New York, NY (2/8/18) – In front of a packed house on Wednesday night, DiBella Entertainment returned to B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in midtown Manhattan for the latest installment of Broadway Boxing. The bouts were streamed live on DiBella Entertainment’s Facebook page. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX and Christos Steak House.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

In the main event, Noel Murphy, 139.2 lbs., of Woodlawn, NY, by way of County Cork, Ireland, and Brooklyn’s Mikkel LesPierre, 139.4 lbs., waged a barnburner for 10 thrilling rounds. It became a war of attrition with many ebbs and flows between the two southpaws. Murphy stormed out of his corner and was the aggressor for the first two frames, focusing a lot of his attack downstairs. In the third, LesPierre stymied that pressure with expert footwork and counter shots. The middle rounds were close, though LesPierre’s right hooks created a bruise underneath Murphy’s left eye. The sixth featured plenty of exciting exchanges then LesPierre found the proper distance again to land combinations led by his potent uppercuts. With a sense of urgency, Murphy picked up the pace in the ninth and never let up for the remaining six minutes, attacking the body and continually moving forward. However, he also lost a point in round nine for a rabbit punch, which was the deciding factor in the decision. The judges tallied 97-92, and 95-94 twice, all for LesPierre, now 19-0-1 (8 KOs), who seized the WBC USNBC super lightweight title with the victory. Murphy is now 12-1 (2 KOs). Without the point deduction, the bout would have been declared a majority draw. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, LesPierre moved to the US at age six and was raised in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. He is trained by Don Saxby out of Gleason’s Gym.

In front of a large cheering section, the popular Jude “King Zar” Franklin, 128 lbs., took on Italian Floriano Pagliara, 129.6 lbs., in a battle of Brooklyn. The contest began with wild exchanges, though Franklin was the more accurate puncher. Backing Pagliara into the ropes, Franklin planted a right hook to the body followed by an overhand right upstairs to drop his fellow Brooklynite just one minute into the bout. Trained by Elmo Serrano out of Gleason’s Gym, Franklin kept up the pressure, digging shots to the body. A game Pagliara tried to fire back in round two, but that only left himself open for counters. Franklin landed a straight right that decked Pagliara a second time, resulting in a TKO stoppage at 1:31 of the second stanza. Franklin’s record now stands at 7-0 (6 KOs), while Pagliara fell to 16-8-2 (7 KOs).

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

Making his DBE debut, Ukrainian heavyweight prospect Oleksandr “Sasha” Teslenko, 220 lbs., of Toronto, Canada, patiently stalked Keenan Hickman, 269.2 lbs., of Baton Rouge, LA, from the outset, landing stiff jabs to the midsection before launching powerful straight rights. One straight right wobbled Hickman near the end of round one. The same punch dropped Hickman in the second. Though he arose, Hickman endured another 20 seconds of punishment before the referee halted the bout at the 1:09 mark. Hickman’s ledger dipped to 6-3-1 (2 KOs). The 6’5″ 25-year-old Teslenko, born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, improved to 12-0 (10 KOs). Teslenko, now managed by Gary Freedman, took up boxing at age eight at the behest of his father. As an amateur, Teslenko became a three-time Ukrainian National champion while accumulating an impressive 224-23 record. During this time, Teslenko also earned a degree in Marketing from the University of Chernivtsi and served in the Ukrainian Army alongside DBE stablemate Ivan Golub.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

In his New York debut, East Hartford, Connecticut’s Mykquan Williams, 146 lbs., finished Preston Wilson, 142.8 lbs., of Parkersburg, WV, inside the opening frame. Williams quickly found a home for his straight right upstairs, clearly bothering Wilson. Near the bell, a three-punch combination started by a right uppercut dropped Wilson for the full count, ending the contest at the 2:59 mark. Wilson fell to 4-3-1 (3 KOs). Trained by Connecticut Boxing Hall of Famer Paul Cichon and managed by the renowned Jackie Kallen, Williams upped his record to 10-0 (6 KOs). Williams was also a decorated amateur with a 45-13 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.

Heavyweight prospect Stephan Shaw, 261.8 lbs., of St. Louis, MO, dominated Joel Caudle, 265 lbs., of Raleigh, NC, over six frames en route to a unanimous decision in his DBE debut. Shaw’s offense steadily increased as the fight wore on; beginning with stiff jabs to keep a proper distance to land straight rights and short left hooks. Soon after, Shaw added hooks to the body to his arsenal followed by combinations. Caudle was game, landing his own leather in exchanges, but Shaw remained in control throughout. Scorecards read 60-54 twice, and 59-55, to up Shaw’s record to 10-0 (6 KOs), while Caudle, 7-2-1 (5 KOs), suffered his second defeat. Following a stellar amateur career that included 2013 PAL and USA National Championships titles, Shaw turned professional in December 2013. Managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management, Shaw trains with four-time Olympic Boxing coach Basheer Abdullah out of Arena Gym in San Diego, California.

Southpaw Jonathan Arroyo, 146 lbs., of Patchogue, Long Island, NY, improved to 2-0 (1 KOs) with a second-round stoppage of Andrea Crepaldi, 142.2 lbs., of Manhattan, NY, who was making his pro debut. Arroyo used his height and reach advantages to keep Crepaldi at the end of his power shots, landing a series of hooks to stagger his foe and force a stoppage at the 2:59 mark of round two.

Queens, New York (February 8, 2018) – El Matador Management is proud to announce the signing of undefeated featherweight prospect Juan “Ciclon” Sanchez to an exclusive managerial contract.

Sanchez, 22 years-old of Allentown, Pennsylvania has a perfect mark of 4-0 with one knockout. He is the son of former WBO Super Bantamweight world champion, Agapito Sanchez. Juan started boxing at the age of 15, and had a brief amateur career consisting of approximately 30 fights.

“My first exposure to boxing was when I was four years old and I accompanied my dad to the gym,” said Sanchez. “I am excited to be with El Matador Management and looking forward to continue to grow in boxing. Boxing is a show, and I look forward to putting on great performances. I like to look flashy! Felipe Gomez has the experience to take me along this exciting journey.”

Said Felipe Gomez, “I appreciate the confidence that Juan Sanchez and his team have placed in me. I remember what a warrior Juan’s father, Agapito, was in the ring. I can see similarities in Juan’s style and I believe he will go on to be an accomplished fighter.”

Sanchez will be back in action on Tuesday, February 13 against Sergio Aguilar at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center

www.elmatadormanagement.com

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBA will hold purse bids for two world title bouts.

The teams for secondary heavyweight titlist Manuel Charr and mandatory challenger Fres Oquendo have not been able to reach an agreement, and the same goes for those representing junior lightweight world titleholder Alberto Machado and mandatory challenger Rafael Mensah.

After completing a three year apprenticeship that should serve as a blue print for the industry, unbeaten Manchester starlet Zelfa Barrett intends to attack the major 130lb titles in 2018.

Since entering the profession with modest amateur credentials in October 2014, the ‘Brown Flash’ has honed his craft in six scheduled four rounders and nine scheduled six rounders – off TV, in the classrooms of the northern small halls – before sizzling in three scheduled 10 rounders in 2017. In late October, he was scary good in his championship bow, splattering city rival Chris Conwell in four to claim the vacant English title.

The speed of his development under his uncle, coach and mentor Pat ‘Black Flash’ Barrett – a monster punching British and European Light-Welter king of the early 1990s – has been quite astounding.

Now 19-0, with nine (often spectacular) stoppage wins in his last ten starts, the smooth yet savage 24 year old was nominated as Prospect of the Year by six of the 12 experts canvassed for BoxNation’s end of year review.

And rival foghorns who mocked his courage – when ‘Uncle Pat’ withdrew him from British eliminators last year before his time was fully served – have latterly hit the mute button. Seekers turned hiders!

‘Uncle Pat’ treats me like a son and has always done what he thought was best for me. But now he thinks we’ve covered all bases and I’m finally ready for the British title,’ says ‘Zelly’ who trains at the city’s World renowned Collyhurst and Moston gym and is managed by Steve Wood.

‘Obviously it was very frustrating at times with people calling me out and my uncle withdrawing me from eliminators cos I’m a fighter and want to fight everyone. ‘Uncle Pat’ is ’militant’, a very hard man to please but I’ve just had to trust him and thankfully the perseverance has paid off. We’re there now.

‘It’s been about grafting in the gym and biding my time, a case of becoming proficient in every aspect of boxing before unleashing me. Reflexes, defence, counter punching, body attack; no blips, able to adapt to every eventuality.

‘My uncle doesn’t ever want me to be a rabbit in the headlights, confronted by a situation in the ring that I’d not encountered before. Above all, it was about developing ring generalship, knowing how to own every inch of the ring.’

If the chilling countout of Conwell exemplified young Zelfa’s explosiveness, his classy 10 round beatdown of Nicaraguan nugget Eusebio Osejo five months earlier gave credence that he has the fitness and focus required to flourish over the championship trip.

‘Last year, I added more ring experience and prepared for 12 rounders in training camp,’ says Zelfa who decked Osejo in rounds four and nine en route to a commanding 99-90 decision.

‘I completed a 10 rounder where previously I’d not gone past round six. That’ll hold me in good stead for the future. There’s no point just doing it in the gym.

‘And I showed I can carry my power from first round to last because I‘ve been taught to punch with the correct technique since I was an amateur. I turn my knuckles over and punch through the shoulder, through the target.’

The silky 5ft 7in counter puncher from Harpurhey’s ring education has been further enriched by extensive spars with the city’s elite.

He explains: ‘Sparring world champions such as Terry (Flanagan), Scott Quigg and (Anthony) Crolla has played a huge role in developing the self-belief that I’m ready for the big titles.

‘There’s been tough times and trust me, they tried to knock me out. Lately, it’s got more technical, more thoughtful. It’s about who makes a mistake cos they get punished.

‘They operate at world level so if I can give a good account of myself with them, deliver hard rounds, I doubt I’m going to be troubled by those at the level I’ll be operating at this year.’

He keeps his tools sharp with a ten rounder with Dundee’s Ronnie Clark at the York Hall on February 24th and expects his passing out parade to be formalised in the second half of this year.

‘The English title win was confirmation that I’m now ready for ‘lift off’. We hope to advance the old school way – British, Commonwealth, European – and I’m still quite young,’ he concludes.

‘I’ll make my British challenge this year, maybe around September. We’re ready for any of them and now it’s on our terms.’

An action-packed evening of boxing at the iconic fight theatre features Anthony ‘The Beast’ Yarde (14-0, 13 KO’s) defending his WBO Intercontinental and European Light-Heavyweight titles against Frenchman Tony Averlant (26-9-2, 5 KO’s);

Knockout artist Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois (6-0, 6 KO’s) fights at the historical East London venue for the first time in his professional career as he defends his Southern Area Heavyweight belt against Queensborough’s DL Jones (8-0-1);

Elsewhere on a stacked card hard-hitting Southampton Super-Welterweight Joe Pigford returns to the ring after a brutal KO win over Aaron Morgan in May 2017; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; former Southern Area Super-Featherweight Champion Boy Jones Jnr fights at Lightweight for the first time; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz fights in his second professional contest; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq and former Team GB Flyweight Harvey Horn both look to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets for Saturday 24th February priced at £40, £50, £60 and £80 are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.com and directly from fighters on the bill.

Media accreditation: Media and photographers wishing to attend the February 24 show can apply via the event page on the Frank Warren website: https://www.frankwarren.com/allevents/yarde-v-averlant/

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 7, 2018) – Former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios hosted a Los Angeles media workout Wednesday in advance of his welterweight title eliminator against Danny “Swift” Garcia Saturday, Feb. 17, live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), undefeated super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril square-off in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision.

In the telecast opener, welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas meets Ray Robinson in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from NGBA Boxing Gym:

BRANDON RIOS

“I’m training really hard and I’m ready to get back in the ring. My weight is perfect right now and I’m just ready to give the fans a great show.

“This is the kind of fight that I asked for because I know that beating a guy like Danny Garcia will mean a lot to my career and put me on the fast track to accomplish my goals.

“Danny has a lot of power on his hook. He throws it hard and is accurate. We’ve worked hard to prepare for this moment and I’m excited.

“Having Robert Garcia here makes me much happier in training. I love the instructions from him and Donald Leary, and I love having them as my corner. Sparring the young guys in Robert’s gym really has helped me. Those guys are hungry and always pushing to prove themselves. I have to keep elevating my game.

“As long as I beat Danny Garcia, I know that it puts me back to the top of this division. I’m here again and I’m doing it right this time. I want to make the most of this part of my career. I don’t want to ever wonder ”what if?'”

“I’m going to win. That’s my mentality. I’m going into this fight with that same hunger and drive to never be defeated. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win this fight.

“We’re expecting to fight the best version of Danny Garcia. I know he had his first loss and wants his title back, so he’ll be prepared. I think we’re going to give the fans a great show.

“I feel rejuvenated and more mature than ever before. I’ve already been to the top. I just want to do things right this time so I can get back up there and stay there. I’m taking this camp very seriously to be at my best on February 17. I’m going to go out there and execute the game plan.

“We’re going to give 150 tickets to first responders of the Las Vegas incident last year and it means a lot to me and my whole team. Those men and women work very hard and put their lives on the line to protect us all around the world. It means a lot to me for them to come to this show.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Rios’ Trainer

“For this fight Brandon has been so motivated and training so hard. He’s very close to weight already and we’ve had more than enough rounds of sparring.

“Brandon is like my little brother and he’s definitely part of the family. I’ve always been in touch with him even when I wasn’t training him. When we agreed to team up again, the promise was that he had to stay healthy and train hard and show us that he wants to be champion again. Since that day, he’s been on a mission. He’s doing it the right way.

“Danny Garcia is a great two-division world champion. We expect him to be confident and I’m sure he’s training hard to get a good win. Brandon is going to be motivated to give everyone a great fight. His mind set is to go out and beat Danny Garcia and that’s what he’s going to do.

“Brandon is training hard to do what people don’t believe he can do. His confidence is like never before. I see the same Brandon that we’ve seen in the best moments of his career.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

https://www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment/videos/10160164982900085/

LAS VEGAS (February 7, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday as he prepares for his world title eliminator showdown against Rogelio “Porky” Medina Saturday, February 17 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by a 12-round duel between former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Here is what Plant had to say Thursday from City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

CALEB PLANT

“Medina is a rough, tough competitor who comes to win every time. He puts it all on the line, so I expect it to be a great fight. He’s going to fight to the very end so I have to be ready.

“Training camp has been excellent. A lot of fighters say this, but this truly has been my best camp. My sparring and my strength training has been on point. My weight is on point and I’m ready to put it all together on February 17.

“My team has done a great job putting me in a position to be at my best on fight night. We’re going to keep working so that everything finishes with me putting on a great performance in El Paso.

“It’s great to be fighting in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes. I know I’ll have a lot of eyes on me but I’m not going to let it affect what I do. I’m going to stay under control and execute the game plan we worked on.

“Caleb Truax just won the IBF title and after this fight I’ll be number two in that division. That’s definitely a fight that we want and will look to make happen after this one. David Benavidez is the fight I would want first after I win the IBF title.

“This is going to be a fun USA vs. Mexico fight and I’m looking to represent for my country. I think the competitiveness will be extremely high on fight night.

“I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me and I’m going to keep giving them great performances on February 17.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 7, 2018): Following a 2017 that saw massive knockouts, shocking upsets and the rise of several Golden Boy Promotions prospects, LA FIGHT CLUB returns on March 16 for its inaugural 2018 show live from the Belasco Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, Calif. and live on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar. The series will continue on April 6, June 1, July 6, Aug. 10, and Oct. 12, with more possible dates to follow.

“LA Fight Club was popular beyond any of our imaginations throughout 2017, and we are proud to bring it back,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “We saw a little bit of everything that boxing has to offer at the Belasco last year including upsets, knockouts, the development of future world champions, and I am looking forward to 2018 delivering even more.”

Among the highlights from 2017:
Virtually unknown outside of his native Philippines, lightweight “Ruthless” Romero Duno (16-1, 14 KOs) arrived at the Belasco Theater in March as an opponent to then-undefeated and hot prospect Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (18-1, 15 KOs). Less than six minutes later, Duno scored a brutal knockout that led to a contract with Golden Boy Promotions and has placed him in position for huge fights in 2018 and beyond.
Longtime Nicaraguan super featherweight contender Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (28-8, 19 KOs), once again upset the apple cart as an opponent, forcing the corner of then-undefeated Venezuelan Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez (17-1-1, 14 KOs) to call off the July 14 main event in the seventh round of a scheduled eight. Alvarado would go on to knock off former world-title contender Denis Shafikov (38-4-1, 20 KOs) later in the year.
One-time highly touted super featherweight prospect Charles Huerta (20-5, 12 KOs) resurrected his career in the April main event at the Belasco Theater, knocking out then-unbeaten prospect Ivan “Striker” Delgado (11-1-1, 4 KOs). Once the referee waived off the bout following Huerta’s two knockdowns of Delgado in the third round, the Paramount, California native’s career was back in full swing.
Fighters appearing on the March 16 card will be announced shortly.

LA FIGHT CLUB is an innovative boxing series that showcases the best and brightest stars of the exclusive Golden Boy Promotions stable. The events will be sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The series will return to the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday, March 16, along with EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on April 6, June 1, July 6, Aug. 10, and Oct. 12.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at the fan-friendly price of $25 and are available for purchase now at www.goldenboytickets.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.thebelasco.com, and www.estrellatv.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA and www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork.
Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV. Follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Some of Frank Warren’s brightest young stars are in action at Bethnal Green’s iconic York Hall on Friday 2nd March as part of his stacked Box Academy show.

All-action Hornchurch Welterweight Sanjeev Sahota (10-0, 3 KO’s) has enjoyed a rapid rise since turning over in early 2016 and continues to work towards his first professional title. Negotiations for ‘SSS’ to take part in his first title bout on the March 2 card are ongoing.

Undefeated English Super-Bantamweight Champion Josh ‘Handsome’ Kennedy (10-0, 5 KO’s) promises to start the year in style as he targets a shot at the British title currently held by Thomas Patrick Ward later in the year.

Fulham Super-Middleweight talent Zak Chelli (3-0, 2 KO’s) returns to the atmospheric hall for the first time since his pro debut win against Trowbridge’s Jacob Lucas in February 2017.

Hornchurch Super-Middleweight Harley Benn (2-0,1 KO), son of British fight legend Nigel, is gunning for another York Hall KO when he takes on Welshman Gary Cooper over four rounds.

Exciting Erith Flyweight Jake Pettitt (2-0) makes his York Hall bow after his impressive points win over Stefan Sashnov on the Billy Joe Saunders v Willie Monroe Jr undercard back in September.

Powerful Sidcup Super-Featherweight D.P Carr (8-0, 4 KO’s) tests himself against former Midlands Area Champion and Lyon Woodstock opponent Paul ‘The Incredible’ Holt.

South Ockendon Super-Lightweight ‘Champagne’ Charlie Driscoll (5-0) takes part in his first scheduled six rounds contest while the hugely-popular Canning Town Light-Heavyweight Charlie Duffield (4-1, 4 KO’s) faces Stoke’s Chris Nixon over six rounds.

Surrey Lightweight Tony Vincent (1-0) fights in the capital for the first time and Wormley Lightweight Alfie Price makes his professional debut against Gloucester’s Andy Harris.

Tickets for Box Academy priced at £40, £50, £60 and £80 are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.com and directly from fighters on the bill.

Media accreditation: Media and photographers wishing to attend the March 2 show can apply via the event page on the Frank Warren website.

(Bronx, New York) – Sixty thousand community college students participate in athletic competition, according to the NCAA. Another 400,000 compete if you include four-year college students. Only two percent will ever become professional athletes.

Twenty-year-old Bronx native Ismael Villarreal (1-0) has already beaten those odds. The two-time New York Golden Gloves champion won his first bout as a professional boxer in November in his debut at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Villarreal returns to the big stage again at The Garden on Saturday, March 3 on the non-televised undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Igor Mikhalkin in a four-round junior middleweight bout against Anthony Woods (1-5) of Douglasville, Georgia.

“I never thought I was going to return (to Madison Square Garden) that quick,” said Villarreal. “It’s pretty cool, and I get to fight in my hometown, so I like it.”

Villarreal remains in New York between fights in order to balance his full-time training schedule and full-time course load at Brooklyn Community College. He is a physical education major, studying subjects including biology and education, with the goal of becoming a teacher. “You’ve always got to have a backup plan. Anything can happen… I can’t drop school.”

Villarreal competed as an amateur while attending Belmont Preparatory High School, founded in the Bronx in 2002 for academically talented students throughout the community. Many of his teachers there became boxing fans, and Villarreal expects to see many of them for his second fight at Madison Square Garden. “They’ve always been supportive,” said Villarreal.

His community college classmates and instructors aren’t as aware of Villarreal’s second full-time job as a professional boxer: “Sometimes they find me on the internet. I would have told them, but I don’t want to interrupt class saying ‘hey, I’m a boxer!'”

Juggling the demands of training and his school obligations makes time management critically important for Villarreal. “I have to go every day, my only day off is Friday. I still have to focus on running, on homework, on the gym. It’s tough but I’ll make it through,” said Villarreal.

Villarreal says the real exhaustion is mental more than physical. “When I go to school and I’m boxing, it’s definitely hard. Some can do it, some can’t … Sometimes it’s hard to manage… no one can say it’s easy, it’s a challenge.”

But Villarreal has discovered the value of discipline, and he says it benefits him in multiple ways. “I’ve always been disciplined when it comes to schoolwork. If anything, I become more disciplined with boxing from the schoolwork,” explained Villarreal.

For his upcoming fight, Villarreal is dropping from middleweight to junior middleweight (154 pounds). He says he’s working on being more active and throwing more punches, especially working to the body. Villarreal’s plan for 2018 is to stay active in the ring. But he also understands at this stage of his career, “sometimes you get tired of waiting, but patience is important … I know everything will pay off in the future.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available at TicketMaster.com and the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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Fill out the credential application at:
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The deadline to apply for Fight Week credentials is Friday, February 23. Ringside space is limited.

Since Ted ‘Kid Lewis terrorised the World’s Welterweights almost a century ago, London’s East End has always been a fertile breeding ground for fighting men and Whitechapel-born Flyweight Harvey Horn appears to possess all the core ingredients to advance that legacy.

‘Very early on in life, I learned that you quickly gained respect around our manor if you could hold your hands up,’ says ‘Horny’ Harvey who was born in the London Hospital and raised in flat just off the Roman Road in Bethnal Green.

‘You had to be able to look after yourself to survive around there. Both my dad and my mum – who’s a proper East End bird – preached: ‘If any one lies a hand on ya, hit ‘em back twice as hard!’

Though the 22 year old Mark Tibbs coached southpaw has since alighted to the village of Abridge in Essex, his heart and roots remain firmly entrenched in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

‘We’ve still got loads of family there,’ disclosed the diehard West Ham United fan who earned rave reviews after brutally dicing Czech import Denis Bartos inside three rounds on his pro bow at the Copper Box Arena last December.

‘I really enjoyed going to primary school and growing up in the East End. From secondary school, I was always the smallest in my group but my pals were all massive and they really looked after me. I was never bullied. In fact I was usually the trouble maker!

‘I weren’t a bad tempered kid but I could always handle myself. When I was just seven, my mum got me into karate cos I was always rucking’.

But it was in a different form of combat that young ‘Aitch’ was to excel.

‘Dad, like many round here, was a huge boxing fan. He claims he had 15-20 amateur bouts and never lost but I’m not sure I believe him! My step granddad, Terry Insole, won several national junior titles out of the Fisher club,’ claims Horn.

‘Dad was always telling me stories about the top local fighters, your Straceys, your Kaylors. As I grew older, I started to take an interest in the champions who came from our area. I was particularly fascinated by (ex WBC champion) Charlie Magri from Stepney who, despite being a Flyweight, could knock people cold and sell a ticket, pack out any venue.

‘As a toddler, Dad first took me to the York Hall to have a swim but I later boxed there four times and, atmosphere wise, it was probably the best. They’re hardcore knowledgeable fans and once the MC announces you’re from Bethnal Green, the place just goes mental!

‘The Repton amateur boxing club was also right on my doorstep and it was a massive thing in the area. Dad first took me there when I was about seven but they rejected me, told me there were too many kids there already so I joined the Gator (ABC in Hainault) before returning to Repton, aged 15.

‘I’m the eldest of three boys who all box….and I’m easily the smallest. Finlay, who’s 18, is very stocky and unbeaten in three. Louis, who’s 16 but already six foot, won the schoolboys….ironically the only national junior title I didn’t win.’

In addition to bagging seven national titles (including the 2014 ABA Seniors), ‘Triple H’ captured a European Under 22 title, European Seniors silver medal and won three out of four starts for the GB Lionhearts in the brutal quasi-pro WSB before narrowly failing to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He believes he has the talent, confidence and personality to make a similar impact now that he punches for his lunch.

‘I’m aware the East End has a proud boxing heritage and I intend adding to it,’ concludes the man who shifted over 250 tickets for his debut.

‘On the Team GB set-up, I was brought up alongside the likes of Anthony Joshua. I want what they’ve got and intend to go out and get it.’

Horn takes on Gateshead’s Gary Reeve over four rounds at York Hall on February 24th.

An action-packed evening of boxing at the iconic fight theatre features Anthony ‘The Beast’ Yarde (14-0, 13 KO’s) defending his WBO Intercontinental and European Light-Heavyweight titles against Frenchman Tony Averlant (26-9-2, 5 KO’s);

Knockout artist Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois (6-0, 6 KO’s) fights at the historical East London venue for the first time in his professional career as he defends his Southern Area Heavyweight belt against Queensborough’s DL Jones (8-0-1);

Zelfa ‘Brown Flash’ Barrett (19-0, 12 KO’s) takes on former British Super-Featherweight title challenger Ronnie Clark (20-4-2, 10 KO’s) when he fights in the capital for the first time;

Elsewhere on a stacked card hard-hitting Southampton Super-Welterweight Joe Pigford returns to the ring after a brutal KO win over Aaron Morgan in May 2017; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; former Southern Area Super-Featherweight Champion Boy Jones Jnr fights at Lightweight for the first time; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz fights in his second professional contest; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq looks to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets for Saturday 24th February priced at £40, £50, £60 and £80 are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.com and directly from fighters on the bill.

Media accreditation: Media and photographers wishing to attend the February 24 show can apply via the event page on the Frank Warren website: https://www.frankwarren.com/allevents/dubois-v-jones/

Matchroom Boxing, JD Sports and Sky Sports are looking for the next generation of boxing announcers with the launch of ‘The MC Academy’.

Budding MC’s are invited to enter by uploading a video clip of themselves (maximum of 30 seconds long) introducing a fight to Twitter or Instagram using #MCacademy by Wednesday February 28. A judging panel led by Hall of Fame MC Michael Buffer joined by promoter Eddie Hearn and Head of Boxing at Sky Sports Adam Smith will select the best ten entries who will travel to Sky Sports’ HQ for a final audition and a backstage tour of the studios.

Three finalists will emerge from the audition day and they will meet Buffer who will put them through their paces in an MC Masterclass before they face the fans at an upcoming public work out.

The time spent with Buffer and at the work out will be turned into a final video montage for each of the three finalists, and fans will be able to vote for the winner – who will then get a BBBofC license and MC at Matchroom shows.

“I have a very busy schedule this year and I can’t be everywhere,” said Buffer. “So we’re starting The MC Academy. Let’s find a new voice and a new face who can help me out!

“There will be no age restriction and, of course, it’s open to both men and women! Show me what you’ve got, and good luck!

“So, ladies and gentlemen…boys and girls! Send in your videos and let’s get this party started”

“This is a great chance for an aspiring MC to learn from a legend and take centre stage at our shows,” said Hearn. “We expect to see some amusing entries over the next few weeks but also hope to unearth the next Michael Buffer!”

“Eddie and I have talked for a long time about launching this innovative and interactive new competition to find an MC!” said Smith. “It is a wonderful chance for everyone to have a go, team up with a mate, hit the notes solo or come up with something different – as we move into a flourishing and vibrant new period for boxing.

“So however young, old or crazy you are – have a go! It will be a lot of fun whittling down the list and what an opportunity to join us at Sky for the grand final and moreover being mentored by the legendary Michael Buffer! Bring it on!!”

“JD Sports are excited to launch The MC Academy,” said JD Sports’ Group Marketing Director Stephen White. “We are committed to supporting the next generation of boxers and now the next generation of MC’s too!”

For further information and terms and conditions, visit http://www.matchroomboxing.com/mcacademy/

Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp might just be the best kept secret in British boxing.

The 22 year old ‘Sharpshooter’ went undefeated in his first 25 amateur bouts, conceded just once – on a double countback to a Russian in Russia in the European schoolboys final – in 22 starts in an international singlet and hoovered up nine national junior titles during a nine year innings in the unpaid sphere.

And in his 11 fights since committing to a pro deal with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren in July 2015, the audaciously talented box-fighter has smashed six victims inside three rounds and registered ‘shutout’ points victories against the other five. Yet still he insists we haven’t witnessed his best side.

‘The higher I go, the more you’ll see my true ability, definitely,’ says the sleek 5ft 9in Chelsea fan.

‘When I spar class fighters like the Walsh brothers (champions Liam and Ryan) or Carl Frampton, I’m the clever fighter, in and out, working off the centre (of the ring). On best form, I can give ANYONE problems.

‘Presently, against these tough journeyman who just come to survive, I’m having to engage my opponents, be the aggressor, press forward. While I can box or trade, my best asset is that I’ve always been very, very clever. I’m a student of the sport, really clued up.

‘As I rise through the ranks and my opponents become more ambitious, I’ll be able to return to my natural counterpunching game and that’s when my class will really shine through.’

‘Profile wise I’ve probably fallen a bit behind your Zelfa Barretts and Lyon Woodstocks mainly because I don’t waste my time calling people out on social media. I leave them alone and they tend to leave me alone,’ claims Sidcup-born Sharp who has been coached by Richard Sawyer from the age of 11 and is managed by the MTK franchise in Marbella.

‘But I’m making big statements behind the scenes, in the gyms, with the top fighters and trainers, those whose opinions really matter. Let the others have smoke blown up their arses.

‘I’ve not seen that much of the others anyway. Zelfa’s ahead of me. He’s on the cusp of a British title challenge already. Woodstock was given a very tough night by Craig Poxton. You’ve also got Martin Ward and Joey Cordina; classy, classy operators.

‘Look they’re all great prospects but, when the fights are made, we’ll see who ‘The Main Man’ is. I’m still only 22 but I’m already a big superfeatherweight and there’s a lot more strength to come.

‘Don’t forget, in the amateurs I fought decorated international boys. Pat McCormack went the Olympics. His brother Luke did well at the Europeans (Under 22 champion). Calum French is a heck of a talent who has shone in the WSB….I beat them all.

‘I can throw and land shots the others won’t dream of throwing. I lost just five of 56 as an amateur and the only slip-ups came when I neglected my boxing and had a trade-up. On my A game, I can’t see any of ‘em beating me.

‘By New Year’s Eve 2018, I’d like to have a couple of titles, perhaps the Southern Area, maybe the English. I believe I’ve got the ability to jump up for the British title tomorrow but you have to go through the stepping stones. Other prospects run in too quick and come up short.’

The quick thinking, quick fisted starlet kickstarts his 2018 campaign in an eight rounder against an as yet unnamed opponent at the York Hall on February 24th. It will be his sixth pro outing at the iconic East End fight club.

‘The York Hall is such a historical venue which holds great memories for me. I should be pushing 200 tickets personally which will make for a good atmosphere as always, when I fight,’ states Archie who recently became a father for the first time.

‘What I bring to the show is class. Counterpunching. Hopefully, I’ll get an opponent who wants to work so fans can see me landing all sorts of lead uppercuts and check hooks, spinning my opponent through the ropes off the back foot.

‘I know the level I’m at. Now it’s just a case of proving it to everybody else!’

An action-packed evening of boxing at the iconic fight theatre features Anthony ‘The Beast’ Yarde (14-0, 13 KO’s) defending his WBO Intercontinental and European Light-Heavyweight titles against Frenchman Tony Averlant (26-9-2, 5 KO’s);

Knockout artist Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois (6-0, 6 KO’s) fights at the historical East London venue for the first time in his professional career as he defends his Southern Area Heavyweight belt against Queensborough’s DL Jones (8-0-1);

Zelfa ‘Brown Flash’ Barrett (19-0, 12 KO’s) takes on former British Super-Featherweight title challenger Ronnie Clark (20-4-2, 10 KO’s) when he fights in the capital for the first time;

Elsewhere on a stacked card hard-hitting Southampton Super-Welterweight Joe Pigford returns to the ring after a brutal KO win over Aaron Morgan in May 2017; former Southern Area Super-Featherweight Champion Boy Jones Jnr fights at Lightweight for the first time; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz fights in his second professional contest; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq and former Team GB Flyweight Harvey Horn both look to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets for Saturday 24th February priced at £40, £50, £60 and £80 are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.com and directly from fighters on the bill.

Media accreditation: Media and photographers wishing to attend the February 24 show can apply via the event page on the Frank Warren website: https://www.frankwarren.com/allevents/dubois-v-jones/

07 February 2018 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its return to Malaysia’s bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur. ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY is set to ignite the Axiata Stadium with an evening of authentic martial arts action. While a main event is yet to be announced, ONE Championship has revealed a handful of compelling bouts featuring the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent.

Ticket information for ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY is available at www.onefc.com.

Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a 22-year-old martial artist and one of the top welterweights in ONE Championship. Thani’s quick rise through the ranks has seen him amass a stellar 8-1 professional record, including a title shot against former ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren in May of 2017. Although Thani fell short of victory against the American, he gained a great amount of experience as a result and has emerged as a more seasoned combatant. All but one of Thani’s victories have come by exciting finish. The young Malaysian has shown steady improvement in each outing and he will now face Amitesh Chaubey in his next assignment.

Amitesh Chaubey is a martial artist from India and a welterweight newcomer in ONE Championship. He owns a professional record of 8-5 and is a former SFL Welterweight Champion known for his knockout power. Primarily a boxing stylist who stifles opponents with his quick hands and fluid combinations, Chaubey joins a deep ONE Championship welterweight division looking for a new champion. He takes on former welterweight title challenger Agilan Thani in his promotional debut.

19-year-old Christian “The Warrior” Lee, younger brother of reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, began his professional career on an absolute tear, railing off five straight victories by thrilling finish. He has impressed fans with his ability to seek out stoppage wins over top-caliber opponents. A former Pankration World Champion, Lee toppled Japanese veteran and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu Boku in his most recent bout, winning by first-round technical knockout to improve his record to 8-1. Known as a creative and fluid striker with unorthodox grappling technique, Lee is now set to face another Japanese veteran in Kazunori Yokota.

39-year-old Kazunori Yokota of Chiba, Japan is a martial arts fixture with over 12 years of professional experience under his belt. A champion of Japanese promotion, DEEP, Yokota is one of the toughest competitors at featherweight as he has constantly punished his opponents and grinded out impressive victories. Yokota made his ONE Championship debut in May of 2016, challenging former ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov for the title. Yokota sports a stellar record of 26-7-3 and in his most recent bout, submitted his opponent in another promotion. Now, Yokota is set to take on the surging Christian Lee.

Malaysia’s Gianni Subba is a 25-year old flyweight talent from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. He spends time carefully honing his craft with talented teammates, including brother Keanu, at Bali MMA in Indonesia. A winner of six of his last seven bouts, Subba is a seasoned athlete with a stellar 9-2 clip in his young career. Five of his nine wins have come either by submission or by crowd-pleasing knockout. In his next assignment, the crafty wushu specialist Danny Kingad poses a stern challenge.

Top flyweight talent from the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Danny “The King” Kingad is a regional wushu champion with a wushu record of 29-1 and martial artist with a professional record of 8-1. A true warrior from the mountains of the Philippines and one of the top prospects to come out of the country, Kingad is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills. In his most recent bout, Kingad suffered the first defeat of his career after being submitted by reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes in the first round. Kingad will now return to action against Gianni Subba.

Former amateur standout Muhammad Aiman of Malaysia is one of the country’s fastest rising young martial arts talents. Featuring a well-rounded skill set, Aiman has impressed in his time inside the ONE Championship cage thus far, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first match in the promotion before stopping Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his second outing. In his most recent contest, Aiman thoroughly dominated Chinese prospect Yang Fei to win a unanimous decision. The 23-year-old is now set to take on his next challenge in Burn Soriano.

Burn “The Hitman” Soriano of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, is coming off a tough contest against China’s Chen Lei last November. The Filipino featherweight features an aggressive style, with solid power and seasoned grappling technique leading to all of his wins to date coming by way of stoppage. His 15-second spinning back fist knockout of Indonesia’s Mario Sitya Wirawan in 2016 was one of the fastest finishes in ONE history. A national kickboxing champion with a kickboxing record of 14-3, Soriano has shown steady improvement over his last few contests and now looks for victory next against Muhammad Aiman.

18-year-old Jihin Radzuan of Johor Bahru, Malaysia is a highly-touted young martial arts prospect making her ONE Championship debut. A well-rounded competitor, Radzuan is a Muay Thai and boxing practitioner with a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A former Southeast Asian Open Gold and Silver Medalist in Muay Thai, Radzuan is known for her varied striking skills and terrific knockout power. Radzuan will step into the ONE Championship cage in Kuala Lumpur to face Puja Tomar.

Flyweight competitor Puja Tomar is a martial artist from India with a professional record of three wins and two losses. With a knack for showcasing her solid striking skills, Tomar has recorded all three of her victories by knockout. Competing largely in her home country of India, the former India wushu champion Tomar now makes her second appearance on the biggest stage in Asian martial arts as she is set to face Jihin Radzuan in the ONE Championship cage.

Hisyam “Zephyrus” Samsudin of Malaysia is a former WBF Asia-Pacific Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion who trains at the highly-regarded Borneo Tribal Squad with former female strawweight talent Ann “Athena” Osman and coach AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor. Samsudin likes to pepper opponents with heavy handed strikes, utilizing his world-class boxing base to break down opponents. Samsudin’s next assignment is against Jerome S. Paye.

Liberian martial artist Jerome S. Paye made his ONE Championship debut in February 2016 against China’s Li Hao Jie. In the bout, Paye showcased a well-rounded set of techniques, stifling his opponent with an array of striking combinations. With the ability to make bouts difficult for any opponent, Paye has shown incredible heart and determination in his time inside the ONE Championship cage. This time Paye will take on Malaysia’s Hisyam Samsudin.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™

ONE Championship is the largest global sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Championship is the home of martial arts. The world’s most exciting martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7-billion potential viewers across 136 countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, and more.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the April 14th card featuring WBO Welterweight champion Jeff Horn defending against Terence Crawford plus an appearance by Manny Pacquiao is close to fruition.

The proposed Pay-Per-View show would take place at Madison Square Garden.

Crawford, during an interview at ringside on Saturday night on ESPN’s telecast of the Gilberto Ramirez-Habib Ahmed super middleweight world title fight in Corpus Christi, Texas, said, “We’re real close. I’d say 90 percent done deal. Right now, my main focus is on Jeff Horn.”

Bob Arum said he was close but then added, “But I don’t do percentages. Close is not there. There is signed contracts. But we’re working hard to get the thing done and, hopefully, we’ll get it done pretty soon.”

Besides working to finish a deal with Crawford, Arum is also working to iron out a deal with Pacquiao. One potential opponent for Pacquiao is the long-faded former junior welterweight titlist Mike Alvarado (38-4, 26 KOs), 37, of Denver.

10 ROUNDS – VACANT WBC USNBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Noel Murphy vs. Mikkel LesPierre
Woodlawn, NY Brooklyn, NY
12-0, 2 KO’s 18-0-1, 8 KO’s
139.2 lbs. 139.4 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jude Franklin vs. Floriano Pagliara
Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn, NY
6-0, 5 KO’s 16-7-2, 7 KO’s
128 lbs. 129.6 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Oleksandr Teslenko vs. Keenan Hickman
Toronto, Canada Baton Rouge, LA
11-0, 9 KO’s 6-2-1, 2 KO’s
220 lbs. 269.2 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
Mykquan Williams vs. Preston Wilson
East Hartford, CT Parkersburg, WV
9-0, 5 KO’s 4-2-1, 3 KO’s
146 lbs. 142.8 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Stephan Shaw vs. Joel Caudle
St. Louis, MO Raleigh, NC
9-0, 6 KO’s 7-1-1, 5 KO’s
261.8 lbs. 265 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
Jonathan Arroyo vs. Andrea Crepaldi
Patchogue, NY New York, NY
1-0 Pro Debut
146 lbs. 142.2 lbs.

*The Jon Fernandez vs. Fatiou Fassinou bout was called off at today’s weigh-in due to Fassinou falling ill. Fassinou is expected to recover quickly and promoters will attempt to reschedule the bout.

All Bouts Subject to Change

Boxing fans can watch the entire card streamed live on DiBella Entertainment’s Facebook page starting at 7:00 PM ET:
https://www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

Tickets for tomorrow’s Broadway Boxing event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are priced at $125, $100, $75 and $55. For tickets, please call the DiBella Entertainment office at 212-947-2577. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the venue on fight night for cash only. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the first fight scheduled for 7:00pm. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is located at 237 W. 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Times Square.

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 6, 2018) – Light heavyweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (18-1-1, 12 KOs), who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannely and promoted by Damien Vazquez’ Sugar Promotions, talks training camp and more ahead of his showdown with Thomas Williams Jr. (20-3, 14 KOs).

This 10-round bout, takes place on the undercard of Victor Ortiz vs. Devin Alexander, which airs live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas on Saturday, February 17 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Here is what Velazco had to say about training camp, making his USA debut, and more…

On his current training camp in Aguascalientes, MX …
“I’ve been training with former world champion Cruz Carbajal out here in Aguascalientes, Mexico. For the first time in my career, I flew out a durable sparring partner to help me prepare for this fight. We are finalizing the last few sparring sessions this week. My body is healthy and I’m in great shape. I’ll be ready for war on fight night.”

On facing opponent Thomas Williams Jr…
“All I know about Williams is he’s a southpaw, who is coming off a couple of losses, and has fought for a world title. He’s been in the ring with some elite fighters, so I know he’s a very good opponent. I know he’s hungry to get back in the win column so I’m preparing for his best. This is a big step up in competition and I’m ready for the challenge.”

On making his USA debut…
“Where I’m from, you always dream about what it would be like to fight in the United States of America. Now that dream is coming true and I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. There will be some very important people watching this fight. I promise I will not disappoint.”

On what a win will do for his career…
“A victory against Williams will be great for my career because I know it will lead to bigger fights. My goal is to make a statement in this fight and show those watching that I’m the real deal.”

NEW YORK (Feb. 6, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Regis Prograis and former world champion Viktor Postol will face off for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Championship on Friday, March 9 in the 12-round main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Prograis (20-0, 17 KOs), of Houston by way of New Orleans, has scored knockouts in 13 of his last 14 fights and is a rising star in the wide-open 140-pound division. The aggressive-minded southpaw will face the toughest test of his career in Postol (29-1, 12 KOs), a former WBC Super Lightweight World Champion with only one loss on his record.

In the 12-round co-feature, undefeated 140-pound contenders Ivan Baranchyk (17-0, 10 KOs) and Anthony Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs) will square off in a Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Sergey Lipinets. Lipinets will defend his belt the following day, March 10, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® against undefeated three-division champion Mikey Garcia.

The event is presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Elite Boxing, Fight Promotions Inc., Holden Productions and Sauerland Promotions. Tickets, priced at $200, $80 and $60, go on sale Friday, Feb. 9, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 907-4726.

“I feel I’m one of the best junior welterweights in the world and this is my chance to display my belief in myself,” Prograis said. “I’m very excited to be fighting Viktor Postol – he’s a very experienced fighter that previously held the WBC world title. I want to become a world champion this year, and I know Viktor Postol wants to reclaim his title, but we have to go through each other first. This is a great fight for boxing because you have two hungry fighters. It’s a can’t-miss fight.”

“My goal is to become a world champion again and I know a win over Regis Prograis will bring me one step closer,” Postol said. “I have been training hard for the past couple of months and I’m very excited for the opportunity to face Prograis on March 9.”

“My next fight is very important for my career and I am preparing for it very seriously,” Baranchyk said. “A few months ago, I moved to Miami, Fla., where I am now being trained by Pedro Diaz. I have strict discipline for everything in my training. I’m working on improving my skills, tactics for the fight, my skill set and physical strength. I’m also maintaining a much stricter diet and eating very healthy. I want every fighter to know if I am in the boxing ring you will never have an easy fight with me.”

“My dream is to become a world champion and I need to defeat Baranchyk to continue on my path,” Yigit said. “This will be my first time fighting in the United States but I’m ready to show the boxing fans that I have what it takes to become a world champion. From Stockholm, Sweden to Deadwood, South Dakota, onward my journey continues.”

“Two excellent super lightweight matchups highlight this SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on March 9. At the Deadwood Mountain Grand in South Dakota, the rising young gun will duel the seasoned ex-champion,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis can earn a world championship by beating his toughest foe, the respected and formidable Viktor Postol, with the interim WBC title at stake. Undefeated puncher Ivan Baranchyk is truly ‘The Beast’ in the ring and is determined to blaze a path toward a world title shot in his IBF eliminator, taking on Sweden’s European Champion, former Olympian, Anthony ‘Can You Dig It?’ Yigit.”

“Prograis and Baranchyk have appeared a combined nine times on ShoBox: The New Generation and it’s fulfilling to see their development from talented prospects to legitimate contenders,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME Sports. “We view this progression as a validation for the ShoBox series, and we’re thrilled to see their hard work pay off with these potentially career-changing opportunities. These are two tough fights that will determine who is ready to take the next step in this exciting division.”

“We are thrilled that DiBella Entertainment is bringing big time boxing back to South Dakota,” said Susan Kightlinger, General Manager at Deadwood Mountain Grand. “Deadwood is renowned for its rough and tumble past and professional boxing fits that mold perfectly. It’s an amazing card, great fighters and SHOWTIME is the ultimate name in boxing. It’s a perfect fit!”

A consensus top-10 ranked fighter at 140 pounds, the 29-year-old Prograis has beaten three previously undefeated fighters on the SHOWTIME developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation. Prograis stamped his arrival as a legitimate contender in the 140-pound division on June 9 scoring four knockdowns of previously undefeated Joel Diaz Jr., en route to a second-round TKO. Following the fight, Prograis called out the top players in the 140-pound division, including Terence Crawford and Adrien Broner, and on March 9, he’ll get his first chance to prove he’s ready to face the division’s elite.

Prograis’ nickname “Rougarou” originates from Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. Originally from New Orleans, Prograis relocated to Houston following Hurricane Katrina.

Postol won the vacant WBC 140-pound World Championship with a stunning and dominating 10th round knockout of Lucas Matthysse in 2015. The 34-year-old Ukrainian attempted to unify the division in his first defense, losing via unanimous decision to then-WBO champion Terence Crawford in 2016. He has since bounced back with a win over previously unbeaten Jamshidbek Najmiddinov last September in his native Ukraine. A win would move him one step closer to earning back the coveted WBC title he lost.

The co-feature also pits two of the top prospects in the 140-pound division, each with an opportunity to score the biggest win of their respective careers.

The aggressive-minded Baranchyk is a former amateur standout that packs power in both hands. The 25-year-old native of Belarus is currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF at 140 pounds and owns seven wins over previously undefeated fighters. He’s gone the 10-round distance three times and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over then-undefeated Keenan Smith last July on ShoBox in his adopted hometown of Miami, Okla.

The 26-year-old Yigit competed in the 2012 Olympics for Sweden, advancing to the second round before losing a very narrow decision to eventual Silver Medalist Denys Berinchyk. The Stockholm native has tallied 21 victories in just four years following the Olympics while campaigning in Europe. The southpaw will make his U.S. debut against Baranchyk as he looks to prove he’s ready to contend on the world stage.

The doors open and first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. More information on the Deadwood Mountain Grand can be found on their website at www.DeadwoodMountainGrand.com.

PHOENIX – February 6, 2018 – Two of Arizona’s most exciting prospects will face off in a 10 round bout at Super Bantamweight, vying for the WBC USNBC title, live at Celebrity Theatre and via Iron Boy PPV at ironboy.com. Local, undefeated prospect Carlos Castro (19-0, 8KO) will put his ‘O’ on the line in his toughest fight to date versus Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (21-5-1, 8KO).

Both fighters cut their teeth in South Phoenix gyms as kids. Castro began his boxing career at the age of seven, amassing over 180 amateur fights, and three national Silver Gloves championships training under the tutelage of Andrews Soto at Knockout Boxing Club, where he still trains today. Santiago trained with trainer Rudy Mata as a kid, and then trained with Soto, racking up over 130 amateur fights. He now trains with Rafael Ramos at Mayweather Boxing Gym. This bout brings Santiago full circle back to Celebrity Theatre, where he made his professional debut in 2009. Castro would debut three years later at the Celebrity, where he’s fought a majority of his fights.

The two fighters are friends, (as friendly as two opponents can be). The two have been sparring partners, and both plan to capitalize on this experience to best the other. At a recent press conference, the two were reticent to trash talk each other. “He knows me, and I know him,” said Castro of his opponent. “I know his mistakes, and he knows my mistakes. It is just going to come down to who capitalizes on the other’s mistakes better. We’ve known each other for a long time, but this is business. We’re friends and all, but as soon as we get into the ring, friendship is over. He knows that, and I know that.” Castro acknowledges that Santiago has faced stiffer competition during his career.

Asked whether his experience will be an issue for Castro, Santiago said “I’ve been in the ring with great fighters, two-time world champs. I know what it’s like to fight in that situation, so we’re going to have to see if he’s ready for that.”

If the crowd is any advantage, both fighters agree that Santiago has the edge. “It’s my town. Every time I fight at Celebrity Theatre, everybody knows how I pack that place. This fight is going to be nothing different. We’re going to bring everybody out, and put on a great show for everybody.” Castro vows not to be deterred. “This is what I’ve been fighting for. This is what I’ve been training for,” said the 23 year old.

When announced, the fight lit up social media in local boxing circles. Matchmaker Mike Sanchez was excited to put on a South Phoenix brawl. “It’s going to be a good fight. Beaver really thinks he’s going to win, and Carlos is ready for this test,” said Sanchez.

“I have worked with both of the boxers. When it was announced they were going to fight each other it was sentimental for me, but business is business,” said Coach Soto of the match.

“This is a great fight to kick off 2018,” said Iron Boy Promotions Promoter Roberto Vargas. “We’re expecting a sell-out crowd. Hats off to both fighters for not being afraid to fight the best in their hometown. We are going to work to put on fights like this one all year, and bring the best fights back to Celebrity Theatre.”

Tickets for Iron Boy 43: Castro-Santiago are priced $60, 40 and 30, and are on sale now at the Celebrity Theatre Box office, ironboy.com or by calling 602-267-1600. The fight will be available via ironboy.com pay-per-view.

“NEW ENGLAND’S FUTURE 5” FACT SHEET
WHAT: “New England’s Future 5” professional boxing event

WHO: MAIN EVENT – 8 ROUNDS
VACANT UBF NEW ENGLAND LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Richard Rivera (5-0, 4 KOs), Hartford, CT
Kevin Cobbs (10-2, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Bobby Harris, III (2-0), Worcester, MA
Saul Almeida (0-8-1), Framingham, MA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Ray Graceski (5-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA
Pawel Bansiak (pro debut), Hartford, CT

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Jose Rivera (4-1, 3 KOs), Hartford, CT
Troy Artis (4-7-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Jelame Garcia (6-0, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA
Nathan Schulte (0-4), Woburn, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS — — 4 ROUNDS
Derrick Whitley (2-0), Springfield, MA
Robert Blankenship (1-2), Cleveland, OH

Joseph Goss (pro debut), Bridgeport, CT
Samuel Vasquez (1-2, 1 KO), Montreal, Canada

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Omar Bordoy, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO), Danbury, CT
Seth Basler (0-4), Marion, IL

Wilfredo Pagan (3-0, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA
Bryan Abraham (6-28-2, 6 KOs), Schenectady, NY

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Carlos Marrera, III (0-1), Bridgeport, CT
Luis Rivera (3-3, 1 KO), Hartford, CT

(All fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2018

WHERE: The Palladium, Worcester, MA

PROMOTER: Rivera Promotions Entertainment

TICKETS: $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and
available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium
box office (general admission only), 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: 6:00 p.m, ET

FIRST BOUT: 7:00 p.m. ET

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN: Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 – 3-6 p.m. ET
Pepe’s Pizza & Restaurant
274 Franklin Street, Worcester, MA

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, KingRivera_
ABOUT RIVERA PROMOTION AND ENTERTAINMENT (RPE): Founded in 2017, Worcester, MA-based RPE is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion, RPE CEO/promoter Jose Antonio Rivera, and his son, RPE president/matchmaker Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera. RPE’s philosophy is to give young, local fighters a platform to develop and showcase their boxing skills.

LONDON (6 February, 2018) – BoxNation subscribers will be able to enjoy more exclusively live world title action this Saturday night when WBC super-featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt puts his title on the line against Ghanaian hotshot Maxwell Awuku.

‘The Channel of Champions’ will showcase the Mexican big-hitter as he looks to continue his destruction of the 130-pound division following a successful 2017 that saw him stop Francisco Vargas to win the title before defending it against Japan’s Takashi Miura.

With a record of 32-1, with 28 KOs, he now takes on the experienced Awuku who has amassed an impressive 44-3-1, with 30 KOs record, and will now be looking to snatch away Berchelt’s world title in front of his rival’s home fans in Cancun.

Pound-for-pound star Vasyl Lomachenko holds the WBO version of the world title at super-featherweight with Berchelt hoping a win over Awuku this weekend will help to set up a unification fight with the Ukrainian superstar.

However, Ghana has a rich history of producing world champions including the likes of Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey and Joshua Clottey, something which the teak-tough Awuku will be looking to make Berchelt well aware of when they share the ring.

The relentless and all-action Berchelt can’t wait to face Awuku after a number of previous opponents fell through.

“We are ready for whomever, I have prepared myself at the top, it’s good that Awuku is coming to create an upset and wants to offer a great fight to my audience. My emotions grow knowing that I will be fulfilling my dream on Saturday night,” said Berchelt.

Southpaw Awuku is in no doubt that he will shock the Mexican crowd and return home with the world championship belt around his waist.

“The Mexicans believe that they will take me by surprise and I am not prepared, they have made a big mistake, I will spoil the party for their people, I will knock out their champion and then I will go to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cancun,” Awuku told Boxing Scene.

The challenger has genuine power in his hands, but he insists he is bringing a lot more than just that.

“I’m not just a puncher. I’m a natural and a quick counter-puncher. We Africans are brave, with a lot of professional shame. To fight for the world title and the WBC belt is a unique opportunity that will change my life and my family and I will not waste it. I want to thank everyone who intervened for me to be in Mexico to fulfil a dream,” said Awuku.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “We are expecting this to be a real toe-to-toe affair between two fighters who don’t know how to take a back step. Miguel Berchelt had a fantastic year in 2017 and will be looking to impress once again, but we all know the rich history of Ghanaian fighters and Maxwell Awuku will be looking to carry on that proud tradition. He has the chance to win the world title and BoxNation subscribers can expect both men to give everything to ensure it is their hand which is raised at the end of the night.”

BoxNation’s exclusively live coverage will start from 12am this Saturday night.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com, via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) and TV Player for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Canelo vs Golovkin.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), TV Player, online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

In just her fourth professional fight, rising female flyweight prospect Elena Savelyeva will take the leap to 10-rounders.

Formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world and a 2012 Olympian, Savelyeva (3-0, 3 KOs), of Pushkino, Russia, will face former world title challenger Nevenka Mikulic of Croatia on Saturday, February 10 at Qin Shi Huang Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

“I feel great,” said Savelyeva, “Everything has gone completely according to plan. The fight itself will show what great shape I’m in. My training is always very intense, and I always have planned-out goals in mind.”

Co-promoted by Salita Promotions and Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, Savelyeva went 134-15-1 as an amateur, winning the world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) championships She represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.

She has been preparing for her first 10-round fight between gyms in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

“I haven’t experienced any difficulties at all so far,” said Savelyeva of the transition to the professional ranks. “My opponents allowed me to develop and progress properly. I have an extensive amateur background, fighting and beating the best in the world. I expect to do the same in the pros and win a professional world title, hopefully by the end of this year.”

“Elena is progressing quickly, as any fighter with her amateur experience would,” said co-promoter Dmitriy Salita. “After this fight, she will be looking for world-title fight, especially if its against her former amateur rival, (UK-based) Nicola Adams.”

###

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, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network 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. For more information, visit salitapromotions.com.

Philadelphia, PA (February 5, 2018) – TODAY!! Lightweight contender “Hammerin” Hank Lundy and junior lightweight Frank De Alba will be guests on The Abrams Boxing Hour.

The show can be heard live around the world at 5:30 PM ET on www.wildfireradio.com and by clicking stream B.

Lundy (28-6-1, 14 KOs) will talk about his fight with former world champion DeMarcus Corley that takes place this Saturday night in Philadelphia.

De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) will discuss his bout with Carlos Padilla that will headline a great night of boxing at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center on Tuesday, February 13th.

Marc Abrams will also breakdown the news and results of the past week and preview the week ahead in the world of boxing.

SHOWTIME Sports will present the Heavyweight World championship unification between undefeated IBF and WBA World Champion Anthony Joshua MBE and unbeaten WBO World Champion Joseph Parker on Saturday, March 31 live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

British sensation Joshua, who has knocked out all 20 of his professional opponents, burst onto the global scene with a dramatic knockout of long-reigning Heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko in the universally acclaimed 2017 Fight of the Year at Wembley Stadium in London.

In two fights last year, Joshua drew 168,000 spectators combined to massive stadium events in the U.K. Now, he faces another significant challenge in Parker, a native of New Zealand with 24 wins, no losses and 18 knockouts. Parker is attempting the third World title defence of his WBO belt.

Joshua vs. Parker is just the second Heavyweight championship unification in history between undefeated World titleholders. The only fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten Heavyweight World champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

With the addition of Joshua vs. Parker, SHOWTIME will televise all four of the Heavyweight World titles in the same month as undefeated American Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) will defend his WBC belt against unbeaten Luis Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs) on Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The four top-rated Heavyweights–Wilder, Ortiz, Joshua and Parker–boast a combined record of 111 wins, zero losses and 100 knockouts.

Both Heavyweight championships are cornerstones of a remarkable 2018 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING schedule that now includes 16 undefeated fighters and 13 world titles fights across 11 marquee events through the first six months of the year.

“The Heavyweight division is in the midst of a renaissance and SHOWTIME is delivering the all of the pivotal bouts to our subscribers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Anthony Joshua is a global superstar and we’re proud to present his sixth, and perhaps most challenging, World title fight to the U.S. audience. Joshua vs. Parker will be the 12th Heavyweight World championship match on SHOWTIME since Deontay Wilder won his title in 2015, an undisputed industry-leading offering in boxing’s preeminent division.”

The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Duco Events. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will televise the event live from Principality Stadium where organizers expect a sell-out of 80,000 spectators. The host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Brian Custer. Mauro Ranallo calls the action from ringside along with International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division World champion Paul Malignaggi. A 2018 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Gray, serves as ringside reporter.

Bethlehem, PA (February 5, 2018) – Two-time world welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron will now face Marquis Taylor in a ten-round bout on Tuesday, February 13th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Already announced were two eight-round co-main events featuring Frank De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) taking on Carlos Padilla (16-6-1, 10 KOs) as well as Mykal Fox (15-0, 4 Kos) battling Ricardo Garcia (14-1, 9 KO’s) in a super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Taylor of Houston, Texas has a record 8-1.

The 24 year-old is a five year veteran, who has a victory over previously undefeated Oscar Torres (8-0). Taylor has won five fights in a row which includes his last fight when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Hector Mercado on November 11, 2017 in Houston.

Cintron of Reading, PA has a record of 39-6-3 with 30 KOs.

The 38 year-old Cintron is a 18 year professional who won his first 23 fights (20 via stoppage) by defeating the likes of Leon Pearson (9-1-1), Said Ouali (7-0), Omar Davila (12-2), Ian Mackillop (14-1), Luis Rosado (29-5), Elio Ortiz (25-6), & Teddy Reid (22-5-1).
On April 23, 2005, Cintron was stopped by Antonio Margarito in his bid to win the WBO Welterweight title.

Cintron scored two wins, which included a 10th round stoppage over contender David Estrada (18-2) before stopping Mark Suarez in six-rounds to capture the IBF Welterweight title on October 28, 2006 in Palm Beach, Florida.

Cintron made two defenses of the crown which was highlighted by a two-round destruction over Walter Matthysse (26-1), before being stopped by Margarito in their rematch.

Cintron then sandwiched wins over Lovemore Ndou (46-10-1), Alfredo Angulo (15-0) and Juliano Ramos (15-2) around a draw with Sergio Martinez (44-1-1) before dropping fights with world champions Paul Williams and Carlos Molina.

In his last bout, Cintron was stopped in five round by Tyrone Brunson.

The “Philly Fight of the Year” Candidate saw Cintron score two knockdowns in round four, but Brunson came back to drop Cintron three times in round five.

“This is a fight to comeback to get back where I need to be. After the Brunson fight, it was back to the drawing board. this fight will start to get me back to the top one more time,” said Cintron.

In an eight-round bout, heavyweight contender Joe Hanks (22-2, 14 KOs) of Newark, NJ will fight Nick Guivas (14-9-2, 9 KOs) of Topeka, Kansas.

In six-round bouts:

Colby Madison (5-0-1, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland will fight Dante Selby (2-3-1) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.

Blake Mansfield (5-1-1, 3 KOs) of Burlington, NC will fight Darryl Bunting (3-2-2, 1 KO) of Asbury Park, NJ in a middleweight tilt.

Chiase Nelson (6-1, 3 Kos) of Mansfield, OH will fight Vincent Jennings (5-4-1, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI in a featherweight battle.

In four-round bouts:

Michael Coffie (1-0, 1 KO) will take on pro debuting Nicoy Clarke of Jersey City, NJ in a heavyweight bout.

Martino Jules (2-0) of Allentown, PA will fight Malik Loften (1-0, 1 KO) of Suitland, MD in a featherweight bout.

Juan Sanchez (4-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will take on Sergio Aguilar (2-6, 2 KOs) of Homestead, FL in a featherweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2018): Former Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion
Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe will be the special VIP guest for the Feb. 22 edition of
Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The highly anticipated headlining matchup will feature 126-pound contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (25-0, 13 KOs) defending his NABF and NABO Featherweight Titles against former world champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (38-4-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

Doors to the Special Events Center open and first fight begins at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and streaming on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

A certified Hall of Famer, “Big Daddy” Bowe is known as the only Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion to have earned belts from all four main sanctioning bodies – WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO. The controversial heavyweight faced some of the best fighters of his era, including Andrzej Golota, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, Jorge Luis Gonzalez, Herbie “Dancing Destroyer” Hide, and Michael “Dynamite” Dokes. Bowe is also one of five former heavyweight champions to have never suffered a stoppage defeat in the span of more than 40 fights in his career. Bowe will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the ESPN transmission begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

Tickets for the event start at $25 and are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Chief support to the main event battle will be knockout artist Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs), who will participate in the eight-round co-main event for the vacant Junior NABF Super Lightweight Title against the dangerous Jesus “Carambolas” Alvarez (15-3,11 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico. Ortiz, Jr. has never heard the final bell of a bout and will be putting his spotless record on the line as he takes a step up in competition and fights for his first regional title.

Lightweight knockout artist Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (18-1, 15 KOs) will make his highly anticipated ring return over a scheduled eight rounds of action and will kick off the ESPN3 coverage.Gonzalez will face Rey “Flash” Perez (21-9, 6 KOs), a Filipino fighter who now calls Los Angeles home and who was last seen giving Lamont Roach, Jr. trouble in the main event of the Nov. 30 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN.

Manny “Chato” Robles III (14-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by his world-renowned father, Manny Robles, Jr., will participate in an eight-round featherweight affair. Power punching prospect Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (10-0, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl by way of South Central, Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in an eight-round battle in the 126-pound division.

San Diego’s Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (6-0, 4 KOs) will participate in an eight-round lightweight fight, and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr. (11-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will open up the stacked card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight fight.

Opponents for all these exciting prospects will be announced shortly.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, February 16.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Terrazas is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABO featherweight titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Doors to the Special Events Center open and the first televised bout begin at 5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event start at $25 and will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com andhttp://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/DiazTerrazas into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Conor Benn has signed a two-year promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Benn has raced to 11-0 with 8 KOs in the pros since turning pro with Eddie Hearn in April 2016, with his last fight proving to be a small-hall classic as he recovered from hitting the deck twice in the opening round with two knockdowns of his own against Cedrick Peynaud at York Hall in December.

‘The Destroyer’ is back out in April on the undercard of Amir Khan’s return to action at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and the 21 year old is itching to get back into action on Merseyside and start a big year on a high.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal with Eddie and Matchroom Boxing,” said Benn. “I can’t wait to get back out in action on the Khan undercard, Liverpool is a great fighting city and I’m looking forward to fighting in front of such a knowledgeable fanbase. I want to entertain the fans but I’m still a work in progress.

“The Peynaud fight was a real learning curve but there was a lot of things that went wrong in camp to the last fight, I had a severe skin reaction out in New York for starters. That aside, I had four great fights last year. I was flat on the night but I’ve learned a couple of lessons from the fight. One of which, I’ve got the will to win which deep down, I didn’t know I had. A rematch is due, he’s deserved that and I’m sure it’ll happen this year and I’ll win it convincingly.”

“I’m delighted to extend our agreement with Conor and am very excited about the future,” said Hearn. “Conor has become an exciting feature on our shows and at 21, he has so much potential in the sport. 2018 is the year he will begin challenging for titles and Sky Sports viewers are guaranteed action when he steps into the ring.”

Benn’s return is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Khan fights for the first time since May 2016 against Canadian Phil Lo Greco.

Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle, and former Team GB Olympians Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 from www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

Face value tickets for April 21 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.