BAY AREA, CA (March 29, 2017) – WBC #7 light-heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs), is back in the Bay Area, CA, training with Virgil Hunter. After scoring a technical knockout in his last fight against former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), Fonfara is ready for the next challenge as he looks to get back into a world title fight.

“I took a few weeks off to rest my body, but now I’m ready to get back in the gym training with Virgil Hunter,” said Fonfara. “I’m making the proper sacrifices, coming to California with no fight date, because I know in this sport your name can be called at any time.”

With a possible date looming, Fonfara feels he’s back on track to fight all top contenders in the light-heavyweight division.

“I’m in a great position being ranked in number seven by the WBC.” Fonfara continued. “I just want to stay sharp and be ready for any fight that might come my way. Training with Virgil now is only going to make me a better fighter. I’ll be ready for anyone that my team puts in front of me.”

NEW YORK (March 29, 2017) – Light heavyweight title challenger Samuel Clarkson says he’s in the shape of his life for his shot at Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol on Friday, April 14, live on SHOWTIME.

Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) will face the undefeated Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C. In the co-feature, undefeated welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round bout.

NOTE: In a matchup that was confirmed on Wednesday as the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast, Baltimore’s undefeated Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) will face unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KOs), of New Brunswick, N.J., in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.

“I upped intensity 1000 times for this camp,” said Clarkson. “I had better sparring, did more miles running and way more rounds doing bag work. Everything I’ve done has been intense and we added a lot more into it.”

Clarkson did half his training in his home state of Texas and the second half in Brooklyn, where he has sparred with some well-known names.

“I’ve been working with guys like Sean Monaghan and Joe Smith Jr. I’ve had over 110 rounds of sparring since coming to Brooklyn. I wanted to push my sparring to the max. I’m not saying there isn’t competition in Dallas, but I wanted different looks and to be out of my comfort zone. I got what I was looking for here.”

Clarkson says he can tell he’s in the shape of his life for this fight.

“I’m seeing new muscles,” said Clarkson, who has won nine straight fights. “The power was already there, but my speed is great now too. I will most definitely come in under weight. We’ve put a lot of focus on weight this time. The goal is to eat breakfast before weighing in. I have kept on a very strict diet – my dad cooks everything and we’re eating right.

“I’m ready for war. I’m not afraid of this guy. I’m ready to fight.”

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

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,
ww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 68 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Olympian Josh Kelly will face Jay Byrne on his professional debut at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on April 15, live on Sky Sports.

Kelly joins the paid ranks after reaching the last 16 in the Welterweight competition of the Rio games last summer, and the Sunderland talent now starts his journey to pro success on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ World Super-Lightweight unification clash with Julius Indongo.

Byrne jumped up two weights at York Hall earlier in the months to take Middleweight Felix Cash the distance, and the Irishman will be the first to test the talented 22 year old Welterweight who is training with Adam Booth, a man he believes can finesse his exciting style into a winning one in the pros.

“I used to be a good fighter but not a boxer,” said Kelly. “I was a chubby kid and I didn’t have much movement but I used to just stand there and bomb them over. I was fat but fit, and that helped me lose the weight.

“I did well playing football too playing for Hartlepool and Sunderland but the turning point was when I won the junior ABAs the first time i was in them, I got to the final the year after and lost on a dodgy decision and then won them again. I won the seniors and got picked up by Team GB and never looked back.

“I was unlucky to run into the eventual gold medal winner in Rio but I think that I’ll prove that turning pro is the right move for me. I’m learning every day with Adam and I’m buzzing to be making my debut on such a huge night.”

Kelly’s debut is part of a huge night of action in Glasgow as WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Ricky Burns looks to unify against IBF king Julius Indongo.

Scotty Cardle looks to land the British Lightweight title outright when he faces Robbie Barrett, Cardle’s gym-mate Callum Johnson defends his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title against Schiller Hyppolite and Charlie Edwards and Iain Butcher clash for the vacant British Super-Flyweight title.

Kelly’s Team GB teammate Lawrence Okolie boxes for the second time in the pros, Charlie Flynn fights for his first pro title as he faces Ryan Collins for the Celtic Lightweight title and Joe Ham takes on Scott McCormack for the Scottish Super-Bantamweight title.

Tickets for April 15 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.thessehydro.com and £200 VIP exclusively at

DENVER – March 29, 2017 – Cinemas across the U.S. will play host to a Cinco de Mayo weekend mega-fight with a pulse-pounding live broadcast event featuring two of Mexico’s finest boxers: “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” in a historic showdown that will rival the biggest fights in Mexico’s rich boxing history. Two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) will square off against former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) in a 12-round battle.

Presented by Fathom Events, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Pay Per View, the one-day cinema broadcast is set for Saturday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET, live from the sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to catching all the in-ring action up close and personal, event attendees will receive an exclusive commemorative fight mini-poster. Fighters for the undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” can be purchased beginning Friday, April 7, 2017 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations will be available April 7 on the Fathom Event’s website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

On May 5, 2016, Álvarez celebrated T-Mobile Arena’s first boxing event with a knockout of Amir “King” Khan. Álvarez last fought on September 17, 2016, knocking out the previously undefeated WBO junior middleweight champion Liam Smith. Chávez, Jr. was last in action on December 10, 2016, when he secured a unanimous decision victory over highly-regarded German fighter Dominik Britsch.

Álvarez says, “Julio César Chávez, Sr. is one of the best, if not the best fighter in history. I grew up watching him and learned a lot from him, but that won’t have any influence when I fight his son… I want to remind you that when two Mexican fighters face-off, a spectacular show is guaranteed, and I can assure you that May 6 will be no exception.”

“This is going to be a tough fight. Every fight is important, and this one especially because it is between two Mexicans fighting each other for the glory,” Julio César Chávez, Jr. said. “I’m going to win, but my country will too, because this is the fight that boxing needs.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions said, “Mexican boxing is the best, and when you have these two top boxers who want to give the best to the fans, we couldn’t pass it up. Canelo, the biggest boxing star, will take on not only a former world champion in Julio César Chávez, Jr., but the son of the biggest star in the history of boxing in Mexico.”

“There’s nothing like seeing these warriors – Canelo Álvarez and Julio César Chávez, Jr. – do battle, larger than life, on the big screen,” John Rubey, CEO of Fathom Events said. “It’s like having a real ring-side experience in your local cinema surrounded by other fans!”

For artwork/photos related to “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” visit the Fathom Events press site.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like Copa America Centenario, concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series and inspirational events such as To Joey With Love and Kirk Cameron’s Revive US. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 896 locations and 1,383 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley. For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Dynamite-punching Light-Heavyweight talent Anthony Yarde will fight for his first professional title when he takes on Chris Hobbs for the Southern Area Light-Heavyweight strap at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 20th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The Ilford demolition man has made an explosive start to life in the paid ranks, blasting out eight of his nine opponents via devastating knockouts – five of those coming inside the opening round.

Hackney-born knockout menace Yarde is fast emerging as one of the most exciting Light-Heavyweight prospects in the UK and is promising to impress on the undercard of Gervonta Davis’ blockbuster IBF Super-Featherweight World Title showdown with Liam Walsh.

“I am delighted to be fighting for my first pro title on the undercard of such a huge show,” said Yarde. “Everything is timing and things always fall into place. I grew up in Stratford so it is fitting that I’ll be returning there to win my first belt. I’ve heard tickets are flying out for this one so the atmosphere should be something special.

“I don’t look at any of my opponents; that’s my trainer’s job. I hit people clean and when you’re boxing at this weight you’re usually going to knock them out or drop them if you catch them well. Getting that first belt around my waist is the main priority and if the knockout comes, it comes.

“Like most boxers my main aspiration is to become a World Champion so if you’re in my weight class then eventually I’m going to beat you to get to where I want to be. The Southern Arena belt is going to be the first of many on my journey to the top.”

Hobbs said: “I don’t believe in taking easy fights, especially easy title defences! I’m in this game to fight the best and Anthony Yarde is highly-rated by a lot of people in boxing. Beating him will give me a huge boost and put me in line for a British title shot.”

Remaining tickets for May 20 priced £40 and £50 are available from See Tickets at www.seetickets.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 29th, 2017) –Kendrick Ball Jr. can’t quite explain why he feels the way he does about his upcoming opponent, Zachary Christy, but the fact Christy signed his name on the dotted line for April 7th has sent the 6-foot-2 Ball to a dark place most of his opponents haven’t lived to talk about.

Ball, in his own words, considers it “disrespectful,” as if Christy’s willingness to stand toe-to-toe with him next Friday coming off a two-year absence is some sort of backhanded compliment, a sign Christy thinks there’s a weakness he can exploit on fight night.

“I’m going to go out there and try to end it early,” said Ball, the 24-year-old Worcester, Mass., middleweight who boasts a 5-0-2 record with four knockouts entering April 7th. “I’ve got a little more motivation to go out there and give a good show.”

Ball and Christy (1-0-1) face off Friday, April 7th, 2017 in a six-round super middleweight bout on the undercard of CES Boxing’s second show of the year at Twin River Casino, headlined by the 10-round World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC Welterweight Championship between Nick DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs) and Jimmy Williams (12-0-1, 5 KOs).

Asked if Christy (1-0-1) may be overlooking him, Ball shrugged and said, “Maybe. I think so. Maybe a little bit,” his own uncertainty adding a whole other level of intrigue to next Friday’s bout.

Christy himself is as resilient as he is enigmatic, a 32-year-old U.S. Air Force vet who recently returned home to Warwick, R.I., following his sixth deployment to Afghanistan and 10th overall. He hasn’t fought since 2014 and is at a six-inch height disadvantage against the lean, lanky Ball, but cites his own experiences in and out of the ring, from sparring with world welterweight champion Keith Thurman to jumping out of airplanes on active duty, as the motivation that keeps him going despite the odds.

“I have had the privilege to see, do, and run toward things that would make many of the young men of today piss in their pants,” Christy said. “It’s true I’ve been deployed 10 times. I’ve jumped out of planes and helicopters, and strapped 100 pounds to my back and run for miles. I haven’t lost a fight in ten years. I’m 5-foot-6 and I’ve won amateur titles at heavyweight. I’ve run Olympic distance triathlons directly after returning from Afghanistan.

“I love disadvantages.”

The ultimate underdog, Christy makes it clear his limited number of professional fights does not reflect his true experience.

“I am the veteran in this fight,” Christy said. “Disadvantages are always perceived, never proven. Anyone who thinks any perceived disadvantage will prevent me from pouring my heart out, in victory or defeat, will have a big surprise come fight night. Be prepared for the quintessential boxing match.”

The undefeated Ball will be Christy’s toughest test to date. While Christy’s Air Force duties have interrupted his progress through the years, both as an amateur and a pro, Ball has carved an undeterred path to the top of his weight class in New England with seven fights in the first nine months of his career since his debut in May.

“It feels good,” he said. “I like being active because I feel loose when I go out there.”

Staying in the gym, and in shape, has kept Ball busy. So, too, has his willingness to fight anyone at any given time, whether it was facing unbeaten David Wilson just six days after fighting at Twin River or stepping up in weight on a week’s notice to fight undefeated super middleweight Nathan Millier. Both of those fights ended in a draw, an important teaching tool for his father and head trainer, Kendrick Ball Sr., after the younger Ball opened his career with three knockouts in his first four fights.

The draw against Millier, who entered 9-0-1, was arguably his most impressive accomplishment considering he trailed on all three scorecards midway through the scheduled six-round fight and finished strong to keep his unbeaten record intact.

“I learned you need to be busy nonstop. I think I got the draw because I fell back a little and wasn’t too busy, so I’ve got to keep working more and more,” Ball said.

“I’m a slow starter. I don’t get warmed up until the later rounds, so I think that’s what it was. [CES president] Jimmy [Burchfield] came up to the corner and was like, ‘You’ve got to show me something. Show me you really want this!’ and my dad was yelling at me so I had to go out there and turn it up a little bit.”

There won’t be any need for pep talks in either corner next Friday. Both Ball and Christy enter with high hopes, fueled by different sources, but both chasing the same dream.

Tickets for April 7th are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The event also airs live in its entirety on FITE TV Pay Per View for $14.99 beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Fight fans can stream the event live on their television by downloading the FITE app free from iTunes or Google Play and using the instant stream-to-TV function for full-screen viewing, or watch online from any device at www.fite.tv. The FITE app also works with any Wi-Fi connected TV, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Replays will be available for those unable to watch live.

In addition to the highly-anticipated championship main event, April 7th features an eight-round female welterweight showdown between Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (16-4-2, 1 KO) of Marshfield, Mass., and Mexican challenger Paty Ramirez (11-3, 5 KOs), plus a New England Lightweight Title bout between Springfield, Mass., vet Zack Ramsey (7-1, 3 KOs) and unbeaten Augusta, Ga., native Divante Jones (9-0, 6 KOs).

Unbeaten New Bedford, Mass., junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (7-0, 1 KO) faces his toughest test to date in the six-round co-feature bout against Portland, Maine native Casey Kramlich (6-0-1, 3 KOs) in Kramlich’s Twin River debut.

Joining Aleksandra Lopes on April 7th is her stepson, Arturo Lopes (1-0), who ends an eight-year layoff in his return bout against Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (1-1, 1 KO). The Lopeses fight April 7th in honor of the late Manny Lopes, a former CES standout who passed away in December and will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor.

Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (3-0, 2 KOs), fresh off a hard-fought win over unbeaten Canton Miller in February, faces another undefeated challenger in a four-round bout against Glenn Mitchell (2-0, 2 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio, and Lynn, Mass., welterweight Khiry Todd (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Vincent Floyd (2-2-1) in a four-round bout.

Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., returns to Twin River to face Springfield’s Miguel Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round showdown between two rising New England prospects and amateur standouts Ricky Delossantos of Providence, R.I., and Philip Davis of Worcester make their professional debuts against one another in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) of New London, Conn., by way of Worcester, returns for the first time since December in a four-round bout against New York’s Sidney Maccow (4-4, 3 KOs).

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

Olympian Joe Cordina will make his professional debut at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 22, live on Sky Sports.

The Welshman represented Team GB at Lightweight in Rio last summer and the former European champion and Commonwealth bronze medal man will step throught the ropes in the paid ranks for the first time on the undercard of Martin Murray’s clash with Gabriel Rosado.

Cordina kicks-off at Super-Featherweight under new trainer Tony Sims, and the 25 year old believes the switch from Wales to Essex with Sims is going to pay off in the ring.

“It’s all new to me but I’m enjoying it,” said Cordina. “I wanted to have a change and learn something new, Tony Sims is one of the best trainers out there and I wanted to be with him and in that gym. Tony is well respected in boxing and such a great guy, it was a big decision to make but I think I’ve made the right one.

“I’m living with Ricky Burns in Essex, he’s doing the same thing as me, home at the weekends but miles from home during the week, and he’s a three-weight World champion, I want to be where he is and that’s what I am trying to replicate.

“I miss my daughter, she’s only young and I want to see her grow up every day, but you have to make sacrifices in this sport. It’s the hardest thing for me to do but I’ve spent a lot of time away as part of the GB squad so I am used to it.

“Being a part of Tony Borg’s stable for many years and we still get on great. I’ve seen how far Lee Selby has gone on and learnt a lot training by the side of him. Lee has gone on to do great things for Welsh boxing and that’s a massive target that I’ve set myself, to achieve great things just like Lee has done.”

Cordina’s debut is part of a huge night of action on Merseyside as Murray and Rosado promise fireworks.

Rocky Fielding welcomes Islington’s John Ryder to his backyard where they clash for the vacant British Super-Middleweight title and there’s an all-Liverpool battle between Tom Farrell and Tommy Carus for the WBA International Super-Lightweight title.

Popular Birkenhead man Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd is in action along with Scott Fitzgerald, Paul Economides and Craig Glover.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80 and £100 from the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com/whats-on/a-night-of-championship-boxing and on 0844 8000 400.

VIP tickets are priced at £200 and are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for April 22 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

This Saturday’s Cruiserweight bout between Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck has been elevated to to a fight for the full WBC Cruiserweight title bout, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Reigning champion Tony Bellew has been named Champion Emeritus.

“Tony Bellew has become a major attraction in the heavyweight division and is at this moment uncertain of his next steps following his life-changing victory,” the WBC said. “Tony Bellew has expressed his absolute honor and pride to be the WBC cruiserweight champion of the world and has represented the WBC in the best way possible during his reigning as a champion.

“This scenario might keep him from defending his cruiserweight title in some time, reason for which the WBC Board of Governors unanimously voted to designate (Bellew) as emeritus champion of the world, which grants him the right to fight for the cruiserweight championship at any given time with full support from the WBC while maintaining his rights as world champion.”

World Super Welterweight champion Terence Crawford’s May 20th title defense against Felix Diaz will now take place on May 20th at Madison Square Garden instead of The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“When we were in town for the Conlan fight they asked us why we were going to the Prudential Center,” Top Rank president Todd duBoef told ESPN. “We know how hard it is to get a Saturday night at the Garden at that time of year. We assumed the Garden was off limits because they always have so many dates they have to hold for the NBA and NHL playoffs. But they said, ‘Listen, there may be an opportunity. Would you be open to shifting the fight to the Garden? I said, ‘We love going to the Garden.’ They said, ‘Are you interested? We think we can pull it off.'”

Top Rank looked to Newark in part because featherweight Shakur Stevenson, the 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, is from Newark and will have his second professional fight on the card and figured to bring a crowd.

“But for Crawford there was no magic to fighting in Newark,” duBoef said. “We want Shakur to fight in Newark and we expect to have him fight there, but it will be bigger when he’s a more developed fighter. I think going to Madison Square Garden is a great platform for Crawford as well as for Shakur.

“I think it’s the best of both worlds for the event. The fans from Newark who want to come out and see Shakur fight can easily come into New York. It’s about a 15-minute train ride. And Terence has fans throughout the area and whether he was going to fight in Newark or New York or Las Vegas his fans are great about traveling from his hometown (Omaha, Nebraska).”

“Felix Diaz has Dominican roots and there is a strong Dominican presence in New York,” he said. “The Garden said they will be very aggressive in marketing the fight and we were able to work something out.”

“I think he’s had a terrific last couple of years, including getting fighter of the year in 2014 and he has a wonderful fan base that travels,” he said. “I think the timing is right. It all came together nicely. We know he did terrific fighting in Omaha and Las Vegas. A lot of his fans traveled to Las Vegas for the Viktor Postol (unification) fight in July. It’s a natural progression to build his brand by bringing him to the most prestigious arena in the world.

“It just makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day, we were able to come together and get creative in the structure of the deal with Madison Square Garden. They were proactive and they worked with us. The Garden came in kind of at the 11th hour, but we’re thrilled.”

LOS ANGELES (March 28, 2017) – A group of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent was on display at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood Tuesday, as the young fighters participated in a media workout in advance of their respective pro debuts taking place Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.

Participating in Tuesday’s workout was 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas of Santa Maria, Calif., who will make his pro debut in a six-round super featherweight contest featured on the Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes telecast.

Also working out for the media was 2016 Team Mexico Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who is trained by Robert Garcia and managed by Abner Mares, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, who is trained by Freddie Roach and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado.

Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown, plus unbeaten lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna facing former title challenger Andrey Klimov.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

KARLOS BALDERAS

“I’ve improved a lot working in the gym. I’m doing a lot of good sparring and strength and conditioning work. We’re training harder but also a lot smarter than ever.

“I’m really looking forward to this fight. I’ve prepared well. I’m taking this as seriously as a championship fight. You’re going to see a new Karlos Balderas on April 9.

“I definitely want to make Los Angeles my home for as many fights as possible. That’s where everything is happening. I want to make Los Angeles mine.

“I want to be in exciting fights as a professional. I’m proud of what I did in the amateurs and the Olympics, but I know this is an entirely different game. I’m looking to do even bigger and better things.

“I’m going to take it one fight at a time. I want to build a perfect record and build my fan base. I hope to be fighting for a world title in a few years. I know that I have the right team to get me there.

“I’m going to try to stay busy and get a fight every two months or so. My last fight was at the Olympics in Rio, but after this one I’ll be ready to stay in training throughout the year.

“I’ve known a lot of these other fighters here for a long time from all of the amateur tournaments. It’s nice to see us all coming together now as professionals. In the amateurs people pretty much stay with their own team, but this is the time for us to come together and learn from each other. It’s a great feeling to be a part this.

“Everyone knows a Carlos with a ‘C,’ so I wanted to stand out. As a professional and from here on out, I am going to be known as Karlos with a ‘K’.”

MISAEL RODRIGUEZ

“I feel very strong and I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m hungry to fight and prove myself in this sport.

“I’m looking forward to being in big fights. I know that it takes time. I will get there eventually and become a world champion.

“I’ve known Abner Mares for a long time because he was a Mexican Olympian as well and it was an easy decision to have him help me with my career.

“I knew after the Olympics that it was time to turn pro. Growing up as a Mexican child, all I wanted was to be a world champion. I want to be a fan-favorite for Mexicans.

“Los Angeles is like a second Mexico. It will feel like Mexico to me. I know that I will have a lot of fans coming from my hometown [Chihuahua, Mexico] to support me. I’m excited to work with Richard and put on more great fights.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“I was very excited and eager when I first heard about the opportunity to train with Freddie Roach. I came out to California as soon as I could to start training.

“I’m working very hard. I give it my all in training and I leave everything in the gym every single day. I’m just going to keep doing my best.

“The Olympics were a very good experience for me. I won a lot of tournaments to get there and that road has led me to this moment.

“I met Richard Schaefer at the Olympics and that’s what led to me signing with Ringstar. I’m very happy to be with Richard and I’m excited for this first step.

“I want to start making my mark in the welterweight division. This is a division with big stars that I’d love to face one day.

“I never thought I would live in Hollywood, but here I am and I love Los Angeles.”

LINDOLFO DELGADO

“I had an awesome experience in the Olympics and it gave me a lot of confidence heading into my pro career. I’m excited to finally be able to enter the ring and I hope all of us Olympians give spectacular performances.

“It’s an honor to be turning pro on this same card with my Mexican teammate, Misael Rodriguez. I’m very happy for Karlos and Eimantas too and I look forward to being on more shows with them.

“I can’t wait to compete and show off my talent to all the fans. I’m going to keep improving my skills and I believe one day I’ll be able to become another Mexican world champion.

“Signing with Ringstar was the best choice that I could have made and I think there will be a lot of success for Ringstar and for me. This will be a great first step.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“With Karlos Balderas you have someone with the skills in the ring, the personality and the character outside of the ring as well. The combination of all of this will ultimately, make him the new face of the sport.

“There always has to be somebody who carries the Southern California boxing scene. Right now there is a void. I see Karlos very quickly becoming the King of L.A. and become a star in the sport.

“This will be a big night for Mexican boxing. Both Misael and Lindolfo have a lot of discipline and worked very hard to earn the opportunity to represent their country and they will bring that work ethic into the pros.

“Lindolfo Delgado is the ‘Pretty Boy’ and I expect him to bring a lot of female fans, while Misael is the first Mexican boxer in 16 years to bring a medal back from the Olympics, which I think is very significant.

“Freddie told me that the only other time he saw someone walk through the door with as much natural talent as Stanionis, is when Manny Pacquiao came through that door.

“I’m excited for opening night on April 9. It’s the beginning of the next generation of stars. To see them all in one night is going to be very special.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Stanionis’ Trainer

“This is a great show for the future of boxing. You have four talented Olympians on this show. I can’t wait for Stanionis to show his skills to the world.

“Stanionis sparred with five of Miguel Cotto’s sparring partners and he knocked down three of them if that tells you anything about his power.

“I just want him to go out there and have some fun and do his job. We’re not going to go out there looking for a first round knockout, but if it comes, that’s a bonus. We’re going to show our skills and win every minute of every round.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Rodriguez’s Trainer

“I’ve been working with Misael for about three months after Abner brought him to me. With Mexico behind him and winning a bronze medal, that’s huge already. We have a game plan with this kid that we’re going to execute.

“Misael was only on the Mexican team for two years. He was the least experienced member of the team. He’s going to get a lot of experience while fighting as a pro.

“We’re going to keep him busy and definitely want him fighting in Mexico. He’s going to keep gaining more confidence each time he enters the ring.”

ABNER MARES, Rodriguez’s Manager

“I just wanted to help out Misael on the business side of the sport and that’s why I got involved in his career. I brought him to Robert’s gym to spar and everyone saw that he has a lot of skills.

“Being a bronze medalist from Mexico is a big thing to bring into the pros and I think it’s something the Mexican fans can get behind. Misael has room to grow but I believe the skills are there to be a world champion.

“I’m hoping to use my experience and my relationships to get him the right fights and put him in a position to reach his full potential.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Madrid Spain (March 28, 2017)–WBO Lightweight world title challenger arrived in his hometown of Madrid, Spain to finish up preparations for his April 8th world title bout with undefeated world champion Terry Flanagen at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Petrov arrived Sunday, and has been hard at work with head trainer Danny Zamora. To prove that Petrov is clearly only focused on winning this world title,, he put in two hard workout’s on Tuesday, which just happens to be his 34th birthday.

“I am so focused and I can’t wait for this fight,” said Petrov. “There is no time for parties and cake now. That will come after the fight, as I will have plenty of reasons to celebrate, one would be my birthday and the other will be for winning the world championship.”

Petrov will continue to train in his homeland until he leaves for Manchester early next week. Petrov finished up the California leg of his training camp this past Friday before leaving for Madrid.

Nutley, NJ (March 28, 2017) – World ranked middleweight Antoine Douglas scored his 2nd knockout in 2 weeks as he took out Eduardo Mercedes at 1:45 of round two to capture the WBC Fedelatin title in a bout that took place in the Domincan Republic.

Douglas (21-1-1, 15 KO’s) of Washington, DC, dropped Mercedes with a body shot and the fight was stopped.

Douglas is ranked number-12 by the WBC, and will look to be back in action in late April.

“Antoine is getting back to where he needs to be,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.

“I want to thank Felipe Gomez for putting this all together for Antoine to fight in the Domincan Republic. We are going to keep him busy, as we want to have three more fights between now and September. Me and his trainers Dennis Porter and Kevin Smalls believe with these two wins plus the three more that we have in mind, it will make five fights after taking a year off, and then he will be ready for a big fight.”

Douglas is managed my William Mielnicki.

Yuriorkis Gamboa has confirmed that he will appear and have a booth to Meet & Greet his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Gamboa will appear for the first time at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos and selling merchandise. Fans will have an opportunity to take pictures with the former world champion and Olympic Gold medalist.

He will be raising money for an amazing woman named Ivonne Lugo, who suffers from PKD, an inherited chronic kidney disease. She is in urgent need of a liver and kidney transplant. Gamboa is generously using his time and effort to fundraise in hoping to save her life. Please go to Https://ivonnes.fund and help out this great cause.

Gamboa joins the list of over 50 current and past World Champions boxers who have appeared at the Expo, meeting their fans in person.

Gamboa is a Cuban professional boxer. He is a former unified featherweight world champion, having held the WBA title from 2009 to 2011, and the IBF title from 2010 to 2011. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the flyweight division at the 2004 Olympics, and bronze in the featherweight division at the 2005 World Championships.

Gamboa joins Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online
http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next 6 weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like more information on sponsorships opportunities or reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo\

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Oxon Hill, Md. (March 28, 2017) -Highly regarded and undefeated prospects, Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover will make their East Coast debuts as part of the non-televised undercard before a championship tripleheader on Friday night, April 14th at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Villa and Dutchover will fight on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live SHOWTIME telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT). In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.

Villa of Salinas, California will see action in a six-round featherweight bout, while Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California will compete in a six -round junior lightweight contest.

Villa has a record of 4-0 with two knockouts and will be looking to continue his winning ways on April 14th.

The two-time National Golden Glove winner, turned professional on July 29th with a 1st round stoppage over Gerardo Molina, and his young career has been highlighted by a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Aaron Lopez (4-0).

The 19 year-old Villa had a steller amateur career, which consisted of the aforementioned Golden Gloves wins, but also he was a champion of the Desert Showdown, National PAL, Silver Gloves and two-time National Silver Gloves champion. He finished 2nd in the 2015 Olympic Trials and finished up his amateur career with an astonishing 164-17 record. Ruben split four amateur contests with eventual 2016 Olympic Silver medal winner Shakur Stevenson.

“I am pretty excited to be on this card. I trained three weeks in Big Bear, California. I have had great sparring, and this has been a really good camp,’ said Villa.

“This is a real exciting opportunity. I am just going in there and do what I do best, and look good in front of the East Coast fans.”

“I have been working very hard, I have been working with a new coach named Max Garcia to go along with my head trainer Danny Zamora, and I feel real strong.”

Dutchover, 19 years-old was 130-17 as an amateur and was a runner up in the 2016 National Golden Gloves tournament at 132 pounds.

Dutchover began his career by stopping previously undefeated Cesar Partida in three rounds on October 21st . He has stopped all three of his opponents, which includes a devastating 1st round stoppage over Jose Mora on February 10th.

“I am excited for this opportunity to fight on the East Coast. I am looking forward to showing my skill set to a new audience,” said Dutchover.

“This is my first big card where there will be a world title on the card and I will be prepared more then I ever have. I am in great condition and I am ready to show my talent on the other side of the country.”

“It is most important that I get this win, and if I can get my 4th straight knockout, that would be great. I am just looking to set up my shots and put on a great performance.”

“We are really looking forward to showcasing these two fine young fighters on April 14th,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.

“They have thrilled fans in California over their first handful of fights, and now fans on the East Coast will get to see why we are very high on Ruben and Michael. Fighting in different parts of the country will help raise their profiles, and we expect them to have terrific performances on April 14th.”

Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

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

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

Uncasville, CT: Sullivan Barrera (18-1, 13 KOs), the exciting Miami-based light heavyweight from Cuba, will return to HBO Latino Boxing on Saturday, April 15 at Mohegan Sun’s Uncas Ballroom against Toledo, OH native Paul “Pay Per View” Parker (8-1, 4 KOs). Barrera will look to build on his thrilling knockout victory on HBO Latino® Boxing in Decemberover previously unbeaten prospect Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, while the prospect Parker looks to make a statement in the biggest challenge of his career to date. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. ET (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Barrera, 35, of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba made his professional debut in 2009 after defecting to the United States. His career began with five straight knockouts and nearly seven-year undefeated streak until he suffered his first defeat against current WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “SOG” Ward in March of last year. Barrera bounced back in late 2016 with his upset KO over Shabranskyy in his most-recent appearance on HBO Latino.

Parker, 32, has had an impressive career thus far since his professional debut in 2012. His only loss was a third-round TKO against Shabranskyy in June of 2015. He rebounded in early 2016 with an eight-round split decision victory over Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson.

When asked about the fight Sullivan Barrera said, “I’m excited to be back on HBO. I want to thank my team, my promoter Main Events and HBO for putting this all together. It has been a tough start to the year for me but I’ve been in the gym working and ready for this opportunity. It is another step towards the ultimate goal of contending for a world title. My opponent is a very good boxer we have studied him in the gym and are ready for everything he will bring come April 15th.”

Parker added, “Well everyone thinks it’s a risky fight but where other see risk I see opportunity and I plan to capitalize on this opportunity!”

In the televised co-feature, Russian slugger Arif “The Predator” Magomedov (18-1, 11 KOs) will take on Mexican prospect Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (13-3, 8 KOs) in a ten-round middleweight showdown. Magomedov, 24, last appeared on HBO Latino in May of last year when he last a hard-fought battle to Andrew Hernandez in Las Vegas. In his most recent bout he stopped Chris Herrmann in the second round in his home country of Russia.

Espadas, 26, is from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico and made his professional debut nearly five years ago in his home country of Mexico. He has fought several times in the US in both California and Florida but this will be his first time fighting in New England. He has won his last four fights in a row with three of those wins coming by way of knockout.

The event is part of the “Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series” presented by Mohegan Sun and Main Events. The exciting joint-venture, which features boxing prospect from New England and around the world, met with rave reviews after the debut event in November. As part of the untelevised undercard, the latest installment of “Rising Stars” will feature the return of local fighters Cassius Chaney from New London, CT, Reinaldo Graceski from Springfield, Mass., Kevin Asmat from Union City, NJ, and Shawn Cameron from Brooklyn, NY. Also returning to Mohegan Sun are highly-touted middleweight prospect Vaughan Alexander and international talents Enriko Gogokhia, a junior middleweight from Ukraine, Madiyar Ashkeyev, a junior middleweight from Kazakhstan, and Meiirim Nursultanov a middleweight also from Kazakhstan. Tickets, which are priced at $50 and $75, are available now through Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun box office.

According to Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva, “The first Rising Stars was a great night of fights and a great success. I’m very pleased that we are coming back so quickly for the second installment and get a chance to build on the momentum of the debut. Bringing in HBO Latino Boxing to televise these really fun fights – Sullivan Barrera vs. Paul Park and Arif Magomedov vs. Elias Espadas – is just icing on the cake.”

“I am looking forward to some great fights on April 15, 2017. HBO has not been in the building for many years and with them teaming up with Main Events, it will be an exciting night”, said Michael Mazzulli, Director of Athletic Regulations for the Mohegan Tribe.

Sullivan Barrera vs. Paul Parker is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Main Events and Mohegan Sun as part of the Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) with a ten-round middleweight match-up between Arif “The Predator” Magomedov and Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas. Tickets, which are priced at $50 and $75, are available now through Ticketmaster, the Mohegan Sun box office or the Main Events’ office. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Shamo Boxing and A&T Events and Promotions.

Tickets for the IBF Welterweight World title blockbuster between champion Kell Brook and unbeaten mandatory challenger Errol Spence at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on May 27 go on sale at 10am on Thursday to Matchroom Fight Pass members and on general sale at 10am on Friday.

Brook and Spence clash at the home of Sheffield United live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in the US in one of the most mouth-watering fights in world boxing.

A packed undercard is expected in support of the main event, and tickets for the night are priced as follows: tiered seating at £40, £60 and £80 and pitch seats at £100, £150 and £200.

The £400 VIP Package includes – Inner Ringside Seating (Rows 5-10), Access to VIP Bar from 17:00 – 20:00 including Complimentary Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and Canapés

The £600 VIP Package Includes – Inner Ringside Seating (Rows 3 and 4), Champagne Reception, access to VIP Bar from 17:00 – 21:00 including Complimentary Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and Buffet. Plus souvenir event programme.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.stubhub.co.uk

Tickets then go on general sale at 10am on Friday from Sheffield United’s Box Office at http://www.sufc.co.uk/tickets/, on 0114 253 7200 and in person from the box office at Bramall Lane – all tickets purchased from Sheffield United are subject to a 10 per cent booking fee.

VIP tickets are exclusively available from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com

‘Dangerous’ Daniel Dubois will make his highly-anticipated professional debut against Sheffield’s David Howe at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The former Team GB Super-Heavyweight star has been enjoying World class sparring with former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World Tyson Fury and WBO World Title challenger Hughie Fury in preparation for his big night.

Dubois, 19, gained invaluable experience from sparring both Fury’s and is already being tipped for stardom by his Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, who is predicting the Peacock Gym fighter will be the future of Heavyweight boxing.

Great Britain’s amateur boxing officials were pinning their hopes on Dubois winning Super-Heavyweight Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the 6ft 5ins powerhouse instead chose to pursue his dream of becoming England’s youngest ever Heavyweight World Champion.

Howe, 36, stands at 6ft 8ins and has won 12 of his 17 career fights, six coming via knockout, since turning professional in 2008. The Yorkshire giant has been in with the likes of Ricky Hatton Heavyweight protege Nathan Gorman (8-0, 7 KO’s) and most recently Doncaster ‘White Rhino’ Dave Allen.

“I’m itching to get under those lights and put in a big performance on my debut” said Dubois. “I’ve been training long and hard for April 8th and I want to kick-off my career with a bang. David Howe has a good record and has been in with some tough guys, he is a good test for me.

“To be fighting in an Arena and live on BT Sport and BoxNation in my very first fight is going to be a great experience for me. I can’t wait to get in there and perform for my team and my family. If the knockout comes, it comes.

“Getting a win is the priority. For now it is all about improving with every fight and learning my trade in the gym. Make sure you all get a ticket or tune in next week; this is going to be the start of something special!”

Dubois’ eagerly-anticipated debut lands on the undercard of undefeated Terry Flanagan’s fifth WBO World Lightweight Title defence against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; fierce Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams battle it out for the WBO Interim World Title and double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

Quigg boxes at Featherweight for the second time having landed the WBA International title in his first fight at his new weight in December in Manchester with a ninth round stoppage.

Wembley Stadium represents another first for Quigg as he has future hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach in his corner for the first time as he takes on Simion.

The Romanian has just the one blemish on the record from his last trip to the UK, where he severely tested Lee Selby over 12 rounds in Hull in 2013, and the 35 year old is ranked number five in the IBF having picked up and defended the International title last year.

Former WBA Super-Bantamweight king Quigg is gunning for a shot at becoming a two-weight World champion, and he believes that a big win in his first ever stadium fight will put him at the front of the queue.

“This is a fight I’m really looking forward to,” said Quigg. “It’s my first fight working with Freddie and training team and it’s a fight that will catapult me right in the mix for a World title fight.

“Simion is an experienced, skilful and strong fighter and his only blemish on his record is against the current IBF champion Lee Selby, who he pushed all the way. I’m expecting and preparing for a very tough fight but one I’m very confident in and expect to put in the best performance of my career and put myself in line for shot at one of the champions.

“Training camp couldn’t be going any better. The switch out to L.A has been a breath of fresh air. The change of environment working with Freddie and the quality of sparring has really freshened things up and I’m excited to show the improvements made on such a massive platform at Wembley Stadium.”

Quigg’s desire to box for world honours at 126lbs could be boosted ahead of the fight as his promoter Eddie Hearn is looking to get the bout official eliminator status.

“This is a great fight for Scott and the last hurdle before he hunts his second World title,” said Hearn. “Simion gave Selby a great fight on our Hull show a few years back and is an all action fighter that will bring the heat on April 29.

“Because of both fighters’ rankings, we are looking to apply to the WBA or the IBF to make this fight an official eliminator for the World title and if victorious I expect Scott’s next fight to be for a Featherweight World crown.”

Quigg’s clash with Simion is the first undercard fight confirmed for the sold-out blockbuster battle between IBF king Joshua and former lineal World ruler Klitschko, with the WBA and IBO straps also up for grabs.

After watching Anthony Crolla lose for the second time against Jorge Linares; Steve Wood is backing Terry Flanagan to win his WBO World lightweight title defence against Spanish-based Russian Petr Petrov on April 8, and then pursue revenge for the Manchester fans by aiming for a unification bout with Linares.

Crolla, who lost his WBA World lightweight belt to Linares last September, was soundly beaten again on Saturday (March 25) by the classy Venezuelan and Wood, who was ringside to witness Crolla’s demise, is more convinced than ever that Manchester has been ‘backing the wrong horse’.

“Anthony is a lovely lad,” stated Wood, who manages Flanagan, “and you can’t help but admire what he’s achieved in the sport. But I knew Linares would be too much for him again. Linares is excellent; he’s had a long career but at 31 is not on the up, and he still had far too much for Anthony.

“I manage the best lightweight in the world, and Terry will show that against Petrov and put a smile back on the faces of all those Manchester fans who were left disappointed last weekend. Just like Crolla, Terry is a really top lad. He’s very understated and doesn’t shout his mouth off, which can go against him in this sport. But the most important thing is that he can really fight.

“Petrov is the best lightweight outside of the current champions and will be an excellent test, but Terry is determined to put on a spectacular performance and give the fans at the Manchester Arena something to cheer about.

“Both Crolla and Linares had options to face Terry but they chose to swerve him and fight each other again, and that’s because they know he’d beat them. Styles make fights and I strongly believe Terry would not just beat Linares, but stop him. There is an offer on the desk of ‘Golden Boy’, so that when Terry beats Petrov, Linares can return to Manchester for the unification.

“Manchester should now get behind their only lightweight world champion, who at 32-0 has the best record in the country. Terry Flanagan is the fighter to make Manchester proud again, and the man to unify the lightweight world titles.

“There are some tickets still available for Terry’s fight against Petrov, starting from £50 and available from Manchester Arena. Manchester should get down and support Terry on April 8th, and then follow him next time when he gets revenge for the city.”

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

28 March 2017 – Singapore: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that Olympic gold medalist swimmer Joseph Schooling will accompany ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela “Unstoppable” Lee to the cage as part of her entourage during the main event of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES. The youngest world champion in mixed martial arts history, Lee is scheduled to face Brazil’s Istela Nunes in a five-round bout which will headline a stacked fight card. ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES is set to hit the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 26 May.

Ticket information for ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com

Angela Lee, ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion, stated: “I am very happy to be including Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling in my walkout as I defend my world title for the second time, this time right here in Singapore. I can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd as their two world champions walk out to the cage, one holding the ONE Championship belt and the other with the Singapore national flag!”

Joseph Schooling, world champion swimmer, stated: “When ONE Championship approached me last November, I was definitely keen to show my support for my fellow Singaporean athletes by walking alongside them. However, it was not possible due to school commitments. This time around, I definitely do not want to miss the chance to walk alongside ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee, as she defends her title against Istela Nunes. I am looking forward to the event on 26 May. It will definitely be spectacular.”

20-year-old Angela “Unstoppable” Lee of Singapore is one of the promotion’s most outstanding athletes regardless of gender or weight class. She captured the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship with an awe-inspiring victory over Mei Yamaguchi in 2016, and has since then defended the title successfully. Lee’s beautiful combination of elite striking and grappling skills has proven to be a potent formula for success, as she has remained unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage. In her last bout, Lee dominated top contender Jenny Huang with a masterful display of striking. She is now set to defend her title against Istela Nunes of Brazil.

Joseph Schooling is a 21-year-old world champion swimmer, born and raised in Singapore and is a third-generation Singaporean. In 2016, Schooling became an Olympic gold medalist, defeating the legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps and setting a world record for the 100m butterfly event at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is currently studying at the University of Texas at Austin where he is a prominent member of the Texas Longhorns swimming team. He will accompany ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela “Unstoppable” Lee during her cage walk at the main event of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the March 18th fight between middleweight kingpin Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs did around 170,000 buys on Pay Per View.

“The projection we are now getting is in the 170,000 range, which we feel is a good improvement over GGG’s first pay-per-view show and many recent pay-per-views,” K2 Promotions Tom Loeffler said.

“Going against the NCAA tournament wasn’t easy, but that was the date that worked for Madison Square Garden and TV and it was a great boxing weekend in New York,” Loeffler said.

Former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (31-1-1, 22 KOs) has renewed his long-term promotional agreement with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing.

From La Romana, Dominican Republic, the 27-year-old Fortuna has won two straight since dropping his super featherweight belt in a shocker against Jason Sosa in June 2016. He came back with an impressive two-round blowout of fellow Dominican Marlyn Cabrera in September 2016 and then, in November took the undefeated record of Delaware’s Omar “Super O” Douglas by unanimous decision.

“Sampson Lewkowicz is and always will be my promoter,” said Fortuna. “He has done right by me and my career at every turn. I will be world champion again with Sampson in my corner.”

Lewkowicz, who says he’s working on a big fight for Fortuna, says Fortuna has become like family.

“Javier is a son to me. I am honored to be his promoter and look forward to continuing to work for him. He is a great champion with many great fights left. After he won his first title, he told me we would work together for his entire career and he has kept his word. I will do everything to make him a champion again.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Oxon Hill, Md. (March 27, 2017) – When promoter Greg Cohen announced he had finalized arrangements for his next event, the decision to delay his promising heavyweight hopeful, Hasim Rahman Jr.’s, professional boxing debut two more weeks became an easy one.

Originally scheduled to turn professional on March 23, Baltimore native Rahman will now have his first four-round fight in front of a huge contingent of hometown family and friends on Friday, April 14, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.

Rahman will face Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT). In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.

“You only get one pro debut, so when Greg announced this show, he and I thought it would be a great idea for me to turn pro on this show instead, in front of my hometown friends and family,” explained Rahman.

The 25-year-old, son of Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, says to being at home is a very important part of his mission.

“I’m doing this for my family and my friends and my city, so I think I should start right in front of them,” Rahman continued. “And someday I’ll bring them back the heavyweight championship. I can’t wait to fight on the same show as my brother with all my loved ones watching. It’s going to be a very big night.”

“We didn’t get the final word we were doing the Maryland show until a few days ago,” said Greg Cohen. “But once we knew it was happening, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Hasim Jr. turn pro at home. It just worked out perfectly.”

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

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

LOS ANGELES (March 27, 2017) – Less than two months after delivering the top knockout of 2017, Canadian knockout artist David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) will return in a 10-round fight against Marco “Dorado” Reyes (35-4, 26 KOs) as the chief support to the highly anticipated battle between Canelo Álvarez and Julio Cesar Chávez, Jr. on Saturday, May 6. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Opening up the stacked Cinco de Mayo weekend card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, former U.S. Olympian and current undefeated NABF Featherweight champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (23-0, 13 KOs) will face perhaps his toughest challenge to date when he defends his title against the undefeated Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round battle.

These two fights along with the main event and the previously announced brawl between Argentinian slugger Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs) and Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs) will round out the pay-per-view telecast on Saturday May 6.

“With three of Golden Boy Promotions’ most exciting contenders appearing on the pay-per-view, as well as the biggest star in the sport, Canelo Álvarez, the Cinco de Mayo card can be described in one word, ‘stacked’,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “I fully expect four action-packed fights that will have fans out of their seats for the entire evening.”

The hard-hitting Lemieux is riding a three-fight winning streak and was last seen delivering a thunderous third-round knockout of the highly touted Curtis “Cerebral Assassin” Stevens that has put the Canadian directly back into the title picture.

“I’m thankful to have the opportunity of being part of this event during the Cinco de Mayo celebrations,” Lemieux said. “I think I was able to send a clear message on March 11 with my performance against Stevens and I intend to do the same on May 6. I want to make sure that everyone understands that David Lemieux is making his way towards the top and that he intends to stay there.”

Reyes, a 29-year-old former WBC FECOMBOX middleweight champion, has knocked out 25 opponents and went toe-to-toe with Chavez, Jr., in a unanimous decision defeat that many spectators had closer than what came up on the scorecards.

“I know everyone is talking about the Lemieux knockout, but I’m ready to take him out,” Reyes said. “With my Mexican fans supporting me on Cinco de Mayo weekend, I’m ready to turn Lemieux’s lights out.”

“Following his performance against Curtis ‘The Cerebral Assassin’ Stevens at Turning Stone Resort Casino, fight fans wanted to see David in the ring again as soon as possible,” said Eye of the Tiger Management President Camille Estephan. “Being part of such a tremendous card that will be featured on May 6 with eyes on us from all around the world represents an incredible showcase opportunity. We are convinced that David will shine. He is in great shape and is more motivated than ever to conquer the top of the middleweight division.”

In the opening battle of the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast, two undefeated fighters will go toe-to-toe with both Joseph Diaz, Jr. and Manuel Avila risking their undefeated records for a chance at greater glory.

“I’m excited to return for the first time in 2017 and put my title on the line against such a tough competitor,” Diaz, Jr. said. “This fight will put me one step closer to a world title shot.”

“This is a golden opportunity to move myself into world title contention, and I’m not planning to let that chance slip away,” Avila said. “I know all about JoJo’s undefeated record, but he’s never faced anyone like me, and at the end of the night, my hand will be raised in victory.”

Preliminary bouts for the May 6 show will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for a closed circuit viewing of the fights at the Grand Ballroom at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino are on sale for $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and can be purchased at the MGM Grand box office or by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is a 10-round bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight present by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 27th, 2017) — Sidney Maccow isn’t coming to Rhode Island next week to mince words or shake off ring rust. He’s coming to steal the show.

The confident New Yorker ends a 16-month layoff Friday, April 7th, 2017 at Twin River Casino in a four-round bout against unbeaten New London, Conn., prospect Cristobal Marrero, a fight he’s certain won’t go the distance.

“Marrero hasn’t fought anyone. Come April 7th, he’s getting stopped,” Maccow said. “I’m not letting the judges save him from taking that ‘L.’ I’m not coming to ‘test’ him. I’m coming to stop him. Period.”

The scheduled bout has been considered a step up in class for Marrero, who boasts a 3-0 record with a pair of knockouts, but the 24-year-old Maccow (4-4, 3 KOs) views it as an opportunity to reassert himself in the 140-pound weight class after losing to Marrero’s stable mate, Freddy Sanchez, at Twin River in December of 2015. The durable Maccow has never been stopped in eight professional bouts.

While Marrero could benefit from picking Sanchez’s brain on what to expect from Maccow, or simply go back and watch the film, his days of extensive film study and scouting are behind him. He’s been in the gym nonstop since his December win over veteran Isaiah Robinson and is itching to get back in the ring next Friday.

“I had more than 80 amateur fights. There’s nothing new,” Marrero said. “I’ve got to test him out. I’ve got to see how I feel with him in the ring. I can’t just do what everyone else tells me.”

The energetic Maccow figures to provide more resistance than Robinson. Marrero dominated the latter, winning every second of every round en route to a 40-36 decision across the board, the first time in his pro career he fought past the opening round.

“It was great. I felt good,” said Marrero, who also fought out of Worcester, Mass., as an amateur. “I’m happy I went four rounds. He was a tough guy. He wasn’t easy to catch.”

Though it’s only been four months since his last fight, it’s felt like an eternity for Marrero, who not only wants to be pushed to the limit, but is looking to come out firing from the opening bell knowing he only has four rounds to assert himself.

“I’ve been training every day,” he said. “I want this fight. I want to get tested. I want someone tough. It’s tough being in the gym. I’m a tough guy by myself, so I want something good. I’m anxious.

“I feel like four rounds isn’t enough for me to show everything I’ve got. I feel like I start warming up after the fourth. Four rounds is still like an amateur fight. I’ve got to come out like, ‘Pow, pow, pow!'”

Tickets for April 7th are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Cranston, R.I., vet Nick DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs) faces Jimmy Williams (12-0-1, 5 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC Welterweight Title.

The April 7th card features 11 bouts with 22 fighters boasting a staggering combined record of 105-16-8. Thirteen of those 22 enter with undefeated records, not including debut fighters Philip Davis of Worcester and Ricky Delossantos of Providence, R.I., who face one another in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Two of those aforementioned undefeated fighters, junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (7-0, 1 KO) and Portland, Maine native Casey Kramlich (6-0-1, 3 KOs), face one another in the six-round co-feature.

Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (3-0, 2 KOs) battles Glenn Mitchell (2-0, 2 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio, and Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., returns to face Springfield, Mass., vet Miguel Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (5-0-2, 4 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rhode Islander and U.S. Air Force vet Zachary Christy (1-0-1) in a six-round bout.

April 7th also features an eight-round female welterweight showdown between Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (16-4-2, 1 KO) of Marshfield, Mass., and Mexican challenger Paty Ramirez (11-3, 5 KOs), in addition to a six-round New England Lightweight Title bout between Springfield, Mass., vet Zack Ramsey (7-1, 3 KOs) and unbeaten Augusta, Ga., native Divante Jones (9-0, 6 KOs). Lynn, Mass., welterweight Khiry Todd (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Vincent Floyd (2-2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

Joining Aleksandra Lopes on April 7th is her stepson, Arturo Lopes (1-0), who ends an eight-year layoff in his return bout against Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (1-1, 1 KO). The Lopeses fight April 7th in honor of the late Manny Lopes, a former CES standout who passed away in December and will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 27th, 2017) — Luis Felix knows he can’t fight forever, so as long as he can physically compete, he wants to step inside that cage as often as possible.

There’s no concern of another catastrophic injury or devastating setback. The Providence, R.I., lightweight, who turns 33 in October, understands the journey back to the top of his division must start now.

“This is what I love to do and I don’t want to do it forever,” said Felix (14-9, 5 KOs), who faces Dawond Pickney (10-6, 7 KOs) at Twin River Casino Friday night on the main card of “CES MMA 42” on AXS TV, his first fight in 14 months.

“The time I spend doing it over the next couple of years, I want to do it as often as possible. Then I have the rest of my life to heal up or for whatever other adventure life has in store.”

Though Felix hasn’t put a timetable on the final stretch of his career – “I think you know when it’s your time,” he said – he admits he doesn’t see himself fighting past 35 or 36, which is usually the age when most fighters begin to pursue other interests.

There’s no doubt Felix, when healthy, is one of the region’s top lightweights; he won six of seven fights during a four-year stretch from 2010 to 2014, going from journeyman to legitimate title contender, and showed poise in rebounding from a loss to Julian Lane on national television by beating Lane one year later in the rematch to capture the CES MMA World Lightweight Title.

The affable, fan-favorite appeared poised for a long title until a knee injury during a non-title defense against Ryan Sanders in January of 2016 forced him to submit. He planned on officially defending the title against Sanders five months later, but simply wasn’t ready physically, so he withdrew from the fight.

Felix spent more than a year on the shelf rehabilitating, waiting until he was 100 percent – or close enough to it – before resuming a career that showed so much promise heading into 2016.

While taking time away from the sport, Felix began thinking about life after MMA. He began volunteering with the non-profit Arts, Sports and Technology Resource Organization (ASTRO), aimed toward providing underprivileged youth in urban communities the chance to learn mixed martial arts in hopes of creating a culture that promotes equality while inspiring social change.

He also teamed with Social Sparks in Lincoln, R.I., a social learning center for children with autism that teaches a weekly Teen Rockin’ Boxing class on Saturdays. In addition, Felix works as an assistant wrestling coach for Johnson & Wales University in Providence, which recently placed a school-record five All-Americans at the NCAA Division III Championships and finished fourth in the country overall.

To further his cause, Felix is donating a portion of his earnings from March 31st to ASTRO, which hopes to raise $65,000 by the fall.

“For me, fighting is something I don’t consider work because it’s fun for me. I want to be able to enjoy the things I do, and working with these kids is the same way,” Felix said.

“Growing up, my coaches in sports where the ones who kept me out of trouble and kept me on the path where I am today. It’s a way out for a lot of kids. Sports has been my life and I know how much it’s helped a lot of kids I grew up with. For me to able to give back and do something I love, it’s a no-brainer for me.

“I’ve seen a lot of change in some of the kids who’ve gone through the program. MMA is not an interscholastic sport, so we’re giving them an opportunity to do something they wouldn’t be able to do if it weren’t for the organization offering it for free.”

Now that he’s less than a week from returning to the cage, Felix can further use his platform to promote his work within the community. Fighting, however, remains his No. 1 priority as long as he stays healthy and shows no side effects from his time away from the sport.

“I want to fifth every couple of months. I just don’t want the injuries,” Felix said. “It’s not a fear of getting hurt. I just literally haven’t been able to do what I want to do.

“It’s crazy because even after the injury happened and I took some time off, it never went away. It’s always kind of there. I had to take so much time off doing nothing and going back to basics healing my body from within to finally get to where I am now where I feel physically strong and ready to let loose.

“As far as those injuries from before, if I’m good to go, I have no fear of what can happen. Once you start fighting with the fear, you should probably start letting it go.”

Friday’s fight against Pickney, an Arkansas native, could be the first of many for Felix in 2017 as he looks to rejoin the conversation in the 155-pound weight class. He knows his career won’t last forever, so he must give everything he has physically and mentally while he still can. No reservations. No fear.

“Sometimes fighters stay in the game too long. It affects you later in life,” he said. “As much as I love fighting, it’s not everything. You can only be a savage and have this mentality for so long and then you have to move on and do something else in life.

“Fighting won’t be there forever. You can pass on the knowledge to people coming up, but, as far as being able to do it physically, there’s a window. I don’t think about it too much, but it’s there.”

“CES MMA 42” airs live on AXS TV’s AXS TV Fights beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Doors open at 6 and the preliminary card begins at 7.

Tickets are priced at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com or www.cagetix.com/ces by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ohio’s Chris Curtis (14-5, 5 KOs), the reigning CES MMA World Welterweight Champion, defends his title against Lawrence, Mass., vet Wilfredo Santiago (7-3, 6 KOs) in the five-round main event, one of seven televised bouts on the main card.

Also starring on the televised main card, Fall River, Mass., ligthweight Josh LaBerge (11-5, 5 KOs) steps up to face longtime CES MMA vet Saul Almeida (18-8, 1 KO) of Framingham, Mass., and Woonsocket, R.I., flyweight Kody Nordby (8-4) aims for his third consecutive win in his ninth appearance with CES MMA when he faces Bellingham, Mass., native David Baxter (4-1, 1 KO), who recently earned his second win in a row by submitting Dan Cormier at “CES MMA 41” in January.

Johnston, R.I., featherweight Joe Pingitore (7-3, 2 KOs) also returns to the CES MMA cage in a featured bout against Cortland, N.Y., vet Kenny Foster (11-11, 1 KO). A former CES MMA world-title challenger, Pingitore made quick work of Spencer Higa at “CES MMA 40,” submitting his opponent at 4:54 of the opening round via guillotine. Foster last fought at “CES MMA 34” in a narrow, split-decision loss to Calvin Kattar.

Stoughton, Mass., cruiserweight and former Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) vet Pat Walsh (10-2, 4 KOs) makes his sixth appearance with CES MMA in a showdown against Brazilian Dirlei Broenstrup (14-4, 5 KOs), a winner in eight of his last nine bouts. Walsh has won his last five, including back-to-back victories with CES MMA, most recently in January via submission against Kevin Haley.

Rounding out the main card, Milford, Mass., bantamweight Kris Moutinho (3-0, 1 KO) makes his network television debut in just his fourth fight with CES MMA when he battles Ontario’s Lloyd Reyes (4-3, 2 KOs). Moutinho fights for the fourth time since September, a run that includes his first knockout win at “CES MMA 41” via head kick against Jason Rine. The red-hot Reyes has won four of his last five – three by stoppage – after suffering losses in his first two professional bouts.

The return of Cranston, R.I., welterweight prospect Gary Balletto Jr. (2-1, 1 KO) and unbeaten Providence bantamweight Marquis Brewster (2-0) highlights the preliminary card. Balletto Jr. aims for his third consecutive win against Syracuse native Chris Torres (0-0) while Brewster battles newcomer Cody Hier of Philadelphia.

Fresh off her debut win at “CES MMA 41” female flyweight Maria Rivera (1-0) of Framingham, Mass., battles Hot Springs newcomer Jessica Sotack and unbeaten bantamweight Richie Santiago (3-0) battles Winchendon, Mass., native Chad Kelly (3-3, 1 KO). Santiago is undefeated under the guidance of CES MMA with all three wins by submission.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

MOSCOW (March 27, 2017) – Russian heavyweight Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov has committed to fighting June 15 on the M-1 Challenge 80 card in Harbin, China. Kharitonov will square-off against veteran Brazilian MMA fighter Marcus Viniciuds “Montanha” Lopes in the main event.

Kharitonov (23-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0) is undefeated in three M-1 Challenge events having defeated former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Kenny “Deuce” Garner twice, at M-1 Challenge 59 in 2015 at Kazakhstan (WKO/TKO4 – punches) and M-1 Challenge 43 in 2013 at China, (KO/TKO3 – injury), and to Alexei Kudin at M-1 Challenge 53 in 2014 Russia (KO2).

Kharitonov, who has also fought in Strikeforce and PRIDE, has defeated some of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all-time, including Allister Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo.

Lopes (15-0-0, M-1: 2-1-0) defeated Evgeni Myakinkin by three-round unanimous decision this past February at M-1 Challenge 74. Lopes won a three-round unanimous decision over Kurban Ibragimov in his M-1 debut last July. His lone M-1 loss came at M-1 Challenge 71 this past October to former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan Puetz, who used a choke hold for a third-round submission victory.

A pressure fighter and solid striker, Lopes is a jiu-jitsu champion in his native Brazil, where most of his MMA fights have been held during his 6 1/2-years professional career.

In a recent interview with M-1 Global News, Kharitonov said, “I received a lot of offers but I prefer to fight in M-1 Global.” Below is the complete Q & A with Kharitonov:

Do you know who your opponent will be at M-1 Challenge and, if not, what are your expectations?

SK: “I don’t not know anything yet. I received an offer from M-1 to fight in China. Since I have been talking with (M-1 Global president) Vadim Finkelchtein for a long time and understand each other, I gave my consent Vadim said I am popular in China and that he wanted me to represent Russia in this tournament. At this moment, I have no thoughts or assumptions about this fight because I’m focused on my upcoming Bellator fight. This is my main objective right now and after that fight I will think about the M-1 fight.”

Bellator did not give permission for a fight last December in Russia. What changed this time and was it difficult to get permission to fight again in M-1?

SK: “There were no problems. I do not want to comment on how we came to an agreement, bit one thing is for sure, I’ve received permission and after my next Bellator fight I will fight at M-1 Challenge 80 in China.”

You fought in China at M-1 Challenge 53. How do you like the local audience there and what are your overall impressions of the tournament?

SK: “Everything was fine. I liked the level of organization, fans’ attitude toward the athletes, and the response from the public. I think M-1 has good experience in terms of holding tournaments in China, so this time they can make it an even bigger show.”

Do you accept offers to fight from other Russian organizations and why did you decided to fight in M-1?

SK: “Yes, I received a lot of offers, especially recently. I won’t say specifically but they were from major Russian MMA organizations. But I have a long relationship with M-1 and me and Vadim know each other well. We get along well and trust each other. Therefore, O prefer to fight in M-1 Global.”

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
(MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2016 was been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

Lawrence Okolie will fight for the second time as a pro at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on April 15, live on Sky Sports.

The Team GB Rio Olympian joined the paid ranks on Saturday night with a brutal KO win over Geoffrey Cave inside 20 seconds at the Manchester Arena on the undercard of Jorge Linares’ stunning display in his rematch with Anthony Crolla.

Okolie’s fearsome KO can be seen here: http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10814455/lawrence-okolie-takes-20-seconds-to-win-professional-debut

The 24 year old impressed with his showreel stoppage but the Hackney talent believes that the whole occasion of his debut has stood him in good stead for his future endeavours, from the big press conference before the fight to his wait to get in the ring as a live float on the night.

“The whole experience was invaluable,” said Okolie. “In the pros, sometimes you don’t have a scheduled time so you have to stay warm and get ready to be switched on so I have ticked that box already.

“I managed to keep my focus and not get overawed by the situation, that’s important to me. It’s not just go in and fight, there’s so much more to boxing in the build-up and on the night, and I need to learn about all of it.

“I just relaxed and caught him with a right hand, I wasn’t sure if he was going down or not so I threw another right hand and that ended it.

“It’s about fighting as often as possible so it’s great to be going up to Scotland on another big bill in front of the great fans up there.”

Okolie’s second pro fight is part of a huge night of action in Glasgow as WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Ricky Burns looks to unify against IBF king Julius Indongo.

Scotty Cardle looks to land the British Lightweight title outright when he faces Robbie Barrett, Cardle’s gym-mate Callum Johnson defends his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title against Schiller Hyppolite and Charlie Edwards and Iain Butcher clash for the vacant British Super-Flyweight title.

Charlie Flynn fights for his first pro title as he faces Ryan Collins for the Celtic Lightweight title, Joe Ham takes on Scott McCormack for the Scottish Super-Bantamweight title and Team GB Olympian Josh Kelly makes his pro debut.

Tickets for April 15 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.thessehydro.com and £200 VIP exclusively at www.matchroomboxing.com

By Bart Barry-
— Photo Credit : Chris Farina – K2 Promotions
SAN ANTONIO – So goes a Sunday afternoon at Brown Coffee some miles north of downtown, across Broadway from The Pearl:

This is the sort of thing you do when there’s nothing interesting you in a sport about which you’ve found a way to write 1,000 words every Sunday for a dozenyear: You’re well away from writer’s block which handicaps you counterintuitively enough since you no longer worry what might come of your column if you approach it unprepared – gone years from sweating Saturday nights over the blank page – you come to the page blankly filled with enthusiasm at some capacity for improvisation then don’t improvise and don’t worry but do begin wondering when the alarm might sound. And sound it doesn’t because you’ve muted it – experience, presence, other numbing agents. There you sit bypassing the alarm right to indifference, certain the alarm will sound later and you’ll not end so uneventfully as apathy, then begin combing YouTube hoping something’ll spur you to begin wordstringing and it does, Golovkin-Jacobs on mute, having watched it as you did with a roomful of others live, the room comprising East Coast lads in the house of a Brooklynite Puerto Rican, a collection of guys crying Robbery at the screen when scorecards got read, you wonder if, as you suspected then, the room’s commentary offset HBO’s banter, interested as the Golovkin promoter HBO immodestly became a few years ago.

Instead a welladjusted and attractive woman, 19 years your junior, comes in the coffeeshop where y’all’ve conversed before and you offer a seat at your table and confess you’ve not an idea what this week’s column should treat, and since she knows it’s ostensibly about boxing she says:

“How about that new Ed Sheeran video?

“It’s bad, but he’s boxing. You could write your column about the way boxing is done in that video.”

And you playfully laugh and return to Golovkin-Jacobs, round 2, and get bored and do in fact watch the Ed Sheeran video, song muted, and the boxing isn’t bad at all. Sheeran, a southpaw, was on an episode of “Top Gear” you saw years ago and seemed humbly likable, and you find yourself cheering for him more in that video with the female pugilist than you cheered for either Golovkin or Jacobs eight days ago (though you made theatrical overtures to Jacobs’ chances to ensure you got invited back for Chavez-Canelo in a couple months) then the love interest disappears from Ed Sheeran’s video while the deus ex machina cranks rustily along and a sumo wrestler shows up bareassed, and it’s back to Golovkin-Jacobs a spell.

Golovkin has maybe a robot’s head movement so his defense is but punching power, though occasionally he picks-off a shot, keeping his redtaped black-n-white Grants up till an opponent strikes them; an ability to catch shots on his chintip and not buckle composes his defense mostly. Therein lies the reason Golovkin is not moved upwards in weight and will not be: Without chloroform on each knuckle he surely would not take with him to 168 pounds, Golovkin has little technique or tactical whatnots in his tricksbag – sorry, Abel! He would make an average super middleweight and way too much has been promised about him to afford any average happenings. Round 3 Jacobs lands his first lead shoulder of the match, a tool upon which he relies increasingly, but bless his heart it’s a fight, so why not (he writes, in large part because Jacobs’ shoulder slamming Golovkin’s jaw is not some Thai super flyweight’s head slamming Chocolatito’s head – and you can’t adjust for bias until you recognize bias).

And now a muscular and charismatic lesbian – who insists against all evidence she’s actually bisexual – comes in the coffeeshop and starts talking trash about your new haircut while the young attractive girl at your table recommends for your column a hypothetical effort on what might happen if you and she sparred, and you assure her the hypothetical is already welltrod in these columns.

Now Jacobs begins grimacing and flexing at Golovkin, and it’s not a good idea. Perhaps in the mirror or across from outmatched sparring partners what Jacobs elicits in his shows of rage is fear but in the ring with a man who punches hard as he does and absorbs better Jacobs’ glares and ripples make him look mentally fragile and a little too hopeful: He doth protest his toughness too much, wethinks.

It’s impossible to tell in realtime if Golovkin’s punches felled Jacobs in the fourth because HBO cameraswitches between Golovkin righthands, and it’s one more reminder how much presentation influences what we think we see when we watch a boxing broadcast. While Jacobs doesn’t appear particularly compromised by the knockdown or what blows caused it he does switch wisely out his southpaw stance when combat resumes. The knockdown on replay looks a touch tangled, and before anyone reports it’s not a tangle but Golovkin’s nuclear power, he’s advised to recall Jacobs withstood that power for 24 more minutes after the knockdown. And by the end of round 8 Jacobs is quite obviously the faster fighter even while the order of his punches doesn’t make much sense.

Now the charismatic, muscular lesbian joins our table and you introduce her to your attractive friend from a loving family and nothing chemical or dangerous happens but talk turns to loves lost, and it’s right depressing – so back to Golovkin-Jacobs and a finish you know won’t be suspenseful for anyone who knows its result.

In the ninth Golovkin actually ducks a punch and then eats a shoulder and then for some reason Jacobs begins clowning rough again while Golovkin breathes deeply round his gumshield. In the fabled championship rounds there appears to be little on either guy’s punches and even less on Jacobs’. Clearly exhausted Jacobs begins to throw floppy wrists like Steven Seagal running.

The decision’s a fair one for an honest scrap between two good middleweights. But let us have no more loose talk of greatness.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry