NEW YORK (January 12, 2024) This Sunday at 9:00pm EST, DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing Veterans Day event, dubbed “Heroes on the Hudson,” will premiere on SportsNet New York (SNY), New York City’s premier destination for sports and sporting news. The card, originally broadcast by DAZN, was part of a Veterans Day celebration, sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities, to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

The 120^th edition of the Broadway Boxing series is highlighted by the ring return of former WBO world champion and US Marine Jamel Herring against the undefeated Nick Molina.

Newly crowned IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida took on Shurretta Metcalf in a 10-round bantamweight contest on the undercard with the vacant IBF Inter-Continental belt at stake. Rising heavyweight Roney Hines put his undefeated record on the line versus Jonathan Gruber, and super bantamweight contender Mikiah Kreps faced the experienced Isis Vargas Perez. 

A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York. 

“Our last Broadway Boxing event, held at Edison Ballroom in New York City, titled ‘Heroes on the Hudson’, not only celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the series, it more importantly helped to honor and support our military veterans. First broadcast on DAZN, I’m thrilled to now premiere this card to SNY’s audience,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Former world champion and US Marine Veteran, Jamel Herring, began his comeback, determined to get back into the world title picture. Miyo Yoshida, now a three-time world champion, battled Shurretta Metcalf for the IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight title on the undercard. Also that night, super bantamweight contender Mikiah Kreps, co-managed by Herring, took on former world title challenger Isis Vargas Perez and heavyweight prospect Roney Hines rumbled with Jonathan Gruber.”

Since its inception in November 2003, Broadway Boxing has featured many boxing luminaries and world champions, including Vitali Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin, George Kambosos Jr., Jamel Herring, Jose Pedraza, Amanda Serrano, Andre Berto, Heather Hardy, Paulie Malignaggi, Peter Quillin, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Joshua Clottey, DeMarcus Corley and Randall Bailey, among others.

Boxing fans wishing to enjoy “Heroes on the Hudson” can do so by tuning in to SNY on Sunday at 9:00pm EST. SNY can be found on the following platforms (list not all-inclusive – see your local TV guide): DirecTV (639), Time Warner Cable (26), Verizon FiOS: (577, 77), Cablevision (718, 60), Comcast (843, 73). 

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NEW YORK (October 25, 2023) On Tuesday, November 7, former world champion and US Marine Veteran, Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, headlines the latest installment of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series, titled “Heroes on the Hudson” – a One Night Only event to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces. He will face the unbeaten Nick Molina (13-0, 5 KOs), of Lowell, MA, at Manhattan’s Edison Ballroom. Fighting just days before Veterans Day is a fitting return for the Marine Veteran, as Herring looks to represent those he served with, his family, and all military veterans.

The evening will kick off with six amateur bouts, each featuring an NYPD officer or military veteran, and will conclude with four world-class professional bouts. The amateur bouts will be exclusive to those in attendance. The professional boxing portion of the card will air live exclusively on DAZN, beginning at 8:00 PM ET.

Tickets for “Heroes On The Hudson” can be purchased via Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Tables of 10, including a sit-down dinner, are $10,000. Ringside seats, including buffet, are $250 plus ticket fees. Standing Room Only tickets are $125 plus ticket fees. All tickets, regardless of price, include open bar. Edison Ballroom is located at 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 PM ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:00 PM ET.

Boxing fans who want to sponsor a night out for a veteran can donate $500 for four veterans to attend Broadway Boxing: Heroes on the Hudson, $1,250 for 10 veterans or $2,500 for a group of 20 veterans. To do so, please call the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577.

“Heroes On The Hudson” is proudly sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to support Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York.

“It is an honor to work with Jamel Herring, a former world champion and proud US Marine Veteran,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This event, ‘Heroes On The Hudson’, is a way to give back and show support to all of those who have served in the military. Using boxing as a way to help his fellow veterans is very important to Jamel, a man who did two tours of duty in Iraq. I am proud to promote this event that will help benefit Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York.”

“I look at Veterans Day the way that Canelo looks at Mexican Independence Day and Cinco De Mayo,” said Herring. “As an American military veteran, fighting around American traditional holidays, like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July, is a big deal and a great thing. Boxing on those holidays means something special to me. They also bring out other military veterans from past and present as well.”

Military service is a family affair for Herring, who joined the Marine Corps after experiencing 9/11 as a young New Yorker.

“My father, two aunts and two uncles were all in the Army,” he said. “I was the only one that joined the Marine Corps.

“Being from New York around the time of 9/11 and seeing that as a teenager in high school was really my motivation to join the military. My best friend, Stephan Brown, who is a year older than me, enlisted in 2002. He came back from boot camp, and said, ‘You should really make the move and join.’ That prompted me to join the Marine Corps.”

Herring will be fighting for all veterans on November 7, but there are some specific people that will be on his mind when he steps into the ring that night.

“My aunt, Lisa Elliby, passed away this year,” said Herring. “She was in the Army. So, of course, I’m fighting for her. I also lost a fellow Marine named Joey Canale a few weeks ago while I was in training camp. He was one of my Marine Corps boxing teammates from back in 2009-2010. I will also be fighting for Mike Stafford, my first professional trainer, who recently passed away.

“Anything I can do to help, especially around veterans, is important to me,” continued Herring. “I’ve reached out to my old Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to get as many veterans involved as possible. Those guys are excited.

“I’m always trying to fight for and represent good people and those who mean a lot to me and to hopefully be an inspiration to those out there,” he continued. “There’s a lot that I’m fighting for in this event. That’s why it means a lot to me.”

NEW YORK (October 23, 2023) In pursuit of another world title opportunity, two-time world champion, Miyo Yoshida, from Kayoshima, Japan, will face off against Shurretta Metcalf, of Dallas, TX, on Tuesday, November 7, as part of the latest installment of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series, titled “Heroes on the Hudson” – a One Night Only event to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The bout, scheduled for 10 rounds at Edison Ballroom in New York City, will be contested for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight title. Former world champion and US Marine Veteran, Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, will compete in the main event.

The evening will kick off with five amateur bouts, each featuring an NYPD officer or military veteran, and will conclude with four world-class professional bouts. The amateur bouts will be exclusive to those in attendance. The professional boxing portion of the card, featuring Yoshida vs. Metcalf, will air live exclusively on DAZN, beginning at 8:00 PM ET.

Tickets for “Heroes On The Hudson” can be purchased via Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Tables of 10, including a sit-down dinner, are $10,000. Ringside seats, including buffet, are $250 plus ticket fees. Standing Room Only tickets are $125 plus ticket fees. All tickets, regardless of price, include open bar. Edison Ballroom is located at 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 PM ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:00 PM ET.

“Heroes On The Hudson” is proudly sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to support Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York.

“Miyo Yoshida is a very talented fighter and a two-time world champion for a reason,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Her opponent on November 7, Shurretta Metcalf, is a formidable fighter herself, who has already shown me she is capable of competing at the top level of her division. This is an important fight with the IBF Inter-Continental title at stake and, likely, a world title challenge for the winner.”

Yoshida (16-3) defeated Casey Croft in 2019 to capture the WBO super flyweight world title. She lost the belt in her second title defense via technical decision after an accidental headbutt cut the bout short against Tomoko Okuda in December 2020. However, she regained the belt in a rematch six months later.

In her debut under the DiBella Entertainment banner, Yoshida defeated Indeya Smith on points over eight rounds on April 27. It was also her first fight in the United States. Despite her victory, she had reservations about her performance that she looks to put to rest on November 7.

“Last time, I was unable to properly prepare for the fight due to visa issues and the fact that I had just arrived in the US,” said Yoshida. “Communication was very difficult, especially with my trainers. For this bout, I have been able to train well at Gleason’s Gym and work very hard with my team. This time, I believe I’ll be able to show the true Miyo Yoshida.” 

Yoshida hopes that a win on November 7 will place her one step closer to fighting for a world title once again. After arriving in the States about a year ago, Yoshida now considers New York home and looks forward to fighting at Edison Ballroom in Times Square.

“I have been treated with kindness by many New Yorkers and I really love the city. I am very grateful to be able to have a fight on an event supporting military veterans just days before this important holiday. I will fight in this match as a New Yorker.”

“I have watched videos of my opponent,” Yoshida said of Metcalf. “My impression of her is that she is tall and has a good out-boxer style. I have not fought at 118 pounds in five years. However, I have fought a lot of taller fighters, so it is not a problem.” 

There is no shortage of inspiration for Yoshida, who will be cheered on by her eight-year-old daughter.

“I am inspired by my daughter, who believes in me and is always there for me, and by all of the people that support me. 

“My childhood was very difficult,” she continued. “I want to prove that no matter how difficult things get, if you don’t give up on your dreams and keep pursuing them, you can make your dreams a reality regardless of your background. I also want to give people who are in the same situation as me the courage to live strongly.”

For her part, Metcalf (12-4-1, 2 KOs) is ready to show that she belongs in the ring with a two-time world champion. 

“I’m feeling great,” said Metcalf. “I’m feeling strong. I’ve been manifesting this fight and working hard. I know [Yoshida] was a two-time WBO world champion and she’s coming to fight. I’m letting her know that I’m here to fight and I’m on that level as well.”

The experienced Metcalf, once ranked the #1 super bantamweight in the US as an amateur, is coming off of a win against previously unbeaten, former IBO bantamweight world champion Melissa Oddessa Parker on July 29. She has lost just once over the past six years, via majority decision.

Metcalf, who comes from a military family, said, “It means a lot to me to fight on ‘Heroes on the Hudson’. I have family that was in World War II. I have family who still lives in Killeen, TX, on the army base. All of my great uncles were in the army as well. They’re buried at the army cemetery here in Dallas.”

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NEW YORK (October 19, 2023) On Tuesday, November 7, world-ranked contender Mikiah Kreps steps into the ring to continue her unbeaten streak as part of the latest installment of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series, titled “Heroes on the Hudson” – a One Night Only event to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Kreps will meet her opponent, Isis Vargas Perez, in an eight-round super bantamweight contest at Edison Ballroom in New York City. Kreps’ co-manager and former world champion, Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, will compete in the main event.

The evening will kick off with five amateur bouts, each featuring an NYPD officer or military veteran, and will conclude with four world-class professional bouts. The amateur bouts will be exclusive to those in attendance. The professional boxing portion of the card, featuring Kreps vs. Perez, will air live exclusively on DAZN, beginning at 8:00 PM ET.

Tickets for “Heroes On The Hudson” can be purchased via Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Tables of 10, including a sit-down dinner, are $10,000. Ringside seats, including buffet, are $250 plus ticket fees. Standing Room Only tickets are $125 plus ticket fees. All tickets, regardless of price, include open bar. Edison Ballroom is located at 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 PM ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:00 PM ET.

“Heroes On The Hudson” is proudly sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to support Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York.

“I’m thrilled to have Mikiah Kreps as part of this great card and I know how much it means to her to fight on the same show as her co-manager, Jamel Herring,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She will face a very tough test in Isis Vargas Perez, who is a former world title challenger. Mikiah was a touted amateur and she has what it takes to become a world champion.”

Famed trainer Manny Robles will be in Kreps’ corner that evening, along with her mother, Deborah Fields, who is credited with giving Kreps her start in boxing. At only five years old, Kreps tagged along with her mother when she joined a boxing gym with the intention of getting in shape. Fields would go on to become the “Knockout Nurse,” fighting on the amateur circuit in their hometown of Niagara Falls, NY.

Before her 2020 pro debut, Mikiah was a highly accomplished amateur herself, winning gold at the 2018 Elite National Championships, the 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier and 2014 National Golden Gloves.

Now 6-0 (3 KOs) as a pro, this will be Kreps’ first time fighting on an undercard of Herring, who joins Jerry Casarez in managing Kreps. This makes the theme of the event, “Heroes on the Hudson,” particularly special for Kreps, as Herring is a US Marine veteran.

“I’m blessed and grateful to be a part of a big event like this and to honor all the troops that have served and are serving,” said Kreps. “With Jamel fighting in the main event, I’m just blessed to be a part of this card.” 

Having Herring as her manager has been refreshing for Kreps. “He can relate to me not just as a manager, but as a fighter,” she said. “He always looks out for me. It’s different when you have someone that can relate to you as a fighter as well.”

Kreps is coming off a first-round knockout of Luz Elena Martinez in Kreps’ hometown in May. The knockout came two minutes into the bout.

Her opponent, Isis Vargas Perez, bested Jacqueline Mucio Munoz in an eight-round majority decision last October. In April 2022, Perez challenged Yamileth Mercado for the WBC super bantamweight world title.

“I feel very motivated and excited for this great opportunity that is presented to me,” said Perez. “It is my international debut and that motivates me even more. As always, it is my custom to prepare myself to give a great show and leave everything in the ring, always with the objective to win and to give my best. The public will have a great show.”

“I have always said it,” continued Perez. “I like strong tests, they push me to my limits. I want to be a champion, and for that I have to face the best. My rival is strong, just like me she is preparing to win, so I am sure that we will both dare to be great. We are preparing well with my team, and we are fine-tuning details to reach one thousand percent on November 7. I thank DiBella Entertainment for this opportunity and Rios Promotions for trusting me. I guarantee it will be the best fight of the night.”

“I know she contested for a world title in the past,” said Kreps of her opponent. “My team is doing all of their research and we’ll be ready on November 7.”

New York, NY (October 2, 2023) – Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment, returns to the Edison Ballroom in New York City, on Tuesday, November 7, for “Heroes On The Hudson” – a One Night Only event to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The evening will kick off with five amateur bouts, each featuring an NYPD officer or military veteran, and will conclude with four world-class professional bouts. In the main event, former WBO junior lightweight world champion and US Marine, Jamel Herring, returns to the ring for the first time in over a year to begin his quest for a second world title versus the unbeaten Nick Molina.

The professional boxing portion of the card, featuring Herring vs. Molina, will air live exclusively on DAZN, beginning at 8:00 PM ET. The amateur bouts, sanctioned by USA Boxing, will be exclusive to those in attendance.

“Heroes On The Hudson” is proudly sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities. Proceeds from the event will go to support Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York.

Tickets for “Heroes On The Hudson” are on sale now and can be purchased via Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Tables of 10, including a sit-down dinner, are $10,000. Ringside seats, including buffet, are $250 plus ticket fees. Standing Room Only tickets are $125 plus ticket fees. All tickets, regardless of price, include open bar. Edison Ballroom is located at 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 PM ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:00 PM ET.

“I’m thrilled to be promoting this show honoring our veterans to whom we all owe so much,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “There is not a more perfect fighter to headline this event than Jamel ‘Semper Fi’ Herring, a champion and proud Marine Veteran. Following their service, our veterans deserve our continued support; they’ve earned it. I am pleased that this night will benefit Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York. I thank Morgan Stanley, Cavu Securities and all of the sponsors who are making this night possible.”

“We are thrilled to be broadcasting this brilliant event, raising money for a great cause,” said Jared Kass, SVP North America. “Jamel Herring has a storied history both in and out the ring and we look forward to him fighting live on DAZN on November 7.”

“I thought I could stay away, but I miss the excitement and action of a good fight. And of course, I’ve missed the fans,” said former world champion Jamel Herring. “But what’s really driving me is the opportunity to fight on Veterans Day week to honor the men and women I served with. This event is for a great charitable cause, and my focus is to become a world champion yet again. I can’t wait to step back into the ring and give it my all.”

“The entire membership of the West Point Society of New York (WPSNY) is grateful for the support of the sponsors, and we are especially grateful to the boxers, both professional and amateur, who are giving their sweat and blood in the ring in support of MVP’s mission on behalf of America’s veterans,” said WPSNY President Chuck Thompson.

“I’m extremely excited to partner on the upcoming charity event, ‘Heroes On The Hudson’, which benefits Merging Vets and Players (MVP). It’s an incredible opportunity to witness the unwavering determination and resilience of veterans and athletes coming together (and duking it out) for a common cause,” said Nate Boyer, Co-Founder of MVP.

With Veterans Day approaching later that week, Boyer took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve(d) in uniform, remarking, “As we approach Veterans Day, we’re especially humbled by the dedication and sacrifice of all those who have worn the camouflage. This event serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of our veterans and athletes, demonstrating the strength and camaraderie that defines their journeys.”

Former world champion and US Olympian Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (23-4, 11 KOs) will make his ring return in the eight-round junior lightweight main event against the unbeaten Nick Molina (13-0, 5 KOs), of Lowell, MA. Born in Rockville Centre, NY, and now living in Cincinnati, OH, Herring is a US Marine Corps Veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2019, he defeated Japan’s Masayuki Ito to capture the WBO super featherweight world championship. He then defended his title three times, including a sixth-round stoppage win against former world champion Carl Frampton in April 2021. Now, Herring is ready to begin his comeback toward another world title opportunity.

World ranked bantamweight contender Mikiah Kreps (6-0, 3 KOs), of Niagara Falls, NY, will compete in a 10-round contest on the undercard. Co-managed by Herring and Jerry Casarez, Kreps last fought on May 21, earning a first-round stoppage victory in Niagara Falls, Canada. As a highly accomplished amateur, Kreps won gold at the 2018 Elite National Championships, the 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier and 2014 National Golden Gloves.

Two other exciting bouts will highlight the undercard on DAZN. Six-foot-six heavyweight southpaw Roney Hines (12-0-1, 8 KOs), a National Golden Gloves champion from Cleveland, OH, will compete against Robert Hall Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs), of Johnson City, TN, in an eight-round contest. In pursuit of another world title opportunity, two-time world champion, Miyo Yoshida (16-3), from Kayoshima, Japan, will face Josefina Vega, of Quito, Ecuador, in a super flyweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

For more information on the event, please contact DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577.

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Janibek Alimkhanuly firmly cemented himself as one of the top-middleweights in the world as he captured the WBO Interim Middleweight title with a two-round thrashing of Danny Dignum at Resorts World Las Vegas.

In round one, Alimkhanuly dropped Dignum with a left hand. Round two saw Alimkhanuly land a vicious combination that punctuated by a left to the head and left uppercut that put Dignim flat on his back and the fight was called at 2:11.

Alimkhanuly, 160 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 12-0 with eight knockouts. Dignum, 159 lbs of Essex, ENG is 14-1-1.

“I am in the ring right now, and I want to tell every champion in this weight class, I am here waiting for you. I am asking every champion to come and fight me,” Janibek said. “I told {Dignum} I wish him luck in the future. I think he’s a good fighter. He showed good skills and has a big future.”

Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “Janibek is the next middleweight superstar. There is no doubt that he is the future of the division. What a sensational performance from a great young man and fighter.”

Jamaine Ortiz Decisions Jamel Herring

Jamaine Ortiz scored the biggest win of his career as he won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jamel Herring in a lightweight fight.

Ortiz landed 186 of punches; Herring was 115 of 429.

Ortiz, 135 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 16-0-1. Herring, 135 lbs of Coram, NY is 21-4.

“I still got a lot of work to do. I’m just growing and going at the pace I’m going. I gotta learn quick. I gotta pick things up a little bit. I’m not afraid of challenges, and I’m here to prove I’m the best to myself, not anyone else,” Ortiz said. “I feel like I could’ve done a lot better, a lot cleaner {of a} performance. I’m hard on myself. I’m always going to be hard on myself. Much respect to a former world champion. That was an achievement I wanted to do in my career.”

Herring said, “He had a better output. I wasn’t tired or anything. He just beat me to the draw…. Jamaine was just the better man. Maybe this is it.”

Tiger Johnson Stops Kucharski in 3

2021 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson stopped Agustin Kucharski in round three of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Kucharski had blood around the right eye.

In round three, Johnson dropped Kucharski twice with the finisher being a right to the head. Kucharski’s corner threw in the towel at 54 seconds.

Johnson, 142.4 lbs of Cleveland, OH is4-0 with three knockouts. Kucharski, 143.2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 8-5-1.

Adam Lopez got off the canvas twice to come back and win a eight-round unanimous decision over William Encarnacion in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Encarnacion dropped Lopez with a left hook. In round three, it was a counter right that put Lopez on the canvas.

Lopez, 126.8 lbs of Glendale, CA won by scores of 7-74 twice and 76-74 and is now 16-3. Encarnacion, 126.2 lbs of San Juan de la Manguia, DR is 19-3.

Karlos Balderas won an six-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a counter left that sent Cervera to the canvas. In round three, it was another left hook that deposited Cervera on the deck.

Balderas, 132 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 58-54 twice and 57-55 and is now 13-1. Cervera, 130.8 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 130-3.

Former world champion Jessie Magdaleno came back from a two-year layoff to win an eight-round unanimous decision over Edy Valencia in a featherweight bout.

Magdaleno, 127.2 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 29-1. Valencia, 126.8 lbs of Culican, MEX is 19-7-6.

Duke Ragan remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Victorino Gonzalez in a featherweight bout.

Ragan, 127.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by 40-36 scores on all cards and is now 6-0. Gonzalez, 127 lbs of Pawleys Island, SC is 5-3.

Giovanni Cabrera remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Elias Araujo in a lightweight bout.

Cabrera, 135.4 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 77-74 and is now 20-0. Araujo, 135.4 lbs of Monte Comlin, ARG is 21-5.

Worcester, MA (April 27) – Jamaine Ortiz has reached the point in his career where each upcoming fight is his toughest test to date. No more tune-ups. No more cakewalks. And certainly no more stay-busy fights.

His upcoming bout is no exception. On Saturday, May 21 live on ESPN, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes from Resorts World Event Center in Las Vegas, NV, the undefeated, reigning NABF 135-pound champion Ortiz (15-0-1, 8 KOs) faces former U.S. Olympian, former junior world champion, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jamel Herring (23-3, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout for both Ortiz’s NABF title and the vacant USBA lightweight title.

The fight kicks off ESPN’s live coverage beginning at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Tickets are on sale now via Etix.com. The event, promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, also features a 12-round WBO Interim middleweight world title showdown between Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly and undefeated Englishman Danny Dignum.

“Every fight is tougher than the last one. That’s what’s expected,” Ortiz said. “At the end of the day, I want to prove I’m the best and the only way to do that is to continue taking challenges, even some you may not be ready for or some you don’t anticipate.

“But if the people who are behind believe you’re ready, you have to go for it. And I’m ready. I’m not scared of any challenge.”

The 26-year-old Ortiz is looking to simply seize yet another opportunity on boxing’s biggest stage. “The Technician,” a Worcester, MA, native signed with Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing, showcased his array of talents February 18 on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation in a convincing, unanimous-decision win over Nahir Albright, which, like his last few fights, was billed at the time as the toughest of his career.

Now the real test begins. In Herring, Ortiz is facing a 2012 U.S. Olympian who began his career at 135 pounds before finding unrivaled success at super featherweight, which included an impressive knockout over Juan Pablo Sanchez, an upset win over Masayuki Ito for the WBO 130-pound crown, and subsequent title defenses against Lamont Roach Jr., Jonathan Oquendo, and Carl Frampton before losing the belt to Shakur Stevenson in 2021. He’s back at 135 looking to add his name to the mix among the lightweight division’s elite.

So is Ortiz. His first real taste of the boxing limelight came in November of 2020 when he became the first fighter to stop challenger Sulaiman Segawa, finishing his opponent in the seventh round of a scheduled eight-round bout on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones pay-per-view event in California. In April of 2021, his first appearance on ESPN, he fought to a draw against fellow unbeaten lightweight Joseph Adorno, surviving two knockdowns to keep his unbeaten record intact.

That fight may have been the turning point that resulted in February’s dominant performance against Albright, who entered the bout with seven knockouts on his resume and had just demolished renowned prospect Michael Dutchover. Unnerved by Albright’s recent surge, Ortiz put on a clinic that night in Orlando, out-boxing Albright en route to a relatively stress-free 98-92, 97-93, 97-93 win.

“I tried to adjust some of the mistakes I made from the [Adorno] fight,” Ortiz said. “I took my time and spent more time boxing. I’m not just a guy that comes in there and throws a bunch of punches. I’m trying to get hit less so I can be back in the ring quicker.

“You have to think about being smarter,” he continued. “Since I turned pro, my goal has been to entertain the fans. There are ways to do that, either through social media or by fighting a fan-friendly style. I don’t have a lot of crazy knockouts, but I feel like I have an entertaining style. I’m getting away from that concept a bit and trying to preserve my body a little more and be more conscious. You don’t have to fight every second of every round.”

Realizing he played into Adorno’s hands in April of 2021 by engaging in a slugfest with the hard-hitting right-hander, Ortiz made the right adjustments against Albright, who left the ring frustrated and battered by Ortiz’s impeccable hand speed and footwork.

Herring, who turns 37 in October, is clearly in a different class from Ortiz’s previous opponents, but the mindset is the same – move, box, defend, and stay out of danger.

“He’s a tough dude – very mentally strong,” Ortiz said of Herring, “and being a Marine, you already know he’s coming in shape. He’s disciplined. This is not going to be easy, but I believe I have the better skill set. Him being a former world champ and getting older and me coming up the ladder, this is the perfect fight for me. It was a no-brainer.”

Earlier in his career, Ortiz had just as much going on outside of the ring as he did between the ropes, first working as a carpenter’s apprentice and most recently getting involved in selling real estate. With each fight, he transitions more and more toward becoming a full-time boxer who eats, sleeps, and breathes the sport. He’s brought others into his circle to handle various day-to-day affairs, allowing him to focus on his craft, and he admits to taking more moments to truly appreciate where he is and embrace the moment. At 26, these are his prime years, and he knows he’s one or two more wins away from the potential opportunity of a lifetime in boxing’s hottest weight class.

“A win puts me in the discussion. That’s what I’m hoping for,” Ortiz said. “You’ve just got to keep your head down, keep working, and focus on the plan. I’ve always been an opportunist and you’ve got to be ready when that opportunity presents itself. I could make more money working a normal job, but I’ve made the sacrifices I need to make for the time being for moments like this.”

Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

LAS VEGAS (April 25, 2022) — Middleweight contender Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly has been anxiously waiting for the main event spotlight, and on Saturday, May 21, he’ll hope to seize it. Alimkhanuly will face undefeated Englishman Danny Dignum in a 12-round showdown for the vacant WBO Interim middleweight world title at Resorts World Event Center at Resorts World Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, former junior world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring returns to the lightweight division in a 10-rounder against undefeated NABF titleholder Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz.

Alimkhanuly-Dignum, and Herring-Ortiz will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $25 go on sale Tuesday, April 26 at 10 a.m. PT, and can be purchased at Etix.com.

“Janibek is a special talent, one of the very best to come from Eastern Europe in recent years,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s getting the platform he deserves — a Las Vegas main event on ESPN — and I expect him to look sensational against a tough Englishman like Danny Dignum. Janibek has everything it takes to reign as middleweight world champion for a very long time.”

Alimkhanuly (11-0, 7 KOs) is a 2016 Olympian who has been on the fast track to a world title shot ever since knocking out 50-fight veteran Milton Nuñez in his pro debut. The Kazakh southpaw then racked up eight additional wins before scoring eighth-round stoppages over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. Despite only 11 fights, Alimkhanuly has become an actively avoided fighter within his division, as several recognizable names at 160 pounds chose other options when opportunity knocked. With this shot at the interim title, he’ll finally get his chance on the main event stage.

Alimkhanuly said, “Demetrius Andrade and Jaime Munguia avoided fighting me, so I give Danny Dignum a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate. I will show the entire world true ‘Qazaq Style’ on May 21, and I will leave the ring as the WBO Interim middleweight champion. While the division’s top names are avoiding me, they won’t be able to run forever. I can’t wait to put on a spectacular showing at Resorts World Las Vegas.”

Dignum (14-0-1, 8 KOs) spent the better part of his amateur career at light heavyweight. In fact, the Essex, England, native had never made the 160-pound limit until November 2019, when he scored a fifth-round TKO over Conrad Cummings to snatch the WBO European crown. Dignum has made three defenses of his regional title, one of which ended in a split draw against Andrey Sirotkin. In February, he knocked down Grant Dennis three times en route to a sixth-round stoppage victory. Dignum will enter the ring with a height and size advantage in this all-southpaw battle.

Dignum said, “I am absolutely buzzing to be fighting Janibek for the WBO Interim middleweight world title. It’s a dream come true to be headlining a show in Las Vegas. All the sacrifice over the years has been worth it to get to this point. I’m very confident in my ability and will be coming to Resorts World to win that title.”

Herring (23-3, 11 KOs), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and 2012 U.S. Olympian, began his pro career with a somewhat difficult run at 135 pounds. However, after signing with Top Rank and dropping down to junior lightweight, he revitalized his career with an impressive knockout over Juan Pablo Sanchez on the undercard of Jorge Linares-Vasiliy Lomachenko. Herring only needed two additional fights before upsetting Masayuki Ito for the WBO 130-pound crown. Herring made three tough defenses against Lamont Roach Jr., Jonathan Oquendo and Carl Frampton before losing his belt to Shakur Stevenson in October 2021. With this championship experience under his belt, Herring is ready to give it another go at 135 pounds.

Herring said, “I’m happy to be back, starting the new year with a fresh start. A lot has changed since I was last in the ring. I am working with a new trainer, Manny Robles, and returning to the lightweight division for this upcoming fight. I’m optimistic that a victory here will place me back in the title picture at either lightweight or junior lightweight.”

Ortiz (15-0-1, 8 KOs) is a quick-handed boxer whose only blemish is a majority draw against then-undefeated prospect Joseph Adorno. The 25-year-old demonstrated speed and volume punching in that fight, qualities that helped him obtain a unanimous decision win over Nahir Albright back in February to capture the NABF crown. This will be a considerable step up in opposition for Ortiz, who will have his second shot at fighting on a Top Rank on ESPN card.

Ortiz said, “Jamel Herring is a tremendous fighter with an impeccable resume, and I have all the respect in the world for what he’s accomplished, but on May 21, he’s stepping into my ring in my weight class, and I will show him – and the entire world – why I’m the future at 135 pounds. What you saw in February against Nahir Albright is simply a preview of what’s to come. We’ve only scratched the surface. I’m looking forward to adding more titles to my own resume as I climb the ladder in 2022.”
 # # #
About Resorts World Las Vegas
Resorts World Las Vegas was developed by Genting Berhad, a publicly traded Malaysian corporation registered with the Nevada Gaming Commission. The company has affiliated operations in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. In partnership with Hilton, Resorts World Las Vegas integrates three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus, including Las Vegas Hilton, the resort’s full-service brand; Conrad Las Vegas, Hilton’s lifestyle luxury brand; and LXR, Hilton’s network of independent luxury properties, which operates as Crockfords Las Vegas, Genting’s internationally renowned ultra-luxury brand. Resorts World Las Vegas features 3,506 guest rooms and suites, an innovative, next-generation gaming floor, world-class food and beverage options, a 5,000-capacity theatre, distinct nightlife venues, a curated retail collection of designer and boutique shops and more. The integrated resort weaves time-honored traditions of the international Resorts World brand into the fabric of Las Vegas, introducing a bold, fresh take on hospitality to the city with stunning design, progressive technology and world-class guest service. Resorts World Las Vegas is?Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™?with?Forbes Travel Guide,?a verification that ensures the resort has appropriate health safety procedures in place.?For?more information, visit?rwlasvegas.com?or find us on?Facebook,?LinkedIn,?Twitter?and?Instagram.

About Genting Group
Genting Group comprises Genting Berhad (KLSE: GENTING), the holding company, and its listed companies Genting Malaysia Berhad (KLSE: GENM), Genting Plantations Berhad (KLSE: GENP) and Genting Singapore Limited (SGX: G13). Genting Group is involved in leisure and hospitality, power generation, oil and gas, property development, life sciences and biotechnology activities, with operations spanning across the globe, including in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, the United States of America, Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Genting Group is a leader in the global gaming and hospitality industry. Founded in 1965, Genting Group has more than 50 years of experience in developing and operating destination resorts in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas, offering an unparalleled resort experience and iconic entertainment attractions to over 50 million visitors a year. For more information, visit?www.genting.com. 

  •    Jamel Herring 129.8 lbs vs. Shakur Stevenson 130 lbs 
(Herring’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Glenn Feldman, Ed Kanner and Rocky Young
Referee: Mark Nelson

•    Xander Zayas 153.2. lbs vs. Dan Karpency 153.2 lbs 
(Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Nico Ali Walsh 162 lbs vs. James Westley II 159.6 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)

•   Evan Holyfield 151.6 lbs vs. Charles Stanford 151.6 lbs 
(Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Troy Isley 156.8 lbs vs. Nicholi Navarro 156 lbs
 (Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

   •    Roddricus Livsey 142.4 lbs vs. Eric Palmer 141 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •       Haven Brady Jr. 127 lbs vs. Roberto Negrete 127 lbs
 (Featherweight — 4 Rounds)
  •       Antoine Cobb 144.2 lbs vs. Jerrion Campbell 142.4 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)
   •       Harley Mederos 136 lbs vs. Deljerro Revello 135.8 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

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

Top Rank junior lightweights Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and Shakur Stevenson have exchanged verbal volleys in person and on social media, and they will settle the score Saturday, Oct. 23, live on ESPN.  Herring will defend his WBO world title against undefeated former featherweight world champion Stevenson from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 23, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. 

Herring (23-2, 11 KOs), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who captained the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, has made three defenses of his crown including a 6th-round stoppage of former two-division champion Carl Frampton his last time out.  He now faces 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Stevenson (16-0, 8 KOs), a former WBO featherweight world champion who vacated the title last year to move up to junior lightweight. Stevenson looks to become a two-division champion at just 24 years young and validate his recent #2 rank among ESPN.com’s “Top 25 Under 25 in Boxing” for 2021. 

In a four-round middleweight special feature, Nico Ali Walsh (1-0, 1 KO), grandson of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, looks to make it two for two against James Westly II. Walsh dazzled in his August debut, wearing an original pair of his grandfather’s trunks, capping off a highlight-reel knockout with a whirlwind media tour across World News Tonight, The Today Show and more. 

In the penultimate bout of the night, Puerto Rican teen sensation Xander Zayas (10-0, 7 KO), the youngest signing in Top Rank’s nearly 50-year history, continues his rise on the heels of his #19 ranking in the ESPN.com “Top 25 Under 25 in Boxing” for 2021. 

Undercards stream live exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 7:25 pm, capped off by another historic heavyweight connection as Evan Holyfield (7-0, 5 KO), son of former heavyweight champion and icon Evander Holyfield, shows out on his home turf for the Atlanta faithful.

Joe Tessitore will call the action, joined by analysts Andre Ward and Tim Bradley, with reporter Bernardo Osuna at ringside and Mark Kriegel providing news and features.
 
###
 
About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.    

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

ATLANTA (Sept. 30, 2021) — X is about to mark the spot in Downtown Atlanta.

Xander Zayas (10-0, 7 KOs), the 19-year-old Puerto Rican-born prodigy who is the frontrunner for 2021 Prospect of the Year, will fight Dan Karpency in a six-round junior middleweight bout Saturday, Oct. 23 at State Farm Arena. Zayas-Karpency will serve as the co-feature to the “Throwdown in A-Town” main event between WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring and undefeated former featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson.

Nico Ali Walsh (1-0, 1 KO), grandson of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, has an opponent for his second pro bout. Ali Walsh will face James Westley II (1-0), from Toledo, Ohio, in a four-round middleweight tilt.

Herring-Stevenson, Zayas-Karpency and Ali Walsh-Westley II will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Zayas said, “I am grateful to Top Rank and ESPN for this opportunity. Fighting underneath a main event like Herring-Stevenson, in front of the great Atlanta fans, is an honor. It will also be my first time fighting on ESPN as a co-feature, and I will not disappoint. My goal is to win Prospect of the Year, and I’m coming to Atlanta to put on a spectacular show. Don’t miss it.”

Zayas has been earmarked for stardom since signing with Top Rank as a 16-year-old in early 2019. He turned pro at 17 in October 2019 and notched four first-round stoppages in his first six outings. Zayas has been clocking overtime in 2021, as this will be his fifth appearance of the year. He shut out James Martin over six rounds in February, blew out Demarcus Layton in 56 seconds in April, grinded down Larry Fryers in three rounds in June, and dominated Jose Luis Sanchez over six rounds last month in Tucson, Arizona. Karpency (9-3-1, 4 KOs) has never been knocked out in an eight-year pro career. Zayas has only been the six-round distance twice as a pro, while Karpency has gone eight or more rounds on four occasions.

In undercard action streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT), Atlanta’s Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (7-0, 5 KOs), son of heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield, will take on Charles Stanford (6-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round junior middleweight bout; Atlanta native Roddricus Livsey (8-0-1, 5 KOs) will battle Eric Palmer (12-14-5, 1 KO) in a six-rounder at junior welterweight; Georgia-born prospect Haven Brady Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) will fight fellow unbeaten Roberto Negrete (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight; Chicago’s Antoine Cobb will make his pro debut in four-round junior welterweight bout; Brooklyn-born lightweight Harley Mederos (1-0, 1 KO) will fight in a four-rounder; and recent U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (2-0, 1 KO) will make his professional return in a six-rounder at middleweight.

About State Farm Arena
Home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club, the award-winning State Farm Arena opened its doors in October 2018 following the 2^nd largest renovation in NBA history. Inspired by the fans, State Farm Arena is a next-generation venue focused on experience, service and entertainment. With the NBA’s third-largest center-hung scoreboard and an immersive video experience, fan-friendly food pricing and premium restaurant options, Topgolf Swing Suites and celebrity-inspired spaces accessible to every fan, the downtown Atlanta arena stakes its claim as the city’s best sports and live entertainment venue. Named Pollstar’s 2020 Best New Concert Venue, State Farm Arena consistently ranks among the top 10 concert and event venues in the world by and hosts nearly 200 events and nearly 2 million guests annually. For more information on State Farm Arena, log on to www.statefarmarena.com today or follow us on Twitter @StateFarmArena.

ATLANTA (August 31, 2021) — Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and Shakur Stevenson have exchanged verbal volleys in person and on social media. They’ll settle the score in the Throwdown in A-Town.

Herring will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against former featherweight world champion Stevenson on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event promoted by Top Rank.

Nico Ali Walsh (1-0, 1 KO), grandson of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, looks to make it 2 for 2 against an opponent to be named in a four-round middleweight special attraction.

Herring-Stevenson, Ali Walsh’s bout, and a co-feature will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — will see the professional comeback of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round featherweight bout, Ragan’s Olympic teammate Troy Isley (2-0, 1 KO) in a six-rounder at middleweight, Georgia native Haven Brady Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round featherweight tilt, and the A-Town debut of junior middleweight prospect Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (7-0, 5 KOs), an Atlanta native and the son of heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

“We are thrilled to be back in Atlanta with a spectacular card headlined by a junior lightweight championship grudge match between a veteran champion and one of the sport’s supreme young talents,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “And with names like Ali Walsh, Ragan and Isley on the undercard, Atlanta’s great fight fans will see many of the sport’s most promising up-and-comers.”

Herring (23-2, 11 KOs), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who captained the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, has made three defenses of the world title he won via decision over Masayuki Ito in May 2019. After a challenging 2020 campaign that included a bout with COVID-19 and a disqualification victory over Jonathan Oquendo, Herring punched his passport in April and knocked out former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton in Dubai. He now steps up against pound-for-pound talent and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Stevenson (16-0, 8 KOs), a former WBO featherweight world champion who vacated the title last year to move up to junior lightweight. Stevenson is 3-0 at junior lightweight, most recently picking up the interim WBO junior lightweight world title in June with a shutout decision over Namibia’s Jeremiah Nakathila. Stevenson has lost only a handful of rounds since turning pro in April 2017, a dominant run that’s included victories over the likes of Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz and Joet Gonzalez.

“2021 has been good to me so far. I started the year with a big fight and a major win over Frampton,” Herring said. “I look forward to finishing out the year the same way I started it, not only with another huge victory, but as a world champion. I have nothing else to say. I’m focused on October 23 and the fourth title defense of my WBO belt.”

Stevenson said, “Jamel had to fight me, or he would’ve been stripped of his world title. I boxed him into a corner, and I am going to take his world title in devastating fashion on October 23. I can’t wait to fight in front of the amazing fans in Atlanta. Trust me, you are going to see a show, and I will become a two-weight world champion.”

Ali Walsh’s Aug. 14 professional debut drew international media attention, and he knocked out Jordan Weeks in the opening round while wearing a pair of his grandfather’s old trunks. He’ll make his ring return in a city that hosted two of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable moments. State Farm Arena sits less than two miles from the Atlanta Olympic Cauldron Tower, where Ali lit the Olympic flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics. In October 1970, Ali fought Jerry Quarry at City Auditorium, his first fight in more than three years after being banned from the ring for refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Ali Walsh’s second pro fight will come three days shy of the 51st anniversary of the Quarry fight, which Ali won by third-round knockout.

Ali Walsh said, “Atlanta welcomed my grandfather with open arms, and I am honored to fight there on a major world championship card. When Top Rank said I’d be fighting in Atlanta, I thought of my grandfather lighting the Olympic torch and his bout against Jerry Quarry. This will be a special evening for my entire family. The legend lives on.”

WEST POINT, New York – April 21 2021 – WBO Super Featherweight World Title Jamel Herring will serve as a guest commentator on Ring City USA’s Thursday night telecast, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and around the United States on NBC Sports Network.

Herring enters the broadcast booth fresh off a career-defining win on April 3 when he knocked out two-division world champion Carl Frampton in the sixth round to successfully defend his super featherweight title for the third time. Herring was the captain of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team and a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, having served two tours of duty in Iraq.

On Thursday night, he will join the Ring City USA team to present a six-fight event that is headlined by Jelena Mrjdenovich making the sixth defense of her WBA Featherweight World Title against Erika Cruz Hernandez. The main card on NBCSN will feature three fights beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a bonus three-fight undercard beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch. Additionally, the presentation will include West Point cadets facing off in amateur bouts beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Twitch.

The Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will also make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN TV. Thursday’s event will mark the first professional fight card in New York since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020

Herring spoke with the media to share insights on his legacy as a Marine, his role as a guest commentator on Ring City, his next fight and more. Below are highlights from his conversation:

JAMEL HERRING

On his journey from the Marines to a World Championship: “I was thinking about my time from Iraq to where I am at now and it feels like a dream at times. I know fellow Marines who love the sport of boxing as well who used to dream about being in the position I am in. I remember clearly back in 2007, I was literally in Iraq during the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather fight. I remember thinking I need to get back into the sport of boxing, I need to get back in the sport when I get home to America. Just to remember that day clearly and to see where I am at now – it’s a blessing.”

On a future broadcasting career: “I love the commentating aspect of the sport because it allows me to speak on my public opinion and give my knowledge of the sport as well. I can definitely see myself doing this as a career in the future but right now I am just taking full advantage of the opportunity and the moment. I am glad to be a part of it.”

On working with Ring City: “I am close with Seniesa (Estrada) and Shawn (Porter). Shawn is the one that motivated me to get into broadcasting, especially being an active fighter. Seniesa did a great job, especially giving her opinion from a women’s aspect and what to look at. She’s very knowledgeable of the sport. It comes natural with Shawn, so it’s great having him on board.”

On training to fight vs. studying to announce a fight: “It’s definitely different. For the most part in camp, you know yourself. You know what to expect going into training camp. All week I have been looking at my notes and studying the fighters and where they are from, and all the different aspects. It’s fun. I get to learn something new with each fighter. Commentators also get to see the fighters grow throughout their career.”

On the amateur fights between West Point cadets on the undercard: “As a Marine Corps Sergeant, I am going to be hard on them because I expect nothing but the best effort from them. I know what it takes to even get to that level, not even just in the Marines but in the military in general. A lot of people don’t see it but during the amateurs, we have a target on our backs because they feel that we are privileged, I guess. That we had a ‘free ride,’ they would say, to the national tournaments. But in order for you to get to that level on any of the Armed Forces teams, you have to be the best of your branch. I am just happy for them and hope they take it as far as they want to take it.”

On developing military boxers at the professional level: “It is hard for us in the military to get to the highest level in boxing. I remember I met Ken Norton before he passed when I was an active duty Marine in 2006. I was also very close with Leon Spinks who recently passed away. I look back at those two individuals and I think that I am only one of the remaining marines to carry a world title – it means a lot to me but I would also like to see more follow my path. I looked up to Spinks and Norton, they have wins over the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, and they were marines. I took the fight with Carl Frampton very, very seriously and I just feel like there are a lot of Marines and veterans out there who are looking up to me and that’s why I always carry myself as a Marine to this day.”

On Thursday’s main event: “I have always been a big supporter of women in the sport of boxing. They are fighters. Most people see around my camp, and in my camp leading into Carl Frampton, Mikaela Mayer was in the gym with me for the most part. She works just as hard as the men. I am a huge supporter of women’s boxing and it is good to see them get the proper respect that they deserve. Women’s boxing has come a long way from let’s say the Laila Ali days. Now, amateur boxing is growing and more girls are getting involved, so you are seeing the amateur pedigree behind them.”

On the postponement of the heavyweight main event: “I know Stephan (Shaw) and his trainer personally. He actually was basically an alternate on the 2012 Olympic team and a lot of people don’t know that. He helped a lot of us prepare for the Olympics. I know him from way back and he was young then. It’s a bummer that the fight fell through, but I wish them well. It gave us an opportunity for women to showcase what they can do – their skills and ability. Amanda Serrano just showed what she could do on the same platform. I would have loved to see Shaw vs. Franklin on Thursday though.”

On the importance of AFN: “When I was over in Iraq in 2007, I got to witness one of the biggest fights of that time, of that era, between De La Hoya and Mayweather, thanks to AFN. They definitely play a huge role. They aired all of my Armed Forces bouts as well and they’ve aired some of my own fights. Our service men and women get to see individuals like myself representing them on a bigger stage. It means a lot for them to know that there is someone out there who represents them. Even though I am not active duty – you know the motto, ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine.’ And I carry myself like that. It gives them the boost of morale.”

On his next fight: “I look at all roads and options, to be honest with you. I don’t count anything out. I don’t even count out the Shakur Stevenson fight. It’s just about what is available and what makes the most sense. Not even on the business side but in terms of my own legacy. Of course, I want to win another world title. I want to win more world titles. If those opportunities come first at super featherweight or lightweight, then that’s what I am going to go for. Right now, I am enjoying the time off from training, but I am always thinking about what’s next. I am already over the Frampton fight. I am glad I got the respect that I was looking for. It was an honor to share the ring with him but now I am looking for the next big thing. The Valdez fight would be the smart choice. But I just want to continue conducting myself as a Marine and bringing more prestigious titles to the Marines and be known as the one of the best to do it. I think that a fight with Oscar Valdez and a big win over him would at least put me in the best conversation for being Fighter of the Year.”

Follow Ring City USA for live updates from West Point on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

By Bart Barry-

Saturday afternoon on ESPN+ in a match from Dubai junior lightweight titlist Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring beat-up Northern Ireland’s Carl “The Jackal” Frampton, a former titlist in three divisions.  It was the finest win of Herring’s career and an unexpectedly convincing one.

Two times in as many months the 130-pound division has yielded the event glorious as any in a prizefighter’s career: The betting underdog winning a title match by knockout.  You’re the real thing once you’ve done that, regardless what comes before or after.  It does not happen often and happens even less often with household names.  Sometimes it happens in a wild upset but more often it happens when a man challenges himself with stiffest competition.  Betting odds speak to that competition, and knockouts speak to decisiveness.

Herring left no more doubt Saturday than Oscar Valdez did in February.  If Herring was not up against a man in his prime, like Valdez, neither is Herring a man in his prime – though primer, much, than he was in September.

A couple weeks ago Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin, a recent COVID patient, looked disbalanced and awful, unrecovered from the virus more than partially.  It recalled Herring’s performance against Jonathan Oquendo, the sort of performance that made a veteran handicapper like Frampton try and pick what 130-pound fruit he espied lowest the ground.  Herring’s second title defense, against Oquendo, was ugly an affair as a title match might be.  Herring was off-balance in the opening instants against Oquendo the same way Povetkin stutterswam from Dillian Whyte on Gibraltar.  If the men’s similar balance issues aren’t correlated to their similar COVID issues, it’s a whale of a coincidence.

That’s the bad news.  Here’s some good: Herring looked like a new man Saturday, which means COVID long-haulers need only haul so long.  Herring looked better not merely in the obvious way of fighting much better against a much better man but also, and more importantly, in his willingness.  Herring wanted to fight Frampton in a way he surely did not want a fight with Oquendo.  Frampton was, is, Oquendo’s superior, thoroughly.  That Herring wanted to trade with Frampton, holstering his jab enough to set Frampton a table for eating uppercuts, said nothing so much as: Herring is fully recovered from COVID.

So different was Saturday’s alpha predator that I revisited my column in September to ensure it was the same guy about whom Timothy Bradley said “real eyes real-ize” – disgusted and honest as Bradley was about Herring’s closedeye attempts to end that contest prematurely.  Herring took the initiative from Frampton exactly the way he surrendered it against Oquendo.

Frampton looked outclassed most of the opening rounds.  But he was undissuaded for having watched film of Herring’s last tilt.  If he might parry the jab and slip the cross and get close enough to Herring to hook an arm and clock-in, he assumed, a European ref, even one imported to the desert, would offer Herring no early breaks.  Frampton fought the exact fight that would have won him a midrounds stoppage against September’s Semper Fi.

Saturday’s Semper Fi was a different thing altogether.  In round 5, as Frampton began to remove some initiative from Herring’s grasp Herring kissed him with a lefthand Frampton’ll not soon forget.  It hamstrung The Jackal.  Less than a round later it was an uppercut that cut Frampton’s lights for a second or so.  The Northern Irishman rose bravely, yes, as Americans have come to expect from overmatched European champs.  But whatever courage Frampton showed quickly succumbed to Herring’s cruel plans.

By the time Frampton’s corner cancelled his whupping Frampton was wondering what took them so long.  He spun from the confrontation a bit expectantly, didn’t he?  Not to worry, as Frampton’s relief at the white feather got dutifully overshadowed by Herring and his handlers’ joy.  As it should be.  A titlist comes in a fight as a betting underdog and summons the white towel from his opponent’s corner, he’s deserving of what joy our beloved sport can bestow.

Herring acted fully redeemed Saturday.  So did boxing.  Didn’t it feel great to have a meaningful fight end decisively well before midnight?

Saturday’s event put promoter Top Rank in an enviable position, one it mustn’t squander.  It now has two of the 130-pound division’s three titlists, along with Shakur Stevenson and Vasyl Lomachenko.  Those are the makings of a wondrous four-man, single-elimination tourney sure to crown the defacto champion of the division.

It gets better.  The third titlist in the division is arguably its best and most exciting prizefighter, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who finds himself in a set of circumstances Bud Crawford would surely recognize.  And therein lies the better part.  Soon enough Davis should demand of PBC what Crawford regularly demands of Top Rank.  When Davis does, we can hope, PBC will offer Crawford a shot at its best welterweights in exchange for Top Rank’s offering Davis some of its best junior lightweights.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Jamel Herring stopped former two-division world champion Carl Frampton to retain the WBO Junior Lightweight world title at Caesars Palace Dubai.

Herring dominated the fight by boxing. He began to break the smaller Frampton down, and in round five. In round six, Herring dropped Frampton for a second time with a powerful left, Frampton tried to fight on, but began to take a battering and the fight was stopped at 1:40.

Herring of Coram, NY is 23-2 with 11 knockouts. Frampton of Belfast, IRE is 28-3.

Frampton announced his retirement after the fight.

“I’m just honored to share the ring with him, Herring said. “He’s a two-division world champion. He’s done great in the sport of boxing, and it was just an honor.
 
“It was an emotional rollercoaster just to get here. My last outing was not my best. People doubted me. They called me every name in the book, but even with the cut, I wasn’t going to give up. I wasn’t going to quit, and Carl Frampton is a tremendous champion. I’ve been a fan since day one. It’s tough to see any veteran of the sport go out like that.”

Frampton said, “I said before the fight I’d retire if I lost, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I want to just to dedicate my life to my family now. Boxing has been good to me. It’s also been bad to me, but the last few years with these boys have been the best years of my career. I just want to go home to my beautiful wife and kids, and that’s it.

“I just got beat by the better man. I really struggled to get inside on him.”

Nietes Decisions Carillo

Former four-division world champion Donnie Nietes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Pablo Carillo in a super flyweight fight.

Nietes landed 97 of 425 punches; Carrillo was 81 of 416.

Nietes, 114 1/2 lbs of The Philippines won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 96-95 and is now 43-1-5. Carillo, 114 1/2 lbs is 14-3-1.

Keyshawn Davis stopped Richman Ashelley after round four of their scheduled six-round lightweight fight.

Davis is 2-0 with two knockouts. Ashelley is 10-2.

Fahad Al Bloushi won a four-round unanimous decision over Suraj in a super featherweight fight.

Bloushi is 4-1. Suraj is 2-2.

Tursymbay Kulakhmet stopped Heber Rondon in round one of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Kulakhmet dropped Rondon twice with vicious hook, and the bout was stopped/

Kulakhmet is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Rondon is 20-1.

(ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT)

    •    Jamel Herring 129.4. lbs vs. Carl Frampton 129.9 lbs 
(Herring’s WBO Jr. Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Zoltan Enyedi (Hungary), Ferenc Budai (Hungary) and Giulio Piras (Italy)
Referee: Giustino Di Giovanni (Italy)

•          Zhankosh Turarov 140 lbs vs. Tyrone McKenna 139.6 lbs 
(Turarov’s WBO Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT)

•   Keyshawn Davis 138.2 lbs vs. Richman Ashelley 136 lbs 
(Jr. Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•     Donnie Nietes 114.9 lbs vs. Pablo Carrillo 114.6 
(Vacant WBO International Jr. Bantamweight Title  — 10 Rounds)

•         Tursynbay Kulakhmet 153.9 lbs vs. Heber Rondon 153.7 
(Kulakhmet’s WBC International Super Welterweight Title  — 10 Rounds)
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

DUBAI (April 1, 2021) —History will be made Saturday when Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring puts his WBO junior lightweight world title on the line against Belfast’s former two-weight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton at Caesars Bluewaters Dubai. This will be Dubai’s first-ever first world title bout, and if Frampton is victorious, he would become the first Irish boxer to become a three-weight world champion. Herring, meanwhile, is looking to notch the third successful defense of the title he won from Masayuki Ito in May 2019.

Herring-Frampton will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ (4 p.m. ET), with undercard action scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Before fight night, this is what both fighters had to say.

Jamel Herring 

“I was able to stay focused with all the postponements because I had that motivation and hunger. I know this is still a big fight. I didn’t want to let it go.”

“Yes, a win over Frampton would be a career-defining milestone. You want to win a world title. OK, we win the world title. Well, what’s next? We had to successfully defend our title to be considered a real champion. I’m getting to the conversation of, ‘Oh, you want to face the other champions and the other big names,’ and Carl Frampton is a two-division world champion. He has done great things in his career.”

“Since November 2019, this fight has been talked about, and this is my moment. This is what I’ve worked for. This is what I’ve been asking for. This is a big fight for me now.”

“I know a win will obviously push my career up, and I’m just excited to finally get in there with another good champion that I can topple, hopefully, this weekend.”

“I don’t have any doubts with the fight happening in Dubai because I’m a U.S. Marine. I’ve fought everywhere, in terms of the battlefield or in the ring. If you guys remember, I was willing to face him in Belfast with no issue, in front of thousands of people. I was willing to give him that home field advantage because I wanted the fight that bad that I didn’t really care where the fight was at. As long as we had a ring and some gloves, I didn’t care.”

“The way I win this fight is just being me, the Jamel that won the world championship. I have to bring that hunger back. I feel like my back is against the wall, even as the champion.”

Carl Frampton

“It seems like we’ve been talking about this fight for well over a year now. I feel like it was beneficial for me to get out here early. I had a sparring partner with me. I finished preparation here. I think it was beneficial to get used to my surroundings and the heat {more} than anything else. I finished off what has been a very, very good camp.”

“People will talk about this hand injury that delayed the fight for a little while, but it was something very, very small. There’s no real issue, and I finished off sparring. I kind of put some ‘TLC’ on my hand for a week or eight days, and I was back sparring, hitting the heavy bags. But the camp, apart from that, has been top-notch, very good, no complaints. I’m just where I need to be right now, and I’m looking forward to the fight.”

“I’m very proud of what I’ve done in my career so far, but the chance to go down as the only ever three-weight world champion from the whole island of Ireland — one of the only British fighters to ever do it as well — you join an absolute elite bunch of global fighters to do that. I want to do that. I’m so determined to make that happen on the night, and personally, it will mean the world to me.”

“I gotta expect the best Jamel Herring there’s ever been. We look at Jamel’s last performance {against Jonathan Oquendo}, he gets a bit of criticism from that, from the media and from other people. My own performance wasn’t brilliant in my last fight {last August against Darren Traynor}. I think both of us need to be a lot better in this fight to come out victorious. I’m prepared to be better. Hopefully, Jamel is as well, and I think it’s going to be a good fight.”

SATURDAY, April 3, 2021

ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Jamel Herring vs. Carl Frampton, 12 rounds, Herring’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Zhankosh Turarov vs.Tyrone McKenna, 10 rounds, Turarov’s WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title

ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Keyshawn Davis vs. Richman Ashelley, 6 rounds, lightweight

Donnie Nietes vs. Pablo Carrillo, 10 rounds, vacant WBO International Junior Bantamweight Title

Tursynbay Kulakhmet vs. Heber Rondon, 10 rounds, Kulakhmet’s WBC International Super Welterweight Title

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

(March 24, 2021) — Same date, new time. The desert duel between WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and former two-weight world ruler Carl “The Jackal” Frampton —Saturday, April 3 from Caesars Bluewaters Dubai — will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at a new start time of 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

The main event stream will begin with an intriguing co-feature, as undefeated Kazakh star Zhankosh Turarov (24-0, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Intercontinental junior welterweight strap against Belfast native Tyrone McKenna (21-2-1, 6 KOs).

The undercard, including the return of former four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes, will now stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Belfast’s Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs), the 2016 Fighter of the Year, hopes to become the island of Ireland’s first three-weight world champion. Herring (22-2, 10 KOs), a U.S. Marine veteran and 2012 Olympian, has made two defenses of the title he won in a shocking upset over Masayuki Ito nearly two years ago.

SATURDAY, April 3, 2021

ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Jamel Herring vs. Carl Frampton, 12 rounds, Herring’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Zhankosh Turarov vs.Tyrone McKenna, 10 rounds, Turarov’s WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title

ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Keyshawn Davis vs. Richman Ashelley, 6 rounds, lightweight

Donnie Nietes vs. Pablo Carrillo, 10 rounds, vacant WBO International Junior Bantamweight Title

Tursynbay Kulakhmet vs. Heber Rondon, 10 rounds, Kulakhmet’s WBC International Super Welterweight Title

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.5 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

(March 11, 2021) — Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring’s WBO junior lightweight world title defense against Belfast’s former two-weight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton — Saturday, April 3 from Caesars Bluewaters Dubai — will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.
 
Herring-Frampton will headline a two-bout broadcast beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, undefeated Kazakh star Zhankosh Turarov will fight Belfast native Tyrone McKenna.
 
Undercard action will stream live on ESPN+ at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

“This is a fight that’s been in the works for a very long time, and I expect both Jamel and Carl to be at their best,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s an even matchup, and I am pleased that fans in the United States can watch it live on ESPN+.”
 
Herring (22-2, 10 KOs) has made two defenses of the title he won from Masayuki Ito in May 2019, most recently defeating Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan Oquendo via disqualification last September at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. He was originally scheduled to face Frampton last summer in Belfast, but COVID-19 intervened. Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs), who won world titles at junior featherweight and featherweight, hopes to make history as the island of Ireland’s first three-division world champion. He has won two straight bouts since losing a unanimous decision to Josh Warrington in December 2018 for the IBF featherweight world title. In his lone ring appearance of 2020, Frampton knocked out late replacement foe Darren Traynor in the seventh round.

Undercard action streaming on ESPN+ includes:

• Former four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes (42-1-5, 23 KOs) returns to action after more than two years away from the ring and will fight an opponent to be named in a 10-rounder at junior bantamweight. Nietes, from the Philippines, is one of four Asian fighters in boxing history to capture world titles in four weight classes.
   
• Keyshawn Davis (1-0, 1 KOs), a former U.S. amateur standout who captured a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, will take on an opponent to be named in a six-round lightweight bout.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).
 

CARL FRAMPTON’S HISTORY making bid to become a three-weight world champion by taking on the WBO world super featherweight champion Jamel Herring is unfortunately now subject to delay due to ‘The Jackal’ suffering a hand injury.
 
Frampton’s challenge was set for Saturday February 27, live on BT Sport. Despite the headline fights cancellation, the show will go ahead as planned at the Copper Box Arena with the British super featherweight title clash between Anthony Cacace and Lyon Woodstock headlining the card in a much-anticipated dust-up.
 
Tommy Fury also returns on a card that includes super-flyweight Kaisy Khademi bidding to add the vacant IBF European to his WBO European title against Birmingham’s Ijaz Ahmed.
 
The pride of Stoke, hugely popular middleweight star Nathan Heaney takes on a tough domestic test in Ryan Oliver, with thrilling lightweight prospect Sam Noakes going in against the unbeaten Delmar Thomas.
 
Frampton vs Herring will be moved to a new date that will be advised in due course.
 
“It is just a bit of a twinge to my hand, nothing too serious but I have seen a specialist and his advice was to rest it,” revealed Frampton, 33. “So I asked about the possibility of a postponement to the fight and it was agreed to.
 
“It gives me a better chance because I will be going into the fight with two good hands after taking the advice from the specialist. It is nothing major though and there is no fracture.
 
“I did go into a fight with a hand injury against Tyler McCreary and ended up requiring surgery afterwards on both hands. No disrespect to Tyler, but Jamel Herring is a world champion and at a higher level so I need to be at my best. That is what I intend to be.
 
“I haven’t been able to spar or hit the heavy bags for a while. From next week I have been given the go-ahead to start doing that again. I have still been training, doing loads of running, shadow boxing and hitting the paddles as well, which kind of replicates the pads, but I have not hit anything solid for the last two weeks.
 
“It wouldn’t have sat right with me to pull out if people had spent their hard earned money on tickets and travel, but this is completely different and I just want to give myself the best opportunity to win and that is it.
 
“I would like to thank Frank and Bob for making this possible, plus Jamel as well for his understanding. It is something that just happens in boxing and I am thankful we have been able to postpone it.”
 
Promoter Frank Warren said: “Carl has picked up an injury unfortunately, so we’ve had to postpone that fight for the time being.
 
“Like most fans, I was looking forward to seeing Carl make history by being crowned a three-weight World Champion. That will have to wait for now, but we still have a fantastic card of fights lined up for next Saturday night.
 
“Cacace vs Woodstock has been booked for a year now, and I think we’re all excited to finally see these two meet in the ring. It’ll be an all-action, excitement-guaranteed kind of fight, so don’t miss it.”