June 8, 2023 – Undefeated light heavyweight prospects Ali Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and SHOBOX^® alum Charles Foster (22-0, 12 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

This marks the second straight year SHOBOX will be a part of the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities with the tripleheader featuring six light heavyweights who have never tasted defeat. In the co-feature, college graduate Richard Vansiclen (13-0-1, 6 KOs) from Seattle, Wash., returns to SHOBOX to take on fellow unbeaten and hard-hitting Colombian Juan Carrillo (10-0, 8 KOs). In the telecast opener, Australian native Clay Waterman (10-0, 8 KOs) makes his U.S. debut against Florida’s Kenmon Evans (10-0-1, 3 KOs).

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. They will be accompanied by Hall of Famer and SHOWTIME Boxing^® analyst Al Bernstein, as well as by Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. handling ring announcing duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The night of fights is promoted by Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions.

FINAL WEIGHTS:

Light Heavywieght 10-Round Bout

Ali Izmailov – 174 pounds

Charles Foster – 172 ¼ pounds

Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Tom Schreck (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Don Ackerman (N.Y.)

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout

Richard Vansiclen – 172 ½ pounds

Juan Carrillo – 174 pounds

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: John McKaie (N.Y.), Eric Marlinski (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Light Heavyweight Eight-Round Bout

Clay Waterman – 173 ½ pounds

Kenmon Evans – 173 ½ pounds

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Tom Schreck (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Don Ackerman (N.Y.)

FINAL QUOTES:

ALI IZMAILOV

“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m very focused. I’m here to do my job and I will take care of business tomorrow night. He is a little taller than me, but I don’t think that’ll be an issue for me.

“I fought a lefty in my last fight [Marcelo Ruben Molina]. I did a lot of sparring with Juan Carrillo, who’s on this card.

“The better the opposition, the better I showcase my skills. I think I’m ready to take big steps and progress with my career. I’d like to get a title shot. I’d love to fight Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol or Canelo at some point in the near future.

“I was born for this. Since I was a little kid, I’ve been training to be a boxer. My after-school activities involved boxing and combat sports. Growing up I looked up to Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson and as I grew older I also started admiring Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

“I take every fight seriously, but especially this one because of the Hall of Fame Weekend and I know there will be a lot of eyes on these fights.

“My goal is to show high-level boxing and people will make a decision and form their opinions on me based on my skills.”

CHARLES FOSTER

“I’m excited to go out there and showcase my skills and talent. It’s been a while since I was last on SHOBOX [2018], but I’m sure people will remember my win. I do remember thinking, ‘This is national TV’ and I wanted to play it safe and not take any risks. I still got the job done. So for sure I’m going to be a little more aggressive this time out.

“I know my opponent is tough, but tomorrow night we’ll see just how tough he is.

“I think I have advantage over my opponent in all aspects of the fight game – mentally, conditioning, skills. Everything. I have improved and have been working extremely hard for this night. I can’t wait. 

“I work full-time as a mechanical insulator, just like my dad. It’s tough to balance a job and training camp, but the guys back in the day used to do it, so I have no problem with it. I am able to take a little time off and get ready during fight week.

“My little brother [William Foster III] has also won on SHOBOX so we’re in pretty good company. Brothers winning on SHOBOX – just like the Charlos did.”

RICHARD VANSICLEN

“I’m from Seattle, but living in San Diego now, which has been better for my training than being in Seattle. I’ve been in there with David Benavidez, and he’s actually helped boxing in that area with his gym.

“My conditioning is the biggest thing I’ve been working on. I’m faster and I’m stronger now and you will definitely see that in this fight.

“I knew who Roy Jones was but I didn’t know that much about pro boxing when I was first introduced to it at age 19 and in college.

“I had a tough upbringing and I never knew my father. We were in and out of homeless shelters and I owe it all to my mom Mary for getting me to where I am today. Someday when I’m all done and they are doing my 30 for 30 it will all go back to mom. After all the stuff she went through.

“I’ve chosen boxing as what I want to do, and I love it. I’ve been fighting my entire life.

“We’ve seen Juan Carrillo. He has some skills and there are a lot of things we can do to exploit what he does, especially in our movement and our athleticism. We are ready for anything he throws at us.

“I’m coming to steal the show, I’m coming to win. I’m coming for it all. I’m just so excited to be here and have a good time.”

JUAN CARRILLO

“I’ve been waiting my entire life for this. I’m very, very confident with my preparation and my conditioning. To go 10 rounds is not going to be a problem for me.

“This is the most difficult fight in my career, for sure. I’m a very hungry fighter and I’m confident at the end of the night it will be my hand that is raised in victory.

“My opponent is a talented fighter. I know he can fight, and I know he’s coming in hungry. But the person who’s going to be victorious is the one who is hungrier, and that’s me. You’re going to be impressed when I knock this kid out.

“I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, but since my last fight in February I’ve been training in Miami with Chino Perez at the 5^th Street Gym. Everyone knows it as the Muhammad Ali gym. It’s pretty cool. You see the pictures hanging on the wall and it’s hard not to just feel like a champion.”

CLAY WATERMAN

“It’s amazing that our fight got elevated to the SHOBOX portion of the night and is a huge opportunity for me and my team coming all the way from Australia.

“It’s been a dream of mine for years to finally get this chance.

“I train in my backyard shed at my home. I’ve had about four different coaches over the years, and the last five or six years my father has been coaching me. We’ve had a small gym set up for the last seven years, but the last year, we’ve had a proper set up with a ring.

“I was in camp as a sparring partner with Artur Beterbiev before his last fight. It made me very hungry for what I really want. I was in Montréal for three weeks. I did a lot of rounds with him, a lot of very good rounds – maybe 40, or something like that. I loved it! I loved working with him and his team. I was very grateful to get that opportunity.

“I feel like I’m an all-rounder. I can mix it up and adapt and change when I need to change. If things aren’t going well in the ring, I can get back to the corner and we’ll change it up a little bit and do what I need to do to win.

“I am making my U.S. debut in this fight, and on Hall of Fame Weekend. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”

KENMON EVANS

“I’ve always been the tallest fighter, and I plan to use my range. I’m a smart fighter and can adapt to anything thrown at me.

“I’ll use the length to my advantage. It’s always been that way so this fight will be no different.

I’m good at using my length and my jab.

“As soon as I met [Hall of Famer] Christy Martin it was like, ‘Wow!’ What a big motivation to have her in my corner because I want to follow that path and that legacy.

“She got her start on SHOWTIME, and now it’s my turn.

“I thought about quitting the sport, but then I got an opportunity with Bare Knuckles. I had to wait and be patient and now my dream is becoming a reality.

“Boxing was just another way out to put me in a better position, because I got in trouble by being in the streets and everything. But I messed around and killed my dreams and boxing was my only way out.”

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

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 89 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

NEW YORK (June 8, 2023) – A heated rivalry comes to a head in New York City this Saturday night.

Undefeated junior welterweight king Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine titles against former lightweight kingpin Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs) at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. 
 
In the eight-round co-feature, Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) will take on Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-2-1, 12 KOs). 

Taylor-Lopez and Zayas-Cruz will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:15 p.m ET/2:15 p.m. PT) includes lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and rising junior lightweight Henry Lebron (17-0, 10 KOs) in 10-rounders, along with the returns of Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba (11-0, 7 KOs) and featherweight prospect Bruce Carrington (7-0, 4 KOs) in separate eight-round fights. 

Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario (10-0, 3 KOs) steps up against Jan Carlos Rivera (8-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round Puerto Rico vs. Puerto Rico showdown.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Josh Taylor
 
“He means what he says, and I mean what I say. There is genuine dislike here. He’s been disrespectful. I’m going to make him pay for his words on Saturday. I can’t wait to get in there. You will see a Josh Taylor win, possibly by KO, and nice and early as well.”
 
“I know he’s a good fighter. The version that beat Lomachenko is a very good fighter. That’s the version I’m preparing for. It’s all about your preparation. I’ve prepared diligently and to the best of my ability. You’ll see the best of me on Saturday night.”
 
“This is dream come true. You always dream of coming stateside and fighting in venues like this. This is the ‘Mecca of Boxing’, Madison Square Garden. I can’t wait to get in there to make this dream become a reality, and this clown here is in my way.”

Teofimo Lopez
 
“What is ‘The Takeover’ if he doesn’t take over the guys that are the kingpins of the division? So, when it comes to Josh Taylor and the junior welterweights, he is the guy. That’s the guy that you have to beat to be the greatest. That’s what we aim for all the time.”
 
“I worked my a** off. Eleven weeks of camp. This is going to be the best version of me. Practice makes improvement. We’ve improved since my last fight. We’re ready to put on a show. I’m going to be a two-time lineal world champion.”
 
“I’m excited about this. This is like a dream come true. What more can you really shoot for? Nobody has really called out Josh Taylor. Who knows why? Maybe because he beat everyone already. But I’m here. I’m here to come in there and take everything that you’ve got.”

Xander Zayas
 
“This is the first time that I will fight during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. I’m excited for this one. It’s awesome to see all these different cultures come together and bring an excellent show to MSG and to New York. I’m ready to put on a show for all of my Puerto Rican fans Saturday night.”
 
“He is motivated. He’s been waiting for this opportunity his whole life. So, I expect him to come out and try to put on a show. When the fight got postponed, we contacted Top Rank and said that this is the opponent we wanted to fight. They allowed me to do that, and now here we are. I’m excited to showcase what we have been working on.”

Ronald Cruz
 
“I’m beyond excited. This is an opportunity I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I’ve been preparing really hard. I can’t wait. I’m excited to go out there and have fun. I’ve spent a lot of years getting to this point. I’ve been in the ring with great world champions like Mike Tyson, Sergey Lipinets and Janibek Alimkhanuly. It’s my time. I can’t wait to get in there.”

Jamaine Ortiz
 
“I’m very excited to make a statement here at Top Rank and be one of the top competitors here and chase a world title. I don’t really listen to media during fight week. I’m just focused on my opponent, my training and what I have to do on Saturday to come out victorious. After that, we can talk about my plans. Every opponent has his set of challenges. Humberto Galindo is a power hitter, so I have to stay sharp and focused.”

Robson Conçeicão
 
“I like to take things one step at a time in my career. I’m just going to focus on this fight. Nicolas Polanco is a great fighter. I’m super confident that I’m going to put on a great show this Saturday. After that, I want to fight Oscar Valdez again because I still to this day don’t understand how I lost that fight.”

Bruce Carrington
 
“It’s always special to be here because I get to perform in front of my family, my friends and my fans. This is home. It’s also the ‘Mecca of Boxing.’ It’s always a great opportunity to get to fight here.”

Henry Lebron
 
“This is the second time that I am on a card like this at a place where many great fighters have performed. I will give 100 percent on Saturday. We moved to Florida to train for this fight. It has been a super good training camp. We worked with Javiel Centeno. We worked hard, and you are going to see the result.”

Damian Knyba
 
“I’m extremely proud of my heritage and where I come from. The Polish people are waiting for the next Andrew Golota, and I hope that’s going to be me. Getting to a world title is a process for me. I didn’t have a long amateur career. We have a great plan. I think in about three or four years I’ll be reaching my prime, and I’ll be ready to attack.”

Omar Rosario
 
“This is my second time fighting here at MSG during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. I am ready to make a statement and demonstrate that I am the future of the 140-pound division. Fighting in New York is like fighting in Puerto Rico because a lot of Puerto Ricans are coming to MSG. Last year, I felt the energy, and I like it. I know that Saturday night will be the same.”
 

Saturday, June 10

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Josh Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez, 12 rounds, Taylor’s WBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Titles 

Xander Zayas vs. Ronald Cruz, 8 rounds, Junior Middleweights

ESPN+ (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT)

Jamaine Ortiz vs. Humberto Galindo, 10 rounds, Lightweight

Henry Lebron vs. Carlos Ramos, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight 

The WBO European Heavyweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
David Adeleye 235lbs
Emir Ahmatovic 254lbs

The IBF European Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Mark Chamberlain 134lbs 2oz
Marvin Demollari 134lbs 9oz

The WBC International Silver Super-Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Henry Turner 139.8lbs
Tom Farrell 140lbs

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
Ezra Taylor 176lbs 3oz
Khalid Graidia 176lbs

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Carl Fail 157lbs 3oz
Frank Masden 155lbs 3oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
Royston Barney-Smith 133lbs 7oz
Christian Lopez Flores 133lbs 6oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
Tommy Fletcher 200lbs
Pawel Strykowski 202lbs 2oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Ben Fail 157lbs 3oz
Bartosz Glowacki 154lbs 4oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Joshua Frankham – To weigh in Tomorrow
Eligio Palacios – To weigh in Tomorrow

ONTARIO, CA (June 8, 2023) – Mexican superstar and former World Champion Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) and Ukrainian world champion contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. The fighters were in attendance to promote their upcoming 12-round super middleweight fight for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title on Saturday, June 10 broadcasting live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.

Also in attendance, Shane Mosley Jr. (19-4, 10KOs), and D’Mitrius Ballard (21-1-1, 13KOs) expressed their respect for each other regarding their upcoming 10-round fight for the NABO Middleweight Title. The event also featured fighters on the undercard, below is what the fighters and their representatives had to say about the upcoming event on Saturday, June 10 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA.

JAIME MUNGUIA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AND SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER:

“This fight is a good fight for us and for the fans. Without a doubt, he is a great rival to measure myself against and know where I am at in the division.

“Without a doubt, this is the toughest fight of my career.

“This will be a great fight, a great war. I trained really hard for this event, and this fight will be exciting with many punches and Arriba Mexico!”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO, WORLD TITLE SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I took this fight because Munguia is a tough fighter. I wanted this fight; it’s a tough fight; I want to fight tough fighters.

“I do not worry about Munguia or his team overlooking me. That is a problem for Munguia and his team; that’s their problem, not mine. I am focused on the fight, so on Saturday, we will see.”

ERIC GOMEZ, PRESIDENT OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:

“There are very few shows that get us excited, and I am happy to say that this is one of those fights that gets us excited, as promoters. I’m gonna say it right now: this is going to be ‘fight of the year.’

“These guys styles match up perfectly, and there’s going to be non-stop action on Saturday. I want to thank Keith Connolly and team Derevyanchenko for taking this fight. I know you had other opportunities, but you said ‘no, let’s do it.’ In reality, you know, Sergiy should be undefeated. Many can make the argument because he lost some really, really close fights against top fighters. The who’s who in boxing. So I want to commend you, and thank you. (To Derevyanchenko) I know you’ll bring your A-game.

“Munguia has been knocking on the door for a big fight. A lot of the other champions are making excuses and do not want to give him an opportunity. They have other plans. But Munguia keeps grinding, he keeps grinding, and he keeps winning, and proving to the world that he belongs on the main stage of boxing.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, HALL OF FAMER AND GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS PARTNER:

“Do not just look at this fight as just a fight; look at it as a fight to get to the next big fight, the next level that you might want in the future or now.

“There’s a lot of talent here on this stage, and I know from experience, that there are champions and legends brewing. But take it one step at a time. Throw punches, be smart, be safe, but put it all on the line because.”

FERNANDO BELTRAN, PRESIDENT ZANFER BOXING:

“It’s a real pleasure to be here in Ontario. This is a beautiful arena, Toyota Arena. We know it will be sold out because people know these two great fighters.

“Jaime is the pride of Mexico, and we are very happy to promote him and be with him since the beginning of his career. I am very excited to see him against the great fighter, Sergiy Derevyanchenko. He’s a great fighter, and everybody knows it. Everybody wanted to see him against Munguia in a battle like this one. I believe this is going to be a sensational fight, because our audience and all the people who are gonna be here are gonna be excited about seeing both these fighters.”

SHANE MOSLEY JR, NABO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER:

“D’Metrius Ballard is an excellent opponent. He’s his only loss was to the man on the left of me, Jaime Munguia. So he’s a great fighter. I am ready to show my skills and show what I’ve improved on, and show that I’m on my way to being a middleweight champion. I’m not saying I want to be, I’m saying I’m going to be the middleweight champion. The confidence starts here (pointing to his head). If [I] don’t believe it, who else is gonna believe so, I believe it. I will be a middleweight champion of the world.”

D’MITRIUS BALLARD, NABO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER:

“I think fighting against Shane Mosley Jr. is a perfect opportunity for me coming after my first defeat against Jaime a year ago. He’s coming off back-to-back wins, impressive wins, and I feel like it’s a perfect opportunity for me to get my name back in the middleweight contender list and continue my dreams and aspirations of becoming a world champion.”

ANTHONY SALDIVAR, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT:

I was born and raised here in Ontario, California. Funny fact, I used to work here at Toyota Arena, so fighting here is a blessing, and I feel very privileged and honored. So come Saturday Saturday I’ll be putting on a big show.

JORGE CHAVEZ, SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Oscar, Eric, Golden Boy Promotions, SOA, and of course, Bernard for giving me the opportunity to fight on June 10th. Expect great things from me, always.

RICARDO SANDOVAL, FLYWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“I’m very, very blessed to be fighting at the Toyota Arena, being close to home in front of my family, friends, and supporters. I want to thank SOA and Abraham, Oscar, and Eric Gomez for the opportunity for giving me a platform to showcase my skills. I trained really hard for this fight and I guarantee an action-packed fight, it will steal the show.”

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 12-round super middleweight for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboypromotions.com or the Toyota Arena box office Monday through Friday from 12pm-4pm.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaDerevyanchenko #GBFightNight

Josh Kelly’s high-stakes clash with the unbeaten Gabriel Corzo has been pushed back to Saturday, July 15. 

Kelly, the No2 ranked super welterweight in the world, suffered an injury in training this week, and so the Wasserman Boxing event in Newcastle will take place three weeks later. 

All tickets bought for the original date remain valid for the new date of July 15, with Kelly vs Corzo still being staged at the Vertu Motors Arena, in Newcastle as planned. 

The 29-year-old’s meeting with the unbeaten Argentinian will be shown live and exclusive around the world on DAZN..

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Josh has been firing on all cylinders in the gym of late, and was itching to get back in the ring in front of his brilliant fans.  

“However, he suffered an injury in training which means we have to push his return back three weeks.  

“But Josh will be ready for July 15, where he will deliver a statement performance to the rest of the division, live on DAZN.”

For any ticket holder unable to make the new date of July 15, and who requires a full refund, please get in touch with your point of contact within the next seven days. 

MONTREAL (June 7, 2023) — At today’s press conference in Montreal, Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) confirmed it has signed ONE Championship kickboxing champion Jonathan Giovanni Di Bella (2-0, 1 KO), of Montreal, to a long-term promotional contract.

GYM President Yvon Michel, is extremely proud of this new acquisition, saying: “We have wanted this association for a very long time. Jonathan Giovanni Di Bella is Canada’s best kept secret in professional sports. His arrival in the organization will be a perfect complement to our main star, Kim Clavel, and will allow all Team GYM boxers to shine even more. This is the beginning of a new era for GYM and for the entire boxing industry in Quebec. We have unlimited confidence in the talent of this young champion. His personality, his charisma, his entourage, and his influence on the Quebec community will soon make him very popular while his skills in the ring will quickly propel him to the top of his division. We would like to thank Jonathan’s parents, Annie and Angelo, for their trust.”

Di Bella will evolve into a bantamweight (118 pounds), which is a very popular division on the international scene, which was dominated by the great Japanese boxer, Naoya “Monster” Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs), the 2022 unified world champion who will fight as a super bantamweight in his next fight. Current bantamweight stars include legendary Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs), Australia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Jason Maloney (26-2, 19 KOs) and World Boxing Association (WBA) title-holder Takuma Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs), the brother of Naoya.

Tremendous fighters is what makes the bantamweight division a very popular, talent-laden division where Di Bella’s name will be grafted there very soon.

The kickboxing world champion is not lacking in ambition: “I have always had the goal of becoming a kickboxing and professional boxing world champion,” Di Bella commented. “I did the first one and now I’m tackling the second one.”

Di Bella, 26, has had a flawless career in combat sports, whether in amateur boxing (6-0), professional kickboxing (11-0) or professional boxing. His coronation and the conquest of his kickboxing world championship of the ONE Championship series that took place this past October 22nd in Kalua Lumpur, Malaysia. Largely neglected, the Quebecer defeated the one billed as the Chinese prodigy, also undefeated “Fighting Rooster” Zhang Peimian, to everyone’s surprise in the Axiata Arena.

Jonathan began training very early at the age of two under the guidance of his father, two-time world kickboxing champion Angelo Di Bella, in the family gym he founded. He fought his first kickboxing fight at age 10, first professional fight the following year. He fought all over North America including in the iconic Madison Square Garden. Everyone knows Di Bella in Quebec gyms as well as in the United States, where he served as a training partner for many boxers including several world champions. He received many offers from professional boxing promoters, but it was GYM that he chose.

“During my kickboxing career,” Angelo Di Bella remarked, “I had an opportunity to sign a boxing contract with Yvon Michel, but I didn’t. I am very happy that 31 years later my son does not miss his chance.”

During his professional career, Jonathan’s father Angelo will act as his main trainer. He will also be assisted by the renowned Howard Grant and former WBO middleweight world champion, Otis Grant.

According to coach Grant, Di Bella has everything to succeed: “Jonathan Di Bella has been the best hope and the most talented fighter in Quebec for a very long time,” Grant noted. “I’ve wanted to see him in a boxing ring for a long time and I’ve been talking about it with Yvon Michel. I’m happy and excited about this new venture and he couldn’t find a better promotion organization to lead his career.”

Di Bella has already fought two professional boxing fights at GYM events, both during the summer of 2022, in which the objective was to keep active while waiting for his kickboxing world championship fight. His next fight, his first under this new agreement, will take place on July 27 at Montreal Casino. He is already the headliner in the main event on the six-fight card. The co-feature will involve Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2 KOs), ranked No. 2 in the WBO, who will fight her first fight since her superb performance for the world title fight against Sandy Ryan last April in Wales. The talented Caroline Veyre (4-0) will participate in her fifth fight in less than a year. She was very impressive in her last two outings against Anaelle Angerville (5-2-1),  and Emma Gongora (6-3). She has earned the No. 5 position in the featherweight division. The top featherweight contender is Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs). ‘

Also scheduled to fight on the July 27^th card are middleweight Derek Pomerleau (5-0, 3 KOs) and light heavyweight Mohamed Zawadi (6-1, 5 KOs), a protege of Lee Baxter.

Tickets for the July 27th event go on sale tomorrow (June 8) starting at 10 a.m. ET online on  ticketmaster.ca or directly from GYM at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

-30-

ABOUT YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):  

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has promoted 166 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, as well as participated in 38 international events outside Quebec. Eight GYM boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have delivered 54 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.

Marblehead, MA (June 8, 2023) – Heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter makes his highly anticipated return to the ring when he faces local favorite Donnie Palmer in the ten round main event of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing’s “Down and Dirty 6” June 24 at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, Hunter’s outstanding professional record is 20-1-2 with 14 wins by knockout. The 34-year-old holds impressive victories over Jerry Forrest, Isiah Thomas, Iago Kiladze, Martin Bakole, Aleksandr Ustinov, Sergey Kuzmin and Mike Wilson. He also battled former world champion Alexander Povetkin to a draw in one of the most entertaining heavyweight fights in recent memory. His lone setback came in a world title fight against pound for pound great Oleksander Usyk.

Representing Dorchester, MA, Palmer’s 12-3-1 with 10 KO’s. The 6’10” Palmer’s fought most of his career in the New England region and most recently dropped a unanimous decision against Steve Vukosa in January. A victory against Hunter would immediately earn Palmer a spot among the current heavyweight contenders.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2167644/down-dirty-boxing-6-lowell-lowell-memorial-auditorium.

In the ten round co-feature, Brazilian lightweight standout Willian “Babyface” Silva challenges veteran Raul Chirino of Miami, FL. On April 29, Silva, 30-4 (18 KO’s), destroyed Diego Gonzalo Luque in less than a round and has been fighting with a serious mean streak since returning to the 135-pound division. Chirino, 22-16 (13 KO’s), faced a number of top fighters and is current riding a three-fight win streak.

2016 Kenyan Olympian Rayton “Boom Boom” Okwiri challenges undefeated Erick Kedar Gianous in an intriguing eight round middleweight bout. Okwiri, who was also a standout in the World Series of Boxing, is 8-1-1 with 6 KO’s as a professional. Okwiri is coming off a victory against previously unbeaten Shabani Ally Ndaro (5-0) in January. Fighting out of Denver, CO, Gianous is a perfect 6-0 with 4 KO’s. The 23-year-old Gianous impressed thus far but is taking a significant step up in competition against Okwiri.

Lightweight prospect Gabriel Morales of Lowell, MA puts his 7-0 record on the line when he faces unbeaten Mexican Alfredo Jimenez Espino (5-0-1) in a six rounder. Both fighters are coming off knockout victories and are confident they’ll remain unbeaten on June 24.

Popular junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli challenges Moises Rivera in a six-round contest. Iannuccilli, 6-0 (3 KO’s), is fresh off a second-round knockout in April and the Methuen, MA native is seeking his third win this year.

“This is a huge event for us and the fans are in for a great event,” said Michael Reyes of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing. “Michael Hunter is a top-tier heavyweight, we’ve got a battle of the unbeatens between Gabriel Morales and Alfredo Jimenez Espino plus a really interesting fight with Eric Kedar Gianous risking his undefeated record and taking a really tough fight against an Oympian in Rayton Okwiri. I look forward to seeing everybody on June 24 and make sure to get your tickets early because we’re expecting a big turnout.”

The undercard will feature top talents such as Tahmir Smalls, Chris Thompson, Raheem Davis, Richard Reyes Diaz, and Tracey Johnson in separate bouts.

For more information, visit Reyesboxingclub.com.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 7, 2023) – The showdown of the summer heads to the desert in a battle that has all the makings of an instant action classic.
 
Three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez in an all-Mexican duel Saturday, August 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete and Valdez seek to etch their names among the celebrated catalog of Mexican rivalries that includes Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales, Ruben Olivares-Chucho Castillo and Rafael Marquez-Israel Vazquez.
 
Navarrete-Valdez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, ticket information will be announced shortly.
 
“Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are proud warriors, and this is a fight that is destined to go down as a classic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The fight fans at Desert Diamond Arena and everyone watching on ESPN are in for a real treat. The winner of this fight etches his name among the great Mexican fighters. I can’t wait.”
  
Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs), the fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, captured his first world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. He made five defenses before moving up to featherweight, where he beat Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his belt with victories over Christopher Diaz, Joet Gonzalez and Eduardo Baez before moving up to 130 pounds. In February, Navarrete joined an elite list of Mexican three-division champions — including Morales, Barrera and Julio Cesar Chavez — by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round TKO for the WBO junior lightweight world title. 
 
Navarrete said, “After so much time, this fight will finally take place. Obviously, I am 100 percent motivated because Valdez is still a big threat, and a fight against him could possibly be the start of a new Mexico vs. Mexico rivalry like the one between Barrera and Morales.”
 
Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), from Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he captured the WBO featherweight world title against Matias Rueda in 2016 and made six successful defenses. He moved up to junior lightweight and defeated Adam Lopez in 2019 and Jayson Velez in 2020 before taking on his toughest challenge, a WBC title tilt against Miguel Berchelt in February 2021. Despite disadvantages in height, reach and power, Valdez counterpunched his way to three crushing knockdowns, the last of which earned him a 10^th-round KO. After a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição later that year, Valdez suffered his first defeat in a title unification battle against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022. He bounced back by defeating Lopez in a rematch in the co-feature to the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko super fight last month, and he now hopes to equal Navarrete as a three-time world champion.
 
Valdez said, “I’m excited to return to the ring, especially because it’s for a world title against ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. Being a world champion is something that I always dreamed of. I already did it two times, and this is yet another opportunity. So, I’m excited and prepared both mentally and physically for this new opportunity. And I like that it’s between two Mexicans because it’s a win-win for Mexico. It’s a guaranteed war when there are two Mexicans in the ring.”

WHAT: “Fight Night at the Vets Club” Professional Boxing

WHO:  The Lineup                                              

MAIN EVENT – VACANT USBF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

vs.

Ryan Clark (2-3, 1KO), Berwick, NH

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (6)

Sara “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL

vs.

Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), Roxbury, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (172, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA

vs.

William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-53-2, 9 KOs), Mesquite, TX

vs.

James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lynn, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO), Scituate, MA

vs.

Reinaldo Sa Costa Souza (0-1), Boston, MA by way of Brazil

(card subject to change)

_____________________________________________________________________

WHERE:        Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, MA

WHEN:         Saturday, June 10, 2023

PROMOTER: Granite Chin Promotions

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

TICKETS: Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

WEIGH IN: Friday, June 9 starting at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Bridgewater Vets Club in Bridgewater, MA

OTHER: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Top Rank on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Taylor vs. Lopez will be live this Saturday, June 10 at 10 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY.

In one of the most heated title fights of the year, undefeated junior welterweight king Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine world titles against former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs).  

It’s “The Tartan Tornado” vs. “The Takeover.”  Taylor, the first British fighter to become undisputed champion in the four-belt era, proudly represents his native Scotland and is on the shortlist of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today. Lopez, a native son of Brooklyn, New York, headlines for his third time at “The Mecca of Boxing,” where he seeks to become a two-division world champion and regain his place among the pound-for-pound elite.  

Prior to the fight on June 10, ESPN will air Trash Talk: Taylor vs. Lopez, a 30-minute all-access preview into the fight camps of both Taylor and Lopez. In addition to the air times below, the program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Trash Talk: Taylor vs. Lopez

In the eight-round co-feature, Puerto Rico’s junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) will have an extra source of motivation for his upcoming fight. The 20-year-old standout will fight Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-2-1, 12 KOs) for the second annual Miguel Cotto Award, which is presented by Top Rank and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The Miguel Cotto Award celebrates the remarkable career of the legendary four-division world champion and upholds the tradition of hosting a major fight card during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.

The undercard will stream exclusively on ESPN+.

Joe Tessitore will call the action with analyst Andre Ward, a Hall of Famer and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist.? Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters. Timothy Bradley, Jr. will be offsite being inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) Class of 2023.

ESPN.com

Timothy Bradley Jr: A letter to my younger self

Wednesday: Josh Taylor hoping to finally get his moment against Teofimo Lopez, by Mike Coppinger

Thursday: Bradley’s Breakdown: Will Teofimo Lopez be able to solve Josh Taylor?  by Timothy Bradley

Friday: At only 25, why this is a must-win fight for the career of Teofimo Lopez, by Mark Kriegel

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real TimeGo all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
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• Max on BoxingMax Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
• Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

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About ESPN+  

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).   

Miami, FL, June 7, 2023 – On Friday night, Four Division World Champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner returns to the ring in Casino Miami in Miami, Florida.

Challenging Broner is William “Hutch” Hutchinson, who has not lost in seven years. Hutchinson is also a practicing attorney and has offices in his native Pittsburgh and Naples, FL.

“Dealing with lawyers is Broner’s forte,” said Don King.

Featured on the stacked the card is a light heavyweight title fight between World Boxing Association NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed ElBiali and Rodolfo Gomez. The World Boxing Council NABF title will also be up for the taking in this bout.

Two-Division World Champion and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux is also fighting.

“Return to Glory” will take place at the legendary Casino Miami and is brought you exclusively by Don King Productions, Inc. 

Tickets for Broner-Hutchinson are available at www.playcasinomiami.com

The entire card will be available Live on Pay Per View on FITE.tv, DonKing.com and itube247.com. The pay per view cost is $24.99 and will begin at 6:50 pm ET / 3:50 pm PT

Quotes from yesterday’s press conference and interviews:

BRONER: The real problem is they let Adrien Broner and Don King get together – that’s the real problem. I can tell you right now, I am not looking past this man, but I can tell you this – Adrien Broner will become world champion again.  And it will be under Don King.

There is bigger things to come, but the first is to take care of Billy.

Usually when people see Adrien Broner, there is usually something messed up coming behind him. So after I mess (looking at Hutchinson) you up I’m going to hire you because I can always use a good lawyer. Now that I know you’re a fighter, I know you will fight for me, in the courtroom.

HUTCHINSON: As previously stated, I am a licensed attorney. However, first and foremost, I am a fighter, and Adrien Broner is going to see that Friday night, and he’s going to have his hands full.  So I appreciate the offer for some work after the fight, and we can talk about that after, but make no mistake, I am going to do everything in the ring to take his head clean off his shoulders.

More HUTCHINSON

I am more confident than ever. We put in the preparation. We know what we need to do and we are going to execute on Friday. We want to make sure he remains uncomfortable at all times.

I am going to impose my will on Adrien Broner. I know I will have to deal with his power. He is a four-time world champion and a hall of fame caliber fighter for a reason, and I’m going to have to deal at that level.

I’ve trained and sparred with world champions so I won’t shy away from having to grind it out. I won’t be a deer in headlights. I’ve sparred with Devin Haney and given him everything he can handle. Six-rounds each in back to back days.

I have knockout power with both hands.

It is disrespectful that they are looking for a way to promote me outside of my fighting abilities, so my job on Friday is to make them respect my fighting ability. The reality is that I can fight.

They made a big mistake by allowing me this opportunity. I have scratched and clawed for everything I have achieved in my life.

When I was thirteen / fourteen years old I was having difficulty finding sparring partners. My trainer would go to the clubs and find grown men and ask if they would spar – “hey does anyone want to come and spar with this little white boy” – that how I got my sparring for years. I was sparring grown men. I’ve been fighting for a really long time.

As soon as I saw the photo of Adrien and Don at the table with all the money, I texted my manager and said “Get me that fight” and we got the word to the right people that I am ready and willing to take this fight. Then it happened.

Why did I want this fight? Because I know I could win. Styles make fights and I have the style to beat him. I expect to see a counter-puncher throwing three shots or more at a time. But there are also times when he gets complacent. We’ve studied him. We’ve studied the best Adrien Broner and I am expecting the best Adrien Broner.

Before Covid things seemed to be moving fast for my career. I was working with Mike Acri with some overseas opportunities, then Mike passed, and that was way too soon for him, then Covid, so that momentum that I had got slowed down.

BRONER

I have been doing this for a long time and at this point in my career I realized I just sit back and focus on everything ahead of me. Fights were dropping and all that did was give me more time to stay in the gym, stay out of trouble and just keep working. That’s what I did and now we are here.

(Regarding this coming Saturday’s Taylor vs Lopez fight) I’m not worried about Taylor or Lopez, even though I love Lopez. I’m not worried about what they got going on.

Right now I am interested in Billy. I’m not going to talk about blanks.

Me and Don? I think everyone can see it but until I kick somebody’s ass, then it will kick in. The sky is the limit with guys like me and Don King. AB and DK – this over with.

Training camp has been crazy. There has been some crazy days. With a coach like my uncle, I call him my uncle, Kevin Cunningham is very militant. No BS – he’s yelling or cussing me out every day. He’s a perfectionist.

I wouldn’t say this is a new beginning, I would say I am just going to reclaim something I already had. If I hit it once I know I can hit it again.

I feel great. Every day I look in the mirror, I have goals and that’s what I am focuses on. Only a fighter can know. It’s a lonely sport. It’s a sport where you have to look in the mirror every day and say f’it. You gotta say f everybody and go out there and do what you gotta do, so secure you. Because if you can’t make sure you are straight, with no shortcuts, and I think that’s why I’m doing good this time around.

?NEW YORK (June 7, 2023)-Split-T Management fighters Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with victories on Saturday night at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

Both fights were streamed Live on DAZN.

Wasserman Boxing is delighted to announce the signing of the world class Lee McGregor to a long-term promotional contract. 

And the global promoter can reveal the unbeaten ‘Lightning’ will headline a major show in his hometown of Edinburgh on Friday, July 21, live-and-free-to-air on Channel 5. 

Delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, McGregor will box in front of his fans for the first time in five years, with his triumphant return set to be met with a frenzied atmosphere at the Meadowbank Sports Centre. 

The 26-year-old raced to British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight glory in only 10 fights but now has his sights set on conquering the super bantamweight division with the backing of Wasserman Boxing. 

“Listen, it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be unbelievable on July 21,” buzzed McGregor. 

“I’ve been waiting so long for this.  I have had so many big nights in Scotland, the most memorable being the British and Commonwealth unification fight with Kash Farooq, but that was in Glasgow, not in my hometown. 

“I’ve not fought in Edinburgh since my professional debut in 2017.  But in July, people will see how big a fan base I have.  It’s going to be loud and it’s going to be rowdy.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Everyone at Wasserman Boxing is over the moon to add Lee to our brilliant stable of fighters. 

“He is, without any shadow of a doubt, a world class operator who showed, in his first 10 fights, just how special he is. But the best is yet to come from Lee. 

“He is destined to be a world champion and we start out on that road on July 21 in Edinburgh, his hometown, where we are braced for an atmosphere we have not experienced in a long time.  Lee promises us the place is going to be bouncing and we cannot wait!” 

McGregor added: “I have lots of things to look forward to and this is a new chapter for my career. 

“The goals are set; the plans are in place and I’m going to take over.  I am back to where I belong, in big fights on big nights. 

“I really like what Wasserman are doing with their fighters and it feels like they are going to give me what I deserve. 

“The plan is to come back and build me in Scotland and in my hometown.  

“I made my professional debut on Channel 5 and so it is a great platform to be back on. 

“Wasserman know what they are doing and the plans they have in place for me, I am more than happy about.  The future is bright.” 

NEW YORK – June 6, 2023 – Rising unbeaten light heavyweight Ali Izmailov has set his sights on the top of the 175-pound division as he hopes to improve his championship credentials with an emphatic victory over fellow unbeaten Charles Foster this Friday, June 9 in the 10-round main event headlining SHOBOX: The New Generation from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

“I’m coming for everyone at 175-pounds,” said the 30-year-old Izmailov. “I plan on making a statement on Friday night. I’m going to showcase my power and boxing ability against a world-rated fighter. When the opportunity for the knockout comes, I’m taking it and I’m ending his night early.”

Izmailov’s confidence is echoed by his renowned trainer John David Jackson and promoter Dmitriy Salita, who both believe he’ll stamp his place in the division in the near future.

“Ali is one of the best fighters I’ve trained with and he has tremendous power that you can only be born with,” said Jackson. “I believe he’s going to be beating Dmitriy Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez, or whoever is holding the world titles when the time comes. Friday night during the Boxing Hall of Fame weekend is the perfect stage for him to make his grand entrance against a very good opponent.”

“I believe that Ali is the best light heavyweight in the world,” said Salita, the President of Salita Promotions. “We’re putting him on the fast-track to success. He’s facing a very experienced and capable opponent who has more than twice the amount of fights as Ali. It’s the perfect fight for him to take the next step on his way to a world title shot.”

Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs) has shown tremendous power in stopping six of his last seven opponents, with his only distance fight in that stretch coming via a 10-round unanimous decision over then-unbeaten Eric Murgui last August. As he’s continued to train with Jackson, Izmailov believes his other boxing attributes have continued to grow and will soon be recognized by the rest of the sport.

“I’m known for my power, but offensive and defensive techniques and my ring IQ have all improved and I’m going to show everyone that on Friday night,” said Izmailov. “John David Jackson has taught me how to train like a professional, and I’ve seen the difference in what I can do. I’m learning every day because of the experience that my coach brings into camp.”

In the 33-year-old Foster (22-0, 12 KOs), Izmailov will face his toughest pro competition to date, as the New Haven, Connecticut-native is unbeaten in his career that dates back to 2011. With both fighters in position to rocket-boost their careers with a win on Friday, Izmailov knows that Foster’s hunger will match his own.

“I know that he’s experienced on this stage and that like me, he’s looking for a breakout performance,” said Izmailov. “I want him to come to fight. I want to give the fans something exciting for as long as he can take it.”

Now just days away from stepping into the ring, Izmailov knows the stakes for this battle of unbeatens and is confident that he’ll live up to the promise that his team sees in his boxing future.

“This is my moment to graduate to the elite level of the light heavyweight division,” said Izmailov. “I’m very grateful to SHOWTIME and to my promoter Salita Promotions. I’ve put in the hard work in training camp and I know that nobody watching is going to be disappointed with what I do in the ring on Friday night.”

# # #

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

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

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

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 88 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

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

Undefeated Chilean Flyweight Andres Campos wants to create history by becoming his country’s first World Champion when he locks horns with reigning IBF ruler Sunny Edwards at the OVO Arena Wembley this Saturday June 10, live worldwide on DAZN.

Campos’ clash with Edwards tops a blockbuster triple-header of World Title action in the capital, with Nina Hughes (5-0, 2 KOs) defending her WBA Bantamweight crown against Katie Healy (6-0) and Cherneka Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs) defending her IBF Super-Bantamweight strap against Ellie Scotney (6-0).

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) is set to make his eagerly anticipated Matchroom debut this weekend having penned a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in March, but Campos (15-0, 4 KOs) – who has been calling Edwards out for over a year – plans on spoiling the party after finally landing his dream World Title shot.

“Sunny Edwards has never fought against anyone like me,” said Campos. “I am by far the best opponent that he will have faced. I have lots of experience fighting against and defeating undefeated guys from both the amateurs and pros. I am starving for success. I am so hungry to win this World Title and make history for Chile.

“Sunny Edwards is good, but he is not good enough to beat me. I know that I am better than him and I will show you all on Saturday night. I have three scenarios: scenario A, B and C. We have trained so hard for each one. Sunny won’t be able to run away from me like a dancer. He is just dancing and running all the time. I will send him to sleep before the twelfth round.”

Unbeaten Sheffield-based slickster Edwards makes his fourth defence of the IBF strap he landed in April 2021 against Moruti Mthalane in London, and ‘Showtime’ is gunning for unification clashes in the second half of the year and having seen off challenges from Felix Alvarado, Muhammad Waseem and Jayson Mama.

26-year-old Campos is hungry to create his own legacy, fuelled by the burning to desire to become his country’s first ever World Champion. Edwards is renowned for having one of the sharpest tongues in boxing, but Campos says he won’t be engaging in any back and forth with his opponent during a busy fight week.

“I never trash talk,“ said Campos. “I always do my talking in the ring and let my fists take care of business. Sunny is famous for his trash talking, not for his boxing. Chile doesn’t have any World Champions and I will make history for my country and my continent of South America. I will be the first one. The IBF World Title is very special to me.

“Fighting in the UK for the first time as a professional doesn’t faze me at all. As a pro I have fought in Australia and in Argentina. It is not such a big change for me. Remember, I have done almost all of my 95 fights outside of my country. I have represented Chile all over the world. I don’t feel the pressure. To fight here in the UK is nothing big for me.”

Campos, who is managed by Australian Tony Tolj and trained by Hernan Gauto from Argentina and Nicolas Orellana from Chile, is ranked at seven in the IBF rankings and has held the WBO Latino Flyweight strap since March 2020. ‘The Pride of Barnechea’ says he also has the backing of UK fans who want to see Edwards defeated for the first time.

“Since I arrived in the UK last week, everyone that I have met in the gyms, malls and streets – everyone has told me that I have to beat that trash talker Sunny Edwards. Everyone that talks to me about Sunny Edwards wants me to beat him. They all want me to become the first man to beat him.

“It’s crazy – nobody cares about Sunny Edwards here in England. I have the support of Chilean fans and all of the English fans who I have met. Everyone on my social media is telling me that I have to beat this clown.”

Edwards vs. Campos tops a huge night of World Title action in Wembley, Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs) looks to close in on a British Title tilt as he faces David Jamieson (10-2, 7 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the famous Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt, Youssef Khoumari (15-1-1, 6 KOs) and Reece Bellotti (15-5, 13 KOs) meet in an eliminator for British Super-Featherweight Title, The ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher (8-0, 7 KOs) will bring his Bull Army to Wembley for the third time as the 24-year-old Heavyweight fights for the ninth time in the pros against Emilio Salas (7-4-1, 3 KOs), Anthony Joshua-managed Shannon Ryan (4-0) returns to the venue of her March 2022 debut to continue her pro journey, and rising starlets George Liddard (2-0, 2 KOs) and Muhammad Ali (1-0) feature on Before the Bell. 

Limited remaining tickets are available to purchase from Stage Front. 

FUTURE HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERSTAR Moses Itauma will have his fourth professional fight at the Telford International Centre on July 29, having been added to the card headlined by the four-title collision between Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham, live on BT Sport.

Itauma, just 18, who holds the lofty ambition of becoming the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, took part in his first six-rounder in mid-April, hearing the final bell for the first time at the conclusion of his comprehensive decision victory over the robust Ukrainian Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko, who maintained the distinction of never having been stopped.

Previously, the world and European champion as an amateur, marked his entry to the professional ranks with two first round stoppages over Marcel Bode and Ramon Ibarra respectively, that lasted less than a minute combined.

Itauma, who will be making a second trip to Telford, will be fighting over a six-round distance on the night.

FOUR MAJOR TITLES will be on the line when Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham collide at the Telford International Centre on Saturday 29th July, live on TNT Sports, the new name for BT Sport from 18th July.

The undefeated British, WBC International and European champion Davies (13-0, 5 KOs) takes on former Euro-king and now WBO International champion Cunningham (32-7, 7) in an all-British blockbuster in the atmospheric cauldron in the hometown of three-belt holder.

In supporting action is Northampton’s Eithan James (10-0), who will fight for his first pro title. While leading cruiserweight prospect Oronzo Birardi (6-0, 5) from Mainz in Germany will also be in action, with the 23-year-old featuring for a first time on a UK platform.

Worcester’s undefeated Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (8-0, 2) will be in eight round action, along with Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0,1) fighting over six, with Batley super lightweight Amaar Akbar (3-0) entering into his first six-rounder. Fighting over four rounds will be London heavyweight Boma Brown (1-0).

Tickets for the Telford blockbuster headlined by Liam Davies vs Jason Cunningham on Saturday, 29^th July at the Telford International Centre are on sale now from ticketmaster.co.uk.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (June 5, 2023): Today, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) officially awarded the history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (7-0, 5 KOs) his World Championship Belt at DISTRITO T-Mobile in his native Puerto Rico. The special belt presentation honored the pugilist for his meteoric rise in the minimumweight division. Collazo crushed a number of records in his victorious championship fight against former titleholder Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem this past May 27 on the undercard of Rocha vs. Young, including shredding the record for the fastest to become a world champion from Puerto Rico.

Here is what participants of today’s presentation said:

OSCAR COLLAZO, MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“I am extremely happy. I see this and I cannot believe it. I have worked very hard to obtain this title. I want to thank my family, my parents, my wife, and my team. To Miguel Cotto Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and the WBO for leading me the way they have. I am a champion and now I will work harder to defend it for the pride of my family, my town of Villalba and all of Puerto Rico.”

ERIC GOMEZ, PRESIDENT OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:

“We are very happy with Oscar Collazo. He is a very special fighter. He made history for Puerto Rico, and we are proud to be a part of it. Soon we will be announcing the details of his first defense here in Puerto Rico.”

HECTOR SOTO, PRESIDENT OF MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS:

“Oscar is a great and very special fighter. Without a doubt, he is the face of boxing in Puerto Rico. His way of working and training is unique. Oscar is writing his own story.”

PACO VALCARCEL, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION:

“At the WBO, we are very happy with our new champion, a compatriot from Puerto Rico. He is a very talented young man, and it was demonstrated by defeating and winning the championship over Melvin Jerusalem of the Philippines in convincing fashion. Oscar Collazo is very talented, and we are just seeing him grow.”

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee approved on Monday, June 5, 2023, that Marlon Tapales, WBA super bantamweight champion, will unify his belt against the winner of Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton. Meanwhile, Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Tomoki Kameda must meet in a final eliminator to determine the division’s mandatory challenger.

NEW YORK, NY (June 5, 2023) – DiBella Entertainment has inked a promotional agreement with rising featherweight contender Edward “Kid” Vazquez (14-1, 3 KOs), from Fort Worth, TX.

Vazquez hails from a fighting family. His grandfather and uncle were both fighters, along with several cousins. On his seventh birthday, Vazquez asked his father to take him to the local boxing gym in Fort Worth; a birthday present that would change the trajectory of his life. 

This trip to the gym would lead to an impressive amateur record of 82-8, including eight Fort Worth Golden Gloves gold medals, a Texas Golden Gloves gold medal, a win at the Ringside World Championships and a runner-up spot in the 2012 Junior Olympics in Mobile, AL. 

At 18, and fresh out of high school, Vazquez was transitioning to turn professional and traveled up the coast of California looking for sparring and inspiration. He found both, spending time training and sparring with Oscar Valdez and Ryan Garcia, among others. Vazquez made his professional debut in 2016, winning a unanimous decision versus Willie Miller. 

He has been with his current trainer, Ray Barrera, out of FHG Boxing Gym, in Fort Worth, ever since his third pro fight. Vazquez would go on to win 11 bouts before suffering his lone defeat at the hands of Raymond Ford in February 2022. It was a fight that would result in a highly controversial win for Ford, who is now rated in the top 10 by three of the major sanctioning bodies.

Vazquez rebounded from that split decision loss with two wins to close out the year.

In March 2020, Vazquez’s life would change dramatically with the birth of his daughter, Saylor. The pandemic was just getting underway, and becoming a father was both exhilarating and scary for the young fighter. 

“It forced me to level up,” Vazquez said. “I always knew I would make it happen with boxing, but now I have to because I have my daughter.”  

In December 2022, Vazquez would get the call to fight DiBella prospect Misael Lopez on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. 

“I was hesitant to take the fight because I knew I would be coming in as the ‘B-side,’” said Vazquez. “I was robbed in my fight versus Raymond Ford, and didn’t want that to happen again, but I ultimately accepted the fight.

“It was a good, action-packed fight,” Vazquez continued. “He definitely tested my IQ. He was game, and wasn’t going to back down. He was coming to beat me and was 100% confident he was going to do so. I spoiled the plan.” 

Vazquez would earn a split decision win against Lopez after 10 rounds of action, on February 17, 2023, at the Stormont Vail Event Center, in Topeka, KS.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Edward Vazquez,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s one of the best featherweights in the world and he proved that when he beat Raymond Ford, no matter what the scorecards read. Ford’s now #2 in the world and despite the zero on his record, Edward Vazquez beat him on international television. An interesting and well-spoken kid, Edward has the potential to be a world champion. He should be undefeated and highly world ranked right now. This was a no-brainer signing for DiBella Entertainment.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of DiBella Entertainment,” said Vazquez of the signing. “We’ve worked our entire lives to land a deal with someone as prominent as Lou DiBella. I’ve been fighting for almost 21 years. It’s been a grind. You’re not really sure if it’s going to pay off and it finally seems like it’s going to pay off. 

“Now, we finally have the platform to go after the top 10 featherweights, the top 20 guys,” Vazquez continued. “Lou is finally the guy that can get me in the door. I’m coming for them.” 

“We knew we had something special going into the fight with Lopez,” said DKO Boxing’s Dave Dubinsky, who manages Vazquez along with Jim Kurtz. “We’re thrilled that Lou sees what we do in Vazquez, and we’re looking forward to working with DiBella Entertainment to take Edward to the next level.”