BROOKLYN (November 27, 2018) – U.S. Olympian and super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha clashes with battle-tough veteran Joey Hernandez in a 10-round bout and former two-division world champion and Cuban star Rances Barthelemy competes in a 10-round super lightweight fight, while heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba, who is shaking up the division as a fearsome puncher, enters the ring in a six-round attraction all as part of an action-packed undercard on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The stacked undercard leads into a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles, and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron in primetime. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother to determine their fight order, will headline the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Willie Monroe, Jr., while Jermell Charlo will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Tony Harrison.

Also featured on the jam-packed undercard is middleweight contender Matt Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round fight and a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Brandon Quarles (20-4-1, 10 KOs) and Todd Manuel (17-16-1, 5 KOs).

The action continues with rising unbeaten prospects and younger brothers of featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr., as 2012 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (7-0, 7 KOs) fights in an eight-round super lightweight bout and unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell (12-0, 10 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round bantamweight tilt.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The 31-year-old Gausha (20-1, 9 KOs) lost for the first time of his career when he dropped a unanimous decision to Erislandy Lara in a super welterweight title match in 2017 at Barclays Center. A member of the U.S. boxing team at the 2012 London Games, Cleveland’s Gausha is looking to rebound against Hernandez.

Hernandez (27-4-1, 17 KOs) has strung together three straight knockout victories since losing to Austin Trout in 2015 on FS1. A 34-year-old southpaw from Miami, Hernandez is coming off a TKO victory over Jose Antonio Rodriguez on August 8.

A prolific amateur in his native Cuba, Barthelemy (26-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring after the first defeat of his career, in a super lightweight world title fight against Kiryl Relikh in March. The 32-year-old became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Argenis Mendez to capture a 130-pound title, and became a two-division champion when he bested Denis Shafikov for a vacant lightweight belt.

Ajagba (7-0, 6 KOs) grabbed attention this summer when his opponent walked out of the ring after touching gloves and the bell sounded to start the opening round live on FS1. He is the lone opponent to leave the ring unscathed against the 24-year-old Ajagba, who was a member of the Nigerian boxing team in the 2016 Rio Olympics and will step into the ring for the fifth time this year and for the second time at Barclays Center as a pro.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @BrooklynBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

A bantamweight title fight between Nordine Oubaali and Rau’Shee Warren has been added to the December 22nd card at Barclay Center in Brooklyn. Also added will be a fight involving former world champion Rances Barthelemy, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

LAS VEGAS (February 22, 2018) – Unbeaten two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy worked out for Las Vegas media Thursday as he prepares for his rematch against Kiryl Relikh for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.

Barthelemy, who is trained by Ismael Salas and former world champion and Cuban boxing legend Joel Casamayor, can become the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes with a win on March 10. Here is what Barthelemy had to say Thursday from City Athletic Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“It’s in my character to take this rematch immediately. I was very happy once I found out everything was ready to go for it. I want to prove to the fans and to myself that I can do much better than I did in May. I want to show Relikh how much better I am than him.

“It’s on my mind all the time that I have a chance to make history for Cuban boxing. There have been so many great Cuban fighters throughout the years. I never imagined I’d be in position to make history myself but I know it’s a reward for my hard work and dedication.

“A fight with Mikey Garcia is something I want. I’m completely focused on this fight against Relikh and making history, but I would be prepared to fight Mikey Garcia soon.

“I’m going to change a lot heading into the rematch. Last May I wasn’t myself. I didn’t feel like I had my legs coming into the fight and I wasn’t able to perform how I usually do. This time my conditioning and nutrition is much improved. I’m going to use my legs and use my jab and put on a boxing clinic.

“There was nothing surprising about Relikh in the first fight. We knew he’d have power, but unfortunately I had to change my game plan when my body wasn’t cooperating. I traded shots and fought his fight. I’m going to stick to my plan this time.

“Throughout my career I haven’t paid enough attention to nutrition. It made my performances inconsistent. Bob Santos has come in and completely changed that. You’ll see my conditioning on fight night is the best it’s ever been.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 10, 2018) – Unbeaten two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy and former title challenger Kiryl Relikh will both look to kick off their new year with a world title victory when they meet in a rematch for a vacant 140-pound title Saturday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT and will be headlined by three-division world champion Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs) taking on unbeaten 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs).

“Obviously the number one goal for 2018 is to bring home that belt on February 10,” said Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs). “Then I want to unify with all the other champions. My New Year’s resolution is to surround myself with good people and win multiple world titles.”

“First I have to win this fight in February,” said Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs). “But then I have hopes of a great year defending my belt against the mandatory and eventually a unification fight. This will be the year I reach a new level in this sport.”

Barthelemy and Relikh will fight for the WBA’s vacant Super Lightweight World Title after their title eliminator bout in May ended in a debatable decision for Barthelemy. This time the fighters will look to leave no doubt with the full title on the line.

“This is my second time fighting for a world title and it will be a second lesson for me,” said Relikh. “This is my time to become champion. I need to do much more during this fight.

“I have to be aggressive right from the start. I’m sure that I need a knockout to get the victory. He can try to run, but he won’t be able to hide from me.”

“Winning this title would be a dream come true for me,” said Barthelemy. “I’d be the first Cuban fighter in history to win a title in three different divisions. The last fight was very close and deserving of a rematch.

“I just need to stick to my game plan and show everyone that I’m the best 140-pound fighter in the world. The key will be to stay disciplined and land hard shots all night.”

Both fighters have sacrificed in training camp on the road to what they hope will be a celebratory moment on February 10, training hard through the holiday season to stay on target for fight night.

“My whole team has done a fantastic job so far in camp,” said Barthelemy. “Ismael Salas and Joel Casamayor are giving me great tips and keeping me focused on my goal. One new thing I’ve added this camp is Bob Santos for nutrition and strength and conditioning. It’s made a big difference over the holidays where I usually eat too much. He’s kept me on a strict diet and training has never been better.”

“These last few weeks through the holidays have been the hardest of my camp, so there was no room for distractions,” said Relikh. “I spent New Year’s with my family and then I was right back into training camp in the morning.”

With two belts in the 140-pound division on the line in the same night, the winner between Barthelemy and Relikh will be in a great position to begin a path toward unification after February 10.

“I will have my eye on the main event for sure,” said Relikh. “I’m focused on Barthelemy now, but I want to unify and if that means fighting Garcia or Lipinets, I will be ready.”

“Garcia vs. Lipinets is going to be a great fight and I definitely want the winner,” said Barthelemy. “Although Lipinets is the underdog going into this fight, I think he’s going to give Garcia all he can handle. But I still think Garcia will come out on top, setting up war between us in a unification bout.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SAN ANTONIO (December 14, 2017) – Undefeated three-division world champion Mikey Garcia will attempt to win a world title in a fourth weight class when he challenges unbeaten IBF 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets on Saturday, February 10 live on SHOWTIME. The matchup of top-5 ranked junior welterweights will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and is presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy will face Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their May showdown on SHOWTIME, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title. The doubleheader of title bouts in the wide-open 140-pound division sets the stage for a potential unification match.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20. Tickets will go on sale next week and will be available at Ticketmaster.com.

The 29-year-old Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs), emphatically returned to pound-for-pound lists in 2017 by scoring a highlight reel knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin to win the WBC Lightweight World Championship in January and then dominating four-division champion Adrien Broner on his way to a unanimous decision in July. Garcia is a member of a renowned boxing family, and is noted for his sportsmanship and his commanding presence in the ring, honed by his brother and acclaimed trainer Robert Garcia.

Garcia, of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., returned to the ring after a two-and-half-year layoff in July 2016 without missing a beat by stopping former champion Elio Rojas. Garcia, who has held world titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, has stopped 19 of his last 22 opponents including Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez and Orlando Salido.

With a win, Garcia would become only the third fighter in modern history to become champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao*.

“It is a dream to have the opportunity to become a four-division world champion,” Garcia said. “San Antonio has some of the greatest boxing fans in the country, including some key supporters of my Robert Garcia Boxing Academy family. Since my last fight, I have stayed in the gym. I can’t wait to give the fans in Texas and those watching at home on SHOWTIME another great performance.”

The unbeaten Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs) captured a super lightweight world title in just his 13th pro fight by defeating Akihiro Kondo via a unanimous decision on November 4 on SHOWTIME. He is originally from Kazakhstan but moved to Russia when he was six years old. He currently lives in Beverly Hills, California, Lipinets and is trained by Buddy McGirt.

The 28-year-old moved up the 140-pound rankings with victories over then unbeaten Haskell Rhodes, Levan Ghvamichava and Walter Castillo before knocking out Leonardo Zappavigna in a world title eliminator last December. Lipinets will look to stamp his place as an elite fighter when he takes on the accomplished and dangerous Garcia on February 10.

“Getting the title is one thing, but keeping the title is a more difficult task,” said Lipinets. “I’m not about to give it away to anybody. No disrespect to Mikey Garcia or anybody else out there, but I’m keeping my title. Beating Mikey Garcia will put me in the elite of boxing where I believe I belong. I’m happy my team was able to put this great fight together. I can promise you this won’t be a snoozer. It’s going to be an action-packed fight for sure.”

“We’re going to call it’ ‘Undefeated.’ That pretty much sums it up. Two undefeated fighters, champion versus champion,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “It’s a big challenge for Mikey Garcia to win a championship belt in his fourth weight class. Lipinets never backs down and he’s out to show that’s he one of the biggest punchers in the division. A win for Lipinets is a game-changer for his family and his career. A win for Mikey is another feather in his cap and will help him be recognized as pound-for-pound best in the world. I’m happy to be back in San Antonio at the Alamodome. I’ve promoted some big fights there. San Antonio fight fans are in for a real treat seeing two of the best fighting each other. I’m sure the fans will embrace this fight.”

“We have another intriguing matchup of two young, hungry undefeated fighters who lay it on the line every time they step into the ring,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “As talented as Mikey is, you can’t count Lipinets out. He’s one of the hardest hitters in the 140-pound division. He’s a tough competitor and there’s a reason why he’s a world champion. He knows this is a career-defining fight and he’s going to do everything he can to spoil the party for Garcia in San Antonio on Feb. 10.”

“In three consecutive fights on SHOWTIME since his return to the sport, Mikey Garcia has solidified his position on boxing’s pound-for-pound lists,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Mikey has proven he’s willing to take on the most avoided opponents in any division as he seeks out the biggest possible matchups in the sport. He’ll face yet another dangerous opponent in Sergey Lipinets, an undefeated champion in his own right, as he seeks to become a four-division world champion. On the heels of Errol Spence vs. Lamont Peterson on January 20, a matchup of consensus top-10 welterweights, we’re proud to deliver this main event of top-5 ranked fighters to build on the momentum.”

Barthelemy (26-0, 13 KOs), who was born in Arroyo Naranjo, Cuba and now lives in Las Vegas, has won world titles at 130 and 135 pounds. He defeated Relikh by unanimous decision in his debut at 140 pound in his last fight on May 20. If he defeats Relikh again, he will become the first Cuban boxer to win world championships in three different weight classes. He defeated Argenis Mendez by unanimous decision to win the 130-pound world title in 2014 and a year later scored a unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov for the 135-pound world title. Barthelemy, 31, has two brothers, Yan and Leduan, who are professional boxers who he trains alongside with under the tutelage of Ismael Salas.

Relikh (21-2, 19 KOs) believes that he won the first match with Barthelemy and that the scorecards did not reflect the competitive nature of the fight. The 28-year-old nearly had Barthelemy out after landing a barrage of punches that penned Barthelemy on the ropes, but he was only awarded a knockdown. In the eighth round, Barthelemy came back to drop Relikh with a body shot. Shortly after the May 20 title eliminator, the WBA ordered a rematch, this time to be contested for the vacant 140-pound title. This will be Relikh’s second world title shot after the fighter from Minsk, Belarus lost a unanimous decision to Ricky Burns in Glasgow, Scotland on Oct. 7, 2016.

*Pacquiao won lineal championships at 126 and 140-pounds, although he did not win alphabet titles.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Gary Russell, jr retained the WBC featherweight title with a 7th round stoppage over mandatory challenger Oscar Escandon at the MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.

Russell dropped Escandon in round three from a swift combination that was punctuated with a left to the head.

Rusell finished off his challenger in round seven when he landed a hard combination that knocked Escandon down and referee Harvey Dock stopped the bout at 59 seconds.

Russell, 125 1/2 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 28-1 with knockouts. Escandon, 125 3/4 lbs of Gilroy, CA is 25-3.

In a bout that was overshadowed by an incident that happened the fight, Andre Dirrell won the vacant IBF Interim Super Middleweight title when Jose Uzcategui was disqualified for hitting after the 8th round bell.

Uzcategui landed a left hook that landed on Dirrell’s chin that sent Direll to the canvas and the fight was ruled a disqualification.

After the bout, Dirrell’s uncle, Leon Lawson, Jr. cold-cocked Uzcategui and a melee ensued in the ring.

Dirrell, 167 1/2 lbs of Flint, MI is now 26-2. Uzcategui, 166 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 26-2.

Rances Barthelemy won a debated unanimous decision over Kiryl Relikh in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Relikh landed a hard overhand right that buckled Barthelemy. Then a left hand clipped Barthelemy which was ruled a knockdown.

Barthelemy, 139 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas was able to win on cards 117-109, 116-110 and 115-111 despite being outlanded by a 240-137 margin.

Barthelemy is now 26-0-1. Relikh, 139 1/2 lbs of Minsk, BEL is 21-2.

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (May 10, 2017) – Cuban star Rances Barthelemy will look to take one step closer to becoming the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes when he battles Kiryl Relikh in a WBA 140-pound title eliminator on Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against top challenger Oscar Escandon plus super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis defends his IBF 130-pound world championship against Liam Walsh.

Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Already a champion at 130 and 135-pounds, a victory over the former title challenger Relikh will put Barthelemy in the mandatory position to face unified 140-pound champion Julius Indongo and do something that no fighter has done in the rich history of Cuban boxing.

Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp in Las Vegas:

1) How is training camp going? How have you benefitted from sparring and training alongside of your brother Leduan and Yordenis Ugas and have their recent performances been an indication of how you expect to perform?

“Training camp is going really well. Training alongside of my brother and Yordenis under the tutelage of Ismael Salas is the best thing that could happen in my career. They keep me focused and motivated to get better every day. Yordenis and I have been helping each other during our camps, he’s an Olympic athlete so having him to train with is really beneficial. We have a new strength and conditioning coach as well who has us in the best shape possible. I know May 20 you guys will see the best Rances Barthelemy yet.”

2) What would it mean to you to become the first three-division world champion from Cuba?

“It would mean the world to me, after all that it took to defect from Cuba, the near death experiences, the imprisonments, leaving my loved ones behind, it would all have been worth it. I want to inspire the youth that come after me as well, let them know to never give up on their dreams no matter the conditions you live in or what the naysayers may say. Me winning a third world title and making history for a Cuban would prove that.”

3) What did you take away from Relikh’s loss to Ricky Burns?

“I didn’t get to watch the fight but watched the highlights and it seemed like a very entertaining fight. People were saying that it probably should have gone the other way even, so it seems like he put on a good performance.”

4) How would you characterize Relikh’s style and how do you see this fight playing out?

“He likes to come forward a lot and attack. I’m prepared for that if that’s what he plans to do come fight night but I also anticipate having to make adjustments. I always prepare to adjust to whatever my opponent brings. Being a cerebral fighter is a skill that has helped me succeed inside the ring.”

5) Can you address your 11-month layoff and how your training has been geared towards shaking off any ring rust you may have?

“There will be no ring rust come May 20 as we have been in the gym non-stop since my last fight against Mickey Bey. We took a few weeks off to visit Cuba for the first time since my defection. Aside from that I made sure to stay active and I’ve been training hard to be prepared when my name got called. The 11-month layoff happened for reasons out of my control. My management team has been trying to get the best opponents and unfortunately it took longer than we expected but we are here now and I’m as prepared as I have ever been.”

6) How did you trip back to Cuba come about and what was it like to be back in your home country?

“It was very emotional and a long eight years since I had been back. I didn’t know if I’d be able to go back or not. But I visited the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. and they told me I’d finally be able to go back to visit my loved ones. It was nothing but nerves until I got over there. It was an emotional time and everyone welcomed me back with open arms in my hometown of Havana. It’s something I will never forget, especially for the way I was received.”

7) How do you rate your skills and progression as a fighter considering your last three dominant wins over top quality opposition? Do you feel that you are at the peak of your career?

“I am definitely at my peak physically, and I’m looking to match that on paper this year. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. I don’t like to rate myself, I leave that to the people and the media. They’ve taken notice and that’s why I am where I am today, but I am expecting big things to happen this year.”

8) Why did you feel it was time to rise in weight, especially considering the wealth of talent at 135 right now? Who do you consider to be the top 135 fighter now that you are gone?

“My body was asking for it, 135 was taking too much of a physical toll on me. It may not have been noticeable, but I struggled to make weight during my last fight at 135 and felt I lost some of my power because of the drainage. Since I moved up to 140 I definitely have felt a lot better. It was the right move. Plus, I now have the chance to go after a third world title in a third division, which would be the first time for any boxer from Cuba.”

9) Why did you make the decision to move from Miami to Las Vegas and how do you think it has benefited you?

“To be honest, there is nothing better for a Cuban than to be living in Miami, because the weather is just right and what we are used to. But at the same time it presents a lot of distractions too. So moving to the boxing hub of the United States is better for me so I don’t get wrapped up in anything extra other than boxing. Plus, there are so many sparring partners here and I can go up to Mt. Charleston and get my runs in up there.”

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ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON

Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Las Vegas (May 4, 2017) – Premier Boxing Champions stars Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares,Daniel Jacobs,Shawn Porter,Rances Barthelemy, Alfredo Angulo have confirmed that they will appear to Meet & Greet their fans at the “PBC Booth” at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Boxing fans will have an opportunity to get autographs signings of gloves, photos and merchandise. Fans can register to win the PBC fan pack as well be greeted with giveaways at this years’ Expo.

PBC is a television boxing series organized by Al Haymon boxing. The Television series seeks primarily to bring renewed mainstream exposure to the sport of boxing, emphasizing a modern “concert”- like atmosphere, “high-quality” cards, television broadcasts through major networks and cable channels as opposed to pay television and pay-per-view events, and the use of technology to provide enhanced insight to the bouts.

PBC joins Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Daniel Jacobs, Shawn Porter, Rances Barthelemy, Alfredo Angulo, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, Marcos Maidana, Jessie Vargas, WBA, Mayweather Promotions, Marco Antonio Barrera, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
http:www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the Event, there will be more announcements on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (April 17, 2017) – An exciting night of action will feature super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh on Saturday, May 20 from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland and live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. making the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon.

Top 168-pound contenders Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) are set to meet in a 12-round matchup with the winner in line to face IBF champion James DeGale, who is currently recovering from injuries sustained in his draw against Badou Jack in January on SHOWTIME.

“This fight is a massive step towards my journey to success in 2017,” said Dirrell. “To me, this is my championship fight leading up to the rematch with the current champion, James DeGale. Jose has all of the tools of a champion, so he’s fierce competition for me. But I will show the world that I’m up for the task. This is my year!”

“I’m very excited to be facing a fighter the quality of Andre Dirrell,” said Uzcategui. “These are the types of fights that I’ve wanted and I look forward to coming out victorious. This fight will be another step on the way to my dream of becoming a world champion.”

A world champion at 130 and 135-pounds, Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) and the former world title challenger Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) will battle in 12 rounds of action for the right to be the mandatory challenger for current WBA Super Lightweight Championship held by unified champion Julius Indongo.

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially on SHOWTIME against a top-ranked contender in Kiryl Relikh,” said Barthelemy. “This victory will get me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming the first Cuban to win world titles in three different weight classes. I’m very motivated and I will not be denied on May 20.”

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity in a world title eliminator,” said Relikh. “Rances Barthelemy is a good fighter, but my experience at this weight will help me get the victory. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this win and eventually wear that world title belt around my waist.”

Tickets for the live event, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Representing his hometown of Flint, Michigan, Dirrell looks to take one step closer to a rematch with DeGale after dropping a narrow decision to the current IBF champion in May 2015. The 33-year-old bounced back from the defeat in his last outing by earning a wide unanimous decision over Blake Caparello last April. After a decorated amateur career that saw him win two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to an Olympic bronze medal, Dirrell was unbeaten in his first 18 pro fights before losing a split decision to Carl Frosh in 2009.

Born in Venezuela, Uzcategui now fights out of Baja California, Mexico, where he won two fights last year by knockout. The 26-year-old shot up the rankings in 2015 when he stopped previously unbeaten Julius Jackson in the second round after knocking his opponent down four times. Uzcategui was undefeated in his first 22 pro fights and enters this bout on a four-fight win streak.

A Cuban amateur national champion, 30-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December. Most recently, Barthelemy made the lone defense of his lightweight belt with a decision over former champion Mickey Bey last June.

Fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, Relikh returns to the ring after challenging the former champion Burns for the WBA title in October 2016. The 27-year-old was undefeated after turning pro in 2011 leading up to his world title shot. Relikh owns wins over veteran contenders Christian Ariel Lope, Joaquim Carneiro and Lazaro Santos de Jesus.

The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Florida played home to a great night of championship boxing. A live crowd that had many famous boxing faces including Floyd Mayweather, and Shannon Briggs who often had the attention of the crowd with his chant know well in the boxing world. Lets Go Champ.

In the Main Event live on Spike TV Rances Barthélemy retained his lightweight strap by outworking and at times outsmarting former Champion Mickey Bey It was a close fight during the first couple round as former lightweight champion Mickey Bey used footwork and angles to keep the Cuban on the hunt early. A clash of heads in round two visibly hurt the champion and was incorrectly counted as a knockdown by referee Sam Buroes. Chants of Cuba Cuba Cuba helped motivate the champion around mid fight and during the course of the fight as Barthelemy outworked the former champion and used footwork and timing to make Bey miss often. This proved to be a deciding factor in his unanimous decision victory. The Scorecards read 117-110 116-11 for Barthelemy and one judge had it 117-110 for Bey, too bad he missed a good fight.

Rising prospect soon to be contender bantamweight Emmanuel Rodriguez had his hands full with hard-charging Mexican Alberto Guevara. It was a fight to the final and in the end a true display of Rodriguez talent and Guevara toughness. This was a fast paced fight with the Puerto Rican Rodriguez outworking the Mexican throughout the fight. The scores were 99-91 100-91 99-91

Amateur standout and rising prospect Caleb Plant 13-0(10KO) from Tennessee had a live fighter in Colombian Carlos Galvin 12-5-1(11KO) in front of him and displayed very nice workmanship by putting his whole game together. His jab was fast and often, his feet were moving him perfectly and at the right times. His defense was on point. Caleb Plant looked fantastic tonight and ended the night with a very hard uppercut to the solar plex that dropped Galvin and sent him home.

Dyah “Ali” Davis picked Leosvy Mayedo apart through their six round tusk. Davis kept it clean, Mayedo did not. Mayedo often throw low blows and was using his head inside so much he was eventually disqualified from the match. The former NABF champion Davis, improves to 24-4-1(11KO) and is still fighting with a heavy heart after the passing of his father Gold Medalist Howard Davis Jr in December.

A fantastic night of boxing at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Florida.

The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Florida is indeed live and electric tonight with the anticipation of Spike TV live Broadcast. With a packed house full of boxing stars, here’s how it all got started.

The ladies started off the action at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Florida with middleweight LaTondria Jones improving to 4-0(2KO) with a unanimous decision victory over Latoya Burton from Greenville, NC.

Former amateur standout and local fan favorite Antonio “Bang” Williams improved with a bang to 3-0(3KO) with another big knockout. The heavy-handed 19-year-old super featherweight said after the fight he felt great and is looking to get right back in the ring. Williams dispatched Puerto Rican Hector Fernandez 2-4(1KO) at 1:50 of the second by virtue of a beautifully placed right hand

Featherweight Dat Ngyuen improved to 19-3(6KO) with a tough fought unanimous decision battle over Jesus Lule 8-18-1(1KO). Ngyuen and Lule battled inside for the entire 6 rounds giving and taking much of the same. Ngyuen was visibly stronger and landed huge shots en route to a unanimous decision.

Former 9-time national amateur champion light heavyweight Steve Geffrard 14-2(9KO) with body shots! Geffrard landed deep body shots on Californian Samuel Miller 31-15(27KO) and the early end came at 2:15 of round one when Miller had enough of the strong Geffrard. Geffrard said after the fight he felt great this being his first fight in seven months. “I am excited to get right back in there”

Lightweight Gervonta Davis 15-0(14KO) made quick work of Mario Macias Rorozco 28-18(KO). This fight was literally 3 punches all thrown by Davis all landed. The end came at :41 of the first round.

Super Lightweight Courtney Jackson remained undefeated at 10-0 (6KO) with a UD win over tough and game Anthony Woods 9-21(3KO).

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (June 2, 2016) –

Rances Barthelemy 134.6 – Mickey Bey 134.2
(IBF Lightweight championship)
Caleb Plant 163.8 – Carlos Galvan 162.4
Emmanuel Ridriguez 119.4 – Alberto Guevara 119.8
Gervonta Davis 135.6 – Mario Macias Rorozco 132.8
Steve Geffard 177.2 – Samuel Miller 181.6
Dyah Davis 172.8 – Leosvy Mayedo 175.8
Courtney Jackson 141.8 – Anthony Woods 142.6
Dat Nguyen 128.6 – Jesus Lule 130.2
Antonio Williams 127.8 – Hector Fernandez 128.6
LaTondria Jones 155 – Latoya Burton 151.2

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60, and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Fight Night – Premier Boxing Champions

Location:Hard Rock Live

4:30 p.m.Credential Pick-Up Opens*
5:30 p.m.Doors Open at Hard Rock Live
6:30 p.m.First fight begins
9:00 p.m.SPIKE telecast begins

*Credential Pick Up will take place from 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. the credentials table will be set up in the Hard Rock Box Office. It is located in the outdoor section near the VIP entrance to the arena.

Proper personal photo identification (driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m. *Additional fees may apply

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (June 1, 2016) – Lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey went face to face for the first time Wednesday as they participated in the final press conference and media workouts for Premier Boxing Champions on Spike this Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida.

Action begins on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features exciting bantamweight prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez taking on former title challenger Alberto Guevara in a 10-round bout. Also in attendance Wednesday and competing on the undercard is undefeated Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant, who battles Carlos Galvan on Friday night.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60, and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Fighters spoke to media and posed for cameras at the Paradise Live Theater before moving into the Hard Rock Live Arena for media workouts.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m very excited to be fighting here close to Miami. This is a second home for Cubans and I’m really motivated to put on a great performance for the fans.

“Ismael Salas is one of the top trainers in the world and our whole team has been fantastic. We’re ready to get in the ring and fight.

I come prepared with a few strategies. I never stick to one game plan because us Cubans were taught to have a few up your sleeve so that you can adjust according to whatever presents itself to you in the ring.

“If we don’t get the knockout, then we are ready to go the distance. My team is prepared to go the distance if we have to, but also to give an entertaining fight.

“You’re going to see a new Rances Barthelemy in 2016.

“Don’t miss this fight. Get there early, because it might not go five. Get ready for a great night of boxing.”

MICKEY BEY

“I want to give Rances props for stepping up and taking the fight. This is the beautiful thing about boxing, the best fighting the best.

“You have a two-time champion fighting a world champion that never lost his belt in the ring. That says it all right there. We’re two elite fighters. We’re both going for glory.

“No matter what anybody says today, it comes down to the action on Friday.

“I’m in there with the same mindset no matter who I’m fighting. I’m coming in there to do what I do no matter what. It’s just another day for me.

“You’ll see a throwback fighter in there. I’m like the fighters from back in the day. I’m here looking for the victory. I don’t care how I get it and I can’t predict. But we want to have our hand raised.

“I’m coming to get what is rightfully mine. Don’t miss it.”

EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

“I feel great and ready for Friday. I’m not worried about tomorrow at all, we’re right on weight, so we’re just looking forward to stepping into the ring at this point.

“We’ve been in training camp for six months as we had a tentative fight date scheduled prior to this so I was already in the gym getting ready. We’re in the best shape.

“We have seen footage of him and saw he makes a lot of mistakes. We analyzed those defaults and are using them as a strategy against him. We’ve put those into practice and think we will be able to execute them to come out victorious at the end of the night.

“He’s not your typical Mexican warrior fighter, he’s the total opposite actually so we’re not worried about what he does.”

ALBERTO GUEVARA

“I’m ready for this big opportunity and I’m ready to fight. This is a big card and it’s very exciting.

“I know what I have in front of me. Emmanuel Rodriguez is a good fighter, but he’s just another opponent to me.

“I’m well prepared and I believe I’m going to win this fight.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’m thankful to have this stage to perform on. I’m glad the media could come out and get a sneak peek of what I’m going to bring Friday night.

“The game plan is to go in there and look sharp, be slick, make adjustments and dictate the pace. He’s going to be uncomfortable because we’re going to dictate the pace. We’ll see if he can keep up.

“I’ve seen enough tape on, which wasn’t very much. I let my coaches breakdown the film and let me know what I need to do.

“This is my only job and I do it well. I’m not into getting ready, I stay ready. We’re here to show out.

“I’ve had a great training camp. I worked hard and I’m ready to put on a show this Friday night. I’m going to do what I always do in there.”

All Fight Week events will be held at:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
Parking: Lucky Street Garage on 441 (SR7) between Griffin and Stirling
Phone: 954-327-7625
Website: www.SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

Weigh-In – Open to the Public

Location:Paradise Live Theater

2:00 p.m. Media Arrival
3:00 p.m. Fighters On Scales

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

Fight Night – Premier Boxing Champions

Location:Hard Rock Live

4:30 p.m.Credential Pick-Up Opens*
5:30 p.m.Doors Open at Hard Rock Live
6:30 p.m.First fight begins
9:00 p.m.SPIKE telecast begins

*Credential Pick Up will take place from 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. the credentials table will be set up in the Hard Rock Box Office. It is located in the outdoor section near the VIP entrance to the arena.

Proper personal photo identification (driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m. *Additional fees may apply

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

London, England (May 31, 2016) Top Rated and Undefeated Lightweight Contender Richard Commey, 24-0-0 (22KO’s) heads to Hollywood, Florida this week to attend the IBF World Lightweight Championship between champion Rances Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey Bey.

“I’m going because the belt they are fighting for will be the one around my waist in the near future,” said the 29-year-old Commey, originally from Accra, Ghana now based in London. “I’m next in line and can’t wait to prove to the world that I’m the best lightweight in the world.”

Currently ranked #3 with the top two positions being open, Commey will be facing the winner of the June 3rd showdown in the near future.

“Richard is ready, he’s been ready and when he’s given the chance he will be victorious,” said
Michael Amoo-Bediako, Managing Director of Streetwise Management. “Richard has been an underdog in many of the fights he’s had but he’s always preserved and always won.

Commey made the most of his U.S. debut on May 22 2015, stopping once beaten Russian contender Bahodir Mamadjonov in the eighth round in Las Vegas. The brilliant nationally televised performance earned Commey the vacant IBF Inter-Continental Lightweight Title.

Shortly following his victory for the title, the IBF asked that he vacate the Inter-Continental Lightweight Title with the promise of a mandatory challenger position fight which has not taken place, therefore leaving Commey next in line to fight for their World Lightweight Title.

In his last two starts, Commey has scored two additional knockouts, a fifth round stoppage of Kakha Avetisiani on October 17, 2015 in Germany and a second round knockout of Anzor Gamgebeli on March 19, 2016 in Denmark.

“Ghana has produced many great champions such as Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey, Richard is prepared to be the next one.”

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (May 24, 2016) – Lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey are deep into training camp and closing in on their main event battle on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

Both fighters have been training in Las Vegas before they head to southern Florida for their world title battle. Barthelemy trains with Ismael Salas at the Salas Boxing Academy while Bey works with his longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, their matchup and more:

What advantages do you believe you have because of your training team?

Rances Barthelemy: “To me, Ismael is the best trainer in the world. He was the lead trainer of the Cuban National Team at the time that Cuban amateur boxing was having its most success. He is truly underrated and I do not know why.

“Having gone through different trainers throughout my career, I am glad that I found Salas. We clicked right off the bat, and him being a Cuban and having a successful background both in the Cuban amateur system and in the pros, he’s been able to incorporate the best from both worlds in his training methods. He has also been able to bring out abilities in me that others were not able to and it has made me a completely different fighter.”

Mickey Bey: “Floyd Sr. has been my trainer for about 12 years. We’ve been together since I was a teenager and before I turned pro. He is an old school trainer and he knows the science of boxing.

“Being around the other Mayweather Promotions fighters provides a lot of energy to training because everybody is striving to be the best they can be. Whenever that’s the case it’s always a positive thing because the trainers know that’s what you’re after. Floyd Sr. and Floyd are the reason I moved to Las Vegas. It’s been a blessing to be able to train with him for so long. We gelled from the beginning and I have definitely grown a lot as a fighter.”

What does fighting for this belt mean to you?

RB: “I don’t really focus on this being another title defense. I just focus on it being another fight that I must win impressively so that I can get to the big fights. There is no added pressure from it being a title defense. I just want everyone to see the boxing ability that I have so that I can get the big fights that I want and deserve.”

MB: “Winning back this belt is really important to me. I still feel like it’s mine. He’s just been keeping it warm for me. I had to deal with the injuries but now I don’t have to worry about babying my hand or anything like that.”

What do you think this fight will be like stylistically?

RB: “I plan on this being a great fight between two great boxers. He has a great amateur and pro background, as do I, and hopefully that makes for a great show.”

MB: “You never really know until you’re in the ring but it’s going to be a fight between two skilled boxers. I have seen some footage but not too much because I don’t really watch much tape. I saw him fight for my vacant belt but I can’t get caught up in that because I’m different than anybody he’s ever fought. I’m a lot more difficult than he probably thinks.”

What skill advantages do you believe you have over your opponent?

RB: “I feel I am the better all-around fighter. I have the reach, height and power over him. I feel he has shown in the past that he can’t take a good punch, so we will see if he can take mine.”

MB: “I bring it all. I can do everything that can be done in the ring. Every single department, period. I do think he’s a good fighter, I give him his props, he’s a two-time world champion, but I don’t think he can do one thing better than me.”

What did you learn from your fight with Denis Shafikov?

RB: “It was a really tough fight and definitely a great learning experience. I made it tougher than it should have been but I had never been in a war like that before and adrenaline kicked in. The blood made me want to dig down and trade with him in the center of the ring and beat him at his own game. It was the first time I had to go down to the trenches and engage in a fight like that but I wanted to do it to show that not all Cubans are boring and only box around.”

What did you learn from your fight with Miguel Vazquez?

MB: “I found out how good I was because I was able to beat a guy that good with one hand. Going into it I already knew I was going to be fighting with one hand since it had been giving me problems. I couldn’t let both hands go, so I had to strategically land more accurate shots. I couldn’t let it become a high volume fight because I knew I wouldn’t be able to respond with both hands. This is my first fight in four or five years with two good hands, so it’s going to be a completely different ball game.”

What does it mean to you to fight in south Florida in front of your Cuban fans?

RB: “That’s my backyard and it’s another advantage for me. It is like being in a free Cuba pretty much and I don’t think I’ll ever feel as comfortable fighting anywhere else with the majority of the people being there to support me. It means the world to me to be able to fight in front of my fans and my closest friends. It’s the closest thing to being able to fight in my country.”

Are you concerned about fighting on the road in front of a crowd that is expected to be for your opponent?

MB: “They can’t get in the ring for him. It’s just going to be me and him. Nobody can get in the ring and help him. It doesn’t add any pressure. I grew up hard, in a rough neighborhood and I’ve been through a lot so I’m numb to any pressure. I’m just ready to get in the ring with him.”

What are your plans after this fight?

RB: “I will be headed straight to the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. after the fight to try to obtain a visa so I can finally return to Cuba and visit my family that I have not seen since my defection eight years ago. I thought I would never be able to return but now I will be returning as a two-time world champion with grand dreams of one day headlining the first pro boxing event in Cuba.”

MB: “After this fight I’ll be looking for another big competitive fight. I’m always looking for a challenge. That’s why I’m in this fight.”

Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on June 3?

RB: “I feel I am levels above Mickey Bey in all aspects of the game. I am comfortable with my training and I plan on returning to Miami with my second world title. The adrenaline of fighting in front of my Cuban people will add fuel to my fire and propel me to victory. I am on a mission to be great and leave an imprint in the sport and Mickey Bey is in the way.”

MB: “I’m a better fighter. It’s that simple.”

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

HOLLYWOOD, FL. (April 29, 2016) – Undefeated lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) will make his first title defense against former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-1-1, 10 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, June 3 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT as unbeaten Puerto Rican prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Mexican Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight affair.

“There were rumors that a fight between me and Mickey Bey was on the brink of happening prior to my fight against Denis Shafikov, so now that it is here, I know it was destined to happen,” said Barthelemy. “I’m not a rookie anymore. I’m not going into this worried or nervous about it being my first title defense at 135. I’m comfortable enough now to see every fight as just another challenge I need to execute my game plan the most effectively and with the least amount of errors.”

“Barthelemy won my title, I had to vacate it due to a hand injury, so all he is doing is keeping it warm for me,” said Bey. “Training camp is going great. I have been training hard for over a month. I have the best team in the business, with the most knowledgeable trainers. I’m looking forward to the challenge with him being undefeated and a two-time world champion. We both have a lot of skills, so it will make an entertaining fight for sure.”

“I want to challenge all of the bantamweight champions to fight me so they can see a real athlete in the ring,” said Rodriguez. “I have been training hard. This is a lifestyle for me. I have been training since December and on June 3, I am going to deliver a knockout.”

“I’m excited about this opportunity against a good young fighter,” said Proa. “I’ve been training hard and feel like this is my time. I’m going to come forward and see what this guy can do.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m. *Additional fees may apply.

“This will be a tremendous night of boxing on Spike TV,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Barthelemy is an up-and-coming star in the sport and he is facing a former world champion who never lost his belt in the ring. This will be a great fight and there should be a great atmosphere with a lot of Cuban boxing fans there to support their world champion.”

“We’re looking forward to bringing a great night of boxing to the State of Florida. We’re giving the fans another treat come June 3rd. The card is stacked with matchups that will undoubtedly be crowd pleasers,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Mickey Bey and Rances Barthelemy have world titles under their belts, so they will bring in the experience of being able to perform, and match it up against one another to see who will come out the best man standing at the end of the night.”

“We at Panther Promotions are very excited for this June 3rd card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Elliot Alvarado, CEO, Panther Promotions. “We are proudly joining forces with both Mayweather and Kings Promotions, which are featuring PBC on Spike TV. This is going to be a sensational evening of boxing featuring Cuban Lightweight Champion Rances Barthelemy vs. Cleveland’s own former champion, Mickey Bey. Our goal is to bring back the classic fights to the Seminole Hard Rock Live in South Florida.”

A Cuban amateur national champion, 29-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December.

Bey won his world title in 2014 with a decision victory over long reigning champion Miguel Vasquez. The 32-year-old vacated his title due to inactivity and injuries but returned in December to defeat previously unbeaten Naim Nelson by decision to earn himself a shot at the very title he vacated. Bey’s previous victories include defeats against Alan Herrera, Carlos Cardenas and Hector Velazquez.

At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. He made his U.S. debut in November by stopping Eliecer Aquino after previously taking down Gabor Molnar, Luis Hinojosa and Alex Rangel in 2015. The Manati, Puerto Rico-born fighter will bring his exciting style into the ring against another tough opponent on June 3.

Fighting out of Monterrey, Mexico, Proa will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time when he takes on Rodriguez on June 3. The 31-year-old was unbeaten in his first 28 pro starts and has won his last two bouts, including most recently a first round stoppage of Oswaldo Delgado in February.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
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Rances Barthelemy captured the vacant IBF Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov at the Palms in Las Vegas.

It was a close and action filled fight early as Shafikov came out throwing many punches in bunches and got an early lead.  Shafikov suffered a cut around his right eye in round seven.  That gave Barthelemy a traget and he became more active and took the second half of the fight and won by scores of 119-109 and 116-112 twice.

Barthelemy of Cuba is now 24-0.  Shafikov of Russia is 36-2-1.

Murat Gassiev and Isiah Thomas fought to a no-contest after three rounds when a punch from Gassiev landed after the bell and Thomas could not continue.

Gassiev landed two right hands with the latter landing after the bell.  Thomas staggered to his corner and referee Jay Nady ruled that he was in diminished condition to continue.

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Eric Walker sprung a minor upset by winning an 8-round  decision over Chris Pearson in a battle of previously undefeated Super Welterweights.

Thomas of Detroit is 15-0.  Thomas is 22-0.

In round four, Walker landed a huge uppercut that was followed by a right that hurt Pearson.  Pearson came back to land some solid shots that snapped the head back of Walker.  the two exchanged power shots with Walker getting the better of the action.

Walker of Louisiana won by scores of 80-72, 79-71 and 78-74 and is 12-0.  Pearson is 13-1.

Good looking prospect Gervonta Davis scored a sensational 9th round stoppage over Luis Sanchez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight fight.

It was a competitive fight until round eight when Davis landed a left uppercut that sent Sanchez to the canvas.  It was the same punch but a much more wicked uppercut that sent Sanchez down face first and bloody.  Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the bout at 2:05 for round nine.

Davis, 133 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 14-0 with 13 knockouts.  Sanchez, 131.3 lbs of Cancun, MX is 17-5-1.

Al Haymon has settled a lawsuit with promoters, Bad Dawg productions over the contract of Rances Barthelemy, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The lawsuit filed in Miami by Bad Dog Productions against Warriors Boxing and Promotions, et al., has reached an amicable settlement through which Bad Dog assigned all of its promotional rights concerning Rances Barthelemy to Warriors in exchange for a payment by Warriors. The terms of the settlement are confidential,” Fors said.

LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:

On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far. I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions. I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be. My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”

On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page. He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner. We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight. Salas is a great trainer. We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”

On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win. We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out. I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace. He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for. This will not be a boring fight. The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”

On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career. When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great. That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov. The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
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LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) will fight for a lightweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will see cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) in a matchup with former world cruiserweight world champion Krzyzstof Wlodarczyk (49-3-1, 35 KOs). Also featured on the telecast is undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.

“On December 18 I’m going to make history by adding another world title to my collection,” said Barthelemy. “Shafikov is a very tough opponent and at this level everyone is dangerous. I’m taking this fight very seriously and the boxing world will take notice of my presence in the ring. Fans love to see action and that’s what I bring to every fight. I’m going to send a stern message to the world of boxing that I’m one of the best in the sport.”

“I’ve been preparing my whole life for this fight and to become a world champion,” said Shafikov. “This is my second world title fight and while I have a great deal of respect for Barthelemy, I will be victorious on December 18. My trainer Abel Sanchez and I have been working hard for the past couple of months and we will have a great game plan on fight night.”

“I am happy to get back in the ring again because I want to fight all of the best fighters in the cruiserweight division,” said Shumenov. “I would like to stay more active because I’m still developing. I am curious to see my progression and how I will do against the best cruiserweights.”

“I’m very excited to be fighting a well-known opponent in Las Vegas,” said Wlodarczyk. “Shumenov is a tricky guy, but he has no heart. He tried to run from the action in his last fight. I do not like to fight guys who run but if I want to fight the best I have to destroy this chicken and I will do it.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale Friday, November 13. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

“It’s a great pleasure to be promoting two world title fights on this outstanding night of boxing on Spike from Palms Casino Resort,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “In addition, Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars Chris Pearson and Gervonta Davis will enter the ring looking to remain unbeaten and get another step closer to a world title. It’s going to be a can’t-miss night of action.”

“We look forward to having Spike and Mayweather Promotions back to The Pearl for a night of action-packed bouts,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events at Palms Casino Resort.

A Cuban amateur national champion, the 29-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July of last year by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion and followed that up with a second round TKO over Angino Perez. Most recently, he defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco in convincing fashion in a PBC main event in June.

Having fought in eight countries throughout his pro career, the 30-year-old Shafikov brings a full career of experiences with him into his second world title opportunity on December 18. Born in Miass, Russia, he enters this fight having won three in a row by taking down Rustam Nugaev, Miguel Mendoza and Roy Mukhlis.

A native of Shymkent, Kazakhstan fighting out of Las Vegas, Shumenov looks to build on his last fight, which saw him earn a cruiserweight crown by defeating B.J. Flores in July. The 32-year-old won a world title at light heavyweight by defeating Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas in 2010. The 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan went on to defend his title five times and will return to the scene of his latest triumph on December 18.

A two-time world champion in the cruiserweight division, Warsaw, Poland’s Wlodarczyk looks to win a world title for a third time in his career at cruiserweight. The 34-year-old owns world title-winning victories over Steve Cunningham and Giacobbe Fragomeni. In his last world title reign Wlodarczyk defended his belt six times, including victories over Danny Green, Rakhim Chakhkiyev and Francisco Palacios.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in four fights before he defeated Janks Trotter in September. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status on December 18.

A highly-regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis has already recorded four stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz with a vicious combination in their October fight.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @Beibut_Shumenov, @_ChrisPearson, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
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Rances Barthelemy remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over former Lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco in a Super Lightweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

Barthlemey scored a knockdown in round four from a flurry of punches.

Barthelemy, 139 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is won by scores of 99-89 on all cards and is now 23-0-1. Demarco, 139 1/2 lbs of Mexico is 31-5-1.

Sammy Vasquez Jr, remained undefeated by scoring a 10-round unanimous decision over Wale Omotos in a Welterweight bout.

In round five, Vasquez was cut over the left eye when the follow through of an Omotoso right hand made his elbow scrape across Vasquez’s face.

Vasquez Jr., 146 1/4 lbs of Monessen, PA won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 19-0. Omotoso, 149 1/4 lbs of Lagos, NIG is 25-2-1.

Vasquez landed 162-594 punches while Omotoso was 134-440.

LAS VEGAS (May 28, 2015) – An action-packed showdown between former world champions Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) headlines the next installment Premier Boxing Champions on CBS taking place Sunday, June 21 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas with televised action beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Also featured in televised bouts is an explosive welterweight matchup that pits the undefeated Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) against Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs).

“I’m excited for this big opportunity and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of,” said Barthelemy. “A big fight like this is what I want. I know it will be very difficult, but I’m going to train hard to put on a show for the fans.”

“This is a huge fight for me. I’m going to leave everything I have in that ring,” said DeMarco. “The chance to fight on network television is once in a lifetime and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes go on sale Thursday, May 28. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

A Cuban amateur national champion, the 28-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July of last year by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion. Most recently he delivered a second round TKO over Angino Perez in March and looks to impress once again when he hits the ring in June.

A former world champion in the lightweight division, the 29-year-old DeMarco steps back into the ring to face the undefeated Barthelemy. Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, he owns victories over John Molina Jr., Jorge Linares and Lanardo Tyner. He fights for the second time as a pro in the city of Las Vegas on June 21.

The 29-year-old Vasquez has fought professionally since 2012 and served two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships. The fighter out of Monessen, Penn., has not lost as a professional and is coming off of a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Lartey in February of this year.

Born in Nigeria, but fighting out of Oxnard, Calif., Omotoso is looking to make it three wins in a row when he battles Vasquez. His most recent victories were both knockouts as he defeated Abraham Alvarez and Eduardo Flores. The 30-year-old made his U.S. debut in 2011 and has racked up a 7-1 record stateside.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @RealKidBlast, @De.Marco07, @SammyV2112, @MayweatherPromo , @TGBPromotions and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

MIAMI, FLORIDA (March 25, 2015) – Former IBF Super-Featherweight Champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs), has vacated his title in pursuit of bigger fights at Lightweight. Barthelemy’s first fight at 135 lbs. will take place tomorrow night at the Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Florida, against Angino Perez (18-4, 16 KOs). Barthelemy vs. Perez, a 10-round bout, will air live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”.

Standing 5’11, Rances Barthelemy has the height and reach to be successful while moving up in weight class. Barthelemy, a Cuban national amateur champion, has developed into a terrific professional fighter, winning his first would title against Argenis Mendez (22-3-1, 12 KOs) back in July of 2014. His sole title defense was a unanimous decision against Fernando David Saucedo (54-6-3, 8 KOs) last October.

“I feel confident with the move up to Lightweight,” said Rances Barthelemy. “I know I have the skills to win another title at 135 pounds. I’m looking for the biggest fights in the division but first I must get past Perez. This will be my first fight at this weight class. I feel strong and the extra weight will add power to my punches.”

Rances Barthelemy is advised by Al Haymon. The oppertunities are endless for Barthelemy if he can continue to shine on national television.

“If the right fights present themselves then I’ll be ready to fight anyone,” Rances continued. “I’m even willing to go up to Jr. Welterweight (140 lbs.) if the fight makes sense. I’m taking all comers from 135lbs. to 140lbs. My mission is to stay busy and keep winning. With Al Haymon advising me, I’m ready to take my career to new levels. It starts tomorrow night aginst Perez.”

Undefeated up-and-coming welterweight Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (23-0, 20 KOs) and veteran Breidis Prescott (27-6, 20 KOs) will headline a special Thursday night edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra on March 26, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Thursday’s show from the Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Fla., will mark the second consecutive year Friday Night Fights has visited the historic venue. The card is presented by Warriors Boxing and will also be available via WatchESPN.

Commentators:
Todd Grisham, analyst Teddy Atlas and reporter Brian Campbell will form the ESPN2 commentary team, while Doug Kezirian will host the ESPN2 studio. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for Noche de Combates (Fight Night) on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor the ESPN Deportes studio.

Main Event:
In his last fight—which was televised on ESPN2—California’s Lawson scored a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ray Narh.

“I think Breidis Prescott is a seasoned guy who’s going to give Freddie some new looks that maybe Freddie hasn’t seen,” said Lawson’s trainer Abel Sanchez. “This is probably the first major test in Freddie’s career – Prescott has some very good experience against some top-level guys. Freddie’s going to have to go in against a guy who’s on a world-class level.”

Colombia’s Prescott—whose last fight was also televised on ESPN2—is looking to rebound from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Roberto Garcia.

“Fredrick Lawson is a great fighter. I was looking at his fights, and the kid is great,” said Prescott’s manager Lazaro Garcia. “There’s nothing bad to say about him. I don’t know what his camp is doing, but our camp is working hard, very hard. We studied some of his fights, and we’re ready to rock and roll.”

Co-Feature:
Thursday’s 10-round lightweight co-feature will pit undefeated former junior lightweight titlist Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (21-0, 1 ND, 12 KOs) against Angino Perez (18-6, 16 KOs). In his last fight, Barthelemy—who was born in Cuba and currently resides in Las Vegas—scored a 12-round unanimous decision win over David Saucedo to retain his lightweight title. Florida’s Perez is looking to continue his winning ways following a second-round TKO win over Joselito del Rosario. Barthelemy first won his title in January 2014 on Friday Night Fights’ season opener against defending titlist Algenis Mendez. The decision was later changed to a no decision after an appeal from Mendez’s promoters. Barthelemy went on to win the title in a July rematch against Mendez. After one successful title defense, Barthelemy decided to vacate his title in February to move up in weight.

Additional Fight:
Friday’s show will also include a six-round bout between Light Heavyweights Ahmed Elbiali (10-1, 9 KOs)—who will be making his fourth ESPN appearance—and Mike Stafford (13-2, 3 KOs).

Upcoming Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Main Event

Location

Networks

Thu, Mar 26

9 p.m.

Breidis Prescott (27-6, 20 KOs) vs. Fredrick Lawson (23-0, 20 KOs) — 10 rounds, Welterweights

Hialeah Park Racing & Casino,

Hialeah, Fla.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Fri, Apr 3

9 p.m.

Petr Petrov (35-4-2, 17 KOs) vs. Gamaliel Diaz 38-11-3, 17 KOs) — 10 rounds, Lightweight

Omega Products Center, Corona, Calif.

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

Fri, Apr 10

9 p.m.

Boxcino 2015 Semifinals: 8 rounds each

Heavyweights:

Andrey Fedosov (26-3, 21 KOs) vs. Lenroy Thomas (19-3, 9 KOs)

Razvan Cojanu (13-1, 7 KOs) vs. Donovan Dennis (11-1, 9 KOs)

Jr. Middleweights:

Brandon Adams (16-1, 11 KOs) vs. Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5, 8 KOs)

Stanyslav Skorokhod (9-0, 7 KOs) vs. John Thompson (15-1, 5 KOs)

Sands Hotel & Casino, Bethlehem, PA

ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN

*Schedule subject to change

Friday Night Fights and Noche de Combates Social Media:

· Follow ESPN Friday Night Fights’ Nigel Collins on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like ESPN Friday Night Fights on Facebook.

· Score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

· Follow ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo.

· For the latest ESPN.com boxing news and analysis follow @ESPNBoxing.

Hialeah Park will be back in the international spotlight when ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights return to this iconic venue with an action-packed evening of championship professional boxing on March 26 starting at 6 PM ET.

The star-studded fight card, which will be broadcast live in the United States and in key Latin markets on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, is expected to include the Lightweight debut of reigning IBF Super-Featherweight champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy, who is 21-0 with 12 knockouts.

Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, co-promoters of the event with Hialeah Park, confirms that the card will feature a ten-round welterweight affair between Breidis “El Khanqueror” Prescott (27-6, 20 KOs) of Colombia and Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (23-0, 20 KOs) of Ghana.

“This will be a key fight for Prescott,” Margules related. “He’s 31, now. He’s won three fights but dropped two since the start of 2012, so he’s pretty much in a must-win situation if he wants to remain relevant in his division.”

Prescott, now fighting out of Miami, won the first 21 fights of his professional career before losing back-to-back outings in late 2009.
Lawson is six years younger at 25. He’s won three different vacant regional title bouts since December of 2012, most recently the vacant IBF International Welterweight title in July of 2013.

“Lawson didn’t fight in the United States until he re-located to Chicago last year,” Margules noted. “He’s a solid pro who doesn’t need friendly surroundings to win. He’s won in Minnesota and California since coming to America.”

Two undefeated Cuban heavyweight fighters will battle on the card. Yasmany “El Tiburon” Consuegra has a record of 16-0 with 14 knockouts, most in the early rounds. Consuegra has not had to wait for the scorecards to be tallied since winning a four-round bout 5 years ago in only his third lifetime fight. Robert Alfonso is 4-0 in his young career.

Tickets for ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights, also billed as “Noche De Combates,” are on sale now through Ticket Force (www.myticketforce.com), www.hialeahpark.com, and at the Hialeah Park Casino cage.

# # #

About Warriors Boxing

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

PUERTO RICO (November 20, 2014) – After his dominating performance against Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs), Puerto Rican star and IBO super-featherweight champion, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs), is elated that he’s become the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs).

“I’m very excited about my future and I’m very thankful to my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for getting me the fights I needed to become the mandatory challenger to fight for the IBF title.” said Pedraza. “I’ve been getting a lot of support from my people here in Puerto Rico and it feels great to be loved by them. I’ve already started training as I’m eager to get back in the ring. I’m ready to fight Rances Barthelemy and bring home the IBF title.”

Promoter Gary Shaw was amazed on how well Pedraza picked apart Farenas in their bout. He feels Pedraza soared from a fighter on the rise to one of the best fighters in the 130lbs division.

“Pedraza was absolutely outstanding in his fight with Farenas,” said Gary Shaw. “He looked fantastic. He has the rare ability to make adjustments in the ring against any style. He proved he can hang with the big boys. Farenas is a big puncher and Pedraza negated everything he brought to the table. Pedraza graduated from top prospect, to world title contender in one terrific performance. I believe he is the top 130 pounder in the world, and come early 2015 will prove it when he fights for the world title.”

Pedraza is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions.

PUERTO RICO (November 14, 2014) – Tonight at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions’ undefeated IBO super featherweight champion, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs) dazzled his hometown fans winning an astounding 12-round unanimous decision against top Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs). With the win, Pedraza moves into the mandatory position to fight IBF world champion, Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs) as this fight was an IBF elimination bout.

Pedraza got into a grove in the early rounds and mounted a sustainable lead as he used his superior boxing skills to pick apart Farenas who was coming forward. As the fight entered the middle rounds, Pedraza continued to box and use lateral movement to win rounds. Farenas had his moments as he landed a few big power shots, but nothing that would prevent Pedraza from executing his game plan. In the championship rounds Farenas came on strong, but it was too late as Pedraza ended strong to keep his lead intact. Scorecards read 117-111, 118-110 and 116-112, all in favor for Pedraza.

“This was a great win for the people of Puerto Rico and I’m very happy with my performance,” said Jose Pedraza. “I knew if I stuck to my game plan which was to box and punch off angles I would be victorious. I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for all their support. I’m ready to challenge Rances Barthelemy for the world title. I know I can bring home another championship to my countrymen in Puerto Rico.”

“Pedraza boxed beautifully tonight and proved he’s one of the best super-featherweights in the world,” said Gary Shaw. “There is no doubt in my mind he has what it takes to unify all the world titles at 130lbs. He’s now the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy. DiBella, Bustillo and I will start working on the matchup right away. I think it’s a fantastic fight for the fans.”

MASHANTUCKET, CONN. (Oct. 3, 2014) – Undefeated Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and Fernando David “El Vasco” Saucedo both tipped the scale at the limit of 130 pounds during the official weigh-in for their world title showdown, tomorrow/Saturday, LIVE on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.

Barthelemy (20-0-0, 12 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Cuba, will defend his IBF junior lightweight title against former world title challenger and IBF No. 3-ranked challenger Saucedo (52-5-3, 8, KOs), of Florencio Varela, Argentina, in the main event of a SHOWTIME Boxing Special Edition tripleheader from the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Conn.

Willie “The Great” Nelson (23-1-1, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, and Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan (34-1-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif. by way of Armenia, both weighed-in at 153 pounds for their 10-round collision of once-beaten junior middleweights. Martirosyan will be stepping into the ring with a heavy heart just five days after the death of his promoter Dan Goossen, brother of his trainer, Joe Goossen.

Former light heavyweight world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (32-3, 18 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., measured 173 pounds for his first fight in his home state in five years. He’ll take on Tommy Karpency (23-4-1, 14 KOs), of Adah, Penn., who also weighed-in at 173 pounds, in a 10-round light heavyweight fight in the opening bout of Saturday’s tripleheader.

RANCES BARTHELEMY:
“I’m excited. This is a huge fight for me, fighting on national television, fighting on SHOWTIME. I’m excited and anxious to get in there and give the crowd and the fans a great fight.

“You’re going to see a solid, smart fighter that knows how to keep his distance and knows how to control the pace. And you’ll see a lot of my jab, my biggest weapon.

“I’m going to win any way possible. We’re ready to go the whole 12 rounds. We’re just going to take it round by round.

“He has over 60 fights so we have to respect him. But we’re going to let him know we’re the bigger man.”

FERNANDO DAVID SAUCEDO:
“I came here to win the world title and that’s what I’m going to do.

“This is the perfect matchup for me and my chance to show that I deserve to be a world champion.

“It’s a dream come true to fight here in the United States. It’s obvious that I can’t do what I did in my previous 60 fights. I need to bring a little more to go home with the title. I’m very well-prepared and I’m looking forward to getting in the ring.”

WILLIE NELSON:
“I believe the jab is the key to this fight. The person who establishes the jab is the one that is going to come out on top.

“I just need to follow the game plan and pick him apart.

“I’m going to win a unanimous decision.

“If I win this fight I should get a shot at a world title. But, you know, it’s boxing, so anything can happen.”

VANES MARTIROSYAN
“We have a good game plan put together with Joe [Goossen]. We’re ready to box or brawl if we need to. We’ll just take it from there. We’re ready for whatever he bring and we’re just going to be on top of him the whole fight.

“We’ve been heartbroken since we’ve heard the news [that Dan passed]. Especially because they kept it away from me the whole training camp. It was a big surprise to us. The second we heard it we all, my wife, my mother, we all started crying.

“But, in a way, we’re happy that we get to fight Saturday night and dedicate this victory to Dan Goossen.

“It gives me more motivation to fight and make him proud because I know he’s going to be looking down on us. On Saturday we get to thank him.

“I think this will make me stronger. The last thing, boxing-wise, that Dan said to Joe was, “make sure Vanes wins.’ I’m taking that in the ring with me. He’s going to be watching me from above so we’re going to put on a good performance for him.

“I’m going to win by knockout. I have too much happiness and too much strength going into the ring that I will win by knockout.”

CHAD DAWSON:
“As a fighter, the scale is a part of the fight, too. I beat the scale and tomorrow night we’ll go out and win the fight.

“I know that I have to go out tomorrow night and perform. I have to let the world know that I’m the same fighter, that I’m still one of the best fighters in the world. If anything, I think I’m wiser and that makes me a better fighter.

“I’m going to go out there and do what I do best, use my jab, use my hand speed. People underestimate my jab, but I have one of the best jabs out there. I just need to use my size and win the fight.

“Hopefully within the next two fights I’ll get a world title shot. We want to get another fight after this, hopefully in December, and then sometime early next year I’ll be fighting for another world title.

“I’ll probably put on about 10 pounds before the fight tomorrow. No more than that. We don’t want to go in the ring too blown up. Tonight we’ll eat light, eat a light breakfast a light lunch and get in the ring.

“I want to get some rounds in. Hopefully he has it in him and hopefully we can get in some rounds. I’m not the type of fighter to look for a knockout, but if it comes, it comes. We’re just looking for a great performance.

“You’ll see on Saturday night –I’m back to being ‘Bad’ Chad.”

TOMMY KARPENCY:
“His weight doesn’t impact me at all. I came here to win the fight no matter which Chad Dawson showed up and we prepared for the best Chad Dawson.

“I’m going to fight to win. I have nothing to lose. This is a great opportunity for me –it’s Chad Dawson’s backyard so all the pressure is on him. I have to take advantage of this opportunity.

“I’m going to try to impose my style; I try to fight in spurts. I’m just going to let my hands go and whatever happens, happens.

“I’m going to win, that’s all. It’s going to be a life changing victory and that’s how I’m approaching it. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I just need to take advantage of this opportunity.

“This is a fight we went after. We’re ready to go. I don’t think this is the tune-up he’s expecting. We’re ready for the best chad.”

JOE GOOSSEN:
“We trained very hard, even if it was under impossible circumstances. Dan brought it up, he said, ‘just make sure Vanes wins Saturday night.’ That was Dan. Always thinking about boxing and business up until the very end. Dan was concerned about Vanes like he would be at any other time.

“We didn’t miss a minute in the gym and that’s the way he would want it. If anything it motivates me. The gym is probably the only place where I can go to forget everything.”

(LAS VEGAS) September 27, 2014 – With one week to go until his first defense of his IBF Super Featherweight world title, Champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (20-0, 12 KOs) wraps up his final day of training camp with an intense day of sparring. Barthelemy will face challenger Fernando David Saucedo (52-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round bout at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The fight will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) as the main-event on Oct, 4, 2014.

“This is the best camp I’ve had since turning professional,” said Barthelemy. “My weight is good and I’m going to be well prepared for anything Saucedo brings. We did some things different in this camp as we added some old techniques from the Cuban School of boxing. I’m ready to show the world I’m the best Super Featherweight in the world. I want to thank Al Haymon and my entire team for all their support. I’m ready to show the world I’m the best Super Featherweight in the world.”

NEW YORK (Sept. 25, 2014) — Undefeated Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (20-0-0, 12 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Cuba, will defend his IBF junior lightweight title against former world title challenger and IBF No. 3-ranked challenger Fernando David “El Vasco” Saucedo (52-5-3, 8, KOs), of Florencio Varela, Argentina, in the main event of a SHOWTIME Boxing Special Edition quadrupleheader on Saturday, Oct. 4, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Conn.

In other 10-round fights on a four-fight telecast: Willie “The Great” Nelson (23-1-1, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, will be opposed by Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan (34-1-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif. by way of Armenia, in a collision of once-beaten junior middleweights, former light heavyweight world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (32-3, 18 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of New Haven, Conn., fights for the first time in his home state in five years when he goes up against Tommy Karpency (23-4-1, 14 KOs), of Adah, Penn, and promising middleweight Dominic “Lights Out” Wade (16-0, 11 KOs) of Largo, Md. will put his perfect record on the line against KeAndre Leatherwood (14-2-1, 10 KOs), of Birmingham, Ala.

The 5-foot-11, 29-year-old Barthelemy, a boxer-puncher with good skills, movement and punching power, is making the first defense of the 130-pound title he won with a dominant 12-round decision over defending champion Argenis Mendez in his last fight on July 10 in Miami, Fla.

The victory, scored 115-111 three times, came in a rematch of a bizarre scrap on Jan. 3, 2014, in Minneapolis that went into the books as a no-decision after the former Cuban amateur standout knocked Mendez out after the bell had sounded to end the second round.

With Mendez finally in his rearview mirror, Barthelemy is looking forward to Oct. 4 and beyond.

“I’m very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME for the first time,’’ said Bathelemy, who defected from Cuba shortly before his pro debut in September 2009. “The goal when you start out your career is to win a world title and fight on a major network. Now that I have accomplished both I want to prove I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

“Saucedo has fought a lot of guys. He’s one of the highest ranked contenders in the IBF so I’m coming in totally prepared and focused. I want to win obviously, but I’d like to win impressively.

“I want to show everybody that I’m the best at 130 pounds no ifs, ands or butts, and that includes Mikey Garcia, Orlando Salido, who’s called me out … So the opportunities are there for me. But first I have to defeat Saucedo.’’

A veteran of 60 pro fights, the 33-year-old, 5-foot-7 Saucedo has won 14 in a row, including seven by way of knockout. This will be not only his first time fighting on SHOWTIME, but also his first time fighting in the United States.

His last loss came in his first world title fight on a 12-round unanimous decision to WBA 126-pound titleholder and hometown favorite Chris John on Dec. 5, 2010, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“Saucedo is a veteran who gets one last chance to prove he can succeed at the highest level,’’ said SHOWTIME Expert Analyst Steve Farhood. “To date, he’s been strong in Argentina but less effective outside his native country. Barthelemy is one of the brighter young titlists in boxing.’’

Saucedo, who captured the WBC Silver 130-pound belt three outings ago, is coming off a third-round TKO over Luis Juarez, last June 27 in Buenos Aires.

Farhood regards the co-feature between Nelson and Martirosyan as a “throwback fight between contenders where the stakes are self-evident.’’

“This type of matchup you don’t see anymore,’’ Farhood said. “Martirosyan is a legitimate top-10 contender while Nelson is just outside the top 10. The winner will be clearly in line for a shot at a title.’’

Nelson, a 6-foot-3½, 27-year-old, has won seven in a row since his lone defeat (on ShoBox on an eight-round majority decision to Vincent Arroyo in April 2011). Nelson was triumphant in his other ShoBox start on a unanimous 10-round decision (97-92 twice and 95-94) over left-handed former Cuban amateur star and previously unbeaten prospect Yudel Jhonson in May 2012.

After dealing Johnson his initial setback, Nelson, who’s very tall for the weight class, upset undefeated prospect and 2008 Virgin Islands Olympian, John Jackson, on a unanimous 10-round decision (98-92 and 96-94 twice) to capture the NABF 154-pound belt on Sept. 15, 2012.

Nelson underwent surgery on his left elbow in late 2013, but has fought twice since, winning a clear 10-round decision over hard-trying Luis Grajeda in his most recent outing last Aug. 8.

An amateur standout before going pro in May 2006, Nelson doesn’t plan to make radical changes in his style and technique against Armenian-born Martirosyan.

“I think Martirosyan is a good fighter,’’ said Nelson, a former U.S, amateur standout and eight-year pro. “He’s well-rounded–decent speed, decent power. But I’m going to use the same game plan for him as I do for everybody else. I’m not going to change nothing. Basically, I’m just going to work on keeping him on the outside on the end of my punches.”

Martirosyan, 28, is coming off a unanimous 10-round decision over Mario Lozano last March 21 in Cabazon, Calif. In his first start for new trainer, Joe Goossen, and new promoter, Goossen Tutor, Martirosyan dominated; he scored a knockdown with a right hand in the second and consistently outboxed and outworked Lozano to win going away by 100-89 three times.

A 2004 U.S. Olympian, Martirosyan is 6-foot-tall boxer-puncher who possesses good power, movement and speed. He’ll be looking to make it two-for-two for his new team on Oct. 4.

“I’ve been training for this fight for over 2 and a half months–it’s been a long camp,’’ said Martirosyan, who lost a 12-round split decision to undefeated lefthander and 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (117-110, 114-113 and 112-115) in a fight for the vacant WBO junior middleweight belt on Nov. 19, 2013. “Every time I spar, I’m sparring 15 rounds, 20 rounds. We’re working really hard. I’ve never in my life sparred so long or experienced something like this.

“I think Nelson is a good fighter. He always finds a way to win even though he gets hurt or dropped, and you’ve got to respect him for that. But he has to respect me, too, because I’ve never been so hungry in my life,” said Martirosyan. “This is basically do-or-die for me.”

In a sensational amateur career in which he was an eight-time National champion, the lanky Martirosyan upended Timothy Bradley, who went on to win super lightweight and welterweight world titles, Austin Trout, who would become the WBA super welterweight titlist, and Andre Berto, who went on to win the WBC and IBF welterweight belt.

In the second televised fight of the evening, “Bad Chad” continues the second chapter of his career, as he calls it, against Pennsylvania native Karpency in an attempt to get a step closer to another world title shot.

Dawson is coming off a 2:35 first-round knockout over George Blades last June 21 on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

The knockout over the outclassed Blades snapped a two-fight losing streak for the former two-time light heavyweight world champion. ”It was good to get some of the ring rust off,’’ he said. “I think the time off did me a lot of good. I got a little rest and got to spend time with my family.

“With that fight out of the way, I’ll be sharper and in better shape this time. Nothing’s really changed for me. I’m just back to being myself and working hard and doing the right things. I’m strong and I’ve got that hunger back. ’’

Once considered one of the most talented pound-for-pound boxers in the world and the last fighter to defeat Bernard Hopkins, “Bad Chad” also owns victories over Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson (twice each), Tomasz Adamek and Adrian Diaconu. This will be his first fight in Connecticut since he unanimously outpointed Johnson in their rematch in November 2009, and his first at Foxwoods since 2004.

But questions remain about whether Dawson can regain his past form. “Dawson is at a point in his career where he has to give fans reason to think he can again be a dominant light heavyweight again,’’ Farhood said.

Fellow southpaw Karpency, 28, has won two consecutive fights, including a unanimous 10-round decision over Dhalir Smith last July 26. He has experience against good opposition. In February 2012, he fought WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly in England; in his next fight he met hard-hitting, world-ranked Andrzej Fonfara. He’s also been in with Karo Murat.

Wade and Leatherwood will square off to open the telecast in a 10-round middleweight bout.

Twenty-five-year-old Wade has won five in a row since returning to the ring in February 2013 after a two-year layoff. In his ShoBox debut and first scheduled 10-rounder, the former amateur star stepped up in class and won a unanimous decision over Nick Brinson. He also registered a spectacular one-punch second-round TKO over Marcus Upshaw.

Leatherwood is a 5-foot-10, 25-year-old who’s won two straight fights since losing a 10-round decision to Hugo Centeno in a disappointing effort in his ShoBox debut on March 8, 2013. Leatherwood is coming off a first-round knockout over Mickey Scarborough last April 5.

Tickets, priced at $150, $90 and $45, may be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods’ box office. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The first live, non-televised fight is at 6:30 pm. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing with the co-featured Nelson-Martirosyan match promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING Special Edition action with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

New York, NY (9/22/14) – On Saturday, October 4th, DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing will stage a thrilling SHOWTIME Boxing Special Edition with reigning undefeated IBF champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (20-0-0-1NC, 12KO’s) defending his super featherweight title against former world title challenger and IBF #3-rated Fernando Saucedo (52-5-3, 8KO’s) in the main event.

Also appearing on the telecast will be two-time light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (32-3, 18 KO’s) making his long-awaited return to his home state for the first time in five years. The event will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 pm ET/PT from the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Conn.

“It means a lot to me to be back fighting in front of my hometown fans, to be back on the East coast and not in enemy territory,” said Dawson. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance in front of my fans, friends and family in attendance.”

He’ll be facing the always-game former world title challenger Tommy Karpency (23-4-1, 14 KO’s), from Adah, PA, in a 10-round light heavyweight contest. Since losing to Nathan Cleverly for the WBO title and Andrzej Fonfara for the IBO belt, both in 2012, Karpency has won two straight. In January of this year, Karpency avenged a previous defeat by unanimously outpointing Rayco Saunders, and then picked up the NABA light heavyweight strap with a victory over Dhafir Smith in July.

“I’ve watched my opponent, Tommy Karpency, and I know he’s a hungry guy,” assessed Dawson. “He won’t be in there just for a paycheck, but I am prepared for whatever he brings.”

In search of his third world title, Dawson, of New Haven, will step foot inside a Connecticut ring for the first time since 2009. Upon turning pro in 2001, eight of Dawson’s first 15 fights were staged at Foxwoods, a venue in which he is undefeated, making him a local fan favorite.

“I started my career at Foxwoods, my old stomping grounds,” reminisced Dawson. “It’s hard to believe that it’s almost been a decade since I last fought at that venue. I’m excited to be fighting there again and I’m sure it will bring back a lot of memories.”

After handing Tomasz Adamek his first loss in 2007 to pick up the WBC light heavyweight title, the southpaw Dawson swiftly cleaned out the division, twice defeating both former champions Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver. Following a loss to Jean Pascal in Canada, Dawson regrouped to secure the biggest victory of his career, regaining the WBC belt with a 12-round decision over future Hall-of-Famer Bernard Hopkins in April 2012.

Suffering subsequent back-to-back losses in 2012 and 2013, Dawson is once again on the comeback trail. On June 21, 2014, Dawson annihilated the formidable George Blades inside one round. A straight left to the body dropped Blades and a follow-up barrage put him down again for good.

“I’ve been training in Louisiana for this fight. Against Blades, I came in a bit heavy, but I’ve been working with my strength and conditioning coach and I will make 175 pounds without a problem. I’m strong and I’ve got that hunger back.”

Now rated #11 by the WBO and #14 by the WBC, Dawson is determined to secure an impressive victory on October 4th in front of his hometown fans, as he climbs back toward another championship opportunity.

“I’m now making my comeback. After this fight, should everything work out as planned, I will be putting myself into position to fight for a world title by next year. I want to end my career on a strong note.”

Additional undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets, priced at $150, $90 and $45, are currently on sale and may be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods’ box office. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 6:00pm, with the first bout scheduled for 6:30pm.