SHAWINIGAN, Canada (March 27, 2024) — Super middleweight contender Christian “Solid” Mbilli, who recently signed a co-promotional contract with Top Rank, will defend his WBA International and WBC Continental Americas titles in the 10-round main event against Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron on Saturday, May 25 at Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada.
 
In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, the man known as the “Lion,” Arslanbek Makhmudov, will fight former amateur nemesis Junior Fa.
 
This international event will be presented by Eye of the Tiger, in collaboration with the Cataractes and the City of Shawinigan. Mbilli-Heffron, Makhmudov-Fa, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 

“It’s always a source of pride to bring major fights to Mauricie, but this time, I can undoubtedly say we’re reaching another level. These are highly risky international fights we’ll present on May 25, where there will be no room for error. But, with Mbilli and Arslanbek, we aim for the top, so we must be ready to face real challenges,” said Eye of the Tiger President Camille Estephan.

Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) has run roughshod over a host of super middleweight hopefuls, including former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi and Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Góngora. Most recently, as the co-feature to the Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith main event in Quebec City, he battered Rohan Murdock en route to a sixth-round stoppage in front of more than 10,000 spectators.

Mbilli said, “No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won’t be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me.”
 
Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs), from Oldham, England, is a former British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion who once fought to a draw with one-time world title challenger Denzel Bentley. He rebounded from last September’s TKO defeat to Jack Cullen with February’s second-round TKO over Serhii Ksendzov.
 
Heffron said, “I am incredibly excited to be coming over to Canada to box Christian Mbilli. I have followed Christian’s career and always thought we would end up boxing each other. We are two of the most exciting super middleweights out there, so this will be an excellent fight that the fans will love. I am very confident of winning this fight. I wouldn’t be traveling all the way to Canada if I wasn’t sure of the win.”
 
Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) steps back into the ring in Shawinigan to restart his conquest of the heavyweight division. After suffering a knockout defeat and a double-hand fracture against Agit Kabayel last October, he will attempt to settle an old score. Fa bested Makhmudov via five-round decision in 2012 in Mumbai, India, as part of the World Series of Boxing.
 
“I’ve already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat,” Makhmudov said.

Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) is an eight-year pro who started his career 19-0 before dropping a decision to fellow New Zealander Joseph Parker in 2021. He was part of last December’s “Day of Reckoning” super event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hanging tough before being knocked out in the seventh round by unbeaten contender Frank Sanchez. 
 
Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. ET this Friday, March 29, on the Ovation network at www.ovation.qc.ca. The full card, which will also feature Mauritian adoptees Wilkens Mathieu and Mehmet Unal, as well as Alexandre Gaumont, Luis Santana, Christopher Guerrero, and Jhon Orobio, will be unveiled at a later date.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 28, 2023) — Unbeaten British heavyweight standouts Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye will meet in a high-stakes clash Saturday, Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 12-round battle of emerging stars will serve as the chief support contest to the historic showdown between WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury and lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou.
 
The premier combat sports event of the year, which marks the opening of Riyadh Season – the world’s biggest entertainment event – features a night of action delivered by boxing’s marquee division, the heavyweights.
 
Former WBO world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs), from Auckland, New Zealand, goes up against Canada’s Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs), and bone-crunching puncher Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs), also residing in Canada, takes on Croatian veteran Agron Smakici (19-2, 17 KOs). Both fights are scheduled for 10 rounds.
 
And, in a special six-round special attraction, 18-year-old heavyweight phenomenon Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) will face an opponent to be named.
 
This unprecedented heavyweight spectacular is promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, along with Eye Of The Tiger, promoter of Kean and Makhmudov.
 
Fury-Ngannou and the heavyweight undercard will be available on pay-per-view in the United States.
  
Ipswich’s Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) became English champion in 2021 with a first-round stoppage of Nick Webb before capturing British honors with a third-round TKO of Nathan Gorman last November. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Michael Coffie in April.
 
Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs), from London, is the current WBO European champion, having won his maiden professional title by defeating the previously unbeaten Dmytro Bezus at York Hall in February and subsequently stopping Emir Ahmatovic in June.
 
The Adeleye-Wardley rivalry hit new heights at the Fury-Ngannou press conference in London earlier this month, as the fighters and their camps brawled on the red carpet. The melee left Wardley with cuts above his left eye and under his chin.
 
“I’ve got a clean bill of health,” Wardley said. “Nothing has changed. I am still feeling strong, moving hard, and hitting new numbers.
 
“I don’t know how to quantify how my desire to win by knockout has increased after what happened but, yes, substantially. Massively, because I am a professional person and I like to act like a professional, but if you want to go early, then that’s fine, and I am ready to go at any minute.
 
“When those situations occur, all it does is fuel the fire more. All you have done is made it worse for yourself. You’ve made me train harder, you’ve made me work for it more, you’ve made me want it more.”
 
Adeleye said, “I’m really looking forward to competing on the global stage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Everywhere I go, people are talking about this fight. I intend to put on a show and display why I’m the best young heavyweight out there.”
 
Parker captured the WBO crown in 2016 with a points triumph over future champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in Auckland. He made two title defenses before an unsuccessful unification fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018. He won the WBO Intercontinental championship in May 2021 with a decision victory over Derek Chisora, making a successful defense against the Chisora seven months later.  
 
Parker lost a bid for the WBO Interim world title against Joe Joyce last September, but he has enjoyed a successful 2023 with wins over Jack Massey and Faiga Opelu.  Kean won the WBC International Silver championship in 2019 with a defeat of former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich, making a successful defense against Daniel Martz the following year. He has won eight straight via the short route, most recently notching a seventh-round stoppage over Eric Molina in March.
 
Parker said, “I’m looking forward to being back in Saudi Arabia. It was great the last time I was there to support another fighter and boxing event. This time I’m going to take care of business in my own fight against a tough challenge in Simon Kean. It is fantastic to be on this card and to be part of this major event. My preparations are on point. There is not long to go now.”
 
Kean said, “This is the moment all fighters dream of their whole career. This is what I’ve been working for and asking for. It’s time to deliver.”
 
Makhmudov won the WBC Continental Americas strap in 2019, becoming the first man to stop Jonnie Rice. He went on to win the NABF and NABO belts with a slew of wins over notable opponents, including Pavel Sour, Erkan Teper and Mariusz Wach. Makhmudov had a triumphant United States debut in July, obliterating Raphael Akpejiori in two rounds. Smakici challenged for the vacant European title in his last fight, but he suffered a loss to the undefeated Agit Kabayel. The Croatian’s only other setback came against then-unbeaten Zhan Kossobutskiy in 2019.
 
Makhmudov said, “Saudi Arabia is a very special place for me. It’s always been my goal to fight there, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.”

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 29, 2023) — Toledo’s knockout king is ready to shine in his hometown Saturday evening.

Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) will fight former world champion “Prince” Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) in the 10-round main event at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori (15-0, 14 KOs).

Anderson-Martin and Makhmudov-Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In a special feature just before the main event, lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) will take on Alex de Oliveira (20-4, 14 KOs) in a six-rounder.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT) will feature Toledo natives DeAndre Ware and Tyler McCreary.

Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) returns to the ring against Decarlo Perez (19-8-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight tilt, while McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) takes on veteran Deivi Julio (26-13, 16 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight battle.

Junior welterweight standout Tiger Johnson (8-0, 5 KOs) will face Jonathan Montrel (15-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout, and light heavyweight prospect Dante Benjamin Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) will meet Mirady Zola (4-2, 1 KO) in a six-round clash.

Junior middleweight prospect Husam Al Mashhadi (6-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, fights the durable Rance Ward (7-5-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Warriors Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

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

Jared Anderson
 
“This is super special. I’m super excited. I’m the talk of the town. It’s a new feeling. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to embrace it. I’m happy to be an inspiration for the kids.”
 
“I come prepared for anything and everything. Luckily, he is still a southpaw. I think that was the biggest reason that we chose him after the change. He’s also a bigger name. He is a former world champion. He has fought a few world titleholders as well.”
 
“I’m prepared for everything. It didn’t throw a monkey wrench in the plan, but it definitely made us go back to the drawing board, look at the tapes, and come back with a plan.”
 
“My toughest fight outside the ring is life because it throws curveballs at you that you just don’t expect sometimes. I think I’ve been through a lot in my 23 years, and I think I’ve handled it well.”

Charles Martin
 
“I was happy when I got the call. I had been putting in a lot of work, so I was happy that the hard work was finally paying off. I’ve dedicated myself fully. I leave no stones unturned. You can’t do that in this game.”
 
“Surprisingly, I won my national championship here in Toledo, Ohio before I turned professional. So, I’m kind of just coming back and reliving the experience. It’s a good thing.”
 
“I’m up for the challenge. He’s a big, strong, young lion. And I’m here.”

Arslanbek Makhmudov
 
“Camp was good. Everything was great. I just can’t wait for it to be Saturday so I can perform. Montreal has been good for me. It’s a comfortable place for my family, and it’s comfortable for my training.”
 
“I came here to compete against the best and become the champion of the world. That’s my goal, my target and my dream. That’s why I started boxing when I was nine years old. I have a lot of experience as an amateur and that helps me as a professional.”

Raphael Akpejiori
 
“I came here on a basketball scholarship from Nigeria. I was one of those kids who did everything they could to make life better for myself and my family. I played basketball for four years, and I played football until grad school. I got my master’s degree. I was picked up by the Miami Dolphins. I didn’t make the final cut, so I started boxing. And then I fell in love with the sport.”
 
“I met up with very good people. They say that every time a student wants to learn, a teacher magically appears. My coach is the ‘Road Warrior’ himself, Glen Johnson, and he took me to another level. All my coaches have helped take me to another level, and I’m excited to be here.”
 
“This is the best guy I will have faced. But to be a champion, you have to go through some fire. And I have put myself in line to go through that fire. All I have to do is listen to the ‘Road Warrior’ and do everything we’ve done in camp.”
 
Tiger Johnson

“I’m really excited. Everyone’s about to see what Ohio is made of. For as long as boxing has been around, Ohio has always had legends. So, we’re about to put on a show. In every camp, we always go back to the fundamentals. Everyone will see my improvement on Saturday night.”

Dante Benjamin Jr.
 
“I love training. It’s like a family at the gym. I have a lot of fun. This past camp has been fun because my friends have been training with me. They push me. So, it feels good.”

Abdullah Mason
 
“My family keeps me focused inside the gym. We all share the same goal, which is to become a world champion. So, we’ll keep working towards that, and eventually it’s going to come.”

Jahi Tucker
 
“Saturday night will be the same old story: domination. In my last fight {against Nikoloz Sekhniashvili}, I wanted to show everything I’ve learned. It helped me get to that level. That last fight just added on to the experience that I’m going to take to championship fights.”

DeAndre Ware
 
“It’s been my dream to fight at the Huntington Center. Jared made this possible, and I’m just looking forward to it. We’re going to display our talent for the city.”

Husam Al Mashhadi
 
“This means a lot to my family. Everybody at home is really excited for me. I’m very excited. Toledo is like my backyard, so I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans come out from Michigan.” 

Tyler McCreary
 
“It feels good to be here. I’ve been working really hard. I appreciate Jared for coming back home. It’s a good feeling to be back in action.”

Saturday, July 1

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)
 

Jared Anderson vs. Charles Martin, 10 rounds, Heavyweights 

Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Raphael Akpejiori, 10 rounds, Heavyweights 

 
ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Tiger Johnson vs. Jonathan Montrel, 8 rounds, Junior Welterweights

Jahi Tucker vs. Nicklaus Flaz, 8 rounds, Junior Middleweights

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 21, 2023) — The homecoming for heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson is still on, but the man in the opposing corner has changed. After undefeated Kazakh contender Zhan Kossobutskiy was forced to withdraw due to a delay in obtaining his visa, former world champion “Prince” Charles Martin has stepped up to face Anderson on Saturday, July 1 at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.
 
Anderson-Martin and a 10-round heavyweight co-feature between unbeaten punchers Arslanbek Makhmudov and Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Warriors Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“We weren’t going to let anything spoil the Toledo party,” Anderson said. “I have a new opponent, but it will be the same outcome.”
 
Martin said, “I’ve always said I will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. If I have to fight on less than two weeks’ notice to get a big opportunity, so be it. I’m ready. And since I can’t get the best guys from my generation to fight me, I’ll fight the best guy from the new generation. My goal is to become a two-time heavyweight champion. I have to beat Jared Anderson to accomplish my goal.”
 
Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) has only been extended past three rounds twice in a career that began with a first-round stoppage in October 2019. From April 2021 to December 2022, he notched five consecutive second-round knockouts, including one over the normally durable Jerry Forrest. Anderson began his 2023 campaign in April with a third-round stoppage over the previously undefeated George Arias. Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs), a 37-year-old St. Louis native, captured the IBF heavyweight world title in January 2016 with a third-round TKO over Vyacheslav Glazkov. Martin lost his title to Anthony Joshua less than three months later, but he has remained a force on the heavyweight scene. He is 6–2 since the Joshua setback, including a highlight-reel stoppage over Gerald Washington in 2020. Martin is coming off a fourth-round knockout against Devin Vargas last September in Los Angeles.

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

TOLEDO, Ohio (May 2, 2023) — Toledo’s knockout king is set to take center stage in front of a hometown crowd.
 
Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will fight Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event Saturday, July 1, at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 

In the 10-round co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori.

Anderson formally announced his upcoming fight today at the Glass City Pavilion in Toledo. He was joined by Hall of Fame Promoter/Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Toledo-born first responder DeAndre Ware, who will see action on the undercard.

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

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
 
At the press conference, this is what Anderson, Arum, Ware and Mayor Kapszukiewiczhad to say.

Jared Anderson

“I’m happy to be here. I’m feeling so loved and embraced here. It means everything to me. I plan to put on a great show. I plan to show the kids and the city that we are still fighting and are one of the biggest small cities in the nation. The world will know us.”
 
“I’ve been in the gym going crazy. As you can see, my body shows it. My fights show it. My power shows it. I’m going to keep pushing and stay on track so that this train keeps going.”
 
“I’m super excited. I’m happy to see all the familiar faces and all the friends and family. The cameras are good and all, but I’m doing this for the city. I’m doing this for the people that are here. I’m doing this for the people that don’t have phones in their hand and are out there in the world right now fighting to survive. I’ve been fighting to survive for a long time. Now that I don’t have to do that, I want to show you all that hopefully you won’t have to do that, too. Just keep fighting. Keep striving to be better and you will get there for sure.”

Bob Arum

“I’m happy to be here because this is Jared Anderson’s hometown. We told him that one day he would fight his first main event here in Toledo. Jared is here. And just because he’s here doesn’t mean that he gets a piece of cake. He is fighting a very, very tough competitor because we believe that Jared will be the future heavyweight champion of the world. But to do that, he’s got to fight really tough guys. And we’ve gotten him an opponent from Kazakhstan who is 19-0 with 18 knockouts.”

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz

“This is beyond exciting. It builds upon an underrated boxing history in Toledo. Right across the river, maybe a quarter of a mile down, Jack Dempsey won his heavyweight crown. Here in Toledo, the golden age of boxing began on July 4, 1919. Muhammad Ali fought here. George Foreman fought here. We’ve got a proud boxing tradition, but there is nothing more special that rallying behind one of our own. Toledo backs its own. And we can’t wait for Jared to fight.”

DeAndre Ware

“I remember boxing at the PAL. Back then, you were a little guy. We used to get on you all the time. Then you got older and started sparring. I used to put my mouthpiece out there and say, ‘you can’t knock it out my mouth.’ I can’t do that anymore. I’m proud of you, Jared. I thank you for this opportunity. I’m thankful for fighting here in front of my friends, fans and family. I’m happy.”

TOLEDO, Ohio (May 2, 2023) — Early fireworks await this Fourth of July weekend as Toledo’s knockout king heads home to headline an action-packed heavyweight doubleheader featuring a quartet of the division’s hardest-hitting punchers.

Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will collide against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event Saturday, July 1, at Toledo’s Huntington Center. Anderson will fight for the first time as a pro in his hometown, just a few days shy of the 104th anniversary of Jack Dempsey’s historic win over Jess Willard on July 4, 1919, at Toledo’s Bay View Park. Dempsey’s triumph heralded a new era in his illustrious career, and Anderson expects to do the same in his first headlining attraction.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori. The Makhmudov-Akpejiori showdown rounds out a doubleheader featuring four undefeated knockout artists with a combined record of 64 wins and 61 stoppages. Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Makhmudov-Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets go on sale TODAY, May 2, at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Jared Anderson is a proud son of Toledo, and we are thrilled to bring Top Rank and ESPN to the ‘Glass City’,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Ever since Jared turned pro, we have set our sights on Toledo as a fight destination. He is now the best young heavyweight in the world, and the time was right to bring ‘The Real Big Baby’ home. Zhan Kossobutskiy is a ferocious puncher in his own right, and I expect an action-packed fight in front of a raucous, sold-out Huntington Center crowd.”

Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) debuted in the paid ranks in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He has never gone beyond the sixth round, as he has stopped five of his opponents in the first round and another five in the second round. In 2020, he garnered global attention as Tyson Fury’s primary sparring partner, but he is now carving his own path. In his last fight, he knocked out then-undefeated George Arias in the third round, the second unbeaten fighter to have fallen victim to Anderson’s punching power. Ranked at No. 7 by the WBO and No. 11 by both the WBC and WBA, the 23-year-old now turns his attention to the division’s top dogs.

Anderson said, “To my family, friends, and fans in Toledo, I cannot wait to come home. This is a dream come true. Trust me, I am going to put on a show for you all. The support of my city has pushed me my entire career, and I know everyone will be in my corner on July 1.”

Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a 10-round unanimous decision win over Kamil Sokolowski in August 2020. He has not gone passed the sixth round since. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts, stopping once-beaten Nigerian Onorede Ehwareme, iron-chinned Philadelphian Joey Dawejko, and then-undefeated Dominican Alexis Garcia. In 2022, he dispatched former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in the fifth round and is coming off a third-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Hussein Muhamed in November.

Kossobutskiy said, “The fact that this fight will take place in the United States, in my opponent’s hometown, will make this fight interesting. I like to box strong opponents. Such fights are needed in the heavyweight division. I haven’t watched his fights. They say that he is good, but we will analyze him in the process of my fight preparation.”

Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) made his professional debut in December 2017 by knocking out Jaime Barajas in the first round. He secured five additional first-round stoppages in his first seven fights, and in 2019, he became the first fighter to knock out tough-as-nails veteran Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he knocked out former world champion Samuel Peter in the first round, starting a series of four consecutive first-round knockouts. In September 2022, Makhmudov went the distance for the first time against former world title challenger Carlos Takam. In his most recent bout, he stopped Michael Wallisch in only one round in December. The 6’5, 265-pound powerhouse is set to face the tallest opponent of his career.

Makhmudov said, “Fighting for the first time in the United States, the Mecca of boxing, represents a major opportunity for me, not only because it will give me a chance to showcase my talent on the world stage, but also because it brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion. I’ve been dedicating my life to boxing, putting all the hard work and sacrifices for this moment. I’m ready. I want to fight the best, and I’m ready to give a great show to the boxing fans all over the world.” 

At 6’8′ and 260 pounds, Akpejiori (15-0, 14 KOs) casts an intimidating presence. A former collegiate basketball and football player for the University of Miami, he is a fistic natural, having stopped ten of his opponents in the first round and another four in the second round. In June 2022, the 32-year-old went the eight-round distance for the first time in his career against veteran Terrell Jamal Woods. In his most recent fight, Akpejiori scored a first-round knockout against Dell Long in January. Akpejiori will have a nearly three-inch height advantage over his opponent.

Akpejiori said, “I do not expect this to be an easy fight, but I have prepared for this moment for a long time. I’m used to the hard work. I’m used to the adversity, the obstacles, and the pain. This is just another chapter, and I am more than ready for it. This is an opportunity to represent the African continent on a global scale, and I do not intend to disappoint.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature Toledo-born first responder DeAndre Ware and a pair of Cleveland’s sterling undefeated talents: Tiger Johnson and Dante Benjamin Jr.

Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) will return in a six-round super middleweight fight. He is a local firefighter who saved the life of Top Rank coordinator Pete Susens after performing CPR before a weigh-in inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble in 2020. Nearly three years later, Ware returns on a Top Rank show seeking to rebound from a defeat to unbeaten contender Christian Mbilli last September.

Rising U.S. Olympian Johnson (8-0, 5 KOs) will see action in an eight-round junior welterweight clash. Following a 2022 in which he went 5-0 with three knockouts, Johnson kicked off 2023 with an eight-round unanimous decision win in April over Alfonso Olvera

Light heavyweight prospect Benjamin (6-0, 4 KOs) will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round bout. Benjamin began the year with a first-round knockout over then-unbeaten prospect Emmanueal Austin in January and is coming off a second-round destruction of Jasper McCargo in April.

Husam Al Mashhadi (6-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, will participate in a six-round junior middleweight fight. The explosive southpaw prospect, who has packed venues in his hometown, is coming off a six-round decision over Gabriel Smith in March.

Junior middleweight standout Jahi Tucker (10-0, 5 KOs) hopes to follow-up April’s action-packed decision victory over Nikoloz Sekhniashvili in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.

(Dec. 15, 2022) — Two international fight cards will stream live and exclusively this weekend in the U.S. on ESPN+. The fight action starts Friday, as undefeated heavyweight wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov defends his NABF and NABA straps against Germany’s Michael Wallisch in the 10-round main event from Centre Gervais Auto in Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada.

The ESPN+ fight marathon continues Saturday from Parc des Expositions in Nantes, France, as super middleweight knockout artist Christian Mbilli steps up against American veteran Vaughn Alexander in a 10-rounder.

Makhmudov-Wallisch and undercard bouts will stream live starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Mbilli-Alexander and undercard contests will stream live beginning at2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.

The Russian-born Makhmudov (15-0, 14 KOs) has been based in Montreal since beginning his professional journey in December 2017. The 6’5, 260-plus pound behemoth knocked out his first 14 opponents, including 12 in three rounds or less. Makhmudov, who is promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, opened his 2022 campaign with February’s sixth-round knockout over former world title challenger Mariusz Wach. In September, he was taken the distance by another former world title challenger, Carlos Takam, after hurting Takam in the opening round. Wallisch (23-5, 16 KOs) has fought the likes of Joe Joyce, Efe Ajagba and Tony Yoka throughout a pro career that has spanned more than 12 years. He scored a second-round stoppage over Toni Thes in May.

In other streaming action from Shawnigan:

Mary Spencer (7-0, 5 KOs) vs. Femke Hermans (13-5-1, 5 KOs), 10 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

Steven Butler (31-3-1, 26 KOs) vs. Joshua Conley (17-4-1, 11 KOs), 10 Rounds, Butler’s NABF Middleweight Title

Thomas Chabot (7-0, 7 KOs vs. Jonathan Carrillo Baranda (4-2-1), 6 Rounds, Featherweights

Leila Beaudoin (7-0, 1 KO) vs. Valgerdur Gudstensdottir (5-3, 1 KO), 6 Rounds, Junior Lightweights

Luis Santana (7-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jonathan Uribe Hernandez (4-0-2, 1 KO), 6 Rounds, Lightweights

Alexandre Gaumont (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. Piotr Bis (6-2-1, 2 KOs), 6 Rounds, Middleweights

Mbilli (22-0, 20 KOs), a 2016 French Olympian, won his first 13 professional bouts by stoppage. After a unanimous decision over Ronald Ellis in December 2021, he had a power surge in 2022. In March, he knocked out former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi in five rounds, and less than six months later, he iced DeAndre Ware in the second round. Mbilli returns home for the first time since 2019 and is expected to be tested by Alexander (17-6-1, 10 KOs), a St. Louis native who is 2-0-1 in his last three fights. Alexander has only one stoppage defeat and a pair of victories over undefeated prospects since resuming his career in 2016.

In a six-round junior welterweight special feature, “The Fresh Prince of Monaco,” Hugo Micallef (4-0) goes for his fourth win of 2022 against Mexican veteran Jose Angel Rosales Romero (6-5, 3 KOs). Micallef signed with Top Rank prior to his pro debut last year and is currently the only active boxer from the Principality of Monaco. French lightweight prospect Christ Esabe (12-0, 3 KOs) is scheduled to return in a six-rounder.

In other streaming action from Nantes:

Souleymane Cissokho (15-0, 9 KOs) vs. Tulani Mbenge (19-1, 12 KOs), 12 Rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Title

# # #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 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

Montreal, Canada (September 17, 2022) — Montreal fight fans were treated to an excellent heavyweight main event on Friday night when CARLOS TAKAM (now, 39-7-1 28KO’s), traveled to Montreal to face hometown favorite, NABF Champion and #6 world rated heavyweight (WBA, WBC), ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV (now 15-0 14KO’s) at the Montreal Casino for the WBC Silver, NABF and NABA heavyweight titles.

The heavy handed Makhmudov expectedly started fast and furious, pushing Takam across the ring and into the corner before attempting to drown him with combinations. As the true veteran Takam is, instead of taking the onslaught or further damage, he took a knee and the remaining time left in the count to regain his composure.

Takam began to find his footing with an overhand right and stiff jabs to the body. Makhmudov continued to try and land a bombs away one-two, but Takam was resilient and would not waver. Both men dished and took some vicious punishment throughout the ten round main event.

As the fight carried on, Takam began to give Makhmudov fits, making him uneasy at times and put him on his heels for arguably the first time in Makhmudov’s career.

Heading into the 7th round, Takam was in control, getting his punches off first and caused much hesitancy for Makhmudov – barreling towards a possible major upset. However, late in the round Takam winged a right hand, throwing himself out of position against the ropes. Makhmudov capitalized when he landed a right hand that dropped Takam. A pivotal moment in the fight turned a Takam round, into a 10-8 Makhmudov round. Raising from the count to the sound of the bell indicating the close of the 7th round, Takam and Makhmudov entered rounds 8-10 where either fighter could turn the tide of the captivating heavyweight battle.

Takam found success with massive overhand rights and sweeping left hands to the body, buzzing Makhmudov on a few different occasions. As the final bell rang, Takam became the first to take the powerful Makhmudov to the judges scorecards, but fell short by decision, with the 7th round knockdown proving to be the pivotal difference. (97-91, 96-92, 96-92).

CEO of Star Boxing, JOE DEGUARDIA, had this to say about the fight, “Carlos once again proved that he belongs at the elite level of the heavyweight division. Makhmudov came into the fight with high praise and Carlos matched him. Carlos constantly thrills fans with fantastic action fights and will test any fighter in the division. Every time out Carlos earns the respect of the crowd and boxing fans across the world. Congratulations to Team Makhmudov on the victory.” ?

Photo Credit: Eye of the Tiger Management

UPCOMING EVENTS:?

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 43
OCTOBER 1ST | THE PARAMOUNT

Star Boxing presents Rockin’ Fights 43 at The Paramount on October 1st. The anticipated card includes, in a 10 round cruiserweight cross-roads bout, LYUBOMYR PINCHUK vs JOEL SHOJGREEN, super lightweights OMAR BORDOY vs VICTOR RABEI, the pro boxing debut of JOHN GOTTI III, the return of RONNY REYES and much more.

PURCHASE YOUR PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE HERE

CARLOS TAKAM ARCHIVES:

CARLOS TAKAM vs CRAIG LEWIS

RESORTS WORLD CATSKILLS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

CARLOS TAKAM vs FABIO MALDONADO

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 38

FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Arslanbek Makhmudov remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Takam in a heavyweight bout at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.

In the opening seconds, Makhmudov came out firing and landing hard shots that made Takam take a knee.

In round seven, Makhmudov landed a wild right to the head that put Takam down again.

Makhmudov won by scores of 97-91 and 96-92 twice.

Steven Butler stopped former title challenger Mark DeLuca in round two of their 10-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Butler dropped DeLuca with a big right hand. DeLuca got to his feet, but was deemed unable to continue at 1:59.

Butler, 160 lbs of Montreal, CAN is 31-3-1 with 26 knockouts. DeLuca, 159 lbs of Quincy, MA is 28-4.

Thomas Chabot remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Armando Ramirez in a scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Chabot dropped Ramirez with a left hand that made Ramirez take a knee. In round two, Chabot dropped Ramirez with a left/right to the body. Chabot finished off Ramirez with another body shot for another knockdown and the fight was stopped at

Chabot of Canada is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Ramirez of Jalisco, MEX is 3-2.

Jean Gardy Francois remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Andres Sanchez Ramirez in a super featherweight bout.

Francois, 129.2 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 3-0. Ramirez, 129 lbs of Durango, MX is 4-5-3.

Emma Gongora scored a mild upset by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Martine Vallieres Brisson in a featherweight bout,

In round two, Gongora landed a right hand that was ruled a knockdown. In round four, Brisson had a bloody nose.

In round six, Gongora was deducted a point for holding.

Scores were 58-54 and 57-54 twice for Gongora of France who is now 5-2. Brisson of Canada is 5-2.

Hamzah Khabazz won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Gutierrez Bolanos in a welterweight bout.

Khabazz if Montreal won by 40-36 scores on all cards and is now 5-0. Bolanos, 146.8 lbs is 2-6

Montreal, Canada (September 15, 2022) – Undefeated NABF Heavyweight Champion, ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV (14-0 14KO’s) and challenger CARLOS TAKAM (39-6-1 28KO’s) stepped on the scales today at Casino Montreal ahead of tomorrow nights WBC Silver, NABA and NABF Heavyweight Championship title bout. The full Makhmuodv-Takam fight card will air live on ESPN+ starting at 7PM ET.

Carlos Takam took to the scales first, weighing in at a chizzled, 261.4 lbs. Arslanbek Makhmudov took to the scales second, weighing in at 263.2 lbs. After a glaring face-off, the two parted ways ready for the big opportunity that lays ahead tomorrow night.

Makhmudov-Takam is promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Photo Credit: Eye of the Tiger Management

UPCOMING EVENTS:?

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 43
OCTOBER 1ST | THE PARAMOUNT

Star Boxing presents Rockin’ Fights 43 at The Paramount on October 1st. The anticipated card includes, in a 10 round cruiserweight cross-roads bout, LYUBOMYR PINCHUK vs JOEL SHOJGREEN, super lightweights OMAR BORDOY vs VICTOR RABEI, the pro boxing debut of JOHN GOTTI III, the return of RONNY REYES and much more.

PURCHASE YOUR PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE HERE

CARLOS TAKAM ARCHIVES:

CARLOS TAKAM vs CRAIG LEWIS

RESORTS WORLD CATSKILLS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

CARLOS TAKAM vs FABIO MALDONADO

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 38

FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Montreal, Canada (September 12, 2022) – Heavyweight boxing takes center stage in Montreal, Canada on Friday, September 16, when CARLOS TAKAM (Henderson, NV, 39-6-1 28KO’s) challenges six-time defending NABF Heavyweight Champion, undefeated ARSLANBEK “LION” MAKHMUDOV (Montreal, Canada by way of Russia, 14-0 14KO’s) at the Montreal Casino (Casino de Montréal) for the NABF and vacant NABA Heavyweight Titles.

Takam enters the 10-round main event seeking his 40th career victory as he returns to Montreal for the second time in his career. In 2014, Takam fought undefeated WBC Silver Heavyweight Champion, Mike Perez (then 20-0 12KO’s) to a controversial majority draw, with one judge giving Takam the fight.  Takam’s resume speaks for itself, and includes former unified heavyweight World Champion, Anthony Joshua, current #15 world rated (WBC) Dereck Chisora, current #2 (WBO), #3 (WBC), #6 (IBF) and #11 (WBA) world rated Joseph Parker, former world champion Alexander Povetkin and former world title challengers, Tony Thompson, Michael Grant and Frans Botha. Most recently in July of 2021, Takam traveled to the UK to face hometown favorite,, former Olympian, and current #1 (WBO), #2 (WBC), #5 (IBF), #8 (The Ring) world rated, Joe Joyce (12-0 12KO’s).  Takam gave Joyce all he could handle before an extremely controversial 6th round stoppage. At the time of the stoppage Takam was winning on all three judges’ scorecards. Takam is a former world title contender, IBF Inter-Continental, WBC Silver and WBF World Champion, who is set to take on the heavy-handed Makhmudov, hoping to prove he has enough left in the tank to position himself for one more heavyweight world championship challenge. 

Takam had this to say about the fight: “I’m excited about the opportunity to fight in Montreal once again.  Canada is great to visit, and the fans know their boxing. I’m healthy, in shape and ready to give my fans around the world what they have been asking for.  It’s time to get back in action and achieve my goals.”

Makhmudov stands at a staggering 6’5”, typically weighing in north of 260 lbs., has never gone beyond the 7th round of a fight, knocking out all of those that have attempted to challenge him. Makhmudov looks to defend his NABF title for the seventh straight time. Makhmudov who’s most recent victory was over Mariusz Wach by 6th round KO, endeavors to level up once again by adding a name with the merit and experience of Carlos Takam to his resume. 

“Carlos is a true veteran and is always willing to push himself to fight the best,” said Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA. “Whether its world champions like Anthony Joshua on eight days’ notice, top contenders like Joe Joyce in Joyce’s backyard in the UK, or now, a powerful rising prospect in Makhmudov, Takam always seeks the biggest fights and puts on entertaining performances for the fans. We expect the same thing come September 16.”

Makhmudov-Takam is promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 15, 2022) — Heavyweight knockout extraordinaire Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov has signed a multi-year co-promotional contract with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with Camille Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger. Makhmudov, born in Russia and now residing in Montreal, Canada, has knocked out all 14 of his professional opponents, including 10 in the first round.
 
The co-promotional agreement will see Makhmudov fight on Eye of the Tiger-promoted shows in Canada and on Top Rank on ESPN cards.
 
Makhmudov will defend his NABF belt against Carlos Takam on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Makhmudov-Takam headlines a loaded fight card that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
 
“I’m fortunate to work with the top promoters in the world,” Makhmudov said. “This represents an important step toward achieving my goal of becoming a world champion.”
 
Estephan said, “I am very pleased and look forward to a long-term partnership with Top Rank, a force for decades in boxing. We look forward to adding to the legacy with high-level shows in Canada on ESPN+ and crowning world champions together.”
 
“Arslanbek Makhmudov has true heavyweight knockout power, and at 6’6 and 260 pounds, he is a force of nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to working with Camille and his team at Eye of the Tiger to help Arslanbek achieve his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world.”
 
Makhmudov turned pro in December 2017 with a first-round stoppage over Jaime Barajas. He knocked out six of his first seven foes in the opening round, and in 2019, he became the first man to stop noted spoiler Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he iced former world champion Samuel Peter in just 2:23, which started a streak of four consecutive first-round knockouts. He last fought in February in Montreal, where he broke down former world title challenger Mariusz Wach in seven rounds. Makhmudov is currently ranked No. 6 by the WBC and WBA.

EL PASO, TEXAS (April 9, 2021) – Heavyweight monster Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his highly anticipated United States debut as he defends his NABF title against Nagy “Dominican Dynamite” Aguilera(21-10, 14 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event of Munguia vs. Ballard. The bout will be presented in association with Eye of the Tiger Management.

The event will take place on Friday, April 23 at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding
Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET.

The event will be held under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com.

“Arslanbek Makhmudov is perhaps the most dangerous fighter in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “We are very proud to be working with our partners at Eye of The Tiger Management as we enter a new phase in Makhmudov’s career, one which will see him become a world champion and dominate the biggest names of this weight class.”

Standing at six feet five and a half inches tall, Makhmudov is a Russian monster who weighs as much as 260 pounds when stepping into the ring. Before turning professional in 2017, he was an international amateur standout, where he competed in various tournaments, including the World Series of Boxing. As a professional, the 31-year-old contender has ended all of his fights by knockout, including a first-round win against former world champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to win the NABF Heavyweight Title. Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal, Quebec, Canada his home, has no doubts about what he wants do with his professional career.

“The ‘Lion’ is coming to destroy everyone in the heavyweight division,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“We are excited to show America the biggest threat to the heavyweight division,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “Arslanbek is a consummate professional. He is dedicated and skilled—the total package.”

Aguilera is a 34-year-old boxer who made his professional debut in August 2007. The native of Newburgh, New Jersey has faced the likes of Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola and Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale. Aguilera is coming off a unanimous decision win against Terrel Jamal Woods in November 2020.

”Training camp is going great,” said Nagy Aguilera. “The time off really helped me heal. People don’t know I had a lot of injuries in my career but no excuses. I always showed up to fight. I am coming to win. I’m not coming to lay down.”

Additionally, Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Toluca, Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight world championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a 10-round fight.

“I am so excited for this world title defense against Marlen Esparza,” said Ibeth Zamora. “It will be my first fight in the United States, so this is a great chance to show everybody what I am capable of by fighting on a massive stage on a Golden Boy event live on DAZN. I´m proud to bring my title and defend it against a fighter with Esparza’s experience. I am fully confident that my skills will help me come out on top, and I will prove to everybody why I am the WBC reigning flyweight champion and the best in the division.”

“I’m excited,” said Marlen Esparza. “I want to offer my thanks and appreciation to the WBC and Golden Boy for the opportunity to fight the world title. It’s been a dream and vision of mine to fight representing the WBC. I want people to see another great fight. I’m proud to be on the stage again with a great fighter, and I know there are a limited amount of major women’s fights, so I’m honored to have this opportunity. I am training hard and I am bringing my best. I can’t wait for the opening bell!”

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will put his undefeated record on the line in the opening bout of the DAZN stream against James Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu City, Philippines in a 10-round welterweight clash.

Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch, including a highly competitive 10-round welterweight showdown between Ferdinand Kerobyan (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. and Brad Solomon(29-3, 9 KOs) of Douglasville, Georgia.

Irish prospect Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (11-0, 7 KOs) will fight in an eight-round middleweight clash against Carlos Ortiz (12-5, 12 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico.

Evan Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California will return in a six-round bout in the 147-pound division.

Chris “Milly” Ousley (12-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois will participate in a six-round junior middleweight battle against Sanny Duversonne (11-3-2, 8 KOs) of Avon Park, Florida.

Yahu Blackwell (3-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland will initiate the night of action in a six-round heavyweight bout.

Opponents for Sanchez and Blackwell will be announced shortly.

#

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The fight will take place on Friday, April 23 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. MDT/9:00 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT/2:30 p.m. MDT/4:30 p.m. ET

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Ballard, your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required. Ticket buyers who purchased tickets for April 24 through Ticketmaster or the UTEP Box Office and would like a refund, you can go back to your original point of purchase and request a full refund. Refund requests will be honored up until Wednesday, April 14.

Fans who purchased tickets on StubHub, or any other secondary ticket provider, should contact the provider’s customer service staff regarding the impacted date change. The UTEP box office, nor Ticketmaster, are not able to facilitate any credits, exchanges or refunds for tickets not purchased directly through them.

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 #MunguiaBallard.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaBallard into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

DALLAS, TEXAS (Jan. 27, 2021): A hometown battle between two Dallas, Texas natives will take place on March 20 as Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs) and former world champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 19 KOs) clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO International Welterweight Title. The bout will headline a card that includes the Unites States debut of heavyweight monster Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov and a world title clash between Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz and Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada.

Information regarding the venue will be announced shortly as it is pending commission approval. The fights will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

“On his rapid ascent from prospect to contender, Vergil has absolutely blown away everyone we have put in front of him, including a former world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “But with a win over Maurice Hooker, just one fight removed from a significant title reign, on March 20, Vergil can stamp his ticket to a world championship fight.”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has knocked out every single person who has stepped into the ring with him. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, has scored stoppage wins against the likes of Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon and Samuel Vargas. The 22-year-old contender has been wanting to fight Hooker for some time, and he’s eager to demonstrate his abilities against a former world champion.

“First and foremost, I’m really grateful to be fighting back at home again,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “Not only that, but I’ll be fighting another Dallas native in Maurice Hooker. I’ve known Hooker since back in the amateur days. I know we’re going to give the fans back at home a fight to remember.”

Hooker is a 31-year-old former world champion who traveled to United Kingdom to defeat Terry “Turbo” Flanagan and capture the 140-pound WBO title. Then, Hooker scored big wins against undefeated contenders Mikkel “Slikk Mikk”LesPierre and Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo before suffering his first loss in an epic unification fight against Jose Carlos Ramirez. Now at welterweight, Hooker plans to derail Ortiz’s meteoric rise by putting an end to their long-standing rivalry.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from a fight,” said Maurice Hooker. “The decision to fight Ortiz was an easy one as it allows me to prove to the world something that I already know—that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world. I have a new team around me who has taken my game to a whole new level, and I feel amazing at this weight class. I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans on March 20. Dallas, get ready!”

In the co-main event, Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his highly anticipated United States debut in a 10-round defense of his NABF heavyweight title in a bout presented by Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management. The 31-year-old Russian is on the fast track to a world title, and he already has his eyes set on the biggest names of the division.

Two-division champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and former flyweight champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (19-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will meet in an epic 10-round fight for Ortiz’s WBA Minimumweight World Title. Ortiz is eager to make a statement in her United States debut, while Estrada looks to accomplish her dream of becoming a world champion in more than one division.

Luis “Matador” Hernandez (21-0, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in a 10-round super lightweight battle against Alex Martin (15-3, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

George Rincon (10-0, 7 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in an eight-round super lightweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Hector Valdez (13-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will face Alberto Torres (11-3-3, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California in an eight-round super bantamweight battle.

Oscar Acevedo (7-0) of Garden City, Kansas and James “Crunch Time” Willkins (9-1-0, 6 KOs) of Staten Island, New York will meet in an eight-round super featherweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.

Ortiz Jr. vs Hooker is a 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Championship presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, March 20 in Dallas, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

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 #OrtizHooker.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (March 9, 2020): Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management are proud to introduce another exciting talent to American audiences as NABF Heavyweight Champion Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (10-0, 10 KOs) has joined their co-promotional stable. Makhamudov joins the likes of David Lemieux, Yves Ulysses, Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler in taking part in this historic co-promotional partnership.

Standing at six feet five and a half inches tall, Makhmudov is a Russian monster who weighs as much as 260 pounds when stepping into the ring. Before turning professional in 2017, he was an international amateur standout, where he competed in various tournaments, including the World Series of Boxing. As a professional, the 30-year-old contender has ended all of his fights by knockout, including a first-round win against world champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to win the NABF Heavyweight Title. Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal, Quebec, Canada his home, aspires to conquer the talent-laden heavyweight division as soon as possible.

“I’m confident that with my team, Eye of the Tiger Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, I will reach my goal of becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“I’m thrilled to bring the top heavyweight prospect in the world to the U.S. with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “We plan to send a message to the heavyweight division with his performances. I’m partnering up with Oscar, Eric, Robert, Bernard and their team, and I believe we will have a heavyweight champion of the world together.”

“In recent years, we have had somewhat of a renaissance in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “The big fights, heated rivalries and constant media exposure that the heavyweights are getting these days is very good for the health of the sport. By signing fighters such as Arslan Makhmudov, we are doing our part in continuing this momentum into the future. Makhmudov is a knockout artist who is joining our ranks after compiling an impressive record of 10 wins with 10 knockouts with our friends at Eye of the Tiger Management. We look forward to working with Camille Estephan and the entire team as we develop Makhmudov into a world champion.”

About Golden Boy
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.

MONTREAL (May 17, 2019) – Heavyweight’s Jonathan Rice (10-3-1, 6 KOs) and Arslanbek Makhmudov (7-0, 7 KOs) weighed in yesterday for their upcoming fight. Rice tipped the scale at 254 lbs. while Makhmudoz weighed in at 261 lbs. Rice who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, will battle Makhmudov for the vacant World Boxing Council Continental Americas Heavyweight Title, tonight May 17, 2019, at the Montreal Casino, in Montreal, Canada. The 10-round main event is being promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management. The fight can be watched exclusively on punchinggrace.com

LOS ANGELES, CA. (May 9, 2019) – Rising heavyweight Jonathan Rice (10-3-1, 6 KOs) will take on the toughest test of his career when he battles undefeated rising prospect, Arslanbek Makhmudov (7-0, 7 KOs) on May 11, 2019, from the Montreal Casino in Canada. The 10-round main event is being promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management.

Here is what Rice, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, had to say about training, his matchup and more:

On his upcoming matchup with Arslanbek Makhmudov:

“This is a very difficult fight but I’m up for the challenge. He has tremendous power in both hands so I must execute the game plan we have in place. I have power in both hands myself so it’s going to be a very entertaining fight to say the least. These are the type of fights I must take to further my career.”

On his training camp with coach Wayne McCullough:

“I’ve made a lot of sacrifices during this training camp. I’ve got the best sparring possible with top guys in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Wayne and I have been working great since we got together three fights ago. I’m going to be showcasing all the stuff we’ve been working on in camp. All the hard work is about to pay off.”

On what a win against Makhmudov will do for his career:

“A victory against Makhmudov will sky rocket me up the rankings. He’s considered one of the top prospects in the heavyweight division. Many doors will open up for my career with a win.”

On fighting in Canada for the first time:

“I know it’s going to be a hostile crowd going into his backyard but I’m up for the challenge. To be great in this sport you must take risks. From what I’ve seen, the boxing fans in Canada are great. It’s going to be fun fighting I front of that big crowd.”

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 28, 2019) – Heavyweight Jonathan Rice (10-3-1, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, will battle Arslanbek Makhmudov (7-0, 7 KOs) for thevacant WBC International title, May 17, 2019, at the Montreal Casino, in Montreal, Canada. The 10-round main event is being promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management.

Rice has three consecutive wins, two by knockout, under the tutelage of former world champion Wayne McCullough, who took over as head trainer in September of 2018. With McCullough in his corner, Rice is confident that he will come out victorious against Makhmudov, who will be fighting in his backyard. Makhmudov is originally from Russia, but now resides in Montreal.

“I have great coach in Wayne McCullough, and I know I can beat Makhmudov with the game plan we have in place.” stated Rice. “I’ve improved tremendously over the last year and my confidence is at an all time high. Fighting in Makhmudov’s backyard will be no easy task. I will have to be at my best to show the world that I belong in the same conversations with all the top heavyweights in the world. Capturing the WBC International title will open up many doors for my career.”

“Jonnie Rice has come a long way with Wyane McCullough in his corner,” Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing said, “Rice has a lot of heart and its going to be one hell of a fight. These are the type of fights that will catapult him up the ranking, getting him one step closer to a world title.”