Jaron Ennis and Cody Crowley came face-to-face at a launch press conference today in Philadelphia – as tickets flew for the homecoming defense of Ennis at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday July 13, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON GENERAL SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Ennis fights at home for the first time as a World champion and the first time since November 2018, and fans flocked to snap up tickets for the next household name of the sport, with presale tickets selling out on Thursday and then the general sale tickets proving a huge hit.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES:

Jaron Ennis

“He’s got to get in that ring and it’s going to get nasty. Keep talking and he’s going to get the worst beating of his life. I promise you that. We can make a bet or whatever. You’re in my city. It’s going to get nasty, man. 

“Look, I’m glad you accepted the fight. July 13 at the Wells Fargo Center. I’m very excited. It’s the first big fight here and it’s a blessing. I’m glad I’m going to be able to be here and put on a show. I want to look good and retain my belt in a beautiful, knockout fashion, in front of my friends, family and supporters.

“Listen, there’s really no pressure on me. I’ve been in this game since I was a baby. There’s no pressure. It’s normal for me. My brother has been at the top and I’ve seen all this stuff before. This is like being at home in my house right now. It’s natural for me and it’s normal. 

“On fight night, I can’t wait. He [Crowley] has got more pressure than me, I’ll tell you that right now. He’s going to have 20,000 fans against him and that’s way more pressure on him than me. For me being here, it will be like sitting at home with my feet up.  

“You know, he’s definitely a good fighter and a tough guy. But on July 13 it’s going to get nasty and I’m telling you that now. I’m going to put on a beautiful show and I’m going to look good. We’re going to do it in a knockout fashion. 

“My main focus right now is Cody Crowley. My eyes are on him. After this? Definitely undisputed, for sure. I want to go and collect all the rest of the belts, then go up to 154 and do the same thing there. 

“By the time I fight on July 13, it’s going to be a year. Everybody’s missed me. I’m the best. I’m the best at this game, I’m the most exciting in this game and the fans love to see knockouts, so of course they’re going to come out to see me. For sure. They’re going to come and see me put on a show, beat him up, beat him down, then get the knockout. 

“I want to thank Cody for coming out to fight. I appreciate that. But I’m sorry it had to be you. 

“You know my story and I can’t wait for this. Don’t miss it and make sure you tune in because on July 13, we’re going to put on that beautiful show. We back on tour, that P-I-A-C tour. Let’s get it, CBG! 

“July 13, we’re taking him to the church. Philly, you in?”

Cody Crowley

“I’ve been out of boxing for the last year after people on my team done stuff, so I’ve been totally out. I had people trying to negotiate on my behalf when I’ve been out. Then I tried to get back into boxing and then I had emergency double eye surgery. I just said I got my eyes taken from me and I’m still getting booed? This is kind of… hey, we don’t have to have a show on July 13! It takes two to tango and I am very, very excited to be here and I am very excited to fight Boots Ennis because I have wanted to fight him for a while. 

“I wasn’t even fighting, and I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental health. I didn’t even want to live for the past couple of years. Then my dad [passed away]. Just like everyone else in this room, when you have things happen to you it takes time to get over it. It takes time to heal yourself and come back and step up. 

“So, I went away and did what I had to do to try and heal myself. Then I had people who weren’t even on my team trying to negotiate for me. Like I said, I just wanted to reach out to you [Boots], DM you and say how can we just make this happen? 

“I want to fight for a World title and if I fight for a World title, there is one, two, three, four World titles, I want to fight the very best in the world. And I believe that at 147 right now that Jaron Ennis, you are that guy. So why would I want to fight anyone else? Out of respect to you Jaron, I love you. I hope you have the best sleep on the Friday night because on the Saturday, I want the best you to show up because I want to be there. The best me is going to show up. 

“There’s a lot of people who didn’t [step up] and it takes two to tango. You can’t even put on the gloves by yourself. You need your dad to put them on. 

“I had WBC opportunities, I had WBA and WBO opportunities, but I chose you. How comes World champions at 147 are moving up to 154? How comes former World champions won’t even fight him for a certain amount of money? It’s because he has got the crown. He’s the man right now. 

“Listen, this is a real-life Rocky Story. I’ve had my whole, entire life taken from me. I’m ready to die on July 13. He has a man in front of him who is ready to die. I’m serious. 

“The last time I was going for the IBF, I was going against the No.1 contender, and I went from No.6 after I beat him to No.14. So that tells you none of this s*** is real and it’s all f****** illusions. I don’t care about this IBF title. I don’t need the title. And I don’t need any of your guys’ acceptance. I’m whole in myself and I’m happy. I’m just proud of myself to be here. All the s*** that I’ve been through, I pulled on and I kept going. How many of you have stuff going on in your life and when you wake up you question whether you get up and keep going, or do I sit here pop a Coke and have a little potato chip? It’s much easier to do that and be comfy every day. But I’m a champion at heart. I’m a champion at life. I get up and I don’t quit. 

“I went through the back door to get here. There are gatekeepers and certain things you have to do to get to this level. I had my own promotional company, and I was my own promoter. I’ve done everything I had to do to get to this moment and I’m not going to let anyone steal my happiness or my joy. My heart is way too powerful for that. 

“I can’t wait. The second I get to walk out in front of all these people booing me, and in front of Jaron looking at me thinking he’s going to walk right through me, it’s going to be the most beautiful moment of my life where I get to actually show up the highest version of myself. I have to walk through that fire and every decision I have made in my life is going to show on July 13. 

“I’m pretty excited for this to happen and I’m pretty excited to become a champion of the world. I want to thank Jaron Ennis because in this fight, you are setting me free.

“I’m an honest guy and Jaron, you know I am coming to fight. So, it’s going to be an exciting time and I’m going to be right there for you so we can allow the best man to win. I’m going to put my heart down and I know he is going to do the same thing. That’s it. 

“For my dad, up in heaven, this one is for you. I love you.”

Matchroom Sport chairman, Eddie Hearn 

“What a great reception and what an incredible turnout. Before we get started for this incredible event on July 13, live on DAZN, judging by the pre-sale yesterday and judging by the general sale this morning I think we should make an official announcement that the Wells Fargo Center is now the home of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. 

“It took me five years to sign this man. I remember the first meeting we had in Las Vegas it was during the Canelo-Daniel Jacobs fight week. Someone said to me we had a chance to get Boots Ennis. Now there’s a lot of people here and it’s no secret here that everybody has known for a very long time that this guy is the real deal. A year later, then six months later, I said to everyone stop wasting our time. But shout out to Shaun Palmer and Kevin Rooney that they kept trying. And recently, of course, we made the huge announcement that Jaron Ennis would be signing with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN. 

“Now, this was a massive announcement for us. The news and the ramifications it’s had in the world of boxing has been simply incredible. The numbers we saw from it and the excitement it generated with many saying, finally he is going to get let off leash and show the world how great he is. 

“But the most important thing to me was to bring him home to Philadelphia – and we made it happen. When you have a fighter as special as this and you have a city as great as this – and people don’t even understand the history of boxing in this city – how has he never even fought here before? 

“Well, now, it’s time for all of that to change. And on July 13, your champion, Philadelphia’s champion, will defend his IBF Welterweight World title against a mandatory challenger in Cody Crowley live on DAZN around the world.

“When I walked in the arena this morning, the first thing I said to myself was: “Wow. Wow. What a place.” And I looked out and in the middle of the arena was Jaron Ennis doing exactly the same thing.

“What a great thing for someone from this city, who has dedicated his whole life to the sport with his father Bozy and his family, who has lived the life and is a great ambassador for you all, to finally get his moment and fight here and fight in front of his people and his city on July 13. 

“But you know the great thing? And I shouldn’t really say this! But sometimes I go to a city and I tell a little bit of a ‘porky pie’ – that’s a ‘lie’ in the UK – and I might say something like: “Oh, this kid! He’s going to be a World champion. He could be a great, he could be this…” and that’s my job. But the difference is when you have a fighter like Jaron Ennis, I’m not even lying. So now the whole city can say not only are we bringing big-time, World championship boxing back to Philadelphia, we’re doing it with a young man who may the very best in the entire sport.

“Of course, he’s got to prove it and he’s got to prove it against a very, very tough and undefeated mandatory challenger, Cody Crowley – who, I’ve got to say, is just as excited as Jaron Ennis by the way. He came up to me earlier too with a huge smile on his face. He’s already run the Rocky Steps this morning and he said to me that this is his dream, and this is his time. He said he knows that this is the big homecoming. But, as he said on his Instagram earlier today, ‘I’m going to steal the hearts of Philadelphia’. Come on guys… I thought it was a nice line!

“Just a word or two before I start this press conference, but this fight is part of an unprecedented schedule live on DAZN.

“DAZN has absolutely become the global home of boxing. Last week we had Canelo against Munguia. A couple of weeks before we had Haney versus Garcia. Tomorrow night in Mexico we have a huge card with Rocky Hernandez and Erika Cruz defending her world title. And, of course, next week we have Fury against Usyk live on DAZN for the World Heavyweight Undisputed Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Joe Cordina and Jai Opetaia will be defending their world titles.

“Then we fly back to the UK for a huge, all-British domestic fight with Josh Taylor against Jack Catterall in Leeds before we head back out to Riyadh for a historic night with Dmitry Bivol and the 5-v-5. Then we are in Puerto Rico for another World Champion, Subriel Matias, defending his World title before we’re back to the UK for an incredible card in Birmingham. Then we’re in Phoenix for Bam against Estrada – what a fight. Then we have July 6, which we’ll announce shortly and on July 13 we will be here in Philadelphia. I cannot wait.

“It always takes two fighters to make fights to happen and I promise you there aren’t many fighters in the world who want to take on the challenge of fighting Jaron Ennis. Everything Cody has been through has brought him to this moment. I want to thank him for coming today and I want to thank him for accepting this fight. We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia on fight week. 

“And, of course, the man who will fill this place up and bring big-time boxing back to this city, the reigning and defending IBF Welterweight World champion, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. 

“As I said, the pre-sale and general sale has been incredible. We’re already at 10-12,000 and we want to fill this place up. Spread the word, we’re bringing World championship boxing back to this great city and it will be live on DAZN.”

Bozy Ennis, father and trainer of Jaron Ennis

“The way you talking [to Anthony Girges, Cody Crowley’s manager], after they fight maybe me and you get the gloves on. We can go to my gym now. We’ll see. 

“Why didn’t you accept the challenge last year [for Crowley to face Boots]? We offered you $300,000 to fight him and he turned it down. He turned it down. What happened? I like you Cody, but he [Anthony] is talking that tough s*** so I will stop him. I’ll stop him.

“Cody, let me say one thing. They said you were trying to go for the WBC. But they made you take the IBF because you were the mandatory for the IBF. Understand this, we wanted to fight Crowley and we wanted to fight Spence. We didn’t ask nobody to take the title. We wanted him to fight us.  

“We appreciate Cody for taking this fight because so many other people turned Boots down. Even the top guys. We wanted Spence. We wanted Crawford. Virgil. All of them. We sent them to word. 

“I want to thank everyone for coming out, buying tickets and everything. I appreciate Cody and his team for taking the fight. He’s a good fighter. You can’t take anything away from him and I respect him. But you are going to see something different.

“Cody can fight. But you’ll see him [Boots] go to another level, which you saw in the last fight he went to another level when he’s in with someone who is real good. He might go to a different level this time too. It all depends on which version of Cody’s coming out.  

“One more thing. We fight all ways. You want to fight, we’ll fight. You want to box, we can box. We can do everything.”

Anthony Girges, manager of Cody Crowley

“He is more than ready. Nobody has seen this version of Cody Crowley. From everything, A-Z. From the management team to the training team to the resources. A-Z, nobody has even seen him. Boots shouldn’t even watch videos of him because he will be unrecognizable on fight night come July 13. 

“I see you already forgot the belt at home. Are you ready to lose it? Yeah. Bro, you got emailed that belt. You didn’t even win it. You’re not even a champion. Just so you know, we’ve had plenty of opportunities. But he’s been waiting for you. He’s here.

“Eddie, I’m really sorry that this is his [Boots] first fight under Matchroom. I apologize because I like you. He [Cody] is the real-life Rocky Story and he’s in your hometown. We didn’t turn anything down before. We are here. 

“Cody will be walking out of here on July 13 as the new World Champion. That’s all I’ve got to say.”

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Boots Promotions are proud to announce that Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis will defend his IBF World Welterweight title against Cody Crowley at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 13, live worldwide on DAZN.

In his first fight as a World Champion, Ennis (31-0 28 KOs) will return to fight in his hometown for the first time since November 2018. The 26-year-old, born and raised in Germantown, returns to action just over a year since his stylish 10th round KO win over Roiman Villa in Atlantic City. During that fight, Ennis successfully defended his interim title before being elevated to full champion.

The man looking to spoil the party is mandatory challenger Crowley (22-0 9 KOs). The Las Vegas-based Canadian sits at #3 in the IBF rankings, with the #1 and #2 spots currently vacant. The unbeaten 31-year-old will get his first World title shot on enemy territory, returning to action following victory in Las Vegas in March 2023 over Abel Ramos.

“I’m excited for my homecoming especially being the first to fight at the Wells Fargo Center, the biggest arena in Philly,” said Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. “I can’t wait to show out and put on a beautiful, dominating, crushing performance in front of my family, friends and supporters while defending and retaining my IBF World title in spectacular fashion. I’m ready to step on any and everybody that’s in my way!”

“Ten years ago, I arrived in Las Vegas with a dream of becoming World champion, unbroken by the sport,” said Cody Crowley. “The only thing left to do is prove to the world in the City of Brotherly Love, that I am an undefeated champion, my spirit is unbeatable and I will fight for those who are too scared to fight.

“I will become the greatest in the world for my dad, who I love and miss dearly, my home country of Canada, and for world peace, so that others do not have to endure the same suffering. There is nothing anyone can do to break me. There is nothing I am not ready for. This next chapter is already written.”

“I am thrilled to be able to deliver a homecoming defense for Boots,” said Hearn. “Jaron is the next American star in boxing, and sports stars with all the tools he has should be headlining in their own city. 

“This is just the beginning for Jaron in Philadelphia, a town that absolutely loves their sport, and in Jaron they can boast that their hometown hero is the best in the business. July 13 is going to be a massive night – we can’t wait to come back to Philadelphia for the first of many epic nights with Boots.”

“As Philadelphia’s home for sports and entertainment, Wells Fargo Center is thrilled to welcome Boots Ennis and Cody Crowley for what is sure to be an epic battle,” said Michael Sulkes, SVP and General Manager of Wells Fargo Center. “Fans attending on July 13 should come ready for an electric atmosphere unlike any other they’ve experienced.”  

“Jaron Ennis is one of the biggest names in boxing and we are incredibly excited to be working with him,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “Cody Crowley is a good fighter but with bigger tests to come, this is a chance for Boots to put the division on notice. Tune in live July 13, only on DAZN.”

Information on tickets will be released in the coming weeks.

About Wells Fargo Center 

Wells Fargo Center is Philadelphia’s home for sports and entertainment. In addition to hosting the top touring musical acts, family shows and other entertainment, the arena’s main tenants include the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, NLL’s Philadelphia Wings, and Villanova Men’s Basketball. After the completion of its multi-year $400 million+ transformation, every inch of the venue has been completely reimagined. The project produced full upgrades and overhauls to the fan experience, performer amenities, technology, food and beverage, seating options, sightlines, and sustainability.

NEW YORK – March 31, 2023 – SHOWTIME will air all four bouts from last Saturday’s exciting four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by David Benavidez and Caleb Plant. This Saturday, April 1 at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT, the network will debut Benavidez’s benchmark win as well as Jesus Ramos’ dominant stoppage win over Joey Spencer. The opening two fights of the pay-per-view card, Cody Crowley vs. Abel Ramos and Chris Colbert vs. Jose Valenzuela, will air separately on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Wednesday, April 12 with all four bouts also available across SHOWTIME streaming and on-demand platforms on the day of air.

Saturday’s delayed telecast will be preceded by the premiere of ALL ACCESS: DAVIS VS. GARCIA at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT previewing the Saturday, April 22, SHOWTIME PPV presentation of Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia. The five-time Emmy^® winning series takes viewers behind-the-scenes over two episodes in anticipation of the year’s biggest fight.

In a career-defining performance, “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez remained unbeaten and retained his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title over Plant by unanimous decision. The 22-year-old Ramos also stayed undefeated with his dominating seventh-round stoppage against fellow unbeaten contender Spencer. The two thrilling opening fights of the telecast saw Colbert make his return with a controversial unanimous decision over Valenzuela. In the opener, Crowley, the unbeaten welterweight contender, ground out a majority decision over Ramos in a 12-round WBC Title Eliminator. The event, which was presented by Premier Boxing Champions, took place in front of a sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd of 13,865.

#BenavidezPlant and #Benavidez were trending No. 1 while #Plant hit No. 2 on Twitter Saturday night, one of the busiest sports nights of the year which included NCAA Division I men’s basketball games and a UFC event. On YouTube, highlights of Benavidez-Plant were trending No. 2 worldwide on Sunday into Monday. 

SHOWTIME is amid the industry’s leading boxing schedule with 14 marquee events over just the first six months of the year including a current run of seven live telecasts over nine weeks. The prolific schedule continues with two live events next weekend: Friday, April 7, SHOBOX: The New Generation^® returns with a tripleheader featuring up-and-coming prospects and headlined by super lightweight Shinard Bunch;the following night, Saturday, April 8, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® will feature undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza in Carson, Calif.

#         #         #

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

LAS VEGAS –  It was contentious. It was surprising. It was ugly. It wasn’t everything David Benavidez thought it would be. Or promised it would be.

But it was a victory, a big one that enhanced his chances at climbing to the top of boxing’s marquee and into its pound-for-pound argument.

He beat Caleb Plant Saturday night, scoring a unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Showtime pay-per-view bout. But it was neither the beat-down he vowed nor the blood-letting he threatened. Plant survived. His jaw stayed intact. He was still upright after six rounds. He didn’t go to the hospital.

Benavidez had promised to shatter that jaw. He said he would knock him out within six rounds. He promised him a trip to the emergency room. 

But, in the end, he hugged Plant. He praised him. Instead of contempt, there were congratulations.

“I would talk shit,” said Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOS), who had talked enough of it to fill a couple of metropolitan sewers. “But I like this guy now.”

It was an astonishing comment. Maybe,  peace-on-earth is possible, after all.. Benavidez and Plant had behaved as though they would be enemies until the bitter end. And that’s how the super-middleweight bout — a so-called title eliminator for a shot at undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez — began.

Just seconds before the opening bell echoed throughout a sold out arena, Referee Kenny Bayless ordered them to touch gloves, a gesture of respect. They didn’t.

For the next 12 rounds, however, they were forced to respect each other. Benavidez moved forward, stubbornly and seemingly sure that one of his promises would become reality. But Plant had other ideas and perhaps more resilience than the Phoenix-born fighter expected 

.

Plant ( 22-2, 13 KOs) threw body shots and moved around the ring, trying to take advantage of every inch in its 22-by-22 feet of real estate. Benavidez stalked and often mocked. He followed Plant to his corner after the ninth, talking to the back of Plant’s head as if to say the end was near. It wasn’t. 

Plant came roaring out of his corner for the 10th, throwing a low blow as a warning shot.

He wasn’t finished. But he was behind on the cards. Tim Ceathham scored it, 115-113. David Moretti had it 116-112. On Steve Weisfeld’s card, it was 117-111. All for Benavidez, whose size and strength were dominant factors over the five six rounds.

“I feel good, my mind’s right,” Plant said. “David is a helluva fighter. It’s a big rivalry but that’s what boxing is all about. We came here and settled it like men. I take nothing from David. We haven’t been the best of friends but we got into the ring and we settled it like men.”

In the super-middleweight division, there’s much more to settle, of course. For the 26-year Benavidez, the victory might represent the beginning of a new stage, especially if Canelo agrees to fight him.

“I just want to tell everyone that I have a lot of respect for Canelo Alvarez but he has to give me that shot now,” he said. “That’s what everyone wants to see. Let’s make it happen.

“I don’t think Canelo is trying to avoid me. I just feel like he has a lot of options. But now the fans are calling for this fight, the legends are calling for this fight, so let’s make it happen.”

Even Caleb Plant would agree.

Cheers welcomed Benvidez, the first to enter the jammed arena. There were boos for Plant, who He wasn;t far from his hometown. He grew up on on the westside of Phoenix. It sounded if a lot.

Third Benevidez beging to cuut off the ring during the round’s finl minute. In the opening    

Jesus Ramos wins dominant stoppage

Jesus Ramos moved up the scale, hoping to be a good fit.

For one night, at least, the fit looked to be perfect. 

For Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs), the prospects look promising at junior-middleweight.

Ramos, of Casa Grande AZ, dominated Joseph Spencer, forcing his corner to surrender at 1:25 of the seventh round in the final fight Saturday before Showtime’s Pay-Per-View biggie, David Benavidez-versus-Caleb Plant at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

It didn’t take long for Ramos, a former welterweight and Abel Ramos’ nephew, to show that he’s very comfortable at junior-middleweight. Very dangerous, too

Late in the first round, Ramos threw a short left that landed like the hammer on a  pulled trigger. It crashed off Spencer’s chin and sent him crashing onto the canvas. A resilient Spencer (16-1, 10 KOs) , of Fenton Mich., got up. But it also set up the inevitable. Ramos continued to walk down, push around Spencer before his corner told referee Tony Weeks “no mas.”

Chris Colbert gets ups from knockdown to win controversial decision 

Jose Valenzuela’s first impression rocked and rolled.

But Chris Colbert survived. Make that thrived.

Colbert got up from a first-round knockdown to win a controversial decision — 95-94 on all three cards — over Valenzuela Saturday night on the Showtime pay-per-view card featuring David Benavidez-versus-Caleb Plant.

A roaring crowd expressed its outrage over the decision from judges Glenn Feldman, Lias Giampa and Don Trella. Colbert stuck his tongue out at the booing fans and Valenzuela, junior-middleweight and Benavidez stablemate.

“You called me a loser,” Colbert screamed at Valenzuela.

An angry Valenzuela then looked at broadcaster Jim Gray as he prepared for an interview in the middle of the ring.

“Who do you think won,?” Valenzuela asked.

“I ask the questions,” Gray said..

There was no question about what happened during the fight’s first few seconds. The opening bell still echoed through the arena when Valenzuela landed a thunderbolt-like left. 

Colbert and Valenzuela heard the ref’s instructions.

They touched gloves.

Valenzuela dropped Colbert.

One-two-three,  all in one quick sequence.

Looking like the best leftie since Fernando, Valenzuela (12-2, 8 KOs) ducked and came up with a left that Colbert (16-1, 6 KOs) never saw. It was astonishing that Colbert got up. He calls himself Prime Time. He knew there was still some left in the hour glass and prove it repeatedly by coming back with solid shots from the second through the 10th rounds.

 He was up and on his feet, fighting back at about the same time former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder walked into the arena and toward his ringside seat.

Cody Crowley win emotional decision in punishing fight with Abel Ramos

Abel Ramos wanted to make a statement. 

Instead, he got one.

Cody Crowley delivered it repeatedly with stubborn  pressure and wicked uppercuts in a punishing majority decision over Ramos Saturday in the first televised bout on the Showtime pay-per-view card featuring David Benavidez-versus-Caleb Plant  at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.

The bout, a WBC title eliminator, was close and somewhat controversial. Crowley (22-0, 9 KOs) was the winner on judge Chris Migliore’s card, 116-112. He he won on Steven Wiesfeld’s card, 11-113. However, judge Tim Cheatham scored it a draw, 115-115.

In the eleventh, it looked as if Ramos (27-6-2, 21 KOs) might have a chance. Ramos, of Casa Grande AZ, landed a short right that buckled Crowley’s knees. Referee Robert Hoyle ruled that Ramos had scored a knockdown. It looked as if  the Canadian touched the canvas with a glove as he tried to stay on his feet. But video replay showed that he had not.

The knockdown was overturned from ringside before the 12th and final round. . A punishing victory belonged to Crowley.

An emotional Crowley (22-0, 9 KOs) came into the welterweight title eliminator determined to win one for his late dad, who committed suicide in June. Crowley cried during news conferences when asked about him during news conferences before the welterweight bout.

Crowley was fighting for a lost dad. Fighting for his dad’s memory. And fighting to make a statement against the mental illness that led to his father’s tragic death.

Consider it delivered.

Kevin Gonzalez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Sanmartin in a super bantamweight fight.

Scores were 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 for Gonzalez, 121.4 lbs of Culican, MEX is 26-0-1. Sanmartin, 121.8 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 34-7-1.

Orestes Velazquez, a Cuban living in Miami, had advantages in reach, power and energy. 

That and more proved to be too much for Argentine Marcelino Lopez (37-3-1, 22 KOs) throughout 10-rounds of junior-welterweight bout, the first on card featuring David Benavidez-Caleb Plant Saturday at the MGM Grand’s Grand Garden Arena.

Velazquez’ long jab dictated the pace as it landed repeatedly, sending echoes throughout a mostly empty arena hours before the main event. Velazquez (7-0, 6 KOs) won easily on all three scorecards –99-91, 97-93, 99-91. 

LAS VEGAS – March 16, 2023 – Undefeated welterweight contender Cody Crowley will look to further cement his place in the star-studded welterweight division when he takes on veteran Abel Ramos in the SHOWTIME PPV telecast opener on Saturday, March 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will be headlined by super middleweight rivals David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez and Caleb Plant in a long-awaited matchup between former world champions.

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

The 29-year-old Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) is a native of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada but trains in Las Vegas with longtime coach Ibn Cason as he continues his ascent in the 147-pound division. After impressively dispatching the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov and rugged contender Josesito Lopez in his last two outings, Crowley hopes to take advantage of another opportunity on one of boxing’s biggest stages.

Here is what Crowley had to say about training camp, Ramos and more:

On what he’s shown the boxing world with his most recent wins:

“With my last two wins broadcast on SHOWTIME^® and SHOWTIME PPV, I proved to the world that I’m an elite fighter. I belong in every conversation regarding the welterweight division. I earned the right to challenge for the welterweight championship of the world.”

On where he can still improve as a fighter:

“As a fighter, there is always room for improvement. I’m an all-around fighter. I can box, I can punch, I can take a punch and I can outthink any opponent who is in front of me. Improvement will come as I am able to get more activity and not deal with as much ring rust. Improvement will also come as the stakes in each fight are raised.”

On his opponent, Abel Ramos:

“Abel Ramos is a solid fighter. I believe that he is coming to fight and will be very aggressive. But, he is now in the ring with an extremely hungry fighter. As the fight progresses, I will discover the holes in his style. With my non-stop aggression, I will suffocate anything he’s trying to do.”

On where he stands in the welterweight division:

“I truly believe that I am one of the top three welterweight fighters in the world. The only ones ahead of me are Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford. Fighting either of them, I can then prove to be the best in the world. I believe that I can beat either of them, because I’m younger and hungrier. There is no one who can keep up with my relentless attack and determination in the ring.

“Right now, I believe that I’m better than any of the other contenders. It’s time to fight for the world title. It’s time to fight Errol Spence Jr.”

On fighting in memory of his late father:

“Dedicating this fight and my career to honor my father’s memory means everything to me. He was and still is my greatest fan. He pushed me to succeed. He believed in me when there was nobody else. Becoming welterweight champion of the world is our dream.

“With my father’s passing, I started ‘55 for 55’ to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention. It is my goal to help people and save lives with this program and for it to be another way of honoring his memory.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. PLANT

Benavídez vs. Plant will see undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant meet in a high-stakes, 12-round showdown for Benavídez’s Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer will go toe-to-toe in a 10-round super welterweight scuffle, as each fighter looks to make their claim as the future of the 154-pound division. The action will also see rising lightweights Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela meet in a 10-round duel, while unbeaten welterweight contender Cody Crowley faces the hard-hitting Abel Ramos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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

LAS VEGAS – February 22, 2023 – Fighters competing on the David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, March 25 took part in a virtual press conference Wednesday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer going toe-to-toe in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event, plus rising lightweights Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela meet in a 10-round duel, while unbeaten welterweight contender Cody Crowley faces the hard-hitting Abel Ramos in the telecast opener.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“I’m excited to be here. This is going to be a great card and a huge night. It’s a dream come true to fight at MGM Grand. I’m preparing myself to be my best on March 25, and I’m sure Joey is as well. I think this fight is really going to leave a mark on both of our careers and that people will really remember this one.

“This is not the kind of fight that people our age are taking. I wanted to take this challenge. I’m thankful to Joey for stepping up as well and I can’t wait.

“I was surprised that Joey asked to fight me. Guys usually go other routes and look for different fights. But I was excited. I knew what kind of fight this would be. This is a big fight on a huge card. That’s exactly what I imagined.

“Joey looked good in his last fight. I don’t expect him to be the same fighter against me. I’ve had step up fights like he had too, and I went back and made improvements. I’m sure he’ll do the same, but we’ll be ready.

“My dad [trainer Jesus Ramos Sr.] has made a lot of sacrifices and I’m very proud of everything he’s accomplished. He had to work and train us, because it was the only way to keep the gym afloat. These are the kind of fights that we dreamed of. This is a huge fight and I’m proud of where we’re at right now, but we still have a lot more work to do.

“Who knows what happens on March 25, this could be the start of a big rivalry. It’s going to be entertaining and do a lot for our careers. This only catapults us to the next step towards the bigger fights. We both want to be world champions.

“This new generation is hungry. We want to fight each other. It’s going to bring boxing a lot of big fights and entertaining nights.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m just enjoying every minute of this process. What excites me about this fight is that people are excited by it. Growing up as a boxing fan since I was eight years old, I looked up to the young guys who were still proving themselves. Those fights in their career when they first started fighting those big fights were significant. I just remember watching those fights so it excites me to have this first fight have significant meaning  for the rest of our careers.

“I actually asked for this fight in particular. You don’t see these fights in boxing often for a reason. A lot of times people hide behind their promoters. This fight is proof that if two guys want to get in the ring at any stage in their career, even if it doesn’t necessarily follow the specific script that boxing usually follows, you can make a fight that’s outside of the box.

“We’re both young and I think it’s a hot fight for the division. It’s a perfect fight to see who’s ready to go to the next level. So props to Jesus. I think we’re going to put on a great fight. Benavidez vs. Plant is a great fight but I think that this fight is going to be right up there as one of the showstoppers on March 25.

“I think I showed people a little bit in my last fight, but I think I’ve got a lot more to show and that was just a small piece of it. Every fight you gain more experience and I was happy with the performance and happy with the rounds, but at the same time, I’ve added a lot to my game since then. That’s what we focused on in this training camp.

“I think this is definitely a step up but I think it’s the right step up. I’m taking a step up against a guy who’s fresh, young, hungry and that’s a very motivating situation for me. It gets me excited and it fuels the fire that I have inside me.

“I think this is just the start. I think it’s the first fight that people are going to go back to when they look at our careers. I think we’re both going to have long careers and people are going to watch this fight for a long time. That’s a big deal for me. I want this fight to make a statement in the sport. I’m 22. He’s 21. For this to be our coming out party where we may go on to become world champions one day. And who knows? We’re both young so there may be more than one fight between us.

“I don’t see any way that this isn’t an entertaining fight. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m willing to go to the end of myself to get this win for my family. I’m sure he feels the same way.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“I missed the ring. I’m ready to get back and do what I do best and do what I love. Come March 25, I’m coming to put on a show.

“The layoff was more so to get my mind right. I hadn’t lost in over a decade. So it was something that hit hard. When you really love what you do, it’s no joke. I’m not accustomed to losing. I never got used to losing. The layoff was a gift to me. I really needed that.

“I’ll go back down to 130-pounds. I’ve been out for a year, so I wasn’t trying to kill my body to make 130 pounds. Especially when I didn’t have big names to fight there. A lot of people at 135 were calling my name. Valenzuela called my name before on TV, so I have to come give him an early Christmas present.

“I have to go back down and get my belt. That means going back to beat on [WBA 130-Pound World Champion] Hector Luis Garcia. Then I can come back to lightweight. I have something to prove, and the only way to do that is to beat up someone that people say has a lot of potential.

“I wanted to face someone who would come and bring a fight so that the world will see that I’m not playing. I don’t like swimming with fishes, I like swimming with sharks. 

“I always said that I wanted to fight at least one time at MGM Grand and now it’s my time to make it happen.

“The layoff wasn’t really about me finding myself, because I’ve always known who I am. I was doing it big and I think I got a little caught up. I had to settle myself down. I have to just continue to do what I do. A new chapter starts March 25.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I’m very excited to come back on March 25 on such a big card overall. Chris Colbert is a great fighter. I’m extremely ready. I’m prepared. I’m focused, and I’m ready to get the win.

“I know what my mistakes were. I know why I took that loss and I know how I felt during the fight. It was just a matter of me getting my stuff together, biting down and staying focused. That’s what I did this training camp.

“It’s been a very serious training camp with David Benavidez because he doesn’t like Caleb Plant, so everybody is fully locked in. It’s the perfect atmosphere for me to come back. Whatever reasons Colbert has for coming back, I have my reasons and I’ll be ready March 25 to put on a hell of a show and get my hand raised.

“The main reason I think I lost my last fight is because I was rushing a lot of things and not taking my time. I wasn’t making the most of my time and I was just going through the days, but now I’m reflecting every day on everything that I’m doing. I’m looking over everything that I’m doing and looking at every little detail.

“I have to give my full attention to Chris Colbert and not focus on a rematch with Edwin De Los Santos. Colbert is a hell of a fighter. I like his style. I’ve been watching him for a bit. It’s going to be a great fight. After I beat him on March 25, we can talk about a rematch with De Los Santos.

“Jose Benavidez Sr. is a very honest man. I’m very honest myself. We don’t lie to each other and we don’t point fingers. I took responsibility for the loss and for my performance and that was that. It was just time to take responsibility, grow up, be a man and continue doing what I love to do.

“Training with the Benavidez family is amazing. The energy in the gym every day since this camp started has been electric. I’ve just been feeding off of it. There’s no beef between me and Chris Colbert. I like him. But this is personal with myself. I have to do this for me and for my family. It’s a promise I made a long time ago and I will continue to go that route.”

CODY CROWLEY

“Fight time is getting close and there’s nothing I love more than fighting. That fire burns inside of me and each day I get closer to being able to hurt someone.

“I hope he’s been training in a phone booth, because that’s what it’s going to feel like in the ring. I don’t like to waste any time. So if you want to fight, I’ll meet you right there in the center of the ring. If you want to run, I’m coming forward and I’m coming to break my opponent down.

“I definitely took a long journey to get here, but it needed to happen for me to be in the position I’m in today. Getting this win will mean that nobody can take away what I’ve worked so hard for and earned. This has been a decade in the making as a professional.

“I’m definitely not looking past March 25. So Abel you better be ready. I’m coming to hunt you down. I’m sure he’s doing the same thing. Hats off to him for stepping up to the fire. I can see it in his eyes that he’s ready.

“Every opponent I face is the toughest opponent of my career. Nobody exists except the person in front of me. I’m sharp, I’m collected and I’m very eager to take on this obstacle.

“I still have a month of work to do. There’s plenty to do. My father took his own life six months ago and I’m fighting this one in his honor.”

ABEL RAMOS

“I’m excited about this fight card. There is going to be a lot of explosive action with me and Crowley. I think our styles are going to match up well for an exciting fight. I can’t wait. I have been training hard, putting in work, and I’m ready to give the fans a show. A phone booth fight is right up my alley. That’s what I want. It’s going to be great for the fans.

“I’m always competitive and fired up to take on a new challenge. That’s what has kept me motivated throughout the years. Watching the fighters that I have fought motivates me more to accomplish my dream to become a world champion, and I’m not going to stop until I get it.

“I am ready for war. I’m ready to get in there and fight and get the win at whatever cost. I am not intimidated by Crowley. I am a veteran and have fought every fighter. I go into each fight to win and make adjustments.”

“We are ready to do whatever it takes to win. That’s our goal right now. If it’s getting into a brawl, then let’s brawl. If it’s being smarter in the ring, then that’s what I’m going to do. The priority is to get a win. The fans are going to get their money’s worth because I’m ready to put on a show for them.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. PLANT

Benavídez vs. Plant will see undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant meet in a high-stakes, 12-round showdown for Benavídez’s Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer will go toe-to-toe in a 10-round super welterweight scuffle, as each fighter looks to make their claim as the future of the 154-pound division. The action will also see rising lightweights Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela meet in a 10-round duel, while unbeaten welterweight contender Cody Crowley faces the hard-hitting Abel Ramos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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

LAS VEGAS – February 15, 2023 – Three high-stakes showdowns will put young stars and unbeaten contenders in the toughest tests of their careers to date, all as part of a jam-packed night leading up to the highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV main event between super middleweight stars and former world champions David “El Bandera Roja’’ Benavídez and Caleb Plant taking place on Saturday, March 25 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer will go toe-to-toe in a 10-round super welterweight scuffle, as each fighter looks to make their claim as the future of the 154-pound division. The action will also see rising lightweights Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela meet in a 10-round duel, while unbeaten welterweight contender Cody Crowley faces the hard-hitting Abel Ramos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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

“With such an intriguing fight in the main event, it was only right that the Benavidez vs. Plant pay-per-view undercard was also filled with evenly matched showdowns highlighted by future stars looking for signature victories,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jesús Ramos vs. Joey Spencer will help determine who might be the next star at 154-pounds, while two more young stars also square off on the pay-per-view as Chris Colbert and Jose Valenzuela go toe-to-toe. With Cody Crowley putting his unbeaten record on the line against the upset-minded Abel Ramos in the telecast opener, this card lines up to be a can’t-miss event on March 25 in Las Vegas.”

A strong southpaw who at 21 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (19-0, 15 KOs) is the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos but has forged his own path toward stardom since turning pro in 2018. Jesús Ramos added two victories to his ledger in 2022, blasting out Vladimir Hernandez in round six in February before dominating Luke Santamaria in May to earn a unanimous decision. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping six of his last nine opponents, showcasing a desire to end his fights early. 

“I’ve been in the gym for months now getting ready for this opportunity and everything has been great,” said [Jesús] Ramos. “I’m expecting the best version of Joey Spencer on March 25. I know I have what it takes to beat him because of the preparation we’ve been putting in, my dedication, my skills and my will to win. I’m excited to be part of one of the biggest cards of the year thus far, and I know we will give the fans an exciting fight!”

The 22-year-old Spencer (16-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in February 2018 and immediately caught the eye of fans and pundits with his combination of speed, power and athleticism. Spencer’s most recent outing saw him earn a career-best triumph as he controlled the action throughout and scored a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Kevin Salgado in September 2022. The Linden, Mich., native has remained busy since debuting as a pro, including two knockouts out of three victories in his 2021 campaign. Prior to the Salgado fight, Spencer dispatched of Ravshan Hudaynazarov via unanimous decision in March 2022.

“It’s not that often that fans get to see fights between two undefeated rising fighters like [Jesús] Ramos and I’m thankful to be a part of it,” said Spencer. “This is the fight I asked for, and for it to take place on one of the biggest cards of the year is very special. I’m training to put the rest of the division on notice come fight night.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (16-1, 6 KOs) will look to impress in his lightweight debut after dropping a hard-fought contest to super featherweight world champion Hector Luis Garcia in February 2022. After a decorated amateur career, Colbert turned pro in 2015 and took out three undefeated fighters in his first eight bouts. Since then, he took care of a slew of former champions and contenders including Jezzrel Corrales, Jaime Arboleda and Tugstsogt Nyambayar to establish himself as a potential future world champion. He will now seek to reach that goal at 135-pounds.

“I’m happy to be back,” said Colbert. “Training camp is going amazingly for this fight. Like I’ve said before, there’s no pressure on me. I bring the pressure. It’s ‘Primetime’ on SHOWTIME^®! I’m back baby!”

The 23-year-old Valenzuela (12-1, 8 KOs) trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion Benavidez and will look for a big bounce back victory after dropping a September 2022 contest to Edwin De Los Santos. Valenzuela, who turned pro in 2018, was sensational prior to the loss, including a first-round knockout of former world champion Francisco Vargas in April 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021.

“I’m extremely motivated for this fight and have been training really hard,” said Valenzuela. “The difference with this camp is that I was in shape when camp started, so it’s giving me a head start on my preparation. My strength and conditioning are at a whole new level and I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of in this fight.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a pair of impressive victories that have catapulted him up the 147-pound division. In December 2021, he took care of the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov with a unanimous decision, and most recently he turned back the streaking Josesito Lopez with another unanimous decision in April 2022. The 29-year-old had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February.

“After years of hard work and dedication, I’m thrilled to be fighting back on the big stage for this fight,” said Crowley. “I have succeeded in overcoming obstacles and adversity, and Abel Ramos will not be able to stop me from achieving my dream of becoming world champion. I’m dedicating this fight to my father’s memory and to all of those who have worked diligently to help me succeed against all odds.”

Ramos (27-5-2, 21 KOs) is part of a boxing family out of Casa Grande, Ariz., which includes his nephew, rising star Jesús Ramos, who he shares a card with for the fourth-straight time. The 31-year-old has built a reputation as a hardnosed boxer who doesn’t back down from a fight and gives as good as he gets. He turned the tables on Omar Figueroa, Jr., when he went toe-to-toe and forced Figueroa to quit on his stool in May 2021. He also owns a split-decision defeat over former welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas, and has shown a flair for the dramatic when he scored a TKO victory over Bryant Perrella in the waning seconds of their fight in 2020. Ramos will look to bounce back from a decision loss against Luke Santamaria in his last fight in February.

“I’m having a great training camp and I can’t wait until it’s time to get into the ring,” said Ramos. “I’m prepared to take on Crowley and show off everything I’ve been working on in camp. I’m facing a strong opponent, but I believe that my experience in these big fights will get me the victory on March 25.”

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

Errol Spence Jr. added the WBA Welterweight title to his WBC and IBF collection by stopping Yordenis Ugas in round 10 of a thrilling fight in front of nearly 40,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The fight was fought mostly toe-to-toe with both guys digging to the body. Spence was pinpoint with his uppercut, Ugas tried to match that and also was effective with a right around the guard.

In round six, Ugas landed a big right that rocked Spence and made the moutpiece go flying. Spence asked for time but Ugas was right on top of Spence and pounded away for his best moment of the fight. That seemed to wake Spence up as he started landing massive left hands that started to swell the right eye of Ugas. That was the turning point of the fight as Spence was relentless with his pressure as he hurt Ugas several more times with big flurries. With each round, the eye worsened for Ugas. In round eight, the doctor looked at the eye of Ugas, but The Cuban was able to continue. He continued to take more punishment until the middle of round 10 as the fight was stopped on the advice of the ringside physician.

Spence, 146,25 lbs of DeSoto, TX is now 28-0 with 22 knockouts. Ugas, Santiago de Cuba, CUB is 27-5.

Isaac Cruz pummels Gamboa in Five

Former world title challenger Isaac Cruz scored four knockdowns en-route to a fifth round stoppage over former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in a 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Cruz sent Gamboa to the canvas with a huge three punch combination. In round three, it was a left hook that dropped Gamboa. In round four, Cruz scored a hard knockdown with a left hook. Cruz mercifully ended things when he landed a big overhand right knocked Gamboa into the ropes and the fight was called off at 1:32.

Cruz, 134.75 lbs of Mexico City is 23-2-1 with 16 knockouts. Gamboa, 134.25 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 30-5.

Jose Valenzuela Destroys Vargas in First Round

Jose Valenzuela annihilated former world champion Francisco Vargas in the opening round of their 10-round lightweight bout.

Valenzuela landed a booming left that sent Vargas to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Valenzuela, 134.75 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 12-0 with eight knockout. Vargas, 134.25 lbs of Mexico City is 27-4-2.

Cody Crowley Decisions Josesito Lopez

Cody Crowley remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Josesito Lopez in a welterweight bout.

In round seven, Crowley dropped Lopez with a right hook to the head. In round nine, the left eye of Lopez started to swell.

Crowley landed 205 of 812 punches; Lopez was 116 of 443.

Crowley, 144.5 lbs of Pieterborough, ONT CAN, won by scores of 99-90 and 98-91 twice and is now 21-0. Lopez, 146.3 lbs of Riverside, CA is 38-9.

Stanionis Wins WBA Welterweight title with Decisions over Butaev

Eimantas Stanionis won the WBA Welterweight title with a 12-round split decision over Radzhab Butaev.

In round 11, Butaev was deducted a point for holding the head and hitting Stanionis.

Stanionis landed 222 of 621 punches; Butaev was 140 of 747.

Stanionis, 146.5 lbs of Lithuania won by scores of 117-110 and 116-111. Butaev took a card 114-113.

Stanionis 14-0. Butaev, 146.5 lbs of Russia is 14-1.

“I still can’t believe it,” Stanionis said afterward. “It was a dream come true to hear ‘and the new.’ When I was a kid, I visualized what this would look like and how it would feel to become a champion. It’s because of the hard work, dedication, belief in myself and my team to get me to this big stage. I just want to tell everybody that dreams do come true. If you believe in it and give your everything, it will happen.”

“The fight went like this because the referee allowed Stanionis to fight with his head down the entire time,” Butaev said. “What can I do if the guy is leading with his head down all the time? I don’t know why he took away a point from me. They should have taken the point away from him because he was diving in the whole time.”

Brandun Lee Decisions Ochoa

Brandun Lee remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Zachary Ochoa in a junior welterweight bout

In round five, Ochoa began to bleed from his nose.

Lee landed 103 of 575 punches. Ochoa was 70 of 328.

Lee, 141.25 lbs of La Quinta, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 24-0. Ochoa, 141.25 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 21-3.

“I think that only two rounds were close, the seventh and maybe the ninth,” Lee said. “It was exactly what I expected. Perhaps I could have performed better, my combinations been a bit sharper, but it was a good fight overall. Fighting at AT&T Stadium was a blessing. Wow, what an experience. It motivates me even more to come back here and be a headliner one day. I want to be a world champion at 140, unify titles, become undisputed and then become a world champ at 147.”

“Brandun Lee is a really good fighter, a strong fighter,” Ochoa said. “I feel I was doing really well. He caught me a little bit, but I kept my confidence, my poise and when it was time to step it up the last three rounds, I started putting the pressure on him and we went at it. I went all out. He’s never had it like that. I only got hurt one time, maybe at the end of the seventh. I know I buzzed him too.”

ARLINGTON, TX. (March 29, 2022) – Fighters competing on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas SHOWTIME PPV undercard previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, April 16 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The virtual press conference featured exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, who meet in the co-main event, unbeaten Jose Valenzuela and former world champion Francisco Vargas, who square off in a lightweight attraction, plus all-action welterweights Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez, who battle in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

ISAAC CRUZ

“I feel blessed and I’m ready to give my all once again. I’m excited to continue to show the best of myself in 2022.

“I wish I had pressured more against Gervonta Davis. If I had knocked him down I think it would have been a different story and it would have been me with my hand raised.

“Everything that happened in the Davis fight has made me better. My profile is definitely raised, but it has not gone to my head. I’m only focused on giving the fans the show that they crave and I know that I’m capable of giving them that.

“I respect Gamboa and I thank him for the opportunity of getting to fight him. His resume is beyond reproach. However, I’m not here to lay down for anyone. I’m here to show that I’m one of the top fighters in the division.

“My fists are going to speak inside of the ring. It’s not for me to say whether one punch can change the fight or not, we’re going to see what happens inside the ring on fight night.

“Each fight is different. I’m going to be ready for anything that Gamboa has to offer. I’m getting ready with an amazing training camp and I’m looking forward to showing everyone everything that I’m capable of.

“I learned a valuable lesson from the Davis fight. I learned that I need to be focused inside the fight at every moment. I’m going to show people that I’m the Mexican fighter that can rule the 135-pound division.

“I’m ready for however long it takes me to get this win, one round or all 12. I’m going to prove to all the top lightweights that I’m ready to fight any of them. If those fighters want to prove that they belong on the top level, then they have to fight me.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA

“What I value the most is the fact that I’m going to be able to give fans the chance to see me fight once again and show them what I can do in the ring.

“I’m a pro. I’m not in the business of sending messages or making statements. What I’m focused on is trying to become number one and being the best I can be inside the ring in order to beat my opponent. The rest is just talk.

“My mere presence in this fight, the way that we have been prepared for this fight and what’s at stake, that alone tells you that I am one of the top fighters in the division.

“I have a tactical plan. I have a strategy ready to go for whatever happens. I’m ready to go for whatever comes my way and I’m planning to face anything and everything.

“I definitely have the edge in experience but at the same time, I’m going to rely on my preparation. I’m going to rely on the game plan and the strategy that we have put together to be able to fight and win any way we can.

“I’m going to show everybody that’s watching on T.V. and that’s watching in the stands that Yuriorkis Gamboa is still here to stay and that Yuriorkis Gamboa can still be the best in the division. There’s definitely a lot of people that are overlooking what I still have left in the tank and the quality of fighter that I still am. People are going to see that that’s just noise.

“When I beat Isaac Cruz, I want the rematch with Gervonta Davis. I really didn’t feel comfortable with the way that first fight unfolded. I fought with a torn Achilles for 11 rounds but I was still able to withstand everything and get to the finish. I need another bite at the apple and I need to show that I have the quality to beat him. I need to fight him while I’m healthy and 100 percent, because that fight will be totally different.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“This win is going to show everyone that I’m here and that I can compete with the top guys. Francisco Vargas is a strong former champion and I’m excited for the challenge.

“I’m always trying to make a statement, but I don’t want to get carried away looking for the knockout and make a mistake. I’m going to stick to the game plan.

“Vargas is still a great fighter. He gave Isaac Cruz a run for his money and couldn’t get him out of there. So my mission is to go in there and out-perform everybody.

“It’s a dream come true to be on a card like this. The whole card is stacked. I’m very excited and I’m looking to steal the show. This is everything that I’ve worked so hard for.

“I just remember watching Vargas coming up and putting on great performances. I’m happy about it. He’s the perfect opponent because we’re both going to come to fight.

“I’m extremely focused on this fight. He’s still a dangerous fighter. I’ve been in training camp for three months. I’m not just training to win, I’m training to look spectacular.

“It’s a great experience training with David and Jose Benavidez and their team. When I go and spar other fighters, I feel like a veteran because I’ve been training with them since I was a teenager. It’s been a great opportunity for me.

“I’m hungry, I’m young and I believe that he’s on his way out. You could definitely call this a passing of the torch.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“My main objective is to win the fight. Nothing else matters. All I want is to win the fight in order to get the best possible opportunity after this fight.

“I’m going to listen to my body. That’s the bottom line. When I can feel that my body says no more, then that will be the time for me to step aside. But for now, I feel like my body is just fine. I feel capable. I feel ready and I will be ready to go on April 16.

“Of course it motivates me when I hear Valenzuela say that I am past my prime and on the way out. But at the same time, I know how I feel. I feel totally ready. I feel in shape physically and mentally to be up to the challenge. I’m going to prove that to all of you on fight night.

“We are simply going to take this fight round-by-round. We are doing a great job in training camp to make sure that I can go the entire 10 rounds if needed.

“I can promise you that it’s going to be a great fight. A very entertaining fight. The fans are going to love it.

“I know what it feels like to be Jose’s age. I was in his place at one point where I felt like I had all the energy in the world and felt that I was going to take over the world. But what I’m lacking in youth, I gained in experience. I have maturity now. In this fight, you’re going to see how that experience is going to work in my favor.”

CODY CROWLEY

“The victory in my last fight didn’t change my confidence. I’ve had the same confidence since day one. What did I say at the last press conference? I told Kudratillo Abdukakhorov I was going to take him to deep waters. What you saw was a guy who was sinking and drowning. That’s because of the high power pressure I produce every time I’m in the ring. It looks easy, and guys say they want to go toe-to-toe with me, but within a round or two, their backs are on the ropes.

“I have a guy in Josesito Lopez who’s coming forward and who’s ready to sit there and bang it out. That’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to give the fans the entertainment that they’re paying for. Every time I fight I make sure the fans are getting their money’s worth.

“I thank Josesito for taking this fight. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to get in the ring and paint the beautiful picture I’m about to paint. I respect him, but when the bell rings, the light goes off and it’s time to go.

“I bring a pressure that’s not fun to face. I make it so you can’t breathe and you can’t move your legs or hands. I’m like an octopus in that ring. Once I step in there, I’m on you like glue.

“I hope he brings another level of experience and puts me into a position I’ve never been in, because that’s going to bring out the best version of Cody Crowley. That’s what I strive for. I want to be in a position that I don’t think I can get out of. That’s when you will see what I’m truly made out of.

“At the end of the day I’m a scrappy, hard-working pressure fighter that just keeps coming forward. I would love to be able to showcase some of my boxing abilities. Normally I have to chase people down. I’m hoping that’s not the case with Lopez and that we can go toe-to-toe. But I’ll be ready to show off the boxing abilities that not everyone has seen.

“I have power, speed and aggression. The last 20 guys have said they were going to be able to withstand the pressure, but eventually, the pipe bursts.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“Everyone should expect fireworks. You know every fight that I’m in, it’s fireworks. Cody Crowley seems to be the exact type of fighter that I like facing. I know it’s going to be a great match and you’ll see a big difference in experience. I’m going to take him to those deep waters and I’m going to drown him in those deep waters.

“Is Josesito Lopez still a top fighter at 147 pounds? Yeah, that may be the question. You’ll see on April 16. I’m definitely ready. I feel great. I’ve had a wonderful camp. I take no shortcuts. I’m all in and I’m ready for this fight. I take every fight like a championship fight.

“I’m the type of fighter that doesn’t look ahead past my next opponent. I’ve devoted the last eight weeks of training camp getting ready for this opponent. I’m not looking far ahead. I have a task on April 16 and once I take care of that, we can look ahead. I definitely want to face the best fighters there are. The best in the world. I’m not going to go as far as to say that I’m the best fighter in the world, but I can beat some of the best fighters in the world. I want to prove that.

“I’ve been motivated this entire camp. I’m ready. I’m expecting the best in Cody. I’m more than prepared. I have a great team and great sparring partners that can be top welterweights as well. I’m definitely prepared and I’m going to prove it to the world and show that I am one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’m always in the gym so I’ve been training constantly. Sometimes a little rust is good. But I’ve been sparring and training throughout this entire year. Ring rust won’t be an issue.

“I’m excited to be back at AT&T Stadium in Texas where I have some of the biggest and best fans out there. I’m pumped for this fight. I’m 110% ready and I’m going to go out there and do it.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS

Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

ARLINGTON, T.X. – March 17, 2022 – Three sensational matchups have been added to the SHOWTIME PPV lineup headlined by WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash on Saturday, April 16 live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

“One of the year’s biggest events will feature a deserving pay-per-view undercard lineup loaded with consequential matchups that are primed to deliver drama and action,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz showed against Gervonta Davis that he is a star in the making, and he’ll be looking to display those talents once again against an accomplished opponent in Yuriorkis Gamboa. Plus, another rising star in Jose Valenzuela will step up in competition against former champion Francisco Vargas, while Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez will both bring their high-octane styles into the ring in what shapes up to be a ‘can’t-miss’ showdown to open the loaded SHOWTIME PPV.”

The 23-year-old Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) will return to the ring after dropping a competitive decision against three-division champion Gervonta Davis on SHOWTIME PPV in December. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October. Cruz followed that up in 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matías Romero in March and by defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by decision in June. After making his U.S. debut in December 2019, Cruz went unbeaten in his next four bouts, appearing on SHOWTIME^® three times in addition to beating Magdaleno on the Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring and to fight at AT&T Stadium,” said Cruz. “I love the fans in Texas, they always give me tremendous support. My promoter, Manny Pacquiao, has fought at AT&T Stadium before and won both times. I’m excited to follow in his footsteps against a very accomplished former champion in Gamboa. I’m coming to show the fans why I’m one of the best lightweights in the world and to drive Gamboa into retirement on April 16.”

Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs) is a former unified featherweight champion, holding the IBF and WBA 126-pound titles between 2009 and 2011. A native of Guantanamo, Cuba, he now lives and trains in Miami, Fla. He dropped a showdown against Terence Crawford in a 2014 Fight of the Year, before rebounding to win seven of eight fights. That run included victories over former world champions Jason Sosa and Roman Martinez, putting Gamboa back into world title contention. In his last two fights, Gamboa has dropped contests against current lightweight world champions, losing via 12^th-round TKO to Gervonta Davis in 2019 and by decision against Devin Haney in November 2020.

“I always come to the ring to display my talents and April 16 will be no different,” said Gamboa. “It’s very motivating to be facing a young, strong opponent like Isaac Cruz. I’m going to test him and see if he can stand up to my power. I’m coming to win and make a big statement that I still have what it takes to become champion again.”

The 22-year-old Valenzuela (11-0, 7 KOs) now trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez as he seeks to move from prospect to contender in 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela turned pro in 2018 and rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021. Valenzuela capped off his breakout 2021 in December, dominating Austin Dulay on his way to a TKO in round four.

“It’s a dream come true to be on a high-stakes, stacked card like this,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve admired and studied Spence for a long time, especially because we’re both lefties. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I’m not overlooking or underestimating Francisco Vargas in any way. I’m expecting fireworks. You always get a big fight when two Mexican warriors go head-to-head, so I know the fans are going to be delighted with what they see on April 16.”

Fighting out of Mexico City, Vargas (27-3-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 37-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas later defeated Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories over Ezequiel Aviles in 2019 and Otto Gamez in 2020, prior to dropping a decision against Isaac Cruz in his last fight in June 2021.

“It is an honor to be on such a big card with so many great fighters,” said Vargas. “I’m going to come prepared for this fight and ready to leave the ring with a victory. I know Valenzuela will be trying to make a statement, but I’m coming to do the same. As always, the fans can expect a tremendous fight from start to finish.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (20-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a sensational SHOWTIME debut in December 2021 that saw him beat the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov by unanimous decision. Crowley had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for his last two fights after seven of his first eight pro fights took place in the U.S.

“After my win in December on SHOWTIME, I’m ready to accept the next challenge on my journey to becoming welterweight champion of the world,” said Crowley. “Josesito Lopez is always tough and he brings an exciting style to the table. Unfortunately for him, he will discover what 20 fighters before him have learned, which is that I will not be stopped from achieving my destiny. I want to thank my team for this opportunity to display my skills, heart and relentlessness on this great card at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Lopez (38-8, 21 KOs) earned the nickname “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his go-for-broke style in the ring. He has stepped in across from some of the top boxers in the sport, including champions Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The 37-year-old from Riverside, California is always a tough out in the ring as noted by his narrow majority decision loss to then-champion Keith Thurman in 2019. Since that loss, Lopez has put together back-to-back victories, defeating John Molina, Jr. and Francisco Santana.

“I’m eager and very motivated to step back in the ring and prove myself as one of the best fighters in the world,” said Lopez. “I expect a stiff challenge from Crowley and the fans can expect to see me at my very best. I’m in great shape and ready to put everything on the line. You will definitely want to make sure you don’t miss my fight on April 16.”

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

About AT&T Stadium:

AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world.  Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world.  Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round.  The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue.  In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events.  For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

Nonito Donaire defended the WBC Bantamweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Reymart Gaballo at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a competitive fight with Gaballo trying to land quick power shots. Donaire was countering well with some solid punches of his own. In round four, Donaire landed a perfect left hook to the body that put Gaballo on the canvas. Gaballo tried to get up but went right down again and was counted out at 2:59.

Donaire, 117.2 lbs of the Philippines is 42-6 with 28 knockouts. Gaballo, 117 lbs of General Santos City, PHl is 24-1

Cody Crowley scored a mild-upset when he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Abdukakhorov dropped Crowley with a straight left hand. In round five, Abdukakhorov was cut on his forehead from a punch.

Crowley, 145.4 lbs of Peiterborough, CAN won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 95-94 ands is now 20-0. Abdukakhorov, 146.2 lbs of Uzbekistan is 18-1.

Brandun Lee remained undefeated with a 7th round stoppage over Juan Herladez in a 10-round junior welterweight fight.

In round seven, Lee landed a perfect 1-2 that put Heraldez on the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Lee, 140 lbs of La Quinta, CA is 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Heraldez, 144 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 16-2-1.

MINNEAPOLIS (July 14, 2021) – Unbeaten welterweights go toe-to-toe as Canada’s Cody Crowley meets two-time Venezuelan Olympian Gabriel Maestre for the Interim WBA Welterweight World Championship headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 7 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting rising welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis in a 10-round duel against former world champion Luis Collazo. Kicking off the broadcast, former-two division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” will return to action for a 10-round welterweight showdown against Luke Santamaría.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“Saturday, August 7 will feature a jam-packed night of welterweight fights on FOX as boxing’s glamor division takes center stage with three intriguing matchups,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The main event will see two unbeaten fighters in Cody Crowley and Gabriel Maestre look to announce their presence in the division with a statement win in a toss-up fight. In the two opening fights, rising welterweights Eimantas Stanionis will strive for a big victory against established former champion Luis Collazo and former champion Devon Alexander will look to get back to his winning ways against Luke Santamaría. The Armory in Minneapolis is set to be home to another night of high stakes action from start to finish.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (19-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a September 2020 triumph over Josh Torres. Crowley’s 2019 run saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February, before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2016 in his triumph over Torres, after seven of his first eight pro fights came in the U.S.

“On August 7, the world will discover a new welterweight force in the division in Cody Crowley,” said Crowley. “I know that they call Gabriel Maestre the ‘Venezuelan Lomachenko’, but after I beat him for the crown, he will return to Venezuela known as the man who put me in position for my first world championship. I want to thank my team for giving me this huge opportunity. And, most importantly, I want to thank my fans in Canada, the United States and the world who have stuck by me as I’ve awaited this chance to shine in front of a worldwide audience on FOX.”

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (3-0, 3 KOs) had an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. The 34-year-old turned pro in 2019 with a pair of impressive triumphs, stopping previously unbeaten Jeovanis Barraza before earning a TKO over veteran contender Diego Chaves. August 7 will mark Maestre’s U.S. debut professionally.

“I am very happy to make my U.S. debut on August 7,” said Maestre. “This is a wonderful opportunity for me. I have the chance to show the whole world what class I’m in and that I’m a great boxer. I’m excited to begin this journey in the U.S. on my way to becoming a world champion.”

Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs) has earned a series of eye-catching victories as he has climbed up the ranks from prospect to contender, most recently earning a career-best 12-round decision over Thomas Dulorme in April. The 26-year-old from Lithuania, who now lives and trains in California, looked impressive as he picked up three solid wins in 2019, beating Samuel Figueroa via unanimous decision and scoring early stoppages against Julio Cesar Sanchez and Evincii Dixon. The undefeated welterweight continued to put the division on notice with back-to-back dominating main event performances in November and December 2020, when he notched ninth-round knockouts over Justin DeLoach and Janer Gonzalez respectively.

“I want to prove that I’m going to be the next great welterweight champion, so I know that I have to look impressive and come out victorious against Luis Collazo on August 7,” said Stanionis. “Collazo has faced the best of the best, so this will be a great chance for me to show where I stack up. I always like to bring an exciting fight for the fans, and this fight on FOX is going to be no different.”

An experienced veteran in the welterweight division, Collazo (39-8, 20 KOs) has proven a stiff test over the years for top welterweights such as Keith Thurman, Shane Mosley, Amir Khan, Andre Berto and Ricky Hatton, to name a few. The Brooklyn, New York-native was a world champion in 2005 and has sprung upsets on rising contenders with memorable knockouts of Victor Ortiz and Sammy Vasquez. After triumphing over Bryant Perrella in 2018, Collazo defeated Samuel Vargas in March 2019 and most recently lost a technical decision to Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in October 2019.

“I’m eager and excited to be back fighting on FOX,” said Collazo. “As a fighter, we wait for that call letting you know when you’re fighting and I can’t wait for this one. I believe this will be my last outing, so I am going to bring everything I’ve got come August 7.”

Alexander (27-6-1, 14 KOs) makes his return after a June 2019 defeat to Ivan Redkach stunted a previous comeback attempt that saw Alexander go 1-1-1 in fights over a 10-month stretch. Before that stretch, a period of inactivity saw him seek treatment for an addiction to painkillers and eventually prove an inspiration in returning to deliver exciting fights against Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz and Walter Castillo. The St. Louis, Missouri native had an impressive run at super lightweight and unified titles in that division before scoring victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and eventually Randall Bailey to capture a welterweight championship.

“I’m very excited and anxious to get back in there after some time off,” said Alexander. “This fight means everything to me, so I’m going into this fight with my back against the wall. I’m treating this like a world title fight. I have a chip on my shoulder because I know for a fact a lot of people are writing me off. They are about to be in for a big surprise. I can’t wait to regain my footing back in boxing as one of the best in the division. It’s been way too long. Plus, August 7 is my mom’s birthday, so that gives me even extra motivation to get her a win on her birthday.”

The 32-year-old Santamaría (11-2-1, 7 KOs) steps into the ring to make his FOX debut after dropping a decision to top welterweight prospect Paul Kroll last October. Santamaria had previously scored an August triumph over veteran contender Mykal Fox that saw him drop Fox in round one of their battle on FS1. The Garden Grove, California native also owns a decision over Willie Jones and a split draw against Marquis Taylor in his 2019 contests. Santamaría was unbeaten in 10 fights since his first loss before facing Kroll, with his only other defeat coming via a four-round decision in his third pro bout in 2015.

“I’m very thankful to my whole team for this great opportunity to compete on FOX,” said Santamaría. “People may say I’m lucky to get this shot, but I believe that luck is just when opportunity meets preparation. We’re never going to stop working and we’re going to keep climbing in this sport, continuing on August 7.”

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

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

Yordenis Ugas dominated Abel Ramos over 12-rounds, yet was only able to win a razor thin split decision over Abel Ramos to win the WBA Welterweight title at The Mictosoft Theatre in Los Angeles.

In round nine, Ramos started to bleed from his nose. Ugas was dominant with the jab by landing a career best 160 of them and wiping out Ramos in the punches landed category to the tune of 233-109, yet judges saw the fight just 115-113 twice for Ugas and somehow 117-111 for Ramos.

Ugas, 147 lbs of Santiago De Cubas, CUB is 26-4. Ramos, 146 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ is 26-4-2/

Ramos Stops Garcia in 2

Jesus Ramos stopped Esteban Garcia in round two of a scheduled eight-round bout featuring undefeated welterweights.

Ramos pounded away on Garcia until the bout was stopped at 2:45.

Ramos, 142.8 lbs of Case Grande, AZ is 13-0 with 121 knockouts. Garcia, 142 lbs of Brawley, CA is now 14-1.

Omar Jaurez won a eight-round unanimous decision over Dakota Linger in a super lightweight bout.

Juarez outlanded Linger 199-113.

Juarez, 142.8 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 9-0. Linger, 144.4 lbs of West Virginia is 12-4-2.

Cody Crowley remained undefeated and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Josh Torres in a welterweight bout.

Crowley outlanded Torres 254-113.

Crowley, 145 lbs of Duoro, CAN won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Josh Torres, 146.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 22-7-2.

Batyr Akhmedov stopped Rey Perez in round one of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

Akhmedov dropped Perez twice with body shots and the fight was stopped after the 2nd knockdown at 2:19.

Akhmedov, 140.4 lbs of Russia is 8-1 with seven knockouts. Perez, 140.6 lbs of the Philippines is 24-12.

Leduan Barthelemy stopped Recky Dulay in round three of their scheduled six-round lightweight fight.

In round three, Barthlelemy landed a right hook to the body that put Dulay down. Seconds later it was the same punch that registered a 2nd knockdown. Yet a few seconds later, Barthelemy dropped Dulay for a 3rd time in the round, and the fight was stopped at 2:39.

Barthelemy, 136.6 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 16-1-1 with eight knockouts. Dulay, 137.6 lbs of the Philippines is 11-9.

LOS ANGELES (September 2, 2020) – Unbeaten Cody Crowley will take on Josh Torres in a 10-round welterweight clash headlining FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 6 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also features 2016 Olympian Batyr Akhmedov facing the Philippines’ Rey Perez in a 10-round super lightweight attraction.

The FS1 coverage precedes FOX PBC Fight Night, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by top contender Yordenis Ugas and hard-hitting Abel Ramos squaring off for the vacant WBA Welterweight Championship.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (18-0, 9 KOs) comes in after a 2019 that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February, before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 27-year-old returns to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2016, after seven of his first eight pro fights came in the U.S.

The 30-year-old Torres (22-6-2, 13 KOs) enters this matchup the winner of his last seven bouts, with six of those wins coming inside of the distance. A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Torres scored three victories in 2019 and has faced veteran contenders including Mike Alvarado and Dusty Hernandez-Harrison throughout a career dating back to 2008.

Born in Uzbekistan and residing in Russia, Akhmedov (7-1, 6 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympics. The 29-year-old returns to action after a grueling title fight against Mario Barrios on the Spence vs. Porter PPV undercard that he lost by a narrow decision. He made his U.S. debut in April 2018, immediately announcing himself with stoppage victories over Ismael Barroso and Oscar Barajas.

Now training in North Hollywood, California, Perez (24-11, 8 KOs) hails from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines and most recently lost a decision to George Kambosos Jr. in January 2019. The 29-year-old has faced a slew of contenders, with two victories over Christian Gonzalez and a knockout of Roberto Marroquin, in addition to stateside challenges of Lamont Roach, Jessie Magdaleno and Chris Avalos.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

PETERBOROUGH, Ottawa, Canada (October 20, 2019) – Hometown hero and world-rated Canadian boxer Cody “The Crippler” Crowley made a major statement last night before a sold-out crowd, headlining a loaded “Homecoming V: Going Global” card, at Peterborough Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Canada.

“Homecoming V: Going Global”, presented by CCC Promotions, was the first boxing event streamed live and exclusively from Canada on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

Crowley (18-0, 10 KOs), rated No. 9 in the world as a welterweight by the World Boxing Association (WBA), is a bonafide Peterborough sports franchise ready to take on the next level of world-class opponents.

The 26-year-old Irish Canadian boxer came out strong from the opening bell and the aggressive southpaw never let up en route to a 10-round shutout (100-90 X 3) triumph against his over-matched challenger from Montreal, “Super” Mian Hussain (16-2, 6 KOs). Crowley retained his CPNC National super welterweight crown with a totally dominate performance.

“It’s hard to knock a guy out when he goes into survival mode in the second round,” Crowley said after the fight. “People keep telling me they are going to come and fight, so I prepare for a dogfight every single time, but these guys don’t want to fight for some reason when I get in there. So, I have to go to the worst part of my game, which is boxing. I feel like I put on a good clinic. I was touching his head and touching his body. I was even pulling back my punches and changing direction.

“I had so much pressure on me. I had Dana White, the biggest promoter in the world, watching Peterborough tonight. Who would have thought that? I’m beyond happy. My team, UFC FIGHT PASS…..this is just the start of our journey together.

“It was a great performance and a great show. I give myself an A- on performance and A+ on the promotion (Crowley is co-founder of CCC Promotions).”

Popular Canadian lightweight Tony “The Lightning” Luis (29-3, 10 KOs), past Interim World title challenger, won an eight-round unanimous decision over Ricardo “Riky” Lara (22-6, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in the co-featured event.

Canadian super lightweight Lucas Bahdi (5-0, 5 KOs) kept his perfect pro record intact, knocking out Mexican Victor Manuel “El Pimientas” Campos (6-9, 2 KOs) in the opening round.

Four-time New Zealand amateur champion Patrick “Magic” Mailata (3-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, winning all four rounds on the three judges’ scorecards, versus previously unbeaten Jorge Sevilla “Bombon” Acosta (2-0, 2 KOs).

In the UFC FIGHT NIGHT opener, New York heavyweight Moses Johnson (5-0, 5 KOs) extended his perfect pro record, stopping Mexican Jose Manuel “Dinamita” Paredes (3-4-3) in round

Undefeated Canadian super lightweight Mazlum Akdeniz (10-0, 4 KOs) impressed against Hungarian knockout artist Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (28-16, 21 KOs), registering a second-round knockout.

United Kingdom super lightweight Adam “Hitman” Hague (16-1-1, 2 KOs) won a six-round unanimous decision versus his previously undefeated Mexican foe, Alan “Superman” Ayala (7-1, 3 Kos).

In the opening match of the night, Canadian super lightweight Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (7-1, 0 KOs) decisioned Beatriz Jimenez (6-3, 1 KO), of Mexico.
Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – CPBC NATIONAL SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Cody Crowley (18-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Peterborough, Ottawa Canada
WDEC10 (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)
Mian Hussain (16-2, 6 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
(Crowley CPC National super lightweight title)

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Tony Luis (29-3, 10 KOs), Cornwell, Ontario, Canada
WDEC8 (78-74, 77-75, 77-75)
Ricardo Lara (22-7, 10 KOs), El Grullo, Jalisco, Mexico

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Lucas Bahdi (5-0, 5 KOs), Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
WKO1
Victor Manuel Campos (6-9, 2 KOs), Jesus Maria, Aquascalientes, Mexico

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Patrick Mailata (3-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV by way of Samoa and New Zealand
Wdec4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Jorge Seveilla Acosta (2-1, 2 KOs), Campeche, Mexico

Moses Johnson (5-0, 5 KOs), Huntington, NY, USA
WTKO2
Jose Manuel Paredes (3-4-3, 2 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

WELTERWEIGHTS
Mazlum Akdeniz (10-0, 5 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WTKO2
Adam Mate (28-16, 21 KOs), Budapest, Hungary

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Adam Hague (16-1-1, 2 KOs), Glossop, Derbyshire, UK
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)
Alan Ayala (7-1, 3 KOs), Guadalahara, Jalisco, Mexico

FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jessica Camara (7-1, 0 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 58-56)
Beatriz Jimenez (6-3, 1 KO), Tlalnepantia, Mexico.

INFORMATION:
Websites: www.triplecboxing.ca
Twitter: @Crowley16LV, @CCCBoxing, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @triplecboxing, @codycrowleyboxing
Facebook: /CCCPromotions, /CodyCrowley.3557

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO, CANADA (October 16, 2019) – Undefeated super welterweight and hometown hero Cody “The Crippler” Crowley will headline this Saturday night’s stacked “Homecoming V: Going Global” card, presented by CCC Promotions, at Peterborough Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The event will be streamed worldwide, live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

The 26-year-old Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs), who is also co-founder of CCC Promotions, will defend his Canada Professional Boxing Council (CPBC) National super welterweight title at home in the 12-round main event against intra-country rival “Super” Mian Hussain (16-1, 6 KOs), of Montreal.

Crowley, who is rated No. 9 in the world by the World Boxing Association in the welterweight division, is an Irish-Canadian rising star who trains in Las Vegas.

The entertaining southpaw’s most recent fight was this past February in his initial CPBC title defense, when he won a 12-round unanimous decision versus Stuart McLellan (25-2-3).

“It’s destiny,” Crowley said about him headlining at home on UFC FIGHT PASS. “We’ve done this on our own. I plan to fight here at home once a year. I want to show local youths how to take advantage of opportunities, creating inspiration and motivation for these youths coming up.

“When I was 21, I gave myself a 10-year plan to be world champion. I’m obsessed with being world champion; I eat and sleep boxing. I gave boxing a decade of my life and I’m halfway there. 2020 is going to be huge for my career. Too many weird things have happened for me not to become world champion.”

The co-featured event showcases one of Canada’s most popular boxers, lightweight Tony “The Lightning” Luis (28-3, 10 KOs), in an eight-round bout against his veteran Mexican opponent, Ricardo “Riky” Lara (22-6, 10 KOs). A former Interim world title challenger, Luis is a blood-and-guts type fighter who has won his last nine fights, including the North American Boxing Association (NABA) lightweight title.

A pair of undefeated heavyweight prospects, Moses Johnson (4-0, 4 KOs) and Patrick “Magic” Mailata (2-0, 2 KOs), will also gain invaluable exposure fighting on UFC FIGHT PASS. Johnson, fighting out of Huntington, NY, faces Jose Manuel “Dionamita” Paredes (3-3-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder, while Samoa-native Mailata, who now lives in Las Vegas, takes on unbeaten Mexican boxer Jorge Sevilla “Bombon” Acosta (2-0, 2 KOs). Mailata, whose fight will open the UFC FIGHT PASS live stream, is a four-time New Zealand amateur champion who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in six-round fights, are undefeated Canadian Mazlum Akdeniz (9-0, 4 KOs), vs. Hungarian Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (28-15, 21 KOs), Montreal female super lightweight Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (6-1) vs. Mexican Beatriz Jimenez (6-2, 1 KO), Canadian super lightweight Lucas Bahdi (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican Victor Manuel “El Pimientas” Campos (6-8, 2 Kos), and United Kingdom super lightweight Adam “Hitman” Hague (15-1-1, 2 KOs). vs. Alan “Superman” Ayala (7-0, 3 Kos), of Mexico.

Priced at $62.15, $39.,55 and $28.25, tickets are available for purchase at www.memorialcentre.ca and the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. VIP packages (tables) are also available by texting/calling CCC Promotions at 705.927.3265.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout on the undercard is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The main card and UFC FIGHT PASS live stream begins at 9 p.m. ET.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

INFORMATION:
Websites: www.triplecboxing.ca
Twitter: @Crowley16LV, @CCCBoxing, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @triplecboxing, @codycrowleyboxing
Facebook: /CCCPromotions, /CodyCrowley.3557

LAS VEGAS – UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, today announced that it will exclusively live stream Canadian super welterweight boxing champion Cody “The Crippler” Crowley’s upcoming fight on Saturday, October 19. UFC FIGHT PASS will feature the entire card live from the Peterborough Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario; starting at 9 pm E.T. / 6 pm P.T.

Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs), an undefeated Canadian prospect, will take on “Super” Mian Hussain (16-1, 6 KOs) in the main event of “Homecoming V: Going Global” presented by CCC Promotions.

Crowley will be defending his Canadian, North American, and International Canada Professional Boxing Council (CPBC) titles.

“I feel like it’s a great accomplishment to make my UFC FIGHT PASS debut,” said Cody Crowley, co-founding partner of CCC Promotions. “I left the town of Peterborough with nothing but a strong work ethic, hope, and a dream. On October 19^th, my hard work and love for this sport will be broadcast worldwide to the hardcore fight fans.”

This will be Crowley’s second title defense after winning his previous fight in February against Stuart McLellan via a 12-round unanimous decision.

The 26-year-old southpaw holds a professional record of 17-0 and is the reigning CPBC super welterweight champion. Crowley is ranked No. 8 in the world by the World Boxing Association.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

About UFC FIGHT PASS^®

UFC FIGHT PASS^® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufcfightpass.com.

An all-Canadian grudge match was settled tonight in emphatic fashion as hometown hero Cody “The Crippler” Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs) made the third successful defense of his CPBC Canadian and International Super Welterweight Championships, and remained undefeated, with a dominant unanimous decision over former Canadian champion Stuart McLellan (25-3-3, 10 KOs).

Fighting in front of a huge crowd of well-wishers in the main event of Crowley’s self-promoted “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood” event at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Crowley won every minute of every round against the tough, but badly out-matched British Columbian McLellan.

The judges had it a unanimous shutout: 120-107, 120-107 and 120-107.

While some held that Crowley was in for his toughest career challenge, he made it clear he is ready for a step up from club-level domestic competition. The 25-year-old hit McLellan at will with southpaw lefts and rights like a cat playing with its food.

Afterward, the two scrappers settled their differences with McLellan even contradicting his main pre-fight assertion by admitting over the house mic that Crowley is a “real fighter.”

Class move by a very tough fighter.

In the night’s super middleweight co-main event, local product Jordan McCue moved to 2-0, 1 KO with a “good while it lasted” TKO 2 over Edmonton, Alberta’s Cody Purtel (now 0-2).

The pair of scrappers commenced to landing haymakers on each other from the first bell, with McCue increasingly getting the better as the fight wore on.

Purtel’s chin, however, is made of lead and he fought back bravely until being rescued from his own courage at 2:04 of the second, still on his feet.

Both fighters can be proud of their short, but entertaining shootout.

For the first six rounds of their eight-round super lightweight fight, Hamilton, Ontario’s Steve Wilcox (20-3-1, 5 KOs) appeared to be heading toward a sleep-inducing decision over Aguascalientes, Mexico’s Javier Mercado (25-14-2, 22 KOs).

Using his longer arms to peck away with the occasional jab then retreat back to a safe distance, Wilcox seemed to have found a frustrating, yet winning strategy.

Then it happened.

From out of seemingly nowhere, referee Donovan Boucher issued an unwarranted point deduction to Mercado for an invisible series of low blows, which seemed to anger the Mexican and wake him up. He immediately tore into Wilcox with an angry barrage of clubbing shots from both sides, stunning and then dropping the Canadian for two hard knockdowns.

However, with some serious hometown assistance from ref Boucher including slow counts and long, physician-level wellness checks before allowing the action to resume, Wilcox was able to survive the onslaught.

In the final round, Wilcox went back to playing it mostly safe.

Despite the late-fight heroics, on points, Wilcox deserved the unanimous decision he got by scores of 77-73, 76-74 and 77-73. Mercado, however, deserves all the credit for saving this would-be sleep-aid of a fight.

A four-round super lightweight bout was ended early by the hammering fists of Toronto via Makhachkala, Russia’s Arthur Biyarslanov (2-0, 2 KOs), as he stopped Veracruz, Mexico’s Isaac Castan (2-3-1, 1 KO) at 3:00 of round one. Biyarslanov had too much accuracy and power for the over-matched Mexican. Castan was down from a right hook and twice more from the follow-up and wisely elected not to come out for round two.

In a four-round cruiserweight bout, Bowmanville, Ontario’s Abokan Bokpe (9-1, 4 KOs) stayed busier than his Mexico foe, Juan Santiago (6-3-1, 5 KOs) and managed to win a unanimous decision (scores 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37). The much larger Bokpe chose a mostly cautious approach to the wild-swinging Mexican, but did enough body work and counter punching to deserve the nod.

A rousing female super featherweight battle between winless newcomers started out the night, as Tijuana’s Ana Ruth Castro (now 1-1) was too much for Madison Blakely (0-3) from nearby Belleville, Ontario.

The game Blakely had no answer for Castro’s repeated clubbing right hands, and ate enough of them to lose by unanimous, four-round decision (scores 39-37, 39-39 and 40-36). What it lacked in skill, it was made up for by the heart of both women.

The all-Canadian grudge match between CPBC Canadian and International Super Welterweight Champion Cody “The Crippler” Crowley and former Canadian champion Stuart McLellan is heating to a boil on social media, and the two freely trade insults in a newly released video.

The undefeated newcomer Crowley (16-0, 9 KOs) will defend his titles against the well-respected veteran McLellan (25-2-3, 10 KOs) in a 12-round shootout on Saturday, February 9, at the Memorial Centre in Crowley’s hometown of Peterborough, Ontario.

The event, presented by Crowley’s own CCC Promotions, is entitled “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood.”

Tickets for “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood” are priced at $62.15, $39.55 and $28.25 and are available at www.memorialcentre.ca. VIP Floor Tickets are also available through CCC Promotions (text or call 705.927.3265).

The two have been going back and forth with increasing intensity since their showdown was announced.

“He’s delusional,” says Crowley in the video. “He’s nothing but a spoiled brat,” counters McLellan.

25-year-old Crowley has become well-known in the gyms of his adopted home of Las Vegas. Working with an arm’s length list of world champions including Floyd Mayweather Jr., and having former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman’s brother Ibn Cason as a trainer, Crowley has gained a reputation as Canada’s next big thing… a claim that the veteran McLellan strongly disputes.

“You’re not a real fighter, Cody,” says McLellan. “You know what happens when the hard worker meets a spoiled bitch, man.”

“This guy has been hating on everything I do from the moment I moved to Vegas,” responds Crowley. “The dude doesn’t know enough is enough. The only way to show him and shut him up is with my fists.”

On fight night, doors open at 6 pm, with the first fight starting at 7 pm. The Memorial Centre is located at 151 Lansdowne Street in Peterborough. The Memorial Centre is a 4,329-seat multi-purpose arena. Built in 1956, it is now home to the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League and the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse league. For more information, visit www.memorialcentre.ca.