Natural growth major reason for Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez moving up to cruiserweight division

Oct. 7^th vs. Joe Smith, Jr. on DAZN from Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (September 1, 2023) –- At the age of 32 and coupled with 14 years as a professional boxer, natural growth has forced former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) to move up in weight to the cruiserweight division from light heavyweight.

“Zurdo” will make his cruiserweight debut on October 7^th versus former world light heavyweight champion Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) at a 190-pound catchweight, headlining a Golden Boy Promotions event to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Ramirez, fighting out of Mazatlán, Mexico, has simply outgrown the 175-pound weight class. In several of his most recent fights, “Zurdo” has entered the ring nearing just shy of 200-pounds, despite officially making weight the day before.

“This fight marks my move up to the cruiserweight division,” Ramirez explained. “This decision is based on a combination of factors that my team and I carefully considered. One of the main reasons is my natural growth and development as an athlete. As I’ve progressed during my career, I’ve gained muscle mass and strength, making it more suitable for me to compete in the cruiserweight division.

“Additionally, we believe that this move will provide exciting new challenges and opportunities for me. The cruiserweight division is known for its competitive and diverse talent pool, and I’m eager to test my skills against opponents with different styles and strengths. This transition also aligns with my long-term goals in the sport, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to make a positive impact in this new weight class. I’ve worked closely with my coaches and trainers to ensure a smooth transition in terms of training, strategy, and overall preparation. While it is a new chapter in my career, I’m embracing the change and looking forward to proving myself at cruiserweight.”

Ramirez hasn’t fought since his unsuccessful challenge last November against World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitriy Bivol (20-0), dropping a 12-round unanimous decision in Abu Dhabi. “Zurdo” was scheduled to fight March 18^th as a light heavyweight versus Gabe Rosado, but their fight was canceled when Ramirez came in overweight.

Rather than take a tune-up fight in his new weight class, “Zurdo” will take on Smith, who has defeated Bernard Hopkins, Andrzej Fonfara and Eleider Alvarez, among the more notables. The dangerous New Yorker from Long Island has stopped 22 of the 28 opponents he has defeated to date.

“I have nothing but respect for Joe,” Ramirez said. “He is a hard hitter and former world champion. But when I made this move to cruiserweight, I specifically asked my promoter for the toughest guys in the division to create a path to a world title fight. I’m a fighter and there has never been a fight I’ve dodged or turned down in my career and this is no different.

“Of course, any fight at this level will definitely shape the future and the next possible steps. I know how hard the stakes are and I want to prove to myself that I can be a world champion in this division.”

Ramirez was still highly rated as a light heavyweight when he announced his decision to campaign as a cruiserweight: The Ring #4, WBO #6, and WBA #7.  

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CountryBox Inks Major Distribution Deal

Wildly Popular Series To be Shown Live on All Major Cable and Satellite Providers Beginning with This Tuesday Night’s, September 5th card

Undefeated Justin Biggs in Action

Chann Thonson Takes on Nikolai Buzolin for WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (August 31, 2023)–Jimmy Adams Promotions is pleased to announce a distribution deal that will see the popular CountryBox series be televised all over the United States on all major Cable television and Satellite providers.

The deal will begin with this Tuesday night’s (September 5th) six bout card from the Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee.

The card will go into 100 million homes on the following channels on each Cable/Satellite Provider:

Dish Network–Channel 218

Comcast/Xfinity –Channel 1495

Fios–Channel 662

Frontier–Channel 162

ATT U-Verse–Channel 459/1459

Spectrum–Channel 189

GCI–Channel 142

Cincinnati Bell–636

Buckeye Cable–Channels 161/572

Direct TV–Channel 242

Plus on the web on www.countrybox247.com and FITE.TV

The fight card will feature undefeated Junior Middleweight Justin Biggs (12-0, 10 KOs) vs Eric Bossler (6-4, 5 KOs)

llightweight Chann Thonson (14-0, 11 KOs) talking on Nikolai Buzolin (9-5-1, 5 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Title

Plus undefeated fighters Erick Arrellano (6-0, 4 KOs), Emes Orta (4-0, 4 KOs) and Jaquan Carty (2-0, 1 KO) plus local favorite Kevin Torian.

Fans watching will also be treated to the sounds of country music star Rodney Collins.

The action begins at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT and 5 PT.

The fights will be called by Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster Marc Abrams and two-time NFL All-Pro Albert Haynesworth.

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Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Fighting in LA for first time in initial 8-rounder

LOS ANGELES (August 31, 2023) – Undefeated prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) will experience a few firsts on September 16^th in his toughest test to date during his young professional career versus veteran Mexican fighter Ricardo Adrian “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs) at Commerce Casino and Hotel in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, will be fighting in L.A. for the first time in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

“I’m excited to be fighting on a good card on DAZN,” Fulghum commented. “I’ve built a good network there (in LA at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood) and I’ll have a lot of people coming from home (Texas), too.

“Nothing really changes in training (preparing for his first eight-rounder at a lighter weight). Every time I had a four or six round fight, I prepared for it like it was a 12-round fight. Same for this fight but with even more focus.”

Luna has become a “gatekeeper” having fought top prospects at various stages of their respective careers such as (16-0) Albert Ramirez, (19-0) Diego Pacheco, (30-0) Eric Bazinyan and (16-3) Ryota Murata. Luna’s most notable fight was a draw with 21-2 Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.

“I’m not putting pressure on myself to get a knockout,” Fulghum said, “Every fighter will tell you, if a knockout comes, it comes. My style is wear-and-tear to break down my opponent. Will I take a knockout? Yes, but I’m not planning for it.”

Fulghum will be fighting for his fourth time in five months, a pace that perfectly suits “DFG” as he transitions from light heavyweight to super middleweight, fighting Luna at a 172-pound catchweight.

“I’d like to ramp it up even more because it builds my experience,” Fulghum explained his accelerated pace of development. “I haven’t suffered any damage in my fights and I’m always in the gym training.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. All of his amateur accomplishments were achieved while he attended college.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

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Split-T Management signs Undefeated Shamara Woods

NEW YORK (August 16, 2023) – Split-T Management has signed undefeated junior lightweight Shamara Woods.

“I am very excited to be working with Shamara Woods. She has a great story being that she is a single mother. She had an extensive amateur career and will make a huge impact when she is seen by a bigger platform. Thanks to ProBox and Chris Glover, Shamara will get that opportunity. I believe that Shamara has the capability to become a world champion and be a very marketable fighter inside and outside of the ring,” said Brian Cohen of Split-T Management.”

Said Woods, “I am super excited to sign with Brian and Split-T Management. I have seen him sign great fighters since 2018, I see that he has brought so many fighters to world titles, and it is great to sign with him. I am expecting to obtain a world title. My goal is to win world titles 130, 135 and 140 lbs.”

Woods, who is 2-0 is 27 years-old of Allentown, PA, and began boxing at the age of 14. She embarked on an amateur career that saw her compete in 37 fights and won the WBA International Amateur Title and three Undisputed Promotions Titles.

Dubbed ‘Pure Pefection”, Shamara also has a background in Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

Woods, who is a single mother of a seven year-old boy, turned professional on April 1st with a unanimous decision over Sarah Click in Orlando, Florida. Woods followed that up with a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Samone Da Silva on May 12th in Orlando.

Boxing runs in the family as her father was an amateur boxer.

Woods is trained by Fernando Arroyo and Rashad Mays.

Woods will be in action this Saturday against 31 fight veteran Rocio De Leon Query in the Dominican Republic.

Woods will come right back in action as she will fight on Probox TV on September 20th in Plant City, Florida.

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SATURDAY: Luis Nery-Froilan Saludar Junior Featherweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Streaming action from Metepec, Mexico, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

(July 7, 2023) — Mexican former two-division world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery returns in a 10-round main event against Filipino former title challenger Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar this Saturday, July 8 at Recinto Ferial Metepec in Metepec, Mexico.
 
The 28-year-old Nery will look to continue his campaign towards another title run in the competitive junior featherweight division.
 
Promoted by Zanfer Promotions, Nery-Saludar and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Nery (34-1, 26 KOs) burst onto championship scene in October 2017 with a fourth-round TKO against then-unbeaten champion Shinsuke Yamanaka to capture the WBC bantamweight crown. Three years later, he defeated Aaron Alameda to win the WBC junior featherweight title via 12-round unanimous decision. Nery suffered his first defeat in a title unification bout versus WBA king Brandon Figueroa in May 2021. He is 3-0 with two knockouts since the Figueroa loss and is coming off a 11^th-round knockout over former title challenger Azat Hovhannisyan in a Fight of the Year-level battle. Saludar (33-6-1, 23 KOs) is a 13-year pro who unsuccessfully challenged Sho Kimura for the WBO flyweight title in 2018. He has given stiff tests to former world champs Andrew Moloney and Daigo Higa. The 34-year-old is coming off a first-round TKO win over countryman Crison Omayao last October.

In other streaming action from Metepec, Mexico:

• Junior welterweight standout Carlos Sanchez (24-1, 19 KOs) will take on Marcos Gonzalez (22-3, 11 KOs) in a 10-round clash. Both are coming off April wins, with Sanchez beating Alexander Duran via six-round technical decision and Gonzalez defeating Josue Veraza via 10-round unanimous decision.
   
• In a 10-round junior middleweight fight, Jorge Garcia Perez (25-4, 21 KOs) will square off against Ricardo Bañuelos (18-9-1, 7 KOs). Both fought on the same card last month. Perez scored a seventh-round knockout win over Hector Andres Reyes, while Bañuelos lost to Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez via eight-round unanimous decision.
   
• Rashib Martinez (20-2-1, 9 KOs) will face Ernesto Garcia Flores (10-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight tilt.
   
• In a swing bout, flyweights Luis Rodriguez (8-3, 3 KOs) and Juan Carlos Barrientos (5-2, 3 KOs) will collide in a fight scheduled for four or six rounds. 

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East-West Massachusetts Boxing Showdown

Lynn’s James Perkins vs. Pittsfield’s Steven Sumpter title fight

To Headline “Pandemonium at The Palladium”

 August 19^th in Worcester

QUINCY, Mass. (June 28, 2023) – East meets West! On August 19^th on the “Pandemonium at The Palladium” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), a pair of unbeaten boxers, James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) and Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (8-0, 7 KOs), put their sterling records on the line at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Perkins vs. Sumpter will be the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Middleweight Championship.

“Pandemonium at The Palladium” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

Perkins is a gravedigger from Lynn, which is located on the east coast of the Bay State, while Sumpter hails from Pittsfield in Western Massachusetts. they will be fighting in Central Mass., in Worcester.

It’s so rare in boxing today that unbeaten prospects square off against each other, rather than take the less risky route to build-up records.

“I am excited to be hosting my first show in Worcester at the historic Palladium,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “The Palladium hosted a bunch of unforgettable events, and this is going to be added to the list.”

An old saying in boxing is that styles make fights. If that’s the case, Perkins vs. Sumpter has the potential to be an instant classic, because Perkins is a seek-and-destroy fighter and Sumpter a solid boxer-puncher.

Perkins, 30, fought to a draw in his 2019 pro debut and he’s won his last 12 fights in a row, including a four-round knockout of Larry Smith this past June 30.

“I’m looking forward to this fight with Sumpter,” Perkins said. “I think it’s going to be my toughest test so far and I welcome the challenge. I think it’s going to be a fun fight night for the fans as well.”

The 29-year-old Sumpter moved up in weight last November, capturing the vacant Massachusetts light heavyweight title by taking an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Edet Mkpanam (8-0).  Sumpter recently knocked out Miguel Angel Suarez in the opening round of his most recent fight.

“I think this fight is a great opportunity,” Sumpter remarked. “Another chance at fighting yet another undefeated fighter early in my career just makes me go even harder than I did before. To be headlining a good distance away from home is still a good feeling. I have a lot of supporters and I know they’ll make the trip regardless.

“I don’t know a lot about Perkins. I’ve seen him fight once and I wasn’t impressed. I think he’s a pretty good fighter, but I don’t think he has what it takes to come out on top.”

Other fighters slated to be in action on “Pandemonium at The Palladium” include two undefeated Holyoke boxers, Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (11-0, 6 KOs) and super welterweight Carlos Castillo (7-0, 4 KOs), two unbeaten Springfield fighters, super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs) and (his brother) super lightweight Calixto Cruz (2-0, 0 KOs), and former celebrated amateur Felix Parrilla (7-0, 6 KOs), the New Haven (CT) featherweight.

Additional fights and fighters will soon be announced.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

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Split-T Management’s Khail Coe, Javier Zamarron and Trinidad Vargas Remain Undefeated

NEW YORK (JUNE 27, 2023) – Three Split-T Management fighters were impressive in keeping their undefeated records intact with victories this past Saturday night.

In New York, light heavyweight Khalil Coe stopped Buneet Bisla in round seven of their eight-round fight at The Madison Square Theater.

Coe was impressive from the ouetset as he dropped Bisla with a jab in the opening frame, Coe was credited with a second knockdown in the round as he landed a right that Bisla down again,

Coe continued to dominate as he bloodied those of Bisla. In round seven, Coe landed a hard uppercut that clearly hurt Bisla. “The Big Steppa” followed up with a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage.

With his second consecutive stoppage win, the Flemington, New Jersey native remained undefeated at 6-0-1 with four knockouts. Bisla of British Columbia, suffered his first defeat and is now 7-1.

In Milwaukee, junior lightweight, Javier Zamarron took out Prentice Canada in the second round of their six-round junior lightweight bout at The Harley-Davidson Museum.

The 22 year-old Zamarron thrilled the hometown crowd as the native of Sheboygan was dominant in his outing that saw hm go to 4-0 with three knockouts,

In Philadelphia, bantamweight Trinidad Vargas boxed his way to a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Rivera at the 2300 Arena.

Vargas showed the boxing skills that made him a 13-time National Amateur Champion.

Vargas, 20 of Grand Prairie, Texas won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-0. Rivera was making his pro debut.

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“Punch-Out at Polar Park”

TICKETS ON SALE

August 4^th outdoor Pro-Am show in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (June 22, 2023) –Tickets are now on sale for the August 4^th (Aug. 5 rain date) “Punch-Out at Polar Park”, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) in conjunction with Kenrick Ball’s Camp Get Right Boxing, at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Tickets are priced at $205.00 (Field VIP), $155.00 (VIP), $75.00 (Home Plate Reserved) and $45.00 (Reserved), and available for purchase at Polar Park’s box office (508.500.8888), and onlineThe pro card will start after amateur boxers from throughout New England compete in the inaugural Carlos Garcia Tournament, named after the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame trainer who founded and operated the highly successful boxing program at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester for four decades.

Doors open at 5 p.m. ET with the first amateur match starting then (6 p.m. ET), the pro card starts at 7 p.m. ET.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email all inquiries for details to  ShearnsBoxingPromotions@gmail.com.

INFORMATION:

Website: polarpark.com. cgrboxing.com

 at polarpark.com/boxing.

 

PRO CARD

Main Event – Light Heavyweights (8)

Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (20-1-3, 12 KOs), Worcester, MA

Oscar “Moustro” Riojas (28-16-3, 16 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexic

Co-Feature – Heavyweights (8)

Sean Bey (7-0, 7 KOs), Providence, RI

Quinton Sumpter (6-1, 4 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

Super Featherweights (6)

“King” Kevin Walsh (9-0, 4 KOs), Brockton, MA

Philip Davis (3-5-2, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA

Welterweights (6)

Josniel “TG” Castro (9-1, 7 KOs), Boca Raton, FL by way of Puerto Rico

TBA

Light Heavyweights (4)

Neal Sullivan (0-0-1), Worcester, MA

Michael Medeiros (0-4), Nahant, MA by way of Brazil

Welterweights (4)

Robert Degaetano (pro debut), Douglas, MA

Micheal “Titan” Taylor (1-5, 0 KOs), Cortland, NY

Female Super Bantamweights (4)

Melanie “Pitbull” Costa (1-0, 1 KO), Norton, MA

Sarah “Switch Kick” Cluck (1-5-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL

(card subject to change) 

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Card Shaping Up for Ponytail Promotions and CNC Promotions Presents World Class Boxing on Saturday, June 24th at The Patapsco Arena in Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland (June 22, 2023)–World class boxing returns to Baltimore on Saturday, June 24th as Ponytail Promotions and CNC Entertainment presents a big night at The Patapsco Arena.

In the featured contest, Mack Allison IV takes on an opponent to be named in a eight-round super featherweight bout.

Allison of Baltimore is 16-3-1 with 11 knockouts. The 25 year-old is a seven-year pro who is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Lonnie Jackson Jr. on April 22nd in Baltimore.

An 11-bout card has been assembled and it will include an eight-round super middleweight bout between Tyrell Boyd (8-, 8 KOs) of Baltimore and Derrick Vann (4-7) of Philadelphia.

In a six-round bout, Dravontay Speed Rawls (13-1-1, 8 KOs) of Glenarden, MD fights Jose Rodriguez (6-2, 2 KOs) of Puerto Rico in a super featherweight bout.

In four-round bouts, Deshawn Chase (2-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on debuting Alberto Boites Salazar of Hampton, Virginia in a welterweight bout.

Walter Sanders (2-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

La’Vay Lawrence (2-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC fights an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout.

In a battle of pro debuting welterweights, Anwar Wingate of District Heights, MD fights Shawn Randolph of San Antonio, Texas.

Isiah Branch (1-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore takes on debuting Robert Hough of Houston in a heavyweight contest.

Christopher Glenn (3-0) of Hagerstown, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a featherweight bout.

Ricky Sanabria of Salisbury, MD makes his pro debut against Christopher Dixon of San Antonio, TX in a welterweight bout.

Pro debuters Juan Pablo Guillen Arancibia of Annandale, VA and Jaden Webb will square off in a featherweight bout.

Tickets can be purchased at ponytail-promotions.eventbrite.com or call 410-499-5361

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Former World Champion Tevin Farmer Takes on Avery Sparrow This Saturday Night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (June 20, 2023) – THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, Former IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Tevin Farmer returns to action when he takes on Avery Sparrow in a mouthwatering 10-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

Farmer of Philadelphia, 30-5-1 with six knockouts, will be making his first appearance in nearly three and a half years. The 32-y ear-old won the IBF Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Billy Dib on August 3, 2018 in New South Wales, Australia. Farmer made four successful defenses of the crown with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonesca (22-1-1), Jono Carrol (16-0-1) Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer dropped the belt to Joseph Diaz Jr. on January 30, 2020 in Miami. Farmer also has wins over Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-1), Emanuel Gonzalez (14-0), Viktor Chernous (15-1-1), Angelo Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prexott (30-2), former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1), and Darden Zenunaj (12-2).

Sparrow of Philadelphia is 11-4 with four knockouts. The tough 29 year-old who will fight anybody at any time has wins over Anthony Burgin (10-2), Israel Henriquez (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1-1), former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1) and Matt Conway (20-2). Sparrow dropped his last bout to William Foster III on July 23, 2022, in Philadelphia.

On the undercard in six-round bouts, Dezmond Lucas (6-1, 3KOs) of Bronx, NY fights Elijah Vines (5-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Jenn Gonzalez (9-19-1, 5 KOs) of Santa Teraza, Nicaragua in a featherweight contest.

Derrick Webster (29-4, 14 KOs) of Glassboro, NJ fights an opponent to be named in a super middleweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Gustavo Morales (1-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA battles Najee Belcher (0-2) of Las Vegas in a welterweight contest.

Luis Gonzalez Colon (5-1, 4 KOs) of Aibomito, Puerto Rico faces off against Efrain Cruz (4-6-1, 1 KO) of Viequez, Puerto Rico in a super lightweight bout.

Trinidad Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) of Grand Prairie, Texas boxes Artimus Sartor (4-3, 1 KO) of Cincinnati, Ohio in a bantamweight fight.

Ticket prices are. $200 VIP, $100 ringside, $75 preferred and $60 GA and can be purchased at the following Link:

 

https://2300arena.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=97

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Top Rank Boxing Partners with WSC Sports to Generate AI-Powered Highlights and Joins WSC Sports Creators Program by Making Archive of World’s Greatest Boxing Footage Available to Content Creators

Through partnership with Top Rank, WSC Sports For Creators Program now provides content creators access to Top Rank’s archive of footage, allowing creators to legally utilize top boxing video content

Top Rank to maximize full value of archived video content while tapping into the power of the creator economy

Las Vegas and Tel Aviv (June 6, 2023) — Top Rank, the worldwide leader in boxing promotions, and WSC Sports, the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) powered sports video content, today announced a partnership to transform the way Top Rank creates and distributes fight highlights.

Real-time fight highlights will now be automatically generated using the WSC Sports platform. This will bring fans more content than ever before and will be ready to watch just moments after the action happens in the ring. Top Rank’s entire video content archive, spanning more than 50 years, will also be incorporated into the WSC Sports platform to unlock this content treasure trove, with any type of video compilation now available to Top Rank in minutes. 

In addition, Top Rank will be joining the WSC Sports For Creators Program, an innovative new solution providing value to both media rights holders and creators. Through the WSC Sports for Creators Program, content creators now have access to the world’s greatest boxing footage from Top Rank’s archive. This content is free to use and can be distributed across the creators’ social media platforms, all while avoiding copyright infringement. Creators can find any moment from any Top Rank fight in seconds, creating highlights or compilations using WSC Sports’ AI-based platform. The WSC Sports for Creators Program enables rights holders to maximize the full value of their archived video content while tapping into the power of the creator economy. This unique revenue share model expands the reach of Top Rank content, reaching new fans in a more grassroots way, and introduces young boxing fans to the legends of the sport. 

“We’re delighted to partner with WSC Sports and use their AI technology to deliver the best possible fight highlights experience to the fans”, said Brian Kelly, Top Rank’s Chief Revenue Officer. “We’re excited to be pioneers with WSC Sports and their mutually beneficial ‘Creators Program’ that will allow Top Rank’s content to be used by creators and shared to their audiences across their social media channels. This inventive approach means more eyeballs on our content and provides a fresh revenue opportunity for all involved.”

“Top Rank’s innovative approach combined with WSC Sports’ technology empowers creators to grow their brands while unlocking new revenue opportunities,” said Daniel Shichman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, WSC Sports. “With WSC, creators can easily generate and monetize content utilizing fight footage of the all-time greatest, including Ali, Tyson, Hagler, Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and of current greats like Tyson Fury, Shakur Stevenson, and Vasiliy Lomachenko without the risk of making IP infringements.”

For more information on the WSC Sports for Creators program visit wsc-sports.com/wsc-for-creators. 

About Top Rank

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

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

About WSC Sports 

WSC Sports automates the creation and distribution of highlights for over 300 leagues and broadcast partners across the globe, including the NBA, ESPN, YouTubeTV, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A, and DAZN.

Utilizing advanced AI and machine learning technologies, WSC Sports’ proprietary platform analyzes live sports broadcasts, identifies each and every event that occurs in a game, and in real-time creates and publishes customized short-form videos. This enables sports media rights owners to maximize the use of their content, creating new revenue streams and a personalized fan experience on every platform for every type of fan.

For more information, visit wsc-sports.com.

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July 1: Abdullah Mason and Tyler McCreary Added to ESPN+-Streamed Undercard of Jared Anderson-Zhan Kossobutskiy Heavyweight Showdown at Toledo’s Huntington Center

Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori heavyweight co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 2, 2023) — Two Ohio-born talents have joined the pre-Independence Day celebration as part of the ESPN+-streamed undercard to the heavyweight doubleheader featuring Toledo’s Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event on Saturday, July 1 at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 
 
Cleveland native Abdullah Mason will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round lightweight fight against Tobias Green, while Toledo-born junior lightweight Tyler McCreary will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) is a 19-year-old prodigy who was considered one of the brightest talents in U.S. amateur boxing before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. Mason debuted as a pro the following month with a second-round TKO over Jaylan Phillips. In 2022, Mason went 5-0 with four knockouts. The southpaw phenom plans to be just as dominant this year after a first-round knockout over Erick Garcia Benitez in April and a sixth-round TKO win over Desmond Lyons last month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard. Green (10-3, 3 KOs) is a 27-year-old Floridian who returns after an eight-round decision win against Ryan Schwartzberg last October. 
 
McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) is an almost nine-year pro who is on the comeback trail. Following his 2019 showdown against former two-division world champion Carl Frampton, the 30-year-old experienced a near-two-year layoff before losing to Manuel Rey Rojas in 2021. Last month, however, he overcame another layoff to score a first-round knockout against Jake Bornea in Toledo.

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Boxer Wilfried Florentin, 22, was shot dead

By Henry Hascup

Young boxer Wilfried Florentin, 22, was shot dead on Sunday morning, April 30, 2023, following a dispute in a night bar in Bonneuil-sur-Marne (Val-de-Marne). The 35-year-old suspect, who is the subject of a European arrest warrant, was nabbed on May 1 “at Brussels airport, on his way to Côte d’Ivoire,” according to the Créteil prosecutor’s office. “He will be handed over to the French authorities by the Belgian authorities,” the same source added. The victim was cared for by firefighters outside the establishment, then driven to the hospital early Sunday morning. The prosecutor’s office disclosed that he died a little later on Saturday from his injuries. Eyewitnesses told the investigators that the suspect and the victim had a dispute at the crime scene. Wilfried Florentin was crowned European junior champion in the -200 lb class in 2019. He had subsequently won his first three professional fights by knockout, according to the reference site BoxRec The Brussels Times May 1, 2023

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Janibek: “The Middleweight Division Runs Through Me!”
 Janibek will defend his WBO middleweight world title against Steven Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California
Janibek-Butler and the Jason Moloney-Vincent Astrolabio WBO bantamweight world title tilt will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 10, 2023) – WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuky is ready to take out his frustrations on Steven Butler. After calls to unify against the division’s other champions were not answered, Janibek will defend his world title against big-punching Canadian contender Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, rose the ranks in 2021 with knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He picked up the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round blitzing of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated his title. Janibek made the first defense of his title in November, turning back the stiff challenge of British champion Denzel Bentley. Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) has won four straight bouts, all in Canada, since back-to-back defeats.

Following a recent training session, this is what Janibek had to say:
 
“I give all the credit to Steven Butler for accepting this fight. In a division full of ducks, Butler is a true warrior. I know he will come to fight, and we will give the fans a great show.”
 
“Demetrius Andrade gave up his title to avoid fighting me. He ran eight pounds up the scale. He is the ultimate duck. Jaime Munguia turned down a shot at the title to fight weaker opposition. They are the two ducks, but I am the champion now.”
 
“I called out the division’s other champions, and they didn’t answer. Butler answered the call. I am fighting Saturday to prove a point. I will knock out Butler in devastating fashion.”
 
“The middleweight division runs through me now. I am here to stay. While the other champions continue not to fight, I will challenge the best and knock out everyone in my path.”
 /7 p.m. PT.

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RDR Promotions Presents: Fair Ones IV on Saturday, May 27th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania

Undefeated Fighters Paul Kroll, Isaiah Johnson, Tahmir Smalls, Eron Peterson, Nimal Farmer, Edwin Cortes and Steve Cunningham Jr. on a Packed Card that will also Feature Sam Teah

Press Conference on Friday, May 19th at 2 PM at Frame Restaurant (222 Market Street) in Philadelphia

Newtown, PA (May 10, 2023)–RDR Promotions will present a loaded night of boxing on Saturday night, May 27th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

The card will showcase some of the best undefeated talent in the Philadelphia area.

Heading up the card will be Paul Kroll (9-0-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia taking on Eduardo Rafael Reyes (11-18) of Mexico in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Kroll of Philadelphia has wins over Shinard Bunch (2-0), Luke Santamaria (11-1) and Mark Dawson (9-0-1). Kroll is coming off a draw with Marquis Taylor on February 18, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

Reyes is coming off his best win as he got the nod over Brian Agustin Arregui (7-0) on December 9, 2022,

In a eight-round bout, Samuel Teah takes on Andrew Rodgers in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Teah of Philadelphia is 19-4-1 with eight knockouts. The 35 year-old Teah has big wins over current world champion O’Shaquie Foster (8-0), David Gonzales (8-0-2), Maynard Allison (9-2), Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1), Sonny Fredrickson (21-1) and his last bout he defeated undefeated Enriko Gogokhia (13-0-2) on March 4th in Ontario, California.

Rodgers of Elkhart, Indiana is 7-11-2 with two knockouts. The 30-year old Rodgers has quality wins over Greg Outlaw (8-0), Thomas Velasqiez (10-1-1) and Willie Shaw (14-3). Rodgers is coming off a loss to Angel Flores on January 13th in Santa Ynez, California.

In six-round bouts:

Isaiah Johnson (7-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, New Jersey fights Marquis Hawthorne (8-17, 2 KOs) of Waco, Texas in a junior welterweight bout.

Tahmir Smalls (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia fights on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Erron Peterson (3-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Nissan Anderson (0-3-2) of Tampa, Florida in a middleweight bout.

Nimal Farmer (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Rah’quand McDaniel (1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a welterweight contest.

Soslan Alborov (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia squabbles with Antonio Allen (1-15-1,1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight tussle.

Donte Turner (3-2, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis, Missouri fights an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Edwin Cortes (3-0) of Millville, New Jersey fights Jeffery Williams (0-1) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight bout.

Nasir Mickens (2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on Braulio Avila (3-15, 1 KO) of Mexico super featherweight bout.

Tariq Green (2-2-1) of Philadelphia fights Courtney Williams (0-2-1) of Milwaukee in a middleweight fight.

Steve Cunningham Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight bout. Cunningham is the son of former two-time cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham.

THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT FRAME RESTAURANT (222 MARKET STREET IN PHILADELPHIA ON FRIDAY, MAY 19TH AT 2 PM

TICKETS ARE $65, $75, $125 and $175 (VIP Cocktail) and can be purchased by emailing RDRBOXING@yahoo.com

 

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King’s Promotions Makes Forth Worth, Texas Debut on Thursday, April 27th at The El Corral West Nightclub

Reading, PA (April 19, 2023) — On Thursday night, April 27th, King’s Promotions will present a full night of professional boxing at The El Corral West Nightclub (4824 South Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76115 in Fort Worth, Texas)

Taking part in six-round bouts will be :

Amy Salinas (4-4) of Las Cruces, New Mexico against an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

Kenneth Taylor (11-2-2, 6 KOs) of Tyler, Texas fighting Dan Abram (6-3, 2 KOs) of Kansas City in a lightweight contest/

In Four-Round fights:

Emmanuel Tennison (3-5, 2 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas will battle Devon Jones (4-9-1) of Irving, Texas in a super welterweight fight.

Alexis Mones (0-0-1) of Fort Worth, Texas will take on Brittany Sims (2-3, 2 KOs) of Salem, Oregon in a bantamweight fight.

Jesus Guzman (0-0-1) of Fort Worth, Texas squares off with debuting Miguel Angel Perez of Dallas,Texas in a flyweight contest.

Debuting welterweight Jake Reynolds of Fort Worth will fight Alfred Moss Jr. in a welterweight fight.

Killa Attry (6-0, 2 KOs) of Bronx, New York will take on Karen Dulin (5-26-1, 3 KOs) of Newport, Rhode Island in a super featherweight fight.

Terrion Claybon (5-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles will take on Jamarius Phillips (0-1) of McKinley, Texas in a super lightweight bout.

Emmanuel Moreno (2-0) of Wichita Falls, Texas battles Brett Yuschock of Mount Carmel, PA in a bantamweight fight.

Tickets Start at $25 as well as $40, $80, $100 and $200 and can be Purchased at The Following Link:

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

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Split-T Management’s Joseph Hicks Jr. Remains Undefeated with Second Round in Detroit

NEW YORK (April 19, 2023)-Super middleweight prospect Joseph Hicks Jr. remained perfect by stopping Noah Kidd at the end of round two of their six-round fight at The Motor City Casino in Detroit.

The 29 year-old Hicks beat up Kidd to the point where Kidd did not want to come out for round three.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is 6-0 with five knockouts.

Hicks is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Split-T Promotions.

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Junior Wright Scores Vicious 1st Round KO over Brian Howard in Essington, PA

Mark Dawson Jr. and Rasheen Brown Get Wins

Essington, PA (April 19, 2023)–Junior Wright scored a devastating first round stoppage over Brian Howard that headlined an entertaining three-bout card at the Clarion Hotel in Essington, Pennsylvania.

The card was promoted by RDR Promotions.

Both fighters set a fast pace by throwing hard power shots from the opening bell. Wright then uncorked a hard left hook that landed squarely on the chin that put Howard flat on his back and knocked out cold. The fight was waved off immediately by referee Eric Dali at 2:!7.

With the win, Wright of Philadelphia by way of Evanston, Illinois scored his second consecutive highlight-reel knockout, and raises his mark to 20-4-1 with 17 knockouts. Howard of Philadelphia is 15-6.

Mark Dawson Jr, won a six-round unanimous decision over gritty upset-specialist Javier Mayoral in a welterweight contest.

Dawson of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54, 60-53 and 59-55 to raise his record to 11-1-1. Mayoral of New Orleans is 5-3-1.

Rasheen Brown shook off a 15-month layoff with a six-round unanimous decision over Eric Manriquez in a featherweight bout.

Brown of Philadelphia won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 12-1. Manriquez of Houston is 7-16-1.

Photos by Darryl Cobb Jr.

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New international sports federation established to secure the future of boxing as an Olympic sport  

Tokyo 2020 Olympic medallists, Lauren Price and Richard Torrez Jr, will be Athlete representatives on the Interim Executive Board of a new international federation for boxing 

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, 13 April 2023 – A collection of Boxing leaders from National Federations across the world have created a new, not-for-profit, international federation, World Boxing, which aims to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. 

World Boxing has been established in response to the persistent issues surrounding Olympic-style boxing’s existing international governing body, whose failure to address the IOC’s longstanding concerns over sporting integrity, governance, transparency and financial management has placed boxing’s future as an Olympic sport in doubt. 

World Boxing will seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and plans to work constructively and collaboratively to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s ongoing place on the Olympic competition programme.   

World Boxing will put boxers’ interests at the centre of decision-making and its ways of working will be underpinned by rigorous governance practices designed to create a sustainable and inclusive global sporting structure where boxers from around the world can compete knowing that the integrity of the sport is guaranteed and competition is fair. 

As part of its launch announcement World Boxing, made five pledges detailing its priorities for the sport, its commitment to boxers and its aims as an organisation.  The five pledges are: 

·         World Boxing will keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic movement  

·         World Boxing will ensure the interests of boxers are put first  

·         World Boxing will deliver sporting integrity and fair competitions 

·         World Boxing will create a competition structure designed in the best interests of the boxers  

·         World Boxing will operate according to the strongest governance standards and transparent financial management  

World Boxing will ensure the views of athletes are represented at the highest level of decision-making and have a male and female boxer (with voting rights) on its Executive Board which will be elected by members at the organisation’s inaugural Congress in November 2023.    

In the period between the launch of World Boxing and the inaugural Congress it will be led by an interim Executive Board made-up of representatives from boxing organisations in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden and the USA.  It will be overseen on a day-to-day basis by Interim Secretary General, Simon Toulson, who has extensive experience in international sport having previously led the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). 

The two Athlete Representatives on World Boxing’s Interim Executive Board are Tokyo 2020, middleweight gold medalist, Lauren Price from Wales and the USA’s super-heavyweight silver medallist, Richard Torrez Jr. 

To ensure that boxers have a strong voice in shaping the work of World Boxing, the two athlete representatives on the Executive Board will be supplemented by an Athletes Committee, made up of three men and three women, that will be responsible for representing the views of boxers worldwide and providing advice, guidance and opinions to World Boxing.   

Lauren Price said: “From being eight-years-old it was my ambition to go to the Olympic Games and once I took up boxing, everything I did was focused on working towards that goal.  To finally achieve it and then win a medal has been the highlight of my career and even though I am now a professional, I do not think anything will ever match what I did at the Olympics.   

“Going to the Olympics is life changing and I cannot imagine a Games without boxing.  It provides a massive platform for the sport and for the boxers.  Without it, the boxers will suffer and the sport will be damaged so something has to be done to make sure boxing continues to be part of the Olympic Games.” 

Richard Torrez Jr added: “Winning a medal for my country at Tokyo 2020 was the best moment of my career.  To take that opportunity away from the next generation of boxers would be devastating for them as athletes and disastrous for the sport.  It is absolutely vital that boxing remains part of the Olympic Games and I am going to do everything I can to make sure that happens.” 

World Boxing will be led by an Executive Board and a President who will be elected by members at the organization’s inaugural Congress in November 2023.   Membership applications are open and many National Federations, across the world, have already indicated their interest in joining World Boxing and running for election. 

In the period leading up to the inaugural Congress, World Boxing will be led by an Interim Executive Board made-up of representatives from eight countries across four nationalities.  It includes a male and a female Athlete Representatives and an Interim Secretary General, who does not have voting rights.   

The current members of the Interim Executive Board are: 

·         Matthew Holt, Chief Executive, GB Boxing 

·         Tyson Lee, President, USA Boxing 

·         Karin Mattsson, Board Member, Swedish Boxing Federation 

·         Michael Mueller, Secretary General, German Boxing Association  

·         Karina Picson, Boxing Competition Official, the Philippiines 

·         Lauren Price, Athlete Representative  

·         Richard Torrez Jr, Athlete Representative 

·         Boris van der Vorst, President, Dutch Boxing Federation 

·         Keith Walker, Chair, Boxing New Zealand 

·         Simon Toulson, Interim Secretary General (without voting rights) 

Matthew Holt, Chief Executive, GB Boxing explained: “It is vital that boxing continues to remain at the heart of the Olympic movement and to achieve this we need to re-establish a relationship of trust between those that the govern the sport and all of its stakeholders.  World Boxing aims to deliver this by creating a financially transparent organisation with strong governance structures that delivers sporting integrity and fair competition and acts in the interest of boxers and the sport.” 

Tyson Lee, President, USA Boxing, said: “The loss of Olympic status represents an existential threat to boxing that will have a negative impact on the sport at every level from grassroots clubs to the higher ends of professional boxing.   World Boxing aims to prevent this.  It will create a sporting structure designed to suit the best interests of boxers and ensure they continue to have the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games.” 

Boris van der Vorst, President, Dutch Boxing, added: “World Boxing represents a coming together of people whose interest is solely in creating a better future for boxers and ensuring the sport continues to be a major part of the Olympic Games.  Honesty and integrity will be central to World Boxing which is underpinned by strong governance procedures and has embedded the principle of independent, third-party oversight into its constitution to ensure it has rigorous, enforceable, governance structures that will drive ethical and transparent decision making.” 

World Boxing’s Statutes have been developed following wide-ranging research of best practice in global sporting governance and cover every aspect of World Boxing’s operations including: safeguarding; the health and safety of boxers; refereeing and judging; competition manipulation; election protocols; codes of behaviour and equality and inclusion.  World Boxing’s statutes and all its rules and policies are publicly available on its website at www.worldboxing.org. 

Central to all of these is the principle of independent, third-party oversight and enforceability which World Boxing will ensure by working with the leading independent provider of sport-specific arbitration and mediation services, Sport Resolutions, to create a third-party ethics and judicial procedure that is completely separate from the organisation and will oversee any potential issues and disputes. 

To ensure sporting integrity, World Boxing’s competitions will also be subject to independent, third-party scrutiny with the appointment of external assessors who will oversee and report on all aspects of competition management including refereeing and judging and the appointment and role of officials. 

This operating structure reflects the approach taken by the IOC’s Boxing Task Force (BTF) for Tokyo 2020 when Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) was appointed to provide an independent assessment and review of refereeing and judging at the qualification events and the Olympic tournament.   

It will make sure that all World Boxing competitions are subject to independent, third-party oversight and deliver fair competition for the boxers where the outcome is determined solely by performance in the ring.   

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May 20: Andrew Moloney-Junto Nakatani World Title Showdown & Nico Ali Walsh’s Return Highlight Haney-Loma UNDISPUTED ESPN-Televised PPV Prelims at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Moloney-Nakatani and the return of Ali Walsh will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Haney-Lomachenko & PPV undercard fights will be broadcast live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (April 10, 2023) — A world title fight and the grandson of “The Greatest” take center stage on Saturday, May 20 as part of the ESPN-televised prelims to the PPV main event headlined by undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney’s title defense against former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The two-fight telecast is headlined by the vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title showdown between Australia’s former world champion Andrew Moloney and Japan’s undefeated former WBO flyweight titlist Junto Nakatani.
 
Opening the broadcast will be undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, in a scheduled eight-rounder against a to-be-determined foe.
 
Moloney-Nakatani and Ali Walsh’s return will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
The Haney vs. Lomachenko main card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, the event’s exclusive digital distributor in the United States, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and is priced at $59.99 across all distributors.
 
The PPV undercard features a 10-round junior lightweight co-feature between two-division world champion Oscar Valdez and Adam “BluNose” Lopez in a rematch of their 2019 battle.
 
In the PPV opener, rising lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla will take on big-punching Namibian contender Jeremia Nakathila in a 10-round clash. 
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Devin Haney Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $104, plus applicable service charges, are on sale now at axs.com.
 
Moloney (25-2, 16 KOs) hopes to become a two-time world champion in the city where Joshua Franco upset him by unanimous decision back in June 2020. The two fought twice more, with a controversial no contest and second Franco decision victory closing the chapter on their trilogy. Following the third Franco fight in August 2021, Moloney regrouped in December 2021 with a clear points victory over Froilan Saludar. In 2022, he fought three times, including a pair of homecoming appearances on the Devin Haney-George Kambosos Jr. cards in Melbourne, Australia. Moloney, ranked No. 2 by the WBO at 115 pounds, earned the title shot with a 10-round decision over Norbelto Jimenez last October for the WBO International strap.
 
WBO No. 1 junior bantamweight contender Nakatani (24-0, 18 KOs), a 25-year-old southpaw from Inabe-gun, Mie, Japan, ranks among the hardest lighter-weight punchers in boxing. An eight-year pro, Nakatani captured the vacant WBO flyweight world title in November 2020 with an eighth-round knockout over Giemel Magramo. Nakatani defended his flyweight crown twice, bloodying and stopping Angel Acosta in four rounds and knocking out Ryota Yamauchi in eight. He vacated his title to move up to junior bantamweight and scored a one-sided decision over former unified world champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr. last November. 
 
Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs) moves up to his first scheduled eight-rounder nearly two years removed from his pro debut. He made his Las Vegas debut last April at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, obliterating Alejandro Ibarra with a left-right combination in the first round. Ali Walsh righted the only blemish on his record last August, stopping Reyes Sanchez in the second round of their rematch with a body shot. Sanchez lost a majority decision to Ali Walsh in December 2021. He made his 2023 debut in February, outlasting the rugged Eduardo Ayala en route to a convincing six-round unanimous decision.

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Martin Outpoints Lolo in Philly

King’s Promotions fighters Albright and Robinson get Stoppage wins

Bednarek and Ellis Remain Undefeated

PHILADELPHIA (April 10, 2023) — James Martin scored a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Roudly Lolo in a junior middleweight bout that highlighted a five-bout card at the 2300 Arena.

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

The fight was tactical, but had some solid pockets of action where Martin used experience and boxing ability to keep Lolo at bay.

Martin of Philadelphia won by a score of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 10-3-1. Lolo of Harrisburg, PA is 5-1-2.

Kamil Bednarek remained undefeated by scoring three knockdowns en-route to a first round stoppage over Gonzalo Andreasen in a super middleweight contest.

The time of the stoppage was 2:54 for Bednarek of Dzierzoniel, Poland is now 12-0 with seven knockouts. Andreasen of Buenos Aries, Argentina is 10-11.

Albright rebounded nicely from his first defeat by stopping tough David Thomas in the sixth and final round of their welterweight bout.

Quadir Albright of Philadelphia got the stoppage at 1:34 and raised his record to 7-1 with seven knockouts, Thomas of Orange, Texas falls to 6-6-1

21 year-old Ibrahim Robinson made his King’s Promotions debut a memorable one as he stopped Jahqwon Humbert in the opening round of their four-round welterweight bout.

Robinson dropped Humbert twice before the fight was stopped.

Robinson of Baltimore is 5-0-1 with five knockouts. Humbert of Raleigh, North Carolina is 2-1.

Ali Ellis needed just twenty seconds and one left hook to take out Khalid Betha in their four-round heavyweight bout.

Ellis of Philadelphia is 2-0 with two knockouts. Betha of Jersey City, New Jersey is 0-3.

King’s Promotions will be back on April 27th in Fort Worth, Texas and May 2nd at Live! Casino Hotel in Philadelphia. Both events will be officially announced this week.

Photos by Darryl Cobb Jr.

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Undefeated Irish Sensation Feargal McCrory on Friday, April 14th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Plus Undefeated Gian Garrido, Naheem Parker, Miguel Garcia, Juan Davilla

Philadelphia (March 29, 2023)–- On Friday night, April 14th, R and B Promotions will make it’s Philadelphia debut when they present an 11-bout card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Taking part in the six-round main event will be undefeated Feargal McCrory taking on Eduardo Pereira Dos Reis in a lightweight fight.

McCrory of Coalisland, Northern Ireland is 13-0 with six knockouts. The 30 year-old is a eight-year professional who has wins over Jay Carmey (5-1-2)Callum Busutil (2-0) and Brayan Mairena (10-2-1). McCrory stropped Aelio Mesquita in one-round on February 11th in Atlantic City.

Dos Reis of Brazil is 24-11 with 19 knockouts. The 33 year-old is a 15 year-pro with wins over Thiago Cristino Bento (1-0), Daniel Lima Santos (4-1).

In Six-round bouts:

Gian Garrido (9-0, 7 KOs) of Flushing, New York takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight contest.

Naheem Parker (5-0, 2 KOs) of Camden, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout,

In four-round bouts:

James White (1-0, 1 KO) of Warwick, PA fights debuting Wilfiried Aby of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight bout.

Seeng Voong (0-1) of Philadelphia takes on Miguel Garcia (1-0) of Somers Point, NJ in a junior lightweight tussle.

Juan Davila (2-0, 1 KO) of Franklin, New Jersey fights Tony Johnson (0-1) of Tucson, Arizona in a lightweight clash.

Rahiem Davis Cooke (1-4) of Philadelphia battles Genesis Wynn (1-3) of Denver in a welterweight fight.

Thomas Santiago of Philadelphia makes his long awaited pro debut against an opponent to be named in a super middleweight fight.

In a battle of pro debuting junior middleweights, Jamar Lynch of Philadelphia faces Allen Otto of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Daniel Bean of Old Bridge, New Jersey makes his pro debut against Donald Hoskins II (0-0-1) of Kalamazoo, Michigan in a heavyweight bout.

Leonidas Soprandis (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Greece takes on pro debuting Adrian Lescay Baro of Miami Gardens, Florida in a junior welterweight contest.

Tickets are $60, $75, $100 and $175 and can be purchased by clicking the following link.

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=448

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GYM BOXING SERIES

MONTREAL CASINO 

BARRIERE VS. MARSHALL

April 20, Montreal Casino Cabaret

Osias, Pellerin, Gavrilovic, Menoche and Kubicki in action

MONTREAL (March 29, 2023) — Canadian Heavyweight Champion Alexis Barrière (9-0-0, 7KO) Returns to the ring on April 20 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. His opponent, 34-year-old Mike Marshall (6-4-1, 4KO), of Danbury, Connecticut, is the reigning New England Heavyweight Champion.

 

Barrière returns to the ring just one month after a brilliant points victory on March 18 against Zamig Atakishiyev (8-1-1, 6KO), of Azerbaijan. Barrière, 27, a former member of Canada’s National Team, has been the most active boxer in the country for the past two years. Despite the COVID pandemic and the slowdown in activities, April 20^th will be his 10th fight in his 25- month pro career.

 

This event is presented by Mise-O-Jeu in collaboration with Bell Media.

 

“I am extremely impressed by Alexis’ development and progress over the past 2 years,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “We are happy with this collaboration with New Era for the promotion of Alexis’ fights and I thank Yan Pellerin and Peter George for their trust. Alexis Barrière is a skilled, young heavyweight with strong fundamentals and superior ring intelligence. He has everything it takes to become a very big popular star.”

 

A total of 6 fights will be presented. fresh off his most dazzling career win last month over Francy Ntetu (17-5-0, 4KOs). light heavyweight Terry Osias (11-0-0, 5KOs) will be showcased in the co-feature, The 36-year-old Osias, who will be fighting his 10th fight at the Casino de Montréal, had to put his career on hold for more than a year, drawing on his great determination and  profound resources to overcome a serious illness. Now, totally recovered and more resolute than ever, he intends to make up for lost time.

 

Undefeated flyweight Alexas “Iron Lady” Kubicki (6-0-0, 0KO), 19 years old only and already world ranked IBF #4, WBO #10, and WBC #14, is in an eight-round Special Female Attraction. The gifted southpaw has had an impressive career to date. In her last 2 fights, she has already registered 10-round victories against former world champions Isabel Millan (29-9-2, 9KO) and Maria Salinas (25-9-6, 7KO), both hailing from Mexico.

 

Also in action is veteran Yan Pellerin (13-2-0, 5KO), who  once again trades his status as a promoter for that of a boxer. This ever-popular former NABO Light Heavyweight Champion will face 27–year-old Mexican Alexis Olmos (7-4-0, 3KOs) in a 6-round clash.

 

Also on the program are light heavyweight Petar Gavrilovic (5-0-0, 1KO) and the explosive Kevin Menoche (7-0-0, 5KO).

 

Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ca, on the www.groupeyvonmichel.ca website, or by contacting GYM directly at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

 

Without advertising interruptions, will be available in French and English on the www.GYMboxe.tv platform for the modest sum of $29.99.

 

Card subject to change.

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SATURDAY: Tony Yoka-Carlos Takam Heavyweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Streaming action from Paris begins at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT

(March 7, 2023) — French Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka will return in a 10-round main event this Saturday, March 11, against former world title challenger Carlos Takam at Zenith Paris in Paris, France.
 
Yoka-Takam and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT.

Yoka (11-1, 9 KOs) had a decorated amateur career that included wins over Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgović and Joe Joyce, the latter of whom he defeated to earn a gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Yoka turned pro in 2017 and notched 11 victories before suffering a majority decision loss to Martin Bakole last May. The 30-year-old contender is eager to regain his upward momentum in the heavyweight rankings. Takam (39-7-1, 28 KOs) is a Cameroonian-born contender who represented his homeland in the 2004 Olympics and challenged Anthony Joshua for the unified heavyweight crown in 2017. In his last fight, he ended Arslanbek Makhmudov’s knockout streak by forcing him to go 10 rounds for the first time.
 
In other streaming action from Paris: 

• British light heavyweight Dan Azeez (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in a 12-round battle against Frenchman Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2 KOs) for the European title. The 33-year-old Azeez is inching closer to a world title shot and is coming off an eighth-round TKO win over former world champion Rocky Fielding last December.
   
• Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price (2-0, 1 KO) makes her 2023 debut in an eight-round welterweight tilt against Naomi Mannes (6-1, 4 KOs). The Welsh standout is coming off a TKO win in October, while Mannes lost in a bid for the European title in November.
   
• Undefeated middleweight Farrhad Saad (8-0-1) returns from a two-year layoff versus Britain’s Macaulay McGowan (17-3-1, 3 KOs).

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Marques Valle, Otha Jones III and Joseph Hicks All Get Victories

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 27, 2023)–Three Split-T Management fighters came home with victories over the past five days.

It all started on Wednesday night as junior middleweight Marques Valle remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Jarrod Tennant in Plant City, Florida.

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to keep his unblemished mark at 8-0. Tennant of Los Angeles falls to 8-2.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions

Saturday night in Orlando, Florida, Otha Jones III won a six-round unanimous decision over 63-fight veteran Raymond Chacon.

The bout, which took place at The Caribe Royale Resort saw Jones win by scores of 60-54 on all cards to raise his record to 6-1-1.

Jones is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Also on Saturday. Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with a tough six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Quintyne in a super middleweight contest.

Hicks was sent to the canvas at the end of the opening frame. Hicks showed heat by shaking off the first round and coming back to get the better of the next five rounds in the crowd-pleasing fight.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan won by scores of 57-55 and 57-56 twice to raise his record to 5-0. Quintyne is now 4-1.

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

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Xander Zayas: “I Will Become a Top Contender in 2023!”

Zayas returns against Ronald Cruz on Saturday, April 1 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa LIVE on ESPN+
 Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com

MIAMI, Fla. (March 2, 2023) – Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) is one month away from his first fight of 2023. The Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom will face nine-year veteran Ronald “Diablo” Cruz in the eight-round co-feature to the WBO featherweight world title clash between Robeisy Ramirez and Isaac Dogboe on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. 

Zayas signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the fast track to stardom ever since. In 2021, the 20-year-old prospect notched six wins, four of them via stoppage. The following year, Zayas decisioned Quincy LaVallais in March, captured the vacant NABO junior middleweight title in August by knocking out Elias Espadas, and defended that title against Alexis Salazar in December. Zayas’ road to contender status continues against Cruz (18-2-1, 12, KOs), a Los Angeles native who has never been stopped and is coming off a close decision loss to Damian Sosa last August.

Following a recent training session, this is what Zayas had to say:
 
“I am working extremely hard in the gym because I want 2023 to be the year in which I position myself as one of the top contenders in the division.”

“I know what I want, and I know what it will cost me to achieve it, but each of the sacrifices I make every day in the gym are paying off, and I do it with the intention of looking better every time I get into the ring. That motivates me. I strive to be better every single day because every time I step into the ring, I do it with the intention of raising the flag of my Island even higher.”

“I respect my opponent, Ronald ‘Diablo’ Cruz. He is an experienced rival; he is a former WBC Latino regional champ. I know he is motivated and excited for this opportunity. He will bring out the best of me in the ring. Once the bell rings, I’m there to do a job.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and available to purchase at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

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Dylan Price wins WBO Global and WBC Continental Bantamweight Titles with Unanimous Decision over Jobert Alvarez in Chester, PA

Devin Price Stops Matias Arriagada in Opening Round to Win Pro Debut

CHESTER, PA (FEBRUARY 20, 2023)–Dylan Price remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over gritty Jobert Alvarez to win the WBO Global and WBC Intercontinental; Bantamweight title in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Elevations Event Center in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The special two-fight card was promoted by Price Promotions.

Dylan Price, who had nine-time and four division world champion Nonito Donaire in his corner, was quick and started his flurries as he mixed up his attack by landing head and body shots. Alvarez was extremely game as he would often try to land his own combinations in return. Price landed the much harder punches, and snapped the head back of Alvarez on several occasions. Price was urged on by a supportive fan base. Alvarez kept Price honest with some solid combinations, but never put any fear into Price and the undefeated Sicklerville, New Jersey fighter continued his pressure and effective punching until the final bell.

The world-ranked Price won by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice to raise his mark to 16-0. Alvarez of Renton, Washington via General Santos City, Philippines is 20-5-2.

The co-feature opener saw the impressive pro debut of Dylan’s 18 year-old brother Devin Price.

Price stopped 16-fight veteran Matias Arriagada in the opening round of their junior welterweight fight.

Price dropped Arriagada three times with two of them coming on body shots. The fight was halted at 2:07.

Price is 1-0 with one knockout. Arriagada of Buenos Aires, Argentina is 6-11.

The fight card was called by former world champions Paulie Malignaggi and Nate Campbell along with world class blow by blow announcer Marc Abrams,.

The night also featured a full night of entertainment that featured internationally renowned singers and comedy acts was streamed on www.profetsplus.com and is available on demand.

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Emmanuel Rodriguez Decisions Sharone Carter in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ–- This past Saturday night, Emmanuel Rodriguez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Sharone Carter that headlined a six-bout card at The Showboat Hotel Carousel Room.

The near-capacity crowd saw a show promoted by R and B Promotions.

Rodriguez of Newark, NJ won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 13-0. Carter of Saint Louis, MO is 13-6.

Feargal McCrory remained undefeated with a 95 second knockout over Aeilo Mesquita in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

McCrory dropped Mesquita with a right hand that sent him to the canvas for the 10-count.

McCrory of Northern Ireland is 13-0 with six knockouts. Mesquita of Brazil is 21-10-1.

Justin Figueroa remained undefeated by stopping Rahiem Davis Cooke at the end of round three of a scheduled four-round junior middleweight bout.

In round three, Figueroa dropped Cooke with a big combination that put Cooke on the canvas. Cooke’s corner stopped the fight after the round.

Figueroa of Atlantic City is 3-0 with three knockouts. Cooke of Philadelphia is 1-4.

Cali Box made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Davon Hall in a scheduled four-round cruiserweight bout.

Box hurt Hall several times with overhand rights during the round. Box landed a hard right that was followed by a left hook the ropes that forced a stoppage at 2:19.

Box, 184 1/2 lbs of Brick, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Hall 183.5 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 0-5.

In a spirited battle of pro debuting lightweights. Miguel Garcia won a four-round unanimous decision over Cristian Castro.

Garcia of Atlantic City won by scores 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is 1-0. Castro of Red Bank is 0-1.

John Vallejo remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Angelo Thompson in a junior middleweight bout.

In round three, Vallejo dropped Thompson with an overhand left.

Vallejo of Newark, NJ won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 2-0. Thompson of Irvington, NJ is now 0-6.

 

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Split-T Management’s Ardreal Holmes & Asa Stevens Get Wins Over The Weekend

Holmes Decisions Villareal in SHOBOX: The New Generation^® Main Event

Stevens Scores Stoppage in California

 

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 20, 2023)–Two Split-T Management fighters remained undefeated with solid victories over the weekend.

Friday night in Topeka, Kansas, Ardreal Holmes won a 10-round split decision over Ismael Villareal in a battle of previously undefeated junior middleweights.

The bout headlined a SHOBOX: The New Generation and was broadcasted LIVE on SHOWTIME^®.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, who was making his second appearance on SHOBOX, boxed very well from the outside as he used his 6’2″ frame to box from the outside and landed some solid combinations on the inside against the charging Villareal.

Holmes was very effective with his straight left hand and well-timed uppercuts.

Holmes won by tallies of 97-93 and 96-94, while a third card somehow gave Villareal a 96-94 edge to keep his perfect record intact at 13-0.

“I felt like he won two, three rounds,” Holmes said. “I don’t know where that one card came from. I feel like I dominated the fight and felt like he might have gotten two or three middle rounds, but that was the max. I felt like I out-jabbed him and out-fought him. I felt like this was a step-up from last time I fought, and this was a tougher fight. I’m only 13 fights in so I’m going to keep improving.”

 

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

 

Saturday night in Pomona, California, Asa Stevens remained undefeated with a stoppage over veteran Jenn Gonzalez after the second round of their four-round featherweight clash.

Stevens dropped Gonzalez in the opening round and continued the assault in the second round. Gonzalez called it a night after the second round.

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii is now 4-0 with two knockouts.

The 22 year-old Stevens is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

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Lightweight Prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas & Undefeated Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco Added to Robeisy Ramirez-Isaac Dogboe Card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

Ramirez-Dogboe and Xander Zayas-Ronald Cruz headline stacked card streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+

Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com

TULSA, OK (Feb. 14, 2023) — Two of Top Rank’s brightest young talents—lightweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas and undefeated Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco—are set to return on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Vargas, who is coming off a unanimous decision win against Francisco Duque last week, will face an opponent to be named in a four-round lightweight clash. Polanco, who was originally scheduled to fight in January, will make his Top Rank debut in a six-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be determined. The two join an already stacked card headlined by the interim WBO featherweight title bout between Robeisy Ramirez and Issac Dogboe and the eight-round co-feature between undefeated Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas and Ronald “Diablo” Cruz.
 
Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
 
Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs) was a seven-time national amateur champion before turning pro in May 2022 with a first-round stoppage over Mark Salgado. In October, “El General” signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank and made his debut with the company with a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Martinez. Under the guidance of his father and trainer, Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, the 18-year-old set his sights on becoming Prospect of the Year in 2023. 

Check out Vargas’ latest interview on our new podcast series, Top Rank: Unbox’d.
  
Polanco (8-0, 5 KOs) turned pro before the Tokyo Olympics, earning wins in Mexico and in the Dominican Republic. After losing by split decision to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov in his opening bout, Polanco continued his professional career with a third-round knockout win over Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin. “El Rayo” ended 2021 with a decision win over Jonathan Jose Eniz before going 2-0 in 2022. The 24-year-old was initially scheduled to return on the Efe Ajagba-Stephan Shaw undercard in January, but an injury sidelined his opponent.

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Julian Rodriguez Takes on Kashon Hutchinson in Main Event on Friday, March 10th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA

James Bernadin Battles Jesus Vazquez in Co-Feature Bout

Plus King’s Promotions Fighters Jonathan Rodriguez, Thanjhae Teasley, Mikenna Tansley, Francis Oran and Devin Young

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – February 14, 2023 –On Friday night, March 10th, King’s Promotions will be back at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with a huge night of boxing that will be headlined by a terrific eight-round welterweight bout between Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez and Kashon Hutchinson.

Rodriguez of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey has a record of 21-1 with 14 knockouts. The 28-year-old Rodriguez is a 10-year professional was a former amateur standout who has wins over Neyeine Muang (1-0-2), Angel Figueroa (3-0-1), King Daluz (12-2-2), Darlo Feman (14-2), Anthony Laureano (13-0) and Jose Lopez (29-7-2). In his last bout, Rodriguez suffered his only defeat when he lost to two-division world champion Jose Pedraza on June 12, 2021, in Las Vegas.

Hutchinson of Reading, PA is 10-5 with two knockouts. The record does not tell the story with Hutchinson as he has won seven bouts in a row. The 29-year-old Hutchinson is a seven-year pro who has wins over James Martin (4-0), Edgar Torres (8-0-1), and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Rasheed Johnson on October 1, 2022, in Philadelphia.

In the eight-round co-feature, surging lightweight, James Bernadin looks to stay undefeated when he takes on once-beaten Jesus Vasquez.

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA is 10-0-1 with six knockouts. The 30-year-old Bernadin is a five-year professional who has defeated Sheldon Deverteuil (1-0-1), Osvaldo Morales (4-0-1), Edgar Torres (8-2-1), Kenny Robles (9-1) and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision from Clay Burns on January 20th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Vasquez of Englewood, Colorado is 10-1 with two knockouts. The 31-Year-Old Vasquez is also a five-year pro and has a win over Nathan Trepagnier (1-0). Vasquez has won four-straight fights. In his last fight, Vasquez won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Lopez Esparza on April 1, 2022 in Jalisco, Mexico.

A massive undercard is being assembled and already tabbed for March 10th will be:

In an eight-round bout, Mikenna Tansley (5-2, 2 KOs) of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada battles Moni Trejo (3-3-1, 1 KO) in a bantamweight fight.

Six-Round Bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight fight.

Thanjhae Teasley (5-0, 2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Demarcus Layton (8-4-1, 3 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight contest.

Johnny Spell (7-0, 4 KOs) of Pittsburgh fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Dwyke Flemmings Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) of Paterson, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight fight.

Francis Oran (1-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA fights John Carmona (0-2) of Fargo, ND in a heavyweight contest. Oran is co-promoted with Jeter Promotions.

Devon Young (2-0, 1 KO) of Aiken, SC fights Lamir Riley (2-0, 1 KO) of New Cumberland, PA in a heavyweight battle.

Jesse Oltmanns Jr. (0-1) of East Stroudsburg, PA (1-1) takes on Marlon Haywood (0-4) of Kankakee, IL in a heavyweight fight.

Tickets are on Sale now for $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

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Kings Promotions signs Dominican prospect 

Anibal Cleto Francisco 

Reading, Pa. – February 2, 2023 – Kings Promotions continues to grow their stable of Dominican fighters by adding rising middleweight sensation Anibal Cleto Francisco to their roster on a multi-year promotional agreement. 

The 22-year-old Francisco holds a perfect record of 10-0 (9KOs) as a professional boxer. 

In his last fight on July 2nd, Cleto Francisco won the WBA Fedelatin Middleweight title with a fifth round knockout over Venezuelan veteran Yeison Gonzalez (16-7). 

Anibal Cleto Francisco, who is trained by Roberto Peralta, is scheduled to fight on February 24th in his native country on a card promoted by Shuan Boxing in association with Kings Boxing. 

Anibal Cleto Francisco is managed by Harry Polanco and advised by Trifon Petrov. 

Harry Polanco who manages Cleto Francisco is excited to partner up with Kings Promotions. 

“I’ve worked with Anibal since the beginning of his professional career. He is one of the most dedicated fighters I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I’m happy we are able to partner up with a big promoter from the United States, so we can take the next step in his career. He has a very fan-friendly fighting style, and I know the fans in the US will love him when he gets the opportunity to fight on the big stage and national television,” said Polanco. 

For Cleto Francisco signing with Kings Promotions is a dream come true. 

“Since I started boxing I always wanted to get the chance to go to America and compete with the best. I’m very grateful to Harry Polanco for making this opportunity a reality. Adding Trifon Petrov as my adviser and Marshall Kauffman as my promoter is the next step of my development as a professional boxer. I can’t wait to represent my country on the biggest stages in America”, said Cleto Francisco.

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Brian Howard Takes on Junior Wright In Heavyweight Showdown on Saturday, March 4th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania

 

Mega Card to Feature as Many as 16 Fights

First Bout 5 PM ET

NEWTOWN PA (January 26th, 2023)–On Saturday March 4th, RDR Promotions will present a massive night of boxing at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

 

The potential 16 bout card will be headlined by heavyweights Brian Howard and former world title challenger Junior Wright Squaring off in an eight-round bout.

 

Howard of Loganville, Georgia has a record of 15-5 with 12 knockouts. The 42 year-old Howard has wins over Yuwshua Zadok (1-0), Chris Stallworth (9-2), Alex Guerrero (12-0-1), Shawndell Winters (8-0), Carlos Negron (20-2). Howard is coming off la oss to Efe Ajagba on April 10, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

Wright of Evanston, Illinois is 19-4-1 with 16 knockouts. The 36 year-old Wright has victories over Nick Reader (3-0-1), Nick Kisner (12-0-1). On May 21, 2016, Wright challenged Beibut Shumenov for the WBA Cruiserweight title. Wright was stopped in 10 -rounds in a fight that took place in Las Vegas. Wright is coming off a vicious third-round stoppage over Colby Madison on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

 

In a six-round bout, undefeated lightweight Rashan Adams steps up to face veteran Oscar Barajas.

 

Adams of Philadelphia is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 24-year-old is coming off a first round stoppage over Kevin Smith on October 22, 2022 in Philadelphia.

 

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico is 18-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 32-year-old Barajas had defeated Roxie Lam (7-1) as well Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2). Barajas has developed into a “Philly-Killer” as he has defeated two favorites from the City of Brotherly Love in Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1).

 

In Six-Round Bouts:

 

Daiyaan Butt (13-2, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

 

Mark Dawson (10-1-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

 

Laquan Evans (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Eliezer Olmeda (3-2) of Gloucester City, NJ in a welterweight bout.

 

In Four-Round Bouts:

 

Isaiah Johnson (6-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

 

Nimal Farmer (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

 

Nasir Mickens (2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Juan Gutierrez (0-3) of Esteil, Nicaragua in a super bantamweight fight.

 

Dominique Mayfield (2-1) of Philadelphia takes on Jerome Aiken (1-6-1, 1 KO) of Annapolis, MD in a heavyweight bout.

 

Ghandi Romain of Union City, NJ will make his pro debut against Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

 

Erron Peterson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tariq Green (2-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

 

Najeem Johns (2-0, 2 KOs) of Darby, PA tussles with Leonidas Fowlkes (2-12-1) of Winchester, VA in a super lightweight battle.

 

Brendan O’Callaghan (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Soslan Alborov (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

 

Seeing action against opponents to be named will be heavyweight Jonathan Wiles (0-2) of Philadelphia, featherweight Rasheen Brown (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia and junior welterweight Roberto Gomez (5-1, 5 KOs) of Mexico City.

 

First Bout at 5 PM ET

 

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

 

Tickets are $200, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at The Following Link

 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

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JAKE PAUL SET TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON FEBRUARY 26TH IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS JOINS FORCES WITH TOP RANK AND ESPN+ IN THE UNITED STATES TO PRESENT JAKE PAUL’S MOMENT OF TRUTH AS A BOXER

FORMER TWO DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BADOU JACK “THE RIPPER” WILL FACE ILUNGA MAKABU IN CO-MAIN EVENT FOR THE WBC CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE

MVP RISING PHENOM ASHTON “H20” SYLVE ALSO SET TO MAKE RETURN TO RING AFTER VIRAL KNOCKOUT IN OCTOBER

NEW YORK, NY – January 27, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, younger brother of Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, February 26, 2023. The main event, titled “The Truth,” will also feature two-weight world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” challenging WBC Cruiserweight world champion Ilunga Makabu in the co-main event. The card will also showcase Ashton “H2O” Sylve, an MVP undefeated fighter, as he is set to face former WBC world title challenger Maxwell Awuku (48-5-1, 33 KOs), from Accra, Ghana.
 
Paul vs. Fury will stream live on ESPN+ PPV (2PM ET / 11AM PT), the exclusive digital distributor for the event in the United States. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $49.99
 
Paul and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul went on to record a scintillating one-punch knockout of Tyron Woodley, who stepped in as a late replacement for a rematch of the pair’s August 2021 clash. Paul is giving Fury another chance next month so he can silence the critics who claim he has yet to fight a professional boxer. The 26-year-old Cleveland native started his pro boxing journey in January 2020 and will go head-to-head with Fury, a more experienced boxer from a prominent boxing family.
 
Paul, who boasts a professional record of 6-0 with 4 knockouts, continues to make waves in the boxing world. His latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva, won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, by dropping Silva in the 8th round. Paul began his pro career in January 2020 with a stunning debut against British YouTube star AnEsonGib and a subsequent, jaw-dropping knockout of former NBA star Nate Robinson in November 2020. From there, “The Problem Child” shocked the industry with a first-round KO of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April 2021 and two wins over Woodley, including a vicious knockout which won him ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of The Year. 
 
“The moment of truth has finally arrived,” said Paul. “On February 26^th, I will get in the ring with a ‘real boxer,’ an 8-0 fighter from a storied fighting family and show the world the truth about who Jake Paul, the boxer really is.”
 
Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury began boxing at the age of 12. He had 12 amateur fights, winning two regional titles and reaching the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. In 2021, he fought three times, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard, earning his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career. 
 
“Jake Paul has already achieved more than anyone thought possible when we started this journey three years ago. Six professional fights, five pay-per-views, over $150 million of revenue generated and viral moment after viral moment,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “Jake is an undeniable pay-per-view star and we are delighted to collaborate with Top Rank and ESPN+ to distribute this massive event between two of boxing’s biggest names to millions of homes in the United States. Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Ministry of Sport and Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises for their vision and commitment to putting on this event.”
 
​​”Jake Paul and Tommy Fury have fan bases that extend far beyond the world of boxing,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “We are thrilled to partner with MVP and distribute this event on pay-per-view in the U.S., including ESPN+ PPV as the exclusive digital platform.”
 
“We are very excited about the upcoming event featuring Jake and Tommy in Riyadh and look forward to welcoming them to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” stated Chairman of Skill Challenge Entertainment, His Highness Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 
 
“With the consumption of YouTube content per capita in Saudi Arabia remaining one of the highest in the world, the highly anticipated bout featuring one of its most renowned personalities-turned-boxer, Jake Paul, will be amongst the most-viewed events globally. The excitement of this being his biggest challenge to date is very appealing as he takes on a legitimate boxer in Tommy Fury,” he added.
 
The Paul vs. Fury event is co-produced by Skill Challenge Entertainment Enterprises (SCEE) and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), in association with Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank. The U.S. pay-per-view telecast is available on ESPN+ PPV. 
 
For more information follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, @ESPNRingside, and @ESPNPlus or Instagram via @JakePaul, and @MostValuablePromotions.

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Mass. Middleweight Champion Anthony Andreozzi fights in the danger zone

“Turf War 4” on Feb. 18^th in Melrose, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (January 12, 2023) – Newly crowned Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) will make his first title defense on the “Turf War 4” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), February 18^th at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

Andreozzi, who captured the vacant title last November with a 6-round majority decision in Bridgewater (MA) versus Julien Baptiste, faces challenger Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), of Pittsfield (MA), in the 6-round main event.

“Turf War 4”, which will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com, will mark Granite Chin’s first promotion in Melrose, which is located in Greater Boston.

“Anthony has gone from an 0-2 guy nobody knew or cared about to one of the more exciting guys on the Massachusetts scene,” GCP President Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a gusty guy. There’s no other way to put it. He is willing to fight all the guys in the area and earn his keep. Nothing has been given to him, it has been earned. On February 18^th, he’s going to have a 6’ 3” opponent in front of him who is athletic. It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments Anthony can make. It is going to be two polar opposite styles in the ring, which usually makes for an exciting fight.”

Andreozzi, of Swansea (MA), marches to a different beat in boxing. “I really like danger, the more dangerous the opponent, the better,” he explained. “I like a challenge. I’m more comfortable each fight with chaos; the harder, the better. Defending my title has no effect on me because I don’t fight for belts. I took a few pictures and gave the belt to my coach.  I out dogged my opponent in the last fight. He was confident in his jab, but I took his away. Confidence can betray you sometimes.

“I took a year off and now I’m back. I heard my opponent is a gym boxer; he looks good punching, but he’s not tough. He beat two nobodies and was knocked out in his last fight by a bum. I made a promise to my wife because the fight is too close to Valentine’s Day and I’m cutting weight. We can’t go out for dinner, but I promised her a special gift: I’m going to make him quit! Whether it’s on the stool or in the ring, he won’t be able to go the distance with me.”

The reported 6’ 3” Jones, of course, doesn’t agree with Andreozzi’s bold prediction. He didn’t have much of an amateur career with only 13 matches. He played baseball and basketball but started boxing because of his pent-up aggression that he can use in the ring.

“I’ve been out of the ring almost a year,” Jones remarked, “but I’m confident going into this fight. I’m confident in my skills and ability. It’s going to be a good fight. I saw my opponent fight my friend, Carlos Castillo (Nov. 2021), and I was at his last fight. He came in on the B side and made his way to a belt.

“I was an aggressive guy before, but I’m going back to boxing more to take advantage of my abilities. I’m not concerned about a 6-round fight for the first time because I usually spar 6 or more rounds. I just need to come in ready and confident. An impressive ability will help me climb the ladder and move forward with my career.”

Former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Fairfield, ME, returns to the ring for the first time in 10 months to bang with Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs), of Fall River, MA., in the 6-round, co-featured event for the vacant USBF title.

Another former New England Champion, welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), will be in a bounce back fight after his impressive performance this past December at famed Madison Square Garden, albeit in a loss to undefeated U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (7-0, KOs).. Ohan’s opponent is in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match with veteran Puerto Rican fighter Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs).

Indian welterweight Vaibhav Singh “Ahir Boxer” Yadav (9-2, 7 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against William Parra Smith (4-13-1, 3 KOs), of Alaska, in a 6-round bout. Yadav is a former WBC Asia Silver and Asian Boxing Federation welterweight champion.

Also fighting on the undercard in a pair of 4-rounders is New Jersey welterweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), the former ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title holder, versus an opponent to be determined; and Framingham (MA) cruiserweight Kevin “Lucky” Lewis (0-1) vs. Jeremiah David Austin (0-1), of Woburn (MA).

Tickets are on sale and priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating). Go online to purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or from any of the participating fighters.

 

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Polish Power: Unbeaten Heavyweight Prospect Damian Knyba Inks Multi-Year Promotional Contract with Top Rank
Knyba’s ring return will be announced shortly

(Jan. 11, 2023) — Undefeated heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba, a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, has inked a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

The 26-year-old Knyba, who was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, is scheduled to return in April on a to-be-determined card.

“Damian Knyba is a supremely talented heavyweight, and he is already a fan favorite among the passionate and knowledgeable Polish fans. I expect Damian to take a big leap forward in 2023,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
“I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Golota, Tomasz Adamek, and Adam Kownacki. With all due respect to those who paved the way, my dream is to surpass them and become the first Polish heavyweight world champion,” Knyba said. “I know there is a long road ahead of me, and I am ready for this journey. This is another milestone I’ve hit with my team, including my manager Lukasz Kownacki. With Top Rank behind me, the sky’s the limit.”
 
Knyba (10-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in June 2021 and went 4-0 with two knockouts before the calendar hit 2022. He made his United States debut in May 2022 with a six-round decision over Terrell Jamal Woods and followed that up with a first-round stoppage over Santander Silgado in Ranson, West Virginia. After a homecoming victory in Poland in October, Knyba received the call to fight on Top Rank’s Teofimo Lopez-Sandor Martin bill at Madison Square Garden in December. The Polish flags were out in full force as Knyba battered Puerto Rican veteran Emilio Salas en route to a second-round TKO. The Salas demolition earned Knyba a promotional contract and the distinction of becoming the first Polish heavyweight to be signed by Top Rank.

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Imperial Boxing Signs Featherweight Emanuel “El Trompo” Moreno to a Multi-Year Managerial Deal

Wichita Falls, Texas (January 11)- Imperial Boxing has signed Wichita Falls native, featherweight Emanuel “El Trompo” Moreno to a multi-year managerial deal. 

The 18-year-old Emanuel Moreno is a six-time National Champion, with an amateur record of 141 wins and only 15 losses. 

Moreno started boxing at age six with Coach Mike Zapata. The duo won multiple national titles before Moreno made the jump to the paid ranks in November. In his professional debut, Moreno won a unanimous decision against tough veteran Christian Alejandro Silva in Oklahoma City. 

Trifon Petrov of Imperial Boxing is very happy to be able to add Emanuel Moreno to his team.

“Manny is a special talent. He is the full package, from amateur pedigree, to charisma, to fighting style. When Manny Moreno steps in the ring, he keeps you captivated. He has all the tools to become not just a world champion, but one of the best fighters in his generation,” said Petrov.

Moreno was a very sought-after fighter, but ultimately, he chose to sign with Petrov. 

“I had a lot of interest from a lot of other managers, but ultimately Trifon Petrov made a lot of sense for me. The work he’s done with his other fighters speaks enough. I’m very grateful for his belief in me, and with his guidance I am sure that I will reach my dreams in this sport. Being a professional is an exciting challenge for me. I have been perfecting my craft since I was six years old, and it’s time to show the world what I can do. We’ve put in countless hours in the gym, and on the road fighting and being ranked among the top amateurs in the country. I am now looking forward to the future, competing on the professional level and working my way up to the top of this sport. I have ambitious dreams, and I feel I can achieve them all with Gods favor and in Gods Time. I’m very thankful for my family. My team. My friends and fans who have supported me on this journey. This is only the beginning,” said Moreno.

Emanuel Moreno is expected to be back in action in February. 

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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION^® TO FEATURE SIX UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS IN EXCITING TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

Legendary Trainers Buddy McGirt and Ronnie Shields Will Guide Young Undefeated Prospects Sean Hemphill and David Stevens in Main Event of the Popular Prospect Series from Bethlehem, Pa

NEW YORK – December 29, 2022 – Two former Trainers of the Year will lead their young and undefeated fighters into the first SHOBOX: The New Generation card of 2023 as James “Buddy” McGirt’s promising super middleweight prospect Sean Hemphill faces off against Ronnie Shields-trained prodigy David Stevens in a tripleheader set for Friday, January 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.

The three undefeated matchups include fighters with a combined record of 61-0-1 and 43 knockouts. This marks the second consecutive year SHOBOX^® will open the new year featuring a tripleheader in which all six fighters enter fight night without a loss.

Four of the six fighters hail from the state of Pennsylvania with Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) of New Orleans, La., set to make his highly anticipated SHOBOX debut when he faces nearby Reading native, Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs), in an eight-round super middleweight bout. In the co-main event, Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Artem Brusov (12-0, 11 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. The telecast opener pits two up-and-coming Pennsylvania fighters as Reading’s Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) and Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KOs), from Ellwood City, put their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

In 2002, McGirt – who worked the corner for such greats as Arturo Gatti, Antonio Tarver, Hasim Rahman and Sergey Kovalev – was named the Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year. A year later, in 2003, Shields – who has previously worked with such greats as Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield – was named Trainer of the Year by the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

The 27-year-old Hemphill was all set to make his SHOBOX debut last February against Joe George before suffering an injury in training forcing the cancelation of the fight. In October, the Hemphill-Stevens fight was called off as well during fight week because of injury.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“We enter our 22^nd year of SHOBOX with a card that features six undefeated boxers who all had solid amateur backgrounds,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “To have two young American standouts in our main event with Sean Hemphill and David Stevens facing each other this young in their careers just shows their yearning to take that step up. It’s the goal and desire of all these young fighters to turn from prospect to contender and we give them that chance and set the stage on SHOBOX.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Hemphill vs. Stevens – Eight-Round Super Middleweight Main Event

Hemphill made his pro debut in 2019 and has already reeled off 14 consecutive wins after a standout amateur career. In his last bout nearly a year ago in January, Hemphill scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeyson Minda in front of his hometown New Orleans fans. The 27-year-old known as “Silky” fought three times in 2021, four times in 2020 and six times in 2019. Stevens will be the first undefeated opponent of Hemphill’s career with multiple wins. Hemphill is managed by Adam Glenn, son of the late Jimmy Glenn, who owned the beloved Jimmy’s Corner bar in Midtown Manhattan and was a well-known, iconic figure in boxing circles. Hemphill was a member of Team USA during a stellar amateur career (55-12) that saw him rise to become one of the top light heavyweights in the country. His nickname “Silky” is an amalgamation of his dad’s nickname from his kickboxing days (“Spyder”) and his smooth fighting style – spiders produce silk.

“I am excited for the opportunity to fight on a big platform like SHOWTIME,” Hemphill said. “I have envisioned this for a long time, and it’s unfortunate I wasn’t able to make my SHOBOX debut in 2022. I have been hungrier than ever to display my skills and talent. I don’t know much about Stevens, but I am focused on what I have to do and handling business. A win will elevate me in every way possible. It is going to open people’s eyes and open the door for bigger fights and opportunities.”

Stevens fought three times in 2022. His busy schedule includes a second-round stoppage of Loris Barberio on July 23 and a first-round TKO of veteran Colby Courter on May 28. The 22-year-old Stevens of Reading, Pa., has stopped four of his last five opponents, relying on a polished skillset and aggressive, hard-punching style. He started boxing when he was 11 and went 60-8 in the amateurs. Among his amateur highlights, he is a two-time Junior Olympic gold medalist, a Silver Gloves champion, Ringside champion, USA Boxing Youth national champion and a Youth World Championships qualifier. 

“I am excited and anxious and ready to fight and show my talent to the world. When the fight was cancelled, I was disappointed because we could not get another opponent on short notice. I think Hemphill is decent. He is not better than me. A win will elevate me and open more doors for other opportunities. Fighting on SHOBOX is very motivating and it makes me push harder in camp.”

Oberlton vs. Brusov – Eight-Round Light Heavyweight Bout

The 24-year-old Oberlton has picked up three wins in 2022, most recently a second-round TKO over Christian Thomas. An active amateur, Oberlton competed in approximately 100 amateur fights where he won many tournaments, including the U.S. National Junior Olympics and was a two-time National Golden Gloves champion. Oberlton placed second at the United States Olympic Trials and was a favorite to be part of the Olympic team in 2020 before deciding to turn pro instead.

“This is a great opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” Oberlton said. “I am just ready to go in there and prove myself. This is more about what I do rather than what he can do. This will be my official launch to ascend into the light heavyweight division.”

The 31-year-old Brusov is a native of Russia currently training in South Florida. He made his United States debut in late 2021 making fast work of Courtney McCleave with a first-round TKO in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He had a 101-22 amateur record and received bronze, silver and gold medals in national and international competitions.

“I am excited, and this is a good fight and opportunity for me,” Brusov said. “I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he is a tall southpaw, and I am ready to fight to show everyone what I can do in the ring. I know he was a good amateur, but so was I. I will win this fight. SHOBOX is a famous series, and this is a good chance for me to show people who I am.”

Gonzalez vs. Morales – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Gonzalez, from Reading, Pa., just over 40 miles from Bethlehem, will feel right at home on January 20. The 21-year-old has fought twice at Wind Creek Events Center, scoring first and second-round stoppages. All eight of the power-punching Gonzalez’s wins have come by way of knockout, and each stoppage has come inside of two rounds. Gonzalez fought five times in 2021, the year he turned pro, and most recently scored a second-round TKO over Eric Manriquez on December 10. The lone blemish on Gonzalez’s record is a six-round draw against Cuban prospect Ivan Jimenez. Going by the ring moniker “Gifted”, Gonzalez has sparred with Philadelphia’s unified 122-pound world champion Stephen Fulton Jr.

“This will be my first fight on national television, and I am thankful for this opportunity to showcase my skills to the world and show what I am all about,” Gonzalez said. “Morales is a tough fighter. He is a southpaw, awkward. I don’t think he is anything too special, but he is tough. A win will take me to the next level as people will see the type of skills that I have.”

The 29-year-old Morales was born in San Antonio but currently resides in Ellwood City, just outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. A crafty southpaw, Morales has relied mostly on his boxing ability to build his perfect 9-0 record but has shown off his power with recent back-to-back first-round KOs in March and June of this year. Morales stepped up to eight rounds for the first time in his most recent fight in October, a unanimous decision over 30-fight veteran Jesus Ramon Perez. Morales has two unanimous decision wins over previously undefeated fighters and will look to take another opponent’s ‘0’ on January 20. Morales, a former Marine, won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves at 141 pounds in 2016 and turned pro the following year.

“This fight has been a long time coming,” said Morales. “I have worked very hard for this, and I look forward to showing off my complete skillset on January 20th. I don’t know much about Gonzalez, but I do know that I plan on taking it to him and getting this win. I have been working hard my whole life for an opportunity like this and getting a win on this platform would mean everything to me.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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‘HE ANNOYED ME’ – BAKHODIR JALOLOV TALKS HARPER KO AND TOP 10 CLAIM

LOS ANGELES, DECEMBER 13 – Bakhodir Jalolov believes he is already among the top 10 best heavyweights in the world – as he warned his rivals not to make him angry.

The giant Jalolov extended his frightening professional record to 12-0 (12 KOs) last weekend when he stopped the helpless Curtis Harper in the fourth round.

Jalolov has revealed the plan was to get at least six rounds under his belt in California but deliberate headbutts by Harper annoyed the ‘Big Uzbek’ who decided enough was enough.

After flooring Harper in the third, 6’7” Jalolov bludgeoned his American rival in the fourth and forced the referee to step in after 1:53 of the round.

The 2020 Olympic champion insists he should now be considered among the best 10 heavyweights in the world but will use 2023 to make that official.

“If I had followed my game plan a little bit better against Harper, it would have gone more than four rounds because the plan was to go six rounds with this guy, minimum, to get some experience,” Jalolov told Probellum.com.

“But it just so happened that he annoyed me a little bit with headbutts. I never try to go and hurt people, I try to go and do my best, land my punches, and not get hit.

“I would rate my performance as six out of 10, just because I didn’t really have a training camp for this fight. I was in Uzbekistan with the amateur team. My coach was with Bivol at this time in Dubai, so we only had a little bit of conditioning, a few sparring sessions and that’s why I needed two rounds to catch the rhythm and then get my timing.”

Jalolov was left only satisfied with his latest shuddering KO win and, ominously for the rest of the division, says he cannot see the ceiling on his potential.

“I believe that I can be in the top 10 right now and fight anyone in the top 10,” Jalolov stated.

“It’s just that every everyone has their own time, and my time is just not there yet. And we’re not in a rush. I’m following the plan of my team and when the time comes, I’ll be ready. I’m 28 years old. I’m not even in my prime yet, and when I get there, I will make everything the way it should be.

“Honestly, at this point, I just don’t see the limit to my potential. I’m just starting. I’m just barely getting into the pro game and I’m working with my coaches, I’m learning so much new stuff.   We are just starting to build a tank for 12 round fights.  So honestly, I just don’t know where the limit is, but I know that I’m going to improve and get much, much better.”

The Uzbek hero now has the heavyweight contenders in his sights but, confident against anyone in the world, Jalolov says he will let the ratings dictate whom he faces.

But finding sparring partners is more problematic with some fighters said to be demanding a small fortune to help Jalolov prepare.

“I’m not going to call out anyone,” he added.

“That’s not how we’re raised, and our parents don’t teach us that way. It is why there are rankings in boxing and if someone wants to fight me okay, and if they don’t want to fight me, okay. I’m not going to call out anyone or disrespect anyone. That’s not how we are raised.

“Sometimes we have to spar two guys at the same time, maybe we get two cruiserweights at the same time. There are always some guys that that are willing to step in the ring and help me. But it’s just hard to find really good quality sparring partners. And sometimes when that sparring partner is really good, that makes me go hard too and sometimes they get hurt. And I don’t really want to do that, I don’t want to hurt anyone in sparring, I’m just trying to get my work in.”

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Top Ranked Contender, Trainer, and Movie Actor “Irish” Bobby Cassidy passes away at age 78

Bobby Cassidy, born April 19, 1944, is a former professional boxer who fought from 1963 to 1980. Although born and raised in New York, Cassidy is of Irish lineage and fought under the name, “Irish” Bobby Cassidy.

Cassidy was a southpaw (left-handed) who was world-rated in the junior middleweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. In 1975, he was ranked number one in the world as a light heavyweight by the World Boxing Council.

In 1963, Cassidy, from Levittown, Long Island, New York, scored a one-punch, 39-second knockout in his professional debut at Sunnyside Garden. He went on to compile a ring record of 59 wins, 16 losses, three draws, one no contest and 27 knockouts. Among the notable fighters that he defeated were Don Fullmer, Jimmy Dupree, Tom Bethea, Isaac Logart, Ramon Ranquello, Tommy Hicks and Christy Elliott. He also fought world champions Luis Manuel Rodríguez, Rodrigo Valdez and Alessandro Mazzinghi.

In a six-month span of 1973, Cassidy fought Dupree three times, for a total of 30 rounds. Both light heavyweights were ranked in the top 10 at the time. They fought to a draw in the first fight, Dupree won a split decision in the second fight and Cassidy won a unanimous decision in the third. The final meeting was held at Madison Square Garden’s Felt Forum. Cassidy dropped Dupree three times in the fight. The Dupree fights were part of stretch during which Cassidy fought eight consecutive opponents ranked in the Top 10.

Throughout his career he fought main events in both the old and current Madison Square Garden.

After his boxing career, Cassidy began training fighters and has worked with two world champions, WBC light heavyweight champion Donny Lalonde and WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley. He also trained Ugandan contender Godfrey Nyakana.

As an actor, Cassidy has appeared in three films, Rocky, Uncle Joe Shannon and This Thing of Ours.

In 2007, his son, boxing writer Bobby Cassidy Jr., wrote a play, Kid Shamrock, based on his life and boxing career. It has been produced Off Broadway three times. In June 2007 at the Producers Club. In February 2011 at the Atlantic Theater Company, Stage 2, and in November–December 2011 at TADA! Theater. The cast has featured several former boxers, including John Duddy, Seamus McDonagh and Mark Breland. The most recent production was directed by former WBO heavyweight champion Michael Bentt.

Cassidy was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001, the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2018.

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to his son Bobby Jr., and the rest of his family members!

BoxRec: Bobby Cassidy

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Top Rank Signs Blue-Chip Talents Brian Norman Jr. & Rohan Polanco

Norman and Polanco will make Top Rank debuts January 14th on the Efe Ajagba-Oscar Rivas undercard at Turning Stone Resort Casino

(Dec. 7, 2022) — Top Rank has signed a pair of undefeated standouts, Atlanta-born welterweight Brian Norman Jr. and Dominican junior welterweight Rohan Polanco, to multi-fight promotional agreements.
 
Norman and Polanco will make their Top Rank debuts Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino on the ESPN+-streamed undercard of the heavyweight main event between Efe Ajagba and Oscar Rivas.
 
“Brian and Rohan are elite talents with world championship potential, and we expect 2023 to be the start of something special for both young men,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
The 22-year-old Norman (22-0, 19 KOs) comes from a fighting pedigree. His father and trainer, Brian Norman Sr., fought the likes of former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal during a 28-fight professional career that spanned from 2003-2011. The younger Norman has gained invaluable experience in the gym working alongside Terence “Bud” Crawford, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. He turned pro in January 2018 and went 11-0 in his first year in the paid ranks. Norman bested Flavio Rodriguez by technical decision in March 2020, earning a hard-fought victory on a nationally televised card. He won four fights in 2021, including a fifth-round TKO over Benjamin Whitaker and a trio of knockout victories in Atlanta. Norman, who hopes to leap toward title contention in 2023, is managed by Fighters First Management.
 
Norman said, “I’m thankful for this opportunity. I worked hard to get here and will work even harder to push my limits. January 14th will be my first fight in over a year, so I have to put on a big show. I’m doing everything in training camp to make sure I exceed my own expectations.”
 
“This is our first fighter signed with a major promotional company, and we couldn’t be any happier that it is Top Rank,” said Jolene Mizzone, President of Fighters First Management. “We look forward to working together and getting Brian Norman, Jr. to that championship level.”
 
Polanco (8-0, 5 KOs) turned pro before the Tokyo Olympics and went 4-0 with two knockouts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In his opening Olympic bout, he lost a split decision to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov. “El Rayo” made his stateside debut last November, knocking out Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin in three rounds. Two weeks later, he won a unanimous decision over Jonathan Jose Eniz. Polanco won two fights in 2022, most recently knocking out noted journeyman Dedrick Bell with a second-round body shot.
 
Polanco said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to sign with Top Rank. I’ve devoted my life to boxing, and I’m blessed to share my talent at this level. I’ll step in the ring again January 14th at Turning Stone, and I look forward to putting on a show for the fans. I want to thank God, my family, my trainer Hector Bermudez, my manager Gary Hyde, and all my supporters along the way. If you don’t know my name, you’re going to know it soon. See you in January!”
 
“I’m delighted Rohan signed with the best promoter in boxing,” Hyde said. “I’m sure Top Rank will guide my guy to the top, and he will soon be in the mix of an already exciting 140-pound division.”

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HOLIDAY HAVOC: FIGHTNIGHT LIVE CAPS 2022 CALENDAR WITH TWO DECEMBER SHOWS, STARTING FRIDAY NIGHT IN NEWTOWN PA

Series is Powered by Everlast; FloSports subscription plans start at $12.50 per month.

Online: https://www.flocombat.com/events/7949902-fightnight-live-nedals-promotions

Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Dec. 6, 2022) – The air will be chilly but the action fiery in December as FloSports FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast plans two consecutive weekends of outstanding, fan-friendly shows. The action opens on FloCombat and Facebook as popular platform partners with Nedal’s Promotions on Friday, Dec. 9, for an outstanding eight-bout event live at 7 p.m. from the Newtown Athletic Club in Pennsylvania.

“FIGHTNIGHT LIVE caps the year with some Mistletoe Mayhem and we are proud to feature this Nedal’s Promotions card as we showcase great events in back-to-back weeks,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “Rising superstar Shinard ‘Showtime’ Bunch takes on former world title challenger ‘Hammerin’ Hank Lundy in an electric main event where both warriors have something to prove here at the crossroads. Siddique Farooqi and Michael Woods – founder of NYFIGHTS.com – will be on the call to heat up the Newtown Athletic Club.”  

As part of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s blockbuster multi-event deal with FloSports, Friday’s 7 p.m. card will air in its entirety on FloCombat. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE plans to continue to deliver a regular slate of boxing and MMA cards via the subscription-based FloSports platform. Fight fans can witness every explosive knockout and drama-dripped decision from regional rising stars – as well as the 10,000-plus events streamed annually by FloSports via the web, the FloSports mobile app (iOS and Android), or connected TV platforms such as AppleTV, Roku, FireTV, Vizio and others – for as little as $12.50 per month. Fight fans can subscribe with a monthly or annual membership today at https://www.flocombat.com/ to be ready for a full schedule of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE events in 2022. 

Additional FIGHTNIGHT LIVE programming – such as event previews, some undercards and highlights – will be available through the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook channel, which boasts nearly 88,000 fans and almost 100,000 followers, and on the Everlast page which is followed by more than 441,000.

In Friday night’s main event, super lightweight contender Bunch (19-1-1, 16 KOs), of Trenton, N.J., via Queens, N.Y., will look to continue his rise in a formidable 10-round test against the veteran and former world-title challenger Lundy (31-11-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia. Popular area battlers Daiyaan Butt (12-2, 5 KOs) and John Leonardo (8-1-1, 4 KOs) are also featured, while area up-and-comers Devin Gantt (1-0, 1 KO) and Juan Davila (1-0, 1 KO) look to defend unblemished records in separate contests on the eight-bout card.

Now in its fifth season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is the fan-friendly platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on creating a home for rising combat sports stars and regional boxing and MMA promotions. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 990 fighters and 26 promotions during 65 live event broadcasts from 27 different cities and three countries since May 2017, and in doing so, the platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.  

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of Annapolis, Md., the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally via FloSports, through web, mobile devices (both iOS and Android) and connected TV solutions, such as Roku, FireTV and AppleTV. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.flocombat.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

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Marques Valle Remains Undefeated with Disqualification Win Over Luis Midyael Sanchez

NEW YORK (December 6, 2022) -This past Friday night in Plant City, Florida, super welterweight Marques Valle remained undefeated with a disqualification win over Luis Midyael Sanchez in the second round of their scheduled six-round bout.

Valle is managed by Split-T Management.

Valle was dominant in the over the five-plus minute fight, to the point where Sanchez was constantly holding. Sanchez was deducted two points in the second round for his hugging. He did not get the message as he continued to grab Valle, and finally the referee saw enough and pulled the plug on the fight at 2:22.

Valle, who had his perfect knockout record stopped, is now 7-0 with six knockouts.

The 23 year-old native of Wesley Chapel, Florida is promoted by Pro Box Promotions.

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January 14: Efe Ajagba-Oscar Rivas & Guido Vianello-Stephan Shaw Heavyweight Doubleheader Coming to Turning Stone Resort Casino LIVE on ESPN

Ajagba-Rivas & Vianello-Shaw will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec 3, 2022) — The Top Rank on ESPN 2023 slate kicks off with a high-powered heavyweight doubleheader Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
 
The 10-round main event is a battle of big-punching Olympians, as Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba looks to author a signature win over Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas. In the 10-round co-feature, 2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello takes a seismic step up in class against fellow unbeaten Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw.
 
Ajagba-Rivas and Vianello-Shaw will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ and includes a 10-round junior lightweight tilt between Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Abraham “El Super” Nova.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), tickets priced from $49 to $89 go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. ET, with pre-sale for TS Rewards Members on Thursday, Dec. 1, and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“The heavyweight division is loaded with talent, and we have two 50/50 matchups that will see a pair of contenders emerge at Turning Stone,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, quickly established himself as one of the division’s heaviest hitters following his pro debut in July 2017. He tallied six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts, using his 6’6 frame and sledgehammer right hand to dispose of his opposition. Last April, Ajagba utilized his right hand to blast out Brian Howard in a Knockout of the Year contender. Following an October 2021 decision defeat to Frank Sanchez, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round.

“I am injury-free and ready to show the world what I can accomplish when I am 100 percent,” Ajagba said. “I respect Oscar Rivas for accepting the challenge. We will give the fans a great show, but I will be victorious on January 14^th.”
 
Rivas (28-1, 19 KOs) is a 2008 Colombian Olympian who moved to Montreal in 2009 to start his professional career. He notched his signature professional victory at Turning Stone in January 2019, knocking out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the 12th round. His only blemish came six months later when he traveled to England and dropped a unanimous decision to Dillian Whyte after knocking Whyte down in the ninth round. Since the Whyte defeat, Rivas has fought twice, knocking out Sylvera Louis in three rounds and outlasting Ryan Rozicki by unanimous decision in an all-Canadian showdown while winning the WBC Bridgerweight title. After multiple prospective bouts fell through, Rivas will enter the Ajagba match coming off a nearly 15-month layoff.
 
Rivas said, “I’m extremely happy to be back in the ring in Verona where I had a lot of success not too long ago. I’m proud of my WBC Bridgerweight title and will be defending it soon, but this opportunity Top Rank gave us at heavyweight was too good to pass up. I also have a lot of respect for Ajagba, and while I agree with him that it will be spectacular for the fans, my skills and my experience will be the difference.”
 
Vianello (10-0-1, 9 KOs), the fighting pride of Rome, turned pro with great fanfare in December 2018 and won his first seven bouts by stoppage in three rounds or less. His momentum stalled following a 2020 draw against Kingsley Ibeh and an injury-plagued 2021 that saw him fight once. Vianello came back in July and knocked out Rafael Rios in four rounds. Three months later, he returned home to Rome and had thrilled the local fans with a dominating eight-round decision over Jay McFarlane.
 
Vianello said, “Stephan Shaw is a good, undefeated fighter, but I fight better when presented with top opposition. I look forward to fighting on ESPN as part of a great heavyweight doubleheader.”
 
Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs), from St. Louis, Missouri, is one of America’s most talented big men, a 6’4, 235-pound boxer-puncher who has knocked out three of his last four foes. He made his Top Rank debut in January, becoming only the third man to knock out Philadelphia’s iron-chinned Joey Dawejko. Shaw tallied three knockdowns in just 2:35 to wipe out Bernardo Marquez in July and then preserved his date against Vianello with an eight-round shutout over Rydell Booker on Nov. 22 in New York City. Shaw will receive his nationally televised big break a decade removed from winning U.S. National and National PAL gold medals as an amateur.
 
“I’m excited. This is my time to shine. This is my moment,” Shaw said.  “I’m ready to go out and there and have some fun. I won’t be under the radar after beating Guido. He’s a good boxer, but I am superior. I will prove that on January 14^th.”
 
Nova (21-1, 15 KOs), born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, is returning to the junior lightweight ranks after briefly testing the featherweight waters. Last January at Turning Stone, Nova knocked out late replacement William Encarnacion in the eighth round. That knockout led to an ESPN-televised co-feature in June against southpaw Cuban dynamo Robeisy Ramirez at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. After four competitive rounds, Ramirez knocked Nova out with a left hand in the fifth. Nova returns to the friendly Turning Stone confines against Lopez (16-3, 6 KOs), a native of Glendale, California, who is making his junior lightweight debut. Lopez last fought in May against Encarnacion, surviving knockdowns in the first and third rounds to eke out an eight-round unanimous decision.
 
In other undercard action:

• Junior featherweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (8-0, 3 KOs), the 19-year phenom who went 5-0 with three stoppages in 2022, will fight in his first scheduled eight-rounder.
   
• Rising junior lightweight Haven Brady Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs), who won four fights in 2022, makes his 2023 debut in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.
   
• Junior welterweight prospect Bryce Mills (10-1, 4 KOs), the local favorite from Liverpool, New York, aims to increase his winning streak to five against Margarito Hernandez (3-3-1) in a six-rounder.
   
• Cleveland-born light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) fights in his first scheduled six-rounder against fellow unbeaten Emmanueal Austin (6-0, 6 KOs).

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Elijah Pierce Stops Juan Carlos Pena in Two Rounds

Baltimore, Maryland (November 21, 2022) –Super Bantamweight contender Elijah Pierce notched his second consecutive second round knockout as he took out Juan Carlos Pena in Oklahoma City.

 

Pierce, who is promoted by Jeter Promotions and is now ranked number-35 by the WBC, after winning the WBC USNBC title on the last Jeter Promotions card on October 15th at the Hall! at Live Casino Hotel Maryland, registered those two early victories in just over a month. They are the first two fights under Jeter Promotions and Pierce has not disappointed.

 

After a feeling out first round, Pierce picked up the pace in round two, as he dropped Pena with a counter left midway through the round. Pena beat the count, but was visibly hurt. Pierce then knocked down Pena for a second time with a right hook. The referee waived the count immediately awarding Elijah Pierce the knockout victory with the time of the stoppage 2:15 of round two, 

 

Pierce picked up his 7th consecutive victory, improving his record to 16-2 with 14 knockouts. Pena is now 32-9 and was coming off of a split decision loss to former world title challenger Stephon Young.

 

Elijah will be back for his third fight in three months when he is back on December 9th at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The combined record of Pierce’s last four opponents is 58-10.

 

Elijah wants all the big fights in the division. Carlos Castro, Azat Hovhannisyan, TJ Doheny, Liam Davies, Gamal Yafai or any of the Golden Boy prospects which includes Hector Valdez, Rudy Garcia, Katsuma Akitsugi.

 

Elijah is managed by Trifon Petrov and Jessie Tanksley. He is trained by his father Andy Pierce, plus Aaron Salamone and Alain Felipe. 

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Giovanni Marquez and Omar Rosario Remain Undefeated With wins in Texas and Puerto Rico

NEW YORK (November 21, 2022) -This past Saturday night, welterweight prospect Giovanni Marquez and junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario remained undefeated with wins in Texas and Puerto Rico.

Marquez and Rosario are managed by Split-T Management.

The 21-Year-old Marquez stopped Luis Valentin Portalatin in round three at The Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe, Texas.

Marquez dropped Portlatin three times, with the finisher coming from a vicious right hand that slumped Portalatin to his knees in the third round.

With the win, Marquez of Houston, Texas is 4-0 with three knockouts.

Marquez began boxing at the age of 12 as he is the son of former U.S. Olympian, world junior middleweight world champion and current broadcaster Raul Marquez.

Marquez had an amateur record of 75-12, which culminated in winning the National Golden Glove tournament this past August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was named the Most Outstanding boxer in the tournament.

Marquez, who won the 152-pound National Golden Gloves, will begin his pro career around 145-pounds, with the goal to campaign as a junior welterweight.

Saturday in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, junior welterweight Omar Rosario stayed undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera.

Scores were 60-54 on all cards for the 24 year-old Caguas native, who is now 9-0. Rivera, also from Caguas, Puerto Rico is 4-1-1.

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank.

Photos by Hosanna Rull / iRull Photos / El Tigre Management.

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Mike Ohan, Jr. lands dream fight vs. U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson

Dec. 10 at Madison Square Garden

QUINCY, Mass. (November 10, 2022) – Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike Ohan, Jr. (16-1, 9 KOs) is preparing for his potential career-changing fight on December 10^th against 2020 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (6-0, 4 KOs) at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Johnson vs. Ohan, Jr. is a scheduled 8-round welterweight match on a Top Rank card, headlined by a Heisman Night fight featuring Teofimo Lopez against Jose Pedraza, which will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Ohan, Jr. isn’t overly concerned about fighting a much-hyped prospect, who is promoted by event promoter Top Rank,, at the mecca of boxing on a much larger viewing platform.

“I’ll embrace it,” Ohan, Jr. “I’ve fought a lot of top guys in the amateurs like Jamaine Ortiz, who just fought Vasiliy Lomachenko. I feel like I belong at the top level with them, but they started competing earlier than me in the amateurs. I was 16-17 and had a lot of catching up to do.   

“This is what all the years of me working so hard has been for. It’s been a dream of mine even as a kid, before I started boxing. It’s starting to payoff; I need to executive the game plan on fight night.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of Mike and what he has accomplished so far in boxing,” Ohan’s promoter, Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a great guy with great work ethic, and he has a ton of heart. He jumped all over this opportunity when it was presented. This is why guys fight; to hopefully get a chance to shine at an event like this at Madison Square Garden. Mike grinded and grinded, now he has his well-deserved opportunity at stardom.”

Ohan, Jr. is the son of a retired pro boxer, (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who served as a sparring partner for the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

The 24-year-old Johnson, fighting out of Cleveland, was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer who was a member of the 2020 .USA Olympic Boxing Team. He was a 2-time winner of the USA National Championships (2016 & 2017), as well as a gold medalist at the 2016 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, and 2014 USA Junior Olympic National Championships.

“He’s a great fighter,” Ohan, Jr. talked about his upcoming opponent. “Everything he does, he’s excellent at, not just good. I have to bring my A game to prove I belong. All the greats have adjusted to the situation and that’s what I have to do. I’ve put in all the blood, sweat and tears. Whatever he throws, I’ll be ready.”

Fighting in Madison Square Garden is the ultimate venue for Ohan, Jr. along with most fighters. Some may feel that the cards are stacked against Ohan, Jr., but he clearly isn’t worried about all the hoopla associated with fighting at MSG on ESPN+ against the event promoter’s highly touted boxer.

“It’s just going to be me and him in the ring,” Ohan, Jr. concluded. “Madison Square Garden is an historic place. Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson…all the greats have fought there. I love boxing history and I’m blessed to be fighting there. I do live closer to New York City than him and I’m sure people will come out for me.

“At the end of the day, though, everybody will know who I am. An impressive performance will raise my stock, but I’m going in the ring to win!”

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Seven Split-T Management Fighters Pick Up Wins

 

Ortiz, Stevens, Brady, Johnson, Conto, Zamarron and Vargas Get Hands Raised in Fight in The United States and Puerto Rico

 

NEW YORK (November 4, 2022) -Seven Split-T Management fighters had their hand raised in fights throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

 Wednesday night in Puerto Rico, Willito Ortiz stopped Bryan Rodriguez in the opening round of their super lightweight bout. Ortiz landed some hard shots that put Rodriguez to the canvas. Rodriguez had enough as he sat on his knee and took the full count of 10 at 2;05.

 

Ortiz of Bayamon, Puerto Rico is 1-0 with one knockout.

Saturday in San Diego, Asa Stevens remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous over Mychaquel Shields in a super bantamweight bout.

 

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii won by scores of 40-35 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Shields was making his pro debut.

 

Stevens is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

Saturday in New York, two Split-T prospects remained undefeated with impressive victories.

Haven Brady Jr. moved up to eight-rounds and won a unanimous decision over Eric Mondragon in a junior lightweight contest.

 

Brady of Albany, Georgia won by tallies of 79-73 twice and 8-74 to raise his record to 8-0. Mondragon of Maywood, California is 8-1-1.

On the same card at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and streamed on ESPN+, 2021 United States Olympian, Tiger Johnson pitched a shutout and won a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Garcia in a junior welterweight bout,

 

Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Garcia of Brawley, California is 15-2.

 In Philadelphia, heavyweight Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage in a scheduled six-round main event at the 2300 Arena.

 

Bryant shot right out of his corner, and went after Conto. The Philadelphia native engaged in a back-and-forth brawl and dropped Bryant with a hard left hand just before the bell sounded to end the opening frame. In round two, Conto continued to pound away until Bryant was weary, and the fight was stopped by the corner at 2:13.

 

Conto of Philadelphia is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Bryant of Pittsburgh is 6-2.

 

Brady, Johnson and Conto are promoted by Top Rank.

 

In Milwaukee, two more Split-T fighters got victories on a card at The Tripoli Shrine Center.

 

Rolando Vargas of Milwaukee moved to 8-1 with a split decision win over Charles Garner (6-2) in a junior welterweight bout.

 

Javier Zamarron made an explosive pro debut with an opening round knockout of Ahmond Rayshaun Oates in a featherweight bout.

 

Zamarron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin dropped Oates three times before the fight was finally halted in the opening frame.

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Syracuse light middleweight Amir Anderson 

goes from tears to gold for USA Boxing 

2022 Youth World Championships, November 14-26 in La Nucia, Spain

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 4, 2022) – Syracuse light middleweight Amir “Cashman” Anderson has gone from being bullied in school to one of the faces of USA Boxing’s immediate future.

The 18-year-old Anderson has already captured top honors at the 2022 Summer Festival National Championships, 2022 USA Boxing National Qualifier, 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, 2019 USA Boxing Junior National Championships and 2019 Eastern Regional Open in his young career.

Now, though, he’s preparing for his first international tournament, the Youth World Championships, November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain.

Anderson started boxing in 2012, after his mother advised him to go to a gym to learn how to be tougher skinned.

“In my younger years,” he explained, “I used to cry instead of fighting back, when I was bullied. My mother wanted me to be tougher. I went to the gym and have never turned back.

“USA Boxing has changed me mentality-wise towards life. I’ve learned so much and I’m a believer. No matter what, even if I lose, go on to the next fight, and keep working hard to be the best I can. I’ve been on Team USA twice. Not a lot make it once, never mind twice. I’ve only lost three times in 30 tournament fights.”

Anderson is excited to be competing in his first international tournament to prove himself at a higher level. He has set high standards for himself, his next chapter starting later this month in Spain.

“It’s a blessing, I can’t wait,” Anderson spoke about going to the Youth World Championships. “I can’t wait to compete against the best in the world. I’ve proven myself as the best nationally. I want to get gold at these championships and a belt at the 2022 Nationals. I want to compete at the 2024 Olympics (Paris) and be a multi-gold medalist in international boxing.”

Self-described as a “mental frustration” to fight, Anderson is a well-rounded, all-around Olympic-style boxer with a high upside. He can move around the ring or fight in the pocket with great success, orthodox or southpaw style, and from all ranges – close, mid and long.

“I’m grateful to represent my country,” Anderson concluded. “I’m honored and proud of myself. I always want to represent the USA and go around the world to show what a great country we live in.

“I want to also represent people who are battling anything in their lives, because I’ve had issues, and I’m still pushing myself to be the best.”

The only tears Amir Anderson may shed now will be the result of his major successes in his very bright future.

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Sonny Conto Stops James Bryant in 2

PHILADELPHIA (OCTOBER 31, 2022) — Heavyweight Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage in a scheduled six-round main event at the 2300 Arena.

The fight card, which drew an enthusiastic crowd, was promoted by Joe Hand Promotions,

Bryant shot right out of his corner and went after Conto. The Philadelphia native engaged in a back-and-forth brawl and dropped Bryant with a hard left hand just before the bell sounded to end the opening frame. In round two, Conto continued to pound away until Bryant was weary, and the fight was stopped by the corner at 2:13.

Conto of Philadelphia is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Bryant of Pittsburgh is 6-2.

In the co-feature, rising 21-year-old prospect Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Larry Fryers in a junior welterweight bout.

Mills of Liverpool, New York won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-1. Fryers of Yonkers, New York is 11-6-1.

Everlon Still took a four-round unanimous decision over Tariq Green in a super middleweight fight.

Still of Voorhees, New Jersey won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 3-2. Green of Philadelphia is 2-2.

Carlos Marrero won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyree Arnold in a junior welterweight bout.

Marrero of Bridgeport, Connecticut won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 4-8-3. Arnold of Philadelphia is 1-5/

Shane Slocumb made a successful pro debut with a second-round stoppage over Jonathan Wiles in a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:58 for the Philadelphia native Slocumb, who is now 1-0 with one knockout. Wiles of Philadelphia is 0-2.

James White stopped Kenyan Williams in round three of their four-round light heavyweight contest.

The time of the stoppage was 2:39 for the debuting White of Warwick, Pennsylvania. Williams of Winchester, Virginia is 0-3.

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David Navarro and Joseph Hicks Get Stoppage Wins in Atlantic City

NEW YORK (October 28, 2022) -Split-T Management fighters David Navarro and Joseph Hicks Jr. scored second round stoppage victories on Friday night at Ballys Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Their fights were part of the non-televised undercard of a SHOBOX: The New Generation card

Navarro of Los Angeles stopped Luis Domingo Hernandez in round two of their six-round super featherweight bout.

The 22 year-old Navarro hurt Hernandez in the second frame after a hard flurry of punches. Navarro was able to finish the fight at 1:02 to raise his record to 5-1 with three knockouts. Hernandez falls to 14-7-1.

Hicks took out Luis Solis also in round two of their six-round middleweight bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan landed a hard combination that sent Solis to the deck, and the fight was stopped at 2:52 of round three. Hicks kept his perfect mark intact as he is now 3-0 with three knockouts.

Hicks says his brief encounter with Solis was a learning experience. “I learned to try to get warmer in the dressing room before I come out. I didn’t feel warm in the first round, but besides that I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

Hicks was a stellar amateur where he was elected Captain of Team USA Boxing, National Golden Gloves Champion 2019. Three-time Eastern Elite Qualifier Champion (2017, 2018, 2019) & a five-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Solis is 25-15-4.

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

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SONNY CONTO TO TAKE ON JAMES BRYANT IN MAIN EVENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH AT 2300 ARENA IN SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Popular South Philadelphia heavyweight Sonny Conto will take on James Bryant in the six-round headline bout on Saturday, October 29th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Conto will be fighting just a mile from his home in South Philadelphia and will look to thrill his large hometown fan base when he takes on Bryant.

The 26 year-old Conto has a record of 10-0 with eight knockouts. This will be the third appearance for Conto at the 2300 Arena. In Conto’s last bout in Bensalem, Pennsylvania on May 13th, he stopped Justin Rolfe in three rounds.

Bryant of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a record of 6-1 with four knockouts. The 37-year-old Bryant is on a three-fight winning streak, which includes his most recent outing when he decisioned Thomas Hawkins on March 7, 2020, in Pittsburgh.

Tickets at $55, $75, $100 and $150 are on sale: https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=436

Bryce Mills (9-1, 4 KOs) of Liverpool, NY will look for his fourth consecutive victory when he takes on Larry Fryers (11-5-1, 4 KOs) of Yonkers, NY via Clones, Ireland, in a six-round junior welterweight bout. This will be the third consecutive appearance for Mills on a Joe Hand Promotions card, as he has wins over Daiyaan Butt, as well as a September 1st victory defeating Carlos Marrero.

Devin Gantt (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, NJ will see action in a four-round featherweight bout following his impressive third-round stoppage over Taijiro Arakawa on September 1st.  

Tariq Green (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will take on Everlon Still (2-2, 1 KO) of Voorhees, NJ in a four-round super middleweight contest.

Carlos Marrero (3-8-3) of Bridgeport, CT will be fighting Tyree Arnold (1-4) of Philadelphia, PA in a four-round junior welterweight fight.

Shane Slocumb of Philadelphia, PA will be making his pro debut in a heavyweight fight against Johnathan Wiles (0-1) of Philadelphia, PA.

In a battle of pro debuting light heavyweights, James White of Warwick, PA battles John Pratt of Philadelphia, PA.

Tyler Zwicharowksi (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a four-round middleweight fight.

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Split-T Management Fighters David Navarro and Joseph Hicks in Action on Tonight in Atlantic City

NEW YORK (October 21, 2022) -Tonight, Split-T Management fighters David Navarro and Joseph Hicks will see action at Ballys Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Their fights will be part of the non-televised undercard of a SHOBOX: The New Generation card (9:30 pm ET/PT).

Navarro of Los Angeles will take on Luis Domingo Hernandez in a six-round super featherweight bout.

The 22 year-old Navarro has a record of 4-1 with two knockouts. A two-year professional, Navarro is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Gavin Guaman on March 11th in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Hernandez of the Dominican Republic is 14-6-1 with nine knockouts. The 28 year-old Hernandez is a nine-year pro, who will be making his United States debut, and he is coming off a defeat to Juan Carlos Camacho on February 26th in The Dominican Republic.

Navarro weighed 127.6 lbs. Hernandez was 126.8 lbs.

Hicks will take on Luis Solis in a six-round middleweight bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is 3-0 with three knockouts. The 28 year-old Hicks is still in his rookie year as a pro and he is coming off a first-round stoppage over Jonathan Batista on August 10th in Detroit.

Hicks was a stellar amateur where he was elected Captain of Team USA Boxing, National Golden Gloves Champion 2019. Three-time Eastern Elite Qualifier Champion (2017, 2018, 2019) & a five-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Solis of Yucatan, Mexico is a veteran as he is 25-14-4 with 21 knockouts. At 30 years-old, Solis is a 12 year-pro. He has wins over Ricardo May (1-0), Angel Cano (2-0), Cristian Aguilar Galaz (4-0), Mario Cauich (1-0), Luis Antonio Fitch (19-3), former world champion Cristobal Cruz, Nery Saguilan (38-9-1), Roberto Carlos Dominguez (1-0). Solis is coming off a defeat to Lorenzo Simpson on November 6, 2021 in Baltimore.

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October 29: Robeisy Ramirez-Jose Matias Romero Confirmed as Lomachenko-Ortiz Co-Feature at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN+

Jessie Magdaleno was forced to withdraw from the Ramirez fight with a hand injury

NEW YORK (Oct 21, 2022) — Rising featherweight contender Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez will fight Argentina’s Jose Matias Romero in a 10-round showdown Saturday, Oct. 29 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Romero replaces former world champion Jessie Magdaleno, who was forced to withdraw from the bout with a hand injury.

Ramirez-Matias will serve as the co-feature to the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jamaine Ortiz lightweight main event, streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

“The opponent does not matter. I will put on a show October 29 in New York City,” Ramirez said. “I have the utmost respect for Romero, who took the fight on short notice. But once we get in that ring, I am coming full steam ahead at him for the win. ‘El Tren’ will not be derailed.”

Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, is coming off a sensational one-punch knockout over Abraham Nova and is closing in on a world title opportunity. Romero (26-2, 9 KOs) has won two fights since back-to-back decision defeats to top lightweights Michel Rivera and Isaac Cruz. He’s now at his natural weight and hopes to stun Ramirez under the Garden lights.

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Elijah Pierce Stops Daron Williams in 2nd Round to Win WBC USNBC Super Bantamweight Title

Hanover, Maryland (October 18, 2022)–Elijah Pierce announced himself as a serious contender in the 122-pound division as he stopped Daron Williams to win the WBC USNBC title in front of a huge crowd at the Hall at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland.

This was the ninth consecutive crowd pleasing show promoted by Jeter Promotions at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland.

Jeter Promotions signee Pierce dropped Williams three times and dominated the fight. Pierce, who will continue to surge up the rankings, has a record of 15-2 with 12 knockouts. Williams of Maryland is now 9-2.

“Jeter Promotions is excited for the future of Elijah. Based on his performance, we see a really bright future and he will be a force at 122 pounds. He has been fighting guys two divisions above his best and more natural weight. Tonight we saw him at 122 lbs, and you saw the results against a quality opponent.

With the win, Pierce puts the 122-pound division on high alert.

Francois Scarbono Jr, won a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Antonio Dunton-El in a super featherweight clash. The rounds were very close, but Scarbono took all three cards to raise his mark to 3-0. Dunton-El is 2-1-2.

Mansaborie Condie remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Brandon Clark in a super middleweight bout. Conde dropped Clark in the opening round en-route to his seventh victory without a loss. Conde is now 7-0. Clark is 2-4.

Jaqeeem Hutcherson and Ernest Hall battled to a six-round majority draw in their ABF Atlantic Super Featherweight title bout. Scores were 59-55 for Hutcherson and 57-57 twice. Hall is now 4-2-1. Hutcherson is 6-1-1.

Joseph Veazey remained undefeated by stopping Rashad Kilpatrick in round two of their six-round welterweight clash. Veazey dropped Kilpatrick in the opening frame. Veazey ended things in round two when he landed a big flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 46 seconds. Veazey is now 8-0 with five knockouts. Kilpatrick is 5-2. 

“Veazey can really fight and he has the intangibles that could make him a star. I look forward to Joey’s progress as he develops into a serious prospect.”

Derrick Vann took a six-round split decision over A.J. Williams in a super middleweight fight. Vann took two cards by 58-56 tallies. Williams won a card by a score of 59-55. Vann is now 3-6. Williams is 6-2.

Brandon Chambers remained undefeated with a six-round majority decision over Vit Y in a battle for the ABF USA Super Bantamweight title. Scores were 59-55 twice and 57-57 for Chambers, who is now 9-0-1. Y is 7-2-1.

Stacy Selby remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Maurice Anthony in a welterweight bout. Anthony landed a punch in the opening round that made the knee of Selby touch the ground. That was the high point of the fight for Anthony as Selby won the rest of the fight and took the score cards by 39-37 and 38-37 twice. Selby is now 4-0. Anthony is 3-5.

In a battle of debuters, Jeffrey Yu stopped Mateo Diaz in round two of their featherweight contest. The time of the stoppage was 2:22 for Yu.

Ahmad Muhammad Jones remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Kani Burnside in a super lightweight contest. Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 twice for Jones, who is now 3-0. Burnside is 1-1.

Dwayne Holmes won a four-round unanimous decision over Rensley Washington III in a super bantamweight fight. Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Holmes, who is now 3-0. Washington is 1-2.

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MCGRAIL DELIVERS BEAT DOWN ON ESPINOZA AT PROBELLUM LIVERPOOL II 

LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 15 – Peter McGrail broke the spirit of Alexander Espinoza and forced a sixth-round stoppage with a masterclass display in front of his fans.

The majestic McGrail dropped the tough Nicaraguan with a peach of a backhand in round four at Probellum Liverpool II at the Eventim Olympia and continued to systematically dismantle his experienced rival.

McGrail, one of the stand-out world amateurs of his generation, was ready to dish out further punishment at the start of round six but Espinoza’s corner threw in the towel and retired their forlorn fighter.

A proud son of Liverpool, McGrail moves to 5-0 (4 KOS) as a pro having made the sternest test of his career appear impressively straightforward.

McGrail said: “This was my first time topping a bill and the crowd were unbelievable.

“I thought it was a good performance, it wasn’t 10 out of 10, but overall, I am happy.  It was a step-up on paper so I’m happy to get him out of there, because he went 10 rounds with Kash Farooq last year.

“I am overwhelmed by the support and can’t wait for the next one already!”

Jazza Dickens won the vacant IBO world featherweight title after a hard fought 12 rounds with tough South African Lerato Dlamini.

Dickens has twice failed in his attempts to win world titles, but it was third time lucky for the popular 31-year-old, who was awarded the win on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

Roared on by huge support, Dickens was given the win 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112 by the officials and will now target the biggest fights in the division, against Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington.

An emotional Dickens said: “I have been working for this for 18 long hard years.

“But I did it with my fans, we did it together.  Tonight, I am going to celebrate with everyone in Liverpool.”

Steven Cairns extended his perfect professional record by controlling his six-round fight with Angelo Turco.
Cairns, who won 60-53 on the scorecards, said: “The holding from Turco was a little bit frustrating but this is boxing and that is just another bit of experience.”

Joe McGrail came through the “toughest fight” of his fledgling career, as he survived a cut and a damaged hand to record a clear points win.

McGrail defeated Nicaraguan Alexander Taylor 59-55, with brother Peter watching on from ringside, to move to 6-0, but 19-year-old Joe said that didn’t tell the whole story.

He sustained a cut by the side of his left eye and hurt his hand, both in the second round.

McGrail said: “It was the toughest fight I’ve had so far as a pro.
“In the second round I got a cut after an accidental elbow and then, in the same round I’ve hurt my right hand.  I didn’t throw it much after that, my coach told me to feint with it and throw it to the body, where it was soft.”

Undercard Results:
Frankie Stringer 40-36 Lee Hallett
Blane Hyland 60-54 Mikey Young
John Edwards 40-36 Simas Volosinas

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Press Conference Notes: Tensions Rise as Haney & Kambosos Ready for Second Undisputed Showdown

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ Saturday from Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne, Australia) at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

MELBOURNE, Australia (Oct. 14, 2022) — Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney and former champion George Kambosos Jr. re-exchanged “pleasantries” at the press conference two days shy of their showdown at Rod Laver Arena.

The combatants talked some trash, but it was Haney’s father/trainer, Bill Haney, who stole the show. He presented Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) — or at least attempted to — a copy of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” a reference to Kambosos post-weigh-in mind tricks before their first bout back in June. Kambosos was none too pleased and knocked the book off the dais.

Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) dominated Kambosos to unify all the belts at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, and a little more than four months later, the world’s top lightweights will do it again.

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast live in prime time SATURDAY (taking place Sunday afternoon local time) on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m PT.

Undercard bouts — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT — include twin brothers Jason & Andrew Moloney in separate contests. Jason Moloney will take on Thailand’s Nawaphon Kaikanha in a final eliminator for the WBC bantamweight world title, while Andrew Moloney battles the Dominican contender Norbelto Jimenez for the vacant WBO International junior bantamweight strap. 

In a special world title attraction, Cherneka Johnson (14-1, 6 KOs) will make the first defense of her IBF junior featherweight world title against Australian two-time world champion Susie “Q” Ramadan (29-3, 12 KOs).

At Friday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Devin Haney

“It’s great to be back here in Melbourne. I made history here. And it won’t be no different on the 16th. The name of the game is to hit and not get hit. I’m a student of the game. So, that’s what I follow. I might be one of the best defensive fighters in boxing. But on the 16th, I’ll look to show more offense.”
 
“They’ve been quiet. But every time they open their mouth, it’s a different excuse. They talk this quiet stuff, but they keep making up excuses. Now it’s the coach. Then it was the referee, because I was holding. Every excuse in the book. But why did you fire your whole team? If you truly felt like I was holding too much, why did you fire your whole team?”
 
“There are a lot of big fights out there to be made. I’ve been calling out Loma for a while. But my main focus is on getting past George Kambosos. Then we can talk about what’s next.”

George Kambosos Jr.

“I’m physically and mentally focused on this fight right now. Nothing else matters. Whatever was said or whatever was done…I’m zoned in on this moment. Nothing will break my focus. I’m not interested in anything else. I’m interested on Sunday and what I do then.”
 
“The changes have been made. You learn from your losses. You come back a better fighter. So, I’ve made my changes. I’ve looked at certain things. I’ve gone back to my roots as well. We’re just focused. I’m not going to give anything away. I’m just zoned in. Sunday is when I’ll do my talking. We’ll see who laughs last.”
 
“He’s got a fantastic jab. But we have put in fantastic work to not only evade his jab, but whatever he tries to bring. It doesn’t matter. Did I let him jab too much? He’s got a great jab. But that’s why boxing is the sweet science.”

Bill Haney (Devin Haney’s Father/Trainer)

“Going into the first fight, we knew that George possessed things that are on an elite level. Our preparation was to outbox him. We wanted to do that and we wanted to do that convincingly based on the unknown. We didn’t know what we were going to get in Australia. To our surprise, we’ve met some wonderful people. The Australian government has been totally supportive. We feel this is a second home. Unlike the Kambosos’ over there, who make excuses after excuses. And we’re all tired of hearing them.”
 
“Devin gave me one job today. He told me to go out and get this for George. It’s
‘The Art of War’ [by Sun Tzu]. If you can hand it to him over there. We want him to be well prepared and not misinformed. What excuse is he going to have on the 16^th?”

Jason Moloney

“He has a very impressive record. You don’t become ranked as number 2 in the world without being a very good fighter. I’ve prepared for a very tough fight. He’s obviously had his whole career in Thailand. He’s been very successful over there. But I feel that he’s been a big fish in a small pond. I plan to welcome him into the world stage and show him the next level in this sport.”
 
“This is my dream, to fight for a world title and become world champion. And this is the final hurdle. I’ve been working extremely hard. I’m very motivated to go out there and win this fight.  I’ll do whatever takes. You saw a great performance last time, and this time will be even better.”

Nawaphon Kaikanha

“This is my first time fighting as a professional outside of Thailand. I’m very excited. At the same time, I feel honored that I’ve gotten the chance to fight in Australia in this beautiful country. It’s a very hospitable country, and I’m happy to be here.”
 
“All those 46 knockouts were not a product of luck. I worked hard for it. I trained hard for it. It’s the same for this fight. I have been training really hard for this fight.”

Andrew Moloney

“This is the perfect fight for me right now. I’ve had a very busy 14 months. This is my fifth fight in 14 months. I’ve worked my way up the rankings. And, Norbelto is ranked at number two in the world, and I feel like this is the perfect fight for me. I’m going to take his ranking. I’m going to put on the best performance of my career this Sunday and earn myself the opportunity to fight for a world title next.”

Norbelto Jimenez

“I have had two world title opportunities. I’m looking forward to this third opportunity. I have seen Moloney fight. I know him very well. I have a good record, thanks to God and to my manager, Belgica Peña, president of Shuan Boxing, and we’re coming for more.”

Cherneka Johnson

“Susie has a lot of experience. She’s been in the game for a long time. She’s paved the way for women’s boxing here in Australia, so I’m just excited to take on this match.”

Susie Ramadan

“I’ve fought in Melbourne for a very long time. Obviously, I’ve had a couple of fights overseas. But I’ve won the WBC and the IBF title here in Melbourne, so everything comes in threes, I guess. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Follow the Top Rank YouTube Channel for daily fight week content ahead of Haney-Kambosos 2.

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PETER MCGRAIL DELIVERS CHILLING PROBELLUM LIVERPOOL II PREDICTION 

LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 14 – Peter McGrail delivered a chilling big fight prediction when he came face-to-face with Alexander Espinoza for the first time ahead of Probellum Liverpool II. 

World-champion-in-the-making McGrail headlines a packed card at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday night and has vowed to make light work of the hardest fight of his professional career, in front of his raucous fans.

The co-main event sees Jazza Dickens face dangerman Lerato Dlamini for the vacant IBO world featherweight title and the pair exchanged pre-fight barbs at Thursday’s press conference.

A confident Dlamini told host Ali Drew that he plans to cause a major upset and KO his rival, which prompted Dickens to ditch the pleasantries and set the South African straight.

Big fights for McGrail and Dickens are supported by a host of talented prospects, including Joe McGrail and Steven Cairns, with the action live and free to watch on Probellum.com.

Super bantamweight star, Peter McGrail said: “I see a one-sided fight, with me hitting him loads and him not hitting me much at all. “I hope his training camp has gone well and good luck to him on Saturday night, because he is going to need it.”

Alexander Espinoza, known as ‘Supernova’ said: “I won’t say a round in which this fight will end but it is all about me and I am going to be the winner.  I can promise everyone a good fight.”

‘Lights Out’ Lerato Dlamini said: “I think I am going to stop Jazza in the later rounds.
“I won’t get a decision in his backyard, so I think I am going to stop him.”

Jazza Dickens, a two-time world title challenger, replied: “I was going to welcome him to Liverpool but now he’s going home with a bandage on his head!  I see me getting my arm raised and getting this win in front of a crazy crowd here in Liverpool.”

Key fighter imagery from the press conference and event artwork can be found HERE 
(Please credit Probellum if used) 

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You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter

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It’s all in the name…

James “Savage” Hagler, Jr. vs. Scott “Bombz” Lampert

 “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night”

Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 23 in Bridgewater, MA 

QUINCY, Mass. (October 14, 2022) – Atlanta light heavyweight James “Savage” Hagler, Jr., the grandson of the late, great Marvelous Marvin Hagler, returns to New England to fight Scott “Bombz” Lampert on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 23) in the 4-round, co-featured event on the inaugural “Jimmy Farrell Fight Night” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

The Pro-Am card will pay tribute to the late Farrell, the highly respected trainer from Quincy (MA), who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. A share of the proceeds will be donated to Old Colony Hospice.

Hagler (3-1, 1 KO), whose last name is an obvious target, fought for the first time in the Bay State this past  May in Dedham (MA), when he defeated Heitor Mangaravitte Senra by way of a 4-round unanimous decision. Bridgewater is only 7 miles from Brockton, where Hall of Famer Hagler lived and fought out of during his marvelous reign.

“Every time I fight,” Hagler, Jr. said, “my opponent is at his best because of my last name. They get bragging rights if they beat me. They get in the spotlight. I make sure I always bring my A game. I’m always fighting my opponents’ best. I’m not going to play with him. I won’t be taking him lightly. He’ll be at this best like all my opponents who know that they can make a name by beating me.

“It’s exciting for me to be fighting so close to Brockton; closer than my last fight in Massachusetts. I call Brockton my second home. I was there a lot as a kid, visiting my grandfather, and I played football for a year at Dean College.”

Hagler’s opponent, Lampert (3-6, 2 KOs), is psyched to fight Hagler, saying, “I love it! You couldn’t watch his grandfather fight and not be a Hagler fan. I think it’s cool. The only problem is that it’s hard for my family and friends to go watch me fight on Thanksgiving Eve in Bridgewater (Lampert is from Dover Plains, NY.

“It’s going to be bombs away. They call me ‘Bombz’ for a reason. I got my nickname from my original coach, John ‘Bombz’ Carlo. I’m his protégé, but that’s also my style. I’ve also trained at Champ’s Gym in Danbury (CT). I want a dog fight like most of my fights: exciting and violent.”

“This fight has all the components to make for an old-school, high-action 4-round fight,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti commented. “Scott brings a ton of pressure, and every punch is his fastball. Hagler looks to be more on the outside and catch guys coming in. It is the kind of fight that could have been scheduled for 3 rounds and it still most likely wouldn’t go the distance. Someone is going to catch someone; I don’t see it ending any other way.”

The main event is a 6-round confrontation between Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KOs), of Swansea, and Woburn’s Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs) for the vacant Massachusetts State Welterweight Championship.

Fighting on the pro undercard in 4-round bouts is Brockton heavyweight Kirk Wilmont (1-0, 1 KOs) vs. Aquilla Prote (0-1), and pro-debuting Brockton junior welterweight Stephen Davis faces an opponent to be determined.

Additional pro matches, as well as the amateur portion of the card, will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at  https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com

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OLYMPIC CHAMP AND BRITISH TITLE ELIMINATOR ADDED TO SHEFFIELD SHOW

LONDON, OCTOBER 14 – The undercard for Probellum Sheffield just got a whole lot spicier with the addition of an Olympic gold medallist and another British title eliminator.

Sunny Edwards defends his world flyweight title against Felix Alvarado on Friday, November 11 at the Utilita Arena in the Steel City, with Jack Bateson vs Shabaz Masoud providing the fan-approved chief support bout. 

And Probellum can today confirm the rest of the card, which makes its debut promotion in Sheffield among the best shows staged in the UK this year – and tickets start at just £35. 

Olympic middleweight champion Hebert Conceição is a special addition to the show as he makes his UK debut in an eight-round contest. 

The Brazilian hero, 2-0 in the pros, won gold in Tokyo after producing a stunning final round knockout of his Ukrainian opponent and his route to the top of the professional ranks takes him through Sheffield next month. 

Thomas Essomba and Marcel Braithwaite will battle it out for the right to fight for the British super flyweight title, at Probellum Sheffield. 

Injury delayed their final eliminator but on November 11 the pair – both former opponents of world champ Edwards – clash in a bout that is sure to go down well with British boxing fans. 

Sheffield-based Essomba vs Braithwaite, of Liverpool, comes before super bantamweights Bateson and Masoud meet in a final eliminator for the British title, of their own.

One of Great Britain’s most decorated female amateur fighters, Lisa Whiteside, is also set to return to action at Probellum Sheffield, next month. 

The ‘Lionheart’ brought an end to a near-three year spell out of the ring, in July, when she dropped the experienced Jasmina Nad, en route to a points win in Newcastle. 

Whiteside gears up for world title fights down the line, with a fight in Sheffield, the city in which she was based when part of the Great Britain amateur squad. 

The undercard is then packed out with some of Yorkshire’s most talented young fighters, with Sheffield’s ‘Golden Kid’ Kyle Yousef looking to extend his 17-0 record. 

Also fighting out of the Steel City, super lightweight Levi Kinsiona (9-2) – known as ‘The Real Deal’ – appears, as does unbeaten light heavyweight Khalid Ayub (3-0). 

They are joined by Sheffield-based Nicolie Campbell – the ‘Pretty Boy Assassin’ – as well as Leeds’ unbeaten Ishmael Davis (9-0) and Bradley Cousins, a light heavyweight prospect from Doncaster. 

Tickets for one of the UK’s best shows of 2022 can be bought here, via fighters or by searching for ‘Probellum Sheffield’ at Ticketmaster. 

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