Oliva. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Generals Hall at The Armory:

JAMAL JAMES

“I am feeling good right now. I had a great camp. I am fighting a gentleman and a professional. When you have nice guys like us, you know we’re going to try to kill each other in the ring because that’s the only place we can get all of that aggression out.

“I want to thank DeMarco for accepting this fight. It’s a big name for me. So going in here and doing my thing and getting that victory would definitely put me up there hopefully for that title opportunity.

“I definitely am not overlooking him, we are going to out here and give a great show for all my hometown fans.

“I feel that I am ready for a title fight, but whatever my team comes up with, they’ll sit down with me and talk with me and we will figure it out. So if there is another step, then that’s the step I need to be taking on my way to a world title.

“At the end of the day as long as you keep winning, eventually they have to fight you. Every fight in my eyes is a title fight because as soon as you miss out, then now you have to build back up and rebound.

“My first time fighting back at home was a little nerve racking because everybody is here to see you and you want to put on the best show possible. But in doing that, if you don’t know how to control your nerves, you can fight overly cautious and make bad mistakes. Since I have been doing doing this several times now, I have that under control.

“DeMarco is going to be a strong fighter. He has been in a lot of wars. I just expect him to bring it. He is coming here to my hometown to fight me, so that tells you something about him. He has nothing to lose and that could be dangerous. But, I feel like that’s the same with me. Despite being at home, I don’t have anything to lose either. Boxing is a short lived career.

“The Armory is like a second home now to me. Fighting here feels like I’m in my own gym. You get the best sparring and the best fights in your gym because you are super comfortable. I’m totally comfortable fighting at home.

“If I get this victory over DeMarco, hopefully we can get a title opportunity or another big name that will put us right there.”

ANTONIO DEMARCO

“I’m very excited for another opportunity on this stage and to be in a fight like this again. I want to thank Jamal and his team for accepting this fight. I also want to thank my team for everything they do for me.

“Don’t miss this fight. Jamal is going to bring everything to the table and I will do everything in my power to take this victory home to Mexico. As I always say, let god take care of both of us inside the ring and ensure our health. Let the best man win.

“I’ve worked very hard in training and I have an edge in experience, so I know that I’ll be ready for what Jamal can do. We will see how he handles that in the ring.

“I’m not worried about fighting in his hometown. I bring the same mentality into the ring no matter what. At the end of the day, the fans can’t fight for him. It’s just me and him in there.

“My motivated for fighting is very clear, I fight for my wife and my daughters. Knowing that I’m providing for them and can give them a great life is the best motivation anyone could ever have.”

ROBERT HELENIUS

“It’s nice to be in America for my first fight here. want to thank everyone involved in bringing me over here. This is the first time I’m going to fight here in America and I’m excited. I’m going to bring my A-Game and it’s going to be a really good fight.

“What I have seen from Washington is the Deontay Wilder fight and his fights against Adam Kownacki and Jarrell Miller. But I think he is still a very good fighter, so this is going to be a tough fight. It has been a good camp and everything is looking good, so I don’t see any problem with beating him.

“I want the fans to be able to see that I am a true Viking in this fight. I will always bring that spirit and energy into the ring.

“I promise you a really good fight on Saturday and I am going to win and after that we can negotiate the future.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“I’m excited for the show and to be back in another fight again and working towards my goal of being the heavyweight champion of the world. This is step number one for me. I have to start over and start fresh and clean.

“I am looking forward to a good performance this Saturday night and having fun in the ring. I know I have everything I need to win this fight.

“I’m ready and willing to go through whatever is in front of me to reach my goals. I have a challenge on Saturday night and a chance to get closer to where I want to be.”

CHARLES MARTIN

“I want to thank my team for helping me with everything and putting me in this position. I have been through a lot with this sport and I just want to get back to a world title. There is nothing like that feeling. I have just been working hard and growing every day and I can’t wait to display that on Saturday night.

“I am in phenomenal shape. We are working really hard. We are doing 20 rounds a day and having good sparring sessions. I have been eating well. No fried foods and I am ready to get it in. I have to take it out on somebody. I have been walking the straight line. I have been learning and I am so excited to display my growth.

“I had just got with my new team and things weren’t really fluid in my last fight in March. I am letting off combinations now. It’s a lot of good stuff and I can’t wait to show it.

“We want to get the fight against Manuel Charr. I want that belt. If the stars are aligned, then that will happen.”

DANIEL MARTZ

“I really appreciate this opportunity. PBC has given me a second opportunity to fight on FS1 and it’s up to me to take full advantage of it.

“I had a good camp, I was supposed to fight last month, but the fight got cancelled about a week before, so I just rolled into the next camp. I’ve had about 8-9 weeks to get ready for this.

“It’s always great to get in with a former world champion, and I feel ready. I’m going to go out there and have fun. I’m definitely ready for this fight. “

# # #

ABOUT JAMES VS. DEMARCO
Welterweight contender and Minneapolis native Jamal “Shango” James and former world champion Antonio DeMarco went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in a 10-round welterweight attraction that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. and features heavyweight contenders Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, a battle between former heavyweight champion Charles Martin and Daniel Martz and unbeaten prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who will compete in an eight-round lightweight bout against Robert Frankel.

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a media workout on Wednesday at his Las Vegas training camp as he discussed his first title defense against unbeaten Mike Lee that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will precede the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event that also takes place at MGM Grand and is headlined by eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao facing WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman.

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 886-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) captured his world title in January on FS1 when he dropped Jose Uzcategui twice on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Here is what he said about his first world title defense and more from training camp with trainer Justin Gamber at City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

CALEB PLANT

“Camps been great. It’s been a long camp and we are working hard. It’s been the best sparing that we’ve ever had. I’ve worked the hardest I have ever worked and I am fully prepared to defend my world title successfully on July 20.

“My training has been great. This is the best training camp I’ve ever had. I worked harder in this camp than I have in any other camp, and I expect for you guys to see the best Caleb Plant you have ever seen come July 20.

“We haven’t changed up a whole lot of things. Just working harder, throwing in a few extra rounds here and there. The work load has increased slightly, but we haven’t really changed anything other than that, it’s all been the same.

“A lot of people are going to be tuned in watching on July 20. There are a lot of eyes on us. I’m expecting to go out there and defend my world title successfully and in fashion and put a show on for everyone that’s tuned in.

“I may reside in Vegas, but Nashville and Ashland City will always be my home. I appreciate all the continued support from back home. I’m really hoping they will be tuned in because I’m going to put a show on and it’s going to be fun.

“I promised Aliyah that I would win a world title and bring it to her, and I’m promising my mother that I’ll defend it. I did what I said I was going to do last time, so you can expect me to do what I said I would do this time as well.

“This is a huge platform. PBC and FOX have put together an amazing platform for world champions like myself to display their talents. But at the end of the day it’s just another day in the office. I hope the viewership is high and I think it will be leading into the Pay-Per-View and I am just looking forward to putting on a great show.”

JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer

“We’re winding down. We’re toning everything down. We’ve already climbed the mountain and now were getting ready to climb the next mountain. We’ve already climbed the mountain of our training camp and now were going to get a little break, and recover some so we’re 100% on fight night.

“He’s looking great right now I couldn’t ask for a better version of Caleb Plant, this is the best version I’ve ever seen. I would describe him as a boxing god looking at the last time he sparred.

“As far as skill, technique, and just zeroing in. It’s not playing around and showboating during the sparring. It’s straight to business, it’s all business right now and I see it in his eyes. You see it in his focus. He’s zeroing in the fight, we’re ready.”

# # #

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

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

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

MINNEAPOLIS (July 11, 2019) – Former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara looks to get one step closer to returning to the world championship ranks when he battles Ramon Alvarez in a 12-round bout for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight title in the primetime main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

In the co-feature, former world champions Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Minneapolis-native Caleb “Golden” Truax will settle their unfinished business in a rematch as they again meet in an IBF Super Middleweight Title eliminator. In the TV opener, a pair of sensational young super welterweights collide as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in an eight or 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, go on sale Saturday, July 13 and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“This is a fantastic lineup of high-stakes matchups coming to FOX and FOX Deportes on August 31 and one that should deliver once again for the fans at The Armory in Minneapolis,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Each show has gotten bigger at bigger at The Armory, and this will be the biggest event yet. Erislandy Lara is a household name in the sport and he will look to make a statement against Ramon Alvarez that he’s still amongst the best at 154-pounds. With the rematch between Peter Quillin and Minnesota’s-own Caleb Truax set for the co-main event, there will be an electric atmosphere once again to spur these fighters to give their best performances.”

Lara (25-3-3, 14 KOs) was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a title unification match in 2018 that was the unanimous “Fight of the Year”. Lara returned to the ring in March as he battled Brian Castano to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. This showdown against Alvarez can put Lara back in position reclaim the top spot in the position that he once owned.

The slick southpaw who was born in Guantanamo, Cuba and now lives in Houston has faced off against some of the most accomplished boxers at 154-pounds, including champions Saul Alvarez and Austin Trout. Lara reigned for four years after becoming the full world champion in 2014 and leading up to the fight against Hurd.

“I’m very excited to be headlining another great PBC event, this time on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Lara. “This fight against Ramon Alvarez is personal for me, as I have history with the Alvarez family. Expect another great fight and a spectacular performance. I can’t wait to perform at this tremendous venue in Minneapolis. Don’t miss this fight, because I’m going for the knockout.”

The 32-year-old Alvarez (28-7-3, 16 KOs) is the older brother of middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and will be fighting for just the second time in the U.S. In his first fight in the U.S. last November, the fighter from Guadalajara, Mexico lost to former world champion Brandon Rios. He bounced back from that loss with a decision victory over Jose Carlos Paz in his last fight on April 6.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for a chance at the world title,” said Alvarez. “I’ve worked hard my whole career for a fight like this and I’m going to take advantage. My brother beat Lara a few years back and I’m going to be the next Alvarez to beat Lara.”

Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KOs) thought he was on his way to a victory when he met Truax in their first fight on April 13 in an FS1 PBC Fight Night main event. He had taken the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards before the action was halted when a deep cut over Truax’s right eye, caused by an accidental head butt, brought an end to the fight and resulted in a no-decision.

The 36-year-old Quillin, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Brooklyn, heads back to Truax’s hometown looking to secure his world title shot at super middleweight. Quillin is a former world champion at 160-pounds, having won a middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam in 2012 before defending it successfully three times.

“I’m going to finish what I started this time,” said Quillin. “I’m treating this like any other fight and working hard to put on my best performance August 31. I was in control of the first fight and ready to go for it. I’ll be ready again for a dominant statement when we get back in the ring.”

The 35-year-old Truax (30-4-2, 19 KOs) said post fight that he had planned to wear Quillin down in the later rounds of their April clash that was cut short. He will have the opportunity to implement his plan and earn a shot at becoming a two-time world champion in front of his hometown crowd on August 31.

Truax went to England and upset James DeGale for the IBF title by majority decision in one of 2017’s biggest upsets. He lost the title in a close unanimous decision in the rematch in 2018. A former college football standout from St. Michael, Minnesota, Truax turned pro in 2007 and has faced some of the best boxers at middleweight and super middleweight in his career, including Quillin, DeGale, Daniel Jacobs and Anthony Dirrell.

“I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to run it back against Peter Quillin at home again at The Armory,” said Truax. “The ending of the first fight was a huge buzzkill to what had shaped up to be a great night. We obviously have unfinished business and I am again confident I will get the job done.”

The 6-foot-6 Fundora (13-0, 9 KOs) has begun to display tremendous power and has stopped his last five opponents inside of the distance. The 21-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California typically has a height and reach advantage over most of his opponents and makes the most of it. His last two fights have seen him knockout previously unbeaten fighters in Hector Manuel Zepeda in June and Donnie Marshall in February on FOX.

“I’m very focused right now on training hard, taking it day-by-day and giving a great performance on August 31,” said Fundora. “I’m preparing for an experienced fighter and a good chess match. This is one of the tallest guys I’ve fought as a pro, plus he’s a southpaw. I’m ready for a challenge and following my team’s guidance to be at my best.”

The 24-year-old Clark (14-1, 7 KOs) suffered the only loss of his pro career when he dropped a unanimous decision to Jeison Rosario at The Armory in Minneapolis on August 24. The Cincinnati-native bounced back from that loss with a unanimous decision victory over then unbeaten Vernon Brown in his last fight on March 24. He returns to The Armory for the tallest order of his career against Fundora, with the winner set to shoot up the 154-pound rankings.

“I’m feeling really strong right now and ready to show the new Jamontay Clark on August 31,” said Clark. “I’m going to show everyone how the shorter fighter can out box a taller opponent. I know he’s got length and throws a lot of punches, but I’ll be ready for everything he brings. This is the start of a new beginning. I’m bringing the pressure and pain for this one.”

# # #

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

OXON HILL, Md. (July 11, 2019) — The fighting pride of Brazil, middleweight contender Esquiva “La Pantera” Falcao, has a world title shot on his mind. The next step for the 2012 Olympic silver medalist is Jesus Antonio Gutierrez in a 10-round showdown Friday, July 19 at MGM National Harbor.

Falcao-Gutierrez will be the featured bout on the undercard stream live on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. In eight-round undercard action, middleweight prospect Tyler “Hercules” Howard (17-0, 11 KOs) will take on Philadelphia native Jamaal Davis (18-14-1, 7 KOs), and super featherweight Tyler McCreary (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will look to rebound from a March 23 draw against Jessie Cris Rosales (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

The evening will be topped by a pair of IBF world title eliminators — lightweight Teofimo Lopez versus Masayoshi Nakatani and junior welterweight Maxim Dadashev versus Subriel Matias — that will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills,” Falcao said. “Nobody has seen the best of me yet, and I am working hard with Robert Garcia to improve my craft. I look at all of the middleweights out there, and I know I can compete with any of them. I fought on the biggest stage as an amateur. I will thrive when I am given that opportunity as a professional.”

Falcao (23-0, 15 KOs) turned pro in February 2014 following a storied amateur career that included an excruciatingly close 14-13 decision loss to Ryota Murata in the 2012 Olympic gold medal match (75 kilograms). A natural righty who fights as a southpaw, Falcao is a classic boxer-puncher who has never come close to tasting defeat in the paid ranks. After winning three bouts in 2018, including a pair of first-round stoppages, Falcao returned home to Brazil for the first time as a pro on March 31, shutting out veteran Jorge Daniel Miranda over 10 rounds. Gutierrez (25-3-2, 12 KOs), from Tijuana, Mexico, is an eight-year pro who is looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Steven Butler last November in Canada. Prior to the Butler defeat, Gutierrez had been on a six-bout unbeaten streak dating back to June 2016.

In other undercard action:
Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (32-0-1, 18 KOs), one of Washington, D.C.’s most popular young fighters, will look to thrill the home region fans in an eight-round super welterweight bout versus Juan De Angel (21-11-1, 19 KOs).

Top heavyweight prospect Cassius Chaney (15-0, 9 KOs) will look to extend his knockout streak to five versus Joel Caudle (8-2-2, 5 KOs) in a bout scheduled for eight or six rounds.

Washington, D.C. native Patrick Harris (16-0, 8 KOs) will make his third appearance at MGM National Harbor in a super lightweight bout scheduled for eight or six rounds against Donald Ward (11-10-1 5 KOs).

Nathaniel Davis (1-0, 1 KO), from Lusby, Maryland, will take on Rolando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten lightweights.
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the MGM National Harbor.

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

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

About ESPN+

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

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (JULY 10, 2019)–Undefeated super bantamweight’s Raeese Aleem and Ernesto Delgadillo will meet in the eight-round main event of a big night of boxing that is set fro Friday night, August 23rd at The Arabia Shrine Center in
Houston, Texas.

The 11-bout card will be promoted by King’s Promotions and ForceTrain Promotions.

In the eight-round co-feature, surging super middleweight Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson will see action.

Aleem of Las Vegas, Nevada has a record of 14-0 with eight knockouts. The 29 year-old Las Vegas native has been on a roll as he has knocked out his last three opponents, with the latest being a 1st round stoppage over the durable Ramiro Robles on May 10th in Philadelphia. Aleem also has defeated two undefeated foes in Marcus Bates (8-0-1) and DeVonte Allen (4-0-1).

Delgadillo of Dallas, Texas has a record of 11-0-2 with two knockouts.

The 25 year-old Delgadillo has quality wins on his resume over Josue Morales (1-0-1), Bryan Aquino (11-1) to win the WBC USNBC Super Flyweight title.

He defended the the title twice with wins over Oscar Mojica (11-3) and his bout when won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nate Green (10-0) on August 4th, 2018 in Dallas.

Seeing action in the eight-round co-feature is rising super middleweight contender Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson.

Henderson of Fayetteville, Arkansas has a record 12-0 with eight knockouts.

Henderson, 29 years-old has defeated two undefeated fighters in Cameron Burroughs (2-0) and Bobby Taylor (4-0).

On December 7, 2018, Henderson captured the UBF Intercontinental Title with a 7th round stoppage over Brandon Robinson (11-1) in a fight that was awarded The Philadelphia Fight of the Year.

Henderson is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Antowyan Aikens on May 10th in Philadelphia.

In eight-round bouts:

Jerrico Walton (14-0, 7 KOs) of Houston takes on former world title challenger Victor Terrazas (38-6-2, 21 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in a welterweight fight.

Marcus Bates (9-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, DC fights an opponent to be announced in a bantamweight contest.

In six-round bouts:

Pablo Cruz (17-2, 6 KOs) of Houston will rematch former world title challenger William Gonzalez (30-12, 26 KOs) in a super featherweight clash.

Andre August (7-1-1, 5 KOs) of Houston takes on Robert Daniels, Jr. (3-1, 3 KOs) of Miami in a light heavyweight bout.

DeVonte Williams (12-1, 6 KOs) of Houston takes on 19-fight veteran Rudy Lozano of Corpus Christi, Texas in a middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Jonathan Morales (10-0, 3 KOs) of Channel View, Texas (10-0, 3 KOs) battles Christian Nava (3-5-1) of Salt Lake City, Utah in a super middleweight clash.

Jasmine Crawford (1-0) fights Miranda Reyes (1-0) in a battle of undefeated Houston based welterweights.

Pro debuting Joshua Freeland of Houston battles Lucas McDonald (0-3) of Bellville, Texas in a super welterweight bout.

Joseph Rivera (5-1, 3 KOs) of Houston takes on an opponent to be named in a super lightweight battle.

Tickets are $35, $50 and $600 for a Table of 6, and can be purchased at the following web address:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nextfightup-vii-houston-pro-boxing-forcetrain-kings-promotions-tickets-63474749685?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Emiliano Marsili remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Bryan Mairena in junior welterweight bout.

Marsili, 138.6 lbs of Italy won by scores of 60-54 twice and 60-54 and is now 38-0-1. Mairena, 136.6 lbs of Nicaragua is 10-12-1.

Mirko Natalizi won a six-round unanimous decision Antonio Gomez in a super lightweight bout.

Natazlizi, 155.8 lbs won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 6-0. Gomez, 155.4 lbs of Amsterdam is 4-4-2.

Vincenzo Bevilacqua won six-round unanimous decision over Novak Radulovic in a super welterweight bout.

Bevilacqua, 156.8 lbs of Rome won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice to stay undefeated at 16-0. Radulovic, 156.8 lbs of Serbia is 9-4-1.

HEAVYWEIGHT boxing legend George Foreman insists Daniel Dubois is the future of the heavyweight division.

The former world champion and one of the most feared punchers in boxing history has been wowed by the devastating power of Dubois.

Big George cannot wait to see how British boxing’s latest KO King Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) gets on in Saturday’s (July 13) vacant British heavyweight title clash against slickster Nathan Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) at London’s o2 Arena.

Foreman has been following Daniel’s career from his Texan home and gave him ‘The Punching Preacher’s’ seal of approval, roaring: “I can’t see many opponents standing up to him for many rounds.

“It is obvious that Daniel Dubois will walk the trail of fame that only true heavyweights punchers can travel to.”

Foreman first won the world heavyweight title against Joe Frazier in 1973 and reclaimed it almost 21 years later in 1994 when he knocked out Michael Moorer and at the age of 45 became the oldest ever world heavyweight champion.

And of course, he took part in the most famous boxing match in history, ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ when he was defeated by Muhammad Ali in 1974.

Foreman lending his support is a boost for Londoner Dubois ahead of what is one of the most intriguing domestic heavyweight title clashes for years.

Recent polls among fight fans have seen a surge in support for Nantwich’s Gorman to beat the young Londoner.

It is a fight not to be missed either in person or live on BT Sport this weekend.

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – Hospitality
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tied