Australian amateur star Skye Nicolson has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make her highly anticipated professional debut at Featherweight in 2022. 
 
The 26-year-old has helped pave the way for female boxing in Australia, winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and more recently representing her country at the Tokyo Olympics. 
 
Nicolson narrowly missed out on becoming Australia’s first female boxing medallist since the 1988 Olympics when she lost to Great Britain’s Karriss Artingstall after three tightly contested rounds in July. 
 
Managed by Paul Ready and STN Sports, slick southpaw Nicolson now turns her attention to making her mark in the thriving professional scene at a time when boxing has never been bigger in her homeland. 
 
“It’s a dream come true to be signing with the biggest and best promotional company in the world,” said Nicolson. “I can’t wait to make big waves and show the world what I can do. I’m about to put Australian women’s boxing on notice. I have built an incredible team around me and have all the faith in the world that my career is being guided by the best and I can’t thank STN and Matchroom enough.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Skye to the Matchroom Boxing team as we continue our expansion into Australia,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Skye is a special talent who turns professional at the perfect time and we look forward to boxing her all around the world to grow her profile and develop her as a fighter as she chases World Titles and Undisputed Championships.”
 
“Skye is a rare talent inside and outside the ring,” said Director of STN Sports Paul Ready. “She has a fan-friendly slick southpaw style and has the ability to be a global superstar. You will see her wow fans in the U.K, USA & most importantly built back home in Australia.”
 
You can follow Nicolson’s journey on Instagram: skyebnic

In a bloody affair, Artur Beterbiev stopped mandatory challenger Marcus Browne in round nine of their 12-round bout to retain the IBF/WBC Light Heavyweight titles at Bell Centre in Montreal.

Browne got off to a good start as over the first couple of rounds, he was able to box and move as Beterbiev was trying to figure out the southpaw.

In round four, an unintentional clash of heads opened up big cuts on both men. Beterbiev was cut down his forehead, while Browne was cut over his left eye.

In round seven, Beterbiev landed a hard left to the body that followed up by a flush right to the head that sent Browne to the canvas. In round nine, Beterbiev landed a vicious body shot that was followed by an uppercut that sent Browne down for the 10-count at 46 seconds.

Beterbiev, 175 lbs of Montreal via Russia is now a perfect 17-0 with 17 knockouts. Browne, 174.6 lbs of Park Hill, NY is 24-2.

Dicaire Stops Lozano in 7; Wins 154 lb Title

Marie Eve Dicaire became a two-time world champion as she stopped Cynthia Lozano in round seven to win the IBF Junior Welterweight title

In round three, Lozano began to swell under her right eye. Dicaire dominated the fight against Lozano who looked levels below the Canadian champion. Lozano would try to run in only to get time and time again until the fight was stopped 1:03.

Dicaire, 153 lbs is 18-1 as she notched her first stoppage. Lozano is 9-1.

Rolls Stops Brooker in 9

Steve Rolls stopped Christopher Brooker in round nine of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round nine, Rolls landed hard right that drove Brooker into the ropes and followed up by three more right hands and a little left that put Brooker down for the 10-count. at 1:32.

Rolls, 166.8 lbs of Toronto is now 21-1 with 12 knockouts. Brooker, 166.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 16-9.

Pellerin Decisions Rivas

In a lackluster 10-round cruiserweight fight Yan Pellerin won a unanimous decision over Francisco Rivas.

Pellerin, 199 lbs won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 13-1. Rivas, 198.2 lbs is 15-3.

Biyarslanov stopes Ayala in 1

Arthur Biyarslanov remained undefeated by stopping Alan Ayala in round one of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Biyarslanov dropped Ayala with a left to the body. He finished the fight with a hard barrage of punches that put Ayala down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:40.

Biyarslanov, 139.6 lbs of Toronto is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Ayala, 138.8 lbs is 9-3.

Jukembayev stops Martinez in 1

Batyr Jukembayev stopped Juan Jose Martinez in the opening round of their middleweight bout.

In round one, Jukembayev landed a left hand that drover Martinez into the ropes for a knockdown. Jukembayev landed a big combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:09.

Jukembayev, 150.4 lbs is now 19-1 with 15 knockouts. Martinez, 158 lbs is now 28-11.

TAMPA, FLA. – December 17, 2021 – Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley both made weight and faced off for the final time at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa ahead of their anticipated rematch on SHOWTIME PPV tomorrow night, Saturday, December 18 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa.

Final weights and commission officials for the four-fight SHOWTIME PPV card are below.

Cruiserweight Bout (192-pound contract weight) – 8 Rounds

Jake Paul – 191 ½ lbs.

Tyron Woodley – 189 ½ lbs.

Referee: Christopher Young; Judges: Efrain Lebron (Fla.), James O’Connor (Fla.), Michael Ross (Fla.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Amanda Serrano – 133 ¾ lbs.

Miriam Gutierrez – 133 ½ lbs.

Referee: Emil Lombardi; Judges: Efrain Lebron (Fla.), Alexander Levin (Fla.), Michelle Walker-Serrano (Fla.)

Heavyweight Special Attraction (215-pound contract weight) – 4 Rounds*

Deron Williams – 211 ¼ lbs.

Frank Gore – 209 ½ lbs.

Referee: Christopher Young; Judges: Efrain Lebron (Fla.), Michael Ross (Fla.), Michelle Walker-Serrano (Fla.)

*The Florida State Athletic Commission has sanctioned the fight as an exhibition bout.

Junior Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Liam Paro – 139 ½ lbs.

Yomar Alamo – 139 lbs. 

Referee: Frank Gentile; Judges: Alexander Levin (Fla.), James O’Connor (Fla.), Michael Ross (Fla.)

#        #        #

ABOUT PAUL VS. WOODLEY II: “LEAVE NO DOUBT”

Paul vs. Woodley II will see international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul face former MMA world champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in a rematch of their August clash won by Paul. Paul vs. Woodley II titled “Leave No Doubt” will be the main event on SHOWTIME PPV, live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, December 18 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The SHOWTIME PPV event will feature three additional professional boxing matches. In the co-main event, seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez. Three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Deron Williams will take on legendary San Francisco 49ers running back, the No. 3 all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore in a four-round heavyweight special attraction.

In the telecast opener, undefeated IBF and WBO top-three ranked junior welterweight contender Liam Paro of Australia will face fellow unbeaten top-10 ranked, 140-pound Puerto Rican prospect Yomar Alamo in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown.

#PaulWoodley is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME Sports^® and promoted in association with Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

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

Webster, Mass. (December 17, 2021) – The official weigh in for “New England’s Future VIII,” presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), was held today at Drafter Sports Café in Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, for tomorrow night’s pro boxing event at Webster Town Hall in Webster, Massachusetts.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 (reserved seating) and $45.00 (general admission) and available for purchase or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Fighters’ weights are below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT N. E. SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Wilfredo Pagan (6-1-1, 3 KOs), Southbridge, MA by way of Puerto Rico 141.6 lbs.

Carlos Marerro, III (2-6-2, 0 KOs), Bridgeport, CT 137.4 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Oscar Bonilla (6-3-2, 1 KO), Bridgeport, CT 140.6 lbs.

Seth Basler (0-17), Marion, IL 140 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (6)

Josniel Castro (7-0, 5 KOs), Boca Raton, FL 151.4 lbs.

Lenwood Dozier (10-28-3, 5 KOs), Belcamp, MD SATURDAY

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Bobby Harris III (3-0-1, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA 167.6 lbs.

David Rohn (0-10-1), Vila Park, IL 169 lbs.

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

Anuel Rosa (2-0, 2 KOs), New Haven, CT 151.4 lbs.

Stacy Anderson (0-8), Albuquerque, NM 153.4 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Demek Edmonds (3-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA 198.4 lbs.

Wewerton Silveira Silva (0-1), Boston, MA by way of Brazil 209 lbs.

(Card Subject To Change)

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt, @JoseRiveraChamp, @KingRivera_, @ShearnsBoxing

NEWARK, N.J. (December 17, 2021) – – Welterweight prospect and New Jersey-native Vito Mielnicki Jr. previewed his Christmas Day showdown against Nicholas DeLomba during a press conference Thursday before they meet on Saturday, December 25 headlining FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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

The FOX telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also feature sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer taking on Mexico’s Limberth Ponce for eight-rounds of middleweight action in the co-main event.

Here is what Mielnicki and his trainer Muhammad Salaam had to say Thursday:

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“I want to thank my whole team for giving me the opportunity to display my skills on the biggest platform possible. I’m blessed to be back here fighting on Christmas Day in my home state at Prudential Center.

“We’re ready to put on a show for everyone on Christmas. This is going to be a great gift for everyone. We’re going to give you a great night of action.

“This is a dream come true for me. There’s no other way I’d rather spend Christmas. I’m living the dream at 19-years-old. I can’t wait to perform in front of a huge audience on FOX.

“I’m really excited to be able to fight in front of my home fans in the state of New Jersey. This is my toughest opponent to date, and I’m expecting a tough fight. You don’t want to miss this one, because we’re definitely delivering fireworks.”

MUHAMMAD SALAAM, Mielnicki’s Head Trainer

“We put a lot of good work into this camp. A lot of hard work every day to be at our best on fight night.

“This is going to be a great performance on Christmas Day. We put in the work and now we’re going to go out there and do what we do best.”

#

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.

(Dec. 17, 2021) — From two continents, a pair of pre-Christmas fight cards will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. It all kicks off Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Ice Palace in Brovary, Ukraine, as 2012 Olympic silver medalist Denys Berinchyk defends his WBO International lightweight title in a scheduled 12-rounder versus Isa Chaniev (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT).
 
Berinchyk (15-0, 9 KOs) has defended the WBO International belt five times, while Chaniev (15-3, 7 KOs), a former world title challenger, has won two in a row since a majority decision defeat to Pavel Malikov.

Also scheduled to appear on the card from Ukraine: Heavyweight knockout artist Vladyslav Sirenko (18-0, 15 KOs) goes for his fourth victory of 2021 in a 10-rounder against Andriy Rudenko (34-5, 20 KOs), and 2016 Olympian Dmytro Mytrofanov (11-0-1, 5 KOs) aims to extend his winning streak to 10 in an eight-round junior middleweight contest against Berikbay Nurymbetov (8-4-1, 3 KOs).
 
The international action on ESPN+ continues from Sydney, Australia, in the early morning on Tuesday, Dec. 21. Former world champion Andrew “The Monster” Moloney, fresh off his trilogy against Joshua “El Profesor” Franco, makes his homecoming ring return in a 10-round junior bantamweight bout against Froilan Saludar at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
 
The Moloney-Saludar card will stream starting at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT. Moloney (21-2, 14 KOs) held the WBA world title briefly before embarking on his trio of fights with Franco. Moloney lost a pair of unanimous decisions to Franco, with a controversial no-contest sandwiched in between. Saludar (32-4-1, 22 KOs), a 32-year-old Filipino, is 4-1 since challenging Sho Kimura for the WBO flyweight world title in July 2018.

In other action from Australia, light heavyweight veteran Renold Quinlan (13-8, 8 KOs), will fight rising prospect Faris Chevalier (12-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder, southpaw heavyweight Jackson Murray (2-0, 2 KOs) looks to make it three first-round KOs in a row versus David Tuliloa (2-3, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder, and junior lightweight Manuer Matet (3-1, 2 KOs) seeks to extend his winning streak to three versus Jye Lane Taylor (3-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.
 
About ESPN+
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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year)
at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

ORLANDO, FL (December 17, 2021) – Well known boxing manager, Tim VanNewhouse has signed, Haitian Olympian Darrelle Valsaint, one of the brightest blue-chip prospects in boxing. The 19-year-old super welterweight was born in Orlando, Fla. and represented Haiti at the 2020 Olympics, making it to the middleweight quarterfinals before dropping a decision to the eventual bronze medalist Gleb Bakshi. Valsaint turned pro in November of 2020 and has a record of (2-0, 1 KO). His next fight is being planned for February of 2022.

“I want to make something big out of boxing and provide a better life for myself and family,” said Valsaint, who won gold at the U.S. Youth National Championships and National Junior Olympics in 2018. “The timing is perfect. My mentor Derick Lacapra and I stayed patient and interviewed many managers. We feel Tim’s our guy to drive my career forward and guide me into becoming a world champion. I can’t wait until February to show my talent and everything I’ve been working on in the gym.”

Valsaint is now based in Tampa, where he trains with Marc Farrait and Asa Beard. Farrait is best known for his work with super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga, while Beard had trained former world champion Argenis Mendez.

“Valsaint has good physical attributes and tremendous ability to go along with his blistering hand speed and power in both hands,” said VanNewhouse, who’s stable includes prospects Najee Lopez, Jan Paul Rivera and Tommy Wu. “He’s a sensational boxer-puncher who can fight from the orthodox and southpaw stance. I’ve paired him with a wonderful group of coaches in Tampa led by Marc Farrait and Asa Beard. He’s on the right track to a bright future and I look forward to guiding him on this journey.”

Montreal, Que. Canada(December 17, 2021)–TONIGHT!! Christopher Brooker will look to add one more name on his list of upset victories when he takes on Steve Rolls at The Bell Centre in Montreal.

Brooker, who is managed by DKO Management, has a record of 16-8 with six knockouts is look to add Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs) to a list of upset victims that Brooker has on his ledger.

That list includes Leo Hall (8-0), John Magda (10-0), Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1), Gabriel Pham (6-0), Elvin Ayala (28-7-1) and Lanell Bellows (18-2).

Rolls of Toronto has wins over Steed Woodall (9-0-1), Demond Nicholson (17-1-1), Damian Ezequiel Bonelli (23-2) and KeAndre Leatherwood (21-5-1). The lone blemish on Rolls ledger was a spirited defeat to former unified world champion Gennady Golovkin. Rolls is coming off a 4th round stoppage over Gilberto Pereira Dos Santos on January 28th in Toronto.

At Thursday’s weigh in, Brooker was 166.4 lbs. Rolls was 166.8.

The bout can be seen live on ESPN+ at 8 PM ET

Photos by GYM Social Media

By Norm Frauenheim-

Olympic boxing is about to become what it has been known for making.

History.

At least, it sounds as if it’s closer to Olympic abolition than it ever has been.

Boxing, which has been around since the ancient Greek Games, was not included on a list of sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, The Associated Press reported this week.

The story didn’t get any attention. No surprise there. Nobody much cares anymore. Olympic boxing is already a ruin, unrecognizable and seemingly beyond repair after more than three decades of uninterrupted scandal and rank corruption.

Other than last rites, there doesn’t seem to be anything left to say. But there is concern. After all, the prize-fighting business has relied on Olympic boxing. From Muhammad Ali to Andre Ward, Olympic gold has led to box-office gold. It has been a place where talent can be discovered, refined and introduced to a diverse audience.

Even now, it’s a way of re-creating the game. To wit: Keyshawn Davis. The Tokyo silver medalist is an interesting prospect. Will he make it to the top of the pro game? Who knows? But we know him because of the Olympics. He’s a lightweight worth following.

Seven years from now, however, the Keyshawn of a new generation might not have that Olympic platform. That robs an emerging generation of fighters of an early goal. It also robs the business of prospects who sustain its future. An Olympics without boxing is one step toward the end so often predicted by the Boxing-Is-Dead crowd.

Mauricio Sulaiman knows that. Olympic boxing is a cornerstone to his place in the pro game. He plans a fight to preserve it, which is in effect a fight for his sanctioning body, the World Boxing Council (WBC).

“It’s a matter of great concern,’’ Sulaiman, the WBC president, said Thursday in an annual year-end zoom session with reporters from his office in Mexico City.

Sulaiman said he is communicating with the bodies supposedly in charge of amateur boxing. Trouble is, it’s not exactly clear what – who — those organizations are anymore. It was AIBA a year ago. Now, it is IBA. There’s acrimony in the acronyms, neither of which were supposed to be within earshot of an opening bell at the Tokyo Games last summer.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to keep amateur boxing’s ruling cartel as far away from a scorecard as possible. It looks as if nothing about the IOC’s evident exasperation has changed.  It was expressed all over again with the decision to keep boxing off its initial list sports for 2028.    

Initial is the operative word here. According to the AP, there’s a chance that boxing could still be added – restored? — if it gets its act together. Big if. We’ve been waiting for Olympic boxing get its house in order for more than three decades

No matter what the letters are in the ever-changing acronym, there’s still the whiff of more scandal.

A year ago, Russian Umar Kremlyov was elected president of the governing body. Kremlyov is still the president. And the IOC is still skeptical, according to an AP report, which a year ago cited his promise to clear up the acronym’s $16-million debt if boxing’s Olympic status was retained.

Now, Kremlyov is promising to reform boxing’s judging system, which has been riddled with corruption ever since Roy Jones Jr. and Michael Carbajal were robbed of gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: If Olympic boxing is serious about cleaning up its act, go back to the initial scene of the crime. Give Jones and Carbajal their rightful gold medals. Those are the fixes that never got fixed. There’s been a long succession of them ever since.

Despite Kremlyov’s lofty promise, he’s not willing to go into down and dirty details    

“We have nothing to hide,’’ Kremlyov told the AP this week.

Then, however, Kremlyov was asked about allegations of fixed fights reported in an Olympic investigation of the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games. Kremlyov said he couldn’t he couldn’t be specific about what fights were fixed.  Or who did the fixing.

A memo to Kremlyov and everybody else with AIBA, IBA or whatever it’s called today: Get specific, or stay off that list. 

Saul Sanchez 121.9 vs Jose Estrella 122
Ruben Torres 136.4 vs Francisco Armenta 138
Brandon Benitez 126.9 vs Anthony Chavez 128
Manuel Flores 119.9 vs Leonardo Torres 120.1
Ivan Zarate 122 vs Roberto Rodriguez 120.3

“Path to Glory” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel 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, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone).

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube
pages.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 16, 2021) – Former world champion, and light heavyweight Mexican superstar, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico, and his opponent, Cuba’s Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round clash on Saturday, December 18 live on DAZN. The fighters are scheduled to fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator at AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.

Three-time world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (21-0, 8 KOs) was also in attendance along with her opponent, the undefeated Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-0, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City, Gua. They are set to face off for Estrada’s WBA Minimumweight World title in a 10-round fight. Lamont Roach, Jr. (21-1-1, 9 KOs) and former world champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (32-10, 21 KOs) were also onsite to talk about their upcoming career defining 10-round fight for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight championship. 2012 U.S. Olympic Bronze Medal winner and current WBC Flyweight World Champion Marlen Esparza (10-1, 1 KOs) and her opponent the long-reigning, former two-time world champion, Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-4, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico were also on hand to discuss their upcoming battle for Esparza’s WBC Flyweight World Championship.

Prospects featured on the Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch portion of the fight card were also onsite to discuss their upcoming bouts. Fighters in attendance included, Luis Hernandez (21-1, 19 KOs) who will face off against Ruslan Madiyev (13-2, 5 KOs) in 10-round super lightweight bout; and Victor Morales (15-0, 8KOs) will fight Rudy Garcia (12-0, 2 KOs) in an all-out 8-round featherweight clash as both prospects put their undefeated records on the line.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming fights:

GILBERTO ‘ZURDO’ RAMIREZ, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AND UNDEFEATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORD TITLE CONTENDER

“Gonzalez is a good challenge for me. This is an eliminator fight. I have been working so hard to get to the world title and I am ready to go through Yunieski Gonzalez to get there.

“I want the people to know me, and I enjoy, and want to be with the people. I was a little insecure before, but not anymore.

“Boxing is what I want to do for life. Even if I am not in the ring I want to be in boxing as a promoter. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions and the whole team for everything they have done for me.

“Before when I won the title fights at 168lbs I felt empty inside. During the shutdown from corona virus, I started meditation, yoga, and I found myself. I was in a dark place, and I needed to change that to be the best in boxing. It just took time for me to learn to live with myself.”

YUNIESKI ‘THE MONSTER’ GONZALEZ, LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER

“I was surprised Zurdo wanted to fight me. I am happy and grateful for the opportunity as I know Zurdo Ramirez, and what a fight with him can offer me.

“Everything is good, we have put in a lot of hard work. I want to thank my team, and all the guys in South Florida who helped me with sparring. Everything has been going well and I just want to thank God for this opportunity.”

SENIESA ‘SUPERBAD’ ESTRADA, WBA MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“I feel most comfortable at this division. It’s a natural weight class for me. I have faced two great world champions and defeated them both. This has given me confidence in my skills and has prepared me mentally.

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for giving me the platform to represent women’s boxing. We are now co-main, main events, and I just want to keep representing women’s boxing as much as I can.”

MARIA ‘LA IMPARABLE’ SANTIZO, UNDEFEATED WBA MINIMUMWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER

“I want to thank God, Golden Boy promotions, and my promoter, Rios Promotions and FercoBox for this opportunity to fight for the world championship.

“To be a champion you have to face and beat the champion. I am going to face the world champion and win.

“I have to do what I have to do to win. I have been working very hard to get to this great opportunity and to be the co-main event is amazing. I know we both have great tools and we are going to put on a great show.”

LAMONT ROACH, JR, VACANT NABA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER

“I know that Rene is a warrior and he is going to come with everything, and that is what we are expecting. This is the type of fight I have been asking for.

“This fight will showcase my skill, and will prove that I belong on this stage.

“I know he is going to be there to be hit all night, we are not overlooking him. He is a respected former world champion. But all I can say is that I am back, and am going for 3-3.”

RENE ‘GEMELO’ ALVARADO, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AND NABA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER

“I want to thank god for the opportunity. Training camp has been, a great opportunity to get back to fighting for a world title.

“We are here to do a good job, we are representing Nicaragua and I am looking froward to bring a world title back to my country soon.

“We have the ambition and all the desire to get earn a victory on Saturday night.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, WBC FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“Yes, I am excited for this fight. There is a difference between getting the belt and defending it.

“I am so happy to be defending my world title in Texas for the first time. I am excited to put on a good show.”

ANABEL ‘AVISPA’ ORTIZ, FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND WBC FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER

“It’s a new challenge in my career, moving up in weight. I had great training camp and am really well prepared to take on this new challenge.

“Seniesa was a better fighter than me that night. I want to loose against the best, that night, that was what happened. But I am always challenging myself to fight the best to be the best.”

LUIS HERNANDEZ, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT

“I know this is not an easy fight. I never overlook any fighter. We did a good job at training camp and it will show on fight night.”

RUSLAN MADIYEV, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT

“I have been training three months nonstop, and I am ready for this opportunity. I changed coaches and and so happy with my team now. I know I won my last fight, but this is boxing, we know that happens sometimes.”

VICTOR MORALES, UNDEFEATED VACANT WBC INTERNATIONAL GOLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER

“I am not surprised he took the fight. We are both young fighters, fighting for our first world title. All I can say is that we are going to go out there, show a lot of speed and move forward. We are both young we are going to put it all the line.”

RUDY GARCIA, VACANT WBC INTERNATIONAL GOLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER

“I am very excited. I have been working for this opportunity. Any strap, any belt, it’s an honor to fight for it. I come from a family where we don’t back down from any challenge. I am here to take away another 0 from another fighter.”

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Gonzalez are on sale now and are priced at $150, $75, $50, $35 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by using the Ticketmaster App on your mobile device.

Zurdo vs. Gonzalez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, December 18, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoGonzalez.

ABOUT THE AT&T CENTER
The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information, go to ATTCenter.com.

TAMPA – December 16, 2021 – International superstar and unbeaten pro boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and former MMA world champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley previewed their highly-anticipated rematch during the final press conference Thursday before they square off in the SHOWTIME PPV main event this Saturday, December 18 live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa.

The press conference also featured seven-division world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano and lightweight titleholder Miriam Gutierrez, who meet in the co-main event, three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams and legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, who meet in a four-round pro boxing heavyweight bout, and unbeaten 140-pound contenders Liam Paro and Yomar Alamo, who square off in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Also in attendance Thursday were Anthony Taylor and Chris Avila, pro boxers and MMA fighters who will clash in an eight-round super middleweight bout as part of the non-televised undercard.

Paul and Woodley will square off once again in a rematch of Paul’s split decision over Woodley in front of a sold-out crowd in Cleveland in August. The former UFC champion was Paul’s toughest opponent to date and the first fighter to take boxing’s newest star the distance. The judges scored the fight 77-75 for Paul, 77-75 for Woodley and 78-74 for Paul.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa:

JAKE PAUL

“It’s funny how someone considered a pro boxer like Tommy Fury gets sick and doesn’t want to fight. I’ve fought hurt before. You have to go get the job done.

“This is no problem for me. I’m getting a big bag to beat the guy I already beat. It’s going to be a bank robbery.

“We added the $500,000 knockout bonus to his contract for this fight, but I don’t need anything else, I already have everything.

“My career has become about shutting people up. This is another version of that. We’re here to up the ante.

“Just because I’m paying him to beat me, doesn’t mean he can. If anything, it’s to my advantage, because he’s going to come out recklessly and get caught.

“I hurt him multiple times in that first fight, and I didn’t even hit him with my best shot. It was a bad night and I still beat him. He should be embarrassed by that.

“Everyone better tune in to this fight on SHOWTIME PPV because if you don’t, you’re going to be missing out on one of the best fights out there.

“I’ve been hit harder in sparring than I was by Woodley. Some of those guys I fight can really crack. He won a UFC title with that right hand, but he hit me with it and I took it no problem.”

TYRON WOODLEY

“When I got the call for this fight, my thought was that things happened for a reason. Everything is aligned. Something wasn’t sitting right for me about Jake fighting Tommy Fury. They didn’t even have to finish their sentence before I said yes to the rematch.

“I’m just excited about the opportunity to redeem myself. We found out a lot about each other that night in the ring. We have mutual respect, but there’s still unfinished business.

“You have to be patient in finishing someone off in this sport. You have to respect their power and I’m not going to pretend like he doesn’t have power. We both do.

“In the second half of the fight I started walking him down and backing him up. I had him hurt, but he wasn’t out of it. I maybe could have been more active, but I have to go off of what I see.

“Every time I hit him, he ran. When I got hit, I came right back into his face.

“August 29 was a Christmas gift. On December 18, it’s going to be a bad night for Jake Paul. I just need to go out there and get it done. This is round nine to me.

“Jake was running in the first fight so I can measure his track speed more than his power. I give him a 10 out of 10 on his backpedaling. He should be a cornerback.

“I’m not going to bash his goals, but Saturday my goal and my mission is clear, and it’s independent of his. I’m coming to smash him.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“This fight is very important for me. Miriam is a tough and durable fighter. She stepped up to the task of fighting me and I have to get through her. There’s been a lot of upsets lately and I know she wants to do the same thing. I’ve trained super hard to make this a great performance.

“I know Miriam is tough because she went the distance with Katie Taylor. I just have to perform to the best of our abilities to get to the next fight. I’ve trained really hard for Miriam and she’s my focus come Saturday night.

“I have some stoppages already at lightweight. My power is real and I take it wherever I go, no matter the division. Gutierrez is a natural 135-pounder so I’m ready to test my power once again.”

MIRIAM GUTIERREZ

“This is a great experience. To have this experience against a seven-division world champion like Amanda Serrano is just amazing. I’m here to fight the best. I fought against Katie Taylor under different circumstances. Training was different during the pandemic because everything was closed. It was harder. Now I’m just here to enjoy the entirety of the experience, the fans, the atmosphere. I love every single second of it.

“Every fighter is different. I am one way; Amanda Serrano is another way. Katie Taylor is different than both of us. I have prepared to fight against the best.

“Amanda will be a great test for me. I want to see what I’m all about and what this sport is all about. I want the biggest challenges and I’m ready for everything that comes my way.”

DERON WILLIAMS

“This fight is between two guys who are high-level athletes in their respective sports and who have decided to dedicate themselves to the sport of boxing.

“It’s an interesting fight because neither of us has a fight before. There’s no tape on us. You will have to tune in on December 18 and see what happens.

“There is a stigma about basketball players being a little soft. I am here to show that it’s not the case. I have been training for a while in MMA. Making the switch to boxing has been a process that I have enjoyed. I have taken this camp very seriously. You are going to see that on Saturday.”

FRANK GORE

“I’m very excited for this opportunity. A lot of people are going to be really surprised by my skillset. I took this training camp very seriously. I’m going to show the world that I have boxing skills come Saturday night.

“This is going to be a good fight. I respect my opponent. I don’t look at Deron as a basketball player. Anyone who goes in the ring has some kind of toughness. He’s trained in MMA and wrestled before, so I know he’s tough.

“I’ve been the underdog all my life and I’m okay with it. I trained hard and I’ve been around this sport a long time. I’m ready and I trained my behind off. The fans are going to see some good stuff from me on Saturday night.”

LIAM PARO

“I have had a perfect camp. On Saturday night, it’s going to be an absolute mismatch guaranteed. I am going to explode on the international scene in a big way.

“I am world class. I’m coming for the whole 140-pound division. After Saturday night, I’m putting them all on notice. I’m going to do it in devastating fashion.”

YOMAR ALAMO

“He can say whatever he wants, but he has to respect the fact that I’ve taken out unbeaten fighters before. He has to know that this won’t be easy. I’m coming for him.

“I love it when people underestimate me. In the end, it’s just going to be me and him in the ring and I’m going to show him what I’m all about.

“I’m not going to underestimate anybody. I’m always prepared for anything my opponent can come at me with. The only thing I can promise, is that I am going to come out with the win.”

ANTHONY TAYLOR

“Since the Tommy Fury fight, I’ve fought twice and brushed up my skills. I’m a lot sharper, faster and better than ever.

“Now I have the opportunity to shut him up again. If Nate Diaz wants problems, we can settle it. I’m coming into this fight with a whole new skillset.

“Chris Avila doesn’t have anything for me. His whole Diaz Army has nothing for me. I’m coming into this fight to knock him out and make a statement. Come this Saturday night, he’s going down.”

CHRIS AVILA

“I’m coming to do my thing and leave the ring with my hand raised. He’s got nothing for me that I can’t handle.

“This is an eight -ound fight and that’s going to play to my advantage. He doesn’t have what it takes. He can say what he wants. He didn’t do anything but run in our MMA fight. He’s going to run again.”

#        #        #

ABOUT PAUL VS. WOODLEY II: “LEAVE NO DOUBT”

Paul vs. Woodley II will see international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul face former MMA world champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in a rematch of their August clash won by Paul. Paul vs. Woodley II titled “Leave No Doubt” will be the main event on SHOWTIME PPV, live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, December 18 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The SHOWTIME PPV event will feature three additional professional boxing matches. In the co-main event, seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez. Three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Deron Williams will take on legendary San Francisco 49ers running back, the No. 3 all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore in a four-round heavyweight bout, the professional boxing debut for both men.

In the telecast opener, undefeated IBF and WBO top-three ranked junior welterweight contender Liam Paro of Australia will face fellow unbeaten top-10 ranked, 140-pound Puerto Rican prospect Yomar Alamo in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown.

#PaulWoodley is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME Sports^® and promoted in association with Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

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

Los Angeles, CA (December 16, 2021) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions returns on Thursday, March 17, 2022 with a St. Patrick’s Day Bash as part  of its acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series at the Quiet Cannon – Montebello Country Club.

Advance Tickets are Now-On-Sale starting at $150 (VIP Ringside), $100 (Preferred Seating) and $80 (Reserved Seating), online at Hollywood Fight Nights / Seating. The Quiet Cannon – Montebello Country Club is located at 901 via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. PT. For more information on the venue please visit www.QuietCannon.com.

“The atmosphere at our packed show this past Friday night was incredible and we wanted to lock in our next event,” said Loeffler. “The fans truly are speaking loud and clear how much they love coming to our shows and at our new home at the Quiet Cannon.”

“We’ll be announcing a tremendous card shortly and can’t wait to make this St. Patrick’s Day Bash one of the most memorable nights of the 2022 boxing calendar.”

About 360 Promotions:

During 2017, Tom Loeffler founded 360 Promotions to provide rising boxers additional opportunities to develop their talents. 360 Promotions produced the acclaimed ‘Superfly’ series giving exposure to tremendous talents in the lighter divisions including world champions; Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, Juan Francisco Estrada, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Naoya Inoue and Kazuto Ioka. In 2018, 360 Promotions launched the Hollywood Fight Nights series at the Avalon Nightclub in Hollywood, CA. Hollywood Fight Nights is billed as the VIP boxing experience which provides a platform for rising boxers to develop their talents as future champions.

Social Media

#HollywoodFightNights

Twitter

@360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1

Facebook

@360BoxingPromos

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@TomLoeffler1

Website

www.360Promotions.us

The Davie PAL in Davie Florida has produced elite champions for years under the watchful eye of legendary coach, the late Peter Balcunas. Many champions and such names as Teofimo Lopez, Xander Zayas.  Now with the conclusion of the 2021 USA Boxing Nationals in Shreveport, Louisiana, New head coach Rob Nonies, a protege of Balcunas, has crowned its newest Champion Super Heavyweight Lorenzo Medina. Medina won two competitive matches in the tournament to bring home the gold and the number #1 ranking in the Youth Super Heavyweight Division 

Lorenzo’s first win came against Braulio Arcos-Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois scoring a Unanimous decision, 5-0. In the Championship bout, Lorenzo faced Frederico Pacheco out of Los Angeles, California. Lorenzo won 4:1 to take home the national title. Medina captured the hearts of many spectators as he was the smaller boxer in both matches.  Medina’s father Alex Lopez and DAVIE PAL assistant coach Wilgen Vasquez were in the corner of Medina for both matches.

Nonies has coached Medina since he was 8 years old. Medina who is now just 17 years old had his first competitive boxing match in 2019.  Now after only 12 fights he has now put himself on track for top ELITE Ratings with a #1rannking in the Youth Division. Medina supplements his training at  Bay to Bay Boxing in Hollywood Florida with professional boxing trainers Coach Jeff Poritz & Coach Kevin Gleason from and Stay Ready Boxing.

MINNEAPOLIS (December 16, 2021) – Rising super lightweight contenders Richardson Hitchins and Malik Hawkins previewed their 10-round showdown before they step into the ring in the FS1 PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, December 18 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The FS1 telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten Dominican Olympian Héctor Luis García dueling Mexico’s Isaac Avelar in an eight-round super featherweight bout and undefeated light heavyweight prospect Suray Mahmutovic taking on fellow unbeaten Pachino Hill.

Following the action on FS1, FOX PBC Fight Night will be headlined by Cuban sensation and unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. defending his title in his adopted hometown when he faces 168-pound contender Alantez Fox.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through The Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Hitchins, a 2016 Haitian Olympian will look to keep his unbeaten record intact against his toughest competition to date, while Hawkins looks to bounce back from his first career defeat after losing to top contender Subriel Matias last year. The Mayweather Promotions fighters hope to solidify their contender status and move closer to a world title opportunity after Saturday night.

Here is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming showdown and more:

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“People are excited to see me back in the ring. During this year off I realized how many fans really backed me, so I’m happy to give them a show on FS1.

“Hawkins and I are cool, not friends, but I know who he is and we’ve trained together. We even sparred together back when Gervonta Davis was training for Jose Pedraza and again when Gervonta was preparing for Ricardo Nunez.

“The first time we sparred, back in 2017, he was nowhere near my level. Second time around in 2019, I could tell he respected me. We gave each other work, but not enough to really remember how much of an impact he had on me.

“When fighters fight me, they come with their best. I know he’s taking this fight seriously, especially after coming off that loss.

“I always have a lot to prove, I never look past opponents. I have more to lose than him. I’m still undefeated with everything on the line in every fight.

“I took this year to learn more about myself. Boxing is a science, and that requires fine tuning everything. My inside game is on another level this time around. Overall, I’m becoming greater. This fight will show what separates elite from average.

“Saturday night will be pure domination. He will be forced to respect me. I box smart.”

MALIK HAWKINS

“My coach David Sewell and I have known each other for a while and he’s known me since I was a kid so it was a natural transition to add him as my coach. We’ve been working on pushing the jab more and punch angles.

“I had (WBC Featherweight Champion) Gary Russell Jr. in the gym with me too. Russell has crazy speed, as we know, so he really just helped me see punches before they come, and with my jab. Between my coach, the hunger I have as a new dad, and the work I’ve been getting in the gym, I know what I have to do Saturday night.

“Becoming a dad has pushed me because I no longer have to provide for just myself, I have a family to feed now.

“I’m familiar with Hitchins, we’ve sparred, but I can’t say that he’s the same fighter he was when we last sparred. He might have changed his game plan, but either way, I’ll be ready.

“I don’t really need to say much more, except I hope he comes with that same energy he’s been talking about on social media, on fight night.”

#

ABOUT MORRELL VS. FOX
Morrell vs. Fox will see Cuban sensation and unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. defending his title in his adopted hometown when he faces 168-pound contender Alantez Fox in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 18 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features exciting rising unbeaten prospect José Valenzuela taking on lightweight contender Austin Dulay in the 10-round co-main event, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Alberto Puello dueling Minneapolis-native VeShawn Owens in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through The Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

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 @WarriorsBoxingProm, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2021) — Former unified junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez will return in front of a raucous home crowd. Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, will face former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza in a 12-round junior welterweight battle Saturday, Feb. 5 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In a six-round heavyweight special feature immediately before the main event, Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., from the Central Valley town of Tulare, California, will make his long-awaited professional debut.

The entire Ramirez-Pedraza card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. Undefeated lightweight prospect Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (13-0, 11 KOs), rising junior lightweight Karlos Balderas (11-1, 10 KOs), middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs), and 6’9 heavyweight Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (2-0, 2 KOs) are all slated to appear on the card.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $36 go on sale Monday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Jose Ramirez has always demanded the biggest challenges, and he’s back in there with a tough former champion in Jose Pedraza,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “There are few more exciting atmospheres in boxing than when Jose fights in the Central Valley. The fans there love Jose, and he embodies the region’s blue-collar work ethic. I am also delighted that the Central Valley’s next superstar, Richard Torrez Jr., will make his professional debut in front of a sold-out crowd.”

Ramirez (26-1, 17 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since May’s decision defeat to Josh Taylor for the undisputed junior welterweight title. Ramirez had made four title defenses since winning the WBC crown in 2018, and he unified the WBC and WBO world titles the following year with a knockout win over Maurice Hooker. Ramirez has drawn 65,794 fans through five headlining fight nights at Save Mart Center. When he fought Jose “Chon” Zepeda at Save Mart Center in February 2019, 14,034 fans — an attendance record for boxing in the arena — turned up. Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, is a former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion who has won three in a row since a decision defeat to Zepeda. He is coming off June’s eighth-round knockout over the previously undefeated Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez.

“I am motivated to become world champion once again, and it begins with a tough fight against Pedraza,” Ramirez said. “There are no better fans than the ones who pack the Save Mart Center every time I fight. The Central Valley is my home, and it is always a great honor to perform for my people.”

“This one is personal to Ramírez,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “This is the fight that puts him back at the top of the sport and in line for the biggest fights.”

Pedraza said, “The new year will bring a big opportunity to battle against a former world champion like Jose Ramirez. This fight is very important for me because I know this will be the fight that will give me the opportunity to win a world title in a third weight division.

“There is no space for a loss. Not on my record, and much less in my mind. I know that Ramirez is a great fighter and always comes well prepared. He always comes in shape to give the fans a great fight.” 

Torrez made history as the first American Olympian to medal in the Super Heavyweight division since Riddick Bowe in 1988. Last month, he signed a long-term professional contract with Top Rank. Torrez was a U.S. National Championships gold medalist in 2017 and 2018, in addition to capturing three U.S. Youth National titles from 2014-2016. He went 154-10 as an amateur, and after a long international career in the unpaid ranks, he returns home for his pro debut.

“I can think of no better place to turn pro than in front of my Central Valley friends and family,” Torrez said. “They’ve supported me my entire amateur career, and I am thrilled that they will see the start of my professional journey. Let’s show everyone what it means to be valley grown!”

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year)
at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

LAS VEGAS (December 16, 2021) – Former North American Boxing Association (NABA) Welterweight Champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-4, 8 KOs) challenges undefeated, reigning North American Boxing Federation welterweight title holder Raul “Cougar” Curiel (10-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round bout this Saturday night at AT&T Center in San Antonio.

Curiel vs. Castaneda is on a loaded card, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and headlined by the World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight title eliminator between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) and Yunieski “Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs), streaming live on DAZN. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for WBA Super Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs).

This is a potential career-changing fight for Castaneda, who won his first 17 pro fights before losing his last four matches. It should be noted that, keeping it in perspective, all four of Castaneda’s losses were fought in his opponent’s backyard and/or on their promoter’s show, and their combined record was 88-5.

“This is a career-changing fight for me because it puts me as a top-notch welterweight to reckon with,” explained the 28-year-old Castaneda, who is promoted by Roy Jones, Jr., (RJJ) Boxing Promotions. “An impressive win can get me a big fight in the welterweight division.”

Castaneda will still be taking on the promoter’s fighter, but this time “Tremendo” will have the advantage of fighting at home in San Antonio for the first time in more than 2 ½ years.

“It feels great to be fighting back at home since all the time I’ve been away,” Castaneda said. “I honestly don’t like traveling much. I miss my home crowed because all my fan support is here in San Antonio. Having my city behind me means the world to me.

Castaneda, who has never been stopped as a prizefighter, is fighting one of Golden Boy’s brightest prospects in 2016 Mexican Olympian Curiel, who will be making his first title defense of the NABF crown he captured this past June, stopping Ferdinand Kerobyan (14-1) in the ninth road.

“I believe I will outbox my opponent for 10 rounds and get a unanimous decision win,” Castaneda concluded. “I’d never heard of him. I’m ready for whatever comes my way, and I will execute for a victory.”

Kendo Castaneda is at the crossroads of his career needing to live up to his “Tremendo” nickname in order to turnaround his career.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Founded in 2013, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Thank you to everyone in attendance today here in Manchester ahead of a huge night of boxing this Saturday, live and exclusively on DAZN all around the world from the Manchester Arena.

“A huge crowd is expected as we wrap up what has been a sensational year against all odds. Tomorrow night we have our 43^rd show of the year in Uzbekistan, Saturday night we have our 44^th show of the year in Manchester and I think it’s one of the best shows we’ve put on so far this year.

“Of course, the main event a Heavyweight blockbuster, the rematch between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora. One of four brilliant 50/50 championship fights on this card, littered with great young talent and fighters emerging on the World Championship stage.” 

David Higgins, Founder and Director of Duco Events:

“It’s a pandemic and a crazy world. The fact Matchroom are still making events happen is fantastic. It’s a risky business, I think sometimes in boxing it’s fashionable to hate successful people, but I think everyone in the sport should be grateful Matchroom are keeping these shows going and providing the opportunities.

“We’re grateful for sure, and to Derek Chisora for always bringing a fight. Someone asked me today saying he’s going to come swinging trying to take Joseph’s head off does that worry you. I said no it doesn’t I’m sure we’ve prepared for that, but I’ve seen Joseph sometimes at his best in those types of situations. I’m sure Joseph is going to be cool and stick to the plan but if Derek wants to swing Joseph is ready for that too.”

Joseph Parker:

“It’s great to be back in Manchester with the team. We’ve had a tremendous camp; this fight will be different from the first for sure.

“Not having a crowd made a big difference, I think Derek feeds off the crowd, I feed off of them too. A lot of fighters feed off the crowd and just having no noise and hearing specific voices it’s pretty weird.

“The World Title, my eyes are just purely on this weekend and Derek Chisora. I want to probably knock him out between round six and ten.”

Andy Lee, trainer of Joseph Parker:

“I know how much Chisora would have improved with Dave because when I won the World Title, in my corner assisting Adam Booth was Dave Coldwell – I know all about him. I know how he will help Chisora improve.

“After the first fight when the bell rang, I thought they were going to give the decision to Derek Chisora, I said it to him in the ring. We got the decision and when I watched it back, I thought Joe won the fight. We won’t be negative, Joe’s going to be a lot more positive, he’ll stand a lot more, fight a lot more and be more consistent with his attack. It should make for an excellent fight.

“If anything, the crowd in there will be a benefit to Chisora more than Parker because he’ll feed of that and the energy, he’s a big favourite. He’s now the hero, people love him and his fight style, he’s given us great fights over the years. We’re here to do business, when Joseph gets in the ring, he’ll be different in terms of the spite he has, mentally and physically.” 

Derek Chisora:

Chose not to speak.

Dave Coldwell, trainer of Derek Chisora:        

“I think as a fighter gets more experience under their belt, they get wiser and realise certain mistakes that they made earlier on in their career they can’t afford to make as they go on. They just learn and get smarter.

“Derek when he linked up with David Haye, changed the way he lived nutrition-wise, looking after his body and keeping it maintained even between fights. Even though he’s getting older, that takes it’s time to really bed in and with consistency you get better results in how you perform.

“Right now, Derek is performing really well, I’m happy with the work he’s done in the gym, his commitment, his sparring sessions have been great. He’s in a good place and you’ll see on Saturday.

“I don’t expect it to go the distance. I think Parker’s link up with Andy Lee, he’s a very smart man when it comes to boxing, he’s worked with two of the best in business and to sprinkle a bit of Andy Lee’s knowledge in there you’re going to get results. I’m expecting a better, more aggressive and positive Joseph Parker, but in the same vein I’m seeing a better Derek Chisora.

“People have underestimated what a difference having a crowd makes to these guys, Derek loves the crowds singing his name and getting behind him. Certain fighters it doesn’t affect, your cool calculated boxing skillsters who’ll think their way through everything. Fighters like Derek and Joseph, they get that vibe, and it adds an extra few per cent. When you’re talking about performance levels in these kinds of fights, those little per cents add up.”

Jack Cullen:

“I’ve sold near enough 1,000 tickets, and I’ve promised everyone I’m winning the European Title, that’s my early Christmas present. I’m taking it with both hands and I’m going for it, I’ve had the European Title in my head for a long while and come 18^th December it’ll be a victory and a dream come true.

“You win a European Title and you’re right up there in all the rankings, anything can happen after this. I’ve just got to get past Sadjo on the 18^thand we’re ready for next year.

“I’ve just got to stick to my game plan, if I stick to it then it should be a good night for me.” 

Kevin Lele Sadjo:

“I did accept the challenge very quickly and thanks for the invitation. I am in form, my camp has had me training ready for a fight, when the opportunity arises to feature on a Chisora card it’s something you can’t miss. Without even watching Jack Cullen we were ready to sign up quickly and I’m hoping to return to France with the European Title.

“It’s funny you should choose the word war; the war is not in the crowd but in the ring. The war is where I position myself as a boxer, it’s not just the crowd for Jack Cullen, my crowd is watching me at home on DAZN. I think it’s going to be a superb encounter and the war is all about heart and I’ve brought my heart.” 

Zelfa Barrett:

“Bruno Tarimo, I’ve studied him, watched him, I know he’s a solid fighter. He throws the kitchen sink and has a bit of brains about him, but this is my World Title fight. I’m not thinking about anything else, he’s my target and I respect him and the struggles he’s had. This is boxing, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you’ve done, it’s all about what happens in the ring. I’m excited and more than ready for this.

“I’m doing this for my mum, it’s been a hard year but tough times, tough people. This is boxing and I can express how I feel in the ring, come Saturday night I’ll be victorious.”  

Bruno Tarimo:

“Firstly, I want to thank God for bringing me here safe, this is my first time in Manchester for a big show. Thanks to Matchroom for bringing me onto the show, I appreciate it. Thanks for the support of my team in Australia and Tanzania – for my country.

“I come from nothing, I can fight Super-Bantam but I have opportunity in Australia, it helps me but it doesn’t have the small weight. I have to take the big fight with big people to be World Champion and help my family.

“Zelfa Barrett is a good fighter, he’s smart and my team and I back in Australia were watching him. Every fighter is different, all the fighters in Australia know and support me, it’s going to be a good show on Saturday night.” 

Lerrone Richards:

“This is a world level fight, a real-world level fight, a fight that I relish, and I know I can win – win in great fashion.

“The winner of this fight, which will be me, can push on to world level. I’m excited about this fight, it’s an opportunity for me to showcase my skills at the higher level and shut the doubters up. Once I win this fight, the future is bright.” 

David Nyika:

“I feel very lucky to be here, thank you for having me on the card. I have the opportunity now to let people know who David Nyika is, I’m here to stay in the UK and ready to make my mark. I feel totally blessed to be part of such a big camp.

“I didn’t come away with a gold medal, so I technically didn’t achieve my ultimate dream of getting a gold. Onwards and upwards, this is an opportunity for me to make a living and continue down a path that I’ve dreamed of as a kid.” 

Sandy Ryan:

“We’re also looking to make a statement, my trainer Clifton Mitchell is holding me back a little bit, he wants me to start strong, sharp and box. When we see an opening, we’re going to take her out.

“Don’t worry, the knockout is going to happen, we’re going to show a little boxing first. It isn’t going eight rounds.” 

Jordan Thompson:

“It’s a pleasure to be back out, especially in my hometown, I’m looking to go out there and put on another explosive performance. Like I always say, artistic violence, that’s one thing you can expect with me.

“The Cruiserweight scene domestically is buzzing right now; I definitely see myself getting amongst that and coming out top of the crop. Like I said, I’ve got an amazing team in place, I’m looking forward to what next year brings. Definitely titles on the horizon no doubt about it.”

Cyrus Pattinson:

“I think activity is one of the most important things to be out on a regular basis. I know I’ve got a durable opponent for the weekend; he’s been with some of the domestic fighters I’ve been fighting for British and European Titles so I’m looking to make a statement on Saturday and do things other Welterweights haven’t been able to do.”  

Rhiannon Dixon:

“It was a bit frustrating hearing my opponent potentially pulled out again and all the mix up of this week. I’m just excited to get there on Saturday. I’m just looking to make my mark on 2022 and I just can’t wait for it.” 

Alen Babic:

“Two weeks ago, you [Eddie] slid into my DM’s and asked if I wanted to fight, I said yeah let’s go. People have routine victories, I have routine knockouts, I think Saturday is going to be another routine knockout. I’m going to operate like John Wick.

“I like this, I like this living. I give it all to boxing and for the next five to six years I just want to box – I don’t want to do anything else.

“Let’s go, like I said I have a brilliant team, we are going for the Bridgerweight Title. I’m really into it and let’s go, I’m going to give my whole life to it and I’m sure we’re going to get it.”

Sunderland, United Kingdom – December 16, 2021 – Please find below quotes and images from today’s final press conference as the fighters spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s highly-anticipated Probellum Unstoppable event at the Rainton Arena in Sunderland.

The action-packed card is in association with promoter Phil Jeffries, and sees local hero Lewis Ritson meet Christian Uruzquieta, three-weight world champion Ricky Burns take on Emiliano Dominguez, unbeaten Thomas Patrick Ward face Leonardo Padilla, plus Mark Dickinson, Joe Laws, Joe Maphosa, Adam Cope, Mark McKeown, Alex Farrell, Jordan Flynn and Ewan Mackenzie are all in action.

It will be shown live on Free Sports, BoxNation and Premier Sports in the UK, on Fight Network in the USA and Canada, plus more networks worldwide. Here’s what all the boxers had to say at today’s final press conference:

Ritson: “It was a massive setback in my last fight. It wasn’t the best of performances, but I’ll make that right on Saturday. I’ll get a good win and then we’ll get people talking about me again and the dream can stay alive.

“I’ll wait and see what Uruzquieta comes with and brings. We know he can box and fight a bit, but we’ve got a plan for what to do on the night.

“I’ve heard what Probellum’s next plan is, so I need to make sure I can get through Saturday and then get people talking about me again.”

Uruzquieta: “I’m very happy to be here. I want to thank God, Probellum and Miura Boxing. I’m happy to come back to Europe and this will be a fight that I will win.

“I’m a Mexican warrior, and I don’t know if I will win by points or knockout, but it will be a great fight and I will definitely win.”

Ward: “My opponent is a good fighter, and I’m looking forward to Saturday. I’ve been knocking on the door for a world title for a long time. I was one of the best super-bantamweights, but my shot never come, now I’m pushing on at featherweight.

“There are a lot of good guys there who I’d love to fight. Both me and my opponent on Saturday are ranked high with the WBA, and this is a fight that will push us closer to a shot at that title. Leo Santa Cruz still holds the Super title, and then you have Leigh Wood and Michael Conlan fighting next year too.

“There’s Emanuel Navarrete who I was chasing down at super-bantamweight and not many wanted to fight him. It seems to be the same for him at featherweight, but that’s a fight that I still want. I’ve got to get through Saturday and then we’ll see where I go.

“At super-bantamweight it was getting too hard to make the weight, and my best performances wouldn’t have come from me at that weight. It was time to move up, and now this is a really good division to be in.

“I want titles, so whoever has them is who I want to fight. Just send the contract over. I’ll travel to you and you can choose where you want to fight and you can pick what gloves, it doesn’t make a difference for me.

“You can expect a good performance from me on Saturday. The fans are the real winners, as Probellum are putting on this great show. Look at the talent you’ve got here, so thanks to them for this event.”

Padilla: “First of all I want to thank God. This is a fight that can lead to something big for me, and this is a great chance for me to be on the big stage, so it’s good for my career. I’ve got a good team with me, and I’m here to win. I’ve fought better rivals than Ward, and soon you’ll be hearing ‘and the new’ after this fight.”

Burns: “I’m looking forward to being back. I never say no to any opponent, and whatever names they give to me that’s who I’ll get in there with. This is my first fight back in two years, and in that two years there have been a lot of fights spoken about and a few dates that have fallen through.

“In the build up everybody just kept going on about my age and when I would retire. I was thinking ‘you do know I’m fighting on Saturday don’t you?’ It felt like I was being forced out, but thanks to Probellum for making this happen, and we’ll get down to business on Saturday.

Dickinson: “I want to start off by saying a big thank you to Probellum for this opportunity so quickly after my debut. My debut wasn’t broadcast on TV, so this time it’s going to be good to be shown properly as a fight in front of my home fans.”

Laws: “After the loss against Rylan Charlton, I went back to the drawing board and straight back into the gym and asked myself a lot of questions.

“I’m enjoying the ride and I’m training hard, and I hope that on Saturday I can perform exactly like I have been doing in the gym.”

McKeown: “I can’t wait to get in there on Saturday and showcase what I’ve got. Big thanks to Probellum for giving me the opportunity to be on a card as big as this, and I won’t disappoint.”

Promoter Phil Jeffies:“It’s great that Probellum is coming to the North East, especially with the likes of Lewis and Tommy. This show will be a sellout, and it will be rocking inside the Rainton Arena.

“The fans in the North East know how to make an atmosphere, and it will be great to have them all in here. I’m chuffed to be working with Probellum. They know how to treat the boxers, and we’re going to push boxing in the North East.”

For images, please view HERE. 

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 16, 2021) — Irish amateur star Kieran Molloy, a 23-year-old southpaw from Galway, has signed a multi-year professional contract with Top Rank. Molloy, who is managed by Michael and Jamie Conlan’s Conlan Boxing, will make his long-awaited professional debut as a junior middleweight in early 2022.

Molloy is the latest Irish prodigy to ink a deal with Top Rank, a list that includes Tokyo Olympian Kurt Walker and undefeated welterweight prospect Paddy Donovan. He holds amateur wins over the likes of Donovan and undefeated welterweight prospect Quinton Randall.

“Top Rank has a long history of promoting many of the top Irish fighters, and I have the utmost confidence that Kieran Molloy can bring a world title home to Ireland,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

“I’m delighted to be signing with Top Rank, the biggest promotional team in world boxing,” Molloy said. “This opportunity enables me to become a future world champion. I’m excited to showcase my skills on the biggest stage.”

Added Jamie Conlan, “I’m very excited to see Kieran Molloy under the Top Rank banner, and most importantly under the experienced eyes of matchmakers Bruce Trampler and Brad Goodman. Top Rank has certainly found a diamond in the rough. I am looking forward to seeing how they shape Kieran’s career.”

Molloy turns the page to the paid ranks after winning Irish Senior Elite National titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Representing the famed Oughterard Boxing Club, he won a total of 11 national titles and fared well outside of his home nation, taking home a bronze medal at the 2018 EU Championships in Valladolid, Spain, and winning a Haringey Box Cup title in 2017. He started boxing at the age of 6, and within a decade, he already had a AIBA World Junior Championships bronze medal to his name.

Molloy closed out his amateur career in October with a unanimous decision over longtime rival Luke Maguire to win his third Irish title in four years.