MELBOURNE, Australia (May 11, 2022) — Australian two-time bantamweight world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney and New Zealand-born heavyweight contender Junior Fa hope to showcase their talents for the home region fans at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, on the undercard of the George Kambosos Jr.-Devin Haney undisputed lightweight world title showdown. The Kambosos-Haney world championship event is projected to be one of the biggest boxing events ever on Australian soil.

Moloney will battle former world title challenger Aston Palicte in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title, while Fa will take on Australian fan-favorite Lucas Browne in a 10-rounder for the WBA Oceania and IBF International heavyweight title belts.

Kambosos-Haney, Moloney-Palicte, Fa-Browne, and an eight-round heavyweight fight between Hemi Ahio (18-0, 13 KOs), Auckland, New Zealand, and Joe Jones (13-4, 10 KOs), of Jersey City. N.J, will be televised LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ Saturday, June 4, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In a swing bout, cruiserweight David Nyika (2-0, 2 KOs) will be showcased in 6/4-rounder against an opponent to be named. Nyika, from Hamilton, New Zealand, captured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics last summer. A beloved sporting hero in his country, Nyika has earned his stripes as a sparring partner for heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Following the main event, streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, world-rated junior bantamweight contender Andrew Moloney (23-2, 15 KOs) will battle Nicaragua’s Alexander Espinoza (21-3-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and Devin Haney Promotions-signed junior middleweight prospect Amari Jones (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight Ankush Hooda (3-0-1, 1 KO) in a scheduled six-rounder.

“When it comes to presenting an undercard worthy of its main event — the battle between world champions George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight world championship — it’s Aussie Rules.  Australian fight fans in Marvel Stadium and viewers around the globe will be treated to a feast of exciting all-action bouts, many featuring contenders and prospects from Australia, as well as New Zealand. And those not televised live on ESPN will be streamed to the U.S. on ESPN+,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.  “We are prepared to make history in Melbourne.”

Browne (30-3, 26 KOs) won the WBA Oceania title with a knockout victory over Faiga Opelu in December and is a former WBA world titlist. The 32-year-old Fa (19-1, 10 KOs) is looking to get his career back on track after losing to former world champion Joseph Parker in his last outing in February 2021. Fa has notable wins over American veterans Devin Vargas and Dominick Guinn.

“I would love nothing more than to fight for another world title, and Junior Fa is standing in my way,” Browne said. “If I can put him away early, that will send a message to the boxing world that I am far from finished. He has only lost once in his career, to Joseph Parker. I plan to hand him his second defeat.”

“I am 100 percent back myself, but I’m not taking Lucas lightly, as he is a former world champ and was stopped by Paul Gallen with some illegal blows, so I don’t count that as a loss for him,” Fa said. “He has his power, and we saw him use it to KO his last opponent. I’ll be getting the best Lucas Browne for this fight as I’m in the way of him being a contender again. It’s a huge opportunity for him and it’s going to be a tough fight.”

Moloney (23-2, 18 KOs) has re-ignited his career since an October 2020 knockout loss to pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue. He defeated top contender Joshua Greer Jr. last August and made his 2022 debut in April with a one-sided decision over Francisco Javier Pedroza. He is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC and No. 3 by WBO. Palicte (28-4-1, 23 KOs), from Bago City, Philippines, twice challenged for world titles at junior bantamweight and has won three consecutive fights. He is world-rated No. 6 by the IBF.

Moloney said, “I am grateful to Top Rank and Lou DiBella for the opportunity to be part of the biggest event in Australian boxing history. It is a dream come true. I’m expecting a tough fight against a former world title challenger in Aston Palicte, as he has shown that he can perform at the top level. I will be coming with everything I have to deliver the impressive performance of my career. Get ready for Mayhem!”

The undercard, which will be streamed in the U.S. exclusively on ESPN+, features three highly touted Ferocious Promotions prospects: Terry Nickolas, Isaias Sette and Hussein Fayad.  Nickolas (2-1, 2 KOs), from Sydney, takes a step up in opposition experience when he rumbles with Lachlan Higgins (7-4-1, 2 KOs), from Mornington, Australia, in a six-round junior middleweight bout. Junior middleweight Sette and junior lightweight Fayad, both from Sydney, will be making their pro debuts in four-round bouts. Sette will fight Melbourne-born knockout artist Luke Gersbeck (2-0, 2 KOs), while Fayad will take on Pom Thanawut Phetkum (1-1), from Springvale, Australia. Taylah Robertson (4-1, 1 KO), from Brisbane, Australia, and Sarah Higginson (3-0-1, 1 KO), from Perth, Australia, will face off in a five-round junior bantamweight battle. Both fighters enter this bout having won their previous title fights. Robertson scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Kylie Fulmer in their Australia Female bantamweight title fight while Higginson scored her first knockout, stopping Danni Mace in the fourth round to capture the vacant Australian National Boxing Federation Australasian Female bantamweight title.            

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DUCO EVENTS
Duco Events is one of Asia Pacific’s leading events management and sports promotion companies, responsible for delivering high profile sporting events such as The Battle of Brisbane – Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn, the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Rugby Tens alongside numerous other innovative sports, corporate and entertainment events throughout New Zealand and Australia including Synthony – a breath-taking fusion of electronic dance music, live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists and immersive visuals.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better Live. Whether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience! For more information www.teg.com.au.

Dubai, UAE (27 September 2021) ‘THE TONGAN TYSON’ Hemi Ahio will use his big showdown at the first-ever Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October to show he’s the real fighting deal.

Undefeated Ahio (17-0, 12 KOs), who has ten KO’s inside the first two rounds, faces Dubai’s KO sensation Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid in an explosive heavyweight collision for the (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

The aggressive New Zealand crowd pleaser born to Tongan parents carries power and hand speed that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Mike Tyson.

All funds generated at the A-list event where the world’s top crypto investors settle their differences will be donated to the humanitarian work undertaken by the Amir Khan Foundation.

Ahio, 31, who trains in his home city Auckland at the City Kickboxing gym under Doug Viney said: “Winning this title will open doors to fighting higher ranked fighters so I get known.

“I would like to spend time in Britain boxing because there seems to be some really good Heavyweights.

“The only problem we have in New Zealand is that there aren’t constantly shows like there are in Britain and the United States.

“In terms of training, I love it in New Zealand because we have some excellent boxing teachers and coaches, but perhaps that is something to think about.”

A win in the UAE will help Ahio earn a top 15 ranking with the WBC whose world Heavyweight title will be on the line when Tyson Fury defends against Deontay Wilder on October 9.

Ahio who has won five of his last six contests by KO added: “I would love to fight the French boxer Tony Yoka. He is making his way up and is really technical.

“Of course I would jump in there with Fury, Wilder or Anthony Joshua, but Yoka may have something they don’t.

“I always like studying techniques when I am in the ring with these big dudes and I’d enjoy fighting Yoka before them, especially with his skillset and frame.

“There was talk of fighting Joe Parker in an all New Zealand fight, but it died down pretty quickly.

“I have met Joe once or twice and he is a good guy. I would love to get in the ring with him if I was given the chance.”

Even though all of Bayat Farid’s 17 wins have come inside the distance, Ahio has no concerns about his rival.

“I have no idea about Farid and have zero knowledge on him. I just know that I am meant to be fighting him,” explained Ahio who knocked out 7ft 2in American Julius Long when he last fought in February.

“The only thing I am worried about is my training. I have not even looked at his record, who or where he has boxed.

“When I get to Dubai I will take a look at his fights, but right now I am just putting in the work.”

Two-time world champion Amir Khan and the Super Boxing League (SBL) in association with Savy Capital, Bybit and the World Boxing Council (WBC) will stage the inaugural Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October.

The first ever WBC Crypto belt will be contested for and presented to the winner of the boxing match between the leading crypto traders RookieXBT and Loomdart which headlines the extravaganza.

In the co-main event an exciting showdown between two huge punchers in the heavyweight division sees New Zealand big-hitter Hemi ‘The Heat’ Ahio (17-0-0, 12 KO’s) in a seismic collision with Dubai KO king Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) for the vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

Three further contests between some of the world’s most powerful crypto traders will also take place on the card, featuring: Profit Maximalist podcast host Luke Martin vs. whizz-kid trader Barney The Boi, entrepreneur Raghav ‘Reggie’ Jerath vs. investment and finance pro and co-founder of Gath3r Network Foz; leading British trader Adam ‘Cass’ Craigmile vs. Egyptian hot-trader Ahmed Mousa.

Besides a fantastic night of boxing the celebrity crypto crowd will also be involved in an auction of various crypto related assets, collectibles and NFT digital art.

ABOUT SBL

Launched in India in League format. It is the first combat sports promoter to introduce boxing in the Middle East with SBL Jeddah Season. The WBC supported SBL Jeddah Season and also designed a special WBC Belt for the International title when Amir Khan defeated Billy Dib. The first SBL Crypto Fight Night, is all set to recreate history in the Middle East with the first ever WBC Crypto belt, especially designed by the WBC.

ABOUT East West Sports LLC

East West Sports LLC (EWS) owns the Super Boxing League (SBL) has extensive experience in Sports Entertainment having hosted over 151 live events in leading venues internationally. In turn many of these have been aired on leading media platforms such as ESPN, Fox, Sky Sports, Star Sports, MBC, Super Sport, Viacom, Channel 5 and many more…

Please visit www.superboxingleague.com for additional information.

Dubai, UAE – 13 September 2021 – Two-time World Champion Amir Khan and the Super Boxing League (SBL) in association with Savy Capital, Bybit and the World Boxing Council (WBC) are thrilled to announce that it will stage the inaugural Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October.

The high-profile event will feature the World’s leading crypto traders meeting in the ring and all funds generated from the big night – that includes an auction of various crypto related assets, collectibles and NFT digital art – will be donated to the vital humanitarian work undertaken by the Amir Khan Foundation.

The SBL works in unity with the foundation which was set-up by two-time World Boxing Champion & Olympic Silver Medalist Amir Khan with the core objective to support communities globally, especially through health, fitness, and sport. Since its inception, the Amir Khan Foundation has responded to global emergencies and facilitated developmental projects across the world. The foundation exists to support individuals, families and communities globally, and to offer relief and support during times of hardship, urgent need and upheaval.

The star-studded evening will showcase Dubai as the future of Block Chain technology and innovation, with the World’s fastest-growing crypto community in attendance on fight night.

This first of its kind A-list event is supported by the World’s leading boxing governing body the World Boxing Council (WBC), who lead the way in protecting human rights, eradicating discrimination and helping the most vulnerable, and Savy Capital, who is the Crypto Community Partner and makes investments in different asset classes globally.

Boxing history will be made when the first ever WBC Crypto belt will be contested for and presented to the winner of the boxing match between the leading distinguished crypto traders RookieXBT and Loomdart which headlines the extravaganza.

RookieXBT is one of the youngest and most respected Crypto traders. Loomdart is arguably the most notable investor in the industry and partner in VC Egirl Capital.

In the co-main event an exciting showdown between two huge punchers in the heavyweight division sees New Zealand big-hitter Hemi ‘The Heat’ Ahio (17-0-0, 12 KO’s) in a seismic collision with Dubai KO king Mohammad Ali (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) Bayat Farid for the Vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

Three further highly-competitive contests between some of the world’s most powerful crypto traders will also take place on the card, featuring: Profit Maximalist podcast host Luke Martin versus whizz-kid trader Barney The Boi; entrepreneur Raghav ‘Reggie’ Jerath vs. investment and finance pro and co-founder of Gath3r Network Foz; leading British trader Adam ‘Cass’ Craigmile vs. American hot-trader Ahmed.

In addition, the event also features an undercard full of action-packed contests, including the highly anticipated professional debuts of two sensational hot prospects: England’s National ABA Youth Champion and Amir’s cousin Abdul Khan, and Tal Singh, the Amir managed England Boxing National Champion, plus other eminent boxers.

Amir Khan, SBL Chairman, said: “Get ready and be prepared to witness high adrenaline action unlike anything you’ve seen before. Being associated with crypto will further augment our endeavour to reach to the population which believe in pace and transformation.”

Bill Dosanjh, SBL CEO & Founder, said: “I’m proud to announce the SBL Crypto Fight Night, as we are the first ever-combat sports promoters to take this leap with something which denotes the future and is in line with the UAE vision as well. Our core objective is to showcase that Dubai is the future hub of Block Chain. This association will help build the sport amongst the millennial and young business generation who have a forward approach.”

RookieXBT and Loomadart can only usually be viewed as avatars, and it’s the FIRST TIME that the Crypto community will see them live.

Self-taught trader Rookie said, “I’m happy to be participating in an event that brings the crypto family together in a way that’s never been done before. It’s extremely humbling. I’m looking forward to this event being a success and hopefully something that happens annually.”

Rival Loomdart who has traded Crypto since 2014 added, “There’s something beautiful about being able to say getting involved in crypto has led to me fighting some dude i’ve never met before. I can’t wait for these to be regular events and let people get revenge for getting dumped on.”

Savy Capital said, “The crypto community is a robust group of individuals and companies that are dedicated to making a difference in today’s society, we are proud to bring them together with the combat sports world partnering with SBL, where we can showcase to people the winning spirit, high octane energy, and giving back personalities of all involved. This event is the first edition of many more to come!”

Roy Blackstone said, “SBL and Savy Capital are combining to give the world the first event that merges the boxing and crypto communities in Dubai, one of the world’s most incredible cities. This night will help to bring awareness of both of these communities to the mainstream, and I am proud to support the very first fight night.

Bybit added, “Crypto and boxing have a lot in common — striving for excellence, keeping one’s composure in challenging circumstances, being resilient enough and coming back again and again even when getting knocked down, and not to mention being often misunderstood. The pandemic has taken a toll on sports and other sources of joy. We at Bybit are glad to be able to help bring some entertainment back, and add a little excitement to the lovers of combat sports and crypto.”

Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Al Mualla, the Founder of Ghaf Capital said, “Ghaf Capital is excited to be a part of this “first of its kind” event. In a way, it’s metaphoric of what many of us have lived through last year, taking punches and getting knocked down. We’re excited for an amazing evening with our fellow blockchain pioneers and the athletes attending. It’s going to be a great reminder that no matter what punches life throws at you, keep your hands up and keep swinging!”

• Ends –

ABOUT SBL

Launched in India in League format. It is the first combat sports promoter to introduce boxing in the Middle East with SBL Jeddah Season. The WBC supported SBL Jeddah Season and also designed a special WBC Belt for the International title when Amir Khan defeated Billy Dib. The first SBL Crypto Fight Night, is all set to recreate history in the Middle East with the first ever WBC Crypto belt, especially designed by the WBC.

ABOUT East West Sports LLC

East West Sports LLC (EWS) owns the Super Boxing League (SBL) has extensive experience in Sports Entertainment having hosted over 151 live events in leading venues internationally. In turn many of these have been aired on leading media platforms such as ESPN, Fox, Sky Sports, Star Sports, MBC, Super Sport, Viacom, Channel 5 and many more…

Please visit www.superboxingleague.com for additional information.

In a much anticipated showdown, former world champion Joseph Parker won a 12-round unanimous decision over Junior Fa in a battle of New Zealand based heavyweights in front of over 12,000 fans at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

Parker landed 163 of 490 punches; Fa was 106 of 394.

Parker, 240 lbs of Las Vegas via Auckland won by scores of 1191-09, 117-111 and 115-113 and to raise his record to 28-2. Fa, 260 1/2 lbs is now 19-1.

Hemi Ahio scored a brutal 7th round stoppage over 7’1″ Julius Long in their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Long dropped Ahio with a right hand off the ropes. That was in between Ahio battering Long with hard shots. In round nine, Ahio was pummeling Long with left hooks until one final one to the jaw sent the giant crashing down on the canvas with the back of his bouncing off of it and the fight was waved off at 2:55.

Ahio, 230 1/2 lbs is now 17-0 with 12 knockouts. Long, 326 3/4 lbs of Auckland, NZ via Detroit, MI is 18-25-1.

David Nyika needed just 29 seconds to stop Jesse Maio in the opening round of their six-round cruiserweight bout.

Nyika was making his debut. Maio is 3-1.

Nikolas Charalampous and Panuve Helu fought to a six-round draw in a cruiserweight fight.

In round five, Charalampous was deducted a point for low blows. Charalampous landed about 20 more that went undetected.

Each guy won a scorecard 58-56 and one card was even at 57-57.

Charalampous, 198 3/4 lbs of Auckland, NZ is 19-3-1. Helu, 197 lbs of Auckland, NZ via Tonga is 12-2-2.

Jerome Pampellone stopped debuting Antz Amouta in the opening round of their scheduled four-round cruiserweight bout,

Pampellone landed a right to the body that hurt Amouta badly. Pampellone jumped on Amouta with seven hard punches that sent Amouta to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 2:57.

Pampellone, 180 lbs of Auckland, NZ via London, ENG is 3-0 with two knockoouts. Amouta, 190 3/4 lbs of New Zealand is 0-1.

John Parker remained undefeated with four-round unanimous decision over Egelani Taito in a light heavyweight contest.

Parker, 174 1/2 lbs is 6-0. Taigo, 174 1/2 lbs was making his debut.

New York, NY (November 5, 2019) DiBella Entertainment has signed Undefeated Heavyweight Contender Hemi “The Heat” Ahio (15-0, 10 KOs), of Auckland, New Zealand, to an exclusive promotional contract.

The hard-hitting Ahio will make his debut under the DiBella Entertainment banner on Friday, November 15, in a scheduled 10-round bout against Joshua Tufte (19-3, 9 KOs), of Kernersville, NC, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The featured attraction bout of the Broadway Boxing event will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9:00 p.m. MST/11:00 p.m. EST/8:00 p.m. PST.

Advance tickets, priced at $200 VIP, $100 Ringside, $60 and $30, plus service fees, are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. The Salt Palace Convention Center is located at 100 S W Temple in Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m. MST. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

“I’m really appreciative of DiBella Entertainment having the faith in me to be successful in the United States,” said the 29-year-old Ahio. “Bring on the good times. I can’t wait to fight on Friday, November 15.”

“Hemi has the potential to be a big player in the heavyweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Known as the ‘Tongan Tyson’ in New Zealand, he’s a huge puncher with fast hands and an exciting come-forward style. Coming off a big knockout of an undefeated prospect in Saudi Arabia, Hemi is back in the US and ready to shine on UFC Fight Pass, Friday, November 15 in Salt Lake City.”

Renowned as a street fighter in Auckland, Ahio was jumped by six assailants in early 2013 in his hometown and stabbed in the chest. Despite his life-threatening injury, Ahio was able to knock out three of his attackers with the other three running away from the free-swinging, bloodied New Zealander. Following the notorious incident, Ahio was taken to a boxing gym by his uncle and had his first professional bout on October 18, 2013, which he won by first-round knockout.

With his tremendous hand speed and devastating power, the aggressive Kiwi heavyweight, born to Tongan parents, has drawn comparisons stylistically to a young Mike Tyson. Ahio captured the IBO Oceania-Orient and New Zealand Heavyweight Titles, winning a unanimous decision in his first 10-rounder against Daniel Tai in September 2017. Victorious three times in 2019, he returns to the United States following a first-round knockout of Ali Kiydin on July 12 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On March 2, 2019, Ahio made his US debut with a seventh-round stoppage versus Ed Fountain in Columbus, Ohio.

Headlining the Broadway Boxing event, fellow New Zealand heavyweight Junior Fa (18-0, 10 KOs) battles US Olympian Devin Vargas (21-5, 9 KOs), of Sylvania, OH, in a scheduled 10-round bout.

NEW YORK, NY (October 30, 2019) DiBella Entertainment’s nationally acclaimed Broadway Boxing series hits Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT, on Friday, November 15. The 111th edition of Broadway Boxing will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. The event features two undefeated heavyweight contenders from New Zealand in separate bouts; Junior Fa and Hemi Ahio. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Advance tickets, priced at $200 VIP, $100 Ringside, $60 and $30, plus service fees, are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. The Salt Palace Convention Center is located at 100 S W Temple, in Salt Lake City, UT 84101. The first bout on the night of the event will be at 7:00 p.m. MST.

“I’m thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing to Salt Lake City, Utah, where New Zealand heavyweights Junior Fa and Hemi Ahio have a large and passionate following in the Tongan community,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “On Friday, November 15, live on UFC Fight Pass, boxing fans will see the world-ranked Fa take another step toward a world title shot as well as the power-punching brawler Ahio, who is always in exciting fights. Also, coming off two impressive wins earlier this year, Ukrainian welterweight contender Ivan Golub will be featured as well.”

Fighting out of Otahuhu, New Zealand, the 30-year-old Fa (18-0, 10 KOs) will take on former US Olympian Devin Vargas (21-5, 9 KOs), of Sylvania, OH, in the 10-round main event.

Standing 6’5″ and a frequent training partner of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder, Junior Fa is world ranked #7 by the WBO. He had an impressive amateur career that included two victories against future heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. Fa kicked off 2019 with a stunning first-round knockout of Newfel Ouatah on March 2, in Columbus, OH. He then won a 10-round unanimous decision against veteran Dominick Guinn on June 28, in Temecula, CA.

Winner of three of his last four fights, Vargas returns to battle following a fifth-round stoppage of previously undefeated Irish heavyweight Niall Kennedy on August 17, in Springfield, MA. A 2018 loss to future heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz was preceded by victories against Tommy Washington Jr. and Galen Brown.

Co-featured in a 10-round heavyweight clash, Hemi Ahio (15-0, 10 KOs), of Auckland, New Zealand, faces battle-tested veteran Joshua “Too Tuff” Tufte (19-3, 9 KOs), of Kernersville, NC.

A professional for six years, the 29-year-old heavy-handed Ahio is coming off an impressive a first-round knockout of Ali Kiydin on July 12 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On March 2, Ahio made his United States debut with a seventh-round stoppage against Ed Fountain in Columbus, OH. Ahio captured the IBO Oceania-Orient and New Zealand Heavyweight Titles in 2017.

Tufte hits the ring against Ahio with eight years of professional experience, including encounters with Adam Kownacki, Daniel Martz, Curtis Harper, Carl Davis and Richard Carmack. Competing on April 13, Tufte came up on the short end of an eight-round hard-fought fight with Jerry Forrest in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Also in action on November 15 will be welterweight contender Ivan “The Volk” Golub (17-1, 13 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., the Ukrainian southpaw has had two outstanding victories in 2019; a 10-round unanimous decision versus Manuel Reyes on April 10 and a fifth-round stoppage of Joaquim Carneiro on August 1. As an amateur, Golub accumulated a 270-32 record, while becoming a five-time Ukrainian National champion, and won bronze medals at the Junior World Championships in 2006 and at the World Championships in 2009. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, winning all five of his bouts.

More information and additional bouts for this exciting card will be announced shortly. Now in its 17th year, Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.