NEW YORK (Feb. 1, 2019) – Having eclipsed the four-million views mark to close out the 2018 calendar year, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast opens the first quarter of 2019 with an outstanding six-card lineup featuring six different promotions and spanning five cities, beginning on Friday, Feb. 8 in South Philadelphia.

The free and interactive Facebook series rings its opening bell next Friday at 2300 Arena in South Philly by showcasing an exceptional, standing-room-only card put together by Raging Babe. Partnering with forward-thinking promoter Michelle Rosado on next week’s “Philly Special” featuring several undefeated prospects – including bantamweight Christian Carto (17-0, 11 KOs) and heavyweight Darmani Rock (13-0, 8 KOs) – FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is sure to get its 2019 schedule off to a hot start.

“We’re excited to partner with FIGHTNIGHT LIVE for our debut Philly event,” said Rosado. “The fights on the card and the fighters themselves have captured the attention of fight fans all over, even outside of the Philadelphia area, so we’re thrilled to give people the opportunity to see the fights live.”

Carto meets veteran southpaw Victor Ruiz (22-10, 15 KOs) in the main event, as the 22-year-old prospect looks to continue to make his case as a contender.Rock will fight in the card’s co-feature, while undefeated Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 KOs) of North Philadelphia meets Derrick Whitley (4-0-1) of Springfield, Mass. in a special welterweight attraction. Amateur heavyweight standout Sonny Conto of South Philadelphia – a recent signee of monolithic promotion Top Rank – will also be featured in his pro debut as part of a seven-bout card.

“We couldn’t be happier to begin our New Year at 2300 Arena with the outstanding lineup that Raging Babe has assembled for the Feb. 8 ‘Philly Special,'” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We’ve been able to showcase nearly 500 up-and-comers on our platform, and Christian Carto is special prospect who we’re really pleased to feature on Facebook. Darmani Rock always brings the thunder, and watch out for the pro debut of Top Rank signee Sonny Conto as well.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 450 fighters and 15 promotions during 26 live event broadcasts from 18 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 26-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 166,508 views per event and more than 4.3 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018,Season II shows have averaged almost 323,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 26-show series has seen a total of more than 4,329,206 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 377,000 collective live post engagements (more than 14,500 per show), including more than 293,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 46,000 comments and almost 16,000 shares.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views and the Sept. 2017 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 86,000 fans and more than 92,000 followers.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter and Spring 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visitwww.everlast.com.

Callum Johnson and Sean Monaghan will clash in a crunch Light-Heavyweight battle at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on Saturday March 9, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW PRICED FROM $49 VIA TICKETMASTER.COM

Johnson (17-1 12KOs) returns to the States following his first World title fight in October in Chicago against Artur Beterbiev, a wild shoot-out with the Russian champion where he hit the deck in the opening round, but returned the favor with interest in the second round before being stopped in the fourth.

The 33 year old former British and Commonwealth champion and Commonwealth Games gold medal man is straight back into a major showdown for the 175lbs division as he targets a second crack at the big prize in 2019, with the fight notably bolstering the stacked bill for WBA ruler Dmitry Bivol’s defense against Joe Smith Jr.

“I was gutted in the Beterbiev fight, I was gutted because I felt the occasion maybe got to me, but I still had good moments in the fight and I’ve learned a lot from it,” said Johnson.

“I know that if a second shot comes my way, I will be more than ready for it with the experience of Chicago behind me. Sean always puts everything into his fights and he badly needs this win, just like I do, so there should be fireworks.”

Irish-American Monaghan (29-2 17KOs) is in no doubt as to what is on the line in what he’s calling a ‘do or die’ fight for his career.

The New Yorker enters the bout gone the ten round distance with Sullivan Barerra in November, and the 37 year old sees a victory over Johnson as a must-win to keep his World title dreams alive.

“I’ve had my eye on Callum since before the Beterbiev fight,” said Monaghan. “He has a come forward pressure style and our styles should make for a fan friendly fight.

“I know these Brit’s always come in shape so I’m already working very hard. This is a fight I absolutely need to win. No excuses, it’s do or die for me.”

Johnson and Monaghan clash on a huge bill in upstate New York led by a World title double-header in the shape of Bivol’s clash with Smith Jr and Maurice Hooker puts his WBO Junior-Welterweight title against unbeaten challenger Mikkel LesPierre. Ohio talent Otha Jones III makes his pro debut on the card, with more undercard action to be announced.

DOORS 17:00

BOXING STARTS 17:45

4 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest @ 13st 5lbs
DANA ZAXO 13st 1lb 8oz v TAYAR MEHMED 13st 7lbs 7oz
(Hammersmith) (Bulgaria)

4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
JOHN DOCHERTY 12st 2lbs 4oz v PRZEMYSLAW BINIENDA 12st 5lbs 4oz
(Montrose) (Poland)

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
SCOTT FITZGERALD 11st 5lbs 9oz v RADOSLAV MITEV 11st 2lbs 9oz
(Preston) (Bulgaria)

19:30 – LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

12 x 3 mins vacant Commonwealth Middleweight Championship
FELIX CASH 11st 5lbs 6oz v RASHEED ABOLAJI 11st 3lbs 8oz
(Wokingham) (Nigeria)

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Cruiserweight Championship
LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 8oz v TAMAS LODI 14st 3lbs 5oz
(Hackney) (Hungary)

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight Championship
JAKE BALL 12st 6lbs 5oz v CRAIG RICHARDS 12st 6lbs 8oz
(Lightwater) (Crystal Palace)

12 x 3 mins EBU Super-Welterweight Championship
SERGIO GARCIA 10st 13lbs 4oz v TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 3 oz
(Spain) (Bermondsey)

LIVE FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 4lbs 9oz v MORGAN DESSAUX 15st 4lbs 4oz
(Ipswich) (France)

By Norm Frauneheim-

“Everybody has a plan until you get hit.”

— Mike Tyson

A sensible quote from a dysfunctional life in a violent business has become a modern mantra. Philosophers and politicians, preachers and phonies, are using the line from a heavyweight champ who knows how much chaos one punch can spawn. Everybody is quoting Tyson these days. Who knew?

Saturday, Tyson’s scarred wisdom will be as relevant as ever in a place that helped create it when Oscar Valdez Jr. returns to the ring for the first time since suffering a broken jaw.

Valdez faces 2016 Italian Olympian Carmine Tommasone at the Dallas Cowboys training center in Frisco, Tex., (ESPN/10 p.m. ET)) in his first bout since an almost frightening display of courage, guts and blood in a decision over Scott Quigg on a rainy night in Southern California last March. If it wasn’t Fight of The Year, it was year’s bloodiest.

Memories of the dramatic 12 rounds are Valdez’ misshapen jaw and a puddle of blood amid all the puddles of rain. Valdez’ blood collected on the canvas in front of his stool and it stayed there, seemingly undiluted by persistent showers at an outdoor ring in Carson, Calif. For six-plus rounds, he fought with a mouthpiece that could not be withdrawn for fear of further fractures.

It was stark and unforgettable. Defining, too. It said everything about Valdez’ character. But it said something else. As defining it was, it was also a reason for him to redefine his future. It’s not as if he’s starting over Saturday night on a card featuring a light-heavyweight rematch of Eleider Alvarez’ August upset of Sergey Kovalev. Valdez still has the WBO’s featherweight title. He’s still unbeaten (24-0, 19 KOs).

But he is fighting for a way to ensure he has a long career. He wants more defining moments beyond that dramatic night against a heavier Quigg.

That brings us back to Tyson’s increasingly-familiar quote. Valdez, a Mexican Olympian who began boxing as a schoolboy in Tucson, resumes his career against Tommasone (19-0, 5 KOs) with a new trainer — Canelo Alvarez cornerman Eddy Reynoso instead of Manny Robles — and an adjusted plan.

Newfound defense is its cornerstone.

For Valdez, it is as much a mindset as it is a tactical adjustment. It’s not as if he doesn’t know the fundamentals. Two-time Olympians know the basics. They know their way around the ring. The dilemma is in Valdez’ instincts. He loves to brawl and fans love him for it.

That instinct became dangerously evident against Miguel Marriaga in April 2017 in Carson, Calif. That’s when Valdez — comfortably ahead on the scorecards — invited Marriaga to step forward and into a give-and-take, head-rocking exchange over the last couple of rounds. The crowd went wild. Valdez survived and won on the cards. His Top Rank promoters were as relieved as they were happy.

Things got more dangerous five months later in front of a hometown crowd in Tucson against Genesis Servania, an unknown and then unbeaten Filipino. Servania knocked down Valdez in a wild fourth-round. Valdez, a survivor as much as he is a brawler, paid back Servania with a knockdown of his own in the tenth. Again, Valdez won on the cards, but not without mounting questions.

Then, there was Quigg. The broken jaw, subsequent surgery and months of rehab dictated that it was time to change.

“The injury opened my eyes in a lot of ways,’’ Valdez told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times in a well-done story from the Mexican featherweight’s training camp in San Diego. https://www.latimes.com/sports/boxing/la-sp-oscar-valdez-20190130-story.html

“I need to learn from my mistakes, and listen to the people who know. If I was somewhat disciplined before, I have to become more disciplined, because I know now that my next fight could be my last. It’s made me become more cautious, more disciplined, more prepared, so that doesn’t happen again.”

An early answer is awaiting impact. Valdez has been hit on the surgically-repaired jaw repeatedly in sparring and at least once, according to Pugmire’s story, while playing softball. Thomas Valdez, Oscar’s cousin and a Tucson lightweight, said he sparred with him before Thomas beat Luis Coria at Casino Del Sol in November. His cousin’s jaw, Thomas said then, has healed. Oscar Valdez is better than ever, he said.

But sparring doesn’t include punches thrown in the heat of battle. There are questions about whether Tommasone, who is fighting for the first time in the U.S., has enough power to do any damage. Five stoppages in 19 bouts indicate he doesn’t.

Saturday’s bout, perhaps, is the first step in a longer process, one Valdez hopes will lead to a chance at unifying the featherweight title.

But it will provide the first hint at whether Valdez’ plan can withstand the hit that Tyson says will always land.

Attachments area

” I wish to apologize to my fans and supporters for sending an impostor into the ring when I challenged for the world title against Deontay Wilder for the world title in my last fight.”

‘ That was not me but a shadow of myself.” ” A fraud a fakir. Someone else. My mind wa not attached to my body” “.My heart was not in the fight. I was there in name only. ”

‘Following the bout I searched my soul and vowed I would either never fight again or dedicate my life – as never before- to regaining my world heavyweight title. I decided to go after the championship.’

” With every ounce of my being I have dedicated myself to this comeback.” I have worked spiritually, mentally,

personally and physically to this goal.”

” I have gone to the mountains, the desert, dieted, lived a life of sacrifice and deprivation to mold myself into a fighting machine”.” I have boxed a thousand rounds, run hundreds of miles and worked my body into the greatest shape of my career in pursuit of my world heavyweight title.”

‘ I have told my promoter – Don King – to get me any man on earth and I will fight for the right to prove myself to the world.’ ‘No champion, no contender, no prospect would box me.’

” For the past fourteen months I have lived in the gym and the training camp”. ‘Conditioning myself to box any man alive – but there were no takers.’

‘ My frustration and anger are at the bursting point. I have worked my body into a machine of destruction.’

“Thousands of sit ups, push ups, tons of weights lifted, dozens of sparring partner battered and beaten, endless days in the gym and hundred of miles run’ .” I am crazed to get back in the ring and redeem myself – and regain my heavyweight championship of the world”

.

Pounding the speed bag, battering the heavy bag, shaping my body and mind into machines of destruction.

But no one will fight me.

then, the phone rings – my promoter Don King. Joe Joyce – a boxer with only 7 bouts! – agrees to meet me!

‘ Seven bouts?, Seven fights – and he has the audacity to box me??’

‘ I have stopped Chris Arreola, Ray Austin, the then undefeated Kerston Manswell – and a boxer with seven fights wants to box me?!.’

Sign it, take it, grab it, I tell Don King.

” I am ready.’ “Seven fights – and he wants to box me?” For me it is a dream come true – but for Joyce it will be a nightmare. ‘

“I will knock out Joe Joyce and step over him to KO Anthony Joshua”.

“I am primed and ready. The real Bermane will be there on February 23 and will knock out Joe Joyce enroute to regaining my heavyweight crown”

Bermane Strivene

ROCHESTER – January 31, 2019 – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Ronald Ellis and once-beaten DeAndre Ware both made weight on Thursday for their 10-round super middleweight clash in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader tomorrow/Friday live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Main Street Armory in Rochester.

Ellis (15-0-2, 10 KOs), who recently sparred with Canelo Alvarez and Sergey Kovalev, returns toShoBox for the fourth time seeking a statement win. The Lynn, Mass., native faces Ware (12-1-2, 8 KOs), a come-forward fighter out of Toledo, Ohio who trained with Tony Harrison in preparation for his upset win over Jermell Charlo.

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. Tickets can be purchased by calling 585-232-3221.

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweights Thomas Mattice and Will Madera will face off in an eight-round 135-pound matchup. Like Ellis, Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs), of Cleveland, returns for his fourth bout on the prospect developmental series. Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs), a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion out of Albany, N.Y., will make his television debut.

The scheduled televised opener between Abraham Nova and Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab was cancelled after Wahab was forced to withdraw from the bout due to immigration issues entering the U.S. from Ghana.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout
Ronald Ellis – 167 ½ Pounds
DeAndre Ware – 166 ¾ Pounds

Lightweight 8-Round Bout
Thomas Mattice – 134 ¼ Pounds
Will Madera – 134 ½ Pounds

FINAL QUOTES:

RONALD ELLIS

“It’s my fourth time on ShoBox, this time I have to get it right, this time I have to go out with a bang.

“I’m going to show a lot, I’m going to show boxing, banging, whatever they want to see we’re going to bring.

“I trained at Buddy McGirt’s new boxing gym in Northridge, Calif. I sparred Canelo Alvarez for his last fight and was in camp with Sergey Kovalev for his fight this weekend.

“I learned a lot from Canelo and Kovalev. I feel like sparring with them gave me an edge, so I’m going to look like a whole different fighter in there. Canelo is more compact and he comes a little bit faster. Kovalev, he’s big and he’s a banger.

“DeAndre Ware is tough. He’s just a real tough guy who comes to fight. He got a lot of heart and he’s just going to do what he got to do. He’s not going to stick and move. He’s going to be there all night unless I get him out. I think his game plan is just going to be to come in and do what he does.

“I think it’s a perfect fight for SHOWTIME. This one is going to be entertaining.”

DeANDRE WARE

“I’m feeling great, feeling strong. We had a full camp this time around so I’m looking for good things. My training camp was about six to eight weeks at the Glass City Gym in Toledo. Prior to that, I was in Tony Harrison’s camp helping him to get ready to fight (Jermell) Charlo.

“Sparring was great, it was probably the best sparring and best camp I’ve had so far. I only had about 12 days to prepare for my last fight and I’m in much better shape this time. I think that’s going to play a big difference in this fight tomorrow night.

“Ronald Ellis is just another guy in my way. I think Ellis is a tough fighter. From what I’ve seen, he’s a come-forward guy. He tries to box a little bit – there’s skill. I respect anybody that gets in that ring, but come fight time, all that stuff goes out the door. I’m coming to win.”

THOMAS MATTICE

“It’s a great feeling to come back to ShoBox for the fourth time. My last fight [a draw against Hamazaryan] was a great fight, a very exciting fight, but I thought I edged it five rounds to three. We’re going to do what we have to do to make sure this fight doesn’t turn out like that.”

“If I use my skills and my ability to use the ring it should help me tomorrow night. I don’t really know much about my opponent, I haven’t watched him since he was a last-second opponent and I got him like two weeks ago.

“Training camp was great. We were training for a southpaw and then they switched it when my opponent switched but I’m confident and I feel ready.

“I’m better than what I’ve shown in the past. My plan is to show that tomorrow night.”

WILL MADERA

“I feel great, I’m confident and I’m looking to put on a show. I had a great camp, I trained hard and I have no worries.

“For tomorrow, the key is pressure, intelligent pressure. I don’t want to come in overwhelming myself but still keep the pressure on him.

“Our styles should make for an exciting fight. If I bring the pressure it’s going to be a fun fight

[The Hamazaryan fight] was controversial. The first fight was a really close fight and I think if I apply the same pressure and fight smarter, I’ll get the victory.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. Now I just need to finish the job.”

# # #

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 79 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.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 31, 2019): WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-0, 17 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico and 130-pound contender
Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (19-4-2, 14 KOs) of Blythe, Calif. hosted a media workout today at Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles ahead of their 12-round battle. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.

Four fighters from the undercard also participated in the workout. Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (27-1, 14 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif. will return in a 10-round super featherweight battle against Charles Huerta (20-5, 12 KOs) of Paramount, Calif. Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (8-0, 5 KOs) will battle against Ivan “Striker” Delgado (13-1-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight battle between a current Golden Boy prospect and an ex-Golden Boy fighter.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the workout:

ALBERTO MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“Being a father is one of the most important things that has happened to me. Now I dedicate my time off to being a father, to being a family man. I’m boxing full time, but it’s an extra motivation because I want to provide the best for baby. That is one of the reasons I’m in Los Angeles working hard for six weeks in camp without my family. I’m ready to defend my title.”

“I hope to fight four times this year and make four defenses. I am very excited for all that has been happening in my career. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. I’m very happy for all the opportunities.”

“I am big for this division. I’m tall. I have power, and I have speed. Cancio is a great warrior. I’m ready to defend my title. It’s another challenge in my career and I’m happy for this opportunity. Training camp has gone well. Freddie Roach is a great trainer and a great person. He has more time for me now, and I’m getting a lot of experience from him every day. I feel and see the difference in my fights and my sparring. Everyone who saw my last fight saw that I did better. I will continue that momentum in this fight.”

“DAZN is the new platform for boxing. DAZN has a lot of fighters now. Boxing is going through a great time right now. If my promoter gives me the opportunity to unify the titles–it would be a dream come true. I’m waiting for that opportunity this year on DAZN. I may even close the year in the lightweight division as well.”

ANDREW CANCIO, Super Featherweight Contender:

“It’s very surreal to be fighting for a world title. I thought my career was done. I took a tough loss in my first pay-per-view fight [against Joseph Diaz in 2016], and that wasn’t good at all. I told my best friend I was going to retire. It took 17 months for me to get back in the ring. I missed the sport. I also had a lot to prove. But I knew that I could be here. I knew that I could fight for a world title. I finally got things in order. I won some fights that people thought I would lose, but here I am. I’m looking to do the same thing February 9.”

“Life changed me. I got hit with some things that I had never seen coming. I guess it humbled me and changed me as a person. I became a different person. I didn’t take things for granted anymore. I had to come back and do things right this time around.”

“I feel great now. I feel like I’m a different fighter than the one who fought JoJo Diaz. This is a big deal. This is for a world title. It’s not my first time being on the big stage, but it’s the first time I’m the main event on the big stage. But I feel prepared for this. It’s my time.”

“For this fight we will have to work on the inside. If we let him get his range, he will get more leverage. He will get more powerful. They say he’s a big 130-pounder, but I’ve won all my best fights at 130. When I fought Jerry Belmontes, it was at 130 and I won clearly. When I fought Aidar Sharibayev, it was at 130. When I beat Rocky Juarez, it was at 130. I’m glad that this opportunity at 130. This division will benefit us.”

“I always bring action to a fight. The fans can expect me to be in good shape, mentally and physically. I will be ready to go all 12 rounds. But he’s a hard-hitter, and so am I. So, I don’t think this fight will go to the scorecards. Whether it’s me or him going down, we will collide. The fight fans will win that night no matter who walks away with the victory.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR., Super Featherweight Contender:

“I took 2018 as a learning opportunity. It was a year where I had to learn and fight through adversity. I fought Gary Russell Jr. in my first world title opportunity [and came up short]. Then I came back for my second opportunity and didn’t make weight. It was hard for me. It was a heartbreaking year. Ever since I was kid, I was dreaming to become a world champion, and it didn’t happen that year. I was very heartbroken, and I was depressed for a long time. But at the end of the day I just had to keep having faith in God and know that everything happens for a reason. I just have to keep pushing forward because I’m a strong-minded person. I know my worth and skill level, and I know what I’m capable of doing. As long as I work hard, everything else will fall into place.”

“Now I have this opportunity to fight on Feb. 9 on DAZN. It’s against a very strong opponent in Charles Huerta. I’m ready to show that I’m back and that I’m ready for all the opportunities that are put in front of me.”

“I moved training camps [to Indio, Calif. with Joel Diaz] to get a different look, a different feel. I was getting too comfortable training at the same place for years. I had been training there [at Teamsters Boxing in South El Monte, Calif.] my entire life, and there wasn’t that spark there anymore. So, I ended up telling my manager [Ralph Heredia] and my dad that I still want my dad still in my corner because I trust him and he’s a great trainer. But I also want to get a different feel and hear different voices in my corner as well, so we brought in Joel Diaz, who has a lot of experience and a lot of great advice. We’ve been in camp for six weeks. I love it out there. I’m extremely focused on this fight and we’ve been getting great sparring as well. This has been one of the best camps we’ve had in a while.”

“I can fight at 126 or 130. I’ve been sparring guys who weigh up to 155 or 160 pounds, so I’ve adjusted to 130 pounds. I can fight at either weight. Right now, I’m fighting at 130 pounds because I want to feel it out and because there are a lot of opportunities at this weight. There are also a lot of opponents for me at that weight, like Gervonta Davis, Abner Mares, Alberto Machado and Andrew Cancio. There are a lot of fights to be made at that weight.”

CHARLES HUERTA, Super Featherweight Contender:

“It’s been a while since 2017. In my last fight against Miguelito Gonzalez, I ended up tearing a ligament in my left thumb. We tried to fight through it, but I ended up having to get surgery in December 2017. We rested and were training for a fight in April 2018, but I ended up tearing fibers in my achilles tendon. So, we’ve just been recovering since then.

“The back-to-back injuries were very frustrating. But we stayed in the gym and now something good has come out of it. We’ve been training hard. We’ve been sparring hard. Only time will tell if the layoff will affect me, but I’m coming strong and ready to win next week. Win, lose or draw, I’m always in a great fight. I always give a good fight for the fans, and I’m going to come and bring it. I’m going to give everybody an exciting show that night.”

“Me and JoJo [Diaz] have sparred a few times, so he knows what I bring to the table, and vice-versa. But fights are different. Come February 9, we will find out.”

GENARO GAMEZ, Lightweight Prospect:

“When I was an amateur, I did 100 fights. I was active the entire year. It’s been three years since I’ve turned pro. My body has grown, and I’ve gotten stronger. I’m getting better. I’m just waiting for my moment. I’m just waiting for the fights to come. Then I’ll show who I am.”

“2019 will be different. I’m going to give the best fights. Fans are going to ask for my fights. Everyone will want to see my fights. I’m going to give the most exciting fights so that everyone can see who I am. Delgado is a warrior. He likes to fight. He’s only going to bring the best out of me, but I’m ready for that. I’m excited.”

IVAN DELGADO, Lightweight Prospect:

“In my last fight, I went against [Golden Boy prospect] Jousce Gonzalez. It was a great fight. It was my comeback after being away for eight months. It was a close fight, and it could have gone either way. It was a draw, but now it’s time to move on. We have Genaro Gamez in front of us, so it’s going to be a good fight.”

“It feels great to be coming back. It feels great to get my rhythm back little by little after that tough lost against Charles Huerta. I took some time off. But it feels great to be back and get another opportunity.”

“The biggest change I’ve made is to train harder. I’m focusing more on my family; focusing on them makes me work even harder. They are my motivation. When I was defeated, I was slacking a bit. It was getting to me a little bit. But now I am more humble.”

“On February 9, I’m going to show that I belong here. I’m going to try to be one of the best prospects in my division. What makes Genaro Gamez dangerous is that he is undefeated. He’s hungry to keep that undefeated record. I’m one of his toughest fights, so I’ve seen him training hard. He has a big following, and I know he doesn’t want to disappoint his crowd. That’s what makes him tough: he’s hungry.”

Machado vs. Cancio is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Vargas vs. Manzanilla is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55.Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copyingand pasting the link http://bit.ly/February9DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2019) – Super Saturday is almost here. Three world title fights, including one of the most anticipated rematches in recent memory, will take place Saturday at Ford Center at the Star, the practice home of the Dallas Cowboys.

At midnight ET on ESPN+, Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will attempt to repeat the deed when he defends his WBO light heavyweight world title against former two-time light heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Back in August, Alvarez came from behind to starch Kovalev with three knockdowns in the seventh round. And, in the ESPN+ co-feature, 2018 Prospect of the Year Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs) takes on former world title challenger Diego Magdaleno (31-2, 13 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight.

In the ESPN main event (10 p.m. ET), Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) defends his WBO featherweight title for the fifth time against Carmine “Mr. Wolf” Tommasone (19-0, 5 KOs). In the ESPN co-feature, Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev will duke it out for the vacant IBF lightweight title with the winner set to fight unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Ford Center at the Star.

Eleider Alvarez

“Things have changed a lot for me. This is my first time being a main event {defending my world title}. What has changed is my popularity, but I’m still the same guy.”

“Thanks to God, I’m a mentally strong person. I have come from the bottom, basically, and little by little, I’ve been getting my stuff. Now I have more, so that’s why I think I’ve been able to handle everything well. That’s why I am a mentally strong person.”

On Kovalev saying he was overtrained for the first fight

“I believe that’s a lot of excuses he’s making. When you lose, you have a lot of excuses. I had a great game plan with my team. If he says that was an accident, then he needs to get ready for another accident.”

Sergey Kovalev

“I want to say a big thanks to Top Rank and my team at Main Events to make this rematch and get my belt back. This is the most important {fight} for me because I couldn’t stop my boxing career as a loser. It’s not in my character. First of all, this is my goal, to get back my belt that I dropped on the way to my big goals. I made a mistake last time {against Alvarez}, but this time I will fix it. This Saturday, I will fix this situation and be on top again. If not, I am not the Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev. Believe me, this Saturday will be the best version of me because I turned everything on to get in the best shape of my boxing career.”

“My goal is to collect all four belts, but I dropped this belt on my way to my huge goal. After {the Alvarez loss}, a lot of people thought I should stop my boxing career. No, that’s not in my character to stop my career by losing. When I win, I will think, stop or not to stop? But when I lose, it was 100 percent no.”

Oscar Valdez

On recovering from the broken jaw suffered in the Scott Quigg fight

“It was one of the most difficult times of my life. Having my jaw wired shut for two months was the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with. That’s in the past now. I’m ready to focus on this fight. I’m 100 percent healed from that injury. That’s not going to bother me no more. I’m just excited to get back in the ring. It’s been almost a year since my last fight. I’ve been training hard with my new trainer, Eddy Reynoso. It’s been a great training camp, and I just can’t wait to get in there and start again where I left off.”

“We had a great training camp, me and Eddy Reynoso. I never take no fighter lightly. There was a point where no one knew who Manny Pacquiao was when he came to the United States and had his first fight. And he became a star. So, we don’t know what Tommasone can bring. I will be 100 percent ready for him, or for any fighter, because I don’t take no fighter lightly. I have the same respect for all fighters inside the ring, and I’m going to do whatever I have to do come out victorious. One thing in my mind is to not take him lightly and just try to get the job done and keep on improving my career. I’m definitely focused on this fight and start where I left off.”

Eddy Reynoso

“Working with a world champion and an athlete that works as hard as Oscar does is a proud moment for me to be part of that team.”

Carmine Tommasone

“I fought in America as an amateur. This is my first time as a professional. When I got the call {to fight Valdez}, it was like an early Christmas present because it was early December. I prepared well for this opportunity.”

“Winning a title in the United States is every boxer’s dream. It would be a great opportunity.”

On people calling this a “tune-up fight” for Valdez

“It doesn’t bother me. I’m confident in my skills, and this is an opportunity to show my skills.”

Teofimo Lopez

“I’m taking over the show, and it’s with all due respect to these fighters out here. What we came out to do, and what we plan to do, is take over and exceed everybody’s expectations. People are talking very highly of me, so I have to back it up. I’m used to it through my father, who is my coach, who talks very highly of me already. Come Saturday night, you will see something bigger and better. As the opponents get tougher, we’re going to get better.”

“I believe the fight with Mason Menard on Dec. 8 (a 44-second KO) proved to everyone at that point that we are contenders. To me, I already feel like I’m a world champion. To me, the only thing {missing} is a world title.”

Diego Magdaleno

“Top Rank, they built my whole entire career. You’ve been there to watch it. Some of the best people in boxing are with Top Rank. Brad Goodman is matchmaker of the year for a reason. I just have to use my personal experience and thank Top Rank for building me and putting me in this position. I thank you guys because everything leading up is going to win me this fight. Everything I’ve been through is gonna {help me}. Even the losses I’ve had or whatever only made me stronger. I am here with fuego, and I will bring everything I need to. I’ve been in the ring, but you haven’t been seeing me. My last two fights were in Mexico, but what you haven’t seen is who I’ve been in the ring with. Pedraza, I got him ready for Lomachenko. Linares, I got him ready for two fights.”

“It’s nothing but fire. We are ready to do this.”

Richard Commey

“After my fight with Robert Easter Jr. (split decision loss in 2016), I felt like I won that fight. I kept working. I’ve got good management and I met {trainer} Andre {Rozier}. I feel like everything is working for me. I’ve got to do this. I kept working, and here I am today.”

On the fighting tradition of Ghana

“It means the world to me. This is the opportunity I’ve been working for since I started boxing, and thank God I’ve got the opportunity to fight come Saturday. I have to win this fight. No matter what, I have to win this fight. It means a whole lot to me. It’s all about winning. That’s it.”

Isa Chaniev

“I am very pleased that I have a chance to showcase myself, showcase my skills here in a big arena on ESPN. I’m ready for whatever, and I am here to win.”

“I never lost a fight. The loss I have on my record, I didn’t really lose that fight. I am ready for this fight. This is the most important fight of my life. My team trusts in me, and I trust in myself. Other things don’t matter to me.”

ESPN+, 12 a.m. ET

Eleider Alvarez (champion) vs. Sergey Kovalev (challenger), 12 rounds, WBO light heavyweight world title

Teofimo Lopez vs. Diego Magdaleno, 10 rounds, Lopez’s NABF, NABA, and USBA lightweight titles

ESPN/ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET

Oscar Valdez (champion) vs. Carmine Tommasone (challenger), 12 rounds, WBO featherweight world title

Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev, 12 rounds, vacant IBF lightweight world title

ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Martinez, 8 rounds, super middleweight

Jason Sanchez vs. Daniel Olea, 8 rounds, featherweight

Ismail Iliev vs. Pat Day, 10 rounds, vacant IBF Intercontinental junior middleweight title

Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Elvin Ayala, 10 rounds, Murtazaliev’s WBC USNBC super welterweight title

Enriko Gogokhia vs. Vitor Freitas, 8/6 rounds, welterweight (swing bout)

Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

Matchroom Boxing USA will promote its first show in Mexico as Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto will clash in an all-Mexican affair at the Municipal Auditorium Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana on Saturday February 23, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW PRICED FROM $165 (MEXICAN PESOS) HERE

Rios vs. Soto is in association with Zanfer and Paco presents.

Former World Lightweight king Rios (35-4-1 26KOs) returned to winning ways in style in November, stopping Ramon Alvarez in the ninth round of their high octane clash in Mulvane, near KS, pocketing a 26th win inside the distance in his 40th pro fight.

‘Bam Bam’ will look to further his claims for title shots in 2019, and the American-Mexican believes the love from the fans will roar him to victory and onto his goal of regaining his World title stats as he boxes in Mexico for the first time since September 2009.

Former two-weight World ruler Soto (68-9-2 37KOs) has other ideas though, with the Mexican hero heading into the bout on the back of two wins on his return to the ring in 2018. Soto, Los Mochis born but whom now calls Tijuana home, admits his glittering career is on the line on February 23, and that means ‘La Zorrita’ will put everything on the line against Rios.

“I’m grateful to Eddie Hearn for getting me on a card early in the year,” said Rios. “I want to stay active so I can get closer to my goal and becoming a Champion once again.

“Man, I’m excited to fight in Mexico, I haven’t fought there in ten years. The Mexican fanbase has supported me since day one and everything I give in the ring is for my family and my fans, who have never let me down.

“I’ve been staying busy in the gym, so I’m ready to give the fans a great fight. The fights the fans love to see!”

“I cannot wait for February 23,” said Soto. “I am so excited for this great opportunity in a city that feels like my second home.

“I know that this fight is a ‘do or die,’ that is why I am very motivated and training really hard. We know that we have a tough opponent in Brandon Rios, a true warrior, but so am I. This will be a war and I will be ready to win!”

There’s a stacked undercard in support of the main event, led by the rematch between Jose ‘Gallito’ Quiniro (20-2-3 9KOs) and Joel Cordoba (7-4-2 1KO). The Mexicans shared a draw in a Christmas cracker in December and will return to the same venue as that clash to find a winner this time.

It’s a huge night for two youngsters making their first strides in the paid ranks. Alexis Espino makes his professional debut on the card, with the 19 year old Las Vegas native and decorated amateur itching to get life in the pro game underway on a proud night for his Mexican family.

Rangy teenage sensation Diego Pacheco fights for the second time in the pros after a first round KO win on his debut in Tijuana in December. Pacheco cleaned up in the amateur ranks as an eight-time national champion and number one ranked Middleweight in both America and Mexico, and the 17 year old turned over on the back of recent stand out victories in the 2017 National Junior Golden Gloves and the 2018 USA Junior Olympic Nationals.

A trio of unbeaten Mexicans complete the current line-up in the shape of 2016 Olympian Joselito Velasquez (7-0 6KOs), Omar ‘Pollo’ Aguilar (11-0 10KOs) and Sulem Urbina (8-0 1KO), with more to action be added.

“I’m excited to be in Tijuana on March 23 for our first Mexican show with a real old school shoot-out between Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Brandon stole the show in Kansas recently on DAZN against Ramon Alvarez and there should be real fireworks in this one.

“It’s a stacked card with a tasty rematch between Jose Quiniro and Joel Cordoba, unbeaten Mexicans in Olympian Joselito Velasquez, Omar Aguilar and Sulem Urbina, and the return of our 17 year old star Diego Pacheco along with Robert Garcia trained Alexis Espino who will also make his debut on the card.”

ASHLAND CITY, TN (January 31, 2019) – Hometown star and newly crowned IBF Super Middleweight Champion, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant, received a hero’s welcome back in his hometown of Ashland City, TN on Thursday. Caleb received the “Key to the City”, and multiple proclamations from Mayor of Cheatham County Kerry McCarver, Mayor of Ashland City Steve Allen, and State Senator Kerry Roberts and State Representative Mary Littleton of the Tennessee General Assembly.

At the event, January 31, 2019 was officially named “Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant Day”. In addition, Caleb’s dad, Richie Plant, also received a proclamation for his hard work, sacrifices, and dedication to bringing boxing to the community of Ashland City.

“It was a great feeling to be honored by my hometown where it all started,” said Caleb Plant. “Watching my father get a proclamation for his hard work as well was incredible. Seeing all the fans and media show up was unbelievable. It was a great day filled with a lot of uplifting emotions and I’m grateful for the love and support my city showed me today. I’m hoping to bring a big fight out here soon. January 31, 2019 will forever be Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant Day!”

“It was such a pleasure to give the community an opportunity to meet and congratulate the champion in person,” said Mayor Kerry McCarver. “Caleb makes us all proud in his drive to the top of the boxing world. Cheatham County got to declare Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant Day to truly let him know how special he is to all of us in Cheatham County.”

“Today, Caleb Plant proved he’s not only a world champion in the ring, but a world champion in life,” said State Senator Kerry Roberts. “His words of inspiration to his hometown prove that he’s a man who worked hard to keep the promise to his precious daughter. He’s a great example to all and worthy of honor and respect.”

“In meeting Caleb, I have never been more impressed by a young man than I was with him,” said Mayor Steve Allen, Town of Ashland City. “He is truly more than a world champion boxer, he is a champion of life and no one in this world deserves more than Caleb. I hope I can always call Caleb and his family my friends because that would be an honor for me!”

NEW YORK (JANUARY 30, 2019)- Once-beaten prospect DeAndre Ware will look to make a big statement when he takes on Ronald Ellis in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT).

The fight will take place at The Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York.

Ware, who is a firefighter in his native Toledo, Ohio, had a solid showing in his loneShoBox last September, losing a spirted decision against undefeated prospect Cem Kilic.

“My training camp has been great. It has been the best so far,” said Ware.

Ware performed admirably against Kilic despite taking the fight on less than two-weeks notice. The 31-year-old feels that having a full camp will be the difference inhis matchup with Ellis.

“Honestly, this camp has been harder because I have actually had a full camp to train and the process of training for a 10-rounder is much more in-depth than my previous camps. I think the difference will be me being much sharper and in more shape. My focus will be much better as well.”

After his last appearance, Ware gained a lot of fans due to platform because he brought the fight to Kilic.

“To all the fans out there, tune in! You’re going to see a much better performance and be ready for a great show!”

The Toledo firefighter will have his squad watching and cheering for their comrade.

“My fellow brothers and sisters embraced me after my fight. They told me the we’re proud of me and that I represented well”

“DeAndre is just one of the guys that I am most proud of representing. He has an unbelievable work ethic, he is great father, a Fireman, and he also is a tremendous fighter. A wonderful man,” said Ware’s Manager, David McWater of Split-T Managemet.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, are priced at $100 for VIP Ringside, $50 for Preferred Seating, $30 for General Admission and $2,000 for VIP Tables. Tickets can be purchased by calling 585-232-3221.

London (31 January 2019) Premier Boxing Champion (PBC) and Poxon Sports are delighted to announce that legendary boxing International Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. will introduce James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. ahead of their electrifying Super Middleweight clash at The O2 on Saturday 23rd February, exclusively LIVE on ITV Box Office.

Lennon’s golden voice has thrilled millions of fight fans over the last 30 years, with his famous catchphrase “It’s Showtime!” elevating the excitement to fever pitch at sell-out arenas in more than 32 countries across the globe and at over 1,000 world title fights.

DeGale v Eubank Jr headlines a superb show that also features the explosive Commonwealth Heavyweight Title showdown between the Champion Joe Joyce and challenger and Former World Champion Bermane Stiverne; the long awaited return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby; plus the British Light-Heavyweight Title Eliminator between Andre Sterling and Ricky Summers.

Lennon said, “I’m thrilled to be joining PBC and Poxon Sports for this big event on February 23rd. The fight card line-up looks fantastic and rich with competitive fights. And the main event certainly has the potential to be an epic event. On that upcoming night at The O2, I simply can’t wait to see DeGale and Eubank Jr. make their walk to the ring, introduce them before their respective fans and then sit down to watch the action unfold along with the thousands of vocal, chanting and singing Brits. It’s going to be magical and there is no place in the world I would rather be!”

The blockbuster fight between bitter rivals DeGale and Eubank Jr. kicks-off 2019 in sensational style and Lennon cannot wait to be at the very centre of another defining fight on these shores.

Jimmy said, “Announcing fights in the UK holds a special place in my heart for a number of reasons. The fans are the best in the world creating an unparalleled atmosphere that I wish boxing aficionados across the globe could experience even once in their lives.”

A 2013 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Jimmy has been at the microphone for hundreds of iconic bouts, including Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield, Winky Wright vs. Félix Trinidad, Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao and most recently Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury.

He has been in the vortex of so many illustrious clashes in the UK, and some of the most famous were in the talent packed 168lb division, involving legendary names like Joe Calzaghe, Steve Collins, Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn, Richie Woodall, Robin Reid and Carl Froch.

Lennon recalled, “I have had the opportunity to be a part of a number of historic battles in the UK. And some of the most memorable events have been, coincidentally, in the 168-pound division like the DeGale vs Eubank showdown. Certainly, I have many fond memories of being a part of great events in the UK like the Tyson fights, the Naseem Hamed performances and many others but it is uncanny how the British Super Middleweights have risen to the top throughout the years. I have had the chance to announce Joe Calzaghe, Steve Collins, Nigel Benn, Richie Woodall, Robin Reid and Carl Froch among many others. More recently, I have announced current British greats like Callum Smith, Chris Eubank, Jr., James DeGale and the recently retired George Groves.”

Jimmy’s UK announcing debut was on one of the most defining nights in the rich heritage of British boxing, the near mythical confrontation between Chris Eubank Jr’s father and Nigel Benn on October 9, 1992 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, which took place in front of 42,000 fans who crammed into the stadium and the millions who watched on ITV.

Jimmy reminisced about that famous night, which is etched into the memories of so many fight fans, “My very first event in the UK was for Benn v Eubank 2. I’ll never forget the great action, the boisterous crowd and the chilly circumstances at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester…the coldest I have ever been at a boxing event!”

He was in the ring to announce many of Super Middleweight great Joe Calzaghe’s fights, arguably Britain’s finest ever boxer, including his 2006 demolition of IBF champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, an American who had been compared to Mike Tyson and was considered one of the hottest prospects in World boxing at the time.

He remembers Calzaghe’s fights with affection, “I also remember fondly the many Joe Calzaghe fights I announced and the mastery with which he dismantled his opponents. I recall how so many of my America colleagues predicted that Jeff Lacy would destroy Joe and ignored my disagreement with them. I had been in the centre of the ring for numerous Calzaghe fights and was well aware of his exceptional skills. History records that I was right and Joe was brilliant that night.”

Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk

This fight will be shown exclusively on ITV Box Office. For further information and updates, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com

For further event information, please visit www.poxonsports.uk and www.premierboxingchampions.com or follow on Twitter and Instagram at @PoxonSports, @PremierBoxing, @ITVBoxOffice, @ITVBoxing and join the conversation with #DeGaleEubankJr

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PoxonSports/, www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/ITVBoxing/

To embed the DeGale-Eubank A Storm Is Coming promotional trailer use the following code:

NOTE TO EDITORS:
Please clearly credit ITV Box Office in any published material

Late last year, ITV announced a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.

The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.

The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.

This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.

CARSON, Calif. (January 31, 2019) – SHOWTIME Sports will provide live streaming coverage of two undercard fights on the network’s social platforms on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Super welterweight contender Erickson Lubin will face former world champion Ishe Smith in a 10-round contest plus super lightweights Juan Heraldez and Eddie Ramirez will meetin a 10-round bout as part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN.

The digital presentation will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT leading up to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event. The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT headlined by super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis defending his title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The 23-year-old Lubin (19-1, 14 KOs) returns to action after most recently stopping Silverio Ortiz last April in his first bout after losing his world title challenge against Jermell Charlo. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Lubin is now training in West Palm Beach with trainer Kevin Cunningham and will look to work back towards title contention in his first fight with Cunningham. Lubin was a top amateur who turned pro at 18-years-old and was both ESPN and The Ring’s Prospect of the Year in 2016.

The first Las Vegas-born fighter to capture a world title, Smith (29-10, 12 KOs) continues to challenge top super welterweights and most recently lost decision to WBC champion Tony Harrison and top contender Julian Williams. Prior to that, Smith had picked up victories over Frank Galarza and Tommy Rainone, while also picking up victories over Randall Bailey and Cornelius Bundrage.

The undefeated Heraldez (15-0, 9 KOs) continued to rise up the rankings in 2018 with a decision victory over Kevin Watts and a stoppage of Maynard Allison. Representing Las Vegas, the 28-year-old scored a unanimous decision victory over then unbeaten prospect Jose Miguel Borrego in his first 10-round bout last August on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard.

Fighting out of Aurora, Illinois, Ramirez (17-2, 11 KOs) will return to action looking to bounce back from losses to former champions Argenis Mendez and Antonio DeMarco. The 26-year-old had previously picked up impressive victories over then unbeaten fighters Kevin Watts and Ryan Karl.

# # #
ABOUT DAVIS VS. RUIZ
Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz pits the WBA Super Featherweight World ChampionDavis against the former world champion Ruiz in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios taking on Mexico’s Richard Zamora and former world champion Javier Fortuna battling lightweight contender Sharif Bogere. The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Top Rank on ESPN is bringing a fistic extravaganza to Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 2 with three world title fights, the return of 2018 ESPN “Prospect of the Year” Teofimo Lopez, and an action-packed undercard spread across ESPN/ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

The light heavyweight world title rematch between champion Eleider Alvarez and challenger Sergey Kovalev and Teofimo Lopez-Diego Magdaleno will stream LIVE in English and Spanish exclusively on ESPN+ at 12 a.m. ET. Alvarez knocked out Kovalev last August in a come-from-behind upset that shook up the boxing landscape. Kovalev, one of the most dominant champions of this era, is seeking to become a three-time world champion. Lopez, the consensus 2018 Prospect of the Year, is coming off a stunning 44-second knockout over Mason Menard December 8 on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza undercard.

The Oscar Valdez-Carmine Tommasone featherweight world title fight and the Richard Commey-Isa Chaniev lightweight world title bout will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET. Valdez, one of boxing’s elite action heroes, returns to the ring for the first time since suffering a severely broken jaw in a decision win over Scott Quigg last March 10. The winner of Commey-Chaniev will eye a unification bout against Lomachenko later this year.

The scheduled five-fight undercard, which includes top middleweight prospect Janibek Alimkhanuly, will kick off the evening at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

ESPN’s coverage of Top Rank on ESPN: Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 also includes live streaming on ESPN+ of the Official Press Conference Thursday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. ET and live television coverage (ESPN2) and streaming (ESPN+) of the weigh-in on Friday, Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. ET.

Top Rank on ESPN Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2 LIVE on ESPN+, ESPN and ESPN Deportes

Date

Time (ET)

Event

Platform

Thurs., 1/31

1 p.m.

Top Rank on ESPN: Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2/Valdez vs. Tommasone Official Press Conference

ESPN+

Fri., 2/1

5 p.m.

Top Rank on ESPN: Alvarez vs. Kovalev 2/Valdez vs. Tommasone Weigh-In

ESPN2, ESPN+

Sat., 2/2

7 p.m.

Super Saturday ESPN+ Undercard INCLUDING

Janibek Alimkhanuly (4-0, 1 KO) vs. Steven Martinez (18-4, 13 KOs) & Jason Sanchez (13-0, 6 KOs) vs. Daniel Olea (13-6-2, 5 KOs)

ESPN+

10 p.m.

Super Saturday ESPN Main Events

Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) vs. Carmine Tommasone (19-0, 5 KOs), 12 rounds, Valdez’s WBO featherweight world title

Richard Commey (27-2, 24 KOs) vs. Isa Chaniev (13-1, 6 KOs), 12 rounds, vacant IBF lightweight world title

ESPN, ESPN Deportes

Sun., 2/3

12 a.m.

Super Saturday ESPN+ Main Events

Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) vs. Sergey Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs), 12 rounds, Alvarez’s WBO light heavyweight world title

Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs) vs. Diego Magdaleno (31-2, 13 KOs), 10 rounds, lightweight

*ESPN+

*ESPN+ to stream in English and Spanish

To subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 per month, go to www.espnplus.com.

###

ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional 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 domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), hundreds of MLB and NHL games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and 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 cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App delivers a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also be available through ESPN.com.

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.

Eddie Hearn:

“I feel a real transition now in British boxing. I’ve said it before, the older guard are starting to come to the end of some of their careers. We saw David Haye step away from the sport, Tony Bellew and so many other great Saturday night headliners are close to being in those final phases of their careers.

“Now, you have the young lions at The O2. We want to give them the big platform and opportunities to shine. There’s so much pressure for the boys on this top table. I love the pressure that’s involved. I can’t believe we’re only two days away from Jake Ball vs. Craig Richards, it feels like we’ve been waiting for this fight for two years. Everybody wants to get on and get to the next level. The loser of that fight is out of the picture. Young Felix Cash in against Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title. He has to win and look good doing it.

“Garcia vs. Cheeseman is a great fight and I think it’s a 50-50 fight. On paper, Garcia has much more pedigree and experience that Ted. But he’s stepping up and I love the fact that we’ve got a local boy headlining his first card at The O2.”

Sergio Garcia – Torrelavega, Spain – 28-0, 13 KO’s – defending the EBU European Super-Welterweight title against Ted Cheeseman:

“I’m happy to be here for this fight and for the show that we’re going to put on. It’s a really big showcase and I’m sure that I can put the best of myself out there.

“To be honest, I like being the away fighter. All of the pressure is on the home fighter. I’ve just come here to show what I’ve got and to put in a good performance.

“If he wins, he will have deserved it. If I win, I will have been better than him. There won’t be any excuses from me. I’m 100% fit and feeling ready.”

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, London – 15-0, 9 KO’s – challenging Sergio Garciafor the the EBU European Super-Welterweight title:

“These are the tests that I want. This is the right test for me at the right time. I’m heading a show at The O2 and I’m only 23. I didn’t expect to be at this level so quickly. I’m excited to get in there and get the win.

“I don’t feel nervous. I’m fully confident of winning and performing. The only pressure that’s on me is I need to put in a big performance. I’ve got to this level and I want to stay here and go higher. There’s bigger and better things to come.

“These type of fights push you to the next level. Things are coming off in the gym and I’m looking very sharp. If he comes to fight we’ll meet in the middle and clash. It’s going to be exciting for the fans to watch.”

Lawrence Okolie – Hackney, London – 10-0, 7 KO’s – defending his WBA Continental Cruiserweight title against Tamas Lodi:

“It’s amazing to be on a card with so many great fighters. For me now it’s all about putting into practice what I do in training in fights. I need to be a bit more relaxed and be myself more in fights. I need to progress fight by fight.

“The pressure is on me to put in some big performances. I’m used to pressure though, within my ten fights I’ve headlined two shows. This is normal, you just do what you do. I said when I turned pro I don’t want to waste time boxing lots of journeyman, this Saturday I have to because people in Britain are better at talking that fighting. I’ll get the win and push on to big fight.”

Jake Ball – Surrey, England – 12-1, 9 KO’s – fighting Craig Richards for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“It’s plain and simple. All the talking is done now. Roll on fight night, let’s rock and roll. Ive been through those hard fights, dug deep and gone into the trenches to get the win. Come fight night Craig is going to be shown his level. There’s levels to the game and I’ll show Craig he’s not on my level. Craig Richards is getting knocked out.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, London – 13-1, 7 KO’s – fighting Jake Ball for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“First of all I’d like to thank everyone for coming out. I want to say happy birthday to Peter Sims as well. It’s been a tremendous camp. We moved over to the Matchroom Gym with Tony and we’ve been working with the boys. We’re over there working hard. Development has been great and I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a very long time.

“Everyone is in for a thriller on Saturday night. I’ve trained very hard and I want it bad – he wants it bad. We’ve got two days left, I’m just hoping Jack’s still alright and turns up on the night.”

Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 10-0, 6 KO’s – fighting Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title:

“This is my first 12 round fight. I did 10 rounds last time. I’m looking forward to getting in there and showing everyone what I’m all about. He mentioned the judges and they definitely won’t be needed on Saturday.”

“He’s tough, I expect him to be tough for a few rounds but there’s levels in this sport and I’m levels above this guy. I need to show him that and that’s what I intend to do. I’m looking forward to getting in there and doing a job on him.”

Rasheed Abolaji – Lagos, Nigeria – 11-4-1, 6 KO’s – fighting Felix Cash for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title:

“I am set for the fight. I was here in 2017, I fought against Sam Sheedy, I believe I won. The judges felt otherwise. So on Saturday I’m not going to leave it in their hands.”

John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 2-0, 2 KO’s – fighting Prezemyslaw Binienda in a four round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I’m looking for the KO. I’m looking forward to being on a big bill on the undercard of my gym mate Ted Cheeseman. I’m lookin a great night and hopefully getting another knockout. They’ve all got titles in my gym and it gives me motivation. I just want to have a title fight. I’ve only had two fights and I’m looking forward to the future. Hopefully I’ll have a title soon.”

Fabio Wardley – Ipswich, England – 5-0, 4 KO’s – fighting Morgan Dessaux six round Heavyweight contest:

“It’s nice to have back-to-back fights at The O2. It’s a great venue and it’s great to be on the same card as so many up and coming fighters. I’m looking forward to getting out there again and just showing everyone more of my skills and what I’m about. I’m letting people know that I’m here and I’m ready to make an impact on the Heavyweight division. After a few more fights I’ll be aiming for titles and I’m ready to go.

“There’s no names in particular that I’m hunting right now, I’m very focused on myself and my own personal development. The Souther Area and the English titles before the end of the year would be nice.”

Dano Zaxo – Hammersmith, London – 3-0, 2 KO’s – fighting Bartosz Barczynski in a four round Cruiserweight contest:

“We got the call and we jumped at the chance. This is going to be a big one for me, it’s my first big show a lot of people coming along to watch me. They’re going to be excited to see what I’ve got for them. It’s a pleasure to be part of the show, thanks for the opportunity.”

DANIEL DUBOIS will be out to emulate his heavyweight heroes when he follows in their footsteps at London’s grandest building the Royal Albert Hall.

The fast emerging heavyweight prospect will face Razvan Cojanu when professional boxing returns there for only the second time in 20 years on Friday March 8, live on BT Sport.

Muhammad Ali boxed exhibition matches at the iconic venue in 1971 and 1979 in Farewell to London, the Magic of Ali.

British heavyweight greats Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno, Henry Cooper, Joe Bugner, Don Cockell and Tommy Farr all fought there.

And in 1968, Theotis Martin’s win against fellow American Thad Spencer is widely considered as one of the most exciting non-title heavyweight classics ever. Primo Carnera also boxed there six times

Now unbeaten Dubois aims to show that he belongs among those elite when he faces California based Romanian Cojanu (16-5) at the venue that is almost 150 years old.

Dubois said: “It’s going to be a very proud moment for me to fight in a venue that so many of my heroes have fought in.

“Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno, Henry Cooper and the greatest of them all, Muhammad Ali have all boxed there.

“It is amazing and I’m excited to kick off this year at such a venue and I am happy to be joining that list.”

Cojanu extended Dubois’s big rival Nathan Gorman in December taking him the 12 round distance at Manchester Arena on the Josh Warrington-Carl Frampton undercard.

And Dubois says the thought of going one better than Gorman and knocking out Cojanu is all the motivation he needs to make it a perfect ten wins as a professional.

Dubois, 21, last boxed in October when experienced Kevin Johnson became the first man to go the distance with him lasting ten rounds.

Dubois added: “Of course I want to win by knockout. I think my power and speed will be major in this fight.

“I have got to pick up where I left off, but also correct some things and be more diligent.”

Elsewhere on the show, Nicola Adams OBE will look to make history and be the first female crowned World Champio at the venue as she challenges for the WBO World Flyweight Title on International Women’s Day. Liam Williams puts his newly won British Middleweight Title on the line against Brentwood bruiser Joe Mullender. Archie Sharp defends his WBO European Super Featherweight title and 14-0 unbeaten record against 11-0 Lucas Ballingall. Johnny Garton will also be in action defending his British Welterweight Title.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via RoyalAlbertHall.com

TICKETS START FROM £40
GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

NICOLA ADAMS OBE WILL be hoping for a double celebration on March 8th. Britain’s most successful ever female boxer will bid to become a professional world champion on the same day that females across the globe unite to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The 36-year-old has long been the Leading Lady of British sport and now aims to add the WBO world flyweight title to her two Olympic gold medals and numerous other gongs.

International Women’s Day is celebrated each year and represents a focal point in the movement for women’s rights.

Adams’ own celebrations will take place within the salubrious surrounding of the Royal Albert Hall and the occasion will certainly be marked with a few trademark right handers.

The significance of the March 8 date did not escape the Lioness when she rocked up in South Kensington to set the ball rolling on the promotion of her date with destiny that comes after just five previous professional fight nights.

“I am absolutely over the moon, really excited and can’t wait to get going,” reacted Adams to the official announcement of her world title assignment against the experienced Mexican Mucino.

“I am determined, training hard – and this is the reason I turned professional. I achieved everything there was to achieve as an amateur and I now want to win a world title as a professional boxer, just like my hero Muhammad Ali.

“To think that he boxed in the same arena as I am going to be boxing in is unbelievable for me. To come away with a world belt and to call myself a world champion is every boxer’s dream.

“I just can’t wait to get in there, to perform and prove to people that I belong at world level. I am hoping all the fans will come out to support me and all the other boxers as well because it will be an exciting night of boxing.

“Even if they can’t make it out, just watch it at home live on BT Sport. It will be a fantastic night and I just can’t wait to get going.

“This is where it is going to happen and on March 8 I will be ready. I am telling you now, that belt is staying here with me.

“Winning it will be right up there with my Olympic medals and to be able to do that here in London at the Royal Albert Hall on International Women’s Day as well will mean everything to me.

“I’m winning for women!”

Frank Warren added that he is convinced the timing is right for Adams to take the professional plunge into the elite end of the sport.

“Nicola has obviously broken lots or records along the way with being a double Olympic gold medallist,” added the promoter, who has guided her professional career from the beginning.

“She will be the first female professional to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and will be fighting against a world champion who has had roughly six times more pro fights than Nicola has had – so it is not going to be an easy fight for her, that is for sure.

“Nicola is a winner and has a winner’s mentality and I am convinced she will come away with the belt. This is history making.

“It will be a big moment for British sport to have our first female world champion to hold a bona-fide and recognised belt in the WBO title.”

Elsewhere on the show, heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois (9-0) boxes in the same venue that previous British heavyweight greats Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno and Henry Copper boxed in. Dubois faces the tough California based Romanian Razvan Cojanu. Liam Williams puts his newly won British Middleweight Title on the line against Brentwood bruiser Joe Mullender. Archie Sharp defends his WBO European Super Featherweight title and 14-0 unbeaten record against 11-0 Lucas Ballingall. Johnny Garton will also be in action defending his British Welterweight Title.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via RoyalAlbertHall.com

TICKETS START FROM £40
GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

Patrick Wojcicki (12-0-1, 4 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Middleweight title against Marcelo Fabian Caceres (18-3, 13 KOs), while Denis Radovan (11-0-1, 5 KOs) rematches Ronny Mittag (30-3-3, 15 KOs) for the IBF European Middleweight crown on April 6 at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Wojcicki returns to his hometown arena following a successful defence of his IBF title against domestic rival Sven Elbir on October 26, and the 26 year-old has vowed to deliver another ‘explosive performance’ for his fans in Wolfsburg.

“It feels fantastic to be boxing at home again,” says Wojcicki. “I’d like to thank my promoter Team Sauerland for making this possible. Caceres is a strong opponent, but I will train intensely with my coaches Antonino and Antonio Spatola, so that I can rekindle the incredible atmosphere we had last time, and I will deliver another explosive performance to keep the belt in Wolfsburg.”

Radovan is eager to set the record straight having been held to a draw by middleweight foe Mittag in Gummersbach on December 1. Having teamed up with renowned Cuban coach Pedro Diaz, the Cologne-boxer is looking forward to kick-starting 2019 with a win as he challenges for his first professional title.

“Thanks to Team Sauerland for arranging the rematch so quickly,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the great atmosphere in Wolfsburg. I’m confident this time I will leave the decision in no doubt – this year, I will make my breakthrough.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is anticipating another ‘spectacular’ show in Wolfsburg, headlined by ’50-50 fights’ for Germany’s rising middleweight stars.

”We had a great event last weekend, and with other great shows already announced, here comes another highlight,” says Sauerland. “We have two 50-50 fights already confirmed for the card. Patrick and Denis must both bring their best performances to win, and the fans in Wolfsburg can look forward to a spectacular event with more exciting fights set to be announced.”

Tickets for the Team Sauerland event at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg on April 6 will be available at www.eventim.de and other known ticket agencies.

ALPINE, Cal. (January 30, 2019) — The official weigh in took place for tomorrow night’s (Thur., Jan. 31) inaugural RJJ Boxing on UFC Fight Pass® series event, at Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine, California.

Below are the fighters’ official weights:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – WBO Jr. BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR (12)*
Aston Palicte(24-2-1, 20 KOs), Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines 114.8 lbs.
Jose Martinez (20-0-2, 13 KOs), Las Marias, Puerto Rico 114.6 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – FEATHWERWEIGHTS (6)*
Edward Vasquez (5-0, 0 KOs), Fort Worth, Texas 125.6 lbs.
Brandon Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs), San Diego, California 125.8 lbs.

JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)*
Dilan Miranda (4-1, 3 KOs), San Diego, California by way of Mexico 119 lbs.
Daniel Constantino (2-2-1, 1 KO), Compton, California 118.8 lbs.

FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHTS (4 X 2)
Jessica Juarez (1-0, 1 KO), San Diego, California 128 lbs.
Kailyn Hansen (1-2, 0 KOs), Whittier, California 126.4 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Anthony Franco (3-1-1, 0 KOs), Redlands, California 146.8 lbs.
David Morales (2-1-1 (0 KOs) Los Angeles, California 146 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Oscar Torrez (3-0, 1 KO), Los Angeles, California 215.8 lbs.
Ignacio Zambrano (2-4, 0 KOs), Torrance, California 228.8 lbs.

*denotes live-streamed on UFC Fight Pass

WHERE: Oak Ballroom in Viejas Casino & Resort, Alpine, California (35 miles outside of San Diego)

PROMOTER: Roy Jones Jr (RJJ) Boxing Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions

LIVE STREAM: UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

FIGHT PASS is a digital subscription service that is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. In 2019, FIGHT PASS will showcase more than 200 exclusive events featuring top promotions from around the world, providing fans with a front row seat to a broad spectrum of competitive fighting, including mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, individual and team submission grappling, and more.

Fight fans may access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

ANNOUNCING TEAM: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow) and James “Smitty” Smith (color analyst)

RING ANNOUNCER: Michael Vale

TICKETS: $65.00, $55.00 and $45.00, on sale and available to purchase at www.viejas.com or at the box office.

OTHER: Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:30 p.m., Fight Pass starts at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET)

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.Vieja.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @CottoPromotions, @RealMiguelCotto, @viejascasino, @AstonPalicte, @elreymiranda, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @CottoPromotions, @RealMiguelCotto, @Viejascasinoresort, @astonmightypalicte
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /ViejasCasinoAndResort, /MiguelCottoPromotions, RealMiguelCotto

FRISCO, Texas (Jan 30, 2019) — Their first fight ended with a dramatic knockout that shook up the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The rematch between Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) will bring two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest names to The Star.

Alvarez will defend his WBO light heavyweight world title against former unified light heavyweight world champion Kovalev on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys practice facility.

Krusher and his trainer Buddy McGrit had this to say today, Wednesday, January 30 in Frisco:

SERGEY KOVALEV
First, I am very excited to get the opportunity to get back my belt. Thanks to God for this opportunity and thanks to my promoter and my manager to make this fight happen. Right now I must prove that I am the best in this division by this victory on Saturday night

I didn’t have enough gas, enough power. You saw my condition. I was lazy it was like something was wrong with my body.

Proving again that I always push myself more than needed and that was my biggest mistake in my boxing career. Always push further than needed. Right now Buddy has taught me a lot – saving energy for the fight and I listen to him 100% on his recommendations and I follow his instructions. I like this training camp but we’ll see Saturday what the boxing side will show.

Right now at this time before the fight I am used to dieting. This time I wanted to be better for everything – in life and in the boxing gym and in life and my team change. I am happy working with Teddy Cruz my strength coach and Buddy McGirt my boxing coach. They are really a great team and they are great persons. We have a great understanding with each other and I like the team very much.

When I became pro I got three belts just by using my amateur experience be cause my fights went often my first two years as a pro I fought 5 or 6 times a year. Then later I fought two or three times a year and one year I fought only once. That’s crazy. Between the fight it was long rest and I didn’t work out. I was busy with my life. I was famous in my small group, in my circle. I was busy with my family and with my friends. Every fight I started my training from zero. No one was there to work on or remind me of my style. I fought every fight just on my memory from the amateurs. I had coaches but they didn’t help me bith my boxing or my conditioning or anything. Everything I did myself. Everybody has seen the result. I am happy that I started working with Buddy and he has reminded me of my amateur style and using a lot of boxing – not the goal to knock somebody out, but boxing. It’s a good idea to not have to win by knockout, but by boxing. The will be, at one time, a punch that will catch him. If you can punch, you will.

This time we have been working on defense too and with the shape I am in on Saturday it will be very interesting. I am excited in my last day of camp and I am excited for the fight to see what I can show. Right now I am really motivated because I know that I can beat this guy.

The last fight he got lucky. He got lucky of course. I lost concentration for just a couple of seconds – a lack of attention just for one second. Then I couldn’t get focused after the knock down.

Maybe I wasn’t ready enough. I don’t want to use it as excuses but on Saturday I will prove that I am better than Alvarez. And that is my goal to get my belts back. That’s my goal right now and it is a big motivation.

(So, you are going to be a boxer on Saturday night?)

You never know what will happen tomorrow. I don’t even know what will happen when I go around this corner of the wall when I get up. I do have motivation and I should use it to get my belt back.

I like belts. Right now I have a co-promotion with Top Rank and I am on ESPN and I can get to the highest level in boxing again. I am in Dallas, and Texas is a state that has a lot of boxing fans – a lot of Mexican fans and a lot of American fans. The site is very bog and it looks great. And I am a Cowboys fan.

My prediction is that I will get back my belt. I don’t know how, ut I will get it back at any price or any cost.

BUDDY McGIRT
No, I did not watch the first fight. The night that they fought I had a fight in New York. You want to hear something? Whenever I watched tapes of an opponent, as a fighter, I lost. When I watched tapes as a trainer, my fighter lost.

I watched tape of Meldrick Taylor, and I lost the fight.

I don’t need to watch tapes. I’m old school. I prepare for anything and everything. If you watch a tape of a guy, and you see something, then you expect it to happen and you wait all night for it, and it doesn’t.

If you get in a street fight you don’t have any tape on the guy. You have to adjust. So that’s what I go by.

I have watched quite a few Kovalev fights. I have seen enough of him. Things that he told me how he prepared for the fight and what happened during the fight – that was enough for me to understand what we have to do.

Sergey told me what went wrong in the fight and I just went from there. I had a guy fight Alvarez, Isaac Chilemba – we got jerked in the decision but it is what it is.

A lot of people told me that he was difficult to work with, but, he wasn’t. Everyone was telling me this and telling me that and I was like “OK,” and when I got with him everything was gravy.

I know that he had a strength and conditioning guy, to not only help with strength and conditioning but to help him with his diet – to eat the right foods. He told me how he ate for the last fight and I told him he was crazy. Lot of these fighters they wait till the last week to lose ten pounds – that’s not healthy.

He told me what he did wrong then we got in the gym and I said ‘OK Buddy, you can’t really make any big adjustments. He’s been doing this too long.’ So I just kept it simple. You can’t beat the basics. So you just keep it basic and simple, not complicated, and let the rest take care of itself.

He’s in shape. He’s eating the right foods. His weight is good. So now it’s all up to him.

There are days that we are in the gym and I say “That’s it.” He says ‘No, I want to do this.” I say no, that’s it. You can do that tomorrow.’ Then I have to sit there and wait for him to leave the gym so he won’t do anything. I know if I left the gym he would do extra. So I have to sit there with him and walk outside with him then he gets in his car and leave then I get in my car and leave.

It was a fun camp. Everything went good, thank God. Now it’s all up to him.

Teddy Cruz did strength and conditioning. Teddy worked on his diet and monitored his weight.

(What do you think will happen in the fight?)

I am excited about the fight just like everybody else.I know he will be champion after this fight And we take it from there.

* * *

Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone will headline the ESPN/ESPN Deportes world championship doubleheader (10 p.m. ET) that also features the IBF lightweight world title fight between Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev.

The action will then turn to the OTT streaming service ESPN+ at 12 a.m., as Teofimo Lopez versus Diego Magdaleno will serve as the co-feature to boxing’s most anticipated rematch — the WBO light heavyweight world title bout between champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and former division kingpin Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.

Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — ESPN+ — Undercard Fights
10 p.m. – 12 a.m. — ESPN / ESPN Deportes — Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone & Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev
12 a.m. — ESPN+ — Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 & Teofimo Lopez vs. Diego Magdaleno

New York, NY (January 30, 2019) DiBella Entertainment has signed women’s WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Hanna “La Amazona Black” Gabriels (19-2-1, 11 KOs), of Alajuela, Costa Rica, to an exclusive promotional contract.

Gabriels successfully defended her WBA world title for the third time this past Saturday, January 26, with a dominant 10-round unanimous decision versus Sarah Dwyer in Managua, Nicaragua.

“When you have the opportunity to sign a fighter of this stature, of either gender, you take it,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Hanna Gabriels is a sensational talent and an incredible woman. She showed it against Claressa Shields, and with her exceptional resume, that she is among the best of the best in female boxing.

“Remarkably, Hanna reached the pinnacle of the sport without an amateur career. She is perfectly bilingual and extraordinarily marketable. We’re thrilled to work with one of Costa Rica’s biggest stars and one of the biggest stars in women’s boxing.”

“I feel so privileged and honored to sign with Lou DiBella. This will truly bring out the best in me at this point in my career,” said Gabriels. “Lou has done a great job for many years supporting women’s boxing and I want to be a part of his work and further my career.

“My career has been a little crazy, filled with great accomplishments along with some obstacles. I only had one amateur fight before turning professional in 2007. However, signing with DiBella Entertainment truly energizes me to work even harder knowing what opportunities they can present.

“I love fighting in Costa Rica and the fans there have been very supportive of my career. However, I’d like to fight more often in the United States. I will fight any body. I’ve always wanted to face Cecilia Braekhus. I’d like to unify the super welterweight division, and I would love a rematch against Claressa Shields.”

“I first met Hanna three years ago when I wanted to work with her husband, former world champion Bryan Vasquez. He insisted that if I wanted to represent him, I had to take on his wife as well, and it’s been a wonderful experience ever since,” said Gabriels’ manager Hector Fernandez. “I am thrilled that Lou DiBella has signed Hanna and I am grateful for all that he’s done and continues to do for women’s boxing. Female boxers deserve respect and I look forward to making history with DiBella Entertainment.”

Gabriels has been married to two-time WBA super featherweight world champion Bryan Vasquez for the past seven years and together they have a four-year-old daughter.

Immensely popular in her native Costa Rica, the three-time, two-division world champion Gabriels made her United States debut on June 22, 2018, moving up in weight to face two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields in Detroit, MI, for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Titles. Dropping the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist hard to the canvas in the opening round, Gabriels would come up short in a highly competitive, hard-fought clash.

Gabriels first became a world champion in December 2009, capturing the WBO Welterweight World Title with a fourth-round knockout against Gabriela Zapata. Five months later, she moved up to claim the WBO Super Welterweight Title with a first-round knockout of Gardy Alvarez and made three defenses before suffering her first defeat to Oxandia Castillo in February 2013.

On December 20, 2014, Gabriels regained the WBO 154lb. title with a second-round stoppage against Paty Ramirez. In her second WBO defense, Gabriels became a unified champion, adding the WBA belt to her collection, earning a third-round TKO of Katia Alvarino on June 18, 2016. Two successful defenses of her unified WBA/WBO crown followed in 2017, including gaining revenge against Castillo in their rematch that October via unanimous 10-round decision.

Details of Gabriels’ first fight under the DiBella Entertainment banner will be announced in the near future.

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN.

The reigning two-time WBC Super-Flyweight champion, Ring Magazine champion and pound-for-pound star has been a huge hit in America following a pair of wins over Roman Gonzalez in 2017 and then victory against Juan Francisco Estrada last February.

Rungvisai moved to 47-4-1 on home turf in Thailand with a wide points win over Iran Diaz, three months after notching an incredible 41st KO triumph by blasting away Young Gil Bae in the opening round, again on home territory.

The Thai king will return to the ring to defend his strap for the fourth time in his current reign in a fight to be announced soon, and the 32 year old is delighted to have penned a deal with Hearn and the streaming giants.

“It’s my great honor to be working with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN,” said Rungvisai. “I thank my team and everyone who made this opportunity possible. I am extremely excited for my future fights in the USA with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN, and I promise to bring excitements to all my fans always.

“I’m delighted to welcome Srisaket Sor Rungvisai to the Matchroom Boxing USA team,” said Hearn. “Srisaket is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in boxing today and has been a revelation in recent years with great fights and wins over Roman Gonzalez and Estrada and has some huge fights to be made in the division. His next fight will be announced soon, and fans can expect another firecracker live on DAZN and Sky Sports!”

IBF Junior Welterweight champion, Ivan Baranchyk has withdrawn from the World Boxing Super Series due failure of being paid, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We are definitely pulling out. Ivan was supposed to fight [Josh] Taylor in Glasgow [Scotland] in late May. That was what I was hearing, but they haven’t spoken to any of us, not me, not [co-promoter] Lou [DiBella], said Baranchyk’s manager David McWater.

“We got the purse for the quarterfinals but we had to wait about two months for the win bonus that Ivan was owed, and we didn’t get it until after we had to threaten them,” McWater said. “They paid us late and now they are refusing to put the money in escrow for the semifinals until the fight. They won’t even put part of the money in escrow.”

“We feel like they are not going to be able to pay us,” McWater said. “They’re not willing to negotiate putting money in escrow in a timely fashion. We don’t believe the fight will happen anyway and we’re burning daylight. Ivan is missing fights. We’re incredibly disappointed because we wanted this tournament to work so badly. We are not pulling out because we have some other plan, but I feel confident somebody will make us an offer.

“Ivan has a world title, so I don’t expect us to sit around. This kid looks at his boxing as a 9-to-5 job. He trains every single day. How do you tell him there are all these delays because they don’t have the money?”

McWater said he would not be surprised if there was litigation over Baranchyk’s withdrawal but “I think we win. We may end up in court. We are the injured party and were more than fair with them. They are the ones in breach of their contract.”

A Comosa AG spokesperson told ESPN, “We have not received any notice of Ivan Baranchyk pulling out of the tournament. Ivan Baranchyk was paid a very large sum to challenge for a vacant title and the WBSS and its shareholders have invested hugely into its brand. Its contracts are watertight and any failure to meet them will be met with the very hardest of consequences. This applies to all fighters and also to promoters, managers and agents alike.”

“I understand the decision that was made by Ivan and Dave McWater. They’re extremely frustrated and had a number of significant concerns about continuing in the WBSS,” DiBella said. “As Ivan’s co-promoter, I reached out to the WBSS to convey their concerns and provide them with an opportunity to give comfort to Ivan and to provide specifics with respect to the next round of the tournament and the final, as well as comfort with respect to the money presently being there to meet their obligations. But a number of phone calls were not returned and a substantive letter sent last week was not replied to.”

DiBella is also junior welterweight semifinalist Regis Prograis’ promoter and said that Prograis’ continued participation in the tournament is up in the air.

“Regis’ future in the tournament has to be determined by Regis and his management, Churchill Boxing,” he said. “As with Ivan, DiBella Entertainment is not in contractual privity with the World Boxing Super Series.”

Las Vegas – UFC® hits Las Vegas for the first time in 2019 with two highly anticipated world championship fights. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones wastes no time getting back in the Octagon® as he takes on dangerous finisher and No. 3-ranked contender Anthony Smith. Also, welterweight champion Tyron Woodley goes for his fifth consecutive title defense against No. 2-ranked contender Kamaru Usman. UFC® 235: JONES vs. SMITH takes place Saturday, March 2 at T-Mobile Arena and will air live on Pay-Per-View.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English and Spanish on ESPN and ESPN Deportes starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. In addition to linear coverage of the preliminaries, fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC 235 on ESPN.com/UFC235, beginning February 18 (once purchased, fans will be able to watch the event on the web or on the ESPN App on mobile or TV-connected devices). They also can purchase and watch UFC 235 on UFC.com or the UFC App.

Jones (23-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) reclaimed the light heavyweight championship in December with a spectacular TKO win over long-time rival Alexander Gustafsson. He now looks to further extend his record for most light heavyweight championship title defenses with another show-stealing performance. Throughout his career, Jones has defeated the who’s who of MMA, including Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson and Shogun Rua.

A former middleweight mainstay, Smith (31-13, fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) looks to shock the world by dethroning the most dominant 205-pound champion in UFC history. A hard-hitting KO artist, Smith burst onto the light heavyweight scene less than a year ago. During this time, he has delivered highlight-reel finishes against Rashad Evans, Shogun Rua and Volkan Oezdemir. With momentum on his side, Smith has his sights on taking out Jones and capturing UFC gold.

A decorated grappler with KO power, Woodley (19-3-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) looks to continue his winning ways by stopping one of the welterweight division’s biggest threats. During his UFC run, he has beaten Darren Till, Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Robbie Lawler and Kelvin Gastelum. In March, Woodley aims to further build his legacy as one of the greatest 170-pound champions in UFC history.

Currently riding a 13-fight win streak that extends more than five years, Usman (14-1, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Auchi, Nigeria) is poised to shake up the 170-pound division. A dominating grappler, he has earned impressive victories against Rafael Dos Anjos, Demian Maia, Sergio Moraes and Sean Strickland. Usman is now gunning to dethrone Woodley and take his spot at the top of the division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

Former welterweight champion and No. 6-ranked contender Robbie Lawler (28-12 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) looks to spoil the highly anticipated debut of unbeaten Ben Askren (18-0 1NC, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
Former bantamweight champ and No. 1-ranked contender Cody Garbrandt (11-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) looks to get back in the win column against surging No. 9 Pedro Munhoz (17-3 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
In a featherweight bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, No. 6-ranked contender Jeremy Stephens (28-15, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) battles No. 14 Zabit Magomedsharipov (16-1, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia)
No. 7-ranked strawweight contender Tecia Torres (10-3, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) aims to snap the winning streak of the rising Weili Zhang (18-1, fighting out of Beijing, China)
Light heavyweight contenders collide when No. 11-ranked Ovince Saint Preux (23-12, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) faces No. 14 Misha Cirkunov (14-4, fighting out of Toronto, Canada)
No. 13-ranked bantamweight contender Thomas Almeida (22-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks to re-assert himself as a title threat against Marlon Vera (12-5-1, fighting out of Chone, Ecuador)
The Ultimate Fighter season one winner Diego Sanchez (30-11, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) makes his 29th UFC appearance against hot prospect Mickey Gall (5-1, fighting out of Green Brook Township, N.J.)
Gina Mazany (5-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) battles The Ultimate Fighter season 28 winner Macy Chiasson (3-0, fighting out of New Orleans, La.) in a 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 UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

UFC® 235: JONES vs. SMITH will air live from T-Mobile Arena on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 2, with the prelims kicking off the evening on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC Fight Pass at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC® 235: JONES vs. SMITH go on sale Friday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $1,255, $1,005, $805, $655, $505, $430, $355, $285, $235, $190 and $140 (not including fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Thursday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Jan. 31 starting at 12 p.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts 278 million fans worldwide and has produced over 460 events in 24 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to 1.0 billion TV households worldwide in over 40 different languages. 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. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The city’s newest landmark, recently named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN.

ESPN+ will offer UFC fans 20 exclusive UFC on ESPN+ Fight Nights per year, as well as an extensive lineup of on-demand UFC programming, original shows (including “Dana White’s Contender Series”), classic fights and more. In addition to live and on-demand UFC content included in the ESPN+ subscription, fight fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC PPV events via ESPN+ and within the ESPN app, for a separate cost.

In addition to UFC, ESPN+ offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is available across nearly all major mobile and connected device platforms and delivers a rich, personalized experience that curates ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also be available through ESPN.com.

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.

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2019) – Doug Fischer, the editor-in-chief for The Ring magazine and RingTV.com, is joining the Thompson Boxing LIVESTREAM team, the Southern California-based promoter announced today.

Fischer, 48, will handle color commentating duties, while Beto Duran returns in his role as blow-by-blow announcer.

Fischer and Duran will call the upcoming LIVESTREAM TB Presents: New Blood on Friday, Feb. 8. Boxing fans can stream the fights on our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Thompson Boxing,” Fischer said. “They develop world class talent through their popular monthly shows. I’m elated to see some of the young talent in person. I’m really looking forward to working with the entire Thompson Boxing team.”

“It truly is an honor having Doug as part of our broadcast team,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “We strive for a great fan experience and our successful TB Presents live streams series will continue to improve thanks to the addition of talented people like him.”

TB Presents: New Blood starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

In the main event, hard-hitting junior welterweight prospect Pedro Moreno (11-0, 7 KOs) makes his headlining debut against fellow unbeaten talent Ramon Mascarena (10-0, 5 KOs) in the scheduled eight-rounder. “New Blood” takes place from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

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

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. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #NewBlood, #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

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.