Jesus Martinez will make his professional debut on Friday June 10 at the Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, live worldwide on DAZN, in the latest installment of Matchroom and DAZN’s fight series in Mexico, in association with Canelo Promotions and Clase Y Talento.

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Martinez leaves the amateur scene as a 14-time US National champion, former International amateur champion and boasting a record of 137-9. The 17 year old from Del Rio, Texas, will campaign at Bantamweight and takes on Daniel Nunez Gomez (1-1) on his pro bow, and ‘Panterita’ is raring to make his first steps in the paid ranks.

“First and foremost, I’m really excited and pumped up to be on a Matchroom and DAZN show,” said Martinez. “I’m excited to be able to show the world all my skills and what I am about. I can’t wait for June 10 to show real fireworks.”

Earlier in the year, Martinez signed with new management company International Sports Group, founded by Hall of Fame great Joe Calzaghe and London fan favorite Darren Barker, as well as training with Robert Garcia. The former World champions made the teen sensation their first signing, and ex-Middleweight king Barker believes that they have a future champion on their hands.

“I’m excited to unleash Jesus on the pro ranks,” said Barker. “He’s a lovely lad and he can really fight, it’s in his blood. He’s got unbelievable amateur pedigree, I asked him why not wait to try to make the Olympics as you are number one in the country, but he said he didn’t want to be an Olympian, because his aspirations aren’t just to be a World champion, but a multi-weight champion. He’s a tremendous talent and a future star, there’s no doubt about it.”

Martinez’s pro debut is part of a stacked card in Mexico, headlined by a World title double-header as WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi defending his straps against Esteban 
Bermudez and Mayerlin Rivas will defend her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Isis Vargas Perez.

Jorge Castaneda and Eduardo Hernandez meet for the WBC International Super-Featherweight title in a huge fight for the division, Diego Pacheco (14-0 11 KOs) continues to be a must-watch talent and the 21 year old ticks off another major milestone as he stretches his legs over the ten round distance for the first time against Raul Ortega (10-2 7 KOs), Aaron Aponte fights for the sixth time in the paid ranks against Leo Leon Martinez (2-1 2 KOs) and Eddie Hearn’s latest signing, Anthony Herrera (2-0 2 KOs), faces Kennyn Valenzuela (5-2 4 KOs) in his first six rounder.

Joe Calzaghe has backed Liam Williams to become Wales’ latest World champion as he prepares to face Demetrius Andrade for the WBO World Middleweight title on Saturday night at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Fl. on Saturday April 17, live worldwide on DAZN and in association with Queensberry Promotions.
 
Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) would become the 13^th World ruler from Wales if he can prize the strap away from the unbeaten Andrade (25-0 18 KOs), who puts his title on the line for the fourth time.
 
Hall of Famer Calzaghe famously brought the curtain down on his glittering career with wins on American soil against fellow legends Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr., and he’s backing Williams to produce his own memorable night Stateside.
 
“I would be thrilled to see Liam become World champion,” said Calzaghe. “He’s earned his spot at the table and now he just has to go out there and deliver. Everyone in Wales is behind him.
 
“It’s not going to be an easy night, but he’ll know that. Demetrius is a slippery customer with bags of skill, but I think Liam needs to get in there, get close to him, unsettle him, make him work and not give him one second’s rest.
 
“If he does that, I think he could take the belt on points and even force a late stoppage. It’ll be a hard night’s work, but he’s got the tools to get it done and I’d love to see him bring the belt back to Wales.”
 
Williams’ clash with Andrade is part of a stacked night of action in Florida as Carlos Gongora (19-0 14 KOs) defends his IBO World Super-Middleweight title against Christopher Pearson (17-2 12 KOs).
 
Heavyweight Mahammadrasul Majidov (3-0 3 KOs) is back in action and looking for a fourth straight KO win against Andrey Fedosov (31-3 25 KOs), Otha Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) returns to the ring in a rescheduled eight round clash with Jorge Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs), Arthur Biyarslanov (7-0 6 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten man Israel Mercado (9-0 7 KOs), Alexis Espino (7-0 5 KOs) returns quickly over six rounds against unbeaten Florida man Ty McLeod (6-0 6 KOs) and Florida native Aaron Aponte (2-0 1 KO) returns at the same speed for his third fight over four rounds against Javier Martinez (4-7 3 KOs).

NEW YORK – April 28, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports will continue to present classic bouts from its vast archive of world championship fights every Friday night at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME throughout the month of May. SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will also be available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

The May SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS line-up highlights some of the biggest names in boxing in a slew of signature fights, including the 2017 blockbuster pay-per-view event Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. Every Friday night, viewers will be able to relive classic encounters from all-time greats such as Mayweather, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and more, as well as the stars of today including Premier Boxing Champions fighters Errol Spence Jr., Leo Santa Cruz, Keith Thurman and more.

The scheduled is as follows.

• Friday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr.
  • Spence vs. Lamont Peterson

Friday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

• Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter
• Thurman vs. Danny Garcia
• Friday, May 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana I
  • Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor
• Friday, May 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Kostya Tszyu vs. Ricky Hatton
  • Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy
• Friday, May 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton II
  • Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares II

Combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host live companion episodes of their digital talk show MORNING KOMBAT on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel for select SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecasts. They will watch the fights along with viewers, give their real-time reactions and take questions from fans throughout the replay. Viewers can follow along and participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #FightFromHome.

A synopsis of the bouts featured on SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS is listed below.

Brook-Spence(May 27, 2017, Spence KO 11) – Spence goes into enemy territory and takes the IBF Welterweight Title away from Sheffield, England’s own Brook in an all-action affair at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Brook’s left eye is badly damaged from Spence’s powerful punches and that proves to be the deciding factor in the bout. By the end of round nine, Brook’s left eye is grotesquely swollen and in round 10, Spence drops Brook with a flurry of punches. The 27-year-old Spence pours on the pressure in round 11 and with Brook’s eye in serious condition, he takes a knee on his own accord. Brook gets up at the count of 9 but referee Howard Foster waves it off, much to the disappointment of the 27,000 fans in attendance.

Spence-Peterson (January 20, 2018, Spence TKO 7) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Spence retains his IBF title with an impressive stoppage of former two-division champion Peterson. In his first defense since dethroning Brook, Spence outboxes a tough Peterson from start to finish, showcasing a wide array of skills, speed and power. The fight is ends prior to the start of the eighth round after Peterson’s trainer, Barry Hunter, calls for the stoppage.

Thurman-Porter (June 25, 2016, Thurman W 12) – In an old-fashioned Fight of the Year candidate, undefeated welterweight world champion Thurman defends his title and edges out former world champion Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The two fighters throw over 1200 punches combined in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® on CBS event.

Thurman-Garcia (March 4, 2017, Thurman W 12) – Thurman unifies boxing’s glamour division with a split-decision victory over Garcia, defending his WBA belt and picking up the WBC crown on boxing’s biggest stage in primetime on CBS. The close affair, which was only the third time undefeated fighters met to unify the 147-pound division, is scored 116-112 Thurman, 115-113 Thurman and 115-113 Garcia. Thurman comes out swinging and is the busier and more accurate fighter in nine-of-the-12 rounds. Garcia picks up the pace in the final rounds, but it’s too little too late for the previously undefeated Philadelphia native.

Mayweather-Maidana I (May 3, 2014, Mayweather W 12) – Mayweather prevails with a hard-fought majority decision victory over Maidana to become the WBA and WBC Welterweight Champion in front of over 16,000 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For a moment, it seems like Maidana could do the unthinkable and hand pound-for-pound champion Mayweather the first loss of his brilliant career with his suffocating and blazing style. Instead, Mayweather’s defense and punching accuracy allow him to pick up his 46^th consecutive win with scores of 114-114, 117-111 and 116-112.

Mayweather-McGregor (August 26, 2017, Mayweather TKO 10) – Floyd Mayweather ends his historic career in style with a convincing technical knockout victory over UFC mega-star Conor McGregor in an unprecedented global sporting event that delivers 4.4 million domestic pay-per-view buys, second only to Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao in 2015. The 40-year-old Mayweather, fighting for the first time in 714 days, punishes McGregor with a series of blows to end the fight in the 10^th round. Mayweather goes out on top, becoming the first boxer to finish his career at 50-0, eclipsing the record he had previously shared with the legendary Rocky Marciano.

Tszyu-Hatton (June 4, 2005, Hatton TKO 11) – In front of 22,000 screaming fans, a largely unproven but hungry Ricky Hatton announces his entry to the upper echelons of the world boxing scene by recording an 11^th-round TKO over one of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxers to win the IBF Junior Welterweight World Title. After 11 rounds of boxing marked by Hatton’s signature stamina, aggression and heart, Tszyu’s corner decides to retire before answering the bell for the final stanza in one of the most memorable upsets British boxing has ever seen.

Calzaghe-Lacy (March 4, 2006, Calzaghe W 12) – In the most anticipated super middleweight match since Roy Jones defeated James Toney 12 years prior, Calzaghe produces a masterpiece win over the heavy pre-fight favorite Lacy to earn the WBO and IBF Super Middleweight titles. Calzaghe dominates throughout the fight, with the British fight fans chanting “Over-rated” at the American Lacy during the last three rounds. Calzaghe cuts Lacy over both eyes and causes blood to flow from Lacy’s nose midway through a fight that could have been stopped several times, and floors him in the 12^th. It is the 17^th time that Calzaghe defends his WBO 168-pound belt since outpointing Chris Eubank for the vacant title in October 1997.

Santa Cruz-Frampton II (January 28, 2017, Santa Cruz W 12) – Leo Santa Cruz executes his game plan brilliantly to reclaim the WBA Featherweight Championship in a rematch of his epic first fight with Frampton on July of 2016. Frampton is the more aggressive fighter in the second half of the encounter, but his aggression opens him up to effective counter shots from Santa Cruz, who wins with scores of 114-114 and 115-113 twice.

Santa Cruz-Mares II (June 9 2018, Santa Cruz W 12) – In an electrifying war that has the STAPLES Center crowd on its feet chanting for more, Santa Cruz defends his WBA Featherweight Championship by winning a unanimous decision in a rematch against four-division world champion Abner Mares. In a near statistical replica of the first fight that Santa Cruz won by majority decision in 2015, the three-division world champion Santa Cruz wins on all three of the judges’ scorecards by scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.

Last month, SHOWTIME announced that new customers who sign up before May 3 can take advantage of a 30-day free trial for the SHOWTIME streaming service, available on SHOWTIME.com and the SHOWTIME app on all supported devices.

The father/trainer of Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Calzaghe passed away at age 69, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

No cause of death was announced, but the family said in a statement, “The family are devastated to have to announce the death of our beloved Enzo. Joe and all of the Calzaghe family would like to thank the public for their well wishes and kind thoughts, especially the outpouring of support from within the boxing community.

“Enzo led an incredible life both inside and outside of the boxing gym and his loss is a devastating one for the entire Calzaghe family. We please ask that people respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

Enzo Calzaghe also trained other fighters, including former junior welterweight world titlist Gavin Rees, former cruiserweight titleholder Enzo Maccarinelli and former light heavyweight titlist Nathan Cleverly.

“A teacher, a trainer and a great man,” Cleverly wrote on social media. “He predicted early on in my teen years that I would become a world champion. He taught me so much.”

Joe Calzaghe is backing his countryman Nathan Cleverly (29-3, 15 KOs) to dethrone WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Juergen Braehmer (48-2, 35 KOs) on Saturday night at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.

The legendary two-weight World Champion, who held WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and Ring magazine titles during his undefeated forty-six-fight career, believes Cleverly ‘speed’ and ‘work rate’ will prove too much for the German veteran.

‘’This is a great opportunity for Nathan,’’ he said. ‘’Braehmer is a good boxer, but if Nathan fights an intelligent fight, and uses his hand speed and work rate, I definitely fancy him to win.

‘’If I was facing Braehmer, I would have done what I always did. I would have used my speed and my boxing ability, and I think I would have won comfortably.

‘’Nathan is a different kind of fighter, but if he plays to his strengths, I’m sure he can get the job done. He’s come back down to light heavyweight, he had a good fight against Fonfara, and now he’s ready to get back into the World title mix.

‘’He’s away, fighting in Germany, so he will need to start fast and dominate the rounds, as any 50-50 rounds will go to the home fighter, but I still fancy him to do it. We saw Enzo Maccarinelli giving Braehmer some trouble at home before his eye started to swell.’’

Calzaghe, who enjoyed some memorable nights overseas, most notably his 2008 Stateside victories over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr, is also the last British boxer to have won a World title fight in Germany against German opposition.

In 2005, the ‘Italian Dragon’ defended his WBO World title against mandatory challenger Mario Veit at the Volkswagenhalle in Braunschweig.

‘’That’s another one for the record books,’’ he says. ‘’Hopefully Nathan can be the man to break that record and bring the World title home.

‘’It was a different type of fight for me. Mario Veit was my mandatory challenger. I had already knocked him out in the first round in Cardiff, and then he won about twelve on the bounce and got himself back into the mandatory position.

‘’I always knew I was going to knock him out again, and he went six-rounds the second time, but as I said it was a different situation for me. I came to Germany as the favourite, I dominated from the start and the crowd was pretty subdued. I expect that to be different for Nathan. He has to go over there and take the title from the Champion.’’

Three of the most popular fighters of the past decade, Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad and Joe Calzaghe will highlight the 2014 Hall of Fame class that will be enshrined in Canastota, New York on June 8th.

“I am honored and appreciative to be chosen for the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014 and I thank everyone who has been a part of this journey with me,” said De La Hoya, who has struggled with substance abuse issues during retirement but also founded Golden Boy Promotions, one of the leading promotional companies in the world.

“This is the dream of everyone who puts on a pair of gloves and steps between the ropes, and through the good and the bad, you always hope that when all is said and done, you put on good fights, entertained the fans and will be remembered for what you did in the ring. To know that I will be in the Hall of Fame with the greats of this sport is humbling, but it’s also put a smile on my face that isn’t coming off anytime soon.”

“This is tremendous news. I’ve spent many years in boxing, and I am very happy,” Trinidad said. “This is a great honor for me, my father [and trainer, Felix Trinidad Sr.], my family and my whole team. I’m extremely happy to be inducted with all the Puerto Rican boxers already in the Hall of Fame. This is the biggest triumph in my career.”

“I’m so excited. I’m very proud and humbled,” Calzaghe said. “I think it’s amazing to be inducted. This is a massive, massive honor, just fantastic. To receive this honor and be up there with all the legends is the ultimate honor for me. I’m so happy right now, and I can’t wait to come to Canastota.”

They will be enshrined June 8 during the 25th annual inductions ceremony at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y. Also elected were British promoter Barry Hearn and referee Richard Steele in the nonparticipant category, journalist Graham Houston and photographer Neil Leifer in the observer category, George Chaney, Charles Ledoux and Mike O’Dowd in the old-timers category and Tom Allen in the pioneer category.

LONDON (22 Oct) – Undefeated boxing great Joe Calzaghe will kick off ‘Fighting Back’, a hit new series debuting on BoxNation this Friday, ahead of Bernard Hopkins’ world title showdown with German contender Karo Murat.

The first instalment of the series features the Welsh pugilist as he looks back over his historical victory over the eternal Hopkins, who became the oldest world champion ever at 48 when he beat Tavoris Cloud for the IBF title last March.

The show will go in-depth, providing a never before seen insight into one of British boxing’s most memorable nights, as Calzaghe gives a unique round-by-round breakdown of how he systematically beat the self-styled ‘Executioner’.

Heading into the fight in April 2008 many believed Hopkins’ experience and overall ring craft would finally crack the Calzaghe puzzle and add the first loss to his illustrious record.

However, despite this, it was the Welshman whose hand was raised at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, winning a closely contested matchup via a split decision.

It is only now, after seeing the phenomenal achievements by Hopkins, who bounced back by winning three separate versions of the light-heavyweight world title, that this remarkable performance can truly be put into context.

Hopkins will once again look to defy mother time as he takes on the sturdy Murat, live and exclusive on BoxNation this weekend, with his IBF light-heavyweight title up for grabs.

‘Fighting Back – Calzaghe v Hopkins’ debuts on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) at 7pm this Friday followed by ‘Uncut: Hopkins v Cloud’ at 8pm.

Watch Hopkins v Murat live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546) this Sunday at 2am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

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 £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Former two weight world champion Joe Calzaghe has revealed he is coming back to Scotland on May 8th for a dinner show in which he will take centre stage with former opponent Roy Jones Jnr which both fighters will discuss there careers and answer questions from the crowd. This will be the first time both fighters have come face to face since there fight in November 2013, and will be the only opportunity to see them both on the same dinner show in the UK this year.

After a successful career, in which he racked up a mammoth 46 wins in both the Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight division Calzaghe’s only professional fight in Scotland came with a points victory over Kabary Salem in October 2004.

Although he racked up a points win, he does regret not fighting in Scotland more “As a professional you have to be prepared to travel to fight sometimes, and my career gave me some mammoth nights to fighting Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas to beating Mikkel Kessler in the Millennium Stadium, but I do regret not fighting up in Scotland more

He adds “While my fight against Salem wasn’t maybe the most high profile of opponents, the Scottish crowd got behind me and gave me a good backing” Laughing he adds “They took to me as if I was one of there own.

Looking forward to coming back to Scotland, and sharing a table as opposed to a ring with Roy Jones Jnr, the ‘Pride of Wales’ explains why he is looking forward to hearing him discuss his career “As a fighter Roy (Jones Jnr) done it all, he was a multiple world champion- even went to Heavyweight to beat John Ruiz to lift that belt. He used to fight under the alias ‘Superman’ and when you see what he achieved you can see why he was called that. He is definitely one of the best fighters of the last few decades, and it was a pleasure to share the ring with him.

GM Promotions proudly present “An Evening with Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones Jnr”, in which both legends will share the stage for the first time since there fight in 2008, at Dalziel Park Hotel & Golf Club, 100 Hagen Drive, Motherwell on May 8th.

Tickets start from £100 for general admission and Platinum VIP tickets are £125, which includes a photo and a three course meal.

Tickets and further details are available from www.gmpromotions.org.uk or on twitter @GM_Promotions or by calling 01698 209190

NEW YORK, NY (Dec. 19, 2012) – The 26th annual RING 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:00-5:00 p.m. ET), February 10 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Damage from Hurricane Sandy to Russo’s On The Bay forced the event’s postponement from December 9 to Feb. 10.

A star-studded group of past and present world champions and industry dignitaries will be in attendance. Steve Farhood will serve once again as Master of Ceremonies and Dave Diamante will announce the award winners.

Ring 8 has announced its 2012 award winners (see full list below), including new World Boxing Association middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (Fighter of the Year), Joe Calzaghe (Fighter of the Year), and Bernard Hopkins (Lifetime Achievement),

“Our members really look forward to this gala event every year,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “Some of the biggest names in boxing will be honored as we proudly continue our record for lending a helping hand to those in the boxing community who are less fortunate, some requiring assistance towards paying their rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need. Each year our Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony celebrates our great sport of boxing, insuring much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will never waver from their corners. We had to wait a little longer this year because of Hurricane Sandy, but I’m confident it’ll be another knockout Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony.”

Committed celebrity boxing attendees include world champions Bobby Czyz, Virgil Hill, Iran Barkley, Vito Antuofermo, and Matthew Saad Muhammad, as well as Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Tommy Gallagher, Michael Bentt, Harold Lederman, and Earnie Shavers.

__________________________________________________________________

2012 RING 8 Award Winners

Fighter of the Year: Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin

Fighter of the Decade: Joe Calzaghe

Uncrowned Champion: David Sears

Coach of the Year (FDNY): Bob McGuire

Coaches of the Year (NYPD): Pat Russo & Dave Seiv

Lifetime Achievement Award: Bernard Hopkins

Official of the Year (Referee): Eddie Claudio

Official of the Year (Judge): John Signorile

Boxing Writer of the Year: Mike Woods

Long & Meritorious Service: Ron McNair

Man of the Year: Frankie Russo Jr.

Prospects of the Year: Floriano Pagliara & Joe Smith

Comeback of the Year: Adam Willett

__________________________________________________________________

Last year’s Ring 8 award winners included the now late, great Emanuel Steward, who was honored as Trainer of the Decade, as well as 2008 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne, the Amateur Boxer of the Year.

Tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are available to purchase by calling 1.718.729.4862, emailing DepComish@aol.com or mailing checks (payable to Ring 8) to Tony Mazzarella, C/O Waterfront Crab House, 2-03 Borden Ave., Long Island, NY 11101. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.

Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating. Boxing and sports memorabilia will be on display.

Program ads are available for Full Page ($150.00), Half-Page ($80.00), and Quarter-Page ($50.00). The deadline for all ads is January 25 and must be emailed (DepComish@aol.com) or mailed to Bob Duffy (516.313.2304), 164 Lindbergh St., Massapequa, NY 11762.

Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony.

Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach (718.843.5055).

About Ring 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

LAS VEGAS – Bernard Hopkins tried to stir up some interest Saturday in a rematch with Joe Calzaghe by mentioning the possibility and then telling UK reporters to speak to Calzaghe about it.

Hopkins suggested a rematch was in order when UK reporters told him that Calzaghe was in Las Vegas to watch fellow Brit Amir Khan fight Zab Judah.

“You’ll have something to write about on Sunday,’’ he cracked at the UK reporters who were at Mandalay Bay for a breakfast roundtable.

Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KOs) has always believed he was robbed of a victory in a 2008 split decision that went to Calzaghe, now 39 and retired. Controversy preceded the fight when Hopkins told Calzaghe that he’d never let “white boy” beat him.

“I won that fight,’’ said the 46-year-old Hopkins, who faces Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KOs) on Oct. 15 in defense of the light-heavyweight title he won against Jean Pascal in a victory that made him the oldest ever to claim a major title. “I think I lost that fight when I called light-skinned. I think that changed the way people looked at that fight.’’

It was not known early Saturday if Calzaghe was interested. He has never indicated one way or another whether he has even considered a comeback.

“He retired because he knew the world wanted to see a Hopkins-Calzaghe rematch,’’ Hopkins said. “Joe knew the pressure would be too much.’’

Hopkins, who always has a lot to say, also offered to fight UK heavyweight David Haye, who balmed his embarrassing loss Wladimir Klitschko on a broken toe

“Hey, I’ll fight David Haye tomorrow,’’ Hopkins said. “I’ll spot him 20 pounds.’’

Hopkins thought Haye had blamed the loss on a busted big toe. When told it was a small toe, Hopkins said:

“OK, I’ll spot him 50.’’

Hopkins (52-5-2, 32 KO) lost his light heavyweight belt to Calzaghe in April 2008 by split decision in a bowling shoe ugly fight that was debated by many but is regarded fondly by few. After that win, Calzaghe (who was already the super middleweight champion) fought just once more, beating the shell of Roy Jones Jr in November 2008 in a pay-per-view bomb in Madison Square Garden.

Calzaghe then retired with a record of 46-0 (32 KO), but it’s a record many still don’t consider truly great, despite the Welshman having never lost a fight. Now 39 years old, Calzaghe has made no serious indication that he’s looking to return to the ring, but there has been mild speculation since he retired. The biggest headlines he’s made in his time out of the ring came, unfortunately, when he admitted to cocaine usage. He also appeared on the reality show contest “Strictly Come Dancing.”