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Doors open at 15:30 hrs

Fight # 1 – 16:00 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Middleweight Contest
RYAN HATTON 169lbs V ATTILA TIBOR NAGY –

Fight # 2
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
ALEX DICKINSON 222lbs V LEE CARTER 268lbs

Fight # 3
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
TROY WILLIAMSON 160.8lbs V CHRISTIAN HOSKIN GOMEZ 160lbs

Fight # 4
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
TYRONE McCULLAGH 127.3lbs V ELVIS GUILLEN 123.5lbs

Fight # 5
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
MARCO McCULLOUGH 131.6lbs V ARNOLD SOLANO 133.3lbs

Fight # 6
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest
SAM MAXWELL 142.8lbs V MICHAEL ISSAC CARRERO 140.7lbs

Fight # 7
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
STEVEN WARD 171.5lbs V MICHAL CIACH –

BT SPORT GO LIVE @ 19:30 HRS

Fight # 8 – 19:40 hrs
10 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
TYRONE McKENNA 142lbs V ANTHONY UPTON 141lbs

Fight # 9
THE WBO EUROPEAN MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
CONRAD CUMMINGS 11st 5lbs 8oz V LUKE KEELER 11st 5lbs 4oz

Fight # 10
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
DAVID OLIVER JOYCE 132.5lbs V JORDAN ELLISON 132.8lbs

Fight # 11
THE WBO BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
ZOLANI TETE 8st 4lbs 6oz V OMAR ANDRES NARVAEZ 8st 5lbs 4oz

Fight # 12
THE VACANT WBO INTERIM WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
CARL FRAMPTON 8st 13lbs 3oz V NONITO DONAIRE 8st 13lbs 5oz

Live Floater # 13
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
LEWIS CROCKER 153.6lbs V SCOTT JAMES 151lbs

NEW YORK (April 20, 2018) – Former world champions Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire made weight ahead of their clash for the interim WBO Featherweight Title this Saturday, April 21. The main event bout from SSE Arena in Belfast will stream live to U.S. audiences via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page.

INTERIM WBO FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

Carl Frampton – 125 ¼

Nonito Donaire – 125 ½

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® livestream will begin at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT with coverage provided by BT Sport and BoxNation and featuring commentary by U.K. sportscasters John Rawling (blow-by-blow) and former featherweight world champion Barry Jones (analysis).

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LONDON (20 April) – Carl Frampton believes a loss to Nonito Donaire could spell the end of his career.

The Belfast boxer steps into the ring this Saturday night against four-weight world champion Donaire in front of his home city fans at The SSE Arena in a colossal fight that can be watched live on BoxNation.

31-year-old Frampton, who has just one loss on his record in 25 fights, is looking to become a world champion again like the highly-respected Donaire and believes that a loss could mean the end for one of them.

“Look at what he’s done in the ring and what’s he achieved. What I’ve done has been overshadowed by what he’s done. He’s a quality fighter and achieved a hell of a lot,” Frampton told iFL TV.

“He’s dangerous because I think we’re in a similar position maybe – last chance saloon – where a loss could be the end. I’m not thinking about that.

“I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me in training camp and I feel like it’s been a quality one,” he said.

Ulsterman Frampton also feels people are underestimating Donaire ahead of the fight but has insisted that he certainly isn’t one of them.

“I get the impression people are writing Donaire off [thinking he’s past it]. I’m not writing him off and that’s the important thing. I don’t think I can get carried away with that too much,” said Frampton.

“I’m preparing for the best Nonito Donaire there’s ever been. It’s been a long training camp. He’s had time to prepare and is a solid professional.

“I’m sure he’s done everything that’s asked of him in training like me. It’s going to be a good night,” he said.

Though he is aware that he must first get past the major test that ‘The Filipino Flash’ will set him this weekend, Frampton could potentially win the interim WBO belt and be set to face world champion Oscar Valdez next up.

“Valdez would be an unreal fight – it would be nothing but fireworks. That fight appeals to me at the minute,” he said.

“Leo Santa Cruz is fighting in June so that rules him out for an August fight. Hopefully we can do the third one at some point,” Frampton said.

Saturday’s massive evening of boxing also features WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete making the second defence of his title after his world record-breaking KO win in November against the experienced Argentine Omar Andres Narvaez.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com, via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) and TV Player for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Canelo vs Golovkin.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com, via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV) and TV Player.

BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren is delighted to announce a multi-event deal with the BBC for exclusive radio rights to his World Championship boxing events. The first event on the multi fight deal will get underway this Saturday at Belfast’s SSE Arena, with BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Northern Ireland broadcasting exclusive radio commentary of Irish boxing legend Carl Frampton’s Interim WBO World Featherweight Championship clash against four division World Champion Nonito Donaire.

Further radio coverage on the deal will include live commentary of the IBF World Featherweight title clash between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington at the home of Leeds United, Elland Road on 19th May and WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders’ Title defence against domestic rival Martin Murray on 23rd June at London’s O2 Arena.

Frank Warren: “I’m delighted to partner with the BBC for exclusive radio commentary on my events. This is great news for boxing fans as they will be delivering live commentary of three huge upcoming World Championship events of mine, with many more to be added in the coming weeks and months.”

Ben Gallop, Head of BBC Radio and Digital Sport, said: “This new deal with Frank Warren is fantastic for boxing fans and 5 live Sport alike. This weekend’s bout between Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire is an exciting proposition, as are the forthcoming fights in May and June, and our exclusive blow-by-blow commentary will ensure fans won’t miss a moment of the action on 5 Live and the BBC Sport website.”

Jane Tohill, Executive Producer, BBC Sport NI said: “Carl Frampton is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest and most popular sporting stars. He has a huge following here so it’s great to be able to bring fans the action from his much anticipated fight on Saturday night, live on BBC Radio Ulster, with this new deal with Frank Warren.”

Saturday’s Belfast showdown between Frampton and Donaire sees the meeting of two men who were both previously recognised as Fighter of the Year by the Ring magazine, ESPN and the Boxing Writers’ Association of America, and both will be determined to secure a shot at becoming a World Champion once again by claiming the Interim WBO crown.

Frampton said: “The injured WBO World Champion Oscar Valdez must face the Interim Champion when he is ready and that’s a big incentive for myself and Donaire. The Valdez fight is very appealing to me and obviously the winner of Selby v Warrington is also equally as appealing.”

Frampton believes he may have to produce a career-best performance to overcome 42-fight veteran Donaire in front of what will be a sell-out crowd come Saturday.

“With so much riding on this fight I need to make sure that I’m going to put in the performance of my career, which it might take to win this fight,” added Frampton.

Saturday’s massive evening of boxing also features WBO Bantamweight Champion of the World Zolani Tete (26-3-0, 21 KO’S) making the second defence of his title against Omar Andres Narvaez (48-2-2, 25 KO’s) after his World recording-breaking KO win at the same arena in November.

Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire took questions from the media at today’s press conference at the Europa Hotel ahead of their clash for the WBO Interim Featherweight World Title at Belfast’s SSE Arena this Saturday, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Below are a selection of quotes from both fighters and promoter Frank Warren.

Carl Frampton:

“To have a guy like Nonito Donaire coming Belfast to fight me almost feels like an honour. In terms of accolades, he’s accomplished more than anyone I’ve fought, that includes Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a future Hall of Famer and hopefully I can put my name in that bracket one day.

“Some people want the easiest fights, but that’s not me and I don’t think that’s Nonito either. I’m experienced enough to know that I need to be in fights that excite me and get me nervous.

“I think the crowd adds something to my performance. There isn’t an atmosphere like the SSE Arena anywhere in the World!

“There is a lot more to Donaire than just a left hook. To say that is disrespectful. He’s also got a brilliant right hand. I have a lot of respect for Nonito, he’s a quality fighter.”

Nonito Donaire:

“Me and my wife feel like we are married to Carl! We wake up, we see Carl. We go to bed, we see Carl. He’s a great fighter.

“I think I have been gifted with great genes. I feel like I’m entering my peak because of my positive mentality. I’m smarter now and I’ve learned with the ups and downs of my career in the past couple of years. We are very confident going into this fight.

“Carl is an amazing fighter. He has taken this fight because it inspires him and it inspires me massively too. I have my outcome and that’s what I believe in.”

Frank Warren:

“In some ways this is a crossroads fight for the both of them. Both guys know what they want. Winning the Interim title will get them a shot at the WBO Champion Oscar Valdez. This is a tough fight for Carl. Nonito has been boxing since the age of eleven and we’ve heard that he’s had a brilliant camp.

“It’s a pleasure and a joy to be back in Belfast, especially promoting such a great show involving so great Champions. There is no comparison anywhere else. This is what boxing is all about, the best fighting the best. We’re in for a special treat this weekend.

“The Belfast public are knowledgeable boxing fans and they appreciate good fights, we’ve got plenty of 50/50 match-ups right down the card and I can’t wait for Saturday. There’s some great Irish derbies on the card and we’ve also got knockout king Zolani Tete defending his WBO Bantamweight crown against Omar Andres Narvaez.

“This is a proper show, a real show. You want real fights? Be in Belfast, this is where it’s happening!”

A very limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

Fight Week schedule:

Thursday 19th April: PUBLIC WORKOUT

Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire, along with fighters on the undercard, will perform public workouts at the Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Belfast from 1.00pm onwards.

Victoria Square,
1 Victoria Square,
Belfast,
BT1 4QG.

Time: 1.00PM onwards.

The ring will be located on Level 2, next to Odeon.

Brief one-on-one interview and photo opportunities are available with all fighters and their teams.

Friday 20th April: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN

Fighters will hit the scales from 2.00pm at the Europa Hotel.

Europa Hotel, Belfast
Great Victoria Street,
Belfast,
BT2 ZAP

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EDMONTON, Canada (April 17, 2018) – Canada’s preeminent destination for boxing fans in Canada, Super Channel, will air a world-class event featuring two world title fights this Saturday, headlined by the 12-round main event for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Interim World Featherweight Championship between former world champions Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, live from The SES Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Frampton vs. Donaire, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, will air exclusively on Super Channel across Canada, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.

WBO World Bantamweight Champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete defends his title against former world champion and Olympian Omar “El Huracan” Andres Narvaez in the 12-round, co-featured event.

The 31-year-old Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs), fighting at home in Belfast, is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Featherweight Champion. The crowd-pleasing Irishman is 5-1 in world title fights, 6-1 (3 KOs) versus current or past world champions, including a victory over Canada’s Steve Molitor.

Frampton has also defeated world champions such as Kiko Martinez (twice), Scott Quigg and Leo Santa Cruz, the reigning WBA featherweight world champion who defeated Frampton in their world-title fight rematch on January 28,2017 for the WBA crown.

Philippines-native Donaire, who lives in San Leandro, California, is a seven-time, four-division world champion, who is 10-0 in fights held outside of the United States. The 35-year-old Donaire has a 13-3 (8 KOs) world title fight record and he’s 12-3 (8 KOs) against current or former world champions. His Who’s Who list of victims include Vic Darchinyan (twice), Ferrnando Montiel and Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr., among the more notables.

One of the greatest Filipino fighters of all time — along with Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, Gerry Penalosa and Gabriel “Flash” Elorde –Donaire is unquestionably a future Hall of Famer, who has won five of his last six fights.

Tete (26-3, 2 KOs), fighting out of South Africa, captured his WBO title a year ago, when he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Arthur Villanueva (30-1). Last November, Tete needed only 13 seconds to one-punch knockout his fellow countryman, Siboniso Gonya (11-1), In his first title defense.

Narvaez (48-2-2, 25 KOs) is a two-time, two division world champion, as well as a two-time Argentinian Olympian. The veteran southpaw has an incredible 28-2-1 (12 KOs) record in world title fights during his 17 1/2 -year pro career. One of his two career losses, ironically, was in 2011 to Donaire by way of a 12-round unanimous decision for the WBO world bantamweight title.

Other exciting fights on the “Frampton vs. Donaire” card, in addition to the aforementioned main event and co-feature, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.

Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, and the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals and semifinals.

To watch Frampton vs. Donaire live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

NEW YORK (April 10, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports added two featherweight bouts to its robust boxing schedule with two high-stakes matchups from the U.K. streaming live on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms, free to boxing fans in the U.S.

Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton will battle former four-division champion Nonito Donaire on Saturday, April 21 in Belfast, Ireland for the interim WBO Featherweight Title. Then, on Saturday, May 19, IBF World Champion Lee Selby will defend his 126-pound title against undefeated Josh Warrington live from Leeds, England. Both SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offerings will stream live in the U.S. on SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. The events are promoted by Frank Warren with live coverage provided by BT Sport and BoxNation.

The previously announced rematch between WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz and former three-division champion Abner Mares will take place just a few weeks later on Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME® from the Staples Center in L.A.

In all, five of the consensus top-10 ranked featherweights will clash on SHOWTIME platforms in two months, including two world champions and four former multi-division champions. These matchups between titleholders and top-ranked featherweights will give further clarity to a stacked division.

“As we’ve seen at welterweight, super welterweight and even heavyweight, the top fighters in the featherweight division are looking to prove that they are undoubtedly the best in the world,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “They are doing so by facing their toughest challengers and ultimately seeking to unify world titles. SHOWTIME proudly leads the industry with fights like these—the most competitive and important fights in boxing’s most talent-laden weight divisions. We commend the fighters who have dedicated themselves to this simple, yet dangerous premise. Their effort has been inspiring and contagious.”

Below are complete details on both upcoming events. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

April 21: Frampton vs. Donaire – SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Two Fighter of the Year award winners will meet in a 12-round bout for the interim WBO Featherweight Title. Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs), of Northern Ireland, will face Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) of General Santos, Philippines, on Saturday, April 21 from SSE Arena in Belfast live in the U.S. via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

Frampton’s all-action style and willingness to take tough challenges has made him a fan favorite all around the world and the 2016 Fighter of the Year. He handed featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz his only defeat after conquering rival Scott Quigg in their 122-pound unification bout in 2016. Fighting out of Belfast, the Irish national amateur champion became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Kiko Martinez to earn a super bantamweight title. Frampton, 31, lost his featherweight belt in a hard fought rematch against Santa Cruz on SHOWTIME in January 2017. He defeated Horacio Garcia via unanimous decision last November.

Donaire, the consensus 2012 Fighter of the Year, is working his way back to another world title fight. The two-time winner of The Ring’s Knockout of the Year award, “The Filipino Flash” turned pro in 2001 and has won championships in four weight divisions. Donaire has participated in nearly two dozen world title bouts thus far in his career. He lost his featherweight title to Jesus Magdaleno in 2016 and is coming off of a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision win over Ruben Garcia Hernandez at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The winner of this fight will be in position to challenge WBO Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez, who is recovering from injury following his fourth title defense, a UD win over Scott Quigg on March 10.

The livestream of Frampton vs. Donaire will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader that features former four-division champion Adrien Broner and former champion Jessie Vargas in a 12-round welterweight bout live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will face Hugo Centeno Jr. for the interim WBC Middleweight World Championship and Gervonta Davis will meet Jesus Cuellar for the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship.

May 19: Selby vs. Warrington – Elland Road Football Ground, Leeds, England

Featherweight world champion Lee Selby (26-1, 9 KOs) of Cardiff, Wales, will make his 2018 debut when he puts his IBF belt on the line against undefeated Josh Warrington (26-0, 6 KOs) on Saturday, May 19. This main event bout will stream live in the U.S. via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The fight will take place in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, at the Leeds United’s Elland Road Football Ground.

Selby, the 31-year-old Welshman, has held the IBF Featherweight Title since 2015 when he wrested it from Evgeny Gradovich with an eighth-round TKO. He has since made four successful defenses, the latest being a unanimous decision over Eduardo Ramirez last December.

Warrington, 27, won the British Featherweight Title in just his twelfth outing as he outpointed Chris Male in 2012. He stopped Samir Mouneimne in his hometown of Hull to win the Commonwealth Championship in 2013 and continued his campaign with victories over Martin Lindsay, David Dieli and Dennis Tubieron. He defeated Dennis Ceylan via stoppage in the 10th round in his last outing to earn his shot at the IBF title.

The WBO Interim Featherweight World Title will be on the line when Carl Frampton MBE and Nonito Donaire clash in a blockbuster bout at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday 21st April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

With a much-anticipated summer fight date at Belfast’s Windsor Park in the works for ‘The Jackal’, 31-year-old Frampton knows that his mouth-watering showdown with four-weight World Champion Donaire is truly a make-or-break fight.

Both men were previously recognised as Fighter of the Year by the Ring magazine, ESPN and the Boxing Writers’ Association of America, and both will be determined to secure a shot at becoming a World Champion once again by claiming the Interim WBO crown next month.

“A huge night of boxing in Belfast just got even bigger,” said Frampton. “This is great news and it adds a whole lot more razzmatazz to the event – not that it needed it. I was sure that the winner of this fight was going to go on to fight for a World Title in their next fight and having an interim World Title on the line on April 21st all but confirms that.

“Oscar Valdez must face the Interim Champion when he is ready and that’s a big incentive for myself and Donaire. The Valdez fight is very appealing to me and obviously the winner of Selby v Warrington is also equally as appealing. I think the Valdez fight would get a lot more attention on both sides of the globe rather than just in the UK.

“The winner of Selby v Warrington would be a big fight in the UK but a fight with Valdez would be a huge fight Worldwide. Obviously he has an injury that he needs to recover from but there’s a lot of options for me now and it’s always good to have options in this game. Having an Interim belt on the line brings something a little more special to the whole event.”

With a month to go, Frampton believes he may have to produce a career-best performance to overcome 42-fight veteran Donaire and is confident that a sell-out SSE Arena crowd will drive him over the line.

“With so much riding on this fight I need to make sure that I’m going to put in the performance of my career, which it might take to win this fight,” added Frampton.

“I love fighting at home, there’s something about fighting in Belfast that brings out the best in me. I love the whole fight week in Belfast and I love the atmosphere in the SSE Arena. I’ll need to be better than I was in my last fight. With the way things are going in training so far it’s going to be a big performance.”

“I’m delighted that the WBO Interim Featherweight World Title will now be up for grabs on April 21,” said Promoter Frank Warren. “This is a guaranteed barn burner between two elite Featherweights and having an Interim belt on the line gives the fight an extra bit of spice.”

A massive evening of boxing features WBO Bantamweight Champion of the World Zolani Tete (26-3-0, 21 KO’S) making the second defence of his title against Omar Andres Narvaez (48-2-2, 25 KO’s) after his Word recording-breaking KO win at the SSE Arena in November.

Three tasty all-Irish fights also feature on an action-packed undercard as Dubliner Jono Carroll (15-0, 2 KO’s) clashes with Belfast’s Marco McCullough (18-4, 11 KO’s) for the IBF European Super-Featherweight title, Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1, 6 KO’s) meets Light-Welterweight rival Anthony Upton (17-1, 6 KOs’), while WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings (12-1-1) and Irish champion Luke Keeler (13-2, 5 KO’s) will do battle at Middleweight.

Undefeated prospects Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward, Tyrone McCullagh, Sam Maxwell, Troy Williamson, Ryan Hatton and Alex Dickinson complete an unmissable card.

A very limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

Zolani Tete will make the second defence of his WBO Bantamweight World Championship against Omar Andres Narvaez on the blockbuster Frampton v Donaire bill at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday 21st April.

Tete (26-3, 21 KO’s) had been due to defend his title against Narvaez in London this month but was forced to postpone the bout after suffering a calf injury in training but will now return to the scene of his record-breaking knockout win over Siboniso Gonya.

The thunderous punching South African won a legion of new fans back in November when he stopped countryman Gonya in just eleven seconds, setting a new World record for the fastest ever knockout recorded in a World Title fight.

‘Last Born’ floored Gonya with a brutal right hook just six seconds into the first defence of his 118lbs strap, firing a warning to WBA ‘Super’ Bantamweight Champion and Belfast native Ryan Burnett in the process.

Narvaez (47-2-2, 25 KO’s) is 5-0 since a knockout loss to Naoya Inoue and recently forced the previously unbeaten Nikolai Potapov to quite in seven. He has held the WBO Flyweight and Super-Flyweight World Titles and will be aiming to become a three-weight World Champion on April 21st.

“Let’s see who the real Bantamweight king is,” said Tete. “I want to unify the division and Ryan Burnett is standing in my way. Let’s not rob the public of a brilliant fight, they want to see the best fight the best.

“Until that fight is made I will do everything that is asked of me by my team. Narvaez is a mandatory defence and I’ll be aiming to dispatch him in style to make another statement. I can’t wait to put in another explosive performance for all of my new fans in Belfast, see you in April!”

“Tete is an exceptional talent and I’m delighted that he will be showcasing his skills in Belfast once again,” said Promoter Frank Warren. “We’re bringing him back to Belfast because we want to make the Ryan Burnett unification fight.

“If Tete keeps on dominating shows in Burnett’s hometown perhaps it will lure him out of hiding. Let’s give the fans the fight that they want to see. We want to make that fight in Belfast and I’m sure it would pack out the SSE Arena.”

Also added to the Frampton v Donaire card is Tamworth Light-Heavyweight prospect Ryan Hatton who will be aiming to improve his unbeaten record to 3-0 when he fights over four rounds.

Three tasty all-Irish fights feature on an action-packed undercard as Dubliner Jono Carroll (15-0, 2 KO’s) clashes with Belfast’s Marco McCullough (18-4, 11 KO’s) for the IBF European Super-Featherweight title, Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1, 6 KO’s) meets Light-Welterweight rival Philip Sutcliffe Jr (14-2, 9 KOs’), while WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings (12-1-1) and Irish champion Luke Keeler (13-2, 5 KO’s) will do battle at Middleweight.

Undefeated prospects Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward, Tyrone McCullagh, Sam Maxwell, Troy Williamson and Alex Dickinson complete an unmissable card.

*A limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

Seven undefeated prospects have been added to an already-stacked undercard for Carl Frampton’s April 21 headline bout against Nonito Donaire in Belfast.

Frampton and Donaire will clash in a much-anticipated Featherweight battle on a Frank Warren-promoted bill at the SSE Arena, live in UK and Ireland on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Frank Warren and MTK Global last week revealed that the support bill will also feature three tasty all-Ireland battles – and another batch of up-and-coming talent has been now added to the card!

Four Irishmen – including two Belfast natives – and three English fighters are among the fighters unveiled today, with Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Tyrone McCullagh and Steven Ward making up the home contingent while Troy Williamson, Sam Maxwell and Alex Dickinson will also feature on a bill brimming with up-and-coming stars.

Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward and Alex Dickinson all featured on last November’s ‘Frampton Reborn’ card with the trio set to return to the SSE Arena on April 21.

Hard-hitting hometown Welterweight Lewis Crocker (4-0, 4KOs) will be looking to maintain his knockout streak following his first-round stoppage win over Hungarian Gyula Rozsas two months ago, fellow Belfast native Steven Ward (6-0, 2KOs) is coming off the back of a six-round points win over Przemyslaw Binienda of Poland, while Rio Olympian David Oliver Joyce (5-0, 4KOs) delivered one of his most impressive pro performances so far last November when the Mullingar man halted Barcelona-based Nicaraguan Reynaldo Cajina.

Derry Super-Bantamweight Tyrone McCullagh (9-0, 5KOs) is the fourth Irish fighter to be added to the card and he will be aiming to follow up an impressive win over previously-undefeated German Tom Tran in Belfast last month.

Former Team GB amateur star Sam Maxwell (5-0, 4KOs) is one of three English fighters set to cross the Irish Sea and the Commonwealth Games medallist could be looking to record his seventh victory on April 21 as he was this week added to MTK Global’s March 16 ‘Mersey Beat-Down’ bill in Liverpool following his third-round stoppage victory in Germany last November.

Heavyweight Alex Dickinson (3-0, 2KOs) is also scheduled to box in Liverpool in March before fighting in Belfast where he recorded his last win on the ‘Frampton Reborn’ card, while Darlington Middleweight Troy Williamson (5-0, 3KOs) makes up the undefeated prospects added to the bill.

The April 21 fight night will also feature three tasty all-Irish fights as Dubliner Jono Carroll (15-0, 2KOs) clashes with Belfast’s Marco McCullough (18-4, 11KOs) for the IBF European Super-Featherweight title, Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1, 6KOs) meets Light-Welterweight rival Philip Sutcliffe Jr (14-2, 9KOs), while WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings (12-1-1) and Irish champion Luke Keeler (13-2, 5KO) will do battle at Middleweight.

*A limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

Carl Frampton believes he may have to produce a career-best performance to overcome Nonito Donaire in their April 21 blockbuster bout in Belfast.

Two-weight World Champion Frampton (24-1, 14KOs) came face to face with four-weight Champion Donaire (38-4, 24KOs) at a press conference at the Europa Hotel today (Wednesday) ahead of their SSE Arena Featherweight showdown, which will be screened live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

With Frampton aiming to book a World Title stadium date at Windsor Park this summer, ‘The Jackal’ has insisted that he considers his Frank Warren-promoted clash against ‘Filipino Flash’ to be a high-risk/high-reward opportunity.

“I need to make sure that I’m going to put in the performance of my career, which it might take to win this fight,” said Frampton.

“I just take it one fight at a time. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I’m going to do everything I can in training camp and in my preparation for this fight to make sure that I’m ready,” added the Belfast native, who is eyeing a future date against the winner of the upcoming Lee Selby-Josh Warrington IBF World Title fight or whoever emerges from a bout between his old rival Scott Quigg and WBO World Champion Oscar Valdez.

“There’s a lot on the line,” admitted Frampton “But these are all things that are in the future and there’s only one fight that I’m focused on at the minute.

“Nonito Donaire is a future Hall of Famer, a fantastic fighter… I need fights like this to get up for and I need big names.

“Nonito’s an amazing talent, a four-weight World Champion. He can punch and he doesn’t just knock people over, he’s put guys to sleep before. But that gives me wee bit of a fear factor and I think that’s when I’m going to be at my best.”

The April 21 bout will be a significant occasion for Irish boxing as two elite fighters go toe to toe.

Both men were previously recognised as Fighter of the Year by the Ring magazine, ESPN and the Boxing Writers’ Association of America, with Frampton awarded that honour for 2016 while Donaire picked up the same gongs in 2012.

Forty-two-fight veteran Donaire, now 35, remains determined to reclaim World honours and he echoed his opponent’s comments when insisting that Frampton will bring out the best in him.

“We need an opponent we can truly respect and at the same time you have that voice behind you that says, ‘this guy is tough, this guy is good and anything can happen’,” said Donaire.

“It allows the warrior within us to come out and that’s something that we’ll show on April 21st that we do have it.

“One thing’s for sure, and I can see it from looking into Carl’s eyes, we’re both warriors and we’re willing to give it everything we’ve got for this fight. At the moment age is only a number for me because I’m very inspired to be here.”

While Frampton struggled at times during his most recent 10-round points win over Mexican Horacio Garcia last November – in a bout that marked the end of a 10-month lay-off following a number of changes to his team – the Irishman believes that victory will stand to him ahead of his April outing.

“Considering the year I’ve had, looking back on it, it wasn’t a bad performance,” said MTK Global-backed Frampton.

“I think that last fight is going to be a blessing in disguise for me,” added the Belfast man, who explained that Donaire was his No 1 choice as an opponent, despite the fact that the Filipino poses a real threat to his summer fight plans.

“Credit to the teams for working together – Richard Schafer [Ringstar Sports], MTK and Frank Warren – and for bringing a name like Nonito to Belfast,” said Frampton. “My objective is to win a world title, I’m hoping to fight for a World Title in the summer and what better opponent to get you ready for that other than Nonito Donaire?

“What would be the point in fighting a knock-over job? I don’t think that would be good for me or for boxing, so it’s just great to be involved on these big occasions.”

Limited tickets for Frampton vs. Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074.

Tickets range from £40 (Tier) to £400 (Inner Ring Hospitality)

Three thrilling All-Ireland domestic dust-ups have been confirmed for the undercard of Carl Frampton’s much-anticipated April 21 showdown against Nonito Donaire in Belfast.

Two-weight World Champion Frampton will clash with four-weight Champion Donaire at the SSE Arena in one of the most eagerly-awaited bouts to ever take place on Irish soil, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The main-event participants will meet head-to-head at Belfast’s Europa Hotel this afternoon (Wednesday) ahead of April’s massive fight date.

And promoter Frank Warren and MTK Global have moved to install an undercard to match the occasion on what is set to be an action-packed bill.

Three all-Irish battles have been confirmed so far for the April 21 fight night…

-Jono Carroll (15-0, 2KOs) will travel to meet Belfast’s Marco McCullough (18-4, 11KOs) in a 12-round Super-Featherweight showdown for the IBF European title

-Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1, 6KOs) and Light-Welterweight rival Philip Sutcliffe Jr (14-2, 9KOs) will clash in another long-awaited Belfast v Dublin battle

-And WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings (12-1-1) and Irish champion Luke Keeler (13-2, 5KO) go toe to toe in what promises to be an all-action Middleweight affair

Both Meath-based Finglas native Carroll and McCullough will be looking to build on their respective third-round stoppage victories on the ‘Frampton Reborn’ fight bill in Belfast last November.

“I’m buzzing for the fight,” said Carroll. “I had a great win in Belfast last time out and this is another brilliant opportunity. Marco is a lovely lad, but I’m out to get another big win and take another step up the ladder on a massive bill.”

McCullough believes this will be a crossroads bout in his career as he looks to rebuild towards title contention.

“It’ll be a good domestic fight, I’m excited about it,” said McCullough. “A win would put me straight back into the mix for titles. Jono has really improved over the last year or so and both of us have a bit of power, so it’ll be a cracking fight. It’s nearly like a Belfast v Dublin undercard, so I’d say it’ll be a great atmosphere.”

The Light-Welterweight meeting of McKenna and Sutcliffe has been in the making for some time, with the rivals having been continually linked since clashing as amateurs back in 2012.

They will now finally meet in the pro ranks on April 21 in a bout that is sure to have Irish and UK fight fans on the edge of their seats.

“It’s a fight that every fan in Ireland wants to see,” said McKenna. “It’s one I’ve wanted for a long time and I fully believe I’m going to win. Phil Sutcliffe is saying I’m avoiding him, but now it’s finally happening and I’m delighted. It’s the two top Light-Welters in the country and it’s very exciting.”

After some heated words in recent times, Sutcliffe is keen to silence his rival.

“Tyrone’s got what he’s been shouting about, so we’ll see if he keeps his mouth going,” said Sutcliffe. “If he wants to talk then let him talk. I do my talking in the ring. I’m friends with everyone, especially lads on my team, but this is business and I’ll go in there and get the job done.”

The Middleweight clash of Cummings and Keeler seems sure to be a barnburner and while the fighters paid respect towards each other, both have predicted an early finish.

“It’s great that we’ll finally get it on,” said Cummings. “This is a tasty fight and I think the public will get their teeth into. Luke’s a brilliant boxer and a fellow Irishman – he’s always in good fights and so am I, so it will be entertaining however long it lasts. I’m really up for it.”

Echoing those sentiments, Keeler said: “It’s a cracking fight. A lot of people have been talking about it and there should be great interest. I’m feeling great and training has been going really well, so I can’t wait to get in there.”

Further undercard announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Limited tickets for Frampton vs. Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074.

Tickets range from £40 (Tier) to £400 (Inner Ring Hospitality)

Tickets are now on sale for the highly-anticipated Featherweight showdown between former two-weight World Champion Carl Frampton MBE and former four-weight World Champion Nonito Donaire.

Belfast hero Frampton (24-1, 14 KO’s) and Filipino icon Donaire (38-4, 24 KO’s) collide at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday 21st April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The blockbuster bout will be one of the biggest fights to take place in Belfast in recent years and a make-or-break fight for both men.

“It’s a brilliant fight – a four-weight World Champion against a two-weight World Champion,” said Frampton.

“Has a bigger ‘away’ fighter ever come to fight in Belfast before? I don’t think there’s been a bigger name than Nonito Donaire and he’s coming to fight a local guy in his hometown.”

“But I think both of us are in the same situation – a slip-up here and one of us might never fight for a World Title again. There’s a lot on the line for both guys.”

Tickets for Frampton vs. Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074.

Tickets range from £40 (Tier) to £400 (Inner Ring Hospitality):

£400 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£250 – Outer Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£120 – Central Tier/Floor
£100 – Floor
£80 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Carl Frampton MBE (24-1, 14 KO’s) faces Filipino four-weight World Champion Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KO’s) at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday 21st April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The blockbuster bout will be one of the biggest fights to take place in Belfast in recent years and a make-or-break fight for both men.

Frampton is looking forward to meeting elite opposition on home soil in his first bout of 2018.

“It’s a brilliant fight – a four-weight World Champion against a two-weight World Champion,” said Frampton. “Has a bigger ‘away’ fighter ever come to fight in Belfast before? I don’t think there’s been a bigger name than Nonito Donaire and he’s coming to fight a local guy in his hometown.

“But I think both of us are in the same situation – a slip-up here and one of us might never fight for a World Title again. There’s a lot on the line for both guys.”

With a much-anticipated summer fight date at Belfast’s Windsor Park in the works for ‘The Jackal’, 30-year-old Frampton believes a win over the 42-fight veteran would be perfect preparation ahead of a World Title tilt.

Coming off the back of a 10-round points win over Mexican Horacio Garcia last month in what was Frampton’s first outing since the loss of his WBA World Featherweight crown to Leo Santa Cruz, ‘The Jackal’ is confident that victory over Donaire will tee up a bout against the winner of the scheduled IBF title clash between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington.

“He’s been at the top of four divisions, but he was in the same weight division as me for quite a while and he’s someone I’ve always kept an eye on,” said Belfast native Frampton. “He’s someone I admire as well and I think he’s a great fighter, but I think this is the perfect fight to get me ready for a World Title fight in the summer.”

While Donaire has suffered three defeats since being named 2012 Fighter of the Year by The Ring, ESPN and the Boxing Writers’ Association of America – the same honours Frampton picked up in 2016 – the 35-year-old ‘Filipino Flash’ is eager to prove that he is still an elite force at 126lbs.

“This is exactly the type of fight I live for — going in against one of the best in the World in the lion’s den of his hometown of Belfast,” said Donaire. “I can’t wait for the first bell! I know I’ll have to be the best I can be on fight night. Make no mistake, I’m already training like never before.”

“I plan to put on a spectacular show for my fans, his fans and boxing fans in general. When I walk out of the ring victorious, it will have all been worth it.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Belfast fight fans are going to be in for another treat on April 21st. This is a guaranteed barn burner between two elite Featherweights. Both men have held multiple World Titles and know that a win will lead to another shot at World glory.

“If Carl comes through this fight then it’s the big one at Windsor Park in the summer next. That is what we promised him and that is what we will deliver if he gets the win in April.”

Richard Schaefer, founder of Ringstar Sports, added: “This is a fight between two of the best Featherweights in the World, with multiple World Titles between them. These are two fighters who are never boring in the ring, two fighters who come forward and love to engage.

“If styles make fights — well it doesn’t get any better than this! On April 21st it will be ‘Fireworks in Belfast’ and boxing fans from around the World will be in for a treat.”

Details of a press conference will be announced in the coming days.

Tickets for Frampton vs. Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074 from 10.00am on Thursday 11th January.

Tickets range from £40 (Tier) to £400 (Inner Ring Hospitality):

£400 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£250 – Outer Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£120 – Central Tier/Floor
£100 – Floor
£80 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

LONDON (17 November) – Carl Frampton is hoping to end 2017 on a high as he eyes a trilogy fight with rival Leo Santa Cruz.

The Belfast boxer has endured a tough year having lost his WBA world title in his January rematch with the three-weight world champion, before splitting with his long-time training and promotional team.

Now the 30-year-old takes on the tough Horacio Garcia in his comeback fight this Saturday, live on BoxNation, and is refusing to overlook the fierce Mexican despite having hopes of sharing the ring with his countryman Santa Cruz once again.

“The Leo Santa Cruz fight is the one fight that I want but at the moment the only guy I am thinking about is Horacio Garcia,” said Frampton.

“He’s a very good fighter. He’s a stereotypical Mexican fighter – he comes forward, is aggressive, punches hard and takes a good shot. He’s got a good team – he’s with Canelo Alvarez’s people. I think they’re expecting him to put in a good performance.

“He’s the only man on my mind at the minute but there are some big fights out there which excite me. Santa Cruz is number one but there is Josh Warrington and Lee Selby also – but we can look at all that after Saturday night,” he said.

‘The Jackal’ insists he is back to his best and will be looking to impress in front of his passionate Belfast fans, on a card that will also see another local Jamie Conlan take on Filipino Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF super-flyweight world title.

“I’m really pleased to be back home again. It’s a brilliant card to be fighting on, let alone headlining. I feel good and am looking forward to putting in a great performance,” said Frampton.

“There is a spring in my step. I’m in a good place right now and the best is yet to come. I know I can beat any featherweight in the world on my day and that I can become a world champion again.

“It’s going to be a cauldron-like atmosphere in The SSE Arena on Saturday. It can hold 9,000 but it sounds more like 30,000. It is the best atmosphere in world boxing. I have won all my fights there by knockout and I hope to do the same again this time around,” he said.

27-year-old Garcia has shared the ring with some tough opponents already including Joseph Diaz and Fernando Vargas.

He now steps in against a heavy favourite in Frampton but will have the support of pound-for-pound ace Canelo Alvarez who will be ringside to cheer on his stablemate.

“Having Canelo supporting me is great motivation for me. We started out together and have seen each other climb up. It’s very important to me that he is coming out to watch my fight because that will help me,” said Garcia.

“I’m going to leave everything in the ring and it will be a great fight. Carl is a great fighter. He’s been in the sport for a long time. To beat him will put me on top of the rankings and people will remember me as one of the guys who beat Carl Frampton,” he said.

South African star Zolani Tete will also feature on the night as he defends his WBO bantamweight world title against Siboniso Gonya, with flyweight ace Paddy Barnes fighting on home soil against experienced Nicaraguan Eliecer Quezada.

BoxNation’s live coverage will start from 7.25pm this Saturday night.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

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Josh Warrington has a message to Frank Warren stablemate, Carl Frampton: “Let’s fill Elland Road.”

Warrington is a big admirer of the two weight World Champion who recently signed for Warren and boxes Horacio Garcia at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on November 18.

And Frampton will be eyeing up Warrington when his rival faces Dennis Ceylan in a IBF Featherweight title Final Eliminator at First Direct Arena, Leeds on October 21.

He will be ringside working as a pundit for BT Sport and BoxNation, and both men know they could be squaring off next summer.

Warrington said: “Me and Carl would be a stadium fight.

“We both have massive followings and could sell out Elland Road. There is a big Irish community in Leeds and plenty would travel from Ireland to support Carl.

“By next summer Leeds United will hopefully be back in the Premier League and that will help it become even bigger

“It would be an helluva event and a cracking fight. It would be even more special if one of us had a world title.”

If Warrington beats Dane Ceylan he will be guaranteed a crack at IBF world champion Lee Selby

He added: “I have always rated Selby as a fighter. He is very good and it takes something to become a world champion.

“I have always given him credit where it’s due, but he is very disrespectful and there is hype around him.

“Some say he is a massive puncher, but that goes back to the fight with Stephen Smith. Since then he hasn’t had any big knockouts.

“He stopped Brunker with a body shot and Gradovich with a cut, but since then he hasn’t lived up to things being screamed about him.

“The way he has constantly labelled me “easy work” is showing no respect and the hate. He made it personal. He, his manager and manager’s son put a lot on social media.

“That is why I want to fight him and we can sort it out.

“Hisashi Amagasa was six foot and I will never come up with anyone as gangly and unorthodox as him. He had arms like lampposts and I thought I was looking up at a skyscraper.

“I am just interested to see what happens with Selby when I become mandatory. There have been talks of him fighting Carl and Santa Cruz, so what is Selby going to do, I don’t know.”

Chief support on an unmissable evening of action sees Huddersfield’s British Super-Lightweight Champion Tyrone Nurse (35-2-2,7 KOs) make a highly-anticipated defence of his crown against undefeated Chorley star Jack Catterall (18-0, 10 KOs).

Manchester prospect Zelfa Barrett (18-0, 11 KOs) takes on Chris Conwell (9-2, 2 KOs) for the Vacant English Super-Featherweight title; Leicester starlet Lyon Woodstock (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Craig Poxton (13-4, 2 KOs) for the Vacant WBO European Super-Featherweight title.

Undefeated Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent J.J Metcalf (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Leeds native Damon Jones (15-1, 3 KOs) in an official eliminator for the British title currently held by Warren stablemate Liam Williams.

An action-packed undercard also features British Middleweight Champion Tommy Langford (18-1, 6 KOs); former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and GB squad standout Sam Maxwell (Super-Lightweight, 3-0, 2 KOs); Bradford Welterweight Darren Tetley (14-0, 5KOs); Chapel-en-le-Frith Cruiserweight Jack Massey (12-0, 6 KOs); Doncaster Featherweight Reece Mould (6-0, 2 KOs); Leeds Flyweight Jack Bateson (1-0, 1 KO) and the professional debut of Leeds fighter Jack Daniels.

First Direct Arena
www.firstdirectarena.com
0844 2481585

DAVID OLIVER JOYCE
Lightweight
3-0, 2 KO’s

Joyce has made a thunderous start to his professional career with some eye-catching displays and has the opportunity to showcase his ability on a huge stage. The 2016 Rio Olympian defeated Ivan Godor over six rounds in his last outing, the first time that Joyce has been extended further than the third round since turning professional.

“It’s a great opportunity.” said Joyce. “The atmosphere inside the arena is going to be absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to get out there and put on a show.

“It was good getting the rounds under my belt. The first two fights ended early, it’s always good to get the knockout, but getting the ring time was great experience. I’m always in the gym pushing myself and this fight will be no different. I’m in this sport for World Titles and that’s why I push myself to the limit in training every day.”

LEWIS CROCKER
Welterweight
3-0, 3 KO’s

Crocker has exploded onto the professional scene with a series of hard-hitting displays and is now preparing to deliver another explosive performance at the SSE Arena. Since switching to the professional ranks, Crocker has yet to be extended further than the second round in any of his three contests.

“It’s going to be a special night.” said Crocker. “Big fight nights are always special in Belfast but this one will be on another level. When Carl Frampton is in action the city is electric and I can’t wait to be part of it.
.
“It’s been a great start to my career and hopefully it continues. The knockout streak is good to have but I won’t be putting any pressure on myself to get the stoppage. I’ll be looking to do what I know I can when the bell sounds and if the knockout comes I’ll take it.”

STEVEN WARD
Light-Heavyweight
5-0, 2 KO’s

Ward is looking to continue the winning momentum after making a flawless start to his career. It’s another Belfast fight night for the Light-Heavyweight and he’s looking forward to making his fifth appearance in his home city.

“It’s been a great start and I want to keep it going,” said Ward. “I’ve started hurting my opponents in the last couple of fights and it was good to get the stoppages but it’s getting the win that counts and I want to keep moving forward and progressing.”

“It’s great having these events in Belfast and the response you get from the fans is unbelievable. Training away from home is tough but it makes it worthwhile when you get the opportunity to fight in front of your own support and it’s going to be another great night.”

ALEX DICKINSON
Heavyweight
2-0, 2 KO’s

Dickinson is quickly establishing himself as one of the Heavyweight division’s most exciting prospects and the Liverpool man is delighted to be a part of the action on November 18th. Two knockouts in his first two appearances have set him up perfectly for the new season and the big-hitting powerhouse is excited ahead of his third appearance.

“I made my debut in Belfast and it’s great to return” said Dickinson. “It was a great atmosphere in June and I’m expecting this one to be even better with Carl Frampton back boxing in the city.

“It’s all gone perfectly to plan so far and I believe it’s going to keep getting better. I’m working hard in the gym every day, working on different things and I’m planning on putting on a show in Belfast. The Heavyweight division is back where it belongs as boxing’s most exciting division and I can’t wait to force my way into the big fights.”

GARY CULLY
Lightweight
1-0, 1 KO

Cully burst onto the professional scene with a destructive first round knockout victory over Gyula Tallosi at the Devenish Complex and is excited to feature on the big stage. An excellent spell in the amateurs has set Cully up perfectly for his professional career and he believes this is the first of many big nights in the future.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of this show.” said Cully. “It’s going to be an epic night and I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere. Carl Frampton is the type of fighter that inspires you and it’s amazing to be a part of the event.”

“To get the stoppage on my pro debut was the perfect outcome. I wanted to make a big statement and I think I did that with the first round knockout. I believe I’ll be a world champion in the future and these are the occasions that you dream about when you decide to put on the gloves.”

*Opponents will be confirmed in due course*

Main event on an unmissable evening of action sees three-time World Champion Carl Frampton MBE make his highly-anticipated Belfast return against Mexican Horacio Garcia; all-action Belfast hero Jamie Conlan gets his long-awaited World Title shot against IBF Super-Flyweight Champion Jerwin Ancajas; WBO Bantamweight World Champion Zolani Tete makes the first defence of his crown against fellow South African Siboniso Gonya; Dublin rivals Jono Carroll and Declan Geraghty rematch for the IBF European Super-Featherweight title and hugely-popular triple Olympian Paddy Barnes makes the first defence of his WBO European Championship.

Limited remaining tickets for Frampton Reborn are on sale now via the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074.

With Josh Warrington hoping to secure a World Title shot if he beats Dennis Ceylan on October 21st, he has earmarked new stablemate Carl Frampton as a potential foe.

Frampton, a former two-weight World Champion, recently signed an exclusive promotional deal with Frank Warren and is aiming to become a Featherweight World Champion once again next year after he makes his Belfast homecoming against Mexican Horacio Garcia on November 18th.

“It is a massive signing for Frank getting Carl onboard,” said Warrington. “Carl is a brilliant fighter, with worldwide recognition, a huge fanbase and has won World Titles at two weight divisions.

“He has got a lot of pedigree behind him and when we talk about having big stadium fights, you want to be getting in with someone like Carl Frampton, who has got that appeal.”

Warrington and Frampton both have dreams of headlining in a stadium. The Leeds man has yearned for a huge Elland Road night, while Irish legend Frampton wants to fight at Windsor Park, the National Football Stadium in Northern Ireland.

“Not only that, he is a good fighter and if me and him were to clash it would be a very entertaining fight,” Warrington went on to say.

“If he can pick up a title from one governing body and I pick up the IBF it would be a unification fight to sell out Elland Road or Windsor Park. We’ve both got a big fanbase so there are all the ingredients for a massive fight.”

Chief support on an unmissable evening of action on October 21st sees Huddersfield’s British Super-Lightweight Champion Tyrone Nurse (35-2-2, 7 KOs) make a highly-anticipated defence of his crown against undefeated Chorley star Jack Catterall (18-0, 10 KOs).

Manchester prospect Zelfa Barrett (18-0, 11 KOs) takes on Chris Conwell (9-2, 2 KOs) for the Vacant English Super-Featherweight title; undefeated Midlands Area Super-Featherweight Champion Lyon Woodstock takes on Southern Area Champion Craig Poxton in a guaranteed barn burner.

Undefeated Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent J.J Metcalf (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Leeds native Damon Jones (15-1, 3 KOs) in an official eliminator for the British title currently held by Warren stablemate Liam Williams.

An action-packed undercard also features British Middleweight Champion Tommy Langford (18-1, 6 KOs); former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and GB squad standout Sam Maxwell (Super-Lightweight, 3-0, 2 KOs); Bradford Welterweight Darren Tetley (14-0, 5KOs); Chapel-en-le-Frith Cruiserweight Jack Massey (12-0, 6 KOs); Doncaster Featherweight Reece Mould (6-0, 2 KOs); Leeds Flyweight Jack Bateson (1-0, 1 KO) and the professional debut of Leeds fighter Jack Daniels.

Tickets for Warrington v Ceylan priced at £30 (Upper Tier), £40 (Lower Tier), £60 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £120 (Floor) and £200 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

First Direct Arena
www.firstdirectarena.com
0844 2481585

Carl Frampton MBE has signed an exclusive promotional deal with Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren.

The three-time World Champion will make his highly-anticipated Belfast homecoming at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday 18th November, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Frampton, the only Northern Irishman to have won World titles in two weight classes, formally announced his deal at a major press conference at the iconic Ulster Hall in Belfast earlier today.

On the same bill, all-action Belfast hero Jamie Conlan finally has a dream World Title shot. He will be challenging tough Filipino Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF World Super-Flyweight belt.

Hugely-popular Triple Olympian Paddy Barnes will make the first defence of his WBO European Flyweight Championship that he won against Silvio Olteanu at the Waterfront Hall back in June.

Further exciting additions to the undercard will be announced in due course.

“I felt that the overall package that Frank Warren and BT Sport were offering me was the deciding factor,” said Frampton. “I’m desperate to kick on and I’m looking forward to repaying the fans for showing their support in me.

“This is a deal I believe will give me the best chance to have massive fights that I crave and I have been guaranteed that I will be fighting at Windsor Park next summer.

“It’s great to be back in Belfast. We’re still looking at opponents but I’m looking at getting the big boys next year.

“It’s a weight off my shoulders to now have my promoter in place because I’m desperate to kick on and put on a show for the people of Belfast on November 18.

“The boxing business can be tough and it has taken a bit of time for me to get everything sorted out. But now I can look ahead to an exciting final chapter of my career, fighting the best in the World.

“It’s great to have a huge show back in Belfast. Jamie Conlan has been involved in three or four of the most exciting fights I’ve ever seen. He’s a tremendous fighter – all action style. He never makes a fight easy for himself. He would probably admit that himself. He goes to war every single time.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Make no bones about it, Carl is a massive attraction in the sport and one of just a few where tickets are like gold dust whenever they get in the ring.

“I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to showcase someone of his stature and popularity.

“Being a two-weight world champion, he is already an Irish boxing legend and we want to quickly put him in position to win another world title on his home soil in Belfast.

“Once he has got a good fight under his belt we will push on to Windsor Park, which is where we want to be with him, in a massive night there.

“The signing of Carl gives us a real foothold in Belfast, which is a great territory and one where we will continue to look to build up the local scene.”

Jamie Conlan on World title shot:

“I always loved fighting on Carl’s undercards. The atmosphere is hard to decribe and it has got bigger and bigger. To be involved with a meaningful fight, it’s going to be an emotion I’m going to have to control on fight night. It’s something I’m looking forward to.

“I didn’t get overly excited when I found out this was happening because I’ve been let down in the past but now that I’m sitting at the table, I’ve never been as excited. It’s a big stage, it’s a big atmosphere. It’s a bigger audience than I’ve ever fought in front of. ”

Paddy Barnes on WBO European Flyweight belt defence:

“It’s great to be involved in such a huge event. The way Carl fills out the Odyssey is a brilliant spectacle and I’m honoured to be able to fight on a double World title card that Carl’s on too.

“I still feel that I need to slow down and I’m working on that in the gym In my last fight, I didn’t perform the way I can because I was more focused on doing the rounds. Now I know what it’s about and I’m looking forward to showing my real skill.”

Tickets for Frampton Reborn will go on sale on Wednesday 4th October via the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 028 9073 9074.

Further details on ticket prices will be released in the coming days.

https://www.facebook.com/btsport/videos/1688178814588647/

NEW YORK (July 25, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer three separate boxing presentations on Saturday, July 29, delivering two digital live streams preceding the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING televised doubleheader. The digital-only offerings will be available on Facebook Live and YouTube prior to the live SHOWTIME® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, as the network continues its unrivaled commitment to boxing.

The full day of high-stakes boxing will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with streaming coverage from Belfast, Ireland as 2016 Fighter of the Year Carl Frampton makes his long-awaited homecoming. The former two-division titlist Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) will face once-beaten Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) in a 12-round featherweight bout, his first since splitting a par of slugfests with three-division world titlist Leo Santa Cruz. Coverage of Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be provided by Channel 5, a television station in Northern Ireland.

SHOWTIME Sports will then deliver live coverage from Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT with “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims”. The two-fight live stream will feature former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) against Brooklyn native Jarrell Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs), plus the U.S. debut of female boxing star and Irish Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Taylor (5-0, 3 KOs). Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the live streaming fights from Brooklyn alongside former world champion Daniel Jacobs.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims and Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be available to U.S. audiences only.

The July 29 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a blockbuster matchup between two of boxing’s biggest stars as three-division world champion Mikey Garcia moves up to 140 pounds to face four-division champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner. Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator. The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims is an extension of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME, which is the first premium television series to offer live undercard coverage. Both offerings provide bonus bouts to viewers at home, delivering an experience that was previously available only to fans in arena. Via SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims, viewers are afforded the unique opportunity to interact with the boxing community during the event in real time.

SHOWTIME Sports also will live stream the Broner vs. Garcia final press conference on Thursday and the official weigh-in on Friday across digital platforms, including Facebook Live and YouTube.

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

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 8, 2017) – Ryan Burnett says he can follow in Carl Frampton’s footsteps and become a huge star in Belfast as he challenges Lee Haskins for the IBF World Bantamweight title at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday, LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM Noon PT.

Burnett tackles his first World title fights in his first fight on home-turf in nearly three years, while the Bristolian puts his crown on the line for the third time.

If Burnett can rip the IBF crown from Haskins, he’ll become the latest World champion from Belfast, following in the footsteps of Carl Frampton. ‘The Jackal’ also made the red belt his first World title in the Titanic Quarter back in September 2014, and Burnett hopes that Saturday is the first step on emulating the former two-weight World champion.

“People keep saying that I am the second coming of Carl Frampton – that’s a big statement,” said Burnett. “I do believe that I can emulate his success and be a big hit in Belfast. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from Carl and seeing a Belfast lad become a World champion.

“He’s taken the steps that I am taking now and seeing the level that he’s got to and what he’s achieved – and what he can still achieve – is massive. He’s done so much for boxing in Belfast, and I want to have the same impact.”

Burnett’s clash with Haskins is part of a huge night of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.

James Tennyson tackles Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight belt, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favorites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.

Photos By : Lawrence Lustig

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.

For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

An encore presentation of Saturday’s explosive rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton, as well as Mikey Garcia’s breakthrough return to boxing’s elite, will air tonight/Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Santa Cruz exacted revenge on his rival to win back his WBA Featherweight Crown at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in an early Fight of the Year candidate that has fans, media and the fighters themselves clamoring for a rubber match. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2jDj48u

In Saturday’s co-main event, Garcia, who languished in boxing exile for 30 months before returning last July, stamped his return to boxing’s elite with a definitive knockout of defending WBC Lightweight Champ Dejan Zlaticanin. The rousing victory over the universally avoided and previously unbeaten Zlaticanin crowned Garcia a three-division titlist, and perhaps a pound-for-pound great. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2kGcUC9

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is also available via SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

The event was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions and was sponsored by Corona La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS –Anybody for a trilogy?

It appears inevitable, a third step in a match of styles, personality and culture between two likeable featherweights who are even after two fights. It was hard to pick the winner in either.

But on the scorecards, Leo Santa Cruz has won one and Carl Frampton has won one. Each by majority decision.

Santa Cruz returned the favor Saturday night at the MGM Grand, winning 115-113 on two scorecards in a rematch of his narrow loss to Frampton last summer in Brooklyn for the WBA’s 126-pound title.

There was plenty of debate about the cards at ringside and in the ring in the bout’s immediate aftermath. There were questions about judge Burt Clements’ 114-114 score. There were arguments that the two-point margin on cards kept by Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman should have been bigger.

There was consensus only in the middle of the ring. After the scores were announced, Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) and Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) embraced.

“They told each other: ‘Let’s do it again,’ ‘’ promoter Richard Schaefer said after a PBC bout televised by Showtime.

Will a third fight settle anything? Maybe. Maybe, not. Santa Cruz and Frampton always figure to be in fight too close to call. In the second bout, Santa Cruz looked more comfortable, perhaps because his father and trainer, Jose, was back and healthy after a bout with cancer that kept him out his son’s corner last summer.

“Before the fight I said I wanted revenge and I wanted to work hard,’’ Santa Cruz said. “I went to the gym and I worked hard and I did what I had to do.

“Carl Frampton is a good fighter. Let’s make it a third fight.’’

Frampton didn’t argue. Not about Saturday’s result or the call for a second rematch.

“I really think Leo deserved it,’’ Frampton said
“He told me what he was going to do. The brawler was out-boxing the boxer. My fault. I’m sorry. We will have to do it again. We have to do it again.

“He was very clever and he used his reach. I think he deserved it. I’m being honest. I think he deserved it. But it was a very good fight. I think I can perform slightly better. No excuses.

“Let’s do it again.

Santa Cruz was more effective with his punches. His timing looked a little sharper and his defense was as good as perhaps as good as ever. Still, Frampton was always there, changing up on his tactics from round to round, minute to minute.

There were no knockdowns, although Frampton slipped in the fourth. There wasn’t even a moment when either fighter appeared to be in real trouble. Instead, it was tactical, a chess match at almost every turn.

A crowd 10,085, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., loved it. The house sounded as if it was split, 50-50. There were the Irish fans who traveled from Belfast with song, beers and cheers for Frampton. On the other, there were the Mexican and Mexican-Americans who chanted “Leo, Leo.’’

They’ll be back for another go-round. It’s time to order up a trilogy.

Mikey Garcia has always been known for tactical brilliance, versatility and smarts. There’s something else now, too. He’s scary.

The fear factor in Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) struck suddenly and lingered long with a knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin in the third round of a WBC lightweight title fights before the Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz rematch on Showtime Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

Zlaticanin (18-1, 11 KOs) came into the bout with a reputation for dangerous power. He was supposed to be the feared fighter. Turns out, he never had a chance.

After two-plus rounds of controlling pace and distance with a precise jab, Garcia turned him sideways with an uppercut, then stepped around and dropped him with a right that might be remembered 11 months from now as the biggest punch in 2017

Zlaticanin went down, under the bottom ropes, flat on his back and as motionless as a board for several long, scary moments. The ringside physician scrambled to revive him with oxygen through a plastic mask. For Garcia, jubilation at a big victory was suddenly supplanted by concern. He was worried and you could see it in his face.

Finally, Zlaticanin got to his feet and walked out the ring. The crowd was relieved and Garcia said it best with is first post-fight word.

“Thank God, he’s okay,’’ said Garcia, who has more than just ring smarts.

There was patience early and power in the end.

That proved to be the perfect combo for Ukrainian lightweight Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs), who controlled tempo for seven-plus rounds and finished Demond Brock with a lightning bolt of a counter left hand late in the eighth in the final fight on the Showtime Extreme part of the Santa Cruz-Frampton card Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

The left and a subsequent follow-up dropped Brock, who somehow managed to get up. But it was only a matter of time. Make that seconds. Redkach quickly attacked, forcing referee Jay Nady to end at 2:30 of the eighth.

David Benavidez took another step from prospect to contender.

A big one.

Benavidez, the younger brother of former junior-welterweight champion Jose Benavidez Jr., scored a powerful stoppage of Sherali Mamadjanov of Uzbekistan on the Showtime Extreme part of the Frampton-Santa Cruz card Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), a super-middleweight from Phoenix, scored a first-round knockdown and then finished Mamadjanov (14-2, 7 KOs) with successive left hands at 1:04 of the second.

Scottish junior-welterweight Josh Taylor stayed unbeaten, yet not perfect.

Taylor, whose reputation for power preceded him, improved to 8-0, yet he had to settle for his first victory without a KO in a unanimous decision over Mexican Alfonso Olvera (8-2-1, 3 KOs), who withstood everything the Scotsman threw at him in the first televised bout on the Showtime Extreme part of the Frampton-Santa Cruz card Saturday at the MGM Grand.

Taylor’s feared left rocked Olvera in the fourth. The Mexican stumbled, but would not fall then or at any other time during the next four rounds.

Ledaun Barthelemy, a Mayweather Promotions prospect from Cuba and the brother of former lightweight champion Rances, continued to show promise, adding another victory to his unbeaten record (12-0, 6 KOs) with a unanimous decision over unknown Jesus Aguinaga (5-5-1) in a six-round featherweight bout.

Jose Santa Cruz was 2-0 Saturday before his son Leo even arrived at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the main event against Carl Frampton.

Jerry Perez, a Jose Santa Cruz-trained featherweight from Harbor City, Calif., needed only 54 seconds to win his pro debut, a three-knocodwon wipeout of overmatched and overwhelmed Javier Cepeda (0-5) of Roswell, New Mexico.

Echoes, empty seats, Herbert Acevedo and Chris Singleton opened the show.

Four hours before the start of a Showtime telecast featuring a Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz rematch at the MGM Grand Saturday, Acevedo, a Los Angeles welterweight, prevailed, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Singleton of Baton Rouge, La.

Acevedo (13-2, 6 KOs) threw a short body shot, flooring Singleton (17-4-2, 8 KOs) in the second round. Singleton got up up and fought through the remaining four-plus rounds, yet could never overcome the early knockdown. The card’s opening bout might have been a good sign for Santa Cruz, whose father and trainer, Jose, was in the corner for Acevedo.