ANDREW TABITI & JUNIOR WRIGHT IN A HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH & NIKITA ABABIY & CLEOTIS PENDARVIS IN A MIDDLEWEIGHT BATTLE;

PHILADELPHIA, March 5, 2024  —  Philadelphia’s biggest name fighters and future stars will fill a loaded boxing card that takes place on Saturday, April 27 at Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University, streamed live on BLK Prime.

LET”S SETTLE is promoted by Dominic Walton’s Teflon Promotions, their first promotion.

Tickets, priced from $75, are on sale and available at TicketMaster, at this ink Here

SAVE THE DATE: there will be a press conference on Tuesday, March 19 at Liacouras Center.

“I’m super excited to bring Professional boxing to Philadelphia in a way that has not been part of the Philly culture in a long time,” said Dominic Walton. “I’m creating a platform to help Philly fighters become world champions. As a former boxer, with memories of the legendary Blue Horizon, I wanted to make a statement with my first promotion and that’s why April 27 is at the Liacouras Center, and all future shows will be on the same type, big stage.”

“This is the biggest show in Philadelphia,” said Jesse Hart. “The whole city is in an uproar. It’s Dominic’s first promotion and he’s doing it right. There is a lot of Philadelphia talent on this card – present fighters and future stars. Any of these fights could be a Philadelphia main event.”

“This card right here is a great card for the Philadelphia boxing fans and also the beginning for a new boxing promoter,” said Hank Lundy. “He’s going to take over Philly boxing. I’ve known Dominick for years and he’s here to stay. He’s putting Philly fighters back on the map!”

Walton added, “Not only am I excited to be a part of this event, I’m also excited to enforce that we need to make a change in Philadelphia. We need to stop the violence. We need to take our anger out in the ring instead of on the streets, and this is why the theme is LET’S SETTLE. We are excited about our plan to give back to the community and we have a huge announcement we will be making at the press conference.”

Fight Night Media Credential Requests

In the main event, Andrew Tabiti and Junior Wright will fight in a ten-round heavyweight bout.

Andrew “Beast” Tabiti (20-2, 16 KOs), former world title challenger, is Chicago born and now resides in Las Vegas, NV. The 34-year-old made his Pro debut in 2012 and won his first ten fights by knockout. In his thirteenth fight, on May 13, 2016, he won the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) cruiserweight title, then added the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight title on August 26, 2017. He fought for the IBF world title in 2019.

“I’m Excited to Fight in Philly, where there’s big boxing community and where legends made,” said Tabiti. “I know the show will have a lot of fans and it’ll be a great night of boxing. My opponent has some decent competition, but ?I will show I’m on another level . He has no business being in that ring with me.”

Junior Anthony “Hurricane” Wright (20-5, 17 KOs) born and raised in Evanston, IL, is thirty-seven-years-old and made his pro debut in 2011. He won his first seven bouts by knockout and has fought for titles on three separate occasions, the last being in Riyadh in October when he succumbed to the undefeated NABF and World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental champion Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“How do I feel about fighting in Philly?  I love it!! It’s a great place, great venue,” said Junior Wright. “I’ve watch Tabiti a little bit. I know he boxes pretty good, moves good, and has power. I wouldn’t take the fight if I thought I couldn’t win. We’ve been training hard and I’m coming prepared to get the W.”

In the co-main, Nikita Ababiy and Cleotis Pendarvis will battle in an eight-round middleweight bout, with the winner looking to get a title shot.

Nikitia “White Chocolate” Ababy (12-0, 6 KOs) was born in Richmond, VA and now resides in Brooklyn, NY. Born in 1998, Ababy made his pro debut two weeks prior to his twentieth birthday, winning by first round knockout. He is coming off a win over a fourteen win and one loss opponent, his toughest opponent to date.

“This is going to be my first fight in Philly and I’m very excited to bring fireworks to the city,” said Nikita. “I don’t know much about Pendarvis, all I know is that he’s getting a good whooping! The plan is to get the job done, and look good doing it!”

Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-20, 9 KOs) from Lancaster, CA, is in his twentieth year in professional boxing. He is former World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Welterweight Champion, IBF USBA Super Lightweight Champion and WBC USA Super Lightweight Champion.

The winner will be on the cusp of a title opportunity.

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (30-3, 24 KOs) was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and has been boxing professionally since 2012. Jesse won the NABF super middleweight title in 2014 and a year later added the IBF USBA and WBO NABO super middleweight titles with a knockout win against an undefeated Mike Jimenez. “Hard Work” made four successful defenses of the IBF and WBO titles which set him up for his first world title shot, which he lost by razor thin decision. Three wins later Hart fought for a world title once again, this time losing by another razor thin decision against WBO champion Zurdo Ramirez. Hart is currently on a four bout win streak, last three by knockout.

“Hank” Lundy (31-14, 14 KOs) was born and raised in Philadelphia and wears that Philly tough guy brashness on his sleeve. He is a former Universal Boxing Federation World Lightweight Champion and a two-time WBO NABO Lightweight Champion. He is also a former NABF Lightweight and NABF Super Lightweight Champion, WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Champion. He also fought pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford for his WBO World welterweight title. Hank will fight Juan De La Cruz (11-22-1, 7 KOs) from Front Royal, Virginia

“I’m coming for the knockout. There is no other way to win,” said Lundy. “All my life all I did was fight. Fight through everything. And when I get in there on April 27, I’m going to show everyone that those recent losses, it wasn’t me. I’m ready to put on a big show to say that even though I’m 40, I ain’t moving like I’m 40. I’m back and I mean business!”

Dylan Price (17-0, 11 KOs) was born in Philadelphia and now resides just over the Walt Whitman bridge in Sicklerville, NJ. The twenty-five-year-old made his pro debut in 2017. He became the NABF Bantamweight Champion with a unanimous decision victory a year ago February and successfully defended that title in his last bout in January at Boardwalk Hall. He will battle Argentinean Ernesto Sebastian “Tito” Franzolini (19-14-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

“I’m super excited about fighting in Philly,” said Price. “I know my opponent is tough, but nowhere near my level. I can’t see this fight going the distance, and yes, I’m going to knock him out.”

Joey “Tank” Dawejko (27-11, 15 KOs), born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, made his debut as a professional in 2009. He won the FECARBOX heavyweight title in 2017. In 2023 he won the WBC USA Silver heavyweight title, closing strong by knocking down his opponent twice in the final round. On April 27, in an eight-round heavyweight scrap, Tank will battle a one-loss Michigander Walter Burns.

“Can’t wait to fight back at home in Philly. After taking a loss in my last fight, I’m ready to get back to the win column, with a big KO win!” 

Tariq Green (5-2-1, 3 KOs) born and raised in Philadelphia, will be looking to complement his three-fight win streak in a four-round middleweight bout against Rancy Slanger (1-0), born in  Ghana who now resides in nearby Levittown, PA.

Frankie Lynn (3-0, 3 KOs), a Chester, PA native, will fight in a four-round welterweight bout, anticipating that he adds to his perfect record.

Nineteen-year-old Philadelphian Richard Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), who made his professional boxing debut on February 17 with a first round knockout, will battle Deron Eillis, making his pro debut, in a four-round super welterweight bout.

Philadelphian Shamsuddeen Justice (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring after multi-year layoff to fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rican Kelvin Diaz.

Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1 KO), born and raised in Philadelphia, will fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Atlantic City native Aaron Newsome (2-4).

Follow Teflon promotions

At https://www.teflonpromotions.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teflon_promotions/




HUNI PRIMED FOR MATCHROOM AND INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

Justis Huni is ready to explode on the world stage tonight in Cancun, Mexico, live worldwide on DAZN, as the Australian Heavyweight talent makes his Matchroom debut against Andrew Tabiti
 
Huni (7-0 4 KOs) and Tabiti (20-1 16 KOs) were slated to meet in New Orleans in June, but an ankle injury in sparring for the Aussie amateur standout just weeks before the bout robbed forced the bout to be postponed.
 
The 24 year old won the Australian title on his debut and tonight can make a dent in the rankings by picking up the vacant WBA International title against the American in his first fight outside of his homeland, and become the latest Australian to make noise on the world scene.
 
“This is massive for my career,” said Huni. “I’ve had some inactivity, so to be able to make my international debut in Mexico is a big thing for me. Australian boxing is blowing up right now, to be a part of it is awesome – this is the generation that is going to take it to the next level and inspire the next generation.
 
“This is exactly where we want to be, and I am grateful for the opportunities that Eddie Hearn has already given me. I’m looking to build my record up and hopefully land in the top ten and take the big fights on. I want to finish this year with a bang, maybe even get another fight in, but God willing I stay injury-free out of this fight, and I can get straight back to it and keep growing. 
 
“He’s sharp, he’s got good movement in the ring, so I’ve prepared for everything he’s going to bring, and I’m pumped, I’m looking forward to getting in there.
 
“It’s the perfect fight for both of us. I use my advantages well, which are my speed and my movement. I think he’s got similar attributes too, and it’s time for the smaller Heavyweights to start taking over.”
 
Huni and Tabiti clash on a big night of action in Cancun, headlined by WBC World Super-Featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster (20-2 11 KOs) making the first defense of his title against big-hitting Mexican Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez (34-1 31 KOs). Super-Featherweight KO machine Eduardo Nunez (24-1 24 KOs) will be looking to continue his 100 per cent KO record against Oscar Escandon (27-6 18 KOs) and the show kicks off with unbeaten Middleweight Javid Beltran (10-0 4 KOs) takes on Jose Rosas Meza (4-2 3 KOs) over eight rounds.  




Usyk Decisions Joshua Again; Retains Heavyweight Titles

Oleksandr Usyk remained the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight champion as he won a 12-round split decision over former champion Anthony Joshua in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It was much like the first fight where, Usyk was swiftly boxing with some solid jabs and left hands. What was different from the first fight, Joshua was more aggressive and landed some hard body shots. Joshua seemed to hurt Usyk a couple times, but every Usyk had an answer for all of Joshua’s offense.

Usyk landed 170 of 712 punches; Joshua was 124 of 492.

Usyk, 221.6 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Joshua took a card 115-113 and is now 20-0. Joshua, 244.5 lbs of Warford, ENG is 24-3.

Hrgovic Gets Off Deck; Beats Zhang By Decision in Heavyweight Eliminator

Filip Hrgovic survived an early knockdown and a few tense moments to gut out a 12-round unanimous decision over Zhilei Zhang in a IBF Heavyweight elimination bout.

In round one, Zhang landed a cuffing right around the head that put Hrgovic down.  In round four, Zhang was cut on his forehead.  Hrgovic was rocked several times with right hooks, but was able to eek out rounds down the stretch with combination punching.

Hrgovic landed 208 of 705 punches; Zhang was 154 of 395.

Hrgovic, 242.9 lbs of Zagrab, CRO won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113.

“That was for my father who passed away a few months ago. He was a special man. Yes (he has been on my mind), but my beautiful wife, Marinela, was with me in my training camp in Houston and was able to give me energy.”

“Yes, it was a very close fight, I was losing the fight, but in the later rounds I pushed myself and gave everything. I landed some huge shots, and the last six rounds he was just standing there. The knockdown, I wasn’t hurt at all, I slipped on his feet and lost my balance.

“He surprised me, he’s better than I had thought he was.”

Callum Smith Destroys Bauderlique in 4

Former super middleweight champion Callum Smith took out Mathieu Bauderlique in round four of their 12-round light heavyweight bout.

In round four, Smith dropped Baudelique with a hard left hook. It was another vicious left hook that dropped Bauderlique on to the bottom rope and the fight was stopped ‘at

Smith, 174.7 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 29-1 with 21 knockouts. Bauderlique, 174.4 lbs of France is 21-1

Jack Decisions Rivera

Former world champion Badou Jack won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated Richard Rivera in a cruiserweight fight.

Jack landed 101 of 299 punches; Rivera was 85 of 411.

Jack, 199 lbs of Las Vegas, NV won by scores of 96-94 twice and 96-94 for Rivera and is now 27-3-2. Rivera, 194.9 lbs of Hartford, CT is 21-1.

Almaayouf Stops Alatorre in 1

Saudi-bred Ziyad Almaayouf stopped Jose Alatorre in round one of a four-round super lightweight bout featuring debutants.

In round one, Almaayou dropped Alatorre with a short right hand. Almaayouf ended things with Almaayouf sent Alatorre down with a flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Almaayouf, 139.3 lbs of Los Angeles, CA via Saudi Arabia is 1-0 with one knockout. Alatorre, 136.9 lbs of La Paz, MEX is 0-1.

Ali Stops Nova in 1st

In the first female bout in Saudi Arabian history, Ramla Ali stopped Crystal Garcia Nova in the opening round of their eight round super bantamweight bout.

Ali landed a hard right hand that put Nova down and she did not get up before the 10-count at 1:05.

Ali, 122.7 lbs of Mogadishu, SOM is 7-0 with two knockouts. Nova, 122.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 10-3.

Andrew Tabiti stopped previously undefeated James Wilson after round five of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round five, Tabiti beat down Wilson and dropped him in the corner with a right uppercut. After the round, Wilson’s corner pulled the plug on the fight.

Tabiti, 216.7 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 20-1 with 16 knockouts. Wilson, 238.5 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 7-1-1.

2021 UK Olympian Ben Whittaker remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Petar Nosic in a light heavyweight fight.

Whittaker, 173.7 lbs of West Bromwich, ENG won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 2-0. Nosic, 175.3 lbs of Vrgorac, CRO is 6-1.

Tall light heavyweight and Usyk stablemate, Daniel Lapin remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Josef Jurko in a light heavyweight bout.

Lapin, 173 lbs of Kiev, UKR won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 6-0. Jurko, 176.1 lbs Kosice, SLO is 9-7-1.

Traycho Georgiev took a four-round split decision over debuting Rasheed Belhasa in a super welterweight bout.

Georgiev, 146.6 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 1-3. Belhasa, 148.5 lbs of Dubai, UAE is 0-1.

Bader Al Samreen stopped Faud Tarverdi in the fourth and final round of their super lightweight contest.

In round four Al Samreen dropped Traverdi. A follow up flurry forced a referee stoppage at 1:16.

Al Samreen




Briedis knocks out Glowacki in 3

Mairis Briedis stopped  Krzysztof Glowacki  in three rounds to win the WBO Cruiserweight title and advance to the World Boxing Super Series at Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia.

Briedis dropped Glowacki three times and the fight was stopped at 27 seconds of round three.

Briedis of Latvia is 26-1 with 19 knockouts.  Glowacki of Poland is 31-2.

Yuniel Dorticos stopped Andrew Tabiti in round 10 to win the IBF Cruiserweight title and advance the the finals of the World Boxing Super Series

In round six, Doricos was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt.  Tabiti was docked a point in the same round for holding.

In round ten, Dorticos landed a booming right that sent crashing on his back and the fight was over at 2:33.

Dorticos is now 24-1 with 22 knockouts.  Tabiti is now 17-1.

Ricards Bolotniks stopped Gason Gassanov in round six of their scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Gassanov dropped Bolotniks with a hard counter right.

Bolotniks is 14-5-1 with six knockouts. Gassanov is 16-8-1.

Nkolajs Grisunins won a six-round unanimous decision over Vaclav Pejsar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Pejsar dropped Grisunins with a right hand that was followed by three crunching blows on the ropes. When Grisunins got to his feet he was on unsteady legs and bleeding from his nostrils. In the next round, Grisunins turned the tables as he dropped Pejsar with a body shot. Pejsar was hurt and went down again with a hard combination. Pejsar was all over Grisunins.

Scores were 58-53 on all cards for Grisunins, 201,7 lbs of Latvia and is now 11-1-1. Pejsar, 198.4 lbs of the Czech Republic is 14-8.

Jevgenijs Aleksejevs won a six-round split decision over Siarhei Khamitski in a super middleweight bout.

Aleksejevs, 170.8 lbs of Riga, LAT won two cards 58-57, while Khamitski took a 58-57.

Aleksejevs is 11-0. Khamitski, 166.8 lbs of Belarus is 32-18-3.




Dorticos to take on Tabiti in WBSS


Cruiserweights Yunier Dorticos and Andrew Tabiti will fight on June 15th in a semifinal in the World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“It’s an honor and I’m extremely excited to fight in Riga. It’s a beautiful country with amazing people and culture,” Dorticos said. “My game plan will be simple: Tabiti will learn why I’m called the ‘KO Doctor.’ A doctor can operate at any level. It can be a quick procedure or a prolonged procedure. Regardless, it will be very painfully for Tabiti.

“I can’t wait for the bell to ring, because he’s an obstacle into the final and I will run him over like a train. I will win the semifinals at all cost.”

“I’m looking forward to this fight in Riga,” Tabiti said. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to prove I’m one of the best out there in my division since the beginning of my career. I believe this is the fight where I’ll show the world that I’m world champion material. My discipline and patience along with my boxing IQ make me confident that I will get the victory over Dorticos.”

The fight in Latvia will be paired with the other semifinal bout between Mairis Briedis and Krzysztof Glowacki, and will be streamed on DAZN.




Tete decisions Aloyan; Defends Bantamweight title and advances in WBSS

Zolani Tete retained the WBO Bantamweight title and advanced into the 2nd round of The World Boxing Super series with a 12-round unanimous decision over Mikhail Aloyan.

In round one, Tete landed a left hook that stumbled Aloyan back and his glove touched the canvas for a knockdown.

In round ten, Tete was was docked a point for holding. Later in the round, Aloyan was cut over his right eye for which the ringside doctor took a brief look. In round eleven, Aloyan was deducted a point for holding.

Tete, 116.4 lbs of South Africa, won by scores of 114-110 and 114-111 twice, and is now 28-3. Aloyan, 117.2 lbs of Russia is 4-1.

Andrew Tabiti moved to the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Seres with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ruslan Fayfer in a fight that featured undefeated fighter.

Fayfer was deducted one point in the final round for holding.

Tabiti, 199.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by score of 116-111, 115-112 and 114-113, and is now 17-0. Fayfer, 197.4 lbs of Russia is 23-1.




Former World Champion Ishe Smith Battles Exciting Contender Tony Harrison in 154-pound Clash that Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce Live on Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vega

Nov. 17, 2017, Las Vegas,Nevada — weighin — for Mayweather Promotions – Cosmopolitian
— CHRIS FARINA – Mayweather Promotions

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2018) – Former super welterweight champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith will battle top 154-pound contender Tony Harrison in a 10-round match that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce on Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, top contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will meet Lateef Kayode in a 10-round cruiserweight attraction. Smith and Tabiti, both Las Vegas residents, will be fighting on their home turf and looking to impress their hometown fans.

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale Monday, April 23 at 12 p.m. PT and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

“Mayweather Promotions has had a busy year thus far and the momentum isn’t slowing down with May 11th at Sam’s Town Live right around the corner,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This venue is certainly one of the local properties that we enjoy working with and have made it our home over the past few years.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ishe Smith back in the ring after the stellar performance that he put on against Julian Williams to close out 2017. I know that he is physically and mentally prepared to take on Tony Harrison and will not disappoint. Andrew Tabiti is a young talented fighter that is on track to have a bright future. He will look to build upon his flawless record in the co-feature against Lateef Kayode on May 11.”

The 39-year-old Smith (29-9, 12 KOs) became the first Las Vegas-born boxer to win a world championship when he defeated Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight title by majority decision in 2013. He lost the title by split decision to Carlos Molina in his next fight before earning another title shot against Erislandy Lara in 2014, that he lost lost by decision. Smith most recently dropped a competitive contest on Bounce against Julian Williams last November.

“I picked up right where I left off from my last fight. I’m back in camp. I didn’t take any time off since my last fight,” Smith said. “This will be the second fight in a row where I am bringing in a strength and conditioning coach. I credit my strength & conditioning coach, who played a major role in my last performance being one of my career best. It was no question, before I had a date I was back working with my team. I feel younger, I feel great – I’m the modern day Benjamin Button. I felt great in my last fight and I’m going to continue to bring it.

“I don’t feel like I’m approaching 40, I actually feel younger and in the best shape of my life. This camp I’m focused on not leaving anything into the judges hands like last time. I can’t allow another bad call against me. It’s time for me to make a statement, dominate, and get this guy out. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’m going to make him fight my fight.”

Harrison (26-2, 21 KOs) is a heavy-handed 154-pound contender from Detroit, Michigan who has put together two strong victories since suffering a KO loss to unified super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd in 2017. Harrison most recently scored a KO victory over George Sosa on Feb. 17 in El Paso.

“It’s about time for me to get back into the loop. This is a tough fight against Ishe, who is coming off of a good performance for himself against Julian Williams,” Harrison said. “I’ve been wanting to fight Ishe since my early days as a pro, and this is exactly the kind of fight that I need. This is definitely going to be a good one.

“Ishe is almost 40 years old, but that makes no difference to me. Ishe’s been a world champion, and in order for me to become a world champion, I’ve got to go through one. It’s a difficult task, and there is definitely no way that I’m taking Ishe lightly. I’m the ultimate competitor, and there’s not a fight in the world that I wouldn’t take. I’m ready to lay it all on the line in this fight, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile when I get the win.”

Tabiti (15-0, 12 KOs) has used his punching power to make a steady climb up the cruiserweight ladder. The 28-year-old, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Las Vegas, took a major step forward in his last fight when he scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Steve Cunningham on Aug. 26. A win against the veteran Kayode will further solidify his position among the top cruiserweight contenders.

“My last fight I showed everyone that I’m a smart boxer,” Tabiti said. “I think a lot of guys expect me to just go in the ring and knock guys out but I feel like it’s important to show that I’m versatile. I can box with you or I can use my power and get a guy out.

“This camp, my goal is to focus on targeting the body plus using the IQ I gained from my last camp and fight. This guy is older, he’s coming off two losses, he’s on his way out, but I can’t overlook him. My last opponent was a lot older so I’m going to take the tools and experience and put it all together to bring the fans a great performance.”

The 35-year-old Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) is looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses, including a unanimous decision loss to Keith Tapia in his last fight on Sept. 23. Kayode, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and now lives in Hollywood, California, dropped down to cruiserweight after his match against heavyweight Luis Ortiz was declared a no contest due to Ortiz failing his post-fight drug test for performance enhancing drugs in 2014. His last victory was a unanimous decision against Nick Kisner in 2015. That paved the way for a shot at the cruiserweight world title later that year, which he lost by knockout to Denis Lebedev.

“Tabiti has absolutely no experience compared to me and his opponents have been less than formidable,” said Kayode. “I will show him why I’m in a completely different class of fighter!”
# # #

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More fight than farce as Mayweather stops McGregor

LAS VEGAS – In the end, only the spectacle was memorable. The fight was forgettable. Yet in the end, it was indeed a fight instead of the mere farce predicted by so many.

 

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. won it and with the stoppage he promised Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in a pay-per-view event expected to set records.

 

But there was also a victory wrapped in the defeat for Conor McGregor, who was still upright at the time of the 10round TKO and proud as ever after the MMA star’s first professional boxing match against this generation’s best at the more traditional sweet science.

 

McGregor surprised the boxing pursuits.

 

Seemed to surprise, Mayweather, too.

 

He threw jabs nobody had ever seen or even suspected he had. He had Mayweather in retreat fighting off his back foot. In the opening rounds, Mayweather looked exactly like the 40-year-old man who had not answered an opening bell in a couple of years. After six rounds, it looked like an even fight.

 

But McGregor’s unfamiliarity with boxing became increasingly evident. By the fourth round, there was awkward pawing with his jab. His hands began to drop. All the while, Mayweather’s muscle memory began to exert itself and take control of the junior-middleweight bout.

 

His found his timing. He rediscovered his sense of range. Then, his right hand began to land, land and land. Suddenly, there was swelling around McGregor’s eyes. In those Irish eyes, there were mounting signs of fatigue.

 

The end was near, a historical one for what Mayweather vowed was his last fight. In Nevada Athletic Commission-sanctioned bout, Mayweather went 50-0, supassing Rocky Marciano’s milestone.

 

“Boxing’s reputation was on the line,’’ Mayweather said.

 

Mayweather’s legacy was, too. He protected that and managed to add a reported $200,000 to his bank account.

 

“”Our game plan was to take our time, go to him, let him shoot his shots early and then take him out down the stretch,’’ said Mayweather, who ended with it fusillade of right hands that left McGregor holding on and finished at 1:05 of the 10th. “We know in MMA he fights for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, he started to slow down. I guaranteed to everybody that this wouldn’t go the distance.’’

 

McGregor wished that it had. Referee Robert Byrd, he said, should have let it go on, all the way through the 12th and final round and on to the scorecards.

 

“Where was the final two rounds?’’ said McGregor, who collected a $100 million guarantee. “Let me walk back to my corner and compose myself.”

 

He’ll have plenty of time to do that. His $100-million guarantee is worth a lot of composure.

Gervonta Davis gets only boos in victory

Gervonta Davis lost his title on the scale. He lost respect in the ring.

Davis won the fight, but not much else in an eighth-round TKO of Francisco Fonseca Saturday in the final fight before the Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather Jr pay-per-view spectacle Saturday night at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Davis, who was two pounds heavier than the 130-pound mandatory Friday  for a defense of the International Boxing Federation’s title, dropped Fonseca with a punch to the back of the head at 39 seconds of the eighth.
“An illegal punch,” said Fonseca (19-1-1, 13 KOs), a Costa Rica who went to the canvas and stayed there on has hands and knees for several long moments.
Davis 19-0, 18 KOs), a Mayweather promoted fighter from Baltimore, denied there was anything illegal about the blows. He mocked Fonseca in the end by mimicking him, but resting his hands and knees onto the canvas in the same beaten posture. When he stood up, the crowd erupted in boos, which was the only thing he earned.

 

Jack scores TKO for light-heavyweight title

Things changed quickly for Badou Jack. He made sure of it.

Rocked early, Jack (21-1-3, 14 KOs) recovered quickly and definitively, winning the World Boxing Association’s light-heavyweight title with a fifth-round TKO Saturday of Nathan Cleverly (30-4, 16 KOs).
Jack, a Swedish fighter training in Las Vegas, won his piece of the world title by establishing a quick, precise jab after Cleverly, of Wales, aggressively went after him in the opening two rounds of a pay-per-view bout on the Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayeather Jr. card at Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena.
By the fourth, Jack was in control. By the fifth, Cleverly was slumping on the ropes and finished at 2:17 of the round.

Tabiti wins unanimous decision over Cunningham

Andrew Tabiti’s fast hands initiated a head-to-body attack that the Las Vegas cruiserweight sustained throughout 10 rounds for a unanimous decision over Steve Cunningham of Philadelphia for a minor title Saturday night at Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena.

Tabiti (16-0, 13 KOs) was quicker on his feet and quicker to punch through the a 97-93, 100-90, 97-93 scorecard victory over Cunningham (29-9-1, 13 KOs)in the first pay-per-view bout on the Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather Jr. card.

Yordenis Ugas, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist from Cuba, scored two knockdowns and got up from one for unanimous decision over Puerto Rican Thomas Dulorme (24-3, 16 KOs) in a terrific, 10-round welterweight fight Saturday in the final bout before the pay-per-view portion of the Mayweather-McGregor card at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Ugas looked as if he would overwhelm Dulorme early. He dropped him twice in the second round. Dulorme returned the favor in the seventh, yet wasn’t able to capitalize with the second knockdown he would have needed for the win.
In the card’s third bout, Las Vegas welterweight Juan Heraldez (13-0, 8 KOs) relied superior strength and a disciplined defense, winning a unanimous decision over Mexican Jose Borrego (12-1, 11 KOs), who had had enough power to score a knockdown in the 10th, yet failed to do much through the other nine rounds..

Everybody might be talking about Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Conor McGregor, but nobody was there when the hyped event began.

The show opened to an empty room Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

There were only a couple of fighters and lots of echoes about three hours before Showtime’s pay-per-view card was scheduled to begin.

London super-middleweight Savannah Marshall (1-0) and Sydney LeBlanc of Lafayette, LA, created the first echoes. Most of them came from Marshall’s punches. She landed one after another, scoring a unanimous decision over LeBlanc (4-4-1).

In the card’s second fight, Fresno super-middleweight Antonio Hernandez (10-1, 2 KOs) was stronger and busier, scoring often enough for unanimous decision over Kevin Newman (7-1-1, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas.




FOLLOW MAYWEATHER – MCGREGOR LIVE!!

Follow all the action as undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather takes on UFC sensation Conor McGregor in a highly anticipated boxing match.  The show begins at 7 PM ET with a 5 fight undercard that will feature Gervonta Davis taking on Francisco Fonseca in a lightweight bout (Fonseca can win the IBF Jr. Lightweight title which Davis vacated at the scales.  Nathan Cleverly defends the WBA Light Heavyweight title against former super middleweight champion Badou Jack.  Undefeated Andrew Tabiti takes on former two-time world champion Steve Cunningham in a cruiserweight battle.

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12-ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–FLOYD MAYWEATHER (49-0, 26 KOS) VS CONOR MCGREGOR (PD) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 MAYWEATHER  9 10   9 10   10  10  10  9 10         87
 MCGREGOR 10   9  10  9 10   9  10  9        85

Round 1: McGregor lands a left…Uppercut

Round 2: Right from Mayweather..Right from Mayweather…Right from McGregor..Left to body..Right from Mayweather..

Round 3 Jab from McGregor..Jab..Right to body from Mayweather..

Round 4 McGregor lands a a left…2 rights from Mayweather..combination..Jab from McGregor..Right from Mayweather..Left from McGregor..Lead right from Mayweather..Left uppercut from McGregor..

Round 5 Right to body from McGregor..Left from Mayweather..right

Round 6 Jab from McGregor..Right to body fro Mayweather…lead right..right from Mayweather…Left to body from McGregor…good body work..left..Good counter right from Mayweather..

Round 7  Right from Mayweather..uppercut from McGregor..Combination and right from Mayweather,,2 rights..

Round 8 Good left from McGregor..2 rights from Mayweather..Combination from McGregor..Jab from Mayweather..

Round 9 Body shot from McGregor…hard combination…Right from Mayweather…hard right,,McGregor hurt..Hard right rocks McGregor.

Round 10 2 HUGE RIGHTS….MCgREGOR HURT…1 MORE SHOT…ROBERT BYRD STOPS THE FIGHT

 12-ROUNDS–IBF JR. LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE–GERVONTA DAVIS (18-0, 17 KOS) VS FRNACISCO FONSECA (19-0-1, 13 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 DAVIS  10  9 10   9  10  10 10             68
 FONSECA  9  10  10  9  9  9            65

Round 1: Left to body from Davis..Left uppercut..Right to body from Fonseca..Counter left Davis..Right to body from Fonseca

Round 2 Nice combination from F9nseca…Body shot from Davis…Left hook from Fonseca..Hard uppercut from Davis..

Round 3: Huge combination featuring uppercuts from Davis..Left from Davis…Good counter from Fonseca…

Round 4 Huge uppercut from Davis…Right and left from Fonseca..Good left..Body shot

Round 5  Fonseca lands a left to the body…Hard body shots from Davis..right to body…Counter from Fonseca…

Round 6 Lead left from Davis…Nice left

Round 7  Good right from Fonseca..Good right and left uppercut from Davis…Right to body from Fonseca..Left from Davis

Round 8 LEFT TO HEAD…FONSECA DOWN AND COUNT REACHES 10…FONSECA CLAIMING BEHIND THE HEAD

 12-ROUNDS–WBA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–NATHAN CLEVERLY (30-3, 16 KOS) VS BADOU JACK (20-1-3, 12 KOS) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 Cleverly  9  9  9  9                 36
 Jack  10 10  10   10                  40

Round 1: Right from Jack..Body..2 rights..Right from Cleverly..Good right from Jack..Jab from Cleverly..left from body..uppercut from Cleverly…Nice right

Round 2 Body shot from Jack..2 rights from Cleverly..1-2 from Jack..Nice body shot..overhand right

Round 3 Body shots from Jack..Right hand..Good uppercut..Short body shot..Jab from Cleverly

Round 4 Hard shots from Jack..Nice left hook and right..Big left hook..Big 3 punch combo.Clecer;y bleeding from the nose

Round 5 Hard left from Jack..Jack landing big shots on ropes…Left from Cleverly..Jack pounding Cleverly on the ropes..BIG UPPERCUT FIGHT STOPPED–TKO FOR BADOU JACK

 10-ROUNDS–CRUISERWEIGHTS-ANDREW TABITI (15-0, 13 KOS) VS STEVE CUNNINGHAM (29-8-1, 13 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 TABITI 10   10 10   9 10   10 10   10  9     97
 CUNNINGHAM  9  9  9 10   10  9  9  9  10      93

Round 1 3 jabs from Tabiti..counter jab from Cunningham..Right from Tabiti..Jab..Jab from Cunningham..Lead right from Tabiti..Counter from Cunningham..

Round 2 Double jab..right hand from Tabiti..Nice counter right from Cunningham…Combination from Tabiti…Left hook for Cunningham..

Round 3 Combination from Tabiti..Right to body..Counter from Tabiti..Jab from Cunningham..

Round 4 Tabiti lands a right to the body..Jab from Cunningham..Jab..Right

Round 5  Right from Tabiti..2 jabs from Tabiti..Left from Cunningham..uppercut..Double jab

Round 6 Counter right from Tabiti..Right from Cunningham..short right from Tabiti

Round 7  Right to body from Tabiti..Jab..Nice exchange

Round 8  Right from Tabiti…right uppercut

Round 9 Combination from Tabiti..Counter right from Cunningham..

Round 10 Double jab from Cunningham…

Tabiti landed 112-315       Cunningham 89-329

97-93 twice and 100-90 for Tabiti

10 ROUNDS-WELTERWEIGHTS–THOMAS DULORME (24-2, 16 KOS) VS YORDENIS UGAS (19-3, 9 KOS) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 DULORME  7  9  10  9 10   10 10   8      91
 UGAS  10 10   10  9  10  10  8  9  9  10     95

Round 1 Right from Ugas…

Round 2:  Right from Dulorme….Uppercut..GOOD UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES DULORME..Good body shot…HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DULORME

Round 3:  Big flurry from Ugas.. Right from Ugas…Hard hook to the jaw..

Round 4:  Dulorme lands a straight right…

Round 5 Right from Ugas..Hard right..Trading uppercuts…Hook from Ugas..uppercut and right…

Round 6 Right from Ugas…Body shot from Dulorme…

Round 7:  DULORME DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A LOW BLOW…Uppercut from Ugas..BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES UGAS

Round 8:  Hard uppercut from Dulorme…Left hook from Ugas..Left from Ugas..2 hooks from Dulorme..

Round 9:  Hard hooks from Dulorme

Round 10:  DULORME DOCKED A POINT FOR A LOW…Hook from Ugas..

94-91 and 93-92 TWICE FOR YORDENIS UGAS

 10-ROUNDS–MIDDLEWEIGHTS–JUAN HERALDEZ (12-0, 8 KOS) VS JOSE BORREGO (12-0, 11 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 HERALDEZ  10  9 10  9  10 10  10  10  10       96
 BORREGO  9  10  10  9  9  10  9 10   9     94

Round 1 Double jab and hook from Heraldez..Combination..

Round 2 Combination from Borrego..Body shot from Herladez

Round 3 Triple jab from Heraldez…Combination..Borrego bleeding…Hook from Heraldez

Round 4:  Borrego counters on ropes..

Round 5 Combination from Heraldez..

Round 6 Straight left from Borrego..Combination from Heraldez..

Round 7 Combination from Borrego..Right from Heraldez..Good left..

Round 8 3 jabs from Heraldez..Right…Left from Borrego…Borrego bleeding from his nose..Good combination from Heraldez…Body shot

Round 9  LEFT AND DOWN GOES HERALDEZ …Good body shot…Good left hook..

Round 10 Left from Borrego..Jab from Heraldez…Body shot..

96-93, 97-92 TWICE FOR JUAN HERALDEZ




Two-Time world champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham to release comic book series this fall


Philadelphia, PA (August 25, 2015) – On the eve of his highly anticipated bout with undefeated Andrew Tabiti on Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather – Conor McGregor Pay-Per-View card in Las Vegas, two-time cruiserweight world champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham has announced that he will be releasing a series of comic books this Fall.

Cunningham of Philadelphia will combine his love of comics and his decorated boxing career into an entertaining comic book series that will also feature many of the opponents and personalities of his illustrious 17 year career.

The first strip will feature a fictional depiction of his epic battle with Amir “Hardcore” Mansour that took place in 2014. Below is a brief video with some of the illustrations that will be featured in the inaugural book.

“Drawing has always been a passion of mine, and people who are artists are inspired from their life experiences. I have been fortunate to be able to participate in the highest form of theater in professional sports, and that is boxing at the highest level. I have so many thoughts and ideas from those experiences and I hope to entertain not only boxing fans, but comic lovers from all over the world,” said Cunningham.




Floyd Mayweather Las Vegas Media Workout Quotes


LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2017) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather opened up the Mayweather Boxing Club on Thursday for a media workout ahead of his highly anticipated matchup against UFC champion Conor McGregor on Saturday, Aug. 26 in the headlining attraction of a SHOWTIME PPV event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Joining Mayweather at the media workout were a trio of fighters competing under the Mayweather Promotions banner who enter the ring in undercard attractions on SHOWTIME PPV.

America’s youngest world champion, Gervonta “Tank” Davis will make the second defense of his world title against unbeaten challenger Francisco Fonseca while former world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” is set to challenge 175-pound titleholder Nathan Cleverly in his debut at light heavyweight.

The PPV event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising cruiserweight contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti taking ontwo-time world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham in a 10-round bout.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“I’ve been here before and I know what it takes. It’s my same old routine but I’m older now so I have to let the body rest a lot more. With age comes wisdom. When I was a lot younger I would just train and train and never let myself recuperate. When I come back from resting I come back rejuvenated and with a lot more spark.

“This isn’t just a fight; this is an event. We both owe the fans and everyone tuning in a lot of excitement. That’s what we’re there to give them.

“I know I’m going to face a warrior. It’s not for me to worry about what he does on a day-to-day basis. I have to worry about what I have to go out there and do. I have to execute the game plan. I’m not going to overlook him. That’s why I’m in here working extremely hard.

“When it’s all said and done it comes down to the two competitors. My dad can give me a brilliant game plan but he can’t get in there and fight for me. Same for Conor and his team. It doesn’t matter who the crowd’s rooting for, it’s two men in there.

“This training camp has been a lot different. I’ve spent some time in Miami and in Los Angeles training. I’ve been pushed really hard by the young guys in camp. I don’t need to post every workout video because I’ve been around this sport a long time and everyone knows what I can do.

“On paper we know he’s taller and has a long reach. He has youth on his side. People say that he has power on his side. I know that ring IQ and experience are in my favor. I have the fight knowledge on my side. We both have advantages.

“I know he’s going to come out and try to switch stances. He’ll come out southpaw then go the other way. But all that does is burn energy. Then I’m going to give him a look and give him some knowledge, and we’ll see what happens.

“Conor feels it’s not going to go past four rounds and I don’t think it’s going the distance. We’re both confident in our skills and we’ll see who gets it done.

“My opponent is always confident, but it’s different being in there with Floyd Mayweather. They realize that this is real. But for me, it’s just another day. That’s the mentality that has allowed me to stay undefeated.

“It’s been great to be in a position as a promoter to give knowledge to young fighters. It’s one of my ultimate goals to take a young fighter and make them a household name. I want to take fighters to the next level.”

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m feeling great. Being in the same ring and on the undercard of Floyd’s fight is amazing. I’ve worked hard to get to this point and I’m ready to put on a great show on August 26.

“Training has been sharp. I’ve been stopping a lot of guys in training. I can’t wait to get in the ring and give the fans a big knockout.

“Being on this card has been a big motivation in training. It feels great and I’m truly blessed to be in this position. I think the excitement that this card brings will be great for the sport of boxing. I’m ready to shine.

“I know I have a tough undefeated opponent who’s going to come in and try to take my belt and I have to take care of business. He has some decent power so I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.

“I’ve accomplished a lot at a young age. It’s all because of the hard work that I’ve put in for my entire life. I don’t complain, I just keep working every day.

“I’m ready to take full advantage of this chance I have. It’s just one step on a long road I see to the top of this sport.”

BADOU JACK

“Everything is great in training camp. I’ve been in training for about seven weeks getting ready for this matchup. I’m excited and happy to be a part of such a big event.

“I think this weight is going to be better for me. I’m going to have more power. I’ll be more athletic and style-wise I prefer to fight bigger guys. I can use my speed, but I also like to go inside and break my opponent down. It’s harder if I have to chase them, but the big guys are going to be right there.

“Cleverly has a high work rate and he’s very tough. He’s going to come to fight. That’s what we want. It’s a good first fight for me at this weight.

“I’m excited to work hard these next two weeks and get to fight night. He’s been in some good fights but I’m different than anyone he’s faced. I’ll show how my skills translate to light heavyweight.

“It’s really a blessing to be in this position. I’m happy because a lot of other fighters don’t get to be on this stage. I’m so thankful to my whole team. I won’t let the fans down and on August 26, I’m coming to steal the show.

“I’ve done everything right to get to this point. It’s an honor to be in this position. I just have to take care of business.”

ANDREW TABITI

“This is a huge deal to me. Floyd Mayweather is the biggest star in boxing and to be a part of everything that’s going on is a dream come true.

“I was really happy when I found out that I’d be fighting on this card. There aren’t really words for how blessed I am to be in this position.

“This fight means a lot to me. This is a chance for me to become the American face of cruiserweights just like Steve Cunningham was. I’m taking this very seriously and I have great respect for Steve Cunningham, but this is my time to take it.

“I’m ready to be a fresh face in the cruiserweight division. I’m going to give it everything I have. I’m humbled by this experience and I’m going to take advantage of it.

“I can’t wait to open the show. There’s a little added pressure being at the beginning of the PPV but I’m going to embrace it and put on a great performance.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Floyd is a lot wiser now. He’s gotten smarter with age. He’s a young man who has an incredible vision and I have a great deal of respect for everything he’s done.

“The older you get, the harder it is to get things going in training. It’s taken Floyd a while to get in a groove, but he’s in a groove now.

“All of these records being broken are because of Floyd Mayweather. He’s been innovative and he always thinks outside the box. That’s why he’s had such tremendous success.

“We’ve been able to generate a great deal of interest in new avenues and bring Floyd to even more casual fans because of the boxing and MMA worlds colliding. This is going to be one of the biggest nights in sports entertainment history.

“Both guys are looking to knock each other out. I believe Conor McGregor when he says that he’s looking to knock Floyd out in the first four rounds. He hasn’t shown me anything to make me think differently. Floyd usually just goes and does his thing, but with some things that have happened recently, I think Floyd really wants to get him out of there.”

# # #

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing event. Mayweather vs. McGregor takes place on Saturday, August 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports and www.t-mobilearena.com, follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/UFC




TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS INCLUDING AMERICA’S YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS FACING FRANCISCO FONSECA ANNOUNCED FOR MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD

LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2017) – Two world championship fights including a title defense by America’s youngest world champion are part of the trio of high stakes matchups on the Mayweather vs. McGregor SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, Aug. 26 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Mayweather Promotions.

The four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event, beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, is headlined by the unprecedented super welterweight matchup between boxing’s undefeated all-time great Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor. In the co-featured bout, undefeated rising star Gervonta “Tank” Davis will make the second defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against undefeated challenger Francisco Fonseca as the 22-year-old looks to continue his reign as the youngest current champion from the U.S.

WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against former 168-pound world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper”, who is stepping up in weight and into this world title tilt.

The pay-per-view telecast will open with undefeated rising cruiserweight contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti taking ontwo-time world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham in a 10-round bout for the USBA cruiserweight title.

“What a night this will be for fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Not only will they witness a first of its kind main event, but they will also see two incredible world title fights, as Mayweather Promotions’ very own current and former world champions go head-to-head in separate bouts. Gervonta Davis is nothing short of pure boxing talent with dynamite power. Former super middleweight world champion Badou Jack is making his light heavyweight debut, and looking to take the title away from a tough and experienced Nathan Cleverly. But first, Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will open the pay-per-view telecast with what I expect to be a magnificent performance. This diverse card is an epic, international affair stacked with talent. Make sure you don’t miss the biggest event the sport has ever seen.”

“This undercard includes three meaningful matches featuring fighters we’ve seen develop over the years on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Gervonta Davis has fast-tracked himself to stardom on this network, we’ve seen Badou Jack develop from prospect to champion, and we’re now witnessing similar growth with Andrew Tabiti. We’re excited to watch them compete in tough, competitive matchups on this global stage.”
Gervonta Davis vs. Francisco Fonseca – IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship

One of the fastest-rising young stars in the sport, Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) became the youngest reigning champion from the U.S. when he knocked out Jose Pedraza in January to capture the IBF 130-pound crown. The 22-year-old made his first title defense in style when he went to London and stopped Liam Walsh in May. Both bouts aired live on SHOWTIME. Representing Baltimore, Davis won the 2012 National Golden Gloves championship and scored knockouts in his first eight fights after turning pro in 2013. He enters this matchup on a streak of nine-straight fights that have ended with a knockout victory.

“I’m really excited to fight as the co-main event on the biggest card in combat sports history,” said Davis. “I plan to put on a great show for everyone in attendance in Las Vegas and for those who purchase the PPV. I want to thank my team for this incredible opportunity. I’m ready for Floyd Mayweather to pass his torch to me. To my fans, I appreciate all of you. Support me and I’ll fight for you!”

Fighting out of San Ramon, Costa Rica, Fonseca (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has won 19 straight fights after turning pro with a majority draw in 2013. Fonseca quickly established himself as one of the top fighters from his country with victory after victory, including a fourth-round knockout of Luis Gonzlaez to capture a regional 130-pound belt last August. The 23-year-old will make his U.S. debut when he faces Davis and he enters this contest having won his last five bouts inside of the distance. Fonseca began his 2017 with a third round knockout of Eliecer Lanzas in March and is trained by two-time world champion Ivan Calderon.

“I am super grateful for this great opportunity,” said Fonseca. “The dream of every young boxer is to fight for the world title and this opportunity comes at the best moment of my career and in the biggest in the history of this sport. I will beat Gervonta Davis and I will shock the world that night.”

Nathan Cleverly vs. Badou Jack – WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship

A two-time world champion at light heavyweight, Cleverly (30-3, 16 KOs) bounced back from a defeat to Andrzej Fonfara in a 2015 Fight of the Year contender to defeat hometown champ Juergen Braehmer last October to pick up his WBA title. Cleverly’s previous title reign saw him take down the likes of Tony Bellew, Nadjib Mohammedi, Shawn Hawk and Tommy Karpency before dropping a contest to Sergey Kovalev. The Wales resident will make his fourth start in the U.S., having won two of his first three contests stateside.

“This is a fight I have wanted ever since Badou Jack moved to light heavyweight and I’m delighted to fight in Vegas on an event like this,” said Cleverly. “I’ve trained long and hard for this fight and I’m ready to be let off the leash. This is the biggest fight of my career so far and I’m going to do a number on Badou Jack on August 26.”

Now fighting in the 175-pound division, Jack’s final fight at 168 pounds came in a title unification on SHOWTIME in January against James DeGale. Jack (21-1-2, 12 KOs) shook off an early knockdown to floor DeGale in the final round in a close majority draw in which both fighters retained their belts. The 2008 Olympian from Gambia won his world title in 2015 by defeating then unbeaten Anthony Dirrell and defended the belt against current champion George Groves and former champion Lucian Bute. The 33-year-old is unbeaten in his last six bouts as he seeks a world title in a second weight class.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m excited about getting another shot at a world title,” said Jack. “To be a part of this event and fighting on this card is historic. Nothing beats it. I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m getting ready to take that belt, and win a title in my second weight class. The biggest difference between past training camps and preparing for this fight is the fact that I was training to get the weight down, now I’m training to build muscle and perfect my boxing strategy. This will be a tough fight, but I don’t see any issues getting through it. I feel confident and fans can expect a win by knockout or decision. He’s not leaving with that belt. It’s staying right here in Las Vegas.”

Andrew Tabiti vs. Steve Cunningham – 10 Round Cruiserweight Bout

Originally from Chicago but fighting out of Las Vegas, Tabiti (14-0, 12 KOs) recorded victories against previously unbeaten fighters Keith Tapia and Quantis Graves in his last two outings – both on ShoBox: The New Generation – as he works to solidify himself as a contender in the red hot cruiserweight division. The 27-year-old turned pro in 2013 after amassing a solid 32-6 amateur record and scored knockout victories in his first 10 fights. He’ll battle his most experienced opponent to date when he faces the multiple-time champion Cunningham.

“I’ve always been dedicated when it comes to training and this camp has been no different,” said Tabiti. “I know I am fighting a veteran who has a lot of experience, so I can’t slack on my conditioning and training. He’s tough and he’s only been stopped once and that was when he moved up in weight to heavyweight, so it would be a big statement for me to stop him. This fight is a test for me. Anytime you get in the ring you never really know how things will pan out, but I have a great team. To the fans, expect a victory and a great fight on August 26th because I am going to make sure I come out on top.”

Representing the great fight city of Philadelphia, Cunningham (29-8-1, 13 KOs) returned to action in March with a victory over Felipe Romero after an exciting challenge of cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Glowacki in April 2016. Twice a world champion as a cruiserweight, he defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2006 to capture his belt before successfully defending his title against Marco Huck via a twelfth-round TKO. He became a world champion again in 2010 when he stopped Troy Ross in the fifth round. The experienced veteran also owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Amir Mansour and Natu Visinia and scored a knockdown of Tyson Fury in a losing effort during their 2013 bout.

“This is one of the biggest cards of the decade and its mind blowing to be a part of it,” said Cunningham. “I have to top it off with a victory. Taking on a good, undefeated young prospect is a challenge in itself, but a victory will prove age is just a number. Hard work is a part of my everyday life.”

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MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing event. Mayweather vs. McGregor takes place on Saturday, August 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

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