QUINCY, Mass. (July 21, 2022) – Undefeated Pittsfield (MA) heavyweight Quintin Sumpter (5-0, 3 KOs heavyweight is preparing to shock the boxing world August 6th when he fights Jeremiah “Dream Land” Milton (5-0, 4 KOs) ) on the Jake Paul-Hasim Rahman, Jr. undercard, at famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“This fight can propel my career,” Sumpter said. “It can be life changing. I know that I need to be a dog on August 6th. I want to show people who don’t know me what I am. It’s surreal. I’m going to shock the world!”

Sumpter was born and grew up in New York City, Brooklyn to be exact, before moving to go to college in 2006. Returning home to fight at arguably the most famous boxing venue in the world, along with gaining added exposure because he’s’ fighting on the Jake Paul platform, is a tremendous opportunity for him.

“Unexplainable,” Sumpter initially responded to a question about fighting at MSG. “So many big fights have been at Madison Square Garden. I never thought that I’d be able to show my talent there. I never really thought I’d fight at Madison Square Garden.

“Whether you agree on not, Jake Paul is a boxer once he steps into the iron ring, and he is bringing a lot of attention to boxing.”

“When the opportunity was presented to Quintin and his trainer,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti remarked, “they jumped on it. Quintin has developed that AAA mentality (anyone, anytime, anyplace) that separates him from the pack. In his 6th pro fight, regardless of the outcome – I have all the confidence in the world he is going to win – he has accomplished more than 90-percent of the people who turn pro in New England. He is the type of guy that makes a promoter’s job easy. He can fight and he wants to fight, real fights, not these fluff fights like so many others want to boost their fragile egos on social media. I’m proud of him and after August 6th, the boxing world is going to know who Quintin Sumpter is.”

The 6’ 0”, 220-pound Sumpter will be much smaller, physically speaking, than the 6’ 4”, 230 lbs. Milton, who was a defensive end on Northeastern State University’s football team. Sumpter, however, doesn’t care if he’s fighting at a size disadvantage against Milton.

“I’m not really concerned,” Sumpter spoke about being smaller than Milton. “I train with people a lot bigger than him. I’m light on my feet and move well. I’m not concerned with him. Once we step into the ring, he has to deal with me.”

Sumpter vs. Milton is scheduled for 6 rounds.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Instagram: @chinchekker_qt

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 21, 2022) – Former Two Division Boxing World Champion and Global Philanthropist Badou Jack (26-3-3, 16 KOs) will make his Saudi Arabian debut on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua, August 20 in Jeddah against unbeaten prospect Richard Rivera (21-0, 16 KO’s).

Jack has been very active in the Middle East region with his promotional company, Badou Jack Promotions, having promoted the first ever PPV Boxing and Kickboxing card in Dubai in May of 2019 and working with other promotions to stage his own fights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Most recently, Jack, dubbed “The People’s Champion” fought on the Floyd Mayweather exhibition in Abu Dhabi in May at the Etihad Arena, with a quick 46 second first round knockout victory. Previous to that, he made his UAE debut in Dubai with a 2nd round KO of Samuel Crossed.

“I’m excited to make my Saudi debut on such a big event on August 20 in Jeddah,” Jack stated. “This is another great event that Badou Jack Promotions is a part of and my team and I are looking forward to many more in the region.”

“I’m super excited for this fight and can’t wait to showcase my talent,” said Jack’s opponent, “Popeye” Richard Rivera, who is promoted by Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing. “I wanted this fight for a few years now, so I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. It’s time for a veteran, Badou Jack, to pass the torch down.”

“We are thrilled to announce Badou’s Saudi debut on this mega event” Badou Jack Promotions CEO Amer Abdallah said. “We have a wonderful relationship with great partners in the Middle East and Badou Jack Promotions will continue to be extremely eventful in this part of the world. We are looking forward to making many more big announcements in the very near future.”

NEW YORK – July 21, 2022 – Two of boxing’s most exciting prospects, Ashton “H20” Sylve and Brandun Lee, will highlight the SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, August 6 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) co-headlined by Jake “The Problem Child” Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano vs. Brenda Carabajal live from Madison Square Garden. Tickets are on sale and available at www.msg.com.

Teenage sensation,18-year-old Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs), and knockout artist Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) will make their SHOWTIME PPV and Madison Square Garden debuts against stern competition. Sylve, of Long Beach, Calif., will face the durable Braulio Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round lightweight bout, while the 23-year-old Lee, of La Quinta, Calif., will face Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight bout opening the pay-per-view telecast.

Sylve, the first prospect signed by MVP, is facing an experienced opponent in Rodriguez, who is 20-4 and has scored knockouts in all but three of his victories thanks to his aggressive and big-swinging style. When he’s lost, it has come against top-flight opposition. Rodriguez has shared the ring with lightweight contender Ryan Garcia and title challenger Christopher Diaz. He dropped a split decision to then undefeated prospect Alberto Mercado and surrendered a unanimous decision to then unbeaten Carlos Diaz –the first blemish of his career after scoring 15-straight knockouts to start his pro campaign.

In Sylve, Rodriguez is facing an elite talent. The undefeated teenage sensation has stopped all of his opponents in four rounds or less, demonstrating hair-trigger reflexes, high boxing IQ and heavy hands. He recently knocked out Giovanni Gutierrez in the first round in May in his MVP debut at lightweight. He fought three times in 2021 and twice thus far in 2022. A gifted amateur who turned pro at 16 with over 100 wins and 10 national titles, Sylve first entered the public consciousness as an eight-year-old when a training video made by his father, Ivan, went viral and led to an invite to Floyd Mayweather’s famed gym in Las Vegas. 

Lee is also no stranger to turning heads with his athletic achievements. The winner of 15 of his last 16 fights by knockout, Lee has shown both one-punch power and the ability to outbox his opponents. He recently dominated tough veteran Zachary Ochoa in April and has quickly established himself as a force at 140 pounds. The child of a Mexican mother and Korean father, Lee has emerged as a vocal spokesperson for the Asian-American community.

Trained by his father Bobby, Lee has kept up a busy schedule, fighting four times in 2020, three times in 2021 and now twice in 2022. He was also an accomplished amateur, going an estimated 195 amateur fights with only five losses and capturing gold at the prestigious 2015 U.S. Junior National Championships at 145 pounds.

Co-headlining the night of action on August 6 are Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), who will meet after erupting during the July 12 kick-off press conference over who was the better man during sparring sessions they had in 2020. The son of the former two-time heavyweight champion, Rahman Jr. had approximately 100 amateur fights and has trained under boxing sages like Emanuel Steward, Calvin Ford and now Yoel Judah, father and trainer of the former two-division world champion Zab Judah. Rahman Jr. is undisputedly the first full-fledged boxer that Paul has faced. 

The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul is coming off one of the best knockouts of last year when he demolished Tyron Woodley in the sixth round with a perfectly placed right hand that went viral and was the No. 1 trending video worldwide on YouTube following their December 18 bout. A YouTube star and influencer-turned-pro boxer, the Cleveland native, who is just 25 and started his pro boxing journey in January 2020, is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores.

The other half of the dual main event features seven-division women’s champion Serrano, (42-2-1, 30 KOs) of Brooklyn, who will defend her featherweight titles against Argentina’sCarabajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round dual main event. Serrano made history in April when she and Katie Taylor were the first women to headline a main event at MSG in a lightweight bout. Now she returns to her natural weight in front of her hometown fans.

The Paul vs. Rahman Jr. and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.  Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

SHOWTIME SPORTS^® will bring fans behind the scenes and inside the ropes with its Emmy^® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS. ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN will premiere on Saturday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE premiering on Saturday, August 13. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.  

STOCKTON, Calif. (July 21, 2022): Rising 154-pound Mexican contender Damian “Samurai” Sosa (20-1, 11 KOs) is set to square off against Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-1-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round main event on Friday, Aug. 26 at San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, California.

The fight will headline a full card of action that will be streamed live in English on FightHype and in Spanish via TV Boxeo. 

“We’re excited to be coming back to Stockton, California for another action-packed show featuring our rising star Damian Sosa,” said Jorge Toscano, CEO and Founder of Toscano Boxing Promotions. “He’s a strong fighter with an aggressive style, but Ronald Cruz poses a big threat for him. We’ll see what both fighters are made of on August 26, and it will be a fun fight while it lasts.”

Sosa is a 25-year-old native of Mexico City, Mexico who made his professional debut in 2016. He fought in his native country for most of his career before challenging Artem Oganesyan for the WBO Youth Junior Middleweight Championship on enemy territory. Despite losing, Sosa put on a tremendous effort and bounced back with victories against the likes of “Cassius” Clay Collard and Jesus Vega. Sosa, who lives and trains in Tijuana, looks to continue making his case for a world title at 154 pounds.

“I’m very happy to know that I’ll be once again fighting in Stockton, California,” said Damian Sosa. “Last year I had my first fight in the United States, and it was right there in Stockton. So, I’m very motivated and more so because it’ll be against an American fighter with a very good record. For me, our records make this an attractive fight. On the other hand, I also know that he’s very strong fighter who likes to come forward, and those are ingredients that make for an exciting fight. Without a doubt, it will be a war.”

Cruz is a 30-year-old native of Los Angeles, California who debuted as a pro in September 2014. He had a rocky start to his career by suffering his first defeat in his third fight, but he then remained undefeated across 16 additional fights through seven years of action. In his last outing, Cruz fought to a draw against Kevin Ottley, but feels that he will be ready to deliver the best performance of his life against Sosa.  

“I look forward to fighting against Damian Sosa this coming August 26,” said Ronald Cruz. “The judges can take a break in this fight because we won’t be needing them. There will be lots of fireworks, and you won’t want to miss this.”

Undercard information will be announced shortly.

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Sosa vs. Cruz is a 10-round junior middleweight fight presented by Toscano Boxing Promotions. The event will take place on Friday, Aug. 26 at San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, California. The event will be streamed in English on FightHype, while the Spanish stream will be streamed on TV Boxeo. 

Tickets for Sosa vs. Cruz are on sale now and start at $45, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketon.com or by clicking here.

Credentials: Media interested in attending Sosa vs. Cruz must be pre-approved for media credentials. The credential application is available HERE. The deadline for submitting the media application is Friday, August 19 at 5:00 p.m. PT.

About Toscano Boxing Promotions  

Toscano Boxing Promotions is a promotional company based out of Stockton, California that was founded by Jorge Toscano in 2018. The company has hosted events both in the United States and in Mexico, including the 2021 battle between Anderson Silva and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. The Toscano Boxing stable includes rising stars Damian Sosa, Manuel Jaimes, Jose Alvarado, Jose Carrillo and more. 

(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – July 21, 2022) – The past decade has seen the modern day combat sport athlete looking to fill their uncertain and unpredictable work schedule with other opportunities outside of their main focus of training – Enter Ice Wars

Ice Wars International burst onto the scene in early 2022 when they announced their intention to start a new combat sport that they described as ‘Prize Fighting on Ice’. Their inaugural event took place at the River Cree Casino on May 21, 2022 – to the delight of the crowd in attendance, but more so to fans at home. Viral clips hit social media throughout the night, and in under a week, Ice Wars highlights were viewed over one million times, and the event PPV streamed in 11 countries. The night saw 10 bouts take place, with the combatants consisting of mostly current and past ice hockey players.

When Ice Wars announced their second show was to take place August 6, back at the River Cree Casino in Enoch, Alberta – right outside of Edmonton, Ice Wars President A.J. Galante saw participant inquiries quadruple, and a wide range of different athletes outside of hockey players, who were interested in competing. “I’ve been in the boxing business for over 11 years, I own a boxing gym and I have seen the past few years a shift of the type of athlete that is looking to get into boxing, and MMA as a whole, either as a training method or even to compete.” Galante continued, “I wasn’t really surprised after the success from our first show, that we would have a lot more guys from other combat sport backgrounds were looking to get involved. There is no set schedule for a combat sport athlete, it is really a grind, lots of uncertainty, and sometimes fights are spread out over several months, so to keep motivated, these men and women look to stay busy, sharp and relevant anyway possible, even going outside of their comfort zone.” Galante, who operates as a Professional Boxing Advisor and Promoter in Danbury, CT, an hour North of New York City, said he was taken back on the boxing culture in Edmonton. “The boxing world is small, but also big at the same time. I operate in the Northeast of the United States, I’m not too familiar with every corner of the world, and I was really excited to see the boxing culture in Edmonton, there are some serious diamonds in the rough here. With some more exposure and opportunity, I think the boxing world will really be able to see what Western Canada has to offer.”

Naturally, Galante and the Ice Wars organization have been able to give bout contracts for their second show to local fighters who predominately box but have backgrounds in their nation’s #1 past time, hockey. Edmonton’s own Blake ‘Shake n’ Blake’ Anderson is an undefeated Professional boxer currently 2-0 who hasn’t competed in the ring since 2019, will make his Ice Wars debut August 6. Dustin ‘Night Train’ Thompson, also of Edmonton, is set to strap on the skates as well at Ice Wars II. Thompson is an amateur boxer with over 30 bouts, who has competed in both Provincial Championships and the Golden Gloves. Thompson’s coaches, Lincoln Suchit and Dana Paulson, trainers at the renowned Southside Legion Boxing Club in Edmonton, also train another Ice Wars fighter, Bo Cornell. Suchit says he sees the value in this new sport for fighters looking to stay busy, diversify their resume, while also taking advantage of a global spotlight, “Ice Wars is a fantastic new fight platform for fighters to showcase their skills to the world. I think it’s a great new opportunity for these athletes to get exposure and this sport is a fight concept that brings different audiences together. AJ and the Ice Wars team have brought a refreshing new look to the combat sport world and every fighter is treated like a world champion.”

Ice Wars II is being streamed world wide on FITE for $19.99 and can be preordered on www.iwifights.com. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster starting at $50. For media inquiries contact Lindsay@iwifights.com . Stay up to date on all things Ice Wars on all social media platforms @iceiswar

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 21, 2022) – Undefeated welterweight, Ve’Shawn Champion (3-0, 1 KO), has signed a promotional deal with Davies Entertainment. Citing his work ethic, extraordinary story and ‘beast in the ring’ fighting style, CEO Cameron Davies announced this latest addition to his company’s fighting stable on Instagram recently. Managed by Freeway Ricky Ross, the 23-year-old, 6-foot-1 Dayton, OH native will now spend the next few months preparing for his October 8^th Tech Port Arena BRAWL Underground bout.

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“I want to thank his manager, Freeway Ricky Ross for blessing this deal. This kid has something special beyond just natural ability.” explains Cameron Davies. “We noticed it immediately when he came into our gym. Heart, grit, determination – you can see it in how he carries himself…. He just wants the opportunity to prove himself and I’m gonna give it to him.”

A relative late-comer to the sport at 19, Ve’Shawn credits watching the Mayweather/McGregor matchup on YouTube as his inspiration to fight. At the time Champion worked 15-hour shifts in a freezer for I Supply after multiple school expulsions for being a hothead. He says that boxing has given him direction. Moving to Philadelphia, Ve’Shawn began training with Bozy Ennis, father and trainer of Jaron “Boots” Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs), which is how he connected with Freeway Rick. Now a resident of San Antonio, Champion is excited to join roster mates Floyd ‘Austin’ Schofield (10-0, 8 KOs) and Andrew Tabiti (19-1, 15 KOs) in the Davies Entertainment family.

“I’m delighted and thrilled to have Ve’Shawn join the Davies Entertainment family.” says manager, Freeway Ricky Ross. “As his advisor, I believe this is the move that will take his career to the next level. Together, I believe we will grow and become something special in the sport of boxing.” 

Boasting an in-house, world-class boxing and training facility and 1,000 seat event space where one-of-a-kind sporting events like the infamous BRAWL Off Broadway and its offshoot BRAWL Underground are held, Davies Entertainment is the perfect incubator for an emerging World Champion. Like the rest of his businesses, Cameron Davies has provided a one-stop-shop for his athletic roster that includes on-site trainers and masseuses and even an injury recovery room.

“I’m excited about what the future holds now that I’m signed with Davies Entertainment.” Ve’Shawn tells us. “I’m grateful to Freeway Rick Ross for believing in me and bringing me to a top promotional company. The sky is the limit for me and I’m going to take full advantage of this great opportunity.”

Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) is in confident mood ahead of his WBO International Super Welterweight Championship fight against Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) on Saturday 30 July at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, live on Channel 5.

‘PBK’ has his sights set on the top honours boxing has to offer, and knows that a statement win in his home of the North East will trigger the start of his plans to upset the apple-cart amongst the top of the division.

For now, he is living in the present, and his eyes are on the very serious fighter that is Argentina’s Bastida. This will be Bastida’s first fight in this country, and Kelly plans on using home advantage to hit the headlines with an eye-catching performance.

“I’m coming to make noise in the North East first, then after a statement win against a tough opponent like Bastida, I’ll be happy to take on whoever wants it,” said Kelly.

“My skillset is at an elite level. We’ve been sharpening tools for a while now and once I’m crowned the WBO International champion, I’ll be looking at that list of world ranked fighters and targeting whoever I need to face to get to them belts.”

Having gone through gruelling preparations for scheduled fights in London and Liverpool, Kelly will at least have home-comforts this time around. A proud Sunderland lad, he does not overlook the chance to have the support of the people in the North East. 

“I’ve said it before, that I will never take for granted the opportunity to fight in the North East,” he said. “I can’t wait for fight time now. We’re a week out, everything has gone to plan and I’m looking forward to putting all the preparation into practice.”

Kelly has always been a son of British boxing, who is destined for the top. Momentum continues to build as he soars in an upward trajectory, and he wants to match his potential and ambition with big domestic battles to get fans off their seats.

Should he pass the test of Bastida, there have been plenty of mumblings regarding future opponents that would seriously excite this country’s fans, and admirers from around the globe.

“I’m not going to look past my opponent, but I have full belief in myself that if I bring my A-game, then it’s only going one way,” said Kelly.

“There’s been a lot of noise surrounding potential fights, stadium-worthy fights, and I’ll happily take care of business in front of a packed out arena against anyone.”

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headline for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) guaranteed to produce fireworks amongst top local talent such as ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

Roseland, NJ (July 20, 2022) — GH3 Promotions fighters, super lightweight Joseph Adorno and welterweight Keeshawn Williams will see action this Saturday night in Orlando, Florida at The Caribe Royale Orlando.

Adorno of Allentown, Pennsylvania will take on 48 fight veteran Julio Buitrago in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Adorno has a record of 15-1-2 with 13 knockouts. The 23 year-old Adorno is in his sixth year as a professional who won his first 14 bouts which were highlighted by victories over Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0), Kevin Ocano (8-0) and Damian Alejandro Sosa (9-2). Adorno is coming off a first round stoppage over Juan Santiago on May 21st at The Caribe Royale Orlando.

Adorno is managed by Split-T Management

Williams of Lanham, Maryland has a record of 8-1-1 with two knockouts, and will battle 60 fight-veteran Raymond Chacon in a six-round contest.

Williams, 25 years-old, is a five year professional. He has quality wins over Christian Salas (1-0) and Adrian Martinez (1-0). Williams is coming off his first professional setback, when he lost a decision to contender Kenneth Sims Jr, on December 25th, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey 

LOS ANGELES – July 20, 2022 – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz faced off for the first time on Wednesday, at a Los Angeles press conference to preview their much-anticipated WBC Heavyweight World Title Eliminator which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day weekend clash at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The press conference also featured former three-division world champion and L.A. fan-favorite Abner Mares as he prepares to make his long-awaited return against Miguel Flores on the pay-per-view telecast.

Also stepping into the ring on the pay-per-view telecast are a pair of rising lightweight stars as Mexico’s Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz duels veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez in the co-main event, while unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battles former world champion Jezreel Corrales in the pay-per-view opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from City View Terrace at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“We’re here again and I’m thankful for another opportunity. We didn’t come here to cherry-pick anybody. We wanted a tough opponent and that’s why we picked Luis Ortiz. He’s strong, he’s awkward, he’s a lefty, but we’ve had a long training camp and we’ll be ready.

“The main thing for me is going to be staying busy. I’m not underestimating Luis Ortiz, because he comes to fight. He wants to be world champion. On September 4, we’ll go toe-to-toe and we’ll see who’s going to win.

“It feels good to have this fight set. We know this isn’t going to be an easy fight. He has a different style than what I’m used to, but we’ve trained really hard at the gym to perfect the craft. He’s going to bring it, but we just have to do the best we can to get this victory and go on to win world titles. This is a big fight for me to climb back up the ladder.

“The main focus has just been training my skills. This isn’t a weightlifting contest, so I’ve been getting back to what originally made me a champion. I’m not here to lose weight or look the part, I just want to be the part.

“I think this is a similar fight for me to the Anthony Joshua fight, it’s just that he’s a lefty. We have a great team and we’re working hard. September 4 is going to be a hell of a fight.

“I wanted to work with (new trainer) Alfredo Osuna a long time ago, it just wasn’t the right time then. He’s used to training for lefty fighters. I feel like this is exactly what I needed for this fight. My team is going to bring the best out of me.  

“I’ve been doing this all my life. I’ve been fighting since I was six-years-old, so the muscle memory is there. I needed this long training camp for this type of fight. That’s going to help me get comfortable in this fight.

“I love fighting here in California. I always wanted to fight at this arena. The first time I ever saw Luis Ortiz fight was here at this arena, and my dad told me that one day I was going to fight him. Now that day is here.

“The people wanted this fight and we’re going to give the people what they want. It’s going to be a hell of a show.

“This might not go the distance, but I’m prepared to go all 12 rounds. We’re going to get this victory no matter what on September 4.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m very grateful to be back in this position and fighting at the top level. I’m thankful to Andy for taking this fight and I’m truly looking forward to it.

“As of right now we’re preparing for the best Andy Ruiz. We know that he’s not just any fighter. He’s a former world champion and that doesn’t happen by luck. I’m ready for him and may the best man win.

“I’m very excited. The fans are going to see two fighters who love to battle and love to punch and punch hard. This is a dream come true and we’re not going to disappoint the fans on September 4.

“I got good experience from fighting Charles Martin. There were some hiccups in the fight, but I’m going to carry the lessons that I learned into this fight.

“I don’t believe there’s any advantage to the fact that I’ve been more active than Andy. I believe in hard work and the mental makeup of a fighter. That’s what I’ve been focusing on day after day.

“My main objective right now is to win on September 4. Then after that, I’ll see who crawls out and steps up. So far there haven’t been too many at the elite level.

“This fight is going to end in a knockout. I’m sure Andy thinks the same thing. This one isn’t going to go 12 rounds.”

ABNER MARES

“It’s been a long wait. I’m thankful to everyone who still believed in me. I’m overwhelmed and really happy to be back and making this comeback.

“I’m feeling really good. I’m 36 but I’m feeling like I’m 26. I’ve kept myself in the gym this whole time and I’m feeling very confident. I’m looking forward to a great comeback.

“I’m just trying to come back, get a fight in, and take it fight by fight. I’m just happy to give everyone a great fight. That’s what I do at the end of the day. This is an entertainment business and I’m here to entertain.

“I wanted to fight here back in my hometown of L.A. I’ve had memorable fights here and this is my house. I’m blessed to be fighting at Crypto.com Arena.

“There are no easy fights and Miguel Flores is not a walk in the park. He gave Leo Santa Cruz hell. This isn’t an easy comeback. He’s there to take advantage of the name that I have, but I’m here to show him what the old timers do.

“Not too many people get this opportunity to step back into the ring. What really did it for me was watching Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios in person. That made me really want to get back in the ring.

“I started sparring already and I’m feeling better and better. I see the progress and that motivates me and lets me know that I’m only going to get better. I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’m just going to give it my all and do what I’ve trained to do.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“There’s nothing like a great heavyweight fight. I’ll put a great heavyweight fight up against any sporting event in the world. It’s going to be a great night on Sunday, September 4.

“Los Angeles has always been revered as one of the greatest fight towns in the world. It’s been the hotspot for countless slugfests between the best fighters in the world and that’s what fans are going to get on September 4. Two guys with real heavyweight power.

“Andy desperately wants to be champion again and he’s training hard to get there. He’s risking everything against a dangerous opponent in the hard-hitting slugger Ortiz. It’s a huge opportunity for Ortiz too. He knows his only chance is to go through Ruiz. This is going to be a night you will not want to miss.”

#         #         #

ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event.  

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels former world champion Jezreel Corrales in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

PHILADELPHIA – July 20, 2022 – Two-division world champion and Philadelphia’s own Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout in his hometown on Wednesday as he prepares to make his 154-pound debut against exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. on Saturday, July 30 headlining live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The media workout also included Philadelphia-native and rising unbeaten prospect Atif Oberlton previewing his showdown taking place on the stacked undercard lineup on July 30.

Garcia will headline a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features Polish star and Brooklyn’s all-action Adam Kownacki taking on Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in the co-main event, plus unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell dueling former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

A world champion at 140 and 147 pounds, Garcia will return to the friendly confines of Barclays Center in Brooklyn for his super welterweight debut. Garcia will fight at Barclays Center for the ninth time, which includes a 2012 knockout victory over Erik Morales in the arena’s first boxing main event.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Wednesday from the DSG Boxing Gym:

DANNY GARCIA

“Training has been going great. We’ve been in the gym for three months straight so we’re towards the end now and we feel fantastic.

“The time off was very important. After you’ve been fighting for a long time, I’ve been fighting world champions for the last ten years, I realized that my body felt great, but my mind felt foggy. It felt tired. It didn’t feel sharp. I knew that I needed my mind to rest, have some fun, and spend some time with my family. I needed time to enjoy everything that I worked so hard for, start to miss the game of boxing and then come back strong. I think that’s what I’ve done.

“Benavidez is a tough fighter. He has some skills. Obviously, he’s 27-1-1 and he’s fought some good fighters. I expect the best of him.

“I want to knock him out but if the knockout doesn’t come, then we’re ready for 12 rounds. I just want to go in there and give the fans a great show.

“I always knew that 154 was my walkaround weight. A lot of people think I’m naturally small because I used to fight at 140 and 147. But I was squeezing myself down to get to those weights. Now I’m a little bit older, a little bit wiser. I don’t think that’s the right thing for me to do to lose all that weight.

“2020 was a good and bad year for me. I fought twice and made a lot of money, but at the same time, there was the pandemic. It was a tough year for me outside of the ring. It was stressful for everybody. I just needed a break. I was tired. I trained hard at the beginning of the year and then we went through the pandemic. I had to wake myself up to train hard again for one of the biggest fights of my career. It just took a mental toll on me. I was mentally tired. I banged it out with Spence. He got the decision, but I was still able to go in there and scrap for 12 rounds. I knew if I just took a break and came back, nobody could touch me.

“I would definitely want to revisit the Spence fight at 154 pounds. We have history already. Once I start looking good at 154, there’s going to be a lot of great fights for me.

“You know what’s crazy? You miss the smell of the gym. When you haven’t been in the gym in a while and you walk in the gym, it’s like your mom’s homecooked food. I missed this.”

ATIF OBERLTON

“I feel like a monster. I feel like I’m going to give the people everything that they’ve been waiting for and everything that they want to watch. They’re going to officially see the future of boxing like they do every time I’m out there and I perform.

“They changed my opponent two or three times. I have a new opponent that I’ve seen a few videos of online. He’s a clown. I’m just going to embarrass him. He’s just another guy in the way.

“It doesn’t matter who they give me. I’m the best light heavyweight in the world. I’m the best 175-pounder and I’m going to prove that every time out. They’re going to see that July 30.

“My talent speaks for itself. I’m pretty. My fighting shows that. I’m a dog. Everything you need in boxing, you’ll find in me. Watch me work. Watch me bring these titles back to the U.S.

“This is already written. I’m going to be one of the boxing gods at the end of the day when it’s all said and done. I’m not here to play no games or make no friends with nobody. I’m here to be the best in the world and the greatest fighter alive and the greatest fighter ever when it’s all said and done. So bring them on.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia’s Father and Trainer

“Jose Benavidez Jr. is not a skillful fighter. He can’t fight going backwards. He doesn’t have any skill. He doesn’t dip. He doesn’t slip. He doesn’t duck hits. He just comes forward, I guess. I don’t know what they’re teaching him. I teach perfection. I don’t teach just going in and getting beat up.

“Danny did great fighting at 147 pounds. The Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter fights could have gone either way. And then the Spence fight, we were going through a lot of changes because of COVID. I’m not trying to sugarcoat anything. I’m just being honest. Danny was suffering from anxiety leading up to the Spence fight. There was too much going on. We had a difficult camp. I’m not making excuses. But he still did great and he still threw 750 punches.

“A happy Danny Garcia is a dangerous fighter. He’s looking great right now and he’s ready to show everybody he’s back.

“It’s always the ‘Danny Garcia Show’ when we come into Barclays Center. Everyone knows it’s going to be an exciting night and July 30 is definitely gonna be the same.” 

“Don’t forget, we were supposed to fight Spence in March and then he had the car accident. So instead, we fought Ivan Redkach. But if the Spence fight would have gone down that day, Spence wouldn’t have had a victory.”

#         #         #

ABOUT GARCIA VS. BENAVIDEZ

Garcia vs. Benavidez will see two-division world champion and Brooklyn fan-favorite Danny “Swift” Garcia making his super welterweight debut against exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. in a 12-round showdown that headlines a stacked tripleheader Saturday, July 30 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also see Polish star and Brooklyn’s all-action Adam Kownacki returning to the ring to take on Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, while unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell faces former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #GarciaBenavidez, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook  at           www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 20, 2022) – Staying true to his word to give fighters a second chance, boxing adviser Freeway Rick Ross has signed St Louis native, Samir Simpson Bey (7-1-1, 7 KOs). Simpson, a 35-year-old prospect, scored a first-round knockout in his last bout, a fight that took place in his hometown on June 11, 2022.

Simpson Bey, who was incarcerated for the past few years, had his career derailed when he committed a felony back in 2015. Reflecting on his youthful mistakes, Simpson feels he must fulfill his dream of becoming a contender in boxing. 

“I made some mistakes in my past that I’m not proud of, but I feel God give everyone a second chance,” stated Simpson Bey. “There has been a lot of boxers who did time and camp back to carry on with their careers. Mike Tyson and Bernard Hopkins are a few names that come to mind. Freeway Rick Ross knows the struggle I’m going through and he’s going to help me get some fights. I just want to fight and see where this journey takes me.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance on life, and I’m going to do my best to help this man get back on his feet,” said Freeway Rick Ross. “If there is one thing I’ve learned being incarcerated myself, is that there is always hope to become a better person in society. Samir is a hard worker and that can take a man a long way.”

“We had Simpson Bey on our last show at the Ambassador Club here in St. Louis last month and he scored a sensational knockout,” said David Belcher who helped put the event together with Showout Boxing and DC3 Promotions. “I commend Freeway Rick Ross for giving Bey another chance to rejuvenate his career. It says a lot about Ross’ character.”

In regard to Simpson Bey’s talent, Ross feels he can compete against anyone in the lightweight division.

“Samir has some talent and I think he can win some fights at the next level,” continued Freeway. “I saw him fight last month and the man can punch. I’m working on getting him back in the ring, hopefully on the next card in his hometown of St. Louis.”

BROOKLYN, Conn. (July 20 2022) – History was made last Friday night in Worcester (MA) as 52-year-old Paul “Rude Dog” Iannuzzi became the oldest boxer in the world to make his professional debut.

Iannuzzi knocked out Lucinei Santos late in the opening round of their scheduled 4-rounder. Santos came out of his corner throwing wild bombs but Iannuzzi, fighting as a welterweight, buzzed Santos with a left hook that disoriented him, followed by a right that closed the show at the 2:55 mark, much to the delight of the Iannuzzi’s many supporters in attendance at the famed Worcester Palladium.

THE END – Paul Iannuzzi established a new world record as the oldest boxer to make his pro debut and he punctuated it with a KO of Leucinei Santos

“It was pure relief,” Iannucci talked about what it was like right after the fight. “There was pressure if I had lost. Who will let me lead them or take lessons from me was in the back of my mind the night of the fight. I was aware of the stress. When I won, I was relieved.

“I’ve been boxing for years; I knew I could land my right. My old coach, Joe Leddy, is so strict about fundamentals and I used ‘em during the fight. He (Santos) was there to win. He wasn’t there just for a payday. He came out trying to take my head off and just missed me with a left hook. I do have the fundamental skills and I knew I’d catch him. I had heard a couple of people who thought I would get killed. They compared our body types; he looked like Tyson and I’m more like Olive Oil. Word did get back to me and after the fight, I went over to the ropes and yelled to them, ‘I told you!’ It was nice to prove myself to those naysayers.”

Born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Paul and his wife, Jill, own Rude Dog Boxing gym, along with trainer Tom Hall. Iannuzzi has been boxing since he was 18, highlighted by gold-medal performances at several Masters Division World Championships in amateur boxing.

The genesis of Iannuzzi’s quest to break the record as the oldest pro-debuting boxer was a conversation Paul had 10 years ago with his then 6-year-old daughter Grace, as they watched the presentation of ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award to recipient Dewey Bozella, a boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned for 26 years. Bozella gained celebrity status after his release and set the world record for the oldest pro-debuting boxer (52 years, 4 months).

Paul and Grace watched the ESPN ceremony together and Grace turned to her father and said, “You can do that dad. When you’re old enough you can break that guy’s record.” Grace reminded her father every year on his birthday this year he did it. Iannuzzi holds the new record of 52 years, 10 months, and 20 days old.

“Dewey actually contacted me and wished me luck,” Paul noted. “He told me to keep my chin down, hands up. It was wonderful to hear from him.”

Iannuzzi was walked to the ring, under a crescendo of support from his many fans, by his friend and multiple world boxing champion Vinny Paz, who advised Paul to use the first 30-seconds to feel out his opponent to figure things out. Iannuzzi did that and much more. Just ask Santos.

“He (Paul) was slightly amazing,” Paz remarked after the fight. “I was as nervous as hell. I had my fingers crossed the whole night. It was like magic for me to see what happened. It couldn’t have ended any better than that. It was a slightly incredible night. It doesn’t happen often. Nobody try this is you are around 52 years old. Don’t do it! You got to love him (Paul) and that’s the bottom line.”

Right from the initial announcement of Paul’s journey, he said it would be a one-and-done regardless of the outcome. He will now fully focus on his “Life and Balance” program he created for the elderly, movement disorder, and Parkinson’s.

“Now, I will be a leader in terms of healing and helping people,” Iannuizzi explained. “I have the best program – it’s undeniable – with body mechanics, physiology, and the science behind it. I wish (sufferers like) I could connect with Alan Alda, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, or Ozzy (Osbourne). Maybe I can help them? They have the voices to get the word out to the public.

“This isn’t about money. This is about creating happy, healthy, and healing…..it’s magical! I can help. Call me at 978.860.771.1343.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /Paul JillI Iannuzzi, /Rude Dog Boxing Club

On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the historic Garden Theater in Midtown Detroit, two of the hardest punchers in all of boxing will return to the ring against dangerously powerful opponents, as Salita Promotions will continue leading the resurgence of Motown boxing with a special mid-summer, mid-week edition of their popular Detroit Brawl series, featuring IBF #4, WBA #13, WBO #11 and RING #7 super lightweight slugger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBO #12-, IBF #11-, WBC #7-ranked light heavyweight powerhouse Ali Izmailov in separate main events.

Willing to take on any opponent, anywhere, Ergashev (21-0, 19 KOs) of Detroit via Rakhmon, Uzbekistan, will face fellow knockout artist Angel “El Furioso” Martinez Hernandez (14-1-2, 14 KOs) from Baja California, Mexico, in a 10-round shootout between sleep-inducing super lightweight punchers. Izmailov (8-0, 6 KOs), meanwhile, will put his perfect record on the line in a high-stakes 10-round battle with also undefeated puncher Eric Murguia (14-0, 12 KOs) of Mission Hills, California.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling 313.529.7604.

30-year-old southpaw, Ergashev now lives and trains in Detroit at the Kronk Gym under world-famous trainer SugarHill Steward. A former amateur star, as a professional, Ergashev has produced a number of impressive performances on national television, including a fourth-round knockout of veteran Abdiel Ramirez, a third-round knockout against then top-10-rated Sonny Fredrickson, a 10-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mykal Fox, a highlight-reel first-round demolition of normally durable and capable veteran Adrian Estrella in January 2020, and his most recent appearance, an eight-round unanimous decision over South American Champion Luis Alberto Veron in May of this year.

“I’m very happy to be back in the ring and back at training camp with Sugarhill, learning and getting better every day,” said the eager Ergashev. “I am focused on every opponent, with an eye on my world title. Regis Prograis, Josh Taylor, Jack Catterall… Who wants to go first? Line them up, one-by-one. I look forward to making a statement on August 10.”

Originally from Malgobek, 29-year-old Izmailov works and resides with all-star trainer John David Jackson in Florida. A former amateur standout, having won multiple international tournaments, Izmailov is a thudding and aggressive counter puncher with anvil fists that batter opponents into submission. Showing continued improvement under Jackson’s tutelage, Izmailov was last seen demolishing formerly undefeated Chilean Abraham Tebes in three brutal rounds last April.

“I’m excited to fight a fellow undefeated boxer, said the humble Izmailov. “He is skilled, a solid boxer and a good puncher, but that’s good because I want to fight the best and show my dominance. An impressive victory will get me one step closer to a world title. I want to show the public why I will soon win the light heavyweight crown.”

Always packed with exciting matchups, the supporting bouts will be announced shortly and feature an international cast of fighters in competitive battles against quality opposition.

Event promoter Dmitriy Salita says both main event fighters he guides, Ergashev and Izmailov, are on the cusp of title fights and looking to gauge their perfectly honed abilities against dangerous, high-level foes.

“On September 10, boxing fans will see two top-rated contenders in Ergashev and Izmailov,” said Salita, “and both have power-punching contenders in front of them, which will be good indicators of where they are. I believe both are a fight or two away from the world title. Our Detroit Brawl series just keeps getting better. Detroit is well on the way to being one of the hubs of professional boxing in the United States.”

ABOUT THE GARDEN THEATER:
The historic Garden Theater, built by C. Howard Crane on the northern corner of the 3900 block of Woodward, originally opened in 1912 as one of the largest theatres built in Midtown Detroit. The original theater closed in 1949 and reopened under several owners. Now, the Garden Theater is back, and better than ever, with state-of-the-art amenities including a full-service bar in the main theater and a VIP balcony with incredible architectural integrity and charm that stays true to the historic Cass Corridor structures. The revitalized performance and entertainment venue offers unique spaces for wedding ceremonies & receptions, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, concerts, conferences and meetings. The historic Garden Theater is located at 3929 Woodward Avenue in Detroit, MI. For more information, please call 313.832.0888 or visit us on the web at thegardendetroit.com, or check out our social media: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM.

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

BOSTON (July 20, 2022) – It’s extremely rare for a 20-year-old boxer to defeat a Hall of Fame inductee like Houston lightweight Miranda Reyes (6-1-1, 3 KOs) did this past June 24^th against Jaime “Hurricane” Clampitt (23-6-2, 7 KOs), a Class of 2020 International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHOF) inductee.

Clampitt, 46, is a 4-time World Champion who relocated to Rhode Island from Canada, where she was a National Champion, at the beginning of her professional boxing career. Last year, she came out of a 9-year retirement, winning her first two comeback fights prior to fighting Reyes at Bally’s Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

“I accepted the fight right away when it was offered,” Reyes explained, “but a lot of people kept telling me to get out of the fight. I’m not that type of person, though. I go out of my comfort zone to do new things. People kept saying I was only a B side fighter, but I knew what I was capable of doing. I did go into the fight thinking I may lose because, in my mind, you lose in this sport. I’m not afraid of losing but if I’m going to lose, I’m leaving it all in the ring, learning from the experience.”

Not only did Reyes upset a Hall of Famer, but she did also so in Clampitt’s backyard, taking an impressive 8-round unanimous decision (79-73, 78-74, 78-74). Equally remarkable is that Reyes was coming off a loss to 1-4-1 Jaica Pavilus.

“I’m really proud of myself,” Reyes said. “She’s a Hall of Famer who I really look up to. Someday I hope to be in her position. It think it’s really cool what she’s done in boxing for so long. I fought in her backyard with everybody supporting her. It was like me against all of Rhode Island. I was really confident because of all the hard work I had put in. I was supposed to fight April 30^th (that fell through), so I was in camp for 3 months for this fight, pushing myself hard because I was fighting Jaime in my first 8-round fight. I didn’t put in the same effort when I lost to Jaica. I trained 9 to 3 every day for Jaime.”

Reyes is the lone female in the Fighter Locker stable, which is owned and operated by manager Ryan Roach.

“I am extremely proud of Miranda,” Roach commented. “She came up here out of her comfort zone and fought her way to a major win. That’s what makes champions. She is getting uncomfortable. I knew this was the right fight at the right time. She had a great camp with Marlen Esparza. Miranda was a completely different fighter from her last fight. We will enjoy this victory for now and decide what is best for her, but all the boxing doors are open as of now!”

“Ryan has moved me much more than I had been, arranging fights and even paying for some of them,” Reyes noted. “He has really helped my career. What I really like about Ryan is he believes in me. Before the fight, he told me I would beat Jaime.”

Reyes made a loud statement and, hopefully, it’ll start paying off soon in terms of higher profile, more lucrative fights.

“A lot of people have started recognizing me since my last fight,” Reyes concluded. “Before, I think a lot were sleeping on me. I still have a long way to go, but I’m not pushing things. I’m taking it one fight at a time. My goal is to get in the ring against big-time fighters. Again, I’m going to take it one fight at time right now. I don’t pay too much attention to goals, but I want to keep progressing, take my time, fight the best and see what happens.”

Miranda Reyes may have just pulled off the 2022 Upset of the Year in women’s professional boxing!

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers also New York’s ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (16-0, 11 KOs), Colorado’s ABF American West super middleweight champion “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (11-0, 6 KOs), Massachusetts super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 9 KOs), Florida super bantamweight Daniel “The Dedication” Bailey, Jr. (10-1, 5 KOs), Massachusetts featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs), 2-time Brazilian Olympian & 2016 Olympic silver medalist flyweight Yuberjen Martinez, Brazilian 2-time Dominican Olympian, lightweight Leonel de los Santos (6-0, 5 KOs), Dominican super welterweight Juan Solano Santos (1-0, 1 KO), Dominican featherweight Orlando Perez Zapata (11-0, 9 KOs), Dominican lightweight Isaelin Florian Henriguez (9-1, 4 KOs), Florida light heavyweight Robert Daniels, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), Irish light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (4-0, 3 KOs), Kansas brothers, welterweight Marcus Davidson (4-0, 4 KOs) and super lightweight Marcell Davidson (2-0, 1 KO), and Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (8-1-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (4-0-1, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com

FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker /MirandaReyez

TWITTER: @RoachRyan

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82 @_12-z_m1ra

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers. Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service. Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models. It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted.

LAS VEGAS (July 20, 2022) –The long chase is over for “Zurdo” or at least it appears that way after nearly two years.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) recently ordered Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight World Champion, to next fight former World Super Middleweight Champion and current WBA No. 1 rated light heavyweight mandatory challenger, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs).

Ramirez had won not one but two title eliminators, knocking out Yunieski Gonalez and then in his last fight, stopping the previous WBA No. 1 contender Dominic Boesel (32-3) in four rounds, to formally become the official WBA light heavyweight mandatory challenger for Bivol.

“Bivol’s champion period is conditioned to a term of 24 months and his last mandatory fight was on March 3, 2018 (8 fights ago vs. Sulivan Barrera in Bivol’s first title defense), his next was to be after March, 2020,” Carlos Chavez, chairman of the WBA Championship Committee, explained in a letter to the two teams. “For that reason, he must face Ramirez. In case they do not reach an agreement in the given time period or any of the parties refuse to do so, the WBA will have the right to call the fight a purse bid.”

The two sides were given until August 10th to consummate a deal to avoid a WBA purse bid hearing.

“I always hear things here and there,” Ramirez said, “but I’m in this position for a reason. The WBA is a tremendous organization and I believe the right process will prevail. Unlike others, I take pride in my craft and will always want to face the best in real life, and not just speak of it like other champions.”

No sooner had the WBA informed all concerned parties, though, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who along with manager Vadim Kornilov represents Bivol, was quoted as reportedly planning to request an exception from the WBA to allow Bivol to make a voluntary defense against No. 2 rated Joshua Buatsi in October with the winner to face “Zurdo.”

“I’ve heard some stuff, but I don’t really pay too much attention to the garbage,” Ramirez’ manager David Suh (3 Point Management) commented. “At the end of the day, we are grateful for the opportunity and have full faith in the process. The WBA and Mr. Gilberto Mendoza have been great to us and we look forward to getting this done.”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Veteran heavyweight fighter Joey Dawejko (21-10-4, 12 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, will make a triumphant return to the ring Thursday, September 1 at 7 pm when he steps through the ropes at Parx Casino in an eight-round bout against Mike Marshall (6-3-1, 4 KOs) out of Danbury, CT. Dawejko, for training purposes, has been a sparring partner for former WBO/WBA/IBF world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua.

Dawejko continues to challenge himself in boxing while owning his own roofing company.

“There is no other better way to start your Labor Day weekend than with some great boxing at such a great venue as Parx Casino,” said Joe Hand, Jr. about our upcoming fight card.

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://www.parxcasino.com, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404), or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

In a four-round middleweight bout, Soslan Alborov (0-1) out of Philadelphia, PA will take on Brendan O’Callaghan (2-1, 1 KO), also from Philadelphia, PA.

Highlighted in separate bouts on Joe Hand Promotions Labor Day weekend fight card:

Daiyaan Butt (10-2, 5 KOs) out of Philadelphia, PA will be returning in a six-round super lightweight bout.

2014 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion Karl Wylie (1-0) out of Coatesville, PA will be returning to the ring in a four-round lightweight contest.

Jesse Rodriguez says he feels ‘thankful’ to be named as the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 – but the WBC World Super-Flyweight champion is not resting on his laurels and continue his sensational year when he defends his title against Israel Gonzalez on Saturday September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as co-main event to the trilogy clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin. The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan).

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA AXS.COM
Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) has enjoyed a stellar first half of the year, starting by becoming the youngest active World champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defense, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.

‘Bam’ extended his promotional pact with Eddie Hearn following the win over Rungivisai, and now defends his title for the second time against Mexican Gonzalez (28-4-1 11 KOs), who challenges for World honors for the fourth time in his career.

Rodriguez has begun camp at home and will relocate to Robert Garcia’s California base when his trainer and manager returns from masterminding Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on August 20. The 21 year old is ready to thrill on the biggest of stages on September 17, and believes it could be the next step in securing Fighter of the Year awards across the board.

“I’m so thankful to be named ESPN’s fighter of the year,” said Rodriguez. “My hard work and dedication to the sport is paying off. That is why I’m able to perform the way I have been. There’s so much more to come and I can’t wait. 

“I’ll be starting my camp in San Antonio for this next fight. I’ll be here for three weeks then finish up in Riverside at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. Fighting so soon, I feel like I haven’t lost a beat. I’m still in rhythm and I’ll be more than ready for Las Vegas.

“The way people have been saying I’m front runner for Fighter of the Year is motivation to get the job done. It’s a blessing to even be mentioned with some of the greatest boxers in the sport. But come September 17, there will be no question who it belongs to.”

Rodriguez’s achievement was one of many as Matchroom fighters and events dominated ESPN’s midyear awards. Irish superstar Katie Taylor was named female fighter of the year following her victory over Amanda Serrano in their epic battle at Madison Square Garden in New York in April which landed female fight of the year nod. Leigh Wood’s dramatic final round KO win over Jamie Conlan in Nottingham in March earned the WBA Featherweight king the KO of the year and the battle was awarded men’s fight of the year, while Dmitry Bivol’s triumph over Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May took the gong for upset of the year.

Rodriguez’s clash with Gonzalez is part of a stacked night of action in Las Vegas, as Diego Pacheco fights for his first pro belt when he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams taking on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title, all leading into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.

Las Vegas (July 19, 2022) – Two-time world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter has confirmed that he will appear at the Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Porter will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at The Porter Way Podcast, and he will be streaming LIVE at his booth during the fan event held over the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite -https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

Porter will make his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, and personal items. Boxing enthusiasts will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this fan friendly Boxing Star.

?Porter joins Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Shawn Porter

Porter is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2008 to 2021. He is a two-time former welterweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 2013 to 2014 and the WBC title from 2018 to 2019. He is particularly known for his aggressive pressure fighting style, physical strength and high workrate. Some of his most noticeable fights came against Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Errol Spence Jr., Adrien Broner, Paulie Malignaggi, Andre Berto and Kell Brook to name a few.

About The Porter Way Podcast

Founded in 2020, Two-Time Welterweight world champion ”Showtime” Shawn Porter leads a unique, entertaining podcast focused on boxing & everything else in the sports & entertainment world. The Porter Way is a Blue Wire Podcast. More info: https://linktr.ee/theporterwaypodcast

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo

.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

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

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

COSTA MESA, CA – Currently on an eight-show sellout streak, California’s premier combat sports event, Fight Club OC, returns to The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on Thursday, August 25, with the most highly-anticipated debut in women’s boxing since Claressa Shields’s first bout, as 10-time National champion Jesikah Guerra faces Seta Vatuvei in a featured four-round matchup at 154 pounds.

The card will air live on Fite TV, beginning at 7:00pm PT.

“What a thrill as a fight promoter to have both Jesikah Guerra and Seta Vatuvei make their pro debuts on one of my shows,” said Hall of Fame promoter Roy Englebrecht. “They will follow in the footsteps of Christy Martin, Layla McCarter, Kelsey Jeffries, Mia St. John, Kina Malpartida, Rhonda Luna, Crystal Morales, and many more female boxers who have fought for me over the past 25 years. With this fight at 154 pounds and Jesikah’s great amateur career, you can bet Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Jessica McCaskill, and my fellow promoter Eddie Hearn will be buying the Fite.tv broadcast to check Jesikah out.”

One of the most dominant amateurs of this era, 19-year-old Jesikah Guerra has made her country and her hometown of Victorville, California proud with her talent and a laundry list of accomplishments for Team USA. A recent winner of a gold medal in the Pan Am Games, Guerra was a strong candidate for the 2024 U.S. Olympic team but has decided she wants to chase championship gold in the pro ranks, and that quest begins on August 25.

“I am super excited to be making my pro debut at Fight Club OC, one of the hottest shows in Southern California,” said Guerra. “I have waited for this moment my whole life and it has finally become a reality.”

A respected amateur in her own right, Hayward, California’s Seta Vatuvei wasn’t planning on making her pro debut this August, but when the 31-year-old was presented with the opportunity to compete in one of the summer’s biggest bouts against Guerra, it was an offer she couldn’t refuse, and she can’t wait for her moment to shine.

“There’s a reason she’s achieved what she has in the amateurs, and I’ve been training really hard to dominate and win,” said Vatuvei. “The fans should expect to see a great performance from an aggressive fighter. I’m grateful for this opportunity and will make the most of it.”

Besides this female matchup, the August 25^th show is a stacked card with big-time prospect Tito Mercado looking to stay undefeated at 6-0 and Sonny Robledo will also look to stay undefeated at 4-0 when he meets Orange County’s Darynn Leyva.

Tickets, priced at $60, are available at www.socafights.com.

ORANGE, CA (July 19, 2022) – This Friday July 22, 2022, Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card, will see undefeated middleweight prospect, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart (12-0, 4 KO), of Rancho Cucamonga, California, battle Ramon “Niño de Oro” Ayala (25-6, 13 KOs), of Mexico City, Mexico. Brewart vs. Ayala, an 8-round bout, will serve as the co-feature attraction. The 8-round main event will showcase George Acosta (12-1, 1 KO) vs. Isaac Avelar (16-4, 10 KOs) in a super featherweight showdown.

This event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, and $100, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900.

Here is what Brewart had to say about is recent training camp, his upcoming bout with Ayala, fighting at home, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“I have had a great camp with my coach Henry Ramirez, and I am excited to become one of the new faces in the sport of boxing. I am going to showcase so many new things since my last fight. It is a great opportunity and time for me to show off all the hard work in the gym. I’ve sparred with Jaime Munguía before his last fight and the experience I gained was invaluable. This has been one of the best camps of my career.”

On his matchup with his upcoming opponent Ramon Ayala:

“I know my opponent is durable and reckless. This is a great chance for me to display composure, focus, talent, and punching power. Ayala is a worthy opponent, but I feel I’m much more superior. I need and want to stop him, that is the ultimate goal.”

On fighting on another Thompson Boxing card:

“Thompson Boxing has brought me up the right way and I’m grateful to them for all the opportunities they’ve given me. I am eagerly awaiting the day when I get to headline a card of my own, but I am grinding so that I can earn that spot. I will have a lot of family and friends in attendance being that this fight is so close to my hometown. I’m very excited and I’ll be letting my hands fly.”

On what a win will do for his career.

“A victory puts me in the mix with a lot of the contenders in the division and gives me a chance to test myself against the best middleweights out there. I truly feel as though I am one of the best fighters in the world and want to put on a performance that matches how I feel about myself.”

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino;
Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.

For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

WHAT: The inaugural “Canela Box Night” event streaming live & FREE on Canela TV

“Canela Fight Nights” was created by CANELA MEDIA, a leading, minority-owned technology driven company committed to redefining digital media experiences for the Hispanic Community, and World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), led by its creators CEO Terry Holland and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor.

WHO: The Lineup

MAIN EVENT – FLYWEIGHTS (10)

Sergio “Yoreme” Mendoza (16-0, 15 KOs), Hermosillo, Sonora, México

vs.

Francisco “Charrito” Gomez (14-8, 11 KOs), Teopisca, Chiapas, México

CO-FEATURE – SUPER BANTMWEIGHTS (8)

Jesus “Koreano” Ramirez Rubio (20-1-3, 13 KOs), Guayas, Sonora, México

vs.

Anthony “Boy” Jimenez Salas (17-3-1, 5 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México

LIGHTWEIGHTS – (6)

Marco Cota Moreno (7-0, 5 KOs), Empalme, Sonora, México

vs.

“Bam Bam” Brandon Orozco (4-2, 3 KOs), Morelia, Michoacán, México

LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)

Brayan Zamarripa (11-1, 3 KOs), Ensenada, Baja California, México

vs.

Jesus “Viboro” Arevalo (27-6-1, 15 KOs), Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, México

FEMALE JUNIOR FLYEWEIGHTS (6)

Yadira Bustillos (4-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

vs.

America “Keka” Bayori (2-0. 0 KO), Cajeme, Sonora, México

(card subject to change)

WHERE: Sonora Arena, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Friday, July 22, 2022

PROMOTERS: World Cup Boxing Series & De La O Promotions

LIVE STREAM: “Canela Box Nights” will stream live and free the 3rd Friday of every month, starting July 22nd at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, throughout the United States, Mexico, and Latin America

BROADCASTERS: Eduardo Camerena (blow-by-blow) and 5-time world champion Fernando Montiel (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Ray Flores

ABOUT CANELA MEDIA: Canela Media is the leading, minority-owned technology driven company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences starting with its free streaming platform service, Canela.TV which enriches the new generation of U.S. Latinos with free access to unique, culturally relevant content. In addition to TV content, Canela Music features a unique blend of Latin music programming , featuring various genres from Latin Pop, Regional Mexican, Classics, Romantic, and more.

Canela Media reaches more than 50 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites. Combined with the company’s proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream- U.S. and Latin America Hispanics.

Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the third largest Hispanic ad-focused company and the only female-and minority-owned certified digital company. For more information please visit: https://canelamedia.com/

ABOUT WORLD CUP BOXING SERIES (WCBS): World Cup Boxing Series is your passport to the best online fights you’ll ever see. WCBS is the only active tournament and team fight series in professional boxing. For years, its creator Guy Taylor has been tasked with creating tough, competitive matches for promoters eager to test their rising prospects and contenders. That same mindset has now been applied to his own latest creation, World Cup Boxing Series. For more information, please visit https://www.worldcupboxingseries.com/

INFORMATION:

Website: www.worldcupboxingseries.com, www.canela.tv

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

QUINCY, Mass. (July 19, 2022) – In a crossroads fight that will determine the future careers of the participants, Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi and Julien “The Black Dragon” Baptiste will fight August 6th in the 6-round. co-featured event on “The Next Chapter,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

At stake will be the vacant Massachusetts Middleweight Championship, as well as bragging rights for the eventual victor.

Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KO), fighting out of Swansea (MA), is excited about the opportunity to fight for a title belt at this early stage of his pro career.

“Fighting for a title is surreal,” Andreozzi said. “This time two years ago, I had little more than a few BoxFit classes under my belt, and to get here from there in this time frame has been a wild ride. This win could be a huge launching point for my career. I didn’t follow the traditional path most fighters take. I don’t have the years of Golden Gloves or any amateur experience, nor do I pick and choose my opponents. Coach and I had the same mindset since my pro debut. It won’t be easy but, 10 toes in and punch our way through the rankings. This title will open doors for me to be on my way.

“I’ve seen Baptiste fight a few times. He’s a clean boxer with a strong physical presence. He can throw his hands and move his head well. But in the shows I’ve seen him get beat up by welterweights, one of whom is my teammate. Styles make fights is always a big talking point in our camp. My style is very fluid. I don’t stick to one stance, guard, mindset, or anything for that matter. Julien is a more traditional boxer. He has a nice rhythm and smooth strikes. I always say my first goal is to take their strengths and nullify them, followed by exposing and then capitalizing on their weaknesses. I like to play a lot of head games in the ring and set traps.

“We’d all like to say we’re going to knock him out, but he’s a big guy for this weight class, and I’m not even in this weight class. So, I’m not looking to waste my energy knocking him out. I think it will be a competitive fight the first few rounds, followed by me taking over the last four and torturing him for a decision win. If I clip him along the way that’s great, but I’m not chasing it.”

Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), of Woburn (MA), understands the implications of this fight regarding his immediate future.

“This is just another day at the gym, another win under my belt,” the 33-year-old Baptiste said. “It can change the outcome of my career, what will come out of it in the end. I’ve been doing everything right. In my life. I’ve sacrificed and I’m in great health. It’s my time!

“I know my opponent is tough. I didn’t watch him fight on the cards we were both on. I heard he presses to get the action started. We’ll see what August 6th brings. I’ll know what adjustments are needed to make to capitalize on his weaknesses once we’re in the ring. I’m not going to rush to put pressure on him for a quick knockout. I’ll do what I have to do to win,”

“This is a great local matchup that will provide non-stop action,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “Both guys have contrasting styles, and both are in a crossroads situation. The winner of this will be on a major undercard by year’s end, the other will have to rebuild locally for a bit. I am proud of both guys for stepping up and taking this fight.”

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr., fighting out of nearby Holbrook (MA), takes on Argentinian junior welterweight Jonathan “Yoni” Ariel Sosa (7-13-2, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

There’s another Massachusetts title fight on tap as Raphael Torres (2-0, 2 KOs), of Framingham (MA), and Fall River’s (MA) Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs) battle for the vacant Massachusetts Cruiserweight Championship in a 6-round bout.

New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight prospect Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (7-0, 6 KOs), the 2018 New England Golden Gloves runner-up, meets veteran Texas fighter Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-50-2, 9 KOs) a 6-rounder.

Promising Brockton (MA) welterweight David “The Blessed One” Ribeiro (1-0, 1 KO) meets 71-fight veteran DeWayne Wisdom in a 4-round match. The 25-year-old Ribeiro was a decorated amateur who captured a gold medal at the 2020 New England Golden Gloves Championships.

Also slated to fight in a 4-round bout is Methuen (MA) junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (2-0, 2 KOs).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are available for purchase at GRANITE-CHIN-PROMOTIONS.TICKETLEAP.COM or www.ticketriver.com (Search: The Next Chapter) for $45.00 (standing room), $60.00 (floor seats), $80.00 (VIP stage seats) and $40.00 for a table of 4.

Doors open at 7 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Hanover, MD (July 19, 2022) — Championship boxing returns to The HALL at Live! inside Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland as rising super featherweight Jordan “Short Dog” White takes on Derrick Murray for the WBC USNBC Super Featherweight Title on Saturday night, August 6th.

The can’t-miss card is promoted by Jeter Promotions. Jeter Promotions is back at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland for the 8th time.

White of Washington, DC has a record of 13-1 with 10 knockouts. The 24 year-old White has been a professional for seven years. He won the WBC Intercontinental Youth title with seventh round stoppage over Ronaldo Solis (7-0-1). He followed that up with a sixth round stoppage over Miseal Lopez (11-0). In his last bout, White won the WBC USNBC Title with a split decision over Brandon Valdes (14-2) on February 19th at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. This will be his third consecutive and fourth overall appearance at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland.

Murray of Saint Louis, Missouri is 16-5-1 with five knockouts. The 34 year-old Murray is an 11 year-professional who has wins over Cesar Alan Valezuela Zatarain (3-0-1) and Angel Flores (8-0). Murray is coming off a unanimous decision win over Tyrome Jones on June 11th in Saint Louis.

In the exciting 10-round co-feature, Demond Nicholson will take on Christopher Brooker in a super middleweight fight.

Nicholson of Laurel, Maryland, is 25-4-1 with 21 knockouts. The 29 year-old is a nine year veteran who has had his hand raised over German Perez (11-1-3), Joshua Okine (28-5-1), Isaac Rodrigies (25-2) and his last bout when he stopped Gabriel Phan (15-2) in five rounds on February 19th at Live! Casino Maryland.

Brooker of Philadelphia has a record of 16-11 with six knockouts. The 31 year-old Brooker is a seven year professional who has big wins over Leo Hall (8-0), John Magda (11-0), Antowyan Aikens (11-1), Gabriel Pham (6-0), former world title challenger (28-7-1), Lanell Bellows (18-2-2). Brooker is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over DeAndre Ware on June 4th in Toledo, Ohio.

In six-round bouts:

Nick Kisner (22-6-1, 6 KOs) of Baltimore takes on an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.

Brandon Chambers (7-0-1, 4 KOs) of Gwynn Oak, Maryland takes on TayShawn Autry (4-9, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York in a super bantamweight fight.

Mansaborie Conde (5-0, 4 KOs) of Laurel, Maryland fights Dewayne Williams (3-4-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight fight.

In four-round Bouts:

Joseph Veazey (7-0, 4 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on Tyrone Crawley Jr. (7-11) a welterweight bout.

Jaqeem Hutcherson (5-1) of Capitol Heights, Maryland takes on Printice Canada (3-5-1, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis, Missouri in a super bantamweight contest.

Victor Williams (3-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC fights an opponent to be named in a welterweight fight.

Jerome Feathersrone (2-0) of Westminster, Maryland takes on Jahdon Irvin (1-1-1) of St. Claire, Pennsylvania in a super welterweight bout.

Ahmad Jones (2-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on takes on pro debuting Kani Burnside of Ironton, Ohio in a junior welterweight fight

Vince Mosca of Nottingham, Maryland will make his pro debut against Keynan Williams (1-2) of Winchester, Virginia in a light heavyweight bout.

Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) has had to overcome some of the most shocking of circumstances to put himself in a position to fight Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) for the WBO International Super Welterweight belt on Saturday 30 July at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, live on Channel 5.

You will seldom find someone more mentally and physically strong than Bastida, who is prepared to leave his homeland of Argentina to fight overseas for the first time in front of his opponents own crowd.

The North East takeover could be threatened by this dangerous Argentine, who is calling upon his impenetrable will and his peak conditioning to show why he has aspirations of becoming a world champion.

“I’m in boxing to achieve my dream of becoming a world champion, and leaving my surname remembered and respected,” said Bastida. “I really appreciate this opportunity to fight for the WBO International belt in Newcastle.

“Winning this means everything and that’s why I’m prepared to travel abroad to compete. I have huge support from my family and my friends, they have a lot of faith in me.”

Faith is not something that has always been present in the life of ‘El Tornado’. He went out to meet a group of friends, and found himself being held at knife-point by a mugger with a butchers knife.

After doing his upmost to protect himself, he miraculously escaped the attacker but left with injuries that put his boxing career in serious jeopardy.

“It was around 5 years ago when someone tried to rob me, and they stabbed me in the arm which cut three tendons and a nerve. At that point I thought my career was over,” he said.

“Doctors had no faith I would return to boxing, but I worked hard to rehab and make it back. I had to wait 12 months to fight again, and I boxed with a lot of pain in my hand, but I won. Since then, I took this as my second chance in boxing and I’ll give my best all the way to the very end.”

Now he comes up against Sunderland’s Kelly who will be looking to overcome this Argentine fighter who has lived a life of bouncing back when the odds are against him.

Having come through the other side of a past full of trials and tribulations, Bastida believes he is in his prime and ready to throw down on fight night.

“This is my first fight abroad, and I’m excited to travel to the UK and get to test myself against someone like Josh Kelly. I’ll go to the UK in the best condition I’ve been in. I know I have strong hands, I just need to be patient and wait for my moment.”

Unfazed by the travel, unfazed by Kelly’s home crowd, and unfazed about anything other than appreciating his life; Bastida is a man with nothing to lose. Entering the main event at the Vertu Motors Arena, the Argentine is up for the task of being locked in their with no one but his opponent.

“I’m a fighter in life. I’ve been in this sport a long-time training to be someone, I have a one year old daughter too and I fight for her,” he said.

“We are aware that we are going to his home, but in the ring it is just me and him. When the bell rings, we will see who’s better.”

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) headline for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell (21-5, 5 KOs). Heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (3-0, 1 KO) guaranteed to produce fireworks amongst top local talent such as ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com