Los Angeles, CA – December 9, 2021 – Paul Butler insists he will show no fear when he clashes with John Riel Casimero for the WBO bantamweight title on Saturday’s historic #ProbellumRevolution card at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts) challenges Casimero (31-4, 21 knockouts) on a stacked card this weekend that will be broadcast on FreeSports, Premier Sports and BoxNation in the UK and Ireland, and on AXS TV and FightNetwork in the USA and Canada, which also features Sunny Edwards defending his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama.

It sees Ellesmere Port’s Butler looking to become a two-time world champion, after the 33-year-old previously reigned back in 2014 after triumphing over Stuart Hall.

He now faces a difficult task against highly-rated Casimero, who won the world title in 2019 with a knockout victory over Zolani Tete, before recently defending it against Guillero Rigondeaux earlier this year, but Butler is confident that he will upset the odds.

“I am not scared of anybody. Casimero has got two arms, two legs, and eats and drinks the same as me,” said Butler. “I haven’t shied away from this. It is a fight that I’m excited for and I believe that I’ll win.

“I’ve trained for the best Casimero possible. I’ve watched tape and studied him well. We know he’s dangerous and he hits hard, and everybody talks about him being a monster and a knockout merchant, but it will be the best Paul Butler in there on Saturday.

“Every fighter is dangerous at this level. He’s a world champion in a very hot division and I’m not expecting an easy night, but I’ve got myself put into the mandatory position and it’s the fight I wanted. I’ve worked hard over all these years for it.

“On Saturday it will be 11 years to the day since I made my professional debut, so I’m excited to be here in Dubai in different surroundings. I’ve trained really well with Joe Gallagher, and teaming up with him was the best thing I have done.

“I wish I had done it from my debut, as everything has a structure and a gameplan. It has changed me completely, and earlier in my career I was maybe throwing for the sake of it and it might have been all-action. Now I don’t waste as many shots.

“Everything was a massive rush earlier in my career. When I won the world title against Stuart Hall I was young and inexperienced. I maybe hit that level too soon and everybody expected too much of me, but I’ve regrouped and worked hard to get back here.”

Saturday’s #ProbellumRevolution card also features some of the very best talent from around the world, as fearsome Uzbekistan heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov takes on Julio Cesar Calimeno, four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes faces Norbelto Jiminez for the WBO International super-flyweight title, plus the always-exciting Jono Carroll meets Aelio Mesquita.

Tickets for the event are now on sale in-store at Virgin Megastore and online via Coca-Cola Arena and Platinum List.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

FreeSports is delighted to announce they will broadcast the newly-launched PROBELLUM boxing promotion as it hosts its first major event this Saturday December 11th in Dubai. The full event will be available from 4pm GMT on Premier Sports 2 and BoxNation while FreeSports will join the coverage at 5.30pm GMT for the main events available free to watch in every home in the UK.

The headline event at PROBELLUM: Revolution this weekend sees surging IBF World Super Flyweight Champion and London born boxer, Sunny Edwards (16-0, 4 KO) make his first world title defence against fellow undefeated pugilist Jayson Mama (16-0, 9 KO), who has the skillset needed to trouble the elusive Edwards.

A world championship co-feature features WBO World Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero (31-4, 21 KO) defends his hard-fought title against mandatory contender Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KO) at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE.

Three-division champ Casimero has won 7 straight with 6 monstrous knockouts.  His most recent win was the biggest of his career, defeating two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux.  The contender Paul Butler aka ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ hailing from Cheshire, England, is a former IBF World Bantamweight Champion and looks to utilize his savvy boxing style to re-assert himself at the top of the sport.

FreeSports will also have live and free coverage the following Saturday December 18th of the second show PROBELLUM: Unstoppable. This show sees crowd-favourites Lewis Ritson (21-2, 12 KO), Thomas Patrick Ward (30-0, 4 KO) and three time world champion Ricky Burns (43-8, 16 KO) return to action as new global Boxing promotion PROBELLUM plants its flag in the United Kingdom at Rainton Meadows Arena in Sunderland.

Richard Webb, COO of Premier Sports/FreeSports commented, “We are delighted to partner with Probellum to broadcast these inaugural boxing events this December and make it available free to watch in every UK home in the UK. Both events feature popular British boxers we’re confident will be a big hit for our viewers and we’re looking forward to the coverage.”

Richard Schaefer, Probellum President said, “To be able to broadcast our very first event free to air in the UK, one which will go down in history with a terrific card is incredibly important to us and we’re thankful to FreeSports for their partnership in making this happen.”

FreeSports is available as a free to air sports channel operating in the UK on Sky HD Channel 422, Virgin TV HD Channel 553, Freeview Channel 64, BT/TalkTalk Channel 64, Samsung TV Plus and online via the FreeSports Player. Premier Sports 2 is available on Sky channel 429, Virgin TV 552 while BoxNation is on Sky channel 427, BT/TalkTalk channel 415 and Virgin TV channel 546. Premier Sports and BoxNation are both available via online streaming on the Premier Player.

ENDS

ABOUT FREESPORTS/PREMIER SPORTS

FreeSports is a free to air sports channel operating in the UK and Ireland and available on Sky HD Channel 422, Virgin TV HD Channel 553, Freeview Channel 64, BT/TalkTalk Channel 64 and online via the FreeSports Player.

FreeSports is a sister channel to Premier Sports who cover all 151 games of the United Rugby Championship, LaLigaTV, the home of knockout Scottish Cup Football, TOP14, Premier Sports Elite League, NHL, Betfred Rugby League Championship & the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series.

Premier Sports: www.premiersports.com                              FreeSports: www.freesports.tv

Los Angeles, CA – December 8, 2021 – Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc., a global multi-platform media company, announced today a partnership with global boxing organization Probellum, airing the promotion’s first major event, PROBELLUM: Revolution-World Championship Boxing Live From Dubai, on popular Anthem properties AXS TV and Fight Network this Saturday, December 11, starting at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.

Probellum is an emerging brand in the boxing landscape, boasting a stable of more than 20 world-class fighters including Nonito Donaire, Ricky Burns, Lee McGregor, Regis Prograis and Muhammad Waseem, among others. Saturday’s fully-loaded Revolution main card is broadcast live from Dubai’s landmark Coca-Cola Arena, giving AXS TV and Fight Network viewers the best seat in the house for four must-see bouts, headlined by a pair of 12-round world championship showdowns as UK standout Sunny Edwards defends his IBF Flyweight title against Jayson Mama, while John Riel Casimero defends his WBO Bantamweight title against Paul Butler. Additionally, beloved ring announcer Michael Buffer will be on-hand to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the festivities.

Boxing enthusiasts across the United States will be able to enjoy Probellum’s inaugural event on AXS TV, whose rich history of combat sports coverage includes acclaimed MMA events from around the world, as well as the all-female MMA promotion Invicta FC, and the iconic IMPACT Wrestling promotion. The night marks the first of two Probellum events to air throughout the United States and Canada on the premier combat sports hub Fight Network, which will also broadcast the organization’s upcoming three-hour, four- bout event on Saturday, December 18, as fighters such as Lewis Ritson, Christian Uruzquieta, Emiliano Dominguez and Thomas Patrick Ward go toe-to-toe live from Rainton Arena in Sunderland, England.

“We’re thrilled to announce news of Probellum’s broadcast deal across the USA and Canada, giving millions of fight fans the opportunity to watch our huge events this month,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “One of our key goals when we launched Probellum was to make our events accessible to all, and this broadcast deal with AXS TV and Fight Network will achieve just that, allowing fans to witness some of the very best boxers from around the world.”

“Anthem has long been a major proponent of combat sports, and we are proud to join forces with Probellum to bring their inaugural Revolution event to boxing enthusiasts throughout the United States and Canada on AXS TV and Fight Network,” said Leonard Asper, founder and CEO of Anthem. “From boxing and MMA, to professional wrestling and more, combat sports content has consistently ranked as one of our most popular programming offerings. We are honored to be part of two historic Probellum events, and look forward to sharing their world-class boxing brand with our viewers starting with Probellum: Revolution this Saturday.”

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Also, visit @AXSTV and @FightNetwork and follow #ProbellumRevolution LIVE from Dubai.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

Los Angeles, CA – November 9, 2021 – Probellum will host a historic world championship double-header at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday, December 11 with Probellum: Revolution – as Sunny Edwards defends his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama and John Riel Casimero puts his WBO bantamweight title on the line against the UK’s Paul Butler.

The event brings together some of the very best fighters from around the world in what is sure to be an action-packed night of boxing.

Undefeated Edwards (16-0, 4 knockouts) makes the first defense of his world title, taking on his mandatory challenger Mama (16-0, 9 knockouts), after the two men were originally set to meet in September in the UK before an injury postponed the clash.

Casimero (31-4, 21 knockouts) is back following his victory over Guillermo Rigondeaux in August, now squaring off with mandatory challenger Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts). Casimero is one of the most devastating punchers in the division who looks to keep his momentum going in his third world championship defense.

Four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 knockouts) will also appear on the card, as he looks to move a step closer to another championship in a world title elimination bout. He will be joined by unbeaten super-featherweight Archie Sharp (21-0, 9 knockouts), and former world title challenger Jono Carroll (20-2-1, 5 knockouts), who is coming off an important win against Andy Vences in September.

“We are delighted to finally announce plans for this incredible event in Dubai next month,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “We made it clear from the offset that we have massive plans in store for Probellum, and this world title double-header shows just that.

“The two world title fights see John Riel Casimero face Paul Butler, while Sunny Edwards takes on Jayson Mama, and both of those bouts are set to be guaranteed excitement. With the likes of Donnie Nietes, Archie Sharp and Jono Carroll all competing too, fans will be treated to a night of non-stop action. We cannot wait for fight night and are proud to bring this historic event to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.”

Tickets are now available online via Coca-Cola Arena, Platinumlist, and in stores at Virgin Megastores.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Los Angeles, CA – October 14, 2021 – Probellum is thrilled to announce the promotional signing of former IBF bantamweight champion Paul Butler – ahead of his upcoming world title clash with John Riel Casimero.

Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts) has operated at the highest echelon in the sport for a number of years, after making his professional debut back in 2010.

It didn’t take long for the Ellesmere Port man to make an impact, winning the British super-flyweight title in just his ninth fight with a first round knockout win, before adding the Commonwealth, WBO Intercontinental and WBA Intercontinental bantamweight titles to his collection not long after.

The highlight then came in 2014, when Butler defeated Stuart Hall to win the IBF bantamweight title, and ‘The Baby Faced Assassin’ has remained firmly at world level from that point onwards.

The 32-year-old is now set to challenge for another world title, after Probellum won the purse bid for his WBO bantamweight title showdown with defending champion Casimero.

Butler becomes the 14th boxer to join Probellum’s expanding stable of elite fighters, joining Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Lewis Ritson, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson and Brandon Moore.

Probellum have also secured co-promotional agreements with some of the biggest promoters around the world, including Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

“I’m delighted to be signing with a huge force like Probellum,” said Butler. “Some of the moves they’ve made over the past few weeks have been massive, and it’s clear that this is the perfect team for me moving forward.

“Probellum have already shown their total support for me by winning the purse bid for my WBO bantamweight title fight against John Riel Casimero, so I’m proud to have them backing me and I can’t wait to once again become world champion in the near future.”

“We’re very pleased to welcome Paul Butler to the team,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “He’s worked extremely hard for a number of years to gain another shot at a world title, and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to win the purse bid for it.

“He is one of the best fighters that the UK has produced over the past decade, and at just 32-years-old, still has plenty of big nights ahead of him, so we’re certain this will be a long and successful relationship.”

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

John Riel Casimero retained the WBO Bantamweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Guillermo Rigondeaux in a fight void of action at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Casimero tried to make the fight, but Rigondeaux just backpaddled for most of the fight and less than 90 punches were landed between the two fighters.

Rigondeaux landed 44 of 221 punches; Casimero was 47 of 297.

Casimero, 118 lbs of the Philippines won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 while Rigondeaux took a card 115-113.

Casimero is 31-4. Rigondeaux, 117.4 lbs of Cubs is 20-2.

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“I’m excited to get the win. Rigondeaux is a good boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist. I was worried, because he said he wouldn’t run, but he ran the whole time. I thought I got the knockdown in the first round too.

“My expectations were for a knockout. Me and all my fans wanted that. I did my best to knock him out, but he was just running and not fighting.

“I had a three-fight plan. First was Rigondeaux, and I beat him. Next is Nonito Donaire and then finally Naoya Inoue.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“Nobody wants to fight with me because I frustrate them in the ring. I landed the punches that I needed to in order to win the fight tonight. This is how I win. 

“I have these God-given skills and this is the way I display them. I’m a unique fighter. It’s my style and it’s the only one I know. 

“You can see I’m still better than anyone else in the light weight classes and I’m going to keep fighting.”

Russell and Rodriguez ends in a no-contest

Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez ended in a no-contest after a headbutt opened up a bad cut on Rodriguez.

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“It happens. I was looking to establish my jab and I tried to set up a hook, and he came in at the same time. It’s very disappointing. 

“I was actually in camp for about four months. I prepared great for this fight. I was really looking to broadcast my talents and show everyone what’s in my arsenal. Unfortunately the headbutt happened. 

“Of course I would like to come right back. If he can do it, I want to get right back in there with Rodriguez.”

EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

“I feel okay. I’m a little frustrated after putting in all this work for the fight to end so quickly with nothing happening. 

“With the headbutt, maybe if there was no blood, we would have been able to continue. But once I saw all the blood, I knew it was over. 

“I don’t want to lose the condition that I’m in. I prepared really hard for this fight. As soon as the injury is fixed, I’ll be back in the ring and I’d like to fight Russell again.”

Warren Takes out Vazquez in 2

Former world champion Rau’She Warren took out Damien Vazquez in round two of their 10-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Warren dropped Vazquez with a right hook. Vazquez was not up for long as seconds later, he was sent to the deck for a second time from another right hook. In round two, Warren dropped Vazquez again with a perfect straight right to the jaw and the fight was stopped at 2:18

Warren, 117.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 21-3 with five knockouts. Vazquez, 117.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-3.

Rau’shee Warren

“I was trying to show them something different this time around. I have always had the power but this training camp was very different. I was sitting on my punches and working on something different. It worked in the ring.

“I always knew I had that power and I always knew I had that speed. It’s just about taking your time in the ring and letting them come. When I saw the opportunity, I went for it.

“Next fight is a title fight. I am the number one contender for the WBA. I want to thank Al Haymon for putting me in this position. I want to thank my team for pushing me. They know what kind of fighter I am. I guess these next few years, I am going to be champion. Next fight I am grabbing that title. Maybe I will fight the winner of the main event tonight (Rigondeaux vs. Casimero).”

“I proved tonight that I’m ready for a big fight. Now it’s back home and back to the gym and back to the drawing board.

“My corner told me to slow down in the second round and just let it come. I was just trying to let him get comfortable and as soon as I did that I caught him with the left hand.”

In a non-televised bout, Brandun Lee from La Quinta, Calif., improved to 23-0 with 21 KOs in his California debut as he knocked out Ezequiel Fernandez (28-5-1, 3 KOs) three times in the opening round. “Of course it was good, but could have been better,” said Lee whose fight was called off at 1:40 of the first round. “There’s always room to improve but at the end of the day we got the job done. I’ve been putting dudes to sleep so you’re right, it’s only right for me to step up the competition and go to world-class SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”

WBO Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Guillermo Rigondeaux – 117 ½ lbs.

John Riel Casimero – 118 lbs.

Referee: Jerry Cantu; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Daniel Sandoval (Calif.)

WBA Bantamweight Interim Title Bout – 12 Rounds

Gary Antonio Russell – 116 ¾ lbs. 

Emmanuel Rodriguez – 118 lbs.

Referee: Sharon Sands; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Pat Russell (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Rau’shee Warren – 117 ½ lbs. 

Damien Vazquez – 117 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Daniel Sandoval (Calif.)

Note: During the SHOWTIME telecast, highlights from rising super lightweight star and KO artist Brandun Lee’s bout will be shown. Friday, Lee (22-0, 20 KOs) of La Quinta, Calif., weighed in at 141 ½ pounds and his opponent Ezequiel Fernandez (28-4-1, 3 KOs) of San Juan, Argentina, weighed 138 ½ pounds. The contracted weight for the bout is 142 pounds.   

# # #

ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO

Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (August 12, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline action live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, August 14 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Also featured at Thursday’s press conference were rising unbeaten contender Gary Antonio Russell and former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez, who meet for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event, plus former champion Rau’shee Warren and Damien Vazquez, who square off to kick off the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“All these jokers always talk a lot about making me retire, but they have to do it in the ring. Let’s see what you do on Saturday. I’m still right here.

“I’m enjoying this back and forth right now. It’s heating up. He’s going to have to back it up on Saturday night.

“He’s knocked out six guys in a row, but none of them are in the same class as me. He’s going to have the devil in front of him on Saturday.

“I’m only worried about the title that Casimero has. I’m coming for the WBO belt on Saturday night. Everyone who is here knows my story and what I’ve done at 122-pounds. I’m going to do the same thing at 118-pounds. Casimero is no exception, he’s just standing in my way.

“I like all the challenges. I want to face all the champions out there like I’ve done my whole career. I’ll take on any champion who’s willing to face me.

“Casimero is going to be the third Filipino that I’m going to take down. Everyone is going to see what I’m about on Saturday. I don’t have to tell anyone what’s going to happen now, you’re going to see it all in the ring.

“I’m not worried about his talking. I always do my best talking with my fists and in the ring. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to show him the kind of fighter I am.

“I’m going to do what I’ve always done on Saturday night. I’m going to win. I’m not a big talker going around making big statements. I’m just going to do what I do best.”

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“This is a very good fight on August 14. Rigondeaux is a great fighter. But this fight is very important to me because I know my next opponent may be Nonito Donaire or Naoya Inoue. Those two opponents may be scared of me but Rigondeaux is not scared. But don’t worry Rigondeaux, this will be your last fight on August 14.

“I know how to manage my game plan against Rigondeaux but I’ll leave it as a surprise for him. Let’s see what happens Saturday. I’m not so much into the talking.

“I’ve stopped my last six opponents and Rigondeaux is next. He’s ‘finito’. If I finish Rigondeaux, then maybe Donaire or Inoue will be next.

“I’m confident I’m going to knock him out because of my training camp. I’ve been training so hard and my coach Nonoy Neri has prepared me for this moment.

“I respect Rigondeaux because he’s a good boxer and a two-time Olympian. But I want to show to the world that I can knock him out and a lot of my fans want to see me knock him out. So that’s what I’m going to do.

“I have a surprise for Rigondeaux on Saturday night. He will maybe last three rounds. Don’t run!”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“I’m hungry and I’m ready to eat. It’s just that simple. This fight is going to give me a chance to broadcast more skills that I haven’t been able to show so far. You’re going to see more of what’s in my arsenal. He’s a good fighter and I’m not overlooking him at all, but I know what I’m bringing to the table.

“I believe I’m ready for the title. Again, I’m not overlooking Rodriguez by any means. But good luck to Rigondeaux and Casimero on Saturday, because hopefully I’m facing the winner of that fight.

“People are going to see that I’m a great fighter after Saturday night. They’re going to say that Gary Antonio Russell comes from a great pedigree, all his family are winners, and he’s following suit.”

EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

“This is my chance for redemption. Everybody knows I got robbed in my last fight with the controversial decision. Now, I’m just trying to do my best on Saturday night and prove that I’m still here. I’m going to show why I deserve more opportunities and that I’m going to be a champion again at some point.

“Of course I’m focused first and foremost on Saturday night, but for the future I’m looking for fights against stellar fighters like Casimero and Rigondeaux. It’s a matter of first taking care of business on Saturday and then looking to fight the best.

“After this fight, I want fans to be able to say that I’m within range of the contenders of this division.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“I feel like this fight is going to go my way the whole way. The way I’ve been training and staying dedicated to the sport through the pandemic is going to be the difference. I stayed hungry the whole time. He’s just another fighter standing in my way.

“I’m not going to doubt him as a fighter. Every fighter is out there trying to beat the best, but it’s going to be difficult getting past me. He better be ready as soon as he steps in that ring. He’s expecting a fight, but I’m expecting a knockout.

“I’m trying to get back to being champion again. I was a champion before and we’ve got some champions up here, so why not take on one of them when I win this fight? I’m not jumping the gun though. On Saturday night I have to handle who’s in front of me. You’re going to see a different Rau’shee come fight night.”

DAMIEN VAZQUEZ

“All respect to Rau’shee for being an Olympian and a world champion but honestly, I had a tremendous training camp and I feel like I’m going to come out on top. I feel better at 118 pounds than I ever did at 122 pounds. I feel more powerful at 118 than I did at 122.

“I’m expecting an action-packed fight. I want everybody to watch it because it’s going to be a great fight and I feel like I’m going to come out on top. He can expect whatever he wants, but we’re going to go out there and find out on Saturday.

“I’m hungry just like he is, so it’s going to be one hell of a fight. I expect to come out on top and that’s that.”

#

ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO
Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Gary Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (August 9, 2021) – WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero will look to score a career-best victory and successfully defend his 118-pound title for the second time when he faces two-division champion Guillermo Rigondeaux this Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT as Casimero fights in the U.S. for the third time, this time headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Here is what the three-division world champion Casimero had to say about this Saturday’s showdown and more:

On his current training camp:

“This has been a fantastic training camp. I’ve really been focusing on my conditioning so that I can keep my strength for all 12 rounds. This has been the best training I’ve had in a while, because for this fight I had a set date and plenty of time. For my last fight, the date was changed because of the pandemic and that was difficult to work through. But this camp has been very smooth.”

On training alongside his mentor and promoter Manny Pacquiao:

“Manny is my idol in this sport. It’s great for me to be able to watch how he trains every day. He helps me with some aspects of boxing, but most important is the motivation I get from watching him work.

On fighting in front of Southern California’s Filipino population and returning to fight at Dignity Health Sports Park:

“I always want to go out and do my best for the fans. There are going to be a lot of Filipinos there and I want more than anything to give them a great fight to watch. This is the same place where I won the interim title in 2019, so it will be very special to me to go defend my world title and put on a great performance in that ring once again.”

On what style he expects Rigondeaux to bring into the ring:

“I know that I can make this an easy fight for myself. I want him to have some guts and be the exciting fighter he’s shown recently. It will be better for the fans and it will really prove who is the best.”

On what message he wants to send to the rest of the division with a win:

“I want to show that I’m strong and can beat any tough opponent. A win over Rigondeaux will solidify me as one of, if not the best, fighter in the bantamweight division. My goal is to take care of business on Saturday night, then go after the scared Nonito Donaire.”

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ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO
Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

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

STAFFORD, TX. (August 5, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux gave insight into his training camp as he prepares to take on WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero on Saturday, August 14 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see Cuba’s two-time Olympic gold medalist Rigondeaux, who has earned pound-for-pound recognition at various points in his career, return to action against the Philippine’s Casimero, a three-division world champion looking for a career-best victory in his second 118-pound title defense.

Here is what Rigondeaux had to say about training camp with Ronnie Shields and more:

On his upcoming matchup with John Riel Casimero:

“It has been a very focused camp, and I have found inspiration watching the Olympics, and it has lit a spark in me. Winning two gold medals in my early years gives me added incentive to win this fight. I want to prove to the world that I am one of the best boxers ever, and that I have a lot left to give in this sport. I am confident that I am going to do that against the most avoided fighter in my weight class. Casimero is a dangerous fighter and a very powerful puncher, but I’m going to tame him with great boxing skills.”

On his recent training camp with coach Ronnie Shields:

“Training in Texas with Ronnie Shields has been great and our energy working together is fantastic. Ronnie has had a lot of world champions, and has a very professional boxing gym, with a lot of world champions and fighters who are competing at the highest level of the sport. I am motivated to work hard, not just to reach my own goals, but by all the young fighters in the gym who are driven and focused. The atmosphere has brought something new out of me. I’m revived and feeling young again.”

On fighting for WBO world title:

“It always feels good fighting for a world title, and I have had the WBO title before after I beat Nonito Donaire, but this time I’m going up against a hungry young lion. I am looking to capture another world title, and give another great fight that fans will talk about for years.”

On returning to the ring after a year-long layoff:

“I feel good. I think at this point in my career, all the time away from the ring helps. I know how to fight and I know how to train, the big thing is knowing how to recover, and not damage my body. I am doing a good job at staying sharp in the gym, but not over training. A win against Casimero will do wonders for my career.”

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ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO
Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (July 21, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero previewed their upcoming championship showdown during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see Cuba’s two-time Olympic gold medalist Rigondeaux, who has earned pound-for-pound recognition at various points in his career, return to action against the Philippine’s Casimero, a three-division world champion looking for a career-best victory in his second 118-pound title defense.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“We are in the home stretch of training and everything has been going great. We’re fully focused on and excited about this fight coming up on August 14.

“It’s about patience before everything. That’s how I live. Whoever is standing across the ring from me on fight night, I will be ready for him regardless.

“I’ve always been at the world championship level and everyone knows that. At this point, I’m just waiting for August 14 to again show what I’m capable of and take care of business.

“I’m not worried about Casimero’s power or anything he brings. I’ve fought in three divisions and I’ve gone after the biggest challenges every time. I’m just not worried about what Casimero will do in the ring.

“It’s simple to me. Casimero is going to do his job and I’m going to do mine. We’ll both bring our ‘A-games’ and see who comes out on top on August 14.

“I’m not a big trash-talker. It’s not about what he’s going to say beforehand. I’ll see him in the ring on August 14 and he’ll get the real Rigondeaux just like he wants. Until then, I’m just focusing on my job.

“He says he’s going to retire me, so it’s on now. We’ll see if he’s able to back up that talk on August 14.

“He’s going to feel my power. Everyone is talking about his power and I feel like my power is being underestimated. I can’t wait to get in the ring on August 14 and show everyone what I’m capable of.

“I can guarantee that everyone is going to see the best of me on August 14. I perform best under the bright lights and that’s what I’m bringing to this fight.

“Casimero is a good opponent. Every opponent that I face believes that they can beat me, but the pressure is on them to back that up. I can only control what I bring and I know I’m going to be ready.

“I moved down to bantamweight because nobody wanted to fight me at 122-pounds. I’m the best fighter at that weight and everyone knows it. But no one wanted to fight me, so it just made sense to go down to bantamweight.”

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“I’m so ready for this fight on August 14. Training camp has gone so well and I’m just ready to rumble.

“Nonito Donaire didn’t want to fight me but that’s okay. Donaire is easy for me. Now, I have Rigondeaux and I know he’s very experienced. He’s a two-division world champion and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. This will be a great fight.

“Rigondeaux has a much different style from Donaire. I’m actually much more excited to fight Rigondeaux because Donaire is scared of me. I don’t think Rigondeaux is scared. If he’s not scared, he better fight me and not run.

“I want this to be a fight. The fans want this to be a fight. I hope Rigondeaux doesn’t run. If he does, this will be a boring fight. His old fights are no good. All he does is run, run, run. I want the Rigondeaux that doesn’t run, the one that boxes and fights.

“I believe that my work rate will overwhelm Rigondeaux. We put together a nice strategy with my trainer for Rigondeaux. We’ve watched a lot of tape on him. We just hope that the Rigondeaux that fought Nonito Donaire on a bicycle doesn’t show up. We want to see the one we’ve seen recently that comes to fight. I want to excite the people at the Dignity Health Sports Park. It’s a very special place to me because that’s where I won the WBO title. It will be another great fight if Rigondeaux comes to fight.

“When I beat Rigondeaux on August 14, he’s going to retire. He’s finished. Finito!

“We don’t underestimate anybody. I know that he’s a great fighter, a two-division champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. I want to do my best. I prepare very well for every fight. I just hope Rigondeaux leaves his bicycle at home and brings his boxing shoes and comes to fight. I know he’s preparing for this fight with hard work too.

“The change in opponent doesn’t bother me at all. It went back-and-forth between Rigondeaux and Donaire. I don’t care who they put in the ring in front of me. I’m ready and prepared for Rigondeaux.

“Rigondeaux thinks that Donaire is a better fighter than me, so I’m going to change his opinion on August 14.

“I need to win this fight so that I can keep moving along and get the next two big fights against Donaire and Naoya Inoue. But maybe those two are scared of me and don’t want to fight me.

“Manny Pacquiao is my idol. He’s a big inspiration. Being together and being able to train and run alongside him and watch what he does is inspiring. Everything about him is amazing. His power, what he does inside the ring and what he does outside of boxing as a Senator and what he does to help people are all inspiring and impressive.

“I’m very excited to be fighting back at the place where I won my world title. I have great memories there. There’s nothing better than going back to where you won your title. I think Rigondeaux has realized at this age he needs to engage a little more. I think this building brings out great fights. There’s something about the venue, so I think that Rigondeaux will stand and fight me and give the fans at the ‘War Grounds’ what they want to see.”

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ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO
Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (July 15, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt onSaturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell face the toughest test of his career in former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“Guillermo Rigondeaux is one of the most skilled fighters in all of boxing and he will seek to add to his resume against the exciting three-division champion and reigning 118-pound titlist John Riel Casimero,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These are two fighters who have accomplished a lot in the sport, but each can elevate themselves to new heights with a victory on August 14. In the co-main event, Antonio Russell looks to announce himself as the next Russell brother in line for a world title, against the sturdiest test of his career in Emmanuel Rodríguez. Opening up the night of bantamweight duels, Rau’shee Warren can step closer to regaining a bantamweight championship when he faces Damien Vázquez. These three fights will have huge implications on the future of the bantamweight division, which always provides great action for the fans.”

A longtime champion of the 122-pound division, Rigondeaux (20-1, 13 KOs) moved down in weight and captured a WBA bantamweight title against Liborio Solis in February 2020 on SHOWTIME. Since turning professional in 2009 after one of the best amateur careers in history, Rigondeaux has showcased masterful technical skills that made him a unified super bantamweight world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. 

“This is a big fight for me and my team because we have a chance to win that WBO title,” said Rigondeaux. “Fighting on SHOWTIME once again is going to be fun and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Although I’ve been out of the ring for well over a year, I’m still in great shape and have plans to ruin Casimero’s dreams. I know he has a lot of power, but he’s fighting a man with excellent boxing skills and a high ring IQ. I’m going to box circles around Casimero and show him what ‘El Chacal’ is all about.  My trainer Ronnie Shields, and I have been working on some new tricks, so don’t be surprised if I knock him out.”

The 32-year-old Casimero (30-4, 21 KOs) of Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines will make his second title defense in this August 14 matchup, having successfully defended it for the first time by knocking out Duke Micah in September 2020. Casimero trains in Las Vegas and originally won the title with an impressive third-round stoppage of Zolani Tete in November 2019. The three-division champion had previously captured titles at flyweight and light flyweight in a career that dates back to 2007. This will be his third career fight in the U.S. and his second to take place at Dignity Health Sports Park.

“I am very excited to be back on SHOWTIME and fighting in Southern California where a lot of Filipino fans can come see me fight,” said Casimero. “I look forward to defending my title against Guillermo Rigondeaux. Rigondeaux is known to a lot of Filipino fans for beating my fellow countryman Nonito Donaire . I will show the boxing world how to beat Rigondeaux and send him into retirement once and for all.”

The middle brother between WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne, Antonio Russell (18-0, 12 KOs) announced his arrival amongst the bantamweight division contenders with a technical decision over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020 on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old from Capitol Heights, Md. turned pro in 2015 after an impressive amateur career. After four wins in 2019, Russell kicked off 2020 defeating Jesus Martinez in February.

“I’m very excited for this fight on August 14 on SHOWTIME,” said Russell. “I’ve put in the work and I’m always ready to fight, no matter when the call comes. I’m so focused right now. Rodriguez is the only thing on my mind and I’m ready to put on a show.”

The 28-year-old Rodríguez (19-2, 12 KOs) returns to action after dropping a controversial split-decision to Reymart Gaballo last December on SHOWTIME. Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez went on to lose the title to unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring for this fight,” said Rodríguez. “Everyone knows what happened in my last fight against Gaballo. This time, I’m not leaving it up to the judges. I’m going for the knockout and a statement victory.”

Warren (18-3, 4 KOs) bounced back from a close decision loss in a world title fight against then unbeaten former champion Nordine Oubaali in January 2019 by earning decisions over Gilberto Mendoza and Sharone Carter. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by split-decision. The 34-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

“Vázquez is not the type of fighter that can compete with me,” said Warren. “When they sent me the name, I looked at one of his fights and 10 seconds was all I needed to see. I really want to face Rigondeaux, but I’m going to handle this and I’m going to wait until I get who I want to get. I’ve been sparring with a lot of top amateurs and that’s been keeping me sharp. They throw punches in bunches and they’re keeping me on my toes heading into August 14.”

The 24-year-old southpaw Vázquez (15-2-1, 7 KOs) was born in Thornton, Col. and now fights out of Las Vegas. The younger brother of former two-time champion Israel Vázquez, he most recently lost to super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa last September after having previously scored a stoppage win over Alejandro Moreno in February of 2020. Vázquez turned pro in 2013 and reeled off 14 consecutive wins to begin his career in the paid ranks.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Vázquez. “I turned pro at sixteen-years-old, so I took a much needed break after the Brandon Figueroa fight. Now I’m back and more ready than ever. I’m back fighting at bantamweight and that’s for sure the best weight for me going forward. I’m ready to show the world what I’m capable of. This is going to be a war. Warren is a world class fighter, but if he thinks this is an easy fight, then he is totally mistaken and I’ll prove it on August 14.”

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

Jermell Charlo unified the WBC/WBA/IBF Junior Middleweight world title with an 8th round stoppage over Jeison Rosario that highlighted a night that saw five world title fights at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Charlo dominated the action as he dropped Rosario in the 1st round with a left to the body. That was a foreshadow of things to come as he dropped Rosario again in round six, and the final which came 21 seconds into round eight which came from a jab to the body that sent Rosario in pain.

Charlo, 153.8 lbs of Houston is 34-1 with 18 knockouts. Rosario, 153.4 lbs of Santo Domingo DR is 20-2-1.

Quotes:

Jermell Charlo:

“I definitely proved that I’m more than just a puncher, but I also showed again that I’m a big puncher. I’d give myself an A tonight. I stuck to my game plan and listened to my coach. Everything we did in camp, I used it in this fight. I pushed myself the whole way through training camp. It’s been a journey for me. I’m bringing the straps home to my family like they told me to.

“I knew that he was going to keep coming after the first knockdown. He kept pressing for four or five rounds until I floored him again. I’m growing and learning that the knockout just comes. I know that I have explosive power in both hands. I utilized my jab more than any other punch in this fight and that’s what got me these straps.

“Rosario hits hard, but if you have to know how to wear a fighter down. That’s how you take the power out of him.

“I think some of the previous punches I landed hurt him before the jab. The body shot that landed just hit the right point. I wish him well. I give any man who steps into the ring respect. I hope he recovers and bounces back.

“It’s Lions Only forever. We’ve been doing this for a long time. Dreams do come true. This is a part of my dream and a part of my destiny. I’m satisfied and I’m happy.

“I know right now that I’m going to talk with the sanctioning bodies and see what’s next. I’m holding the crown. I’m the king. We’ll see what’s next.”

Nery Decisions Alameda to win Super Bantamweight Title

Luis Nery won the WBC Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Aaron Alameda.

It was a close fight that saw each guy taking turns having their moments. Nery was focused on power punching and pressuring while Alameda worked behind a solid jab.

Nery Outlanded Alameda 180-177.

Nery, 121.4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX won by scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 118-110, ad is now 31-0. Alameda, 121.6 lbs of Nogales, MEX is 25-1.

Quotes:

Nery:

“Alameda has a nice jab, he definitely connected, but I always felt like I had the fight under control. His defense was good, but at the end I really tightened up my attack and was able to get the victory.

“We know he had a lot of experience as an amateur, so we prepared for a quality opponent. It’s not an excuse, but I haven’t fought in a year, so I think that affected my performance a little.

“I got the victory because I landed more. You always look for the knockout, but he used the jab a lot and that threw me off a little bit until I was able to connect more at the end of the fight.

“There are a lot of good fighters in this division. Brandon Figueroa’s name has come up, but we’ll check with the team and go from there. We’re ready to fight anyone at 122-pounds. We don’t fear anybody.”

Roman decisions Payano

Despite being outlanded, Danny Roman won a 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Payano in a super bantamweight bout.

Payano outlanded Payano 261-151.

Roman, 121.2 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 27-3-1. Payano, 121.6 lbs of La Vega, DR is 21-3.

Attached, please find photos, stats and scorecard from Danny Roman vs. Juan Carlos Payano.

Danny Roman wins by unanimous decision (116-112 x3).

Roman:

“I don’t take anything away from Payano. I knew it would be a tough fight. He brought everything he could and I took it, made it a fight and came out victorious.

“He kept on landing his uppercut to the body early, but we adjusted our defense to avoid the shot and tried to pressure. I couldn’t brawl with him, so I had to box and use my distance a little more.

“He was countering me well because I wasn’t taking the distance away. I had to either block or get out of the way. After I started doing that, it worked out and I started throwing combinations. I saw I was hurting him to the body so I kept putting pressure on.

“I was trying to win every round and dominate. The last four rounds my trainer told me to step it up so the same thing didn’t happen that happened in my last fight. That’s what we did. We made the last few rounds convincing.

“We’re at the level and ready to fight the Luis Nery vs. Aaron Alameda winner. I still have unfinished business with Murodjon Akhmadaliev. I want that rematch. If not that, then I’m ready to fight Angelo Leo.

“It’s always good to have your hand raised. I can’t take anything away from Payano. He’s a veteran and he knows a lot of tricks. I had to adjust. It feels good to get a win again and I’m looking to keep that feeling going.”

Charlo decisions Derevyanchenko; Retains Middleweight Title

Jermall Charlo retained the WBC Middleweight title with a hard fought and workmanlike 12-round unanimous decision over Sergit Derevyanchenko.

The fought was fought equally at distance and on the inside. Charlo controlled the fight at distance as he hurt Derevyanchenko a couple of times with hard rights. In round three, Charlo hurt and buckled Derevyanchnko with a left hook. Dereevyanchenko was cut under right eye and had his left eye almost swollen shut. That did not deter him at all as he proficient with body shots and even hurt Charlo with a couple of those flank shots.

In the end, Charlo built up a solid lead as the two battled down the stretch.

Charlo outlanded Derevyanchenko 219-180.

Charlo, 159.8 lbs of Houston won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 to stay perfect at 31-0. Derevyanchenko, 159.4 lbs of Brooklyn is 13-3.

116-112, 117-111 and 118-110

Quotes:

Jermall Charlo:

“I made my team proud and I did what I was supposed to do. I executed the game plan. Ronnie Shields told me that I passed the test tonight. I’m happy to go back to the drawing board now and figure out what’s next.

“He was tough, but I knew he was going to be tough. I knew he’d come to fight, I just didn’t know how and when he’d try to turn it up. I felt like I never really let him turn it up and that was the game plan. I studied well and I didn’t let the pandemic affect my training. I just want to keep fighting and not let any negative interrupt the positive.

“I stayed poised, I stayed composed and I executed the game plan. I was staying behind the jab, I got away from it a little, but Ronnie got me back. I wanted to knock him out, but dominating like I did was a big statement.

“The big fights are out there. I’m steady learning and growing and stepping up in competition. My brother’s next, so that’s what’s really on my mind right now.”

“We stood toe-to-toe and we didn’t back down from anything. It was supposed to be one of the hardest fights of my career and we passed the test. He had a puncher’s chance, and of course the fight could have changed at any moment. I listened to my corner and executed the game plan and got the win.

“I wouldn’t say it was an easy fight, but we stuck to what we wanted to do and made it happen. I let my jab dictate and we got the victory. I wanted to knock him out, but you can’t knock everyone out. I’m a finisher, but you don’t want to run into anything even though you have him hurt. I landed the shots that I needed to in order to win.

“The whole world understands that I can fight in there with the best of them. He gave GGG a harder test than he gave me so I think the levels showed. I’m the best middleweight in the world.

“I’m not an easy fight for anyone. As long as I keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll get the fights I need and get the legacy that I always dreamed of.”

RONNIE SHIELDS

“I give his performance an A. Everyone was talking about how this is a tough fight, but every fight is tough. Jermall has one of the best jabs in the business. It’s a hard jab and he hurt Sergiy with it. He backed him up with it. I’m so proud of him. He showed that the better the competition, the better he gets.”

Figueroa stops Vazquez in 10 to Retain Super Bantam Title

Brandon Figueroa retained the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Damien Vazquez.

The fight was competitive for about a round and a half, before Figueroa got going and started to break down and bear up Vazquez. Vazquez right eye began to swell badly around round six. Over the last couple rounds, Vazquez took a lot of punishment and that’s when referee Gary Rosato stopped the fight at 1:18 of round 10.

Figueroa, 122 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 21-0-1 with 16 knockouts. Vazquez, 121.4 lbs of Thornton, CO is 15-2-1.

Figueroa:

“I felt good tonight. He was a lot tougher than I expected. I was punishing him to the body and head. I had to switch to lefty because of how he was coming in with his head. I didn’t want to risk a head butt so I boxed him differently.

“He was taking a lot of punishment and just trying to jab and survive in the last few rounds. I have to give him credit for being tough. He came to fight and proved he deserves to be in the ring with me. I knew with the pressure I put on, he wasn’t going to last 12 rounds.

“My dad told me to put more pressure in the middle of the fight and that’s what I did. He was holding up and taking my punches. But I knew just a little bit more damage and I could end it.

“I was just focused on boxing him and trying to find an opening, I wasn’t worried about what his corner was doing. At the end of the day, it’s just me and him in the ring. I was just trying to attack him and follow my game plan.

“I expected a little bit more out of myself. I did hurt my hand in the middle rounds, so I wasn’t throwing it too much. I just had to keep working. I knew that he had trouble with lefties, so I was able to find my range from that stance, hit him a lot more and eventually hurt him.

“I knew that I was going to win. We prepared great for this fight after having injuries in my last camp. All the hard work in the gym really paid off tonight.

“This shows that I can fight under pressure, I’m strong and I give exciting fights. That’s what fans want to see. I always leave everything in the ring and that’s what I did tonight.

“I’m ready for anyone, I know I belong with the best fighters in the division. I just want to give fans great fights.”

Casimero stops Micah in 3

John Riel Casimero defended the WBO Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Duke Micah

In round two, Casimero dropped Micah with a hard right. Michah was hurt and stumbling throughout the rest of the round. In round three, Casimero came out and landed a hard barrage of punches that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the fight at

Casimero, 117.8 lbs of the Philippines is 30-4 with 21 knockouts. Micah, 117.2 lbs of Accra, GHA is 29-1.

Casimero:

“I worked hard and got the win tonight. In the first round I saw the body shot hurt him and thought I could get him out right away, but he’s a good boxer who was undefeated for a reason.

“The second round the uppercut hurt him, but Duke Micah works hard, he’s strong and has a good chin. I knew I was facing a good fighter, so I didn’t expect to knock him out so fast. He’s strong so I was prepared to go all 12 rounds.

“I’m the real monster. Naoya Inoue is scared of me. You’re next. I would have knocked out anyone today. If Inoue doesn’t fight me, then I’ll fight Guillermo Rigondeaux, Luis Nery, or any of the top fighters.”

NEW YORK – September 1, 2020 – Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo faces the toughest test of his career in top 160-pound contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko on Saturday, September 26 in part one of a first-of-its-kind SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The unprecedented pay-per-view twin bill features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins live at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with the Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko three-fight card. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

Following the main event of part one and a 30-minute intermission, the second three-fight card headlined by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion and twin brother Jermell Charlo facing arguably the toughest test of his career in unified 154-pound World Champion Jeison Rosario will begin. The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions as part of a blockbuster pay-per-view event.

Houston’s Jermall Charlo (30-0, 22 KOs) has held the WBC middleweight title since 2019 and reigned as the IBF 154-pound champion from 2015 to ’17. The 30-year-old holds wins at 154 pounds against championship-level fighters including Julian Williams, Cornelius Bundrage and Austin Trout. While campaigning at middleweight, Charlo is 5-0 with three knockouts, including victories in 2019 over Brandon Adams and, most recently, Dennis Hogan in December.

Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) has twice challenged for the IBF middleweight title in 2018 and ’19, losing only to top-level opponents Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin. He was an accomplished amateur and a 2008 Olympian for his native Ukraine before turning pro in 2014. The 34-year-old now trains out of Brooklyn and owns victories over Jack Culcay and Tureano Johnson that propelled him up the 160-pound rankings.

The four undercard matchups across the two shows feature some of the best talent in the 118- and 122-pound divisions, including two world champions (Figueroa and Casimero), a WBC No. 1 ranked contender (Nery) and two WBA No. 2 ranked fighters (Danny Roman and Juan Carlos Payano). In all, the eight undercard fighters boast a combined record of 190-11-3, including four men who have yet to taste defeat. With champions and contenders including newly-crowned WBO 122-pound titlist Angelo Leo and No. 1 contender Stephen Fulton waiting in the wings for future world title and unification fights, all four undercard bouts carry high stakes and world title implications.

The 23-year-old Figueroa (20-0-1, 15 KOs) looks to make his second successful title defense on September 26. A Weslaco, Texas native and younger brother of former world champion Omar Figueroa, he claimed the interim WBA 122-pound title with an eighth-round stoppage of Yonfrez Parejo last April, before successfully defending the title with a homecoming KO of Javier Chacon. After being upgraded to the “regular” titlist, Figueroa retained his belt after a 12-round draw against former champion Julio Ceja last November.

The 23-year-old southpaw Vázquez (15-1-1, 7 KOs) was born in Thornton, Colo. and now fights out of Las Vegas. The younger cousin of former two-time champion Israel Vázquez is coming off a stoppage win over Alejandro Moreno in February of 2020. Vázquez turned pro in 2013 and reeled off 14 consecutive wins to begin his career in the paid ranks.

The 31-year-old Casimero (29-4, 20 KOs) of the Philippines will make his first title defense after being previously scheduled to face Naoya Inoue in a bantamweight unification title fight in April before the COVID-19 shutdown. Casimero has been training in Las Vegas since March and won the title with an impressive third-round stoppage of Zolani Tete last November. The three-division champion had previously captured titles at flyweight and light flyweight.

Born in the boxing hotbed of Accra, Ghana, the undefeated Micah (24-0, 19 KOs) has fought his last four bouts in the United States, most recently scoring victories in 2019 over Luis Suarez Cruz in August and Janiel Rivera in December. The 28-year-old now trains out of Brooklyn, N.Y. and has fought professionally since 2012.

• * *

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

     LAS VEGAS, NEV. (July 20, 2020) — Before he boards the Tokyo Express as a member of the 2021 Philippines Olympic boxing team, amateur middleweight standout and Manny Pacquiao’s newest addition Eumir Felix Marcial has decided to turn professional since professional fighters are now allowed to compete in the Olympics.  Marcial, 24, from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Senator Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, which boasts a stable that currently includes three world champions — WBO Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero, IBF Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin Ancajas, and IBF Minimumweight Champion Pedro Taduran.  Marcial is expected to make his pro debut in the Fall in the U.S.

            “It is an honor to have my idol Senator Manny Pacquiao as my mentor and promoter,” said Marcial.  “I have seen the tremendous opportunities that Senator Pacquiao and MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons have given to so many Filipino Boxers.  I feel working under the MP Promotions banner will give me the best opportunity as I prepare for the Tokyo Olympics and my professional career.  I would like to thank all those who were part of my career from the start, most notably my ABAP family led by president Ricky Vargas, Secretary-General Ed Picson, and my coaches Ronald Chavez, Pat Gaspi and Romeo Brin.  Also to my lifelong inspirations, my fiancée Princess Galarpe, my siblings, and my mother Carmelita and father Eulalio.  Most of all, thank you to all Filipino sports fans who have shown me endless support from the time I won my first gold medal in 2011 at the AIBA Youth World Championship.  You have inspired me and I pledge to you that I will always give it my all to achieve our goal of winning for the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal next year in Tokyo 2021 and becoming the first middleweight world champion from the Philippines.  A million thanks and ‘Mabuhay!’ to all the Filipino athletes.”

            “MP Promotions is thrilled to be selected by Eumir to guide his boxing career,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions.  “Senator Pacquiao’s goal at MP Promotions is to give as many Filipino boxers access to the biggest platforms in the U.S. and around the world, and create the best opportunities to succeed in boxing like the ones Manny has enjoyed over the last 25 years.  We have followed Eumir through the amateurs and he is special.  His dedication to boxing, his family, and the country of the Philippines is very strong.  MP Promotions is proud to be guiding its first Olympian.  We will make sure his journey to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo is a smooth one as we help Eumir achieve his dual dream of winning Olympic gold and a professional world title for his father and the Philippines.” 

             Before the pandemic shut the world down, Marcial had been on a roll.  He punched his ticket for the 2021 Olympics in March by winning all four of his bouts in the Asia-Oceania Olympic Qualifying tournament in Amman, Jordan.  Marcial was the top seed in his division.  Last December, he captured the gold at the 30th Southeast Asian Games as well as the silver medal in last year’s World Boxing Championships.  His illustrious résumé also includes being a three-time SEA games champion.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 13, 2020) —A five-foot-five-inch, 118-pound Japanese monster is ready to take over the Las Vegas Strip. WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue, the three-weight world champion climbing the mythical pound-for-pound rankings, will make his Las Vegas debut Saturday, April 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in a unification bout against WBO bantamweight world champion and fellow three-weight kingpin Johnriel Casimero.

Inoue is coming off a memorable decision in the 2019 Ring Magazine and ESPN.com Fight of the Year against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire. This will be Inoue’s first bout under his long-term promotional agreement with Top Rank.

Inoue-Casimero and the 10-round bantamweight tilt featuring WBO No. 1 contender Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. and WBO No. 2 contender Jason Moloney will stream LIVE on ESPN+ beginning at 9 p.m. ET. In the final undercard bout on the ESPN+ stream, former super featherweight world champion Andrew Cancio will take on Tyler McCreary in a 10-rounder.

The preliminary bouts will air live on ESPN2 (7 p.m. ET) and will include the return of former world title challenger Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo in a 10-round super lightweight bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotions, MP Promotions, TGB Promotions and SGG Sports Promotions, tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) go on sale Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

“The ‘Monster’ is coming to Las Vegas, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is a generational talent, a fierce competitor who is ready to take the United States by storm. Casimero is a seasoned champion, and Inoue knows he’s in for a firefight at Mandalay Bay.” 

Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs), 26, won his first title in only his sixth pro fight, knocking out Adrian Hernandez to win the WBC light flyweight crown. He is 14-0 with 12 knockouts in world title bouts, as he defended his light flyweight title once before moving up two weight classes to knock out long-time WBO junior bantamweight world champion Omar Narvaez in two rounds in December 2014. He defended that belt seven times before setting his sights on the bantamweight division. His first three bantamweight title bouts lasted a total of four rounds, as he catapulted up pound-for-pound lists with stoppages over Emmanuel Rodriguez and Juan Carlos Payano. The Donaire bout — the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament — was the ultimate gut check, as he suffered a broken orbital bone before prevailing in an instant classic.

“It is a tremendous honor and a dream come true to headline a card in Las Vegas against a great fighter like Casimero,” Inoue said. “It is my goal to be the undisputed bantamweight king, and I am coming to America to put on a great fight for the fans. I would like to thank Mr. Bob Arum and MGM Resorts for making my Las Vegas dream a reality. Now, the work begins, and I will kick off my 2020 schedule at Mandalay Bay in devastating fashion.”

Casimero (29-4, 20 KOs), from Ormoc City, Philippines, is a newly minted bantamweight world champion who upset South African southpaw Zolani Tete via third-round TKO last November in Birmingham England. A world traveler, Casimero has won world title bouts in Mexico, England, China, Panama and the Philippines, in addition to interim world title bouts in Argentina, Nicaragua and the United States. He is on a five-bout winning streak and is in his physical prime at 29 years old. The Inoue-Casimero winner will be one belt shy of completely unifying the division, as WBC world champion Nordine Oubaali holds the final piece of the championship puzzle. 

“This is my dream fight. I have traveled the world and fought in 10 countries. I’ve won world titles at 108, 112 and 118 pounds,” Casimero said. “But ever since I saw my hero and fellow countryman, Senator Manny Pacquiao, fight in Las Vegas, that has been my dream. To everyone who thinks I am the underdog on April 25, I will shock the world and show the fans who the real ‘Monster’ is in the ring.”

Greer (22-1-1, 12 KOs) has won 19 fights in a row, but as he heads into the most significant bout of his career, he’s made a significant change. After seeing his seven-bout KO streak ended with a pair of close decisions over Nikolai Potapov and Antonio Nieves, Greer has moved his training base from Southern California to his hometown of Chicago. He has reunited with former trainer George Hernandez and is training at Garfield Boxing Gym, the place where he developed from amateur standout to promising professional. With a world title shot in his sights, Greer is not taking chances.

“I know what I’ve done before, and I know that I’m capable of,” Greer said. “George is the perfect man for the job. We have great chemistry. I love being back in the gym with him. This is what separates the boys from the men. I’m just ready to show the world who I am. At Garfield, the young kids keep me hungry. They don’t care about my ranking or that I’ve fought on ESPN. Chicago keeps me humble. Thanks to Moloney for taking the challenge, and I look forward to getting busy April 25.”

Moloney (20-1, 17 KOs), from Australia, will be fighting for the second time away from home as he seeks a second world title shot. He fought for the IBF bantamweight world title in October 2018 in Orlando, Fla., dropping a split decision to Emmanuel Rodriguez. Moloney has fought three times since, securing a trio of knockout wins during a successful 2019. In his last bout, he blitzed Dixon Flores in two rounds on an ESPN+-streamed card that also featured his twin brother, 115-pound interim world champion Andrew Moloney.

“I’m extremely grateful for this big opportunity. Fighting in Las Vegas has been a dream of mine for many years, and I’m looking forward to having a very impressive win over Joshua Greer Jr. and moving another step closer to becoming world champion,” Moloney said. “April 25 is a very important day for us in Australia and New Zealand called Anzac Day. It is a day of remembrance, where we pay our respects to all those who have served and died for our beautiful country. I will do whatever it takes to win this fight, and I will dedicate this victory to all those who have served for us.”

Cancio (21-5-2, 16 KOs) had a dream start to 2019 when he knocked out Alberto Machado in February to win the WBA super featherweight world title. He stopped Machado in three rounds four months later, but he was dethroned in November via seventh-round knockout by Nicaraguan veteran Rene Alvarado. McCreary (16-1-1, 7 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, is looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision defeat last November to former two-weight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton.

“I’m very excited to start my next chapter with Top Rank on April 25 against Tyler McCreary at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and on such an outstanding card,” Cancio said. “I know how formidable an opponent McCreary is, but I’ll be more than ready to be victorious and put on a great show for the fans when I return to battle.”

“It’s another big opportunity, something I couldn’t pass up,” McCreary said. “He’s a former world champion, but he’s no Carl Frampton. This is a steppingstone for bigger fights. I have to get past him to see the bigger names. I learned a lot from the Frampton fight, and that experience is the number one teacher for me.”

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

Use the hashtags #InoueCasimero and #GreerMoloney to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April, 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original 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) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

Lerrone Richards won a 12-round split decision over Lennox Clarke in a super middleweight in Birmingham, England.

Richards won by scores of 117-112 and 116-113. Clark won a card 115-113.

Richards is 13-0. Clarke is 19-1-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz stopped Ryan Kelly in round six of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped Kelly three times in round six, and the bout was stopped at 2:58.

Sheeraz is 10-0 with six knockouts. Kelly is 14-3.

John Riel Casimero won the WBO Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Zolani Tete.

Casimero dropped Tete with a short right to the head. Tete was was badly hurt and dropped again from a hard flurry in the corner. Casimero jumped all over Tete and the bout was stopped at 2:14.

Casimero of the Philippines is 29-4 with 20 knockouts. Tete of South Africa is 28-4.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Sam Maxwell stopped Connor Parker in round seven of a scheduled 10-round bout.

Maxwell dominated the action, and in round seven landed a hard flurry of punches on he ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:45.

Maxwell is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Parker is 12-1.

Anthony Cacace won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sam Bowen in a super featherweight bout.

Cacace won by scores of 115-113 twice and 115-112 for Bowen,

Cacace is 18-1. Bowen is 15-1.

Nathan Heaney stopped Nelson Altamarro in round five of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Heaney dropped Altamarino with a body shot.

In round five, Heaney continued to dominate and the bout was stopped at 2:02.

Heaney is 9-0 with three knockouts. Altamirano is 10-34-3

(Nov. 26, 2019) — South African southpaw Zolani Tete, the WBO bantamweight world champion, will make his first title defense in more than a year against former two-weight world champion John Riel Casimero on Saturday from Arena Birmingham in Birmingham, England.
 
This will be the fourth title defense for Tete, who withdrew from the World Boxing Super Series tournament earlier this year with a shoulder injury.
 
Tete-Casimero will headline a scheduled six-bout stream on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) is unbeaten in 12 bouts dating back to 2012, a streak that includes a brief reign as the IBF junior bantamweight world champion. He moved up to bantamweight in 2016 and captured the interim WBO bantamweight title the following year with a unanimous decision over Arthur Villanueva. He was soon elevated to world champion and, in his first title defense in November 2017, he authored an 11-second knockout over Siboniso Gonya. The KO came on Tete’s first punch of the fight and broke a boxing record for the fastest KO in a world title bout. Tete has defended his belt twice since the Gonya bout, notching decisions over Omar Narvaez and Mikhail Aloyan.
 
Casimero (28-4, 19 KOs), from Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, is looking to become the fourth Filipino boxer to win world titles in three weight classes. He reigned as IBF junior flyweight world champion from 2012-2013, and he won the IBF flyweight world title in 2016 with a fourth-round knockout over Amnat Ruenroeng. He has won four consecutive bouts and picked up the interim WBO bantamweight title while Tete was recovering from his injury. He defended the interim belt in August in Manila, stopping Mexican veteran Cesar Ramirez in the 10^th round.
 
In other action from Birmingham:

• Lerrone Richards (12-0, 3 KOs) will fight Birmingham native Lennox Clarke (19-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-rounder for the vacant British super middleweight title and Clarke’s Commonwealth belt. Clarke has won four in a row since the lone draw on his record, while Richard is coming off a decision win over Tommy Langford for the Commonwealth crown.
   
• In a battle of unbeatens, Sam Maxwell (12-0, 10 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO European junior welterweight title in a 10-rounder versus southpaw Connor Parker (12-0, 1 KO). 

• Hamzah Sheeraz (9-0, 5 KOs), only 20 years old, will take step up in class when he faces fellow Birmingham native Ryan Kelly (14-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Sheeraz is 3-0 with three knockouts in two rounds or less in 2019.
   
• Sam “Bullet” Bowen (15-0, 11 KOs) will make the second defense of his British super featherweight title against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (17-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. Bowen won the British title in March with a ninth-round stoppage over Jordan McCorry in a bout that was streamed live on ESPN+.
   
• Dennis “The Menace” McCann (4-0, 3 KOs), a 19-year-old bantamweight prodigy from Maidstone, England, will face Elvis Guillan (9-59-4, 6 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder.

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ grew quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.
 
Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original 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) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO will be inspired by his promoter and friend Manny Pacquiao when he challenges WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete on Saturday night.

The Filipino road warrior challenges brilliant South African Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) on Frank Warren’s spectacular Midlands Mayhem bill at Arena Birmingham on Saturday November 30, live on BT Sport.

Eight-weight champion Pacquiao wanted to stage the brilliant bantamweight battle in the Philippines, but Tete’s promoter Warren won the purse bids.

There is plenty at stake and the winner is likely to book a 2020 unification against World Boxing Super Series victor Naoya Inoue, the IBF and WBA champion.

Pacquiao told his two-weight world champion: “Casimero, good luck champ and just do your very best.”

Interim WBO champion Casimero (28-4, 19 KOs) will be flanked by his adviser and Manny Pacquiao Promotions boss Sean Gibbons when he lands in Britain this weekend.

Gibbons said: “I told the Senator (Pacquiao)  that Casimero had a tremendous camp and we want nothing less than a victory.”

During Casimero’s 32 fight career he has boxed in ten countries – Argentina, China, England, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, South Africa, Thailand, United States and of course his homeland the Philippines.

Casimero travelled to London in September 2016 and stopped Charlie Edwards in the first defence of his IBF flyweight crown he’d taken from Amnat Ruenroeng four months earlier in an upset.

For this fight he has been training in Las Vegas where he has added Memo Heredia a former trainer of Pacquiao’s old rival Juan Manuel Marquez to his team.

Brendan Gibbons, son of Sean Gibbons has looked after the camp there and warned: “Casimero’s on beast mode.”

Casimero, 30, became IBF light-flyweight title holder in 2012 and made three defences before losing it on the scales.

He has lost just twice in eight and a half years since being knocked out by high class South African Moruti Mthalane shortly after his 22nd birthday in March 2011.

Zolani Tete defending his WBO world bantamweight title against Filipino John Riel Casimero features on a stacked night of title action at Arena Birmingham on November 30. British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Chris Jenkins makes a defence against mandatory challenger Liam Taylor. Lerrone Richards also takes on Lennox Clarke for the Commonwealth and vacant British super middleweight belt, while East Midlands favourite Sam Bowen makes a second defence of his British super featherweight title against mandatory challenger Anthony Cacace. Popular Sam Maxwell makes first defence of his WBO super-lightweight belt against Connor Parker. Hamzah Sheeraz faces local boxer Ryan Kelly in Sheeraz’s first title fight.

Thrilling prospects Dennis McCann, Shabaz Masoud, Eithan James and George Davey also featuring on the bill, along with talents from the local region in Nathan Heaney and River Wilson-Bent.
 

Tickets are available now from £40 via TheTicketFactory and Ticketmaster 

Ticket Prices:

£250 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier

SUNNY EDWARDS SUSPECTS that Zolani Tete will be up against it when he defends his WBO world bantamweight title against John Riel Casimero at Arena, Birmingham on November 30.

The Filipino Casimero is mandatory challenger for the world title held by the explosive South African Tete and Edwards has seen close up the threat posed by the 30-year-old from the stable of ring legend Manny Pacquiao.

Edwards was in the camp of his brother Charlie when he unsuccessfully challenged for the IBF world flyweight title held by Casimero at the o2 Arena back in September 2016 and saw at close quarters the potent punching power possessed by the 28-4 man with 19 KO victims.

Not deterred by personal experience, Edwards has booked his seat for the return of Casimero to the UK in a fight that has got quality written all over it.

“Yeah, 100 per cent I am going down to watch that! ” said Edwards. “I have been wanting this fight for years.

“I genuinely believe – although people might think I am saying it because he beat my brother – that Casimero is very, very dangerous. Disgustingly dangerous, how powerful and explosive he is.

“Obviously he has had a good run of form recently as well so it is a real pick ’em.

“Tete has stalled a bit through injury recently and that has been a bit frustrating, but on his game he is right up there with the best. So is Casimero though and he is not a two-weight world champion for nothing.”

WBO world bantamweight champion Zolani Tete defends his title against mandatory challenger John Riel Casimero features on a stacked night of title action at Arena, Birmingham on November 30. British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Chris Jenkins makes a defence against Liam Taylor, Lerrone Richards also takes on Lennox Clarke for the Commonwealth and vacant British super middleweight belt, while East Midlands favourite Sam Bowen makes a second defence of his British super featherweight title against mandatory challenger Anthony Cacace. Sam Maxwell defends his WBO European super lightweight title against the also unbeaten Connor Parker from Derbyshire.

Hamzah Sheeraz will fight for his first major title at super welterweight, with thrilling prospects Dennis McCann, Shabaz Masoud, Eithan James and George Davey also featuring on the bill, along with talents from the local region in Nathan Heaney and River Wilson-Bent.
Tickets are available now from £40 via TheTicketFactory and Ticketmaster

Ticket Prices:
£250 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier

118 lb. world champion Zolani Tete will defend his title against John Riel Casimero on November 30th in Birmingham, England, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I have fully recovered from the shoulder injury and I will be testing it on Casimero’s chin,” Tete said. “I am back.”

Ricardo Espinoza will fight John riel Casimero for the vacant WBO Interim bantamweight title, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The fight will take place on the Premier Boxing Champions card headlined by the Danny Garcia-Adrian Granados welterweight fight at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“I am happy to be fighting for (an interim) world title,” Espinoza said. “I have proven that I am ready for the moment. Tijuana will have a new world champion.”

All-Star Boxing promoter Felix “Tuto” Zabala, who promotes Espinoza, has been high on him and is pleased he is getting the opportunity.

“We are proud of Espinoza’s progress up to date,” Zabala said. “He has shown he belongs at the top of the division. We are sure of Espinoza’s ability.”

In its ruling, the WBO pointed out the relative inactivity of the belt as a key reason for approving the fight.

“Mr. Tete acquired his title on April 22, 2017,” the ruling said. “He only defended it on three occasions — November 18, 2017 against Siboniso Gonya, April 21, 2018 against Omar Narvaez, and on October 13, 2018 against Mikhail Aloyan, who was also his first quarterfinal contender of the WBSS tournament.

“The WBO World Championship Committee recognizes the importance of allowing their champions the discretion to participate in activities they may deem as of career importance, (but) the Committee must also be fair to all of its rated contenders.”