PHILADELPHIA, November 7, 2024 – Two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart will defend his home turf when he battles Ricardo Luna in an eight-round light heavyweight bout in the main event on Friday, November 22 at the Liacouras Center on the University of Temple campus.

All in all, on the card will be five Philly fighters, and two Pennsylvania fighters and three New Jersey fighters within driving distance of the Liacouras Center.

Tickets, priced from $35 to $225, are available at TicketMaster here.

The show will be streamed live by PPV on Radiant TV.

“I’m looking to bring that old school feeling back…like the era when Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins were fighting,” said Dominick Walton, CEO of Teflon Promotions. “When the best fought the best in their division in 50/50 fights.. that’s why I salute Jesse Hart, Naheem Parker, Jibril Noble, Arnold Gonzalez, Muhsin Cason etc. because they understand the mission with their mind set and their goals to be great. It brings excitement back to Philadelphia and it also puts Teflon promotions on the map.”

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (31-3, 25 KOs), born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. is ranked No. 3 light heavyweight by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Jesse won the NABF super middleweight title in 2014 and a year later added the IBF USBA and WBO NABO super middleweight belts with a knockout win against an undefeated Mike Jimenez. “Hard Work” made four successful defenses of the IBF and WBO titles which set him up for his first world title shot, which he lost to Zurdo Ramirez by razor thin decision. Three wins later, Hart fought a rematch with Ramirez for the same WBO world title, this time losing by majority decision. Hart is currently on a five bout win streak, last four by knockout.

“This is gonna be a great night of boxing – every fight on the card is a 50/50 match and I’m defending my number 3 WBO position,” said Hart. “It’s going to be a very exciting night.”

Ricardo Adrian “Tyson” Luna (27-12-2, 17 KOs) from Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl, México, is a former Mexican Middleweight Champion. Ricardo also challenged for the WBC USA Super Middleweight Title (twice), NABA and WBO NABO Super Middleweight titles,

In an eight round, 150 lbs. welterweight catchweight bout, Arnold Gonzalez (15-1, 7 KOs) from New York, NY, will battle Florent “The Tiger” Dervis (10-2, 5 KOs), who was born in France and now calls Boston, Mass. home. Each were undefeated till recent losses. Gonzalez made pro debut in 2019 as a welterweight and his undefeated streak of fifteen ended in his last fight. The twenty-six-year-old Dervis began his career with ten consecutive wins.

In a South Jersey versus Philly battle, Philadelphian Jibril “Pegese” Noble, (6-0, 5 KOs) will battle Naheem Parker (5-1, 2 KOs) from Camden, NJ in a six-round lightweight bout. Noble made his pro debut in Philadelphia on July 24, 2021, with a second-round knockout. Noble’s only fight that went the distance was against fellow undefeated fighter on October 21, 2023.

Parker made his pro debut in 2020 and won his first five fights.

In a second PA vs Jersey bout, Jaclyne “The Assassin” McTamney (2-0, 1 KO) out of Southampton, PA will battle Princeton’s Ayeshia Green (0-1) in a four-round featherweight contest.

Muhsin “The Muslim Boxer” Cason (12-0, 9 KOs) was born in Baltimore and calls Philadelphia home. Muhsin has sixteen siblings and his oldest brother is former world heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman. “Hasim gives me insight on how to be focused and overcome the obstacles,” said Muhsin. He will fight in a six-round cruiserweight scrap. “It’s great that so many of our Philly natives get to be on one card and show their skills,” said Muhsin.

Philadelphian Rasheen Brown (12-1, 7 KOs) will fight in a six-round featherweight bout against Mexican Juan Antonio “The Wolfe” Lopez (18-17-1, 8 KOs) who currently resides in Burleson, Texas.

Allentown, PA’s undefeated Thanjhae Teasley (11-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round welterweight bout.

Philadelphian Najeem Johns (5-1, 4 KOs) will fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Danny Murray (7-7) from Lanoka Harbor, NJ.

Opening the card will be Hawaiian Lyndon Patricio (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round bantamweight tilt.

Follow Teflon promotions

At https://www.teflonpromotions.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teflon_promotions/

PHILADELPHIA, April 10, 2024  —  Undefeated cruiserweight Muhsin Cason will be featured on a Philadelphia Boxing Card titled “Let’s Settle,” which includes ten of Philly’s Finest biggest name fighters on Saturday, April 27 at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. The card will be streamed live on BLK Prime, beginning at 7 pm ET/ 4 pm PT.

LET”S SETTLE is promoted by Dominic Walton’s Teflon Promotions, their first promotion. Tickets – priced $50, $115, $175, $240 and $325 – are on sale and available at TicketMaster, at this link Here

Muhsin, The Muslim Boxer” Cason (11-0, 6 KOs) was born in Baltimore and calls Philadelphia home. “I love that so many of our Philly natives get to be on one card and show their skills,” said Muhsin.  “I haven’t fought in Philly since 2022 and I can’t wait till April 27. It’s going to be a really fun night of boxing.”

Muhsin is one of seventeen and Hasim “The Rock” Rahman is his oldest brother. While Muhsin lived and trained in Las Vegas for some time, “We now live on opposite coasts, but when I was in Vegas I saw Hasim all the time. He would come to the gym. He continues to give me insight on how to be focused and overcome the obstacles.”

Muhsin is presently juggling training while also in the Philadelphia Police Academy but will be prepared for his eight-round cruiserweight bout against DeShon Webster (12-7, 6 KOs). “Every  opponent is different, so however he comes out, I’ll adjust and get the win inshallah.”

Muhsin is trained by Philadelphian Rashiem Jefferson. Rashiem, who attended Dobbins/Randolph High School and graduated from Strawberry Mansion, was 15-1 as a professional, said this about Muhson: “I think Muhsin is becoming a more complete fighter as his career continues to grow, The experience he’s getting sparring fighters like Boots Ennis,  Jesse Hart and Junior Malachi and all the other experienced fighters that he gets to share the ring with and learn from is a privilege.”

“I think the sky is the limit for Muhsin as long as he keep working hard and he and his team make the right fights at the right time. Thus far he’s had some great opportunities and he made the best out of them all. I see him as a contender for a big title soon and making a lot of money. He’ll be ready for whatever this guy brings to the ring the night of the 27th.”

Jefferson has this to say about the card: “I think if everything holds up the way it’s presenting itself this card and the future cards will be the new way of boxing in Philadelphia. I love the way they are giving fighters an outlet to shine and that’s what it’s all about.”

Fight Night Media Credential Requests

THE BLK PRIME CARD

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (30-3, 24 KOs) Philadelphia born and raised will fight in a eight-round light heavyweight bout following the main event. Hart will ride a four-fight win streak into April 27. He is the former NABF Super Middleweight Champion, the IBF USBA Super Middleweight Champion and the WBO NABO Super Middleweight Champion.

In the main event will be a ten-round heavyweight bout between Andrew “Beast” Tabiti (20-2, 16 KOs), former world title challenger, former NABF Cruiserweight Champion and former IBF Cruiserweight Champion and Junior Anthony “Hurricane” Wright (20-5, 17 KOs).

In the co-main event, an eight-round middleweight bout, undefeated Nikitia “White Chocolate” Ababy (12-0, 6 KOs) battles former WBF Intercontinental Welterweight Champion, IBF USBA Super Lightweight Champion and WBC USA Super Lightweight Champion Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-20, 9 KOs)

Philadelphia born Dylan Price (17-0, 11 KOs) will open the BLK Prime show when he battles Argentinean Ernesto Sebastian “Tito” Franzolini (19-14-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

The non-Televised Portion

Joey “Tank” Dawejko (27-11, 15 KOs), born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, will battle a one-loss Michigander Walter Burns in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

“Hank” Lundy (31-14, 14 KOs), born and raised in Philadelphia will fight Juan De La Cruz (11-22-1, 7 KOs) from Front Royal, Virginia in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Tariq Green (5-2-1, 3 KOs), also born and raised in Philadelphia, will be looking to complement his three-fight win streak in a four-round middleweight bout against Rancy Slanger (1-0), born in Ghana who now resides in nearby Levittown, PA.

Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1 KO), born and raised in Philadelphia, will fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Atlantic City native Aaron Newsome (2-4).

Philadelphian Shamsuddeen Justice (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring after multi-year layoff to fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rican Kelvin Diaz.

Frankie Lynn (3-0, 3 KOs), a Chester, PA native, will fight in a four-round welterweight bout, anticipating that he adds to his perfect record.

Opening the show will be nineteen-year-old Philadelphian Richard Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), who made his professional boxing debut on February 17 with a first round knockout. He will battle Deron Eillis, making his pro debut, in a four-round super welterweight bout.

Follow Teflon promotions

At https://www.teflonpromotions.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teflon_promotions/

PHILADELPHIA, March 5, 2024  —  Philadelphia’s biggest name fighters and future stars will fill a loaded boxing card that takes place on Saturday, April 27 at Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University, streamed live on BLK Prime.

LET”S SETTLE is promoted by Dominic Walton’s Teflon Promotions, their first promotion.

Tickets, priced from $75, are on sale and available at TicketMaster, at this ink Here

SAVE THE DATE: there will be a press conference on Tuesday, March 19 at Liacouras Center.

“I’m super excited to bring Professional boxing to Philadelphia in a way that has not been part of the Philly culture in a long time,” said Dominic Walton. “I’m creating a platform to help Philly fighters become world champions. As a former boxer, with memories of the legendary Blue Horizon, I wanted to make a statement with my first promotion and that’s why April 27 is at the Liacouras Center, and all future shows will be on the same type, big stage.”

“This is the biggest show in Philadelphia,” said Jesse Hart. “The whole city is in an uproar. It’s Dominic’s first promotion and he’s doing it right. There is a lot of Philadelphia talent on this card – present fighters and future stars. Any of these fights could be a Philadelphia main event.”

“This card right here is a great card for the Philadelphia boxing fans and also the beginning for a new boxing promoter,” said Hank Lundy. “He’s going to take over Philly boxing. I’ve known Dominick for years and he’s here to stay. He’s putting Philly fighters back on the map!”

Walton added, “Not only am I excited to be a part of this event, I’m also excited to enforce that we need to make a change in Philadelphia. We need to stop the violence. We need to take our anger out in the ring instead of on the streets, and this is why the theme is LET’S SETTLE. We are excited about our plan to give back to the community and we have a huge announcement we will be making at the press conference.”

Fight Night Media Credential Requests

In the main event, Andrew Tabiti and Junior Wright will fight in a ten-round heavyweight bout.

Andrew “Beast” Tabiti (20-2, 16 KOs), former world title challenger, is Chicago born and now resides in Las Vegas, NV. The 34-year-old made his Pro debut in 2012 and won his first ten fights by knockout. In his thirteenth fight, on May 13, 2016, he won the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) cruiserweight title, then added the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight title on August 26, 2017. He fought for the IBF world title in 2019.

“I’m Excited to Fight in Philly, where there’s big boxing community and where legends made,” said Tabiti. “I know the show will have a lot of fans and it’ll be a great night of boxing. My opponent has some decent competition, but ?I will show I’m on another level . He has no business being in that ring with me.”

Junior Anthony “Hurricane” Wright (20-5, 17 KOs) born and raised in Evanston, IL, is thirty-seven-years-old and made his pro debut in 2011. He won his first seven bouts by knockout and has fought for titles on three separate occasions, the last being in Riyadh in October when he succumbed to the undefeated NABF and World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental champion Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“How do I feel about fighting in Philly?  I love it!! It’s a great place, great venue,” said Junior Wright. “I’ve watch Tabiti a little bit. I know he boxes pretty good, moves good, and has power. I wouldn’t take the fight if I thought I couldn’t win. We’ve been training hard and I’m coming prepared to get the W.”

In the co-main, Nikita Ababiy and Cleotis Pendarvis will battle in an eight-round middleweight bout, with the winner looking to get a title shot.

Nikitia “White Chocolate” Ababy (12-0, 6 KOs) was born in Richmond, VA and now resides in Brooklyn, NY. Born in 1998, Ababy made his pro debut two weeks prior to his twentieth birthday, winning by first round knockout. He is coming off a win over a fourteen win and one loss opponent, his toughest opponent to date.

“This is going to be my first fight in Philly and I’m very excited to bring fireworks to the city,” said Nikita. “I don’t know much about Pendarvis, all I know is that he’s getting a good whooping! The plan is to get the job done, and look good doing it!”

Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-20, 9 KOs) from Lancaster, CA, is in his twentieth year in professional boxing. He is former World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Welterweight Champion, IBF USBA Super Lightweight Champion and WBC USA Super Lightweight Champion.

The winner will be on the cusp of a title opportunity.

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (30-3, 24 KOs) was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and has been boxing professionally since 2012. Jesse won the NABF super middleweight title in 2014 and a year later added the IBF USBA and WBO NABO super middleweight titles with a knockout win against an undefeated Mike Jimenez. “Hard Work” made four successful defenses of the IBF and WBO titles which set him up for his first world title shot, which he lost by razor thin decision. Three wins later Hart fought for a world title once again, this time losing by another razor thin decision against WBO champion Zurdo Ramirez. Hart is currently on a four bout win streak, last three by knockout.

“Hank” Lundy (31-14, 14 KOs) was born and raised in Philadelphia and wears that Philly tough guy brashness on his sleeve. He is a former Universal Boxing Federation World Lightweight Champion and a two-time WBO NABO Lightweight Champion. He is also a former NABF Lightweight and NABF Super Lightweight Champion, WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Champion. He also fought pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford for his WBO World welterweight title. Hank will fight Juan De La Cruz (11-22-1, 7 KOs) from Front Royal, Virginia

“I’m coming for the knockout. There is no other way to win,” said Lundy. “All my life all I did was fight. Fight through everything. And when I get in there on April 27, I’m going to show everyone that those recent losses, it wasn’t me. I’m ready to put on a big show to say that even though I’m 40, I ain’t moving like I’m 40. I’m back and I mean business!”

Dylan Price (17-0, 11 KOs) was born in Philadelphia and now resides just over the Walt Whitman bridge in Sicklerville, NJ. The twenty-five-year-old made his pro debut in 2017. He became the NABF Bantamweight Champion with a unanimous decision victory a year ago February and successfully defended that title in his last bout in January at Boardwalk Hall. He will battle Argentinean Ernesto Sebastian “Tito” Franzolini (19-14-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

“I’m super excited about fighting in Philly,” said Price. “I know my opponent is tough, but nowhere near my level. I can’t see this fight going the distance, and yes, I’m going to knock him out.”

Joey “Tank” Dawejko (27-11, 15 KOs), born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, made his debut as a professional in 2009. He won the FECARBOX heavyweight title in 2017. In 2023 he won the WBC USA Silver heavyweight title, closing strong by knocking down his opponent twice in the final round. On April 27, in an eight-round heavyweight scrap, Tank will battle a one-loss Michigander Walter Burns.

“Can’t wait to fight back at home in Philly. After taking a loss in my last fight, I’m ready to get back to the win column, with a big KO win!” 

Tariq Green (5-2-1, 3 KOs) born and raised in Philadelphia, will be looking to complement his three-fight win streak in a four-round middleweight bout against Rancy Slanger (1-0), born in  Ghana who now resides in nearby Levittown, PA.

Frankie Lynn (3-0, 3 KOs), a Chester, PA native, will fight in a four-round welterweight bout, anticipating that he adds to his perfect record.

Nineteen-year-old Philadelphian Richard Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), who made his professional boxing debut on February 17 with a first round knockout, will battle Deron Eillis, making his pro debut, in a four-round super welterweight bout.

Philadelphian Shamsuddeen Justice (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring after multi-year layoff to fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rican Kelvin Diaz.

Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1 KO), born and raised in Philadelphia, will fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Atlantic City native Aaron Newsome (2-4).

Follow Teflon promotions

At https://www.teflonpromotions.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teflon_promotions/

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – November 20, 2023 — Undefeated super featherweight Julian Gonzalez will appear in his first headlining bout as he takes on Juan Antonio Lopez in an eight-round bout at The Wind Creek Event Center on Friday, December 8th in Bethlehem, PA.

The loaded card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Gonzalez, 22 of Reading, PA is 11-0-1 with nine knockouts. Gonzalez has established himself as a top-130 lb. prospect with wins over undefeated fighters Rosalindo Morales (9-0) and Johnnie Spell (8-0) with the latter coming on August 4th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Lopez of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 17-15-1 with seven knockouts. The 29-year-old Lopez has wins over undefeated fighters Erick Lainez (1-0), Isaac Torres (5-0-1), Jerren Cochran (11-0-1) and Fernando Garcia (12-1). Lopez has faced 12 undefeated opponents. Lopez is coming off a loss to Richard Medina on May 20th in San Antonio.

A loaded undercard that will feature world champions, top contenders and top prospects has been assembled.

In a 10-round super middleweight fight, former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart (29-3, 23 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jeyson Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs) in a super middleweight bout.

In eight-round bouts:

Former unified world champion, Jarrett Hurd (24-3, 16 KOs) of Accokek, Maryland will take on Tyi Edmonds (14-5, 9 KOs) from Meridian, Mississippi

Travon Marshall (8-1, 7 KOs) of Landover, Maryland will take on Roudley Lolo (6-1-2, 3 KOs) of Camp Hill, PA in a junior middleweight bout.

Paige Suchit (5-0 4 KOs) of Edmonton, Canada will fight Yusniel Abrahante (5-1, 1 KO) of Louisville, KY in a super flyweight contest.

Ernie Cuevas (7-0, 5 KOs) of Maudin, SC will take on Roberto Puchetta (11-24-3, 6 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.

In six-round bouts:

James Bernadin (10-2-1, 6 KOs) of Lancaster, PA collides Osvaldo Morales (5-3, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a lightweight clash.

Thanjhae Teasley (8-0, 4 KOs) of Allentown, PA fights Xavier Madrid (5-2, 3 KOs) of Albuquerque, NM in a welterweight fight.

Shamara Woods (3-0) of Allentown, PA squares off with Micaele Nogue (2-4) of Egg Harbor, NJ in a super lightweight battle.

In Four-round Fights:

Francis Oran (4-1,2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA will take on Justin Maggi (0-0-1) of Frederick, Maryland in a cruiserweight bout.

Elijah Akana will make his pro debut against RJ Hayes (0-2) of Oneontha, NY in a heavyweight bout.

Gustavo Morales (2-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA fights Antonio Allen (1-15-2) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Tickets are priced at $50, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

PHILADELPHIA (December 1, 2021)–Two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart will be back in action on Saturday, December 11th at the 2300 Arena when he takes on David Murray in the eight round super middleweight main event.

The card is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Hart of Philadelphia has a record of 27-3 with 21 knockouts. The 32 year-old has twice battled for the super middleweight championship of the world only to fall just short to Gilberto Ramirez in fights that were decided by just a couple of points.

After a stellar amateur career, Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a 1st round stoppage of Manuel Eastman in Las Vegas. That led to Hart winning his first 22 fights (20 by knockout), with victories over Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1), Alan Campa (16-2). Hart also has victories over Demond Nicholson (18-2), Mike Gavronksi (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming.

Murray of Wilmington, Delaware, has a record of 10-2-1 with six knockouts.

Murray is an eight-year professional, and is riding a three-fight winning streak with his latest win being a six-round unanimous decision over Austin Marcum on February 29, 2020 in Hockessin, Delaware.

A massive undercard features RDR Promotions fighters, Shynguskhan Tazibay (9-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on an opponent to be named in a six-round middleweight fight and lightweight Isaiah Johnson (3-0, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ against opponent to be named.

Also in six-round bouts:

Undefeated Nafear Charles (7-0-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Jonathan Hernan Godoy (5-11) of Miami, Florida in a junior welterweight tussle.

Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on Rondale Hubbert (13-18-3, 8 KOs) of Fargo, North Dakota in a super featherweight bout.

Steven Pichardo (8-1,2 KO) of Gardena, California fights DeWayne Williams (3-4, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (6-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight fight.

Nelson Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) of Marlboro, Massachusetts fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

Derrick Whitley Jr. (6-2-1) of Springfield, Massachusetts fights Raekwon Butler (3-1, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY

In four-round bouts:

Boimah Karmo (1-0-1) of Sharon Hill, Pa fights Denzel Fudd (0-1) of Barrington, PA in a welterweight affair.

Jerod Miner (2-12-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on debuting Edwin Cortes of Millville, NJ.

featherweight Felix Parrilla (2-0, 2 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut will take on an opponent to be named.

Tickets for this great night of boxing ae $50, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

PHILADELPHIA (October 21, 2021)–A can’t miss welterweight showdown will headline RDR Promotions big night of boxing on Saturday, November 27th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Undefeated Philadelphia based welterweight’s Paul Kroll and Mark Dawson Jr. will fight in an eight-round bout in what will be one of the most anticipated fights featuring Philadelphia fighters in a while.

Kroll, who was a 2016 United States Olympic alternate, has a record of 8-0 with six knockouts. Kroll is a three-year professional, has a win over highly regarded Shinard Bunch (2-0) and is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Lucas Santamaria on October 3, 2020 in Los Angeles.

Dawson is 9-0-1 with three knockouts. The 24 year-old Dawson is coming off his career best victory when he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Ivan Pandzic (13-0-1) on July 24th at the 2300 Arena,

In the eight-round co-feature, former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart will be in action against veteran Ernest Amuzu in a super middleweight contest.

Hart of Philadelphia has a record of 27-3 with 21 knockouts. The 32 year-old has twice battled for the super middleweight championship of the world only to fall just short to Gilberto Ramirez in fights that were decided by just a couple of points.

After a stellar amateur career, Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a 1st round stoppage of Manuel Eastman in Las Vegas. That led to Hart winning his first 22 fights (20 by knockout), with victories over Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1), Alan Campa (16-2). Hart also has victories over Demond Nicholson (18-2), Mike Gavronski (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Mike Guy on September 17th at the 2300 Arena.

Amuzu of Prichard, Alabama, has a record of 26-5 with 22 knockouts.

Amuzu, 38, is an 11-year veteran and is coming off a unanimous decision over Zacariah Kelly on June 27, 2020 in Plant City, Florida.

In an eight-round bout, Istvan Bernath (7-0, 5 KOs) of Miami is taking on an opponent to be named in heavyweight bout.

In Four Round Bouts:

Isaiah Johnson (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Anthony Young (0-3) of Philadelphia in a super lightweight contest.

Rashan Adams (1-0) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight fight.

Jabril Noble (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Joshua Zimmerman (0-5) of Baltimore in a super featherweight bout.

Derek Starling (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a heavyweight fight.

LaQuan Evans (4-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Victor Garcia Rivera (1-8) of Los Angeles in a super welterweight fight.

Tickets are $55, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=386

PHILADELPHIA (October 4, 2021)–RDR Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of super middleweight contender Jesse Hart.

“We are very happy to sign Jesse. Jesse is still one of the top super middleweights in the world, and he is very close to getting a big fight that will put him right back in the title hunt. Expect to see Jesse in a big fight very soon,” said Rodney Rice of RDR Promotions.

“I think this is a good deal for both me and RDR Promotions. I think going forward, I will be back to 100% of where I was very soon, and the biggest goal is to keep me active, and I know Rodney will do that. I was told I will be back in November,” said Hart.

Hart of Philadelphia, has a record of 27-3 with 21 knockouts.

After a stellar amateur career, the now 32 year-old Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a first-round stoppage over Manuel Eastman. He went on to win his first 22 fights with wins over Joshua Meyers (1-0), Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1) and Alan Campa (16-2).

On September 22, 2017, Hart narrowly lost a unanimous decision to Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO Super Middleweight world title.

Hart went on to win three consecutive bouts which included stoppages over Demond Nicholson (18-2-1) and Mike Gavronski (24-2-1) before challenging Ramirez again for the WBO Super Middleweight title.

In that bout, which took place on December 14, 2018, Hart was on the wrong side of a razor thin majority decision.

Hart then moved up to light heavyweight and defeated former world title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-2). After dropping a battle to future light heavyweight champion Joe Smith, Hart returned home to defeat tough veteran Mike Guy on September 17th.

Samuel Teah took out Larry Fryers in the opening round of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout that headlined a seven bout card in front of crowded 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show was promoted by RDR Promotions.

In the opening frame, Teah landed a double-jab that was followed by a booming right hand that sent Fryers hard to the canvas. Fryers was wobbly and ate a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:42.

With the win, Teah of Philadelphia is 18-4-1 with eight knockouts. Fryers of Yonkers, NY via Clones, IRE is 11-5.

Former two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart made a triumphant return to Philadelphia by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Mike Guy.

Hart, who fighting for the first time in 20-months, controlled the action and landed the harder punches throughout the contest. Guy was sturdy, but landed very few punches. Guy showed a good chin as he ate some nice uppercuts from the taller Hart.

Hart, 169.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 27-3. Guy, 171 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 12-7-1.

Jabril Noble stopped David Boria in the final round of their four-round lightweight fight.

It was a tough fight that saw Noble get the better of the action. In round four, Noble hurt Boria with a left hook. Noble followed up with a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:24.

Noble, 134.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-0 with two knockouts. Boria, 140 lbs of Puerto Rico is 0-3.

Brendan O’Callaghan remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over debuting Davon Hall in a middleweight fight.

O’Callaghan dropped Hall with a straight in the final round, but he could not put Hall away.

O’Callaghan, 157.8 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 40-35 scores on all cards is now 2-0. Hall, 161 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 0-1.

Isaiah Johnson remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Leoniadas Fowlkes in a scheduled four-round junior welterweight fight.

In round three, Johnson landed a blistering combination that snapped back the head of Fowlkes. Johnson hurt Fowlkes and the fight was stopped at 2:!5.

Johnson, 140.7 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 2-0 with two knockouts. Fowlkes, 145.5 lbs of Winchester, VA is 2-4.

Romuel Cruz remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a super bantamweight fight.

Cruz, 122.3 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 6-0-1. Pucheta, 122.5 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-20-2.

Jerrod Miner broke a 14-fight winless streak by winning a four-round Majority decision over Joshua Arrons in a bantamweight fight.

Miner, 116.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 to raise his mark to 2-12-1. Arrons, 116.3 lbs of Williamsport, PA is 0-1.

PHILADELPHIA (August 24, 2021)-Former world-title challenger Jesse Hart returns to Philadelphia to take on Mike Guy in an eight-round super middleweight battle that will headline a huge night of boxing that will take place on Friday night, September 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The special event is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Hart of Philadelphia has a record of 26-3 with 21 knockouts. The 32 year-old has twice battled for the super middleweight championship of the world only to fall just short to Gilberto Ramirez in fights that were decided by just a couple of points.

After a stellar amateur career, Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a 1st round stoppage of Manuel Eastman in Las Vegas. That led to Hart winning his first 22 fights (20 by knockout), with victories over Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1), Alan Campa (16-2). Hart also has victories over Demond Nicholson (18-2), Mike Gavronksi (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming off a loss to current WBO Light Heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. that took place on January 11, 2020 in Atlantic City.

Guy of Sacramento, California, has a record of 12-6-1 with five knockouts.

Guy, 40, is a 12 year-professional, who has wins over Jose Hernandez (6-1-1), Justin Thomas (12-0), Marco Delgado (5-0), Eric Moon (11-1). Guy is coming off a decision loss to world-title challenger John Ryder on December 18th in Hollywood, Florida.

Besides Hart-Guy, a loaded undercard has been assembled with an outstanding co-feature that will pit Samuel Teah taking on Larry Fryers in a Junior Welterweight bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

Teah of Philadelphia, has a record of 17-4-1 with seven knockouts. The 34 year-old Teah has been a staple on Nationally-Televised events has wins over O’Shaquie Foster (8-0), David Gonzales (8-0-2), Maynard Allison (9-2) and Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1). Teah is coming off a defeat to highly regarded Brandun Lee on March 10th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Fryers of Yonkers, New York via Clones, Ireland, has a record of 11-4 with four knockouts.

The 31 year-old Fryers is a five year-professional, who has a win over Charles Natal (9-0-2). In his last bout, Fryers lost talented prospect Xander Zayas on June 12th in Las Vegas.

In six-round bouts:

Romuel Cruz (5-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Roberto Pucheta (10-19-2, 6 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico.

Muhsin Cason (8-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas takes on an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.

In Four-round bouts:

Jabril Noble (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights David Boria (0-2) in a super featherweight bout.

Nicholas Sullivan (3-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight affair.

Jerrod Miner (1-12-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles debuting Josh Aarons of Williamsport, PA in a bantamweight contest.

Boimah Karmo (1-0) of Sharon Hill, PA fights Raymond Kupula (9-9-1, 4 KO) of Monterrey, Mexico in a welterweight fight.

Brandon O’Callaghan (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia rumbles with Clifford Johnson (0-1) of Ashtabula, Ohio in a middleweight tussle.

Isaiah Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Llamar Kelly (0-1) of Lawrence, Massachusetts in a lightweight fight.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $250 for VIP Box and can be purchased by contacting rdrboxing@yahoo.com or https://2300arena.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=373&src=default

By Kyle Kinder-

Jesse Hart isn’t the only Top Rank fighter angling for a showdown against Brooklyn-born KO-artist Edgar Berlanga (17-0, 16KO).  Unbeaten Tennessean Tyler Howard (19-0, 11KO) is hoping he’ll be the next boxer with a chance to stamp the first “L” on Berlanga’s record. 

Earlier in the year Howard thought he might get a crack at the Puerto Rican wrecking ball, but the stars never aligned.

“To be totally honest this was brought to my attention in January,” the 27 year-old Howard recalled.  “They [Howard’s management team] called me…and said that it was a possibility for me to fight him on the card that just passed in Kissimmee on April 24th.  I tested positive for COVID at that time, and then for whatever reason the fight didn’t develop and Demond Nicholson ended up taking the fight.”

Against Nicholson, Berlanga was made to fight beyond the opening round for the first time in his career.  Not only that, despite sending Nicholson to the mat four times, Berlanga was stretched all eight rounds, where he picked up his first win via decision.

“If that fight had been a nine round fight, Demond Nicholson wouldn’t have made it because Edgar cracked him at the end of the eighth round and hurt him very bad,” Howard said.  “So that was extremely impressive.”

While Howard was complementary of Berlanga’s ability to retain punching power over a twenty-four minute window, he wasn’t impressed by his stamina.

“Edgar performed very well, but he did get tired in the later rounds and I feel like that’s something we can capitalize on,” said Howard.  “And Edgar has been knocked down in the past, he got knocked down in the amateurs and that hasn’t been long ago.  If you got a weak chin, you got a weak chin, and that’s just the way it is.  And I don’t think he fights very well on his back foot.  Whenever Nicholson was planting his feet and trying to walk through him and putting his punches together, he had some success.”

Although Howard’s last three contests have been fought at middleweight, his most impressive win arguably came at super middleweight against once-beaten Isaiah Seldon in 2018.  In that bout, Howard sent Seldon crashing to the mat twice and ended the fight in just :90 seconds. 

Even still, with Berlanga fighting at super middleweight, Howard prefers any potential match be fought at a catchweight.  But he’s realistic about who holds the cards.

“Obviously I’d want to make some kind of catchweight,” said Howard.  “If you look in the past he’s weighed 162, 164.  Recently he’s been making 168.  At the end of the day, he would be the A-side in this, he’s the one that carries the star-power, he’s the one that’s been dominating, he’s earned everything that he’s got.  So if I had to go up to 168 to fight him, I’d go up and do it.”

And while a possible bang up with Berlanga is an idea that has Howard fired up, he doesn’t view his fistic future as Berlanga-or-bust.

“One thing I want to make clear is that I’m not going to put my career on halt for Edgar Berlanga,” Howard said.  “If that fight isn’t there, it’s not there.  The middleweight division is loaded with big fights to be made, they’re everywhere.  I’m definitely not banking my career on a fight with Edgar Berlanga, but if they call me and the money and timing’s right then yeah, I’m down to bump with him.”

If they did mix it up, that fight would likely take place in late July or early August, as Berlanga is expected to become a father early next month.  But if their paths do cross inside the ropes, Howard fancies his chances. 

“I definitely think I can beat him,” Howard said. “If I didn’t think I could beat him, I wouldn’t take the fight.  But the most important thing is you have to figure out a way to neutralize his power because it doesn’t matter who you are if Edgar Berlanga catches you clean, he’s going to shut your ass down…that’s just the fact of the matter.”

To help prepare for his next fight, whether it be against Berlanga or not, Howard plans to head down to Houston, TX to work with Bobby Benton, who he thinks will help him get the most out of his power.  

“One thing he [Berlanga] will realize real fucking fast is that I can punch too,” Howard said.  “My knockout ratio doesn’t reflect how hard I punch…and my hands are a lot faster than his.  If I can get him on the inside trading with me, I’m going to win those exchanges.”

According to Howard, a potential Berlanga clash “is all about risk versus reward.” 

The risk is obvious, and Howard wants to take it.

The reward? To become a Van Helsing of sorts…to become the man that stops the Monster.

By Kyle Kinder-

Just after midnight on January 13, 2020, in the center of the boxing ring inside the Hard Rock’s Etess Arena in Atlantic City, Jesse Hart (26-3, 21KO) stood shoulder to shoulder with referee Harvey Dock, awaiting the verdict of his ten round light heavyweight clash against Joe Smith Jr.  Moments later, dinging from the ringside bell echoed through the arena and public address announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. read the judge’s scorecards: 97-92 Smith, 95-94 Hart, 98-91 Smith. 

The split-decision loss capped what had been a frustrating night for Hart, who was hoping to build momentum after scoring a unanimous decision over Sullivan Barrera in his prior outing.  But any immediate feelings of disappointment quickly gave way to concern. 

In the leadup to the Smith match, during training camp, Hart injured his right hand.  He thought he’d be able to fight through the pain, but in round two, after landing a short, awkwardly placed punch, Hart’s injury went from tolerable to severe.  Reluctant and unable to let his right hand go for the final seven-plus rounds, Hart tried to rely on his legs to evade the bigger, plodding Smith.  But it was to no avail.  A post-fight medical evaluation revealed damaged ligaments and a torn tendon, injuries that Hart was told were potentially “career ending.”

“I had one hand, I had to use my legs, I had to use my other attributes and my athleticism came into play,” Hart said about the Smith fight.  “When I have one hand, how am I going to stand in there and trade with a big puncher like Joe Smith, who is a bigger man than me?…People always say don’t make excuses, but that’s just the truth.”  He added, “With one hand, he was just too strong and I couldn’t hold him off with one hand.”

Eager to put the Smith fight in his rearview and fix his right hand, Hart braced for a major operation that would put him out of commission for a few months.  However, due to COVID-19, he wasn’t able to schedule his operation, which fell into the category of “elective surgery”, until June 5th, almost five months after his fight with Smith. 

During various post-surgery doctor visits, Hart sought clearance to resume training, but was continually rebuffed.  So for the last eight-plus months, heeding the advice of his doctors, Hart took it easy. 

“I’ve been really trying to let my hand heal, spending time with my family, my son and my daughter, and just trying to regain focus,” said Hart.  “It took major surgery and a long healing process, being patient, not wanting to punch….but I’m back to 100%, I feel a lot better.” 

Once Hart was finally greenlit to lace up his gloves again, he decided it best to part ways with head trainer Fred Jenkins.  Hart now hones his craft in North Philadelphia’s Philly 1 on 1 Boxing Gym, where he linked up with Boze Ennis, father of unbeaten welterweight phenom, Jaron “Boots” Ennis.  

“I recently made that switch and I’m starting to get comfortable with Boze and we’re starting to work real good,” Hart said.  He went on to state that while things didn’t necessarily get stale with Jenkins, Boze is “fresher.” 

With a healed right hand and new trainer at the helm, Hart now has his sights set on a potential June 12 matchup in Las Vegas against ultra-hyped super middleweight KO artist, Edgar Berlanga (17-0, 16KO).

“I think he’s a good puncher and over time he’ll develop, but I don’t think much of him,” Hart said of Berlanga. “I don’t think he’s ready for a guy of my caliber.  When Bob [Arum] said he wanted to do that, I literally jumped at that chance.  This is definitely a big fight for me, I won’t lie.  It’s definitely a big risk taking fight for me….I’m taking a gamble, but I know this kid can’t beat me and he won’t beat me in June.”

Hart’s only two losses at super middleweight have come in the form of razor-thin defeats in world title bouts against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.  Dropping back down to super middleweight from light heavyweight is a welcome change for Hart, who feels he does his best work at 168.

“I’m naturally a super middleweight….I talked to my mother and my mother said she thought I was too big.  She was saying, ‘You’re light Jesse, why are you fighting these big guys?’  She wasn’t always involved in my career, but she was saying the guys at 175 were too big, and my dad was saying that too…but now that I’m back here I feel comfortable.”

As of a week ago, Hart and Berlanga now have a common opponent on their resume in Demond Nicholson.  Nicholson was stopped by Hart in the seventh round of their 2018 contest, but went the distance in an eight round contest against Berlanga, becoming the only Berlanga opponent to make it out of round one in the process.

With regards to the Berlanga-Nicholson fight, Hart said, “Styles make fights.  He didn’t stop Demond Nicholson, but he did knock him down (four times).  I think Berlanga showed he had power, but I don’t think he showed smarts, I don’t think he showed skills, and I don’t think he showed athleticism.  He was getting hit a lot.”

Ever the boxing historian, Hart thinks a potential Berlanga fight would play out like another Philadelphia vs. Puerto Rico battle: Bernard Hopkins v Felix Trinidad.

“You saw what happened with Bernard Hopkins and Tito Trinidad,” the presumed underdog Hart, said. “He didn’t care that the whole Garden was against him.  He went in there and did his job and got Tito out of there.  It’s going to play out like that.  If this fight gets made, it will be a hell of a fight, but I got me stopping him in eight rounds.  I got both of my hands, I’m living right, I’m healthy, there’s no way this thing goes eight rounds June 12.”

Jesse Hart 175 lbs vs. Joe Smith Jr. 174.6 lbs
(vacant NABO light heavyweight title — 10 Rounds)

       Steven Nelson 167.8 lbs vs. Cem Kilic 167.6 lbs
(vacant NABO super middleweight title — 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

    Joseph Adorno 136 lbs vs. Hector Garcia 135 lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds

               Chris Thomas 170.6 lbs vs. Samir Barbosa 168.2 lbs
(Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds

       Shinard Bunch 147.2 lbs vs. Dennis Okoth 145.6 lbs
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

          Sonny Conto 218 lbs vs. Curtis Head 271.6 lbs
(Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

    Jeremy Adorno 121.6 lbs vs. Fernando Ibarra 121.4 lbs
(Super Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

 Xander Zayas 147.2 lbs vs. Corey Champion 146.8 lbs
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds) 
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing, tickets priced at $100, $60, $40 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.  

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Jan. 9, 2020) — Jesse Hart and Joe Smith Jr. faced off two days before their highly anticipated 10-round light heavyweight showdown Saturday from Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET). Hart is attempting to gain a measure of revenge, as Smith knocked out his mentor and close friend Bernard Hopkins back in December 2016.

Hart (26-2, 21 KOs), who twice challenged for a super middleweight world title, will be making his second appearance at light heavyweight. Smith (24-3, 20 KOs) is making his second attempt at a world title, as he fell short in a spirited effort against WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol last March.

The ESPN co-feature, a 10-round battle of super middleweight unbeatens, will feature Terence Crawford stablemate Steven Nelson against Cem Kilic.

ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Jesse Hart vs. Joe Smith Jr., 10 rounds, light heavyweight

Steven Nelson vs. Cem Kilic, 10 rounds, super middleweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Joseph Adorno vs. Hector Garcia, 8 rounds, lightweight

Chris Thomas vs. Samir Barbosa, 6 rounds, super middleweight

Shinard Bunch vs. Dennis Okoth, 6 rounds, welterweight

Sonny Conto vs. Curtis Head, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Jeremy Adorno vs. Fernando Ibarra, 4 rounds, super bantamweight

Xander Zayas vs. Corey Champion, 4 rounds, welterweight

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing, tickets priced at $100, $60, $40 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

Two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest punchers, Jesse “Hollywood” Hart and Joe Smith Jr., are prepared for a toe-to-toe battle in a 10-rounder Saturday evening (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the Etess Arena at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J.

Hart, Smith, Top Rank president Todd duBoef and Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia (Smith’s promoter) hosted a conference call Tuesday to kick off fight week. This is what they had to say.

duBoef

When we announced the fight and did our {2020 kickoff press conference} in New York in December, I got up at the press conference there, and there was a lot of tension between these two guys. So I think one writer came to me and said, “You know, I was really excited for this fight.” I was kind of excited. I wasn’t sure what was going to come of it, but after the press conference and seeing both the passion and the determination Jesse and Joe have towards this match, and really where they are in a hot division that is rich with great fighters and obviously great punchers, it came true to form in their press conference style. It’s an exciting way to start off the year. Nothing like starting it out with big punchers. I’d like to introduce Joe DeGuardia, who is a long-time friend and business partner of Top Rank, who has developed and guided Joe Smith’s career. Let him make a couple comments, and then we’ll open this up to all of you guys to ask questions.

DeGuardia

Thank you very much, Todd. I want to thank you guys. It’s always a pleasure working with Top Rank and you and Bob. I’m looking forward to another thrilling night of ESPN action that’s being provided. This Saturday night, I’m thrilled to have Joe Smith Jr. headlining the card. I can’t wait to see Jesse Hart and Joe Smith. As you mentioned, these are two of the hardest-punching light heavyweights in the game, in a division that’s stacked with talent, and both of these guys have over 40 knockouts between them. They are really fighting each other for another world championship opportunity. Two guys are world title challengers fighting each other for another shot. I always love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight. He’s so exciting, and I know he’s bringing down carloads of fans that are going to be in Atlantic City to watch him. Working class people coming down to see a true working man fight. And I am really looking forward to this fight, really looking forward to Saturday night, and I think the fans are in for a treat. 

Jesse Hart

The fight is beyond like… I’m not looking at what’s next. I’m not looking at a world title challenge next. With this fight starting off the year, it’s been rough on me since 2016 since that Joe Smith-Bernard Hopkins fight happened. I’m not looking at nothing else. This is, like I said at the press conference, is not business. This is not business. This is not for bragging rights neither. This is something that my family put on me. This fight is more of a family thing. With family, it’s personal. That’s family, so at the end of the day, for me on my end, this is for my family. This is not only for myself. This is my family. This is my big brother, Bernard Hopkins. January 11th is so close. You know, it’s time. Training’s been going good. No injuries. Everything is really, really great. Everything just went good this training camp. I think I’ve been more focused than I’ve ever been because once something becomes personal, aside from business, it doesn’t matter about the politics of it. It doesn’t matter about the ratings or none of that. This is, like I said, it’s probably business for him, probably just another fight. For me, it’s not. I don’t look at what’s next. When I asked Todd duBoef, Bob Arum and Carl Moretti for this fight, I looked at it from this is something I had to do for myself. So January 11th is close, so like I said, I’m in the best condition I can be in. I’m prepared. We’ll see what happens January 11th.

Joe Smith Jr.

Training camp went well. It’s one of my best camps so far. Definitely in my best shape ever, and I know I have a lot to prove. I’m looking at this fight as a chance to get myself out there again, to show that I belong in title fights. I’m looking to prove that, so I want to put on a great show for the fans, and hopefully get a title shot or something else big after this. It’s always personal with me as well. Personal for me, and I’m also fighting for my family and other things. I want to better my life, and the way to do it is by getting in there, putting on a great show and moving forward with my career.

Q:

Joe, when you hear Jesse talk about his mentality of not caring about getting a title fight, or not using this as a springboard for a bigger fight, but just wanting to avenge the loss that his mentor and friend Bernard Hopkins took against you, what do you think about that? It’s kind of an unusual circumstance, it seems to me, in a significant boxing event.

Smith

Yeah, I mean, I don’t really understand it. I understand it to a point, I guess, but either way, he’s still in it to prove himself and do what he has to do.

Q:

When they said he wanted to fight you, did you know what the reason was at that time, or you didn’t know that until he said what he said at the press conference? 

Smith:

I was told that was the reason. 

Q:

And when they told you that, what was your initial reaction? 

Smith:

I mean, if that’s what he feels he’s fighting for, good for him. I mean, but me, I’m fighting to become a world champion.

Q:

Jesse, you mentioned of course how this is a more personal bout. Has there been a target on Joe’s back since that 2016 fight? Describe your emotions when you saw your big brother go down like that.

Hart:It definitely put a target on Joe’s back. I was just at the right time. Timing’s everything. When I saw that, I was really really hurt because like how Todd just explained it. He was the poster boy, but he inspired me, he inspired the little kids to be great, not to be average, not to be good, but to be great. And it’s very hard to do that in the poverty-stricken area of North Philly that we come from. My father {Eugene “Cyclone” Hart}, he was there, but he never got the chance to fight for a world title so my dad would look at Bernard like, “That’s how it’s supposed to be done. This is how it’s supposed to be.”

My dad is Cyclone Hart, but he’s my coach. My dad is telling me he did it right, how Bernard handled things. How he takes care of his body, how he fights, how he models himself. What he came from, just because you come from the poverty-stricken area of North Philly doesn’t mean you lay down. It doesn’t mean you stop fighting. So when you got that, and then at 9 years old, Bernard Hopkins was calling my father, and they would have talks. My dad would put Bernard on the phone with me, and he would always encourage me. “It’s time to get in the gym. You gotta start running another mile, Jesse.” These are the things Bernard told me. That inspiration. We’re all inspired by somebody, whoever it may be. When I was a little boy, that was my inspiration. That’s the guy that I model. That’s the guy who, in 2022, they’re gonna build a statue of Bernard in North Philadelphia for all the things he accomplished. What he came from, and he didn’t lay down. So that’s the thing that inspires me.

Q:

Joe, describe what it would do for your career to bounce back from the Dmitry Bivol loss and take out a top fighter like Jesse Hart. What will that mean for your career? 

Smith:

It will mean a lot. I believe it will prove I belong with the top guys in the division, and I believe I can get another title shot out of it. 

Q:

Jesse, how much more confident do you come into this fight knowing you pretty much dominated Sullivan Barrera and knowing he pretty much dominated Joe?

Hart:

Fighters adapt. I’m coming in confident. 

I might not fight the way I fought Sullivan Barrera. Who knows? I might step to Joe. I might go blow for blow. We both got power. That’s what I wanna do. I don’t know what nobody else thinks about this but this a fight. If you listen to Todd duBoef when he talks about how the fight got made… Jesse called and asked for Joe Smith. This wasn’t about rankings, this wasn’t about politics. This wasn’t about I gotta fight this guy to take a step further to be line for a title shot. This wasn’t about none of that.This was simply, “Yo, see if we can get Joe Smith.”  So that mentality I’m taking in there. Let’s go. Let’s fight. It’s a fight. It’s not a boxing match. It’s none of that. It’s not strategic. It wasn’t strategically planned. The strategy would be to fight Eleider Alvarez because, you know, no, that’s out the window. Get Joe Smith on the line, that’s who I want to fight. Please, can y’all make it happen? 

He lost to a guy I beat, but I’m not gonna fight like that come January 11th. You might get me to step to Joe. We might see Joe get floored. We don’t know.Q:

Joe, is there motivation that maybe you have something left to prove after the losses to Dmitry and Sullivan? Do you kinda feel like you’re being overlooked, not necessarily by Jesse but from other people maybe because you haven’t had a lot of success ever since you beat Bernard Hopkins?

Smith:

Yeah, I definitely believe I’ve been overlooked. People always go back to the Barrera fight, but no one ever thinks about that I fought 10 rounds with a broken jaw in that fight and made it through the fight against a top contender with a broken jaw. Not many people do that. There’s been a lot of fighters, after they get a little hair fracture, they quit. My jaw was completely broken on both sides in half and just hanging and I made it through that fight. So for me to do that…. I won that fight in my view. With this fight hearing about how Jesse was inspired by Bernard Hopkins growing up, it gives me inspiration and it motivates me to put on a great show to inspire other people who are watching me. I want people to talk about me like Jesse’s talking about Hopkins. So that’s my goal when I come out January 11th.

Q:

Jesse, obviously you spent years fighting at 168, and then you move up against Sullivan Barrera. From a physical standpoint or a boxing standpoint, how do you feel fighting at 175 as compared to when you were at super middleweight?

Hart:

I feel much more stronger. I believe my body is more mature. We were doing something in the gym yesterday, me and Bernard, we were doing some pullups and Bernard hit 25, straight from the door at {54} years old. I hit 35 and in the gym we do this thing called repetition workout. We do the pullups, and then we do pushups, and then we do the situps, all in one thing. So it was like with more weight on my body, it’s evening out. As far as my upper body strength, it’s all coming together at this time. Like I said, evening out like that at 168, my upper body might have been stronger but my legs couldn’t handle that, or it was just I’m top heavy. I couldn’t put that much weight on my legs because of the weight I had to be at 168. With this, the weight is much more evened out. Legs are strong, upper body is strong, everything is physically and mentally ready to go.

Q:

My question is for Joe, actually. We’ve heard on this media call about Hart’s motivation being behind Hopkins. Can you elaborate by chance on your motivation for this fight, besides that it’s a world title shot? 

Smith:

Besides a world title shot, what’s my motivation? Like I was just saying a minute ago, to inspire others to get out there and give it their best and work hard every day.

Q:

Jesse, you’ve spoken extensively about how this fight is about getting revenge for Bernard Hopkins. How important was it for you to have this fight take place in Atlantic City where pretty much all of Philadelphia can come out and raise up? 
 
Hart:
 
That was very very important. I even wanted it in New York or Philadelphia. I mean, Philadelphia, New York or Atlantic City. They picked Atlantic City. That’s neutral ground. That’s not too far from New York and definitely not far from Philadelphia. That was very important because I want everybody to see the 10 rounds that take place with this fight. Again, that wasn’t important to me because if the fight had to be in Joe Smith Jr.’s backyard, I would have showed up. I’m talking about inside his home or his backyard because it’s that personal. There could have been no fans, just a bunch of dogs back there, and we still would have gotten it on. That’s how personal this is to me.

Q:

Joe, I have a question for you. Obviously it’s no secret you haven’t been the most active fighter in recent years, especially coming off the win with Bernard Hopkins, it’s just been basically one fight a year. What can you see that can help change that in 2020? Obviously aside from winning on Saturday night. 

Smith:

Yeah, I have to get past Jesse Hart on Saturday night. You know I’m hoping to stay busy this year. I want to fight a few times. I want to make 2020 my year. I’m really looking forward to it.

Q:

Was there anything specific holding you back or is it just a matter of like searching for the best opportunities as opposed to staying active?

Smith:

The best opportunities and, after the Bivol fight, I wanted to take some time to clear my head, and I did that and took off the summer, and I came back and I’ve been feeling great since. I feel stronger and better than ever.

Q:

Jesse, obviously you want to snatch the win and that’s very important to you, but what would be personally the most satisfying way to get it. Would you want to get in there and do a Wilder-Breazeale first-round knockout or would you want an extended fight where you’re dominant? What would be your most satisfying way to win this fight? 

Hart:

To win this fight in a dominating fashion, all the way around the board. From the first round to the last round is the plan now. I know there’s no quit in Joe. He showed that with Sullivan Barrera. He fought with a broken jaw. I want to dig down. I want to take Joe to that Ali-Frazier III type of knock-down, drag-out fight. Where Ali said it was the closest he was to death. I want to see if he quits then. That’s how far I want to push Joe. I want to stay in there, and I want to see where it’s at. I wanna see if he’s going to quit then with me. I know what I”m looking to do. I know I’m not looking to quit that night under no circumstances.

Q:

Joe, clearly this is an important fight for Hart to win and for the city and for himself, but is it a personal motivator to have two significant wins over notable Philly fighters? 

Smith:

Yeah, definitely. It’s gonna be a great night for me. I’m looking to come out on top, but I would like to do it in fashion, wearing the common man boxing trunks and beating another Philly fighter that underestimated me. I don’t see Jesse underestimating me, but being that he is a big fan of someone who did, and he’s from Philly… I’m just really looking forward to it. I want to put on a great show for everyone. For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing, tickets priced at $100, $60, $40 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.  

Both JESSE “HOLLYWOOD” HART (Philadelphia, PA 26-2 21KO’s) and JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic Beach, Long Island 24-3 20KO’s) know that a lot is on the line when they step into the ring this Saturday night, January 11, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City live on ESPN. Hart has turned this top light heavyweight battle into a “personal” vendetta against Smith Jr., who knocked his mentor, the legend, BERNARD HOPKINS out of the ring and into retirement, in 2016.

For the Long Island native, Joe Smith Jr., only business lies ahead at the Hard Rock, “I want people to talk about me the way Jesse Hart talks about Bernard Hopkins,” said a humorous Smith Jr. on yesterday’s national media tele-conference. With no love lost between the two, when asked about what his goal is in this fight, Smith Jr. pulled no punches, “it looks like I am going to have to let Philly down one more time.”

Coming off a tough battle with Russian Technician, DMITRY BIVOL in which Smith Jr. took the champion the full 12-rounds for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship, Smith Jr. knows a win against Hart is the only option. “I just always look to improving myself. I want to better my life. The way to do is to put on a great show and keep moving forward with my career,” said Smith Jr.

Use the hashtag #HartSmith to join the conversation on social media.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (Nov. 19, 2019) — This one is personal. Jesse “Hollywood” Hart, born and bred in Philadelphia, will take on Joe Smith Jr. Saturday, Jan. 11 from Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in the 10-round main event, which will kick off the 2020 Top Rank on ESPN schedule.

It was Smith, the union construction worker from Long Island, who knocked Philadelphia legend Bernard Hopkins through the ropes and into retirement in December 2016. For Hart, who considers Hopkins a mentor, this fight is more than a step towards a world title shot.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes will televise Hart-Smith Jr. and a co-feature beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with undercard action slated for ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing, tickets priced at $100, $60, $40 and $25 (not including applicable fees) go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.  

“When you have two fighters who can punch like heck, anything can happen,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We believe Jesse Hart has everything it takes to become a world champion, but Joe Smith Jr. can turn the lights out at any moment. This is a sensational main event to kick off the Top Rank schedule in 2020.”

“This is personal. Bernard inspired me to be what I became,” Hart said. “I wouldn’t be right if didn’t avenge that defeat. I can’t move forward unless I beat him. This is a Philly thing. It’s more personal than business for me. I want a world title shot at light heavyweight, but I have to get through this guy first.”

“I am back in the gym and feel great,” Smith said. “I am focused and ready to bring everything I have. Jesse Hart might want to make this personal, but I didn’t even know who he was before this fight was brought up. I am ready for this. It is going to be a great night.”

“I look forward to a thrilling, fan-friendly fight in Atlantic City on ESPN Jan. 11,” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia, Smith’s promoter. “Jesse Hart is Philly tough, but I love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight as his amazing punching power always puts him 10 seconds away from a KO win. It will be a rocking night at the Hard Rock Hotel.”   

Hart (26-2, 21 KOs) is making his triumphant return to Atlantic City, where he is 7-0 with 7 knockouts. He twice challenged for the super middleweight world title previously held by Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, but he came up short via a pair of close decision defeats. Following the second Ramirez loss in December 2018, Hart moved up to the light heavyweight ranks and announced his arrival with a 10-round decision victory over Sullivan Barrera on the Tyson Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard.

Smith (24-3, 20 KOs) was boxing’s “Cinderella Man” in 2016, upsetting Andrzej Fonfara via first-round TKO to earn the shot at Hopkins. He proved the Fonfara win was no fluke, as he bullied Hopkins around the ring before a combination knocked him through the ropes. Smith is coming off a decision loss to WBA light heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol, although he buzzed Bivol on several occasions in the championship rounds.

For more information, visit  www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #HartSmith to join the conversation on social media.

LAS VEGAS — It began with Tyson Fury walking down the hallway toward the ring looking ominous. He was dressed, all 6-foot-9 of him, in funereal back. Then, suddenly, The Grim Reaper transformed into Captain America. The black was gone.

Beneath it, there was an American flag fashioned into a robe and Top Hat that could have been straight out of Apollo Creed’s closet. It ended, with Fury at the center of the ring, singing I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing. It’s an Aerosmith song. But Fury made it sound like Elvis.

Hey, an Elvis impersonation had to be in there. This is Vegas, after all. And that’s what Fury promised. A show. It wasn’t much more than that. Yes, there was a fight – or at least a facsimile of one – for nearly two full rounds between The Grim Reaper-turned-Captain America and Elvis.

But it was a fight that appears hard to judge, at least in terms of what it means to the heavyweight division. Deontay Wilder will have to wait, probably until early next year. There’s still plenty of time to argue and re-argue all of the possibilities in the proposed rematch. Nothing that in Saturday fight figures to change the outlines of what to expect in Fury-Wilder II.

German challenger Tom Schwarz didn’t do anything to make anybody change any minds. He was there as a prop. He vanished like a prop in what could have been another part of the show. Fury was the magician, making Schwarz vanish within two rounds Saturday night of a bout televised by ESPN+.

“Me key tonight was to enjoy myself,’’ Fury (28-0-1, 20 KOs) said after retaining the lineal heavyweight championship and a purse estimated to be $12,5 million. “I hope everybody enjoyed it as much as I did.’’

If the crowd’s enthusiasm was any sign, nearly everybody did, other than probably Schwarz (24-1. 16 KOs) and his trainer. The German corner threw in the towel at 2:54 of the second, not long after a succession of punches dropped Schwarz along the ropes. Schwarz got up. But Fury’s punches kept coming, one after another in a blitz without interruption.

A sure sign of the end was evident in the beginning. Fury immediately began to work his long jab. He developed a rhythm – feint, feint, jab, hook, feint. Then, there was some mocking. Fury stuck out his tongue at Schwarz. He smiled at him. He did just about anything he wanted to.

“What’s next?” said Fury, who then deflected the question to his promoter, Bob Arum.  “Bob will tell you we have September 25 or October 5.

“Then ,next year we are going to hold down Deontay Wilder to give me that green (WBC) belt.’’

Jesse Hart wins at light-heavyweight, beating Barrera

Jesse Hart, a former super-middleweight contender, moved up in weight and discarded the former. He’s still a contender, this time at light-heavyweight. Hart (26-2, 21 KOs) beat top-10 contender Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) knocking him down once in the eighth round en route to 99–90, 96-93, 97-92 victory over the Cuban fighter, now a resident of Miami.

“Watch out, cause I’m on my way,” said Hart, a Philadelphia fighter who continues his lifelong pursuit of a major title. ” I hurt my right hand in the seventh. But I’m OK. I think I need just one more fight at 175 to feel completely comfortable at the weight.”

Mikaela Mayer stays unbeaten

Mikaela Mayer stayed unbeaten and undeterred about her hopes for an eventual  showdown with Irish star Katie Taylor Saturday with a tough, yet convincing decision over Lizbeth Crespo in a 10-round, 130-pound fight.

Mayer (11-0, 4 KOs), an Olympian from Los Angeles, endured some powerful shots in the early rounds from Crespo (13-5, 3 KOs), who learned how to fight because of domestic abuse while growing up in Argentina. But Mayer employed power, precision and a superior reach to gain control over the final few rounds. 

Toledo super-featherweight Albert Bell (15-0, 4 KOs) relied on a three-inch advantage to control distance and tempo in the early rounds, scoring a unanimous decision over Andy Vences (22-1-1, 12 KOs), a San Jose, Calif., fighter whose aggressiveness and power in the later rounds weren’t enough.  

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins unanimous decision

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe started the fight. Finished it, too.

Lowe (18-0-3, 6 KOs) shoved Duarn Vue (14-2-2, 4 KOs) during a face-t-face pose fro the camera after a staged weigh-in Friday. Punches might have been thrown then if not for 87-year-old Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who rushed across the stage and pulled Vue to one side. 

The punches would wait, but 24 hours later Love threw and landed most of them, scoring a unanimous decision over Vue.

Abel Sanchez-trained heavyweight scores overwhelming stoppage

He calls himself the Gladiator, an appropriate nickname for a fighter from a city known for its ancient Colosseum. Rome heavyweight Guido Vianello (4-0, 4 KOs) did everything his nickname demands. The Abel Sanchez-trained  scoring three knockdowns of Keenan Hickman (6-4-1, 2 KOs) for a second-round TKO. 

First Bell: German heavyweight opens Fury-Schwarz card with a decision win

In front of a matinee crowd of people trying to escape The Strip’s sole-melting temps, a young German heavyweight did what a fellow German hopes to do on the main event.

Peter Kadiru (4-0, 1 KOs), of Hamburg, won.

The 21-year-old Kadiru opened the show at the MGM Grand, scoring a unanimous decision over Houston’s Juan Torres (3-2-1, 1 KO) in a four rounder on an eight-fight card scheduled to end with German Tom Schwarz in an attempt at an upset of lineal heavyweight champ Tyson Fury. 

LAS VEGAS (May 29, 2019) — Jesse “Hollywood” Hart and Sullivan Barrera understand high stakes and are coming to Las Vegas, intent on cashing in with a potential world title shot on the line. Hart and Barrera will square off in a 10-round light heavyweight bout Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Hart-Barrera will serve as the co-feature to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s title defense against unbeaten German challenger Tom Schwarz.

Fury-Schwarz and Hart-Barrera will stream live in the United States exclusively on ESPN+ — the leading multi-sport streaming service – beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.

The undercard will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST/4:00 p.m. PST and will showcase undefeated 2016 Olympian Mikaela Mayer (10-0, 4 KOs), who will fight former world title challenger Lizbeth Crespo (13-4, 3 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and SES Boxing, tickets priced at $500, $300, $100 and $50 are on sale now can be purchased online through axs.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts box office.

“On June 15, I’m coming to knock him out,” Hart said. “I refuse to lose. This is a legacy fight. I want the big names. I need a big name, and Barrera is the name. I don’t want to just win and coast to some boring decision. I’m coming to prove to the world that I can fight with these bigger guys. After I knock Barrera out, I’m coming for all the champions. The light heavyweights better watch out because ‘Hollywood’ Hart is here.”

“I am excited to face Jesse Hart, a great fighter who has also been in there with world champions,” Barrera said. “This is a must-win fight. Simple as that. Camp has been great for me, and I am looking forward to June 15. It’s going to be a great card, and I am going to show everyone in Las Vegas and watching on ESPN+ what I’m truly made of.”

Hart (25-2, 21 KOs) had two cracks at the WBO super middleweight world title, losing a pair of close decisions to longtime champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The Ramirez rematch, which took place last December in Corpus Christi, Texas, was a bruising affair that saw Hart rally in the second half before losing a majority decision. Eleven of Hart’s last 12 victories have come via knockout, and he hopes to carry that power up to the light heavyweight ranks. The Philadelphia native fought on the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao undercard in 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, knocking out Mike Jimenez in six rounds.

Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), from Cuba, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12^th and final round.

Mayer is one of female boxing’s rising stars and has dominated her opposition as a professional. She went 6-0 in 2018, winning the NABF belt on August 25 with a shutout decision over the previously undefeated Vanessa Bradford. She made her 2019 debut February 15 in Hinckley, Minnesota, outclassing Yareli Larios over eight rounds. Crespo fought IBF featherweight world champion Jennifer Han in February 2018, dropping a tightly contested unanimous decision.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see women fighting alongside marquee names like Tyson Fury, and I’m grateful to be fighting at the MGM Grand on June 15,” Mayer said. “There’s still a lot the world hasn’t seen when it comes to my style and I’m ready to show everyone something special.”

In addition to Mayer-Crespo, the ESPN2/ESPN Deportes undercard broadcast will also include the following fights:

• Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (3-0, 3 KOs), a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who represented his native Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will return in a six-rounder.
   
• Featherweight Isaac Lowe (17-0-3, 6 KOs), a stablemate of Fury’s, will fight an opponent to be named in a 10-rounder.
   
• Top super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic (13-0, 8 KOs) will see action in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be determined.
   
• Sonny Conto (2-0, 2 KOs), as big-punching heavyweight from Philadelphia, will make his Las Vegas debut in a four-rounder. Conto’s two professional fights — both first-round knockouts — have lasted a total of 3:30.
   
• German heavyweight prospect Peter Kadiru (3-0, 1 KO) will fight an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Sign-up to ESPN+ at www.espnplus.com.

Use the hashtags #FurySchwarz and #HartBarrera to join the conversation on social media.

About Top Rank
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1966 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, and Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

Top Rank has promoted some of the most memorable fights in the sport’s history, including 26 Ali events, Leonard vs. Hearns, Pryor vs. Arguello, Duran vs. Leonard, Hagler vs. Hearns, Leonard vs. Hagler, Foreman vs. Holyfield, Morales vs. Barrera, De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, and the most lucrative fight in boxing history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. In addition to the previously mentioned super fights, Top Rank possesses one of the largest sports libraries, which includes nearly 10,000 fights.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Staples Center, Wembley Arena, Araneta Coliseum, The Venetian Macao, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, The “Fabulous” Forum, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21^st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

About Queensberry Promotions 
Queensberry Promotions is the promotional vehicle of Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren.

Frank Warren has promoted some of the sport of boxing’s biggest names in his 35+ year career including the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe, Mike Tyson, Frank Bruno and Ricky Hatton; as well as current stars Tyson Fury, Billy Joe Saunders, Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton.

Some of the events promoted by Frank Warren during his illustrious career include Frank Bruno v Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium, David Haye v Derek Chisora at Upton Park, Ricky Hatton v Kostya Tszyu at Manchester Arena, Prince Naseem Hamed v Kevin Kelley at Madison Square Garden and Joe Calzaghe v Mikkel Kessler at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Queensberry Promotions has a long-term exclusive deal in the UK to promote boxing events on BT Sport, the sport broadcast platform of telecoms giant BT.

About MTK Global
MTK Global is the world’s foremost fighter management company. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it was founded in September 2012 by two-time European boxing champion, Matthew Macklin.

MTK Global delivers a wide range of support and services including career development, legal, media, endorsements and sponsorships to more than a hundred professional fighters. It provides boxing shows, events and training gyms in various locations worldwide: Marbella, Spain, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sta. Catarina, Brazil and Sydney, Australia.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

About MGM Grand Garden Arena
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also has been home to annual events including the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, the Latin GRAMMY Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and Frozen Fury NHL pre-season games hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET)

• Gilberto Ramirez 167.25 lbs vs. Jesse Hart 167.5 lbs
(Ramirez’s WBO Super Middleweight world title – 12 Rounds)

• Arnold Barboza Jr. 139.25 lbs vs. Manuel Lopez 139.5 lbs
(Vacant NABF Super Lightweight title – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

• Gabriel Flores Jr. 132.5 lbs vs. Edward Kakembo 131 lbs
(Lightweight – 6 Rounds)

•Joshua Greer Jr. 117.75 lbs vs. Daniel Lozano 117.75 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas title – 10 Rounds)

Mikaela Mayer 129.5 lbs vs. Calixta Silgado 127.75 lbs
(Mayer’s NABF Super Featherweight title – 8 Rounds)

Jamel Herring 132 lbs vs. Adeilson Dos Santos 132 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 8 Rounds)

Ruben Vega 117.5 lbs vs. Oscar Mojica 117 lbs
(Bantamweight – 6 Rounds)

Jesus Arechiga 122.25 lbs vs. David Martino 121.5 lbs
(Super Bantamweight – 6/4 Rounds)

Roberto Duran Jr. 145.75 lbs vs. Leonardo Pena 144.25 lbs
(Welterweight – 4 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Hart 2 world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100, $65, $45, and $30, tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

About ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports), domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Dec. 12, 2018) – Undefeated WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (38-0, 25 KOs) and No. 1 contender Jesse “Hollywood” Hart (25-1, 21 KOs) have been here before. The two fought in September of last year, with Ramirez prevailing via tight unanimous decision.

The two will renew acquaintances Friday evening at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, in a main event that will be streamed live on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET). Undefeated 140-pounder Arnold Barboza Jr. (19-0, 7 KOs) will take on Manuel Lopez (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.

2016 U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer, 130-pound contender Jamel Herring, and bantamweight contender Joshua Greer Jr. will all look to steal the show on the undercard broadcast (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET).

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

Gilberto Ramirez

On the first Hart fight

“I dominated that fight. This fight will be no different. It will be only one side. My side.”

On returning to Corpus Christi, where he knocked out Habib Ahmed in February

“I’m really happy to be back in Corpus Christi. I started the year with a knockout in Corpus Christi, and I want to finish the year with a knockout, too. I hope everyone enjoys it.”

On a potential Canelo Alvarez fight

“I need to beat Jesse Hart and he needs to beat Rocky Fielding. Mexican versus Mexican, everybody would love to see that. If he wins and I win, let’s do it!”

Jesse Hart

On gaining revenge against Ramirez

“Things will be different because we corrected the little mistakes that didn’t go right the first time. I think with the mistakes that {trainer} Fred Jenkins corrected with me, and being on that stage and on that platform, I believe you will see a change in the outcome.”

On fighting for his father/trainer (Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, who won’t be attending the fight because of an illness)

“It means everything for my dad, to myself. Like I said, since I started boxing, me and my dad, we never dreamed of nothing else but being a world champion. I’m very blessed and very humbled by this opportunity I have again. I’m just going to go out there and put on the best performance I possibly can to bring home the victory.”

Manuel Lopez

On fighting as the co-feature

“It’s a huge blessing, for sure, and the fact that I’m going to be right before my main man here, Jesse Hart, makes it a whole lot better. We went to school together, so it makes it an even better opportunity. I’m very, very happy about it.”

On what it will take to beat Barboza

“It’s going to take hard work as it’s been. Hard work, dedication, and hopefully it will happen on Friday night. His birthday present is going to be his first ‘L.'” (Barboza’s birthday was Dec. 9)

Arnold Barboza Jr.

On fighting as the co-main event and potentially fighting for a world title in 2019

“We just put our head down and train. We’d been getting ready for a fight in November, which got moved to December. We’ve been training since our last fight ( a KO victory August 25 against Luis Solis). I wand to thank Top Rank for giving me the opportunity. I feel like I’ve passed every test that they’ve given me. From Mike Reed to tall fighters, pressure fighters, everything. He says he’s gonna give me a birthday present. My birthday present is gonna be celebrating my win. I’m going to look better than I ever have. I’ve been training the best I ever have, and I’m read to go.”

Mikaela Mayer

On her first full year as a pro {Friday will be her sixth fight of 2018}

“It definitely exceeded my expectations and my team’s. Top Rank has done a great job of moving me and I think given me the right fights, too, kind of just testing my skills and seeing where I’m at. I think that’s exactly what this next fight is going to be. They want to see where I am and see how much they can step me up in 2019, so I want to show them that I’m ready. I hope they keep me just as busy.”

On training in Colorado Springs alongside people like Jamel Herring.”

“I think it’s just the environment that makes it more exciting because I came from Team USA, where I’m training around teammates and it’s always a fun atmosphere. When you turn pro, sometimes you lost that team environment. Being able to train around fellow Olympians like Jamel, {in addition to} Terence Crawford, and still being close to the {U.S. Olympic} Training Center, it definitely keeps it exciting and more fun.”

Jamel Herring

On his 2018 campaign and training with Brian McIntyre and Terence Crawford

“It’s been great. As you can see, the proof is in the pudding. {From} my first fight with them and Top Rank back in May until now, we’ve been getting better. Like I said, the chemistry is great. I’m happy and honored to not only be with my new {training team}, but with Top Rank as well. We’re looking to close out the year strong and move on to bigger and better things in 2019.”

“I feel that with a good performance this weekend, a title opportunity will come in the new year. I’m very close. That’s why we wanted this fight. It’s very important to me. Not only to me, but to my team and my career.as a whole. Having Top Rank behind {me} has given me a lot. With a great performance this Friday, a lot of great things will come in the new year.”

Joshua Greer Jr.

On fighting for a regional title belt

“It feels good. All the hard work is paying off. I gotta thank Top Rank for the good job they’re doing, and I’m going to continue to do my part.”

On what he’s going to bring to the ring

“I got something real special for him. A new pillow. I went pillow shopping, so everything is going to come together.”

ESPN, 10 p.m. ET

Gilberto Ramirez (champion) vs. Jesse Hart (challenger), 12 rounds, WBO super middleweight world title

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Manuel Lopez, 10 rounds, super lightweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET

Mikaela Mayer vs. Calixta Silgado, Mayer’s NABF super featherweight title

Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Daniel Lozano, 10 rounds, vacant WBC Continental Americas bantamweight title

Jamel Herring vs. Adeilson Dos Santos, 8 rounds, super featherweight

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Edward Kakembo, 6 rounds, lightweight

Ruben Vega vs.Oscar Mojica, 6 rounds, super flyweight

Jesus Arechiga vs. David Martino, 6 rounds, super bantamweight

Roberto Duran Jr. vs. Leonardo Pena, 4 rounds, welterweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Hart 2 world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100, $65, $45, and $30, tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

About ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports), domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Dec. 11, 2018) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is seeking a fifth successful title defense. Jesse “Hollywood” Hart is out for revenge.

Ramirez (38-0, 25 KOs) will defend his WBO super middleweight world against Hart (25-1, 21 KOs) Friday at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, site of his February knockout of Habib Ahmed. Ramirez bested Hart via unanimous decision last September in one of the finest world championship fights of 2017.

In the co-feature, unbeaten 140-pound contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (19-0, 7 KOs) will face Manuel Lopez (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Ramirez-Hart 2 and Barboza-Lopez will stream live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. The entire undercard, including appearances by female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer, 130-pound contender Jamel Herring, Gabriel Flores Jr., and big-punching bantamweight Joshua Greer Jr. will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Hart 2 world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100, $65, $45, and $30, tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Hart and Ramirez worked out for the media Tuesday at Corpus Christi Boxing Club. This is what they had to say.

Gilberto Ramirez

“I’m coming to Corpus Christi to give the fans a great fight. I have very good memories of the last time I fought here. They treated me well. I felt right at home, and that’s why I asked to fight here again. I will not let them down. I will close the year the same way I started it, with a knockout win in Corpus Christi!”

“I don’t take this fight as a rematch. The first one was a good fight, but I beat him clearly. For this fight, I’m coming better prepared mentally and physically. I’m focused on taking care of business and winning convincingly.”

Jesse Hart

“Camp was great. It was real tough because I did things l never did before. I chopped wood for the first time. I climbed rope. Going into camp this time, I was in tremendous shape. I didn’t take any time off after my last fight. I knew the rematch was looming, so I stayed hungry and ready to go. After I win this title, I’m definitely going to take a vacation and spend time with my daughter and my family.”

“Right after the decision, I wanted to fight Gilberto again. When you look at all of his opponents, I was his only opponent that came close to beating him. He’s fought a lot of credible guys, but no one came as close as me.”

“I’ve never been more ready for a fight in my life. Gilberto Ramirez is going to see a different fighter this time around. All I can do is keep honing my craft and get better.”
About ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports), domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.