Heavyweights Gurgen Hovhannisyan, Tsotne Rogava and Dante Stone shine in Impressive victories to open 2024 boxing

TACOMA, Wash. (January 5, 2024) – Last night’s first worldwide pro boxing event of 2004, “Pit Stop on Road to Greatness,” presented by Toro Promotions and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, showcased leading heavyweight prospects who were each impressive at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

“Pit Stop on Road to Greatness” was streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

It took Armenian heavyweight Gurgen “Big Gug” Hovhannisyan (5-0, 5 KOs) a few rounds to shake off rust, but 6’ 7”, 278-pounder closed the main event with a devastating fifth-round knockout of a game Colby Madison (11-7-2, 7 KOs).

The 25-year-old “Big Gug” hadn’t fought since stopping Micharl Polite Coffie (13-2) on October 15, 2022, and his inactivity showed early against Madison. The fight was somewhat competitive until Madison caught Hovhannisyan with an overhead right in the fourth round that got Gurgen’s attention. He came out for the following round with a vengeance, trapped Madison in a corner, pummeling his opponent with a barrage of unanswered punches, until he crumbled to the canvas for a stirring end to their fight.

In the co-featured event, 2020 Ukrainian Olympian Tsotne Rogava stole the show in his Toro Promotions debut, brutally beating down previously undefeated heavyweight Dante Williams (4-1, 4 KOs) for an awesome knockout midway through the opening round. The Georgia-born Rogava, who stands 6’ 5” and weighed-in at 265 pounds, threw punches that sounded like cannon shots.

Hovhannisyan and Rogava are both trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen.

The Special Heavyweight Attraction matching Dante Stone and Alexander “The Great” Flores more than lived up to the pre-fight hype in a crossroads fight that opened the show. Stone (15-1, 10 KOs) extended his winning streak to 15 with an inspiring eight-round unanimous decision over Flores (18-4-1, 15 KOs), who’s previous three losses were all to world champions.

There was only knockdown, more of the flash version, when Stone connected with an overhand right in the eighth round that caught Flores, who fought valiantly from start to finish.

Nicaraguan super featherweight Nilo Guerrero (7-0, 6 KOs) turned in an auspicious United States debut, decking Chancellor Battenberg (2:51) in the first and second rounds, the latter leading to a technical knockout. Guerrero’s younger brother, bantamweight Nelson (2-0, 2 KOs), took on Gilberto Duran (4-8, 4 KOs) in an entertaining battle. Duran hit the mat twice in a bout that was stopped midway through the fourth round in Guerrero’s favor.

Tik Tok sensation Elijah Seawright (10-0, 7 KOs) won a six-round unanimous decision versus super welterweight Henry Rivera (2-3, 1 KO).

Local lightweight Agustin Tovar (1-0) pitched a shutout, winning all four rounds, for a unanimous decision against Ezra Rabin (1-5, 1 KO).

Fans who waited around for the final walkout bout of the night were treated to a non-stop action match, in which another local favorite, Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), won his pro debut by way of a second-round technical knockout over Dazjhante “Flash” Frazier (0-2).

Complete results below:

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OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Gurgen Hovhannisyan (5-0, 5 KOs), Los Angeles, CA by way of Armenia

WKO5 (0:40)

Colby Madison (11-7-2, 7 KOs), Baltimore, MD

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CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Tsotne Rogava (4-0, 4 KOs), Los Angeles, CA by way of Ukraine and Georgia

WKO1 (1:39)

Dante Williams (4-1, 4 KOs), Hawkinsville, GA

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SPECIAL HEAVYWEIGHT ATTRACTION

Dante Stone (15-1, 10 KOs), Chandler, AZ

WDEC8 (79-72, 78-73M 78-73)

Alexander Flores (18-4-1, 16 KOs), Rowland Heights, CA

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Elijah Seawright (10-0, 7 KOs), Colombia, SC

WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)

Henry Rivera (2-3, 1 KO), Las Vegas, NV

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Nathan Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), Aberdeen, WA

WTKO2

Dazjhante Frazier (0-2), Seattle, WA

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Agustin Tovar 1-0, 0 KOs), Auburn, WA

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)

Ezra Rabin (1-5, 1 KO), Oakland, CA

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Nilo Guerrero (7-0 6 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua

WTKO2 (2:51)

Chancellor Battenberg (4-4, 4 KOs), Kingwood, TX

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Nelson Guerrero (2-0, 2 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua

WTKO4 (1:37)

Gilberto Duran (4-8, 4 KOs), Yakima, WA.




Joe Goossen calls Gurgen Hovhannisyan a top five Heavyweight Prospect

LOS ANGELES (December 27, 2023) – Hall of Fame boxing trainer Joe Goossen believes Gurgen “Big Gug” Hovhannisyan, who headlines “Pit Stop on the Road to Greatness” on January 4th, has to be rated among the top five heavyweight prospects in the world.

“Pit Stop on Road to Greatness” card, presented by Toro Promotions and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, will be streamed on www.bxngtv.com pay per view for $19.99 live from the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

The 25-year-old Armenia native Hovhannisyan (4-0, 4 KOs) takes on Colby Madison (11-6-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The 6’ 7”, 275-pound “Big Gug”, who now lives in Los Angeles hasn’t fought in more than a year, coming off an eye-opening sixth-round stoppage of Michael Polite Coffie (13-2).

“If you rate the top 10 or 15 heavyweight prospects,” Goossen said about his fighter, “Gurgen has to be in the top five. Nobody comes into our gym and watches him workout without being amazed. He’s 275 pounds and light on his feet. He’s only had four pro fights, but he is so talented. He’s knowledgeable and it is in his nature to press, but he has two or three styles he can use in any fight. And he takes a good punch, too. He has all the ingredients: size, power, mentality, and great work ethic. Gurgen can box a few rounds until he slows down the other guy and he loves to press.”

In terms of style, Goossen physically compares Hovhannisyan to world champion Tyson Fury, noting that Fury boxed to win his first fight against Deontay Wilder, jumping on Wilder in their second to fight to stop him. 

“Gurgen can go all the way,” Goossen predicted, “and I don’t say that lightly. He manhandled Coffee, who was a rising star until he fought Gurgen. He took a quantum leap he wouldn’t have made against an easier opponent. Coffee weighs 290 pounds with muscles and he’s a former Marine. We took a risk fighting him in Gurgen’s fourth fight, but we believed in him, and he proved us right. He is why I love going to work every day, where he is the dominant figure in the gym. Gurgen appreciates what he’s been taught and has total respect for people he associates with, and in general. He’s personal, well mannered, and does whatever he’s asked in the gym. Wise, very observant and he doesn’t miss a trick in or out of the ring, which translates well in the ring.”

Another Eastern European-born heavyweight Goossen trains is another potential star, 30-year-old Ukraine Olympian Tsotne Rogava (3-0, 3 KOs), who faces undefeated Dante Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) in the six-round co-featured event. The 6’ 5”, 270-pound Rogava, who was a champion kickboxer, was born in Georgia and raised in Ukraine. He has greatly benefited from training with and sparring Hovhannisyan.

The stream opens with a highly competitive fight between heavyweights Dante Stone (14-1, 10 KOs) and Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction. Stone lost his pro debut in 2018 by way of a four-round unanimous decision and he’s been victorious ever since with 14 consecutive victories. All three of Flores’ career losses have been to world champions: Luis Ortiz, Joseph Parker, and Charles Martin.

Nicaraguan brothers Nilo (6-0, 5 KOs) and Nelson Guerrero (1-0, 1 KO) will each be fighting for their first in the United States. Nilo is an undefeated super featherweight who meets Chancellor Battenberg (4-3, 4 KOs) in a six-round match; Nelson faces bantamweight Gilberto Duran (4-7, 4 KOs) in a four-round match.

Tik Tok sensation, undefeated South Carolina super welterweight Elijah Seawright (9-0, 7 KOs), is matched against Henry Rivera (2-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is Seattle super welterweight Agustin Tovar (0-1) vs. pro-debuting Nathan “Superman” Stolen, and pro-debuting Auburn (WA) super lightweight Agustin Tovar vs. Oakland’s Ezra Rabin (1-4, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now for $100.00, $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777.  Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend. 

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




ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. TERENCE CRAWFORD SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – June 29, 2023 – Fighters competing on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, July 29 previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference Thursday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos taking on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator and unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan dueling the power-punching Viktor Faust in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m training hard as always and zeroing in on Giovanni Cabrera’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s an honor to be the co-main event of a fight that will be remembered forever in boxing lore.

“My plan is to go out there and put on a show for everyone watching. I’ll be ready. One round or 12 rounds, however long it lasts, it’s gonna be a great fight.

“I’m gonna put on a show against Cabrera. It’s all part of my effort to close every door that Gervonta has available to escape from facing me again. I want to prove that I’m the best at 135 pounds.

“I’m really excited to win this fight so I can get to the next level of what I want to achieve. Giovanni is a quality fighter and he’s undefeated for a reason. I’m definitely not overlooking him, because he’s earned this shot.

“The fans are extra motivation for me. I want to keep giving them spectacular fights. It fills me with joy and pride to see their support. I promise every single fan that this fight is gonna be worth the price of admission.

“He may think he’s faced fighters like me in the gym, but he better be ready, because facing the real thing is a lot different.

“I’m here to show everyone that I’m no social media fighter like some others are. I’m a dog, I’m a warrior and my ceiling is not even close to being hit yet.”

GIOVANNI CABRERA

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve finally arrived at the stage I’ve wanted to be at my entire career. Isaac Cruz is a great Mexican fighter and I’m a first-generation Mexican here in the U.S., so it’s gonna be fireworks. I think this might steal the show. I’m ready for my best performance yet.

“I believe he’s the best opponent I’ve faced. He has a strong will and a lot of fire. My plan is to meet that fire with my own.

“Cruz got his position from having a close fight with Gervonta Davis, so if he gets that merit, then if I defeat him convincingly, I’ll be right at the top too. I’ve shared the ring with his promoter Manny Pacquiao, so if I can dance with ‘Pac-Man’, I can dance with a ‘Pitbull’.

“My activity is definitely an advantage. I’ve been sparring great fighters at Wild Card Boxing Gym and I’m keeping sharp. This gym has the best fighters from all around the world.

“I’ve seen many examples of fighters with Isaac’s style. I’ve been able to out-class them. That’s the goal on July 29.

“I promise that we’re gonna leave Mexican boxing and American boxing on a high pedestal. You’re gonna see two warriors go at it and it’s gonna be fitting of the stage that we’re on.

“This is my time. Isaac Cruz is in trouble. I will be ready on July 29.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m very blessed. I’m working extremely hard. I’m facing a tough opponent who always comes to fight. I know he’s gonna be there and ready to fight for the whole 12 rounds.

“I think with a win over Sergio Garcia I’m top five, or at least top 10 in the division. I’ve been beating top guys and looking impressive against them. I want to earn my shot and these are the fights I have to take.

“The goal is a knockout, but I’m a more mature fighter now. I don’t put that pressure on myself. I just go out there and perform and do what I do best. I work hard every day and I have to demonstrate that. If the opportunity comes, I know how to finish.

“This is gonna be an exciting fight. He’s a fighter who comes forward and he’s gonna be there all night. That’s the kind of fight I like. I can brawl if I have to.

“As fighters we grow with each fight and mature. I’ve matured with every fight and I’ve acknowledged my mistakes. I go back into the gym and work on getting better and that’s what I’m gonna show on July 29.

“I’m motivated by any doubt that I receive. If they don’t consider me the top of the division yet, then it’s because I haven’t earned it. I’m going to keep working hard. A lot of people thought my last fight was a 50/50 matchup, and I went out there and showed that it wasn’t the case.”

SERGIO GARCIA

“I’m training in the U.K. with a new trainer in Angel Fernandez and we’ve been working really hard. I’m facing a young opponent who’s gonna give it his all, but I have the edge in experience and I’m gonna take advantage on July 29.

“I’ve been feeling great with my new trainer and the chemistry is outstanding. But this is really about me having a third chance in the U.S. I know that if this passes by me, I might not get another opportunity.

“I know that Ramos wants to show out and make it to the top of the division. I just have to focus on executing what I do in the ring. I’ve shown that I have courage, but now I have to show my skills as well.  

“I can’t give away my secrets, but I have Jesus well scouted. I’ve been following him and I respect him. I know he’s been watching me too and that’s gonna make this a great fight.

“I may possess some tools that Jose doesn’t have. My fight against Tony Harrison was not my best night. I thought my fight with Sebastian Fundora could have gone either way. I’m going to take that experience and use it to come out on top.”

GURGEN HOVHANNISYAN

“My training is going really well. I’m very happy to be the opening fight on SHOWTIME PPV. I’m training really hard for July 29.

“I’ve known Viktor Faust since the amateurs and I looked up to him then. I’m very familiar with what he can do in the ring and I’m preparing to put on a great show. I’m very confident that I’m going to open this pay-per-view with an excellent performance.

“Spence vs. Crawford is gonna be the fight of the decade and that makes this a big step for me. A lot of people will be watching my performance and it’s very important for me to be on this card and perform well.

Boxing is more of a mental sport. I’ve learned a lot in that regard from being in the gym and sparring top fighters. With it being my fifth fight, that’s only a number to me. I’m prepared for this. It doesn’t matter to me how experienced my opponent is. I’m going to take on the fights with the best opponents.

“We do a lot more than 10 rounds of sparring when I’m training with Joe Goossen in the gym, so I’m not worried about going the distance if I have to. I’m more than ready.

“I’m not going to force the knockout, but if it comes, it comes. I’m just going to deliver beautiful boxing for everyone watching.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD

Spence vs. Crawford will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos takes on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will duel the power-punching Viktor Faust in a 10-round matchup.

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




THREE ALL-ACTION SHOWDOWNS FEATURED ON ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. TERENCE CRAWFORD SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD SATURDAY, JULY 29 PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

LAS VEGAS – June 23, 2023 – Three all-action showdowns featuring prodigious rising stars, ascending Mexican fan-favorites, unbeaten contenders and more will highlight the stacked Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, July 29 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos takes on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will duel the power-punching Viktor Faust in a 10-round matchup.

These intriguing showdowns serve as the prelude to the highly anticipated main event between unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Spence Jr. and WBO 147-pound world champion Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship. The winner of this battle of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

“This pay-per-view lineup on July 29 is worthy of the mega-fight main event and will give fans high-stakes action leading up to the seismic showdown between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz and Jesus Ramos Jr. are two rising stars who deliver fireworks every time they get in the ring, and they’ll be pushed to be at their best in tough matchups on SHOWTIME PPV. Adding in an explosive heavyweight opener, and fans will want to make sure they get into their seats early at T-Mobile Arena.”

The 25-year-old Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KOs) has delivered back-to-back electrifying knockouts since dropping a competitive and entertaining decision against undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021. 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 before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Matias Romero. Cruz’s last two fights have seen him stop former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in April 2022 and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez in September 2022.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring on July 29 in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “It’s even more exciting that I’ll be back on the biggest show of the year. It has always been a dream of mine to fight in Las Vegas, where so many Mexican legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Erik Morales have fought before. Now it’s my opportunity and I will not disappoint the fans. As always, I’m coming for the knockout!”

Originally from Seattle and now residing in Chicago, Cabrera (21-0, 7 KOs) enters the ring off an impressive shutout victory over Gabriel Flores Jr. last July, capping a dominant three-win 2022 campaign. The 28-year-old has defeated seven undefeated fighters throughout a pro career that dates back to 2016. Cabrera kicked off his strong 2022 with a unanimous decision triumph over highly regarded Mexican contender Rene Tellez Giron in January and can establish himself as a member of the 135-pound elite if he can get past Cruz on July 29.

“It hasn’t been an easy road to this point, and I know that I have to beat ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to continue my path to the world title,” said Cabrera. “This is a hard fight, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to earn my status as world champion. Spence vs. Crawford is reminiscent of the glory days of boxing when the best fought the best, and I want to continue that legacy. I respect Cruz and I expect a war. May the best fighter win on July 29.”

A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) blitzed then unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 opponents, showcasing a desire to end his fights early. 

“I’m coming to give the crowd a great show on the biggest card of the year,” said Ramos. “I’m very happy and excited to be back on another huge card. Sergio Garcia is a tough opponent and I know he’s going to bring the best out in me. That’s just gonna make for even more entertainment for the fans. I’m training hard and I promise I’m gonna be ready for whatever Garcia brings on July 29.”

The 30-year-old Garcia (34-2, 14 KOs) returned to the ring April to defeat Ricardo Sebastian Cabana before he steps into the ring for his third stateside bout on July 29. Garcia’s only career defeats have come via decision as he dropped a December 2021 bout against top contender Sebastian Fundora and an April 2022 clash against former world champion Tony Harrison. Fighting out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, Garcia has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by traveling to the U.K. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his home soil in 2019 and followed that up with a triumph over veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko.

“I’m very motivated by this new opportunity to fight in the U.S. and I want to thank my team for trusting to put me back in this position,” said Garcia. “I’m hoping to give the fans a great fight. Jesus has a great future ahead of him, but I also have a lot of experience in important fights and I think that will lead me to the victory. It will be a hard fight but I’m ready to be at my very best and use everything I have to get my hand raised.”

The 25-year-old Hovhannisyan (4-0, 4 KOs) has delivered four consecutive knockouts since turning pro in September 2021, showing the promise he originally displayed in his extensive amateur career. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, he now fights out of Los Angeles as he looks to bolster his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Hovhannisyan earned a career-best victory, stopping previous top prospect Michael Coffie in six rounds last October.

“July 29 is a great opportunity for me to showcase myself in front of the world,” said Hovhannisyan. “Boxing is a serious sport, but if you train hard and understand it, you can understand exactly what you have to do in the ring. I’m going to prove what I can do in this fight and make a statement.”

Faust (11-1, 7 KOs) will look to get back in the win column after dropping a battle of unbeatens against Lenier Pero in February. His previous stateside outing saw him engage in one of 2022’s most unpredictable and fast-paced slugfests. The 31-year-old squared off with Iago Kiladze in January 2022 with both men hitting the canvas an astonishing five times combined in less than five minutes of action before the Ukrainian closed out the bout in round two to earn a TKO. Faust followed that up with decision wins over veteran title challenger Kevin Johnson in August 2022 and Franklin Lawrence in December 2022.

“I’m working very hard to come to Las Vegas and put on a great fight,” said Faust. “I’m excited to be back fighting in the U.S. and ready to show the fans what I can do. I had a rib injury in my last fight and couldn’t continue, but it has only made me more motivated to win on July 29. It’s an honor to be fighting on such a big card, and I know this is a big step that I can make toward becoming world champion. I’m sure Gurgen is going to come prepared just like me and that the fans are going to be the real winners.”

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




EARLY RESULTS FROM BROOKLYN (WILDER – HELENIUS)

Michel Rivera remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jerry Perez in a lightweight bout.

Rivera, 134.6 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 80-71 and 79-72 twice and is now 24-0. Perez, 135 lbs of Oak Hills, CA is 14-2.

Gurgen Hovhannisyan stopped Michael Coffie after round six of their eight round heavyweight bout.

Hovhannisyan pounded Coffie until the bout was stopped after the sixth round.

Hovhannisyan, 275.4 lbs of Yerevan, ARM is 4-0 with four knockouts. Coffie, 297.6 lbs of Kissimmee, FL is 13-3.

Michael Angeletti stopped Jeremy Adorno after round five of their six-round super bantamweight fight.

In round two, Angeletti landed a left that put down Adorno. Seconds later, Angeletti landed a grazing punch that made Adorno’s glove touch the canvas for a second knockdown.

Angeletti continued his dominance and Adorno’s corner stopped the bout after round five.

Angeletti, 124.4 lbs of Spring, TX is 7-0 with six knockouts. Adorno, 125.8 lbs of Allentown, PA is 7-1.

James Evans scored a come-from-behind of the year as he stopped Geovany Bruzon on the the third round of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Bruzon dropped Evans with a straight left on the jaw. In round three, Evans came out and rocked Bruzon with a big flurry. Evans rocked Bruzon’s head back and landed a big barrage of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 1:18.

Evans, 231.4 lbs of Toledo, OH is now 5-0-1 with five knockouts. Bruzon, 238.1 lbs of Holguin, CUB is 7-2.

Keeshawn Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Rosa in a welterweight bout.

Williams, 144 lbs of Lanham. MD won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 10-1-1. Rosa, 141 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 5-2.

Miguel Roman won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Negrete in a battle of undefeated super bantamweights.

In round two, Roman dropped Negrete with a right hand

Roman, 122.8 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 3-0. Negrete, 122 lbs of Hanford, CA is 2-1.




RISING PROSPECT VITO MIELNICKI JR. BATTLES  LIMBERTH PONCE IN ACTION TOPPING PBC PRELIMS ON FS2 & FOX DEPORTES THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

BROOKLYN – October 11, 2022 – Exciting rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. will return to action facing Limberth Ponce in an 8/10-round super welterweight showdown that headlines PBC Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes this Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The FS2 telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten top lightweight contender Michel Rivera battling California’s Jerry Pérez in an eight-round matchup, and undefeated heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan in an eight-round showdown against Bronx-native Michael Coffie that kicks off the telecast.

Prelims will precede a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by the return of boxing superstar and former longtime heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder as he takes on hard-hitting Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

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

Representing Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (12-1, 8 KOs) returns to fight at Barclays Center for the second-straight fight after stopping Jimmy Williams in six-rounds in July. The 20-year-old will look to add a third victory to his 2022 record, after kicking the year off with a unanimous decision over Dan Karpency in April. Mielnicki first turned heads during his exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro.

Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, Ponce (19-5, 11 KOs) fights out of Rock Island, Illinois throughout his pro career that dates back to 2012. The 31-year-old won eight of nine fights before dropping a December 2021 bout against unbeaten Joey Spencer. Most recently, Ponce scored a unanimous decision over Ramiro Hernandez in May.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (23-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron. The 24-year-old continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021 including knockouts of Jon Fernandez and Anthony Mercado. Most recently Rivera dominated the previously unbeaten Joseph Adorno on his way to a unanimous decision in March.

Trained alongside four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and his family, Pérez (14-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from an April 2021 defeat against top lightweight contender Frank Martin by knocking out Erick Lanzas Jr. in May. The 29-year-old from Oak Hills, California had put together a three-fight knockout streak heading into the Martin fight, which included a 2020 KO of then once-beaten Joshua Zuniga.

The 24-year-old Hovhannisyan (3-0, 3 KOs) has delivered three consecutive knockouts since turning pro in September 2021. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, he now fights out of Los Angeles as he looks to bolster his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Hovhannisyan blasted out Jesse Bryan on his way to a second round knockout in May.

Coffie (13-2, 10 KOs) hopes to continue his climb back to contention after back-to-back defeats to Jonny Rice in July 2021 and January of this year. A Marine Corps veteran who picked up boxing after returning from overseas, Coffie quickly impressed in amateur tournaments enough to earn sparring assignments with Deontay Wilder and Adam Kownacki. He was born in the Bronx, but now trains in Orlando, Florida and most recently knocked out Fulgencio Zuniga in July.  

The non-televised undercard lineup will include unbeaten super bantamweight prospects Michael Angeletti (6-0, 5 KOs) and Jeremy Adorno (7-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round showdown, welterweight prospect Keeshawn Williams (9-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round matchup against Julio Rosa (5-1, 2 KOs), Cuban heavyweight Geovany Bruzón (7-1, 6 KOs) battling the unbeaten James Evans Jr. (4-0-1, 6 KOs) in a four/six round bout and unbeaten super bantamweight prospect Miguel Román (2-0) taking on fellow unbeaten José Negrete (2-0, 2 KOs).

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ABOUT WILDER VS. HELENIUS

Wilder vs. Helenius will see former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.

The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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