In the co-main event, top contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will meet Lateef Kayode in a 10-round cruiserweight attraction. Smith and Tabiti, both Las Vegas residents, will be fighting on their home turf and looking to impress their hometown fans.

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale Monday, April 23 at 12 p.m. PT and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

“Mayweather Promotions has had a busy year thus far and the momentum isn’t slowing down with May 11th at Sam’s Town Live right around the corner,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This venue is certainly one of the local properties that we enjoy working with and have made it our home over the past few years.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ishe Smith back in the ring after the stellar performance that he put on against Julian Williams to close out 2017. I know that he is physically and mentally prepared to take on Tony Harrison and will not disappoint. Andrew Tabiti is a young talented fighter that is on track to have a bright future. He will look to build upon his flawless record in the co-feature against Lateef Kayode on May 11.”

The 39-year-old Smith (29-9, 12 KOs) became the first Las Vegas-born boxer to win a world championship when he defeated Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight title by majority decision in 2013. He lost the title by split decision to Carlos Molina in his next fight before earning another title shot against Erislandy Lara in 2014, that he lost lost by decision. Smith most recently dropped a competitive contest on Bounce against Julian Williams last November.

“I picked up right where I left off from my last fight. I’m back in camp. I didn’t take any time off since my last fight,” Smith said. “This will be the second fight in a row where I am bringing in a strength and conditioning coach. I credit my strength & conditioning coach, who played a major role in my last performance being one of my career best. It was no question, before I had a date I was back working with my team. I feel younger, I feel great – I’m the modern day Benjamin Button. I felt great in my last fight and I’m going to continue to bring it.

“I don’t feel like I’m approaching 40, I actually feel younger and in the best shape of my life. This camp I’m focused on not leaving anything into the judges hands like last time. I can’t allow another bad call against me. It’s time for me to make a statement, dominate, and get this guy out. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’m going to make him fight my fight.”

Harrison (26-2, 21 KOs) is a heavy-handed 154-pound contender from Detroit, Michigan who has put together two strong victories since suffering a KO loss to unified super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd in 2017. Harrison most recently scored a KO victory over George Sosa on Feb. 17 in El Paso.

“It’s about time for me to get back into the loop. This is a tough fight against Ishe, who is coming off of a good performance for himself against Julian Williams,” Harrison said. “I’ve been wanting to fight Ishe since my early days as a pro, and this is exactly the kind of fight that I need. This is definitely going to be a good one.

“Ishe is almost 40 years old, but that makes no difference to me. Ishe’s been a world champion, and in order for me to become a world champion, I’ve got to go through one. It’s a difficult task, and there is definitely no way that I’m taking Ishe lightly. I’m the ultimate competitor, and there’s not a fight in the world that I wouldn’t take. I’m ready to lay it all on the line in this fight, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile when I get the win.”

Tabiti (15-0, 12 KOs) has used his punching power to make a steady climb up the cruiserweight ladder. The 28-year-old, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Las Vegas, took a major step forward in his last fight when he scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Steve Cunningham on Aug. 26. A win against the veteran Kayode will further solidify his position among the top cruiserweight contenders.

“My last fight I showed everyone that I’m a smart boxer,” Tabiti said. “I think a lot of guys expect me to just go in the ring and knock guys out but I feel like it’s important to show that I’m versatile. I can box with you or I can use my power and get a guy out.

“This camp, my goal is to focus on targeting the body plus using the IQ I gained from my last camp and fight. This guy is older, he’s coming off two losses, he’s on his way out, but I can’t overlook him. My last opponent was a lot older so I’m going to take the tools and experience and put it all together to bring the fans a great performance.”

The 35-year-old Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) is looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses, including a unanimous decision loss to Keith Tapia in his last fight on Sept. 23. Kayode, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and now lives in Hollywood, California, dropped down to cruiserweight after his match against heavyweight Luis Ortiz was declared a no contest due to Ortiz failing his post-fight drug test for performance enhancing drugs in 2014. His last victory was a unanimous decision against Nick Kisner in 2015. That paved the way for a shot at the cruiserweight world title later that year, which he lost by knockout to Denis Lebedev.

“Tabiti has absolutely no experience compared to me and his opponents have been less than formidable,” said Kayode. “I will show him why I’m in a completely different class of fighter!”
# # #

Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce will be available to be streamed live via Bounce’s new subscription-video-on-demand service Brown Sugar, which features an extensive and one-of-a-kind library of iconic black movies as well as Bounce original programming and series. Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. Brown Sugar also has Google Chromecast capabilities which allow video to play on televisions directly from mobile devices and tablets for consumers with Android and iOS devices. There is a free initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter.

For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo, , and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

SAN ANTONIO (September 24, 2017) – WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Yunier Dorticos (22-0, 21 KOs) retained his title and stamped his place in the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Semi-finals Saturday night with a sensational second round knockout of Dmitry Kudryashov (21-2, 21 KOs) in their quarter-final bout from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The unbeaten champion Dorticos landed a thunderous overhand right after Kudryashov threw a glancing jab during a second round exchange and sent the Russian to the canvas. Kudryashov attempted to get to his feet, but referee Rafael Ramos had seen enough and ended the bout at 2:10 into the second round.

“I knew that he was going to come at me and I waited and delivered the shot,” said Dorticos. “Once it landed I knew it was over. It is an honor to be competing in the World Boxing Super Series. To be able to go after the Muhammad Ali Trophy is a privilege and a pleasure. I want to prove to the world that I am the best cruiserweight in the world right now.”

After a first round that saw both men feel each other out and land only a few significant blows, a heated exchange erupted in the opening moments of the second round with power punches being thrown from all angles.

Dorticos appeared to hurt Kudryashov early in the round as he connected with a right hand that froze Kudryashov on the ropes. Dorticos piled on and delivered numerous right hooks with no response from his opponent until Kudryashov was eventually able to fight off of the ropes.

“I’m very upset right now,” said Kudryashov. “I was very well prepared. We’re at a heavy weight and one punch can change everything. He hit me with a good shot and I have no excuses. I thought that I would be able to get up at the eight count but the ref decided to stop the fight. The ref knows when to stop the fight so I agreed with it. All respect to Dorticos but I was expecting a victory and I was expecting to stop him. I have to give him all the credit tonight.”

Shortly after the action returned to the center of the ring, Dorticos was able to land the decisive blow and signal an end to the match. Dorticos will continue his quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the semi-finals when he takes on the winner of the WBSS quarter-final bout between IBF Champion Murat Gassiev and former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk on October 21 in New Jersey.

“I know that I want to fight Murat Gassiev,” said Dorticos. “I know he’s watching me, and I’ll be watching him. If he can take care of business, I would love to fight him. I’m ready to make that fight happen.”

In the WBSS cruiserweight reserve match, once-beaten Keith Tapia (18-1, 11 KOs) dropped previously once-beaten Lateef Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) and won a unanimous decision in their 10-round contest.

“I usually start warming up in the fourth or fifth round, but I started much faster tonight,” said Tapia. “I knew I had the advantage in speed and I took advantage of it. I haven’t been in the ring for a year, but my team got me ready and in great shape for this fight. My timing was the key to the fight. My trainer told me Kayode would drop his left hand and I’d be able to land my right hand, and that’s what I did.”

Tapia sprinted out of his corner to start the fight and set the tone early, smothering Kayode in the corner with a flurry of punches. While Kayode was able to survive the round on his feet, it set the pace for the remainder of the match.

“I tried to stay on my game plan,” said Kayode. “He was very fast but he did not hurt me. I thought I deflected a lot of his shots. When I tried to attack him he started moving. I had to adjust my game plan. I didn’t see the punch that knocked me down. I heard the bell and then the punch was there. I think he started the punch before the bell rang.”

Representing Puerto Rico, Tapia found a home for his powerful right hand all night and connected flush on Kayode’s chin and dropped him as the bell sounded to end round six. Kayode was again able to continue to continue but found more trouble in the late rounds as he was stunned late in round eight and had a cut that started earlier in the fight open up at the end of round nine.

After 10 rounds the judges awarded Tapia the unanimous decision by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90.

“Fights like this are going to get me to the championship level,” said Tapia. “I’ve always felt like I’m a champion since I started in this sport. I’m ready to fight anybody. I’ll take a couple days off then get right back in the gym.”

Additional action saw former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) return to the ring and score a dominant unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez (22-3-1, 9 KOs) in their 10-round fight for the WBC Silver Featherweight World Title.

“I boxed very well, which is something I haven’t done in a long time,” said Donaire. “I moved my legs well and maintained it throughout the whole fight. I’ve always been an aggressive boxer but this time I used my jab and combinations. I had the urge to just brawl and I felt like I hurt him. But ultimately I did a great job showing versatility in my game.”

Donaire was able to control the fight with his speed and movement that was unmatched by his opponent. Hernandez was game and continued to come forward all night, but was unable to disrupt Donaire.

“Nonito was very smooth and moved around well,” said Hernandez. “I couldn’t get to him because of that. He adjusted to everything I did. It was a fair decision at the end of the night. I thought he was going to come to brawl but he changed the strategy on me. I thought I fought hard and I’m going to work hard to get back in the ring.”

Hernandez’s aggressiveness was used against him by Donaire, who waited for his charging opponent and was able to pick him off with an array of hooks and uppercuts.
After 10-rounds all three judges saw the fight in favor of Donaire by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 97-93.

“It’s a great pleasure to be part of the Ringstar Sports family,” said Donaire. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I know there is more to come. I’m going to get back in there and keep showing what I can do.”

***
For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

28/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant
Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

SAN ANTONIO (September 5, 2017) – Exciting former world champion Nonito Donaire (37-4-0, 24 KOs) will return to the ring to take on Ruben Garcia Hernandez (22-2-1, 9 KOs) for the WBC Silver Featherweight Title in a bout that takes place alongside the World Boxing Super Series Quarterfinals on Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome live in San Antonio and presented by Ringstar Sports.

Additional action will feature a 10-round showdown between once-beaten cruiserweights Keith Tapia (17-1, 11 KOs) and Lateef Kayode (21-1, 16 KOs) that will serve as the reserve match for the World Boxing Super Series Quarterfinal matchup of Cuban WBA World Champion Yunier ‘The KO Doctor’ Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) versus Russian Dmitry ‘Russian Hammer’ Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs).

Donaire returns to the ring after a controversial loss last November to Jessie Magdaleno. Donaire recently teamed up with Ringstar Sports where he plans to reclaim his supremacy in the featherweight division. Garcia Hernandez is a tested Mexican fighter looking to make a name for himself in the U.S. at the Alamodome.

“I’m ready to return to the ring and show that I still have what it takes to be a world champion and face the best in this sport,” said Donaire. “I’m thankful to Ringstar Sports for helping me in this next chapter of my career and I know with them in my corner, I’ll be back to where I belong soon. I’m excited to give the great fight fans in San Antonio a great show, just like when I fought Wilfredo Vazquez at the Alamodome in 2012. After this fight, I’m coming for all of the featherweight champions and to prove I’m the best in the division.”

“I am grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Garcia Hernandez. “I know that I am facing a great fighter and that has motivated me to train harder than ever before for this matchup. I’m planning on giving it my all and giving the fans a great fight. I hope Donaire comes to fight because I am coming to knock him ou on September 23rd.”

Tickets for the live event are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com HERE.

“The return of Nonito Donaire to the ring is a treat for boxing fans in San Antonio as he looks to return to his place as one of the top fighters in the sport,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “He will be in an all-action matchup against a tough Mexican fighter in Ruben Garcia Hernandez and I expect them to give the fans an exciting night. The entire card will be jam packed with rising prospects and contenders, plus a great cruiserweight showdown between Keith Tapia and Lateef Kayode that will be the reserve match for the World Boxing Super Series Quarterfinal that night.”

The Filipino fighter known as the “Filipino Flash” Donaire grew up in Northern California and now fights out of Las Vegas. His last fight was November 2016 when he battled Magdeleno for a junior featherweight world title in a bout that he lost by controversial decision. Hoping for a rematch that was never made, he partnered with Ringstar Sports looking to return to the top of the featherweight division. Prior to that, Donaire won belts in four different weight classes and was recognized as the 2012 Fighter of the Year by the BWAA, ESPN and Ring Magazine.

Fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico, Hernandez made his pro debut in 2010. Since that time he has battled his way through Mexico while fighting in the U.S. four times. Hernandez enters this bout on a seven fight winning streak and plans to make a name for himself in the United States on September 23rd when he takes on Donaire.

The 27-year-old Tapia returns to the ring after dropping a decision to unbeaten Andrew Tabiti that snapped a 17-fight win streak to begin his professional career. Originally from Puerto Rico but fighting out of the Bronx, Tapia has picked up victories over durable veterans Garrett Wilson and Anthony Caputo Smith and will look to cement his status as a cruiserweight contender on September 23rd.

A former title challenger at cruiserweight, Kayode last battled Denis Lebedev for his cruiserweight crown in a November 2015 bout in Russia. Fighting out of Hollywood, Calif., by way of Nigeria, Kayode has shared the ring with the likes of Antonio Tarver and Luis Ortiz while taking down Felix Cora Jr, Matt Godfrey and Nick Kisner on his way to an unbeaten mark after his first 21 pro fights.

***

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES
09/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck (WBO World)
Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany

16/09/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund (WBC Diamond)
Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom

23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

TO BE CONFIRMED
Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)

Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organised by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter,Facebook, or Instagram.

For more information visit www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/RingstarSports

A pair of childhood friends and now promotional stablemates will both be in the fights of their lives tonight, in two of the marquee matchups of the stacked Andrey Ryabinsky/World Boxing Promotions boxing show at the Basket-Hall Arena in Kazan, Russia.

Lateef “Power” Kayode (21-0, 16 KOs) will face WBA World Cruiserweight Champion Denis Lebedev (27-2, 20 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event and fellow Nigerian Larry “God’s Power” Durodola (21-2, 19 KOs) will face Russian KO artist Dmitry “The Russian Hammer” Kudryashov (18-0, 18 KOs) over 12 rounds for the WBC Silver Cruiserweight Championship.

Kayode and Olanrewaju have known each other since childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, and as amateur boxers, they were on several national teams together.

“Try to figure out the odds of two Nigerians growing up together, both ending up with me as their American promoter and both in the most important fights of the careers on the same show in Russia,” said Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions. “It makes you think this was meant to be for all these variables to come together like this to make this happen.”

Cohen, who is in Russia with his fighters, says he thinks these incredible coincidences are a good sign of big things to come.

“It’s got to be fate that these guys are here and I expect them both to come out victorious,” Cohen continued. “For Lateef, it’ll be his first world championship after a long and distinguished career and for Larry, a victory over this guy who has KO’d all his opponents before him will establish him as the WBC’s top rated contender. It’s going to be a very special night.”

Also scheduled for war are top European heavyweights Alexander Povetkin and Mariusz Wach, as well as cruiserweight contenders Rakhim Chakhkiev (23-1, 18 KOs) and Ola Afolabi (21-2-2, 10 KOs), who will do battle for the IBO Championship.

It’s a sensational night for boxing tonight and it’s looking like it’ll be one of the more special nights in my company’s history as well. I’m very excited to get this thing started,” said Cohen.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah, women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano, and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Lateef Kayode 199.8 vs. Nick Kisner 199.8

Josh King 134.7 vs. Rogelio Casarez 134.7
WBO ORIENTAL AND WBO ASIA PACIFIC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Amanda Serrano 130.4 vs. Zarika Kangethe 125.4
Derrick Webster 167.6 vs. William Johnson 167.6
Quincy Palmer 275.1 vs. Marvin Hunt 231.6
Marlon Lewis 125.2 vs. Terrance Roy NA

Promoters: Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions, produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions

Venue: WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee

TV: CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET)

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236. On fight night, doors open @ 6:00 pm. The live television telecast will run from 10 pm to 12 am EST on CBS Sports Network. For more information, visit www.gcpboxing.com.

On Friday, May 29, Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions, produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, proudly announce the return of “Championship Boxing,” which will air live on CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET) from the WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

Headlining the night will be an intriguing 10-round cruiserweight battle between long-time undefeated contender Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) and once-beaten “Slick” Nick Kisner (14-1-1, 5 KOs). In the co-main event, promising WBO #10 lightweight Josh King of Australia will make his US television debut in a regional title fight against Batesville, Arkansas’ Rogelio Casarez (9-3, 4 KOs).

Also featured in televised action that night will be women’s superstar Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs) in a super featherweight showcase, as well as super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236.

32-year-old Lateef Kayode was born in Lagos, Nigeria but resides in California. Known for his immense strength and punching power, Kayode has been a top contender at 200 lbs for many years and is the current WBO-NABO and NABF Cruiserweight Champion. He is trained by four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach. Kayode has also held the WBA-NABA Cruiserweight Championship. In 2013, Kayode fought to a draw with multiple world champion Antonio Tarver.

A naturally fluid boxer with superb skills, 24-year-old Nick Kisner hails from Baltimore, Maryland. As an amateur, and among countless distinctions, Kisner was a three-time National Silver Gloves Champion and Ringside World Champion. He holds the distinction of being the youngest boxer in American history (17) to ever win a Men’s National Title in the Heavyweight Division. As a professional, Kisner’s two losses are a controversial draw in the opponent’s hometown and a split decision loss to fellow top prospect Junior Wright in Wright’s hometown of Chicago.

29-year-old Josh King is from Townsville, Queensland, Australia. As a professional, he has already held the Australian Super Lightweight and WBF World Super Lightweight titles and is the current WBO Oriental Lightweight and WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight Champion. As an amateur, King was 50-15 and a five-time Australian and five-time Golden Gloves Champ, among many distinctions.

26-year-old southpaw Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs) is a former Staten Island amateur champion, New York City Golden Gloves amateur champion, and Empire State amateur champion. She turned professional in 2009 and has already won the NABF Featherweight, Universal Boxing Federation World Featherweight, Women’s International Boxing Association World Featherweight, IBF World Super Featherweight, Universal Boxing Federation Inter­Continental Super Featherweight, and WBO World Lightweight Championships. She is currently ranked # 1 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), #2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and in the World Boxing Council (WBC) is ranked #5 at the featherweight.

Throughout his pro career, 32-year-old southpaw Derrick Webster has trouble finding opponents. At 6′ 4″ the towering super middleweight with the heavyweight reach is a handful for anyone in the world. Webster has worked as a sparring partner for former WBC and IBO Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal, Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward, Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

“It’s great to be back in Memphis, working with my good friends Brian and Russ Young,” said Greg Cohen. “This will be a world-class event, featuring a mix of championship contenders and local talent. The card will be stacked from top to bottom with action-packed bouts that will have the crowd on Beale Street energized all night long. This is a truly special event and I couldn’t be more pumped!!”

Several local favorites will be showcased on the night’s undercard. On fight night, doors open @ 6:00 pm. The live television telecast will run from 10 pm to 12 am EST on CBS Sports Network. For more information, visit www.gcpboxing.com.

###

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen made headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; cruiserweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Interim WBA Heavyweight champion Luis Ortiz was suspended for 8-months and fined $8.000 for failing a post fight drug test following his September 11 first round stoppage over Lateef Kayode in Las Vegas.

In addition, Ortiz, a Cuban defector living in Miami, will be required to perform 15 hours of community service aimed toward children with an anti-bullying message.

He will also be requited to produce a clean test before his next fight and the commission reserved the right to randomly drug test him for the remainder of the year at his expense.

Gilberto Mendoza Jr. of the WBA, which sanctions Ortiz’s interim title, told ESPN.com on Monday evening that once it receives the paperwork from Nevada, Ortiz will be stripped of the belt, a move that likely will cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions.

“There is no reason why he tested positive for Nandrolone. He apologizes, he is remorseful and he is embarrassed. He has never used drugs,” Bonds told the commission before he blamed the positive test on Ortiz’s consumption of horse meat, which he said often is contaminated with Nandrolone and not uncommon for Cubans to eat.

“I came to America five years ago to accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion,” Ortiz said. “I don’t even know what this substance is. I’ve always trained very hard to accomplish my dream. I leave it all in your hands. I have faith and trust in you (the commission).”

“The only thing I know how to do is fight,” Ortiz said.

“It’s a positive test and it deserves our attention with a punishment similar to others who have some credible, and some not credible, explanations for their positive test,” commissioner Raymond “Skip” Avansino Jr. said.

According to promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, the WBA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission have a clear duty to his fighter, Lateef Kayode, should interim WBA World Heavyweight Champion Luis Ortiz’s positive post-fight drug test for the steroid nandrolone be confirmed by the NSAC in an upcoming hearing.

The NSAC and WBA, say Cohen, have a duty to his fighter, should Ortiz’s positive result stand at the upcoming hearing and his title be stripped.

“I think it’s only fair that my fighter’s loss be erased by the Nevada Commission. And I believe the WBA should reinstate Lateef to his former position in the ratings and let him fight again for the interim championship against a fighter that isn’t cheating. Lateef earned his place into a title fight and he deserves the chance to compete for it on a level playing field.”

Alternatively, Cohen says the WBA could consider treating the fight as having never happened and moving Kayode into a shot for the “Regular” Heavyweight Championship against current belt holder Ruslan Chagaev.

“The WBA and the Nevada Commission are fine organizations and I’m sure they will remedy my fighter accordingly for this injustice, should it be affirmed. I have complete confidence they will do right by Lateef Kayode.”

###

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen made headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; Freddie Roach-trained heavyweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, currently rated #12 in the WBA; Top 15 IBF and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Undefeated Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

WBA Interim Heavyweight champion Luis Ortiz tested positive for a banned substance following his September 11th 1st round stoppage over Lateef Kayode in Las Vegas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The level of [nandrolone] was above the normal level,” NSAC executive director Bob Bennett told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

“He could be fined, and typically, in my five months on the job, first-time offenders for a positive test for a diuretic usually get a nine-month suspension and first-time offenders for anabolic steroids usually get 12 months, depending on mitigating circumstance,” Bennett said. “The punishment could increase, but it is not likely to decrease.”

“If NSAC confirms the failed test, there will be no other path,” the WBA’s Gilberto Mendoza Jr. told ESPN.com. “He is no longer Chagaev’s mandatory. I must add that Ortiz’s team will have the right to appeal under WBA rules.”

Luis Ortiz won the WBA Interim Heavyweight title with a 1st round stoppage over Lateef Kayode in a fight between undefeated Heavyweights at the Joint at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Ortiz scored a knockdown in the first thirty seconds from a a right hook to the head. Kayode looked like he was steady until he ate a vicious left on the ropes that started a 13-punch barrage until the fight was stopped at 2:55 of round one.

Kayode seemed to be taking the punches well before referee Robert Byrd stopped the bout.

Ortiz, 233 3/4 lbs of Miami is now 22-0 with 19 knockouts. Kayode, 221 1/4 lbs of Los Angeles, is 20-1.

Jesus Cuellar may have kicked the dirt on the career of Juan Manuel Lopez by scoring an explosive 2nd round stoppage in a scheduled 12-round WBA Interim Featherweight title.

Cuellar landed a vicious 4 punch combination that crumpled the former 2-time world champion to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:36 of round two.

Cuellar, 125 1/2 lbs of Argentina is now 25-1 with 19 knockouts. Lopez, 125 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 34-5.

Jermall Charlo remained undefeated by scoring a 7th round stoppage over Norberto Gonzalez in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Charlo dropped Gonzalez in round five from a hard combination and continied to batter him until the fight was stopped in round seven at 1:23 when Gonzalez’ corner threw in the towel.

Charlo, 155 3/4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 19-0 with 15 knockouts. Gonzalez, 156 1/4 lbs of Monterrey, MX is 20-6.

In a battle of undefeated Jr. Middleweights, Julian Williams registered an 8-round unanimous decision over Eliezer Gonzalez.

Williams was effective with the right hand and out landed Gonzalez at an almost three to one rate and won by scores of 80-72 on all cards.

Williams, 154 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is now 17-0-1. Gonzalez, 154 1/4 lbs of San Juan, PR is 14-1.

Errol Spence Jr. scored a stoppage victory over Noe Bolanos after two rounds when Bolanos apparently hurt his hand.

It was looking academic anyway as Spence started to dominated as he featured his left hand in round two.

Spence, 148 lbs of Desoto, TX is now 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Bolanos, 149 3/4 lbs of Obregan, MX is now 26-11-1.

Josesito Lopez scored an 8-round unanimous decision over Rafael Cabos in a Welterweight fight.

Lopez, 146 1/2 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 33-6. Cabos. 146 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 15-5-5.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, gets fight week started with a blockbuster edition of Golden Boy Live!, featuring unbeaten heavyweights Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode meeting at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to battle for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight title in the main event.

Live on Fight Network exclusively in Canada at 9:30 p.m. ET, the fight card features an unprecedented lineup of six televised fights taking place just two days before “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” takes over Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13.

In addition to live broadcasts of the official final press conference (Wednesday, 4 p.m. ET) and weigh-ins (Friday, 6 p.m. ET), Fight Network will air a Floyd Mayweather bout marathon on Saturday afternoon beginning at 12 p.m. ET, which leads into a live mixed martial arts doubleheader with Cage Warriors 72 from Newport, Wales and BAMMA 16 from Manchester, England. Fight Network’s action-packed fight week also includes a live presentation of ONE Fighting Championship 20: Rise of the Kingdom on Friday, September 12.

Thursday’s edition of Golden Boy Live! at 9:30 p.m. ET features another championship fight, as the interim WBA featherweight title will be on the line with Jesus “El Jinete” Cuellar facing Puerto Rico’s Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez.

Also stepping into the right in separate televised bouts on this star-studded card will be Jermall Charlo, Julian “J Rock” Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez.

“The heavyweight championship has long been the most prestigious title in all of boxing and Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode will be bringing it in order to win that belt and put their names in the history books,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “This is the perfect way to kick off a great weekend of boxing in Las Vegas.”

“We are happy to work with Golden Boy to continue the tradition of not one but two fights in Las Vegas the week of a Floyd Mayweather pay-per-view event,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We want to keep the fans who come from near and far entertained all week long and there is no better way to do that than with a heavyweight title fight.”

“A lot of great fighters have come before me and won the heavyweight title and to have the chance to join them is an honor,” said the number two-ranked Ortiz. “I will fight my heart out for this championship and I won’t disappoint my fans, friends or family.”

“I’ve waited a long time for a fight like this and I feel that this is finally my chance to shine,” said the number five-ranked Kayode. “Before Mayweather and Maidana fight on Saturday, I will set the stage for them with a big win and a championship that will have the world talking.”

Ortiz vs. Kayode, a 12-round bout for the vacant WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and airs live on Fight Network at 9:30 p.m. ET.

With over 340 amateur wins in his native Cuba, 35-year-old Luis Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs) knows more about boxing than practically anyone in the heavyweight division as evidenced by his 21 wins. Now the 6-foot-4 southpaw has his shot at championship gold and after back-to-back knockouts of Alex Gonzales and Monte Barrett respectively, it’s clear that the Miami resident isn’t content with just winning a decision on September 11.

A native of Lagos, Nigeria who now makes his home in Hollywood, California, 31-year-old Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) is a hard-hitting contender whose six-year professional career includes wins over Matt Godfrey, Felix Cora Jr. and Alfredo Escalera Jr., as well as several regional titles at cruiserweight. Now competing at heavyweight, where he has knocked out his last two opponents, Kayode is one win away from becoming a world champion.

Making his second consecutive appearance in Las Vegas, Buenos Aires southpaw Jesus Cuellar (24-1, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran of the fight game at just 27-years-old. With 24 victories and only one defeat, Cuellar is looking forward to make an even bigger name for himself by beating slugger Juan Manuel Lopez. A winner of seven straight, Cuellar won the interim WBA title in August of 2013 with a victory over unbeaten Claudio Marrero. After his win over Rico Ramos in May, he will now attempt to defend his belt for a third time on September 11.

Winner of three of his last five bouts, a stretch that includes a March knockout over Daniel Ponce De Leon, 31-year-old southpaw Juan Manuel Lopez (34-4, 31 KOs) will attempt to make history again by taking a world title back home to Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Already a two-division world titleholder who has thrilled fans for years, the exciting knockout artist believes he has another great fight in him heading into his bout against Cuellar.

Many believe Houston’s Jermall Charlo (18-0, 14 KOs) should have been a world champion by now, but when IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Carlos Molina was forced out of their March bout due to legal issues, the 24-year-old Charlo was forced to go back to the drawing board. A little over two weeks after his cancelled title fight, Charlo was back in the ring, stopping Hector Munoz in just two rounds and he expects another stellar performance on September 11. Charlo is set to face Mexican veteran Norberto Gonzalez (20-4, 13 KOs).

The best prospect to emerge from Philadelphia since Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia, Julian Williams (16-0-1, 10 KOs) wants to follow in Garcia’s footsteps and put a championship belt around his waist sooner rather than later. A knockout victor in his last three bouts over tough competition like Orlando Lora, Freddy Hernandez and Michael Medina, the 24-year-old junior middleweight will undoubtedly be bringing the thunder to Las Vegas next week when he takes on Eliezer Gonzalez (14-0, 9 Kos) of San Juan Puerto Rico in an eight round bout.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (13-0, 10 KOs) has been making a steady climb up the 147-pound ladder since becoming a professional and after a shutout win over rugged veteran Ronald Cruz in June, the 24-year-old from Desoto, Texas native has proven that he’s ready to take another step toward the top. Spence Jr. will face Noe Bolanos (26-10-1, 16 KOs) of Obregon, Mexico in an eight-round welterweight bout.

A noted fan favorite for his exciting style and ability to triumph against the odds, 30-year-old Josesito Lopez (32-6, 19 KOs) has won two fights straight since a courageous effort against Marcos Maidana in June of 2013, defeating Mike Arnaoutis and Aaron Martinez. On September 11, Lopez is back in action, and he is expected to open the Golden Boy Live! show in style when he faces Mexican slugger Rafael Cobos (15-4, 3 KOs).

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 10, 2014) – With a stacked card coming to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this Thursday, Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz, Lateef “Power” Kayode, Jesus “El Jinete” Cuellar and Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez sat down with the media in Las Vegas to discuss their respective title bouts airing live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.

Here is what the fighters said Thursday:

LUIS ORTIZ, Undefeated Heavyweight Contender

“I have worked very hard for this fight and it’s a great opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.

“I have seen one or two of Kayode’s fights and I am prepared. You will see my preparation materialize in the ring on Thursday night.

“Kayode is a trash talker and I take that as a sign of weakness.

“A lot of heavyweight fighters are in Cuba in amateur competitions, but I take pride in knowing that I am a professional Cuban heavyweight.

“I am going to continue working and doing my part and fight whoever steps up. I am the next heavyweight champion. I am going to keep doing my part so I can get there.”

“When I need to be a power puncher, I will do it. When I need to box, I will do it. When I need to be defensive, I will do it. When I need to attack and get the job done, I will do it. If there is a specific name for all of those styles – then that is the kind of fighter I am.”

LATEEF KAYODE, Undefeated Heavyweight Contender

“I feel as good as I did at cruiserweight, I’m still the same powerful guy.

“My trainer Freddie Roach has spent a lot of time in the gym with me. He has taught me a lot about my opponents and how to take advantage of them.

“I notice the difference when Freddie tells me things to adjust my game. He helped me with my footwork and positioning. He taught me new ways to make my opponents pay.

“Freddie told me that if I listen to him I will have no problem with this guy. He’s there to make life easier for me.

“I will be able to keep composure and keep calm in the ring. It’s not an easy task to fine-tune my brute force and strength but I feel great about where I am.

“After I knock Ortiz out or whatever I do to him, after that I will leave it up to my manager to try to get me a fight with Klitschko. I’m not scared to fight anybody.”

JESUS CUELLAR, WBA Interim Featherweight World Champion

“I feel good and ready. I have been training with Robert Garcia for this fight and we had a great camp.

“I feel blessed that the Latino fans especially the Mexican fans have been following me and giving me the support I need.

“I know that this is going to be a hard fight. I’ve been training hard for it in intense camp and I’m here to do my job and take the victory home.

“The fans expect me to show how I box and I am prepared to go the distance but I am also ready for it if it goes faster than that.

JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ, Former Two-Division World Champion

“This is a difficult fight but I’ve been a two-division world champion, and I wasn’t going to take easy fights that the public and my fans wouldn’t respect.

“We know 100 percent that my career is at stake and I can’t afford a loss, but that’s why we came ready and in the best possible shape. I don’t want my career to end on a note like the Francisco Vargas loss. We know what’s ahead of us and what this fight means. It’s very important for me.

“The person who I thought would have tried to convince me to retire was my mother. She’s been my biggest supporter and my biggest fan. She was there at the Vargas fight, and I really thought she was going to try to convince me to stop boxing. But she’s continued supporting and backing me 100 percent.

“Of course, I want to go for one big payday and retire. That’s every fighter’s dream, to get the biggest payday and retire. I always said at 32 I’d like to retire, but things happened to stall that a little bit. But I’m not going to go past 34. I want to retire before then.

“I see a very strong fighter in Jesus Cuellar. I see a young fighter that wants to be the best in the world and a champion. That makes him very dangerous. My advantage is that I’ve been here on this stage and the experience that I have at this level, you cannot buy it.”

# # #

Ortiz vs. Kayode, a 12-round bout for the vacant WBA Heavyweight World Title, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Mexico, Live it to believe it!. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now and are available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.comor www.FOXSports.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing @MayweatherPromo, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive and #OrtizKayode, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.comand visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @mayweatherpromotions and @Swanson_Comm. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at @FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.

Hollywood, CA (August 27, 2014)–World Boxing Association number-five ranked Heavyweight, undefeated Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KO’s) has been preparing for WBA Interim Heavyweight championship bout against fellow undefeated top rated contender Luis Ortiz ((21-0, 18 KO’s) on September 11 at Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The resident of Hollywood, California and native of Lagos, Nigeria has been prepping for this major opportunity at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach.

“It’s going to be a great fight for both of us. It is a great opportunity to prove myself in the Heavyweight division,” said Kayode.

Despite moving up from Cruiserweight, Kayode is not at all intimidated by Ortiz who will have close to a three-inch and 20-plus pound weight advantage.

“He is strong and big. I know that and it doesn’t concern me at all. I spar a lot of big guys out here and I am used to it.”

Kayode knows that a win over Ortiz will be the gateway for major opportunities in the Heavyweight division.

“I have been doing my job as I know this is a big opportunity. This fight will give me a Heavyweight title belt and that will only lead me into bigger fights.”

Kayode gives a lot of credit to the man who helped secure this opportunity. That being his promoter Greg Cohen.

Cohen has a great history in the Heavyweight division as he has worked with Hasim Rahman, Shannon Briggs, James Toney and Samuel Peter to name a few.

Said Cohen, “Lateef is a bonafide Heavyweight with one punch power in either hand. Most people don’t realize that the majority of his 21 fights have taken place at heavyweight (12 out of 21). After speaking with Freddie over the past few months, he implored me to do whatever needed to be done to secure the Ortiz fight, as Freddie believes the styles match up perfectly for Lateef to be successful. Both fighters are undefeated, extremely strong & both guys know that it’s sink or swim time. At the end of the day I think Lateef’s power and execution of Freddie’s game plan will be the difference in the fight. It Won’t be easy, but on September 11th, I expect Lateef’s hand to be raised in victory and a new major player in the Heavyweight division will have arrived.”

“I want to thank Greg Cohen for putting this together and I know on September 11, I will come out victorious. It is an Opportunity that I have to take.”, continued Kayode.

The fight will kick off a monstrous fight weekend in Las Vegas as it will be a prelude to the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana that will take place two nights later at the MGM Grand.

“I want to thank the fans that will come to and watch our fight. It will be the start of a great boxing weekend. They say nobody wants to fight Ortiz. Well I am not scared and I will be there. I am not scared of anybody.”

Kayode has much riding on the fight as he wants to follow in the footsteps of Peter and become the 2nd Heavyweight champion from Nigeria.

“My people back home will be very happy. For me to come home with the Heavyweight championship would be great. I am going to prove to everybody that I am the best and I will bring that title home to Nigeria.”, finished Kayode.

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LAS VEGAS (Aug. 20) – Unbeaten heavyweights Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode will meet at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to battle for the vacant WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title in the main event of Golden Boy Live! on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions announced today. The fight will be held on Thursday, September 11, just two days Before”MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2″ takes over Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13.

“The heavyweight championship has long been the most prestigious title in all of boxing and Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode will be bringing it in order to win that belt and put their names in the history books,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “This is the perfect way to kick off a great weekend of boxing in Las Vegas.”

“We are happy to work with Golden Boy to continue the tradition of not one but two fights in Las Vegas the week of a Floyd Mayweather pay-per-view event,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We want to keep the fans who come from near and far entertained all week long and there is no better way to do that than with a heavyweight title fight.”

“A lot of great fighters have come before me and won the heavyweight title and to have the chance to join them is an honor,” said the number two-ranked Ortiz. “I will fight my heart out for this championship and I won’t disappoint my fans, friends or family.”

“I’ve waited a long time for a fight like this and I feel that this is finally my chance to shine,” said the number five-ranked Kayode. “Before Mayweather and Maidana fight on Saturday, I will set the stage for them with a big win and a championship that will have the world talking.”

Ortiz vs. Kayode, a 12-round bout for the vacant WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now and are available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

With over 340 amateur wins in his native Cuba, 35-year-old Luis Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs) knows more about boxing than practically anyone in the heavyweight division as evidenced by his 21 wins. Now the 6-foot-4 southpaw has his shot at championship gold and after back-to-back knockouts of Alex Gonzales and Monte Barrett respectively, it’s clear that the Miami resident isn’t content with just winning a decision on September 11.

A native of Lagos, Nigeria who now makes his home in Hollywood, California, 31-year-old Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) is a hard-hitting contender whose six-year professional career includes wins over Matt Godfrey, Felix Cora Jr. and Alfredo Escalera Jr., as well as several regional titles at cruiserweight. Now competing at heavyweight, where he has knocked out his last two opponents, Kayode is one win away from becoming a world champion.

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.comor www.FOXSports.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing @MayweatherPromo, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive and #OrtizKayode, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.comand visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @mayweatherpromotions and @Swanson_Comm. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 and become a follower on Twitter at @FOXSports @FOXSports1 and @FOXSportsPR.

Promoter Greg Cohen wishes to congratulate his heavyweight, undefeated Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs), for his sixth-round TKO over Jonte Willis on Friday night, January 10, at “Battle at the Boat 94” at the Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Fighting in front of a standing-rooom-only crowd, as well as a worldwide audience watching on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Kayode finally secured the referee’s stoppage at 1:07 of the fight’s scheduled final round.

Cohen says Kayode’s second fight as a heavyweight went according to plan, as the tough Willis was able to go some rounds before succumbing to the Nigerian Kayode’s well-documented power.

“We knew Willis would be durable, he’s been in with several big punchers and gone the distance,” said Cohen. “Lateef did a good job softening him up and ultimately getting him out of there quicker than anyone ever has. I was very pleased with Lateef’s performance.”

Cohen says the show was a tremendous success in every way and he wishes to thank his promotional partners, Brian Halquist Productions, GH3 Promotions and DiBella Entertainment for their support.

“That was a terrific venue and the people we worked with couldn’t have been better. GCP hopes to be back there soon with another world-class event.”

Juan Antonio Rodriguez scored an eight round majority decision over late replacement Yenifel Vicente in a Jr. Lightweight bout at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Rodriguez used his size to push the action. Vicente fought well in spots as he tried to use quick shots as he went up two weight classes on five days notice.

Rodriguez, 129 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 77-75 on two cards and 76-76 and is now 25-4. Vicente, 129 lbs of the Dominican Republic is now 25-2-2.

Zahir Raheem scored a ten round unanimous decision over Bayan Jargal in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Scores were 99-91, 91-91 and 97-93 for Raheem, 139 lbs and is now 35-3. Jargal, 139 1/2 lbs of Mongolia is now 17-5-3.

Lateef Kayode remained undefeated by scoring a 6th round stoppage over Jonta Willis in a scheduled eight round Heavyweight bout.

Willis was solid throughout the contest and started to really dominate after the fourth round. In the sixth round, Kayode landed body shots that sent Willis across the ring. Kayode landed a barrage of punches on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:07 of round six.

Kayode, 222 lbs of Hollywood, CA is now 20-0 with 16 knockouts. Wllis, 219 1/4 lbs is now 9-8-1.

On Friday, January 10, promoters Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Brian Halquist Productions, GH3 Promotions will proudly present “Battle at the Boat 94”, a night of high-level professional boxing, televised live, worldwide by ESPN in the I-5 Showroom of the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

In the night’s main event, IBF #8-ranked Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee (20-1-1, 10 KOs) will face Mexican KO artist Juan Antonio “El Mozo” Rodriguez (25-4, 23 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight battle.

And in the televised co-feature, longtime top contender and Erik Morales conqueror Zahir “Z-Man” Raheem (34-3, 21 KOs), the former Philadelphian turned hometown Tacoma hero, will continue his comeback against an opponent that is TBA.

On the undercard, former top cruiserweight contender Lateef “Power” Kayode (19-0, 15 KOs) will make the second appearance of his heavyweight campaign.

31-year-old Usmanee, was born in Afghanistan, is now based in Montreal, but trains in Las Vegas with former champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. He was last seen fighting to a draw with current IBF Super Featherweight Champion, Argenis Mendez, in August of 2013. In a battle many felt the aggressive Usmanee had won, the fight was declared a majority draw with one judge scoring for Usmanee.

Puebla, Mexico’s hard-punching southpaw Juan Antonio Rodriguez was last seen n November of this year, scoring a TKO 4 over Javier Mercado at the Centro de Convenciones IMSS, in Tlalpan, Mexico. Rodriguez has been very competitive against top level opposition including former IBF Featherweight Champion Billy Dib, but has just fallen short. The fight against Usmanee will be his chance to join the upper ranks of the division.

37-year-old Zahir “Z Man” Raheem was a top-level featherweight for many years and scored a nationally televised win over all-time-great Erik Morales and dropped a highly questionable decision to multi-world champion Acelino Freitas. He began his comeback earlier this year and has notched three victories since stepping away in 2010. He was last seen scoring an impressive TKO 2 over Tim Coleman at the Emerald Queen Casino.

Undefeated 30-year-old Nigerian Lateef Kayode is best known for fighting to a draw with world champion and Roy Jones conqueror Antonio Tarver in June 2012. Kayode began campaigning as a heavyweight earlier this month and scored a devastating TKO 2 over Travis Fulton at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.

“I am happy to be working with so many great promotional firms to bring this sensational event to the fans in Tacoma. We are expecting a total sell-out, standing room only.” said event promoter Greg Cohen. “Arash Usmanee is the uncrowned champion of the world and I congratulate ESPN for recognizing his importance and putting him in another main event of one of their exceptional broadcasts. The entire night will be terrific. There is also a full undercard of local prospects. I expect this to be one of the best shows of the year.”

“We are very excited to be working with Friday Night Fights once again,” said Brian Halquist. “We have now been working with Zahir for over a year now and are absolutely ready for a national showcase. Being 3-0 with 3 knockouts, Zahir has done everything we have asked of him and more. After Zahir defeated Morales there were always questions surrounding a Raheem vs. Pacquiao fight, leaving behind some unfinished business. He belongs on the world stage and that’s where we’re going to take him.”

Tickets for “Battle at the Boat 94” are available through Ticketmaster and start at $35. All bouts are subject to change. The Emerald Queen Casino is located at 2024 E. 29th St, in Tacoma. This event will begin at 6:00 pm (PST). Visit GCPboxing.com for more information. This event is for persons 21 years of age and older. No one under 21 will be admitted.

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions wishes to congratulate his fighter, undefeated Lateef “Power” Kayode (19-0, 15 KOs) for his impressive heavyweight-debut victory on Friday night (December 6).

Fighting for the first time in 18 months and now as a heavyweight, Kayode scored a TKO 2 over journeyman Travis Fulton (21-34, 20 KOs) at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California.

Looking sleek and powerful at his new weight class, Kayode put Fulton down in the first and finished him at 1:33 of the second.

“Lateef announced his arrival at heavyweight the way he should: with a fearsome beatdown,” said Cohen. “The fans at the Chumash on Friday got a good reminder why he’s never lost a fight.”

Cohen says Kayode will have a few more fights at the new weight and then start looking for some high-profile showdowns.

“Lateef was out for a while and he’s shaking off the ring rust, but by the second quarter of next year he’ll be ready for any heavyweight in the world.”

The eye-catching stoppage victory was also Kayode’s first under the Greg Cohen promotional banner.

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated puncher Lateef “Power” Kayode (18-0, 14 KOs) to a promotional contract. Cohen also announces that Kayode will now move up in weight and begin campaigning in the heavyweight division.

30-year-old Kayode, from Lagos, Nigeria, originally, is trained by the legendary Freddie Roach and will be looking to make an immediate splash in his new division. He was last seen fighting to a draw with former world champion Antonio Tarver in June of last year.

Cohen, who has a long history of success working with Nigerian heavyweights including Samuel Peter and Ike Ibeabuchi, says there are several exciting match-ups to be made with his new powerhouse slugger.

“Lateef has held the NABA, NABO and NABF titles as a cruiserweight and never been beaten. Now he no longer has to struggle to make weight and will be coming in as a heavyweight at full power. We’re looking forward to putting him into the important fights that will quickly establish him as one of the world’s best big men.”

December 27, 2012 – Undefeated cruiserweight contender, Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KOs), who fights under the Gary Shaw Productions promotional banner, will now be campaigning at the Heavyweight division.

“Kayode is a heavy handed puncher who can easily bring his power up to the heavyweight division,” said Gary Shaw. “Right now my matchmaker John Beninati is looking at potential opponents and we are confident Lateef will be successful moving up in weight.”

“We made a lot of headway campaigning as a cruiserweight,” said Kayode’s manager Steve Feder. “Considering the fact that we appeared more times on Shobox then any other cruiser in a decade, in a division far more suited for the European market, ultimately our options since the Tarver debacle have diminished.”

“The IBO completely ignored our ranking when granting Green a title shot, not allowing Kayode to challenge. At this point, the heavyweight division which we fought our first nine fights in. seems to be calling. Lateef is in the gym and feels very strong at his new weight. We expect to preview back at heavyweight in February.

The California athletic commission upheld the one-year suspension of former Light Heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver after his failed drug test for his June 2nd draw with Lateef Kayode according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“The Commission heard both sides of the issue and upheld Mr. Tarver’s suspension,” wrote Kathi Burns, the interim executive officer of the commission, to ESPN.com in an email. “I think the commission’s actions speak for itself. It’s well known that the commission has among the toughest anti-doping standards in the world, and that we have zero tolerance for doping.”

“I really am surprised they didn’t shorten the suspension,” Tarver told ESPN.com. “I can’t explain why it was in my system because I don’t know why it was in my system. But I know I’ve never taken any steroids. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

“I’ve been through a lot and this has been a very tough time,” Tarver said. “This is the lowest point of my boxing career. But I have never used steroids and I am holding onto that and holding onto my innocence.

“I am not mad at the commission. I was hoping they would reduce my suspension but they got a job to do, which is to protect the sport the way they know how. So I’m not angry at anyone. But I can’t prove how it got in my system. I know I didn’t intentionally or knowingly take something but I got to prove that fact. The burden of proof is on me and I accept that.”

“My doctor knows how I feel about taking shortcuts, so we never did any of that,” Tarver said. “I will take my suspension like a man. But I looked the commission in their eyes and told them I was innocent and they voted 4-1 to uphold it. So I’m out a year. Maybe I should go ahead and retire. I was in a transition period anyway. I wanted one or two more fights and then ride off into the sunset because I know there ain’t no turning back the hands of time. But this is a very dark cloud over me and my career and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”

“I had the Olympic commentating position locked down and was enjoying my role with Showtime,” said Tarver, a 1996 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist and one of America’s most decorated amateurs.

“Now everything is all up in the air. It’s what (Showtime) decides to do. They haven’t told me anything. The network is bigger than me. I can’t control the network. But I’ve never been told I’ve been fired.

“Showtime supports me and they want to see me get through this, but I don’t know if that means I will ever be back on the air. They have to make a decision based on the interest of the network. But I miss it, I really do. I miss boxing period. I’m ready to get back but maybe it’s retirement.”

“I started training just in case we had some good news (Monday),” said Tarver, whose biggest wins were his two defeats of Roy Jones Jr., including a second-round knockout to win the light heavyweight championship in May 2004 in the second bout of their trilogy. “I’m going to train just so I can be in the best shape I can be in even if I am not training for a fight. So there is a possibility I could come back. I try to look at this positively, like it’s a minor setback for a major comeback. I got to look at all the options out there.

“I can’t get licensed in America but I don’t think it would be a problem anywhere else. I got to sit down and talk to (adviser) Al (Haymon) about that and see if that’s something we want to do. Right now, it’s right after the (commission) meeting and I’m filled with emotions and I just don’t know.”

Former Light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver was suspended after a drug test following his draw with Lateef Kayode on June 2nd came up positive.

“That is correct. Mr. Tarver tested positive for a banned substance,” George Dodd, the executive officer of the California commission, told ESPN.com.

Dodd said the commission has suspended Tarver — who earned $1 million for the fight — and fined him $2,500.

“We had a brief conversation and he said that the commission had gotten back the drug test results and that Tarver’s was dirty,” said Kayode’s manager Steve Feder. “I didn’t know the substance at the time and they were notifying the people they had to notify, so I felt like I had to give the commission time to do their job and that I wouldn’t say anything until I got the confirmation of the drug.”

“Mr. Tarver has the right to appeal the suspension and view the opening of the ‘B’ sample and the analyzing of the ‘B’ sample,” Dodd said.

Also, Andre Berto tested positive for the steroid norandrosterone last month, forcing his rematch against fellow former welterweight titlist Victor Ortiz, which was scheduled for Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, to be canceled. The card is going ahead with Ortiz facing substitute opponent Josesito Lopez.

Ironically, Tarver is scheduled to work the card as a Showtime analyst. The network has not yet decided whether he will remain on the telecast.

“We have no comment at this point,” Showtime spokesman Chris DeBlasio told ESPN.com.

“We were taking pictures together and having a good time and then I get this news. It’s crazy,” Feder said. “Why would a guy do this? Why would he tarnish a stellar career? I’ve been a fan of his. And he has this great job with Showtime (as an analyst). I have to say I shake my head and say, ‘Why would he jeopardize this?’

“I want to believe somebody influenced Tarver to do this and that he would know better because I don’t want to believe he would initiate this. It’s still his fault though and he has to take the blame for it, but I actually feel bad for him. I feel bad for my fighter as well.”

“I told Lateef and he said, ‘Oh, man, I can’t believe it.’ He was shocked and then he started thinking, ‘I wonder if that’s how he came on late like he did? Maybe that’s what the drug was and he was able to come on late.’ Lateef said maybe it started to kick in because he said he didn’t really feel anything on Tarver’s punches earlier in the fight and then he really started to come on. He had this energy or something. Maybe that was the steroid?”

LAS VEGAS (JUNE 7, 2012)–#2 WBO; #4WBA #4WBC world rated cruiserweight BJ Flores 27-1 (18kos) watched intently as the fight this past Saturday took place between Lateef “Power” Kayode vs. Antonio Tarver. He was hoping with the Showtime exposure that one of the two boxers would emerge as a star.

The bout ended in a draw. Neither guy moved forward, yet both received valuable tv time on a BIG time boxing network. BJ Flores was smiling.

“The cruiserweight division is definitely starting to heat up”, Said Flores. Flores has been not only one of the most active cruiserweights in the world scoring 3 wins in the last 8 months, but has attracted very large gates in Springfield Missouri where he has a HUGE hometown following.

“Both guys fought well and Tarver started a little slow but came on down the stretch. He definitely Hurt Kayode and showed he can still punch. The decision being a draw was just. I was leaning towards Tarver but this fight was good for the division. Both guys fought well”

But one of the fighters is on the radar of Flores. Lateef Kayode.

Flores has desperately tried to secure a fight with the powerful Nigerian and now feels the timing is perfect.

“I want to make a formal challenge to Kayode. This is a fight between two top world rated Cruisersweights both trying to get into position for the world title. I need a fight like this to make a statement. A dangerous fight! A Big fight between two top #5 world rated guys on Showtime between us will be exciting and bring more notoriety to the cruiserweight division.”

“It’s no secret that I’ve wanted Kayode for a long time. After he beat Nick Iannuzzi , I contacted Gary Shaw Promotions immediately for a match between us. Well, they went in another direction and I fought Iannuzzi next to make a statement. They said the timing wasn’t right. I respect their decision. But now the Time couldn’t be more right! I have had 3 fights in 8 months and would love to face Kayode next. He has shown improvements and this fight can be big. We can do it in Springfield, Missouri and sell 5000 seats with this on Showtime or any network! But the truth of the matter is I will fight you anywhere. I just want it to be known that the money is there and we can easily make this happen”

“No cruiserweight can sell tickets in America like that so it makes perfect sense. Who else should Kayode fight with all the champions buys in upcoming defenses?? It’s a natural fight. Two top rated guys in America. We built up a VERY good fan base in Springfield and I want to bring a big fight back home. I am ready immediately!! Let’s get it done!!”

“This is the kind of fight I need. I respect Kayode and his manager Steve Feder. I respect Gary Shaw Productions. I know this will be a difficult fight and this will bring out the best in me. I need a challenge like this. GSP, my phone lines are open!”

TAMPA, FL, May 2 – With the training camp for his June 2nd SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event against unbeaten Lateef Kayode heating up, former light heavyweight champion and current IBO Cruiserweight champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver took time out from his busy schedule to check in with his thoughts on another high-profile matchup – the May 5th meeting between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto,

“I think that Mayweather’s coming in with all the natural God-given ability and talent, and Cotto comes in with the physical game,” said Tarver, who also doubles as a ringside analyst for SHOWTIME. “But we’ve seen Cotto beat, and beaten bad on two occasions. He was outclassed against (Manny) Pacquiao, and he took a beating against (Antonio) Margarito. We haven’t seen that with Floyd Mayweather yet. I think he (Mayweather) is at the top of the game right now, and he’s gonna have more options to do the things that he does in the ring.”

Yet despite the odds, Tarver doesn’t count the 154-pound world champion from Puerto Rico out against the unbeaten “Money” Mayweather, even though he believes Cotto will have to throw the boxing equivalent of a perfect game in Las Vegas.

“Cotto’s gonna have to be perfect,” said Tarver, who upset 5 to 1 odds in his most recent bout, knocking out Danny Green in the ninth round last July. “Cotto’s gonna have to be physical, have his defense intact, and he’s gonna have to match Floyd. When Floyd opens up, he’s gonna have to punch with him. That’s how you negate speed, and that’s a big risk, but his reward is so gigantic that’s he’s gonna have to be willing to lay it all on the line and if has to go out on his shield, go out trying to get that victory.”

As for Mayweather, Tarver is looking forward to seeing what his teammate on the 1996 United States Olympic boxing team has in store, not just on May 5th, but in the future.

“Floyd’s gonna have to keep doing what he’s doing, and in two or three more fights, he can ride out into the sunset,” he said. “Hopefully Pacquiao’s in the scheme of things and we can see that fight eventually. That would be great if he could pull that off. If he beats Pacquiao, he’s one of the greatest of all-time and not too many people can say that.”

The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calf., hosts a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING quadruple header on Saturday, June 2 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Current IBO Cruiserweight Champion and former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s) faces unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO’s) in a

12-round cruiserweight fight. In the co-feature, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) returns to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) in

a middleweight bout. In two world championship fights on the telecast, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO’s) risks his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO’s) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO’s) faces top Golden Boy Promotions prospect and IBF number five rated contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO’s) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title.

Tickets for the June 2 bout are on sale now and are available as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849, as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

This night of world class professional boxing is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Trout vs. Rodriguez is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz presented in association with Branco Sports Productions.

Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will take on former Jr. Middleweight champion Winky Wright on May 26th on Showtime as the co-feature of the Antonio Tarver – Lateef Kayode Cruiserweight battle according to espn.com’s Dan Rafael.

Wright will be coming back after a three year layoff

“They’re both in. I don’t have it signed yet but both sides have agreed to it,” said Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer.

“I think it’s a fascinating matchup,” Schaefer said. “With Winky Wright, you have one of the biggest names in the sport and for him to come back and not take some sort of a tune-up fight, but to go into a fight with one of the top rated guys at 160 pounds in Peter Quillin, it just shows you Winky is serious about giving it another run.

“For Peter Quillin, it’s the most dangerous and biggest fight of his career. For both sides it’s a very intriguing and interesting matchup.”

“I’m super excited about the fight,” Quillin said. “I want to get closer to fighting good fighters and making some good paydays. I will put loads of leather on his ass, make sure every punch lands and that none are wasted. Or I will be the better boxer against Winky Wright. I don’t fight just one way. My job is to train to destroy him. No other way around it.”

“I think he’s a perfect opponent for Winky coming back after being off for a long time,” said Damian Ramirez, Wright’s adviser, who added that he was still waiting to see a draft of an agreement from Golden Boy. “I just feel that it’s a good opportunity for Winky to make a statement with because, with all due respect to ‘Kid Chocolate,’ his best opponent is not on the same level of Winky’s worst opponent. But I take nothing away from the kid. He’s young and strong.”

“This is not a tune-up fight,” Schaefer said. “It’s a serious fight. Winky knows what’s at stake. If he beats a guy like ‘Kid Chocolate,’ then he is back. And he is a big name and he basically wants to use this fight to start the final chapter of the Winky Wright story. He let his body rest, he’s been out for awhile and he is coming back in a meaningful fight.

“But if Peter Quillin can put Winky’s name on his resume that is a big win for him. I think whoever wins this fight will certainly come out as a bigger name in the 160-pound weight class. I really don’t know who is going to win.”

Said Quillin, “Richard was right about Winky being a name on my record. This fight right here gets me closer to a world title. I respect Winky Wright. He has not taken a lot of punishment in his career, but stepping into the ring with me, he will take a lot of punishment. I don’t have nothing to worry about other than to go in there and be the best I can be. If Winky thinks the same way then it will be a good fight for the fans and that’s what I want to give to the boxing fans.

“I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring with Winky Wright and it will be my pleasure to tangle with him. He’ll be a good name for my record.”

“If Winky Wright is the only guy right now to give me exposure, fine,” Quillin said. “That’s all I’m worried about. I want to make some money, I want to win the title, so what I want to do is when Golden Boy or (adviser) Al (Haymon) call me I just want to be ready. That’s my job.”