PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

BROOKLYN (December 19, 2018) – As fight night approaches, fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event showed off their skills at a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym before they step into the ring on December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The event is headlined by the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Matt Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday afternoon in Brooklyn:

JERMALL CHARLO

“Professional athletes have to be ready for anything. I’m ready for whoever is in the ring against me and whatever he brings. We’ll see who is at their best on Saturday night.

“This is a headlining card for the Charlo Twins and we’re ready to put on a show for our family and our fans. I’m ready, I’m sure Korobov is ready, so let’s get it on.

“I know that Korobov has been training because he was on the undercard. I’m thankful he accepted the fight and I just hope he’s done everything right to prepare for this fight. I’m doing it right, and now we’re going to fight.

“Brooklyn is one of my favorite places to fight. This is familiar territory here. I’m going to prove once again that I’m one of the best in the world.

“I don’t know Korobov but I know that every fight is difficult. You never know what these fighters are doing. I’m a professional and I continue to make it look easy.

“I have a weapon that no one has been able to figure out. Once they do, I have a whole bunch of other weapons. I’m 28-years-old, I’m having the time of my life beating these guys down. Sooner or later, I’m going to get the megafights that everyone wants.”

MATT KOROBOV

“It was a surprise to get the call for this fight. I was sleeping and preparing for my second workout of the day. But I was training hard already so I accepted right away.

“I’ve been preparing as hard as I can to make everything go exactly how I want it to on Saturday. It’s short notice but we’ve made the proper adjustments to the fight plan and we’ll be ready to make it happen in the ring.

“I don’t pay any attention to outside noise or anyone who doubts me. I’ve been preparing for this all of my life. This is my second opportunity to become a champion and I’m going to make the most of it. I’m going to show everything I’ve got.

“I have to be the best version of myself on Saturday night. I’m going to take all of my amateur and pro experience and mix it up to make a great performance.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“I feel really good right now. Everything is on point and where I need it to be. It’s fight week and it’s time to show out. I’m going to show up and put on for Lions Only. There’s nothing more that I can ask for than to be here to show everyone my abilities.

“I’m excited to show my skills again. This is big for me. I have an opponent who has the mindset to come in and dethrone me. He wants to stop the show, but it’s not over yet.

“I know that he needs to maintain his composure while trying to win a fight. Tony Harrison is a tall, rangy fighter but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. He knows who he’s dealing with. My experience cannot be overlooked.

“This training camp has been incredible. I’ve locked in with my coach and I’ve worked hard so that I’m fresh and at my best. I can’t wait to step into the ring on December 22.

“I hope Tony Harrison is at his best. There are certain things that he does well and we just need to make adjustments when we get in there. If he wants to box, we can box but if he wants to bang, we can be the aggressor.

“Brooklyn has become the new pinnacle of boxing for a lot of fighters and especially for me specifically. I’m winning with knockouts here and I’m excited to get in the ring at Barclays Center once again and do what I have to do.”

TONY HARRISON

“Camp was amazing. I don’t think it could have gone any better. Based on all my other camps, I know that I’m absolutely ready for this fight. Now it’s just the anxiousness of waiting.

“I’m working on staying very composed right now. This is another day in the office for me. We’re just waiting to see how Saturday plays out.

“This isn’t my first time fighting on the big stage at Barclays Center so I won’t let the emotions overcome me. No matter who I’m facing or what the platform is, I’ve been fighting my whole life. This is second nature to me.

“I really had the time heading into this fight to have a camp as great as I had. I’ve had the opportunity to get some amazing sparring in. Everyone came in and really competed. It was tough work.

“I’m just going to come in and do my job. When I become champion I’m going to get that same respect from everyone.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“Whether it’s in sparring or in primetime, I’m always going to bring it. This is a big platform on FOX so I have to show up. The lights are on you and I can’t wait.

“I’m excited right now because I’m chasing Deontay Wilder. I want that WBC title. I have this fight ahead of me, but I have to beat him to get what I really want. I want to fight for the biggest prize in the sport.

“I stopped Eric Molina last year at Barclays Center to become the WBC mandatory and I’m just trying to keep winning while I wait my turn.

“I’m a crowd-pleasing fighter. I keep the fans on the edge of their seats. I can move for my size and I have knockout power. I’m looking for the knockout shot every single time.”

CARLOS NEGRON

“We’re prepared for what Breazeale and anything he can bring into the ring. He’s a tough opponent but I’ve trained too hard not to leave it all in the ring.

“This has been a great training camp. I had tremendous sparring that pushed me to another level. I’m excited to get out there and show it all on fight night.

“This should be a great fight for fans. I’m planning on being aggressive and bringing the fight to him. I hope he’s ready for it, because I don’t want any excuses after the fight.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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




WARRINGTON V FRAMPTON – FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Boxing – Carl Frampton & Nonito Donaire Weigh-In – Europa Hotel, Belfast, Britain – April 20, 2018 Carl Frampton during the weigh in Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

The final press conference took place today ahead of Josh Warrington’s (27-0) IBF world featherweight title defence against Carl Frampton (26-1) at Manchester Arena on Saturday night (22nd December) live on BT Sport Box Office.

Also on the bill Mark Heffron (21-0) and Liam Williams (18-2-1) meet for the vacant British middleweight crown, Martin Murray risks his WBC silver middleweight title against former WBA champion Hassan N’Dam, unbeaten heavyweight Nathan Gorman (14-0) defends his WBC international silver belt against Razvan Cojanu (16-4) and Belfast’s Michael Conlan (9-0) fights in England in the first time and meets Jason Cunningham (24-5)

Making his debut on the bill will be the younger brother of Tyson Fury, a 19-year-old light-heavyweight.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s conference.

FRANCIS WARREN

“Josh v Carl is the best fight boxing has at the minute and this is the card of the year. It feels like we have been waiting forever since we announced it, but this potential fight of the year is here. Few can pick a winner and I can’t pick a winner. It is a great fight for a reason. Everyone is excited and it will be a fantastic night.”

JOSH WARRINGTON

“Carl has seen his a*se a bit with some stuff I have read but there are tensions when the fight gets close. I have been preparing for Carl at his prime and that excites me to graft my backside off. I have gained confidence and momentum from beating Lee Selby and I will find new levels this weekend. People say I should have had a steady defence, but I want the best and after this I’ll go to the States and fight Oscar Valdez.

CARL FRAMPTON

“I’m excited, relaxed and looking forward to a good tough fight. My nature is laid back and I will be until the ring walk. There is an edge and tension as it gets closer, but there is respect between us. I got a text message from a good friend and he said’ ‘total respect, but no fear’ and that is what this is. I believe I am better than ever because I was beating Leo Santa Cruz and Scott Quigg when I wasn’t enjoying boxing. I believe he is a very good fighter, but I beat any featherweight in the world on my day. The ambition is there more than ever because I have been written off. The fire is burning in me and people will see in a dog fight that I am not over the hill.

LIAM WILLIAMS

“I am a lot happier in myself and comfortable. There is no stone unturned and that is why I am happier. I am going to be British champion again on Saturday night. I was offered this fight and took it in one second. I am a lot more confident in my ability and can win a world title. I can fight and box. I have better all round ability. Mark is knocking people out but they have been crap opponents and just wanted the money. I am coming to win and can see fear in his eyes. Heffron is a bully.”

MARK HEFFRON

“He is talking crap and I am gonna knock him out. I am 100 per-cent the better all round fighter. Other than Liam Smith, who has he fought? He is gonna get his head punched in. I learnt from his Smith fights that he is a sh*tbag and a quitter. I’m gonna smash his nose all over his face. It’s a step up, but one of the easiest fights of my career.”

MARTIN MURRAY

“I know I am in the latter stages of my career but I have that buzz back and feel the best I have ever been. N’Dam is a tough fighter, fought world class fighters and will bring it on Saturday. It has taken me two and a half years to get back to a fight like this and I want to win in style. I’m one loss from retirement so I need to keep winning, but these fights I treat like a world title.”

HASSAN N’DAM

“We are not here to trash talk because boxing is a sport. I am working hard to take his belt and I will work hard to keep it. Martin is tough, world class and this is a hard fight, but I am going to enjoy it. I haven’t boxed in more than a year, but it was my decision not to fight because I wanted a new team and direction. I want go to super-middleweight and fight Chris Eubank Jr.”

NATHAN GORMAN

“Razvan is very tough, fought at a big level and I will need my A game. I was due to fight Alex Leapai and Razvan is a lot different. He is a lot better than Leapai. I am well prepared.”

RAZVAN COJANU

“Nathan is a different style to Daniel Dubois who I was due to fight last week. I have advantages over Nathan like my reach. I was a big fan of Nathan’s trainer Ricky Hatton so I better watch for the body shots. If I do what we’ve been doing in the gym we’ll be flying.

MICHAEL CONLAN

“Jason is tough, had experience, won two Commonwealth titles, but it is nothing I haven’t seen before. I have faced plenty of southpaws, know how to face them and I haven’t taken him lightly. I would love him to take me to the trenches and if he does, game over.

JASON CUNNINGHAM

“I am excited by this opportunity and I didn’t think twice to take this fight. I respect Michael’s amateur achievements and if he is the real deal we’ll take him to the trenches. There is no pressure and I am just enjoying the moment.

TOMMY FURY

“I am blessed to be in this position and know I wouldn’t be here without Tyson, but these opportunities I have to take with both hands. Tyson has been to the pit of hell and come back to the top of the hill. The world knows he is the real WBC world heavyweight champion. I have the Fury name, and that brings pressure but I have learned to live with it. I’m trying to do my own thing. If I achieve half of what Tyson has done I’ll be pleased because he is the greatest fighting man I’ve ever seen.

Josh Warrington defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Carl Frampton exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office, Saturday 22 December. Watch for just £19.95, for more info visit www.bt.com/sportboxoffice




February 2: Eleider Alvarez-Sergey Kovalev 2, Lightweight Sensation Teofimo Lopez and Oscar Valdez’s Triumphant Return Highlight ESPN/ESPN+ Super Saturday Extravaganza

FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 19, 2018) — Four significant fights, three world title bouts, one rematch for the ages, all on ESPN and ESPN+. The best card of 2019 is coming to North Texas.

The hotly anticipated light heavyweight world title rematch featuring WBO champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and challenger Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will stream live on ESPN+ and headline a huge night of boxing that will showcase a quartet of meaningful fights — including three world title bouts — spread across ESPN/ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ford Center at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility.

Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and the return of unbeaten lightweight sensation Teofimo “Brooklyn” Lopez, fresh off a 44-second knockout of Mason Menard on Dec. 8, will stream live starting at 12 a.m. ET on ESPN+ — the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment and ESPN.

Before the action turns to ESPN+, a pair of world title fights will take place on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

Oscar Valdez will make the fifth defense of his WBO featherweight title against the unbeaten Carmine “Mr. Wolf” Tommasone. Valdez will be making his first ring appearance since suffering a severely broken jaw in a March 10 unanimous decision win against an overweight Scott Quigg.

In the ESPN-televised co-feature, presented by DiBella Entertainment, Richard Commey will battle Isa Chaniev for the vacant IBF lightweight world title.

Before the ESPN telecast, the entire undercard will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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.

“It’s Super Saturday, and by syncing the ESPN linear and ESPN+ platforms for one night, fans have an incredible opportunity to watch a stacked show with many of the world’s best fighters and rising superstars,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef.

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. TBD

Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) made his name as one of the sport’s foremost action stars with a trio of 12-round wars against Miguel Marriaga, Genesis Servania and Quigg. The Quigg fight was shrouded in controversy as the Englishman missed the featherweight limit by nearly three pounds and refused a day-of weight check. Valdez fought with a broken jaw against Quigg for more than half the fight and still managed to prevail via clear unanimous decision. Valdez, whose jaw was wired shut for two months after the bout, is ready to move on and prove that the injury was nothing more than a speed bump.

“It will be great to see our little warrior, Oscar Valdez, back in action on Feb. 2 after his full recovery from a broken jaw and a courageous victory over Quigg,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar always brings thrills and excitement to his fights.”

“The fans can expect the same Oscar Valdez as far as being an aggressive and exciting fighter,” Valdez said. “They are also going to see a different side that nobody has seen, which is the boxing skills that I also have and that I’m perfecting and learning with my new trainer, Eddy Reynoso.”

Tommasone (19-0, 5 KOs), an eight-year pro from Avellino, Campania, Italy, is a former Italian, European and WBA Intercontinental champion who will be making his first ring appearance outside of his home country. He captured the vacant European crown on Sept. 26, 2015 with a wide unanimous decision win against Jon Slowey. Tommasone made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics as the first professional to take part in an Olympic boxing match. One of three pros to participate at the 2016 Olympics, Tommasone won his opening bout before losing to the eventual bronze medalist, Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez.

Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs) has established himself as one of the sport’s rising superstars, a 21-year-old power-punching prodigy who is on the cusp of a world title shot. The one-punch KO of Menard, a “Knockout of the Year” candidate, was televised by ESPN on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza undercard. Following the knockout, Lopez went viral after he struck the Heisman pose and wore the jersey of Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray of the University of Oklahoma.

“I took over my last show, and I am going to do it again,” Lopez said. “‘The Takeover’ is coming to Texas, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

Commey (27-2, 24 KOs), a native of Ghana and the IBF’s No. 1 contender, has won three consecutive bouts since a two-fight losing skid. He lost a razor-thin split decision to Robert Easter Jr. for the vacant IBF lightweight title on Sept. 9, 2016, knocking down Easter in the eighth round. Less than three months later, he was on the short end of another split decision, a controversial verdict against Denis Shafikov in Shafikov’s home country of Russia. Commey last fought Aug. 4 against Yardley Armenta Cruz and had little trouble in notching a second-round TKO.

Chaniev (13-1, 6 KOs) is battle-tested, having gone 10 rounds or more in five of his past six bouts. He is on a three-bout winning streak since a close 12-round unanimous decision to Fedor Papazov on May 25 of last year. He is coming off his most impressive victory to date, a unanimous decision against former interim lightweight world champion Ismael Barroso. Chaniev survived a second-round knockdown to score a pair of knockdowns and secure the win.

“When I started working with Richard in September 2016, our plan was to give him another chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion,” promoter Lou DiBella said. “While Chaniev is a very tough Russian fighter, I’m confident that Richard has the skills, punching power and the mental toughness to come out victorious. Thanks very much to ESPN and Top Rank for partnering with DiBella Entertainment in televising this outstanding lightweight championship battle.”

“I have to say a big thank you to my promoter, Lou DiBella. I know how hard it is for Ghanaian fighters to get promoted by the top promoters, but Lou has consistently shown that if he thinks you’re the man, then he will be the man for you,” Commey said “He has shown this by the investment DiBella Entertainment has put in me and by getting me this shot at the title and securing it in the United States. I also want to thank my manager, Michael Amoo-Bediako, for the faith he has put in me over all these years. He is more than a manager to me, and come Feb. 2, I will be repaying him in full.”

“I have the biggest motivation ever to win, and there is no other result that will satisfy me,” Chaniev said. “On Feb. 2, I will demonstrate all my skills and hard preparation. Some people don’t think I will win, but they will be shocked on Feb. 2. No bad words or any disrespect to Commey. He is an excellent fighter.”

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit plus.espn.com.

Use the hashtag #AlvarezKovalev2 to join the conversation on social media.




Former world title challenger Hank Lundy appears in main event on Friday, March 1st at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia


Philadelphia, PA (December 19, 2018) — Former world title challenger, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy will take part in the eight-round main event on Friday night, March 1st at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with CES Boxing and Titans Boxing Promotions.

Lundy of Philadelphia has a record of 29-7-1 with 14 knockouts,

Lundy, who turns 35 on January 3rd, will be making his 9th appearance in his hometown.

The 13 year-professional has took the “Anyone-Anywhere” slogan into his career.

He has wins over Esteban Almarez (7-0), Jason Cintron (10-0), former world champion Richar Abril (12-1-1), Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1), Omri Lowther (14-1), Patrick Lopez (20-3), former world champion David Diaz (36-3-1), Dannie Williams (21-1), Ajose Olusegun (31-1), John Delperdeng (10-1), and former world champion DeMarcus Corley.

Lundy challenged for the WBO Super Lightweight world championship, but came up short when he took on Terence Crawford on February 27, 2016 in New York.

Lundy has also fought world champions Ray Beltran, Viktor Postol and Mauricio Herrera.

In his last bout, Lundy dropped a close 12-round decision to undefeated Zair Abdullaev in September 7th in Russia.

Lundy’s opponent will be named shortly.

In the exciting co-feature, it will be an classic “Philly vs. Philly” showdown as Tyrone Brunson takes on Jamaal Davis in a 10-round battle for he Pennsylvania State Middleweight Title.

Brunson of Philadelphia has a record of 27-7-2 with 24 big knockouts.

Brunson, who will be 34 years old, is a 14 year professional who started his career with a record 19 consecutive 1st round stoppages, has defeated the likes of James Morrow (8-1-2), Brandon Quarles (18-3-1) and former world champion Kermit Cintron (39-5-3).

Brunson entered The Contender Tournament, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Davaun Lee on November 9th.

Davis of Philadelphia has a record of 18-13-1 with seven knockouts.

Davis is a 16 year professional, who owns wins over Joey DeMalavez (2-0), Terrance Williams (4-1), Blake Mansfield (6-1-1), and in his last bout he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Troy Artis on November 17th.

Also seeing action will be undefeated welterweight Poindexter Knight (6-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia; Super Featherweight Antonio DuBose (9-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia and cruiserweight Roy McGill (6-1, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in six-round bouts.

Undefeated super bantamweight Rasheen Brown (2-0) of Philadelphia; Welterweight Rasheed Johnson (4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia; Featherweight Yeuri Andujar (3-0, 3 KOs) of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic; middleweight James Martin (3-0) of Philadelphia and crusierweight Angel Rivera (4-0, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in four-round bouts.

King’s Promotions will stage a card on Friday, March 29th at SugarHouse Casino as well as the following dates at The 2300 Arena:

May 10th, October 25th and December 6th.

More dates and venues will be announced shortly




Unified Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields Thankful for Big 2018 & Looks Forward to Making More History in 2019


FLINT, MI. (December 19, 2018) – Claressa Shields has had a banner career year in 2018 capped off by recently being named the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Female Fighter of the Year and ThePrizeFighters.com’s Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year for her victory over Hanna Gabriels. In addition to her recently announced honors, Shields was also inducted into the USA Boxing Hall of Fame and was a Women’s Sports Foundation nominee for Sportswoman of the Year earlier this year.

“I’m happy with my progress and accomplishments in 2018 but I’m even happier about the tremendous advances of women’s boxing this year,” said Shields. “We will make even more history in 2019, including my fight with Hammer to crown the undisputed middleweight champion of world.”

This has been the pinnacle year for women’s prizefighting and for Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and unified middleweight champion. Shields showed her deserved place among the top of the field by displaying her skills and grit in each one of her contests. She went 4-0 and beat opponents with a combined record of 49-4 including two world champions in Hanna Gabriels and Femke Hermans, plus one multi-time former world champion in Tori Nelson. Shields won three middleweight world title belts (WBC, WBA and IBF) in her second weight division and was the only fighter to fight major bouts on SHOWTIME, HBO and and new streaming service DAZN.

This monumental year will lead into what will be the biggest fight of her career, when she takes on middleweight world champion Christina Hammer for the undisputed middleweight championship in 2019.

“Claressa has had a meteoric rise this year with her impressive accomplishments inside and outside the ring,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita “This has been a breakout year in many ways for women’s boxing and Claressa has been on the forefront of this monumental progress. It’s great to see her work recognized with these highly respected awards and honors she is receiving for all her victories inside and outside the ring this year. We are looking forward to a great 2019.”

“I am incredibly proud of Claressa Shields as a champion of boxing, women’s sports, and gender equality,” said Mark Taffet, Shields’ manager. “Her accomplishments in 2018 continued to break the barriers and glass ceilings previously in place. On Claressa’s broad shoulders inside and outside the ring, we will continue to make history in 2019. I can’t wait for the Shields vs Hammer superfight and Claressa’s consideration for the top pound for pound list regardless of gender.”




SAT JAN 26 – CLETUS SELDIN SET TO RETURN AT STAR BOXING’S “SLUGFEST at the SUN” @ MOHEGAN SUN


New York, December 19, 2018

Star Boxing returns to Mohegan Sun on January 26th, for another edition of the exciting “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster! More information on the undercard will follow, so stay tuned to Star Boxing on all social media platforms, @StarBoxing, for announcements.

“SLUGFEST at the SUN” at Mohegan Sun will kickstart an incredible year of boxing. Be there to start your 2019 off with a bang. Be sure to get your tickets now, through Ticketmaster, HERE.

CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (Long Island, NY 22-1 18KO) is bringing his devastating punching power to the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville CT, in the main event of an eagerly anticipated Star Boxing show on January 26th. Seldin will face the heavy-hitting Hungarian, ADAM “BAD BOY” MATE (28-13 21KO), in a scheduled 10 round Jr. Welterweight contest. Seldin is coming fresh off his first round knockout of Nelson Lara last month in Oklahoma on ESPN+.

With 21 KOs in his 28 victories, Mate is a formidable puncher in his own right. A victory for the Hungarian would instantly propel him into prominence and he is sure to go all out to capitalize on this opportunity. For Seldin, a win would place him at the doorstep of a world championship. When two punchers such as Seldin and Mate square off against one another, in a high-stakes contest such as this, both will be gunning for the knockout and an exciting finish is expected.

Cletus Seldin had this to say about his upcoming bout: “I am excited to be fighting Adam Mate in front of my loyal fans at Mohegan Sun. I love that star boxing keeps me active. On January 26th you will see that I am ready to contend for the 140 lb. World Championship.”

Adam Mate commented: “I am ready to capitalize on this great opportunity and look forward to displaying my talent in front of a U.S. audience.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO and promoter of Star Boxing said this about SLUGFEST at the SUN: “We are excited to be back at Mohegan Sun to showcase knockout artist Cletus Seldin against Adam Mate. Both Seldin and Mate will put on a show that will thrill the fans.”

For more information on #SeldinMate, click here.
ABOUT “SLUGFEST at the SUN”:
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series is the premier professional boxing experience in Connecticut. Live from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” has seen some of the best and brightness in boxing. This includes, three-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, former WBC International Light Heavyweight champion Joe “The Beast” Smith, Jr., and world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, amongst many others.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Joe DeGuardia, has consistently given the boxing fans of Connecticut, world class fights, right in their own backyard. “SLUGFEST at the SUN” also gives the northeast’s rising boxing stars an avenue to world title contention. From world title fights, to world class boxing skill, Mohegan Sun has seen it all, delivered by Star Boxing.

The “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series offers an affordable, fan friendly, entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to have you on your feet from the opening bell.

On JANUARY 26TH, Star Boxing plans to kick your new year off right, with yet another thrilling “SLUGFEST at the SUN” experience.
GET YOUR “SLUGFEST at the SUN” TICKETS TODAY!
FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, JANUARY 26TH, 2019
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS:
Tickets starting at $29.00 (plus facility fee) are now on sale through Mohegan Sun Box Office, Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000. Additional information and ticket links available by visiting www.starboxing.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
For more information follow Star Boxing on Twitter and Instagram; @StarBoxing, Facebook; www.facebook.com/StarBoxing; visit www.StarBoxing.com or Mohegan Sun on Twitter and Instagram; @MoheganSun, Facebook; www.facebook.com/MoheganSun. Follow the conversation by tweeting #SLUGFESTattheSUN




CALEB PLANT TRAINING CAMP QUOTES


LAS VEGAS (December 19, 2018) – Unbeaten 168-pound contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant took time to talk about his current training as he prepares to battle IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) is originally from Nashville, Tennessee but now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Here is what he said about his first world title opportunity and more from training camp with trainer Justin Gamber at City Boxing Las Vegas.

On his recent training camp:

“This training camp has been great. We took everything to the next level as I do every camp. We stepped up everything for this camp, the sparring partners, the strength and conditioning, all of the training is on another level. I’ll be at my best come fight night and I can’t wait.”

On his matchup with Jose Uzcategui:

“Everyone says Jose Uzcategui is the bogeyman, but after January 13th, I don’t want no excuses. He is a top fighter in the division, but I will take that spot after I take his title from him. All I can tell him is be ready.”

On fighting for his first world title:

“This has been a lifelong dream of mine to be fighting for a world title and now that time has finally come. I’ll be fighting for my daughter Alia, may she rest in peace. The trials and tribulations I’ve gone through to get to this point have been overwhelming at times, but they’ve only made me stronger. I’ve worked hard for this defining moment in my boxing career and I’m going to rise to the occasion, and everyone will hear the words…And The New!”

On fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes during the NFL Playoffs on FOX:

“It’s going to be a big weekend for sports with the NFC playoffs going down on FOX, but the night is going to be capped off with a great world championship fight. You have two warriors who will be putting everything on the line for super middleweight supremacy. Fans of all sports who will be watching are going to see a man in myself who is hungry and dangerous. I will be crowned champion!”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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




David Benavidez to return on Spence – Garcia card


Former super middleweight champion David Benavidez will be back in action on March 16th underneath the Errol Spence – Mikey Garcia card in Arlington, Texas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We’re looking for a top contender for David to fight,” said Benavidez promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz said. “He doesn’t need a tune-up. He fits perfectly on this card. People are interested in how he is coming back. People are curious.”

“David is training in Washington State. He is very happy and he would like to fight tomorrow,” Lewkowicz said. “He’s ready to come and forget the past. He is ready to look to the future.”




DILLIAN WHYTE vs. DEREK CHISORA FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

Dillian Whyte v Lucas Browne Weigh-In
The Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch
Pic: Christopher Dean / Scantech Media Ltd / Matchroom
07930 364436
chris@scantechmedia.com
www.scantechmedia.com

LONDON (December 19, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora worked out in front of the media just days before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL. The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch. The stakes are high as both fighters have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood.

Here is what Whyte and Chisora had to say Wednesday from East Wintergarden in London:

DILLIAN WHYTE

“Everybody knows what I come with and what I bring into the ring. We worked on a few new things. We improved in every area. There’s been a lot of talk from him about how he’s given his life to god and he’s got David [Haye] here and all that. We’ll see.

“I’ve changed a lot and improved over the last two years since the last fight. One thing I’ve improved is my consistency. That’s the main thing. I’ve been consistent. I’ve had hard fights, I’ve had boring fights, I’ve had exciting fights but I’ve been consistent.

“The first time I fought him it was only the second time I’ve ever been scheduled for 12 rounds and the time before that I got stopped. I remember the first time I went past five rounds it was like ‘oh crap, this is round six, round seven.’ But now I’ve been there and I’ve done it. I’m experienced and I show different things in different rounds. Even in my last fight, I got put down in the 12th round and got up and did what I had to do to win the fight.”

DEREK CHISORA

“I’m ready for action. The fight is only a couple days away. We are ready to go. I’m excited. Training’s gone well and I’m just a happy guy right now. The big difference with this camp is I’ve given all of the control to David [Haye]. From where I slept, what time I woke up, what I ate, everything.

“We’ve trained hard for this fight. There’s only one way we’re going to go into this fight. We are going to war. Right from the get-go. I’m going to run over to his side and start pounding him down. I hope he’s listening. I’m going to pound you and pound you and pound you. It doesn’t matter what he’s done. He can’t hurt me. He doesn’t have a powerful shot that can bother me. I’m going to find this guy, hunt him down and beat him up.

“I’m born again. I have a new manager and a new training regime. I’m just loving life, basically. It’s working out great for me. As I’ve said before, we have to knock him out. We don’t want to leave it to Eddie [Hearn’s] judges to give him the decision. We have to knock him out. We’re not going to use judges in this fight. We are coming there with a knockout mentality. No points, we’re not coming to box. We’re coming to fight.

“I’m going to go straight at him and I know he’s going to come hard too. He’s not going to shy away from a fight. He knows what’s happening. I’d advise everybody not to sit down at the O2 Arena.”




QUINLAN: I CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE IF I CATCH ‘EM CLEAN

Australian hardcase Renold Quinlan has warned Joshua Buatsi that he possesses the power to inflict a first professional defeat on the rising Light-Heavyweight talent.

The pair clash for Buatsi’s WBA International title at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Showtime in the US, and Quinlan is looking to halt the Croydon talent’s rapid rise in its tracks.

“It’s another big opportunity to fight for a meaningful title, back in the UK,” said Quinlan. “It’s a big challenge and that’s what gets my juices racing. I don’t intend to let the chance slip.

“I tend not to study opponents so I don’t know much about Buatsi. I’ve heard he won an Olympic bronze medal and they don’t give those away so he must be capable.

“But I’ve got my own unique style which I can change up. I guess I’m more of a puncher. I’ve got excellent timing and my record shows I cause serious damage if I catch ‘em clean with my right hand.”

The three blotches on Quinlan’s CV came against credible company. Victoria’s unbeaten Jake Carr edged past him on a close decision in a 2014 Australian Super-Middle scrap and Brighton’s Chris Eubank Jr relieved him of his IBO crown by tenth round decision in his only prior visit to the UK in February last year.

In his first fight at 175lbs last April, Quinlan conceded to Queensland’s 13-1 Damien Hooper in round nine, but only after he had clubbed the 2012 London Olympic quarter-finalist to the canvas twice in round five.

“I’ve learnt a lot from those defeats,” said Quinlan. “I felt I was a bit unlucky with the decision against Carr. It was very close but he has a very high work rate and was the defending champion. I was going through a lot mentally, outside the ring at the time.

“The late stoppage defeat to Eubank taught me what elite athletes need to do to succeed. Physically I was right but I wasn’t mentally focussed. I was on a fast food diet and just tried to run the weight off.

“My loss to Hooper was another learning step. I guarantee I’ll be fitter and better focussed mentally on Saturday. I’m changing, improving all the time. I promise you’re going to see the best Renold Quinlan ever against Buatsi.”

Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.

Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, David Price and Tom Little meet in a must win Heavyweight clash for both men, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.

Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)




“The Bosnian Prince” Armin Mrkanovic Stops Antwaun Taylor in five rounds


Queens, New York (December 19, 2018)–Armin “The Bosnian Prince” Mrkanovic Scored a 5th round stoppage over Antwaun Taylor in round five of his scheduled six-round criuiserweight bout this past Saturday night at Tysons Playground in Vienna, Virginia.

Mrkanovic (9-3, 4 KO) who resides in New York, registered four knockdowns, with the 3rd knockdown knocking Taylor through the ropes. Ringside doctors and commission members helped Taylor back into the ring, only to see Taylor get knocked down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Mrkanovic, won his 2nd consecutive fight, and now is in line to take on UBF European champion Edin Puhalo. That fight could materialize in Mrkanovic’s native country of Bosnia.

“I am looking to get back in there in January,” said Mrkanovic. “I want to fight these title holders, I have requested several times for a rematch with Josh “The Princess” Himes, but I am past that, so I am on to bigger and better opportunities.




Women’s World Champion Hanna Gabriels Returns to Defend Against Sarah Dwyer on January 26


Having solidified herself as a legitimate women’s star in her own right with her gallant performance against Claressa Shields last June, world champion Hanna Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) will return to her homeland to face Australia’s Sarah Dwyer on Saturday, January 26, at the Avenida Escazu in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The 10-round battle will be in defense of Gabriels’ WBA Super Welterweight Championship.

Dwyer (3-4-2, 1 KO) is coming off a draw for the Australian Championship against undefeated Tayla Harris in November.

This will be Gabriels’ first fight since the impressive showing against Shields, where she had the women’s superstar down in the first round before losing an exciting and close decision. The fight is being called the Women’s Fight of the Year for 2018.

“I’m feeling amazing training with my husband and just ready to get back,” said Gabriels. “She’s (Dwyer) a warrior will try to come and chop my head off, but we will send her back to Australia quick enough.”

Gabriels’ manager, Hector Cordova, says Dwyer is the first stop of a comeback that includes a return go with Shields and some other big names in women’s boxing.

“I am really proud of Hanna and everything she does for the community in Costa Rica. She is a hero inside and outside the ring; a real-life world success story. Our goal is to unify the 154-lb. division. We want to raise women’s boxing to new heights and eventually rematch Claressa and fight (women’s unified welterweight champion) Cecilia Braekhus. Hanna is the best 154-lb fighter in the world: a point we look forward to proving once again on January 26.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita says that Gabriels’ name belongs among the best names in the sport.

“Hanna is one of the best female fighters in the world. Her world-class skills make her one of the biggest names in all of women’s boxing. January 26 is going to be a great night and will open a door of exciting new opportunities for Hanna.”

“I want to thank all of my fans for supporting me always and showing me love even in defeat,” said the always gracious Gabriels. “That’s what makes me want it more and more. I want to fight Claressa and Cecilia and give my fans all I can before I leave the sport. I also want to thank my team because they’re amazing. Bryan Vasquez, my husband, Hector Fernandez de Cordova, my manager, Pedro Gonzalez and Esteban Quesada, my co-trainers and Dmitriy Salita for lending a hand when is needed. I won’t disappoint you.”

###
About Salita Promotions

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




DIEGO PACHECO SET FOR PRO DEBUT ON SATURDAY

Teen sensation Diego Pacheco is ‘thrilled’ to be making his professional debut on Saturday night in Tijuana, Mexico.

Pacheco penned a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA and now the Los Angeles talent, who cleaned up in the amateur ranks as an eight-time national champion and number one ranked Middleweight in both America and Mexico, begins life in the paid ranks ahead of Christmas.

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, and Pacheco is itching to begin his journey and transfer his amateur success into professional titles.

“This is what I’ve been training for my whole life for,” said Pacheco. “I am ready to show the world what I can do in the pro ranks and I am thrilled that I am starting my journey in Mexico this weekend.

“I have a lot of growing to do both as a person and physically as a man so there is no rush, but I want to be busy in 2019 and get as much experience as I can.”

“I’m really excited for Diego to kick off his pro career on Saturday in Mexico,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “At 17, we are restricted in terms of where he can box but once he turns 18 in March you will see him box all over the world. He truly is one of Mexico’s emerging stars and at 6ft 3in is going to be a real handful in the division – enjoy watching this young man!”




Video: Warrington – Frampton Press Conference




TELEMUNDO DEPORTES PREMIERES SEASON 2 OF QUE MOMENTO

MIAMI, Fla. – December 19, 2018 – Telemundo Deportes premieres season 2 of Que Momento (What a Moment) December 23 at 11 p.m. ET on Telemundo. The new season debuts with an in-depth look at three-time former welterweight world champion Antonio Margarito, his controversial “loaded” gloves and the rivalry with Miguel Cotto following the 2008 WBA welterweight title fight.

Que Momento will take viewers back to July 26, 2008 when Margarito defeated Cotto in an 11th round TKO victory that replaced Cotto as The Ring Magazine’s No.1 ranked welterweight, and gave fans one of the most unforgettable bouts of all time. Hosted by five-time Emmy winner Andrés Cantor, the episode includes analysis and interviews with boxing personalities who witnessed the bout and closely followed the story, including both Cotto and Margarito’s trainers. The show also features interviews with other boxers that faced them in the ring, including three-time World Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and seven-time World Champion Shane Mosley.

The one-hour special recounts how Cotto and Margarito came to face off in a fight that would alter the course of their careers. After Margarito, Cotto was slated to take on Oscar De La Hoya in a $25 million matchup, but the fight was off the table when Cotto lost, and Oscar opted for a fight with Manny Pacquiao. Margarito would go on make his first defense of the welterweight crown against Shane Mosley in July, 2009, in a bout that was marked by controversy. Prior to the fight, it was discovered that a plaster-like substance on illegal pads was found inside Margarito’s wraps. After his hands were rewrapped, Margarito would go on to lose to Mosley by TKO in the 9th round. Following the bout, both Margarito and his trainer were suspended by the California State athletic commission and the boxing world started to suspect that Margarito had used the same illegal substance in his wraps against Cotto.

The rematch between the two rivals didn’t come until December, 2011, at Madison Square Garden, where Cotto defeated Margarito in a 10-round TKO.

Que Momento was born from Cantor’s signature phrase “Que Momento,” which he uses to describe the most exciting moment in a soccer match. The quarterly special takes an in-depth journalistic look at some of the greatest and most memorable moments in sports history. The new season will feature memorable moments from baseball, soccer and women in sports. The show will return in March of 2019.




Video: Whyte vs Chisora 2 and undercard workout




ICB SIGNS FORMER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMP PAUL MENDEZ TO CAGE BOXING PACT

ormer International Boxing Association middleweight champion Paul Mendez of Salinas, Calif., has signed a multi-year agreement with International Championship Boxing, promoter of the revolutionary and exciting new combat sport that features boxing in a cage.

“Our first former world champion has joined ICB, and I have every confidence he won’t be the last,” says Jack Fulton, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia-based ICB.

The 29-year-old, 6-foot-1-inch Mendez has a record of 19-3-2 with nine knockouts, including a mark of 12-1-1 for his past 14 bouts.

Mendez, nicknamed “El Gallo Negro” (“The Black Rooster”), won the IBA middleweight championship during 2015 by beating Ernesto Berrospe on a card co-promoted by the late, great Don Chargin, acknowledged industry-wide as one of the best judges of boxing talent ever.

“I am gratified by the number of boxers, mixed martial artists and kickboxers who are reaching out to us,” says Fulton.

“And it’s not just boxers and fighters from North America,” says Fulton. “We’re getting calls and emails from fighters in Europe and Asia who are eager to compete in the ICB.“

Mendez was never dethroned; instead, he retired during 2016 in order to spend time during the early formative years of his baby daughter, named Love.

“I wanted to be around my daughter at the beginning,” says Mendez. “But she’s three now, and I’m entering my prime years.”

And Mendez learned an important lesson, thanks to his daughter.

“She’s my driving force, my passion,” says Mendez. “So I had to learn to be an adult with adult responsibilities. Thanks to my daughter I’ve grown as a man and I’ve grown in the boxing process.

“I’ve been boxing since I was 10 and it’s always been a game to me, a sport, not a job,” says Mendez. “But now that I have a daughter I think of boxing as a business; it’s a serious work.

“I’ve sparred with ‘3G’ (Gennady Golovkin) several times,” says Mendez, “and he says, ‘Boxing is not a game.’ When I sparred with Andre Ward he always said to be ruthless in the ring.

I’m not scared or nervous of anyone,” says Mendez. “I don’t care if it’s King Kong. I’m ready to fight anyone, and now I’ll do it in the cage.

“When ICB came along I immediately saw it was a good fit for me,” says Mendez. “I’m a fighter, not a pitty-pat, and when I impose my size on opponents, this will be perfect for me.

“This is an opportunity for a fighter like me,” says Mendez. “I can and will use this as a platform to grow. I’m excited about it.”

Mendez offers specifics why the ICB cage, a 24-foot hexagon trademarked “The Fight Zone,” is to his liking.

“Six corners, not just four, is to my advantage,” says Mendez. “There’s more places to trap people. The ‘Fight Zone’ is all about angles and cutting off the cage.”

It took Fulton almost two years to get the cage designed, built, patented and approved by boxing and athletic commissions within the United States, including the state of Nevada.

An 18-year veteran promoter of the sport, Fulton, through the years, began to realize the sport needed something new, something fresh. And in 2016 he did something about it.

“The Fight Zone” has red and blue entry points with two opposing neutral corners. Boxers compete under Association of Boxing Commissions rules: no clinching, no grappling and no kicking allowed.




SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO PRESENT DILLIAN WHYTE VS. DERECK CHISORA HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Dillian Whyte v Lucas Browne Weigh-In
The Courthouse Hotel, Shoreditch
Pic: Christopher Dean / Scantech Media Ltd / Matchroom
07930 364436
chris@scantechmedia.com
www.scantechmedia.com

NEW YORK – December 18, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated rematch between top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora this Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. As with all SHOWTIME programming, the event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights, live from London’s The O2 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL. The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch.

“SHOWTIME continues to lead the industry by delivering more of the most compelling boxing events from around the world to our premium cable subscribers and online streaming customers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “This network has televised all of the most important heavyweight fights during the division’s renaissance and we are proud to join Matchroom Sports in delivering Whyte-Chisora II to our audience. Their first fight was action-packed from bell to bell. Now, with the stakes as high as they have ever been for both men, this bout promises to be even better. I hope that the boxing pundits have not yet cast their vote for Fight, Knockout and Round of the Year. Saturday’s matchup may challenge some of this year’s best.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood calling the action.

The stakes are high in the rematch, as both Whyte and Chisora have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder. Whyte holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, as well as the WBA’s No. 4 position. Chisora is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, as well as No. 9 by the WBC. Their first matchup was widely regarded as the best heavyweight matchup of 2016, and round five of their “sensational fight” earned Round of the Year honors from ESPN.




JOE HAND’S XCITE FIGHT NIGHT SET TO RETURN TO PARX CASINO® FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Bensalem, PA—Joe Hand Promotions announced today that Parx Casino® will host Joe Hand’s Xcite Fight Night 3 at the Xcite Center on Friday, March 1, 2019. The night of professional boxing features homegrown talent from the Philadelphia area.

The event will be the first of four Joe Hand’s Xcite Fight Night boxing events in 2019 at Parx Casino®. The other three dates for 2019 are June 14, Sept. 20 and Nov. 15. Next year will be an exciting year for boxing in Bensalem.

The seven-bout fight card figures to attract a huge crowd on March 1. Last year’s shows packed the house and the crowd had an energy that had fight fans on the edge of their seats.

The lineup has not been announced, but will be packed with local fighters in competitive fights.

“We will give these fighters a platform to perform on and grow on,” said Joe Hand Sr. “These young fighters are here to build their fan base. They will put their reputations on the line in the kind of fights that old-timers remember. This event is just another stepping stone for them to fight on a nationally televised cards, and I am excited to bring boxing back to the spectacular Xcite Center. It is a great boxing venue.”

The Xcite Fight Night series is here to promote fights that fans will pay to see and get good value for their dollar. Our goal is to challenge fighters on the series by making competitive fights to help fighters develop their skill, not just their won-loss record, and to entertain our Parx Casino® guests.

The first fight is at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at https://tickets.parxcasino.com/tickets/322752 or by calling Joe Hand Promotions at 215-364-9000.




FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES


MIAMI (December 18, 2018) – Four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout at Miami Beach’s world famous 5th Street Gym on Tuesday as he prepares to face Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, for his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Cincinnati’s Broner, one of boxing’s most popular and colorful personalities, is training under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham in nearby West Palm Beach, Fla. Cunningham said the upbeat Broner is soley focused on facing Pacquiao and it’s been a near-perfect training camp so far.

Here is what Broner and Cunningham had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER:

“This fight is real important. This is a hell of a fight not only for me but for the sport. This is a fight that needed to happen for the sport and we are going to put on a hell of a show.

“I always knew that one day I would be having fights like this. Honestly I thought he [Pacquiao] would be done with boxing by now but I always knew I would have a fight of this magnitude on this platform, pay-per-view and all and now I’m here.

“I knew what to expect. I knew he [Kevin] was going to be real strict and I just came prepared. Ready to put it all in and put it all on the line.”

On what he does in his down time:

“I try to rest as much as possible. I’m training so much and training real hard. This will be my second workout of the day and then after this I have another workout at 8:30 p.m. so that will be the third workout for the day so you know all my off time I try to eat properly, stay hydrated and stay focused.”

On how it feels to train in a gym that hosted greats like Muhammad Ali:

“It’s lovely. I never knew this gym existed and this is my first time ever being here or ever hearing about this gym being legendary. Muhammad Ali paved the way for guys like me and Sugar Ray Leonard and everyone else so, its legendary.

“I always tell other fighters and other people it takes more to be a star than just boxing. I just have everything it takes to be a mega star.”

On Pacquiao’s last fight against Lucas Matthysse:

“I didn’t see it but I heard he looked good. I don’t know what to expect. I’m just training for the best Pacquiao. And I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get the victory.”

How do you feel training in South Florida?

“I’m not focused on the clubbing and stuff and all that stuff will be here after the fight. I’m 110 percent focused on this fight.”

What he will do after the Pacquiao Fight?

“Boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. My main focus is getting past Manny Pacquiao first and then we can talk about other things.”

On whether or not Pacquiao has a weakness:

“It’s not a mystery. He has seven losses. It’s not a mystery that he can lose but anyone can lose on any given day. It’s whoever prepares the best and I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do. I don’t care about stopping him or whether it’s a unanimous decision, as long as I’m victorious.”

On whether or not this is the biggest fight of his career:

“This is definitely my biggest fight, biggest magnitude, biggest platform I’ve ever been on but you never know. I could probably go in there and make this look like the easiest fight of my career you just never know.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM:

“I think he’s having even a better camp than the last. He’s added a new strength and conditioning coach and everything is working out perfect and camp is going extremely well and smooth. AB’s looking fast and explosive. I have no complaints.

“Adrien’s got everything; he’s a real throwback fighter. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got quickness, he’s got footwork. He can punch and he can bang and he can box. He’s got skills and he can be slick if he wants to be. So he’s the total package.

“We have an idea of the way the fight is going to go. We’ve studied tons of Pacquiao footage and he pretty much fights the same every fight. Manny’s a rhythm fighter so it’s all about getting in his rhythm. He pretty much does his thing. But outside of that I’ve never really seen him make too many adjustments. He’s pretty much the same guy.”

# # # #

In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.




2018 BWAA Award nominees set

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the nominees for the BWAA Awards for 2018 have been set.

The nominees for the organization’s most prestigious award, the Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year award, are:

• Undisputed cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs), who won the eight-man World Boxing Super Series tournament in July and became only the fourth undisputed champion of the four-belt era and the first in cruiserweight division history. He also won all three of his 2018 bouts on the road.

• Pound-for-pound king and unified lightweight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (12-1, 9 KOs), the 2017 winner, who moved up to lightweight and knocked out Jorge Linares in the 10th round to win a title in a third weight division in May before winning a lopsided decision over Jose Pedraza to unify 135-pound belts on Dec. 8.

• Junior welterweight titlist Maurice Hooker (25-0-3, 17 KOs), who traveled to Terry Flanagan’s hometown of Manchester, England, in June and won a split decision to claim a vacant belt, followed by a seventh-round knockout of Alex Saucedo in Saucedo’s hometown of Oklahoma City in a November defense.

• Mikey Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs), who outpointed Sergey Lipinets in February to win a junior welterweight world title to become a four-division titleholder before returning to the lightweight division to outpoint Robert Easter Jr. in a title unification bout in July.

• Welterweight titlist Terence Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs), the 2014 winner, who vacated the undisputed junior welterweight title to move up in weight for a one-sided, ninth-round knockout of Jeff Horn in June to win a world title in a third weight class, followed by a one-sided, 12th-round knockout of Jose Benavidez Jr. in his first defense in October.

Full members of the BWAA will vote on the awards over the next month and winners will be announced in early 2019. The winners will be honored at the 94th annual BWAA awards dinner in the spring at a site to be determined.

Nominees for the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year award are heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder’s exciting 10th-round knockout of Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in March; Jarrett Hurd’s split-decision win against Erislandy Lara to unify junior middleweight titles in an all-out slugfest in April; Lomachenko’s 10th-round knockout of Linares to win a lightweight world title in May; junior welterweight Saucedo’s seventh-round stoppage of Lenny Zappavigna in a back-and-forth bloodbath in June; and Canelo Alvarez’s narrow majority-decision win over Gennady Golovkin to claim the middleweight title in their action-packed rematch in September.

The nominees for the Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award are Anatoly Lomachenko (the 2017 winner), Jay Deas, Robert Garcia, and Derrick James.

Nominees for the Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year award went to Keith Connolly, 2016 and 2017 winner Egis Klimas, Chepo Reynoso, and Sam Katkovski.

The Sam Taub broadcast award nominees are Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza; HBO analyst Roy Jones Jr., Showtime Sports executive producer David Dinkins, HBO senior producer Dave Harmon, and Showtime Sports broadcaster Jim Gray.

The nominees for the Bill Crawford award for courage in overcoming adversity are the late Sen. John McCain, Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, trainer Jose Santa Cruz, and Showtime broadcaster Brian Custer.

The Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award nominees are Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley of HBO, CompuBox founder Bob Canobbio, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, MGM Resorts International public relations executive director Scott Ghertner, and former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Bernard Hopkins.

Nominees for the Marvin Kohn Good Guy award include publicist Steve Brener, the president of Brener Zwikel & Associates; Ray Stallone of HBO Sports media relations; four-division world titleholder Nonito Donaire; and two-division world titlist Badou Jack.

On Monday, unified women’s middleweight world titlist Claressa Shields (8-0, 2 KOs) was named winner of the Christy Martin award for 2018 female fighter of the year in a unanimous vote of the BWAA women’s boxing committee.

The Nat Fleischer award for career excellence in boxing journalism, which is voted on only by past winners, will be announced in the next few weeks.




Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return to Defend His Title Against Battle-Hardened Veteran Josesito Lopez Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, January 26 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn


BROOKLYN (December 18, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar battles Claudio Marrero to open the telecast.

Tickets for the show begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. Nyambayar and Marrero are guaranteed to add fireworks to an already thrilling show. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.’’

“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”

Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center, the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez. Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.

“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,’’ said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve-wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”

The 34-year-old Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,’’ Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens, chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”

Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember. 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.

“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.’’

Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career. The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.

“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,’’ said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.’’

Nyambayar (10-0, 9 KOs) has made a rapid ascent through the talent-laden featherweight division with precision and power. The 26-year-old Nyambayar, who is from Ulan-Bator Mongolia and now lives in Carson, California, won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the Mongolian boxing team. He scored a KO victory over Oscar Escandon in his last fight on May 26.

Marrero (23-2, 17 KOs), a 29-year-old southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is coming off a stunning KO victory over Jorge Lara in his last fight on April 28. Marrero two losses have come against former featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013 and Jesus Rojas in 2015. A victory over Nyambayar will put Marrero in position to fight for a world title again.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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




REMINDER: NESN TO AIR ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 33, THE RETURN OF CHRIS ALGIERI TONIGHT (12/18) at 8PM ET

JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING is pleased to announce that if you were unable to attend the completely sold out “Rockin’ Fights” 33, live from The Paramount, on November 30th, you will be able to watch it via tape-delay, airing on NESN (New England Sports Network) TONIGHT (12/18) at 8:00 PM ET.

November 30th’s, Star Boxing’s Rockin’ Fights, from The Paramount, will also re-air on NESN on:
*TONIGHT*, DECEMBER 18th at 8:00PM ET (first-airing)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 12:00AM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 3:00PM
** A full list of all air dates and time can be found below**

The broadcast will feature three action packed bouts.

The broadcast’s featured bout saw the return of Long Island’s former world champion, CHRIS ALGIERI, in a 10-round super lightweight bout against tough veteran ANGEL HERNANDEZ. Algieri wasted no time flashing his incredible hand speed, and master boxer style for his hometown fans. Returning for the first time since 2016, Algieri will look to take down the top dogs at 140 lbs., just as he did in 2014 when he defeated the feared RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV to earn the WBO Championship of the World. Tune in to see the return of Chris Algieri, as he begins his march towards another world title in 2019.

In a scheduled 8-round Super Welterweight bout, undefeated Elmont native TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES and LEO CARRIZALES put on an electric show for the sold out crowd. The all action bout made it to the 8th round, but stopped before the final bell due to a TKO victory. The crowd was on their feet for the entirety of the fight. Don’t leave your seat during this one, you will not want to miss a single punch.

Opening the action, Super Lightweights TERELL “THE PROBLEM CHILD” BOSTIC and OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY put their undefeated records on the line, and did not disappoint. In an all out gut check, both men left everything they had in the ring, fighting to a split decision victory, as only one man left “Rockin’ Fights” 33 with an undefeated record intact.

On the NESN broadcast, you will hear top notch analysis from commentator, and in-ring analyst, Jahmai Webster as well as former middleweight champion, and Massachusetts native, Dana Rosenblatt.

Be sure to tune in *TONIGHT* (12/18) at 8:00 PM. Click HERE to find the NESN channel number in your area.

RE-AIR DATES:
TONIGHT, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18th at 8:00PM ET (first-airing)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 12:00AM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 3:00PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21ST, 8:00PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26TH 8:00PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, 12:00AM

ABOUT NESN:
NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, and delivered to over 4 million homes throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.
Read more at: https://nesn.com/about/

PREVIOUS RELEASES
“Rockin’ Fights” 33 Date Announcement
Media Credential Application
Rockin’ Fights 33 Nearly Sold Out
Rockin’ fights 33 Sold Out
Official Rockin’ Fights 33 Media Schedule
Press-Conference Announcement
Rockin’ Fights PPV & NESN Broadcast Info
Press-Conference Reminder
Official Rockin’ Fights 33 Weigh-In Reminder
Official Weigh-In Results
Rockin’ Fights Official Results
MEDIA:
CHRIS ALGIERI RETURNS HOME
CHRIS ALGIERI RETURNS HOME

FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 33 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, David Lerner Associates, Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, The Inn At Fox Hollow, Camelot Limousine and The Tudor Advisory Group.




LITTLE: I’M WILLING TO GO TO PLACES THAT PRICE HAS NIGHTMARES ABOUT

Tom Little says he is mentally tougher than David Price and is planning on taking the Liverpudlian giant to ‘deep and dark places’ to get the win.

Little and Price clash on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s eagerly-anticipated rematch with Derek Chisora at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Like Little, Price has suffered back-to-back defeats in 2018. He was brutally stopped by Alexander Povetkin after initially flooring the Russian last March and then a fight against Sergey Kuzmin in September was cut short when Price suffered an injury.

Little believes Price is vulnerable and plans on taking full advantage when they meet over eight rounds.

“I’m mentally stronger than David,” said Little. “He’s going to let his last couple of defeats get to him whereas I’m just eager to put them behind me and move on. I’m willing to go to them deep and dark places to get the win.

“There are weaknesses there to be exposed. I can categorically say that this fight won’t go the distance. I’ve got the engine of a train and I won’t stop going. When I fought Filip Hrgovic I was getting better as the rounds went on, but I got cut. Never at any point was I gassing.”

He fought rising Heavyweight talent Daniel Dubois in his last outing at The O2 in June and took the Peacock Gym giant five rounds despite breaking his hand in the opening session, and knows he may have to show the same heart to get past Price

“David has the skill-set and the physique to stand me on my head,” added Little. “But I’ve got a heart bigger than David’s. There will never be any quit in me. Who wants it more? That’s the difference between me and him. I am willing to go to places that David has nightmares about.

“Against Daniel Dubois, I broke my hand in four places in the first round but I would never, ever say: ‘I’m done’. I believe that if you do it once you will do it again.”

A shot at a title could be the reward for Little if he upsets the odds against Price on Saturday but he also knows the ramifications for the loser of the fight.

“This is a game of hearts, and you have to put it on the line. Sometimes you have to bite down and go to lace that you don’t want to go. I’ve done that a couple of times. It ain’t all roses, honey and cuddles in the trenches. You have to fight your way out.

“This is a winnable fight. People expect me to get banged out but I’ve done rounds with David, and I know this is close. David doubts himself. I think his last couple of losses have taken a lot out of him and if the going gets tough he won’t want to know.”

Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.

Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, rising Croydon star Joshua Buatsi defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against tough Australian Renold Quinlan, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.

Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)




CHISORA: “I’M GOING TO WAR. I HOPE HE’S READY TO GO WHERE I’M GOING TO GO”

London (18 December 2018) Bitter British heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora collide in one of the most eagerly awaited rematches in recent years at The O2 in London on December 22, exclusively live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office and on DAZN in the US.

The charismatic, unpredictable, but exciting Chisora spoke candidly with Love Island 2018 runner-up Josh Denzel and gave an interesting insight on a number of points around the big-fight this Saturday night.

The full interview can be viewed HERE

On the rematch…
The first fight was a great fight but they gave it to him, and I was like, why? because I did more work than this guy and they gave it to him because he’s the home fighter. I kept on saying, I want the rematch, I want the rematch, and they didn’t want to give it to me and they were pushing Dillian towards AJ, and then suddenly people kept saying they want the rematch, so they gave it to me.

On joining Hayemaker…
I joined up with the Hayemaker and he said listen, this is how champions train if you want to be a champion you have to do this work right now and then afterwards you can enjoy the victory.

I got Don my trainer to give me his number, I called him, he didn’t answer, he didn’t answer because he didn’t have my number. I sent him a message, it’s DC, can you call me me, and then after I called him he answered, I said I’m going to come and see you, it’s Dereck Chisora, “Ahh Cool, come meet me at the Park Plaza,” I met him there and had a chat.

On the memorable fight with David Haye…
When I had the argument with David and then the fight, we had the fight and he won and that was it, there was nothing else to talk about, he’s won the fight fair and square so, like, that’s it. And there’s a bit of banter sometimes when I see him, like, I don’t like you’re cane rows…he rocks them nice though!

“When I sat down with him, I said listen, I’ve changed so many things in my life I need a great manager, somebody who can help me achieve that next step, and he looked at me and he’s goes, “If I’m going to do it, I want to do it 100% percent for you.”.

On religion…
I lost the fight in Monaco which I was not supposed to lose and then, as I was giving my interview, something said, you know what?, you just need to give yourself to the Lord. It’s made me a better person.

Like the big man, Tyson (Fury), himself, you listen to his interviews, all I heard him say is “praise God, praise God,” because he went and believed that little bit of Jesus which helped him to come back as a great fighter he is.

On being the baddest man on the planet…
Yes I am, listen, when we get in the ring, people are going realise, WOW! It’s going to be amazing!

On how he got into boxing…
I was fat kid, went to Finchley to box, plus I was under probation for three years, actually the Metropolitan Police paid for my boxing class, they bought my first boxing boot, boxing gloves, headguard, gumshield, everything!

On giving advice to the 16-year-old Derek Chisora…
I would just tell him, listen, just be careful out there and make the right decisions. When you’re 16 people tell you “don’t do that” because they were 16 before…when you’re 16 make the right decisions.

On what next if he beats Whyte…
I’m going to leave the ring, go home, and attack that Christmas Turkey!

It’s my birthday on 29th December…plus it’s my wife’s birthday!

On what fans can expect in the ring on the night…
I’m going to go to war. I hope he’s ready to go where I’m ready to go. If he’s not, he’s stupid. I’m coming. Hunt him down, just go hit him, hit him, just hit him, hit him and hit and hit and hit and pounce and pounce, pounce, pounce, pounce!

Watch Dillian Whyte vs Derek Chisora 2, from The O2, London, on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 6pm. Book it via your Sky remote or www.sky.com/boxoffice




Two-Division Champion Badou Jack Battles Undefeated Top Contender Marcus Browne for WBA Interim 175-Pound Title On Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV®


LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2018) – Two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view undercard will also see former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

In the main event, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

“Not only will the fans witness a tremendous main event, they will get to enjoy three action-packed match-ups that will add another level to the pay-per-view portion of the card,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz are looking to make a name for themselves in the stacked featherweight division, while Rau’shee Warren and Nordine Oubaali are in the prime of their careers and battling for the WBC title. Mayweather Promotions’ Badou Jack has made an exemplary statement for his career inside and outside of the ring and is focused on further strengthening his resume, while Marcus Browne is looking to showcase his talent on boxing’s biggest stage.”

Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs) has fought twice at light heavyweight since relinquishing his super middleweight world title to campaign at 175 pounds. The 35-year-old, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, represented his father’s Gambia in the 2008 Olympics and now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the super middleweight world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the title three times before he relinquished the belt following a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against Adonis Stevenson in his last fight on May 19.

“I’m looking forward to getting back onto another big stage to perform for my fans across the globe and prove I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Jack. “I plan to show off my skills with a dominating performance on January 19. I always want to fight the best, and he’s the best that’s available right now. I’m always 100 percent ready and I’m going into this fight stronger, faster and with more experience than ever before.”

The 28-year-old Browne (22-0, 16 KOs) will be taking a step up to face an elite opponent when he battles Jack. A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Browne moved up the contender ladder in the 175-pound division with brute force and power, scoring three straight knockout victories against Thomas Williams, Jr., Sean Monaghan and Francy Ntetu. Browne, who was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., scored a unanimous decision victory over Lenin Castillo in his last fight on August 4.

“This is really an honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to showcase my talents on a big time pay-per-view card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner,” Browne said. “Badou Jack is a championship-caliber fighter and one of the toughest guys you can fight in the light heavyweight division. I’m ready for the step up in competition and focused on being a household name in the sport sooner rather than later.”

Warren (16-2, 4 KOs) is looking to return to the world championship ranks with a victory over Oubaali. The 31-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012. His Olympic run came to an end against Oubaali when he lost a narrow 19-18 decision in the first round of the 2012 London Games. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by split-decision.

“This fight means everything for me and it’s about to be the biggest moment of my career,” Warren said. “Not only am I fighting for the WBC belt, but it’s on pay-per-view. When I first won the title it was like winning the gold medal at the Olympics. After I lost the title, it made me much hungrier and I want to get it back even more. I fought this guy in the Olympics, so I’m fighting for revenge. This isn’t the Olympics. This is 12 rounds and I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. I have no choice but to put it all on the line on January 19.”

The 32-year-old Oubaali (14-0, 11 KOs), an unbeaten southpaw from Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France, has knocked out his last five opponents. His most recent KO of Luis Melendez on April 17 moved Oubaali up the ranks to position him for a world title shot. Oubaali, who is the sixth of 18 children born in France to parents who are from Morocco, twice represented France at the Olympics, qualifying in 2008 and 2012 when he defeated Warren.

“Many people are waiting for this fight because it’s the second time we meet,” said Oubaali. “I beat Rau’shee Warren at the 2012 London Games in a great battle. In the meantime, Rau’shee captured a world championship and lost it. Right now, I’m the WBC No. 1 ranked bantamweight fighter in the world. It will be a great fight in Las Vegas on January 19 and I intend to beat Rau’shee again to become the new WBC world champion.”

The 25-year-old Tepora (22-0, 17 KOs) has steadily risen up the ranks since turning pro in 2012 and most recently captured the WBA interim featherweight crown with a ninth-round stoppage of Edivaldo Ortega in July. Representing Cebu City, Philippines, Tepora enters his U.S. debut on January 19 with stoppage wins in 11 of his last 12 contests.

“It has always been a dream to fight in the United States,” said Tepora. “I never dreamed that my first fight in the U.S. would be on a card with Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner. I look forward to a tremendous fight on January 19 and defending my title versus former world champion Hugo Ruiz. As you all know the best rivalry in boxing is Filipino vs. Mexican. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ruiz (38-4, 33 KOs) will make his featherweight debut on January 19 after picking up two victories in 2018. The 30-year-old won a super bantamweight world title with a first round stoppage of Julio Ceja in 2016, avenging his previous loss to Ceja in one of 2015’s most exciting fights. He now seeks to position himself for a world title at 126 pounds with a victory against Tepora.

“I expect it to be a good fight because Tepora is undefeated and a good Filipino champion,” said Ruiz. “But I’m ready. I don’t think he can handle my power. I’m going to knock him out. I want to do my best to win the title. I’ve been watching videos of him and I’ve been training hard. I’m really focused on how to beat him. I’m still young, but I’ve got the experience to handle him in this fight.”

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

About MGM Grand Garden Arena
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquaio; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also has been home to annual events including the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and Frozen Fury NHL pre-season games hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.




JAIME MUNGUIA TO DEFEND WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST TAKESHI INOUE IN FIRST GOLDEN BOY EVENT ON DAZN IN 2019


HOUSTON (Dec. 17, 2018): Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) will headline the first Golden Boy Promotions event on DAZN in 2019 as he defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round battle. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.

“Our new partnership with DAZN is groundbreaking in this new era of boxing and sports streaming; fans subscribed to DAZN will constantly get high-level action at a single affordable price,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jaime Munguia’s stock rose as he headlined three of our cards last year, and he will only become an even bigger star because he is planning for a very busy 2019 on DAZN. This event will also showcase some of our best talent as we continue to build the next generation of main event fighters.”

Munguia is a 22-year-old champion of Tijuana, Mexico who catapulted to the highest levels of the 154-pound division by knocking out Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. Munguia then defeated Liam “Beefy” Smith via 12-round unanimous decision in July and completed a spectacular year with a third-round knockout win over Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook in the co-main event of Canelo vs. GGG 2. Munguia will embark on yet another busy year by defending his title for a third time in January.

“I’m thankful and happy with how my career went in 2018, but I’m hungrier and more excited than ever,” said Jaime Munguia. “I want to prove myself against the best. Takeshi Inoue is a warrior. Japanese fighters leave everything in the ring, and Inoue is no exception. His style will complement mine and will make for a great fight. I will put on a show for all my fans and thank you again for all your support.”

Inoue is a 29-year-old native of Japan who will make his debut in the United States in only his second fight outside of his native country. Inoue is ranked No. 3 by the WBO and is coming off a unanimous decision win against former regional titleholder Yuki Nonaka.

“I am pleased to be able to challenge for a world title. It is a dream come true,” said Takeshi Inoue. “I have experience fighting abroad, and I am excited and confident that I will win this fight. Munguia is a powerful fighter with heavy hands, endurance and technique. To prepare for a fighter like this, I have trained hard and in depth on technique and endurance. I have sparred long, hard rounds, so that I will be able to win even if it goes to a decision. I am highly motivated and mentally focused. Boxing fans can expect a great fight.”

“This Jan. 26, Jaime Munguia will once again put on a display of skill and power against Japanese warrior Takeshi Inoue in a fight between undefeated boxers,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “To have a fighter of the caliber of Jaime Munguia is a breath of fresh air for the world of boxing. He is ready to be recognized as the best super welterweight in the world and to defeat anyone in his path to achieve this. It is an honor for Zanfer to have a strategic alliance with Golden Boy Promotions to continue to build Jaime’s career. It will be an unforgettable one, and I invite everyone to watch him on DAZN.”

In the co-main event, Jesus Rojas (26-2-2, 19 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico will defend his WBA Featherweight World Championship against Chinese contender Xu Can (10-0, 1 KO) in a 12-round clash.

The undercard for this event will feature several fighters from the Golden Boy Promotions stable, including three fighters who call Texas their home. They say everything is bigger in Texas, so we are making sure this undercard is huge as well.

Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will seek to avenge his only loss against Argentine puncher Lucas Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Bantamweight Title.

Alberto “Impacto” Melian (3-0, 2 KOs), a former amateur standout who participated in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, will make his United States debut after signing with Golden Boy Promotions. In only his third fight, Melian will compete for the vacant NABA Super Bantamweight Title in a 10-round battle against Edgar Ortega (10-1-2, 5 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico.

Filipino contender Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his NABO Lightweight Title in a 10-round fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Alex Rincon (5-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in a six-round super welterweight fight against Jeremy Ramos (10-5, 4 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

George Rincon (5-0, 2 KOs), the older brother of Alex who also hails from Dallas, Texas, will participate in a six-round super lightweight clash against Eduardo Reyes (9-15, 6 KOs) of Reynosa, Mexico.

James “The Beast” Wilson (7-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles, a quick-handed heavyweight prospect who has also fought as a mixed martial artist and a kickboxer, will compete against a soon-to-be announced opponent in his first six-round fight as an official member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable.

Munguia vs. Inoue is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions. Rojas vs. Can is a 12-round fight for the WBA Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Universal Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is becoming a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the recently announced Golden Boy Promotions.

About Toyota Center:
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and
entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid over
the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com.

Ticketing Info:
Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue go on sale to the public on Wednesday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here orcopying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/January26DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.




Jermall Charlo to Battle Matt Korobov for WBC Interim Middleweight Championship

BROOKLYN (December 17, 2018) – Middleweight contender Matt Korobov has stepped up to challenge Jermall Charlo for the WBC Interim Middleweight Championship live in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Korobov is replacing Willie Monroe, Jr., who was removed from the main event after he tested positive for a banned substance by VADA under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC is conducting further investigation into the matter. Korobov was due to fight on the undercard and had been training to fight December 22. He willingly stepped forward when the call came for a replacement for Monroe.

“I was well prepared for Willie Monroe, who is a southpaw, so there won’t be that much difference facing Korobov,” said Charlo. “There is a size difference. He’s taller than Monroe, but I’ll just have to adjust my game plan. The best fighters in the world are the ones who are able to make the best adjustments. Beating Korobov is going to make the victory that much sweeter due to this adversity. That means the celebration is going to be sweeter as well. He was fighting on the undercard, so he’s prepared. But now fighting for the title in the top spot is going to make him fight harder. I love it. He’s a much better opponent on paper than Willie Monroe Jr.”

“I was training to fight on this card so I am physically and mentally ready to fight,” said Korobov. “It doesn’t matter that I am taking this fight on a week’s notice because I have been preparing for this moment my entire life. I will make a few adjustments for Charlo and make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss it. Make sure you tune-in to FOX for a great fight.”

The Charlo vs. Korobov bout is part of a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC middleweight championship bout against Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs), who was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Juan De Angel, has an outstanding resume that includes a unanimous decision victory over current super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui in 2014. His lone loss came against Andy Lee in a middleweight championship fight in 2014. Korobov was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards when he was caught by a right hand from Lee that resulted in a sixth round TKO loss.

The 35-year-old southpaw is from Orotukan, Russia and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an amateur he won the European Championships in 2006 by defeating reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. He was a member of the 2008 Russian Olympic boxing team and finished his amateur career with a record of 300-12. He enters this fight with four straight victories, having most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jonathan Batista.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, October 27 at noon ET. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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




140 Reasons to Be Afraid: Shoh Ergashev Scores Another First-Round KO on Saturday in Russia

Uzbekistani super lightweight Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev finished a sensational 2018 with yet another first-round KO, this time over respectable Argentinean veteran Nazareno Gaston Ruiz.

Fighting at Olimp Sports Palace in Krasnodar, Russia, Ergashev needed just 18 seconds to demolish Ruiz, a 50-fight veteran (32-18, 11 KOs) against solid opposition, who had never heard the 10 count before in his career and had only been stopped once in 2010 and once in 2007. He was also on a three-fight winning streak before running into the full force of Ergashev’s fury.

This was Ergashev’s fifth fight this year. Four have been knockouts, the last two in first round.

“I want to make a statement every time I step in the ring,” said the fearsome Ergashev. “I am the best super lightweight in the world and I guarantee that the champions don’t go the distance with me.”

Ergashev’s 2018 was so impressive, normally reserved promoter Dmitriy Salita is now dropping some pretty big names in reference to his fighter.

“Shohjahon is proving to be one of the hardest punchers in all of boxing! He stops his opponents in brutal fashion ala Mike Tyson and early Golovkin. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and he is willing to fight the best!”

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About Salita Promotions

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




PRICE: I’M LONGING FOR THAT BUZZ OF WINNING AGAIN

David Price is desperate to taste victory again after suffering back-to-back defeats against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin and Sergey Kuzmin.

The Liverpudlian giant faces Tom Little on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s highly-anticipated rematch with Derek Chisora this Saturday at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

This is potentially the last throw of the dice for Price after a difficult 2018 and the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist plans on taking out Little in style to set-up some huge Heavyweight contests next year.

“I’m longing for that buzz of winning again,” said Price. “This is why Saturday is so important to me. I would love to get some momentum going and put together some good and see where it takes me, and then just go from there.

“It would be nice to get my hand raised, to get people congratulating me again, rather than commiserating with me. Instead of being the ‘nearly man’ or whatever, you’re a winner again. There’s nothing better than glory in sport. It’s what keeps fighters coming back. It’s that buzz, adulation, and everything that comes with it. It would be a good way to finish the year off.”

Price enters this weekend’s eight-round contest as a significant favourite but there’s no danger of him overlooking Little as he battles to keep his career breathing and he insists that the Hatfield man has his full respect.

“This fight is of the utmost importance really,” added Price. “It’s a massive fight that I just can’t afford to lose. It’s everything. Tom is a lot better than his record suggests, put it that way, but I would consider myself a level above him considering I’m a former British Champion and an Olympian.

“That’s not me being disrespectful as me and Tom get on well and we’ve done a hell of a lot of sparring together. He’s definitely bridged the gap from when I first started sparring him. I’m taking him really seriously. I still believe I’ve got something left in me to turn things around. There are that many big names in the Heavyweight division right now, or decent enough names, and everyone needs a dance partner.”

Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.

Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, rising Croydon star Joshua Buatsi defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against tough Australian Renold Quinlan, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.

Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)