Angelo Leo became a two-division world champion with a explosive 10th round stoppage over Luis Alberto Lopez to win the IBF Featherweight champion at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico

In round nine, Leo started to swell under his right eye. In round 10, Leo landed a perfect left hook to the chin that sent Lopez sprawling flat on his back and he was counted out at 1:16.

Leo, 125.6 lbs of Albuquerque is now 25-1 with 12 knockouts. Lopez, 125.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 30-3.

Leo said, “This means the world to me, fighting back in my hometown. I’ve been yearning for this moment. Like I said, what better way to do it than with a world title shot and with a knockout?
 
“That left hook, we’ve been practicing in camp for four, five months. Not in the gym, but in my room in front of the mirror. I just kept throwing that left hook. And it paid off in the 10^th round.
 
“I want to fight all the champions, whether it be Rafael Espinoza for a unification bout. Naoya Inoue, whoever it may be.”

Lindolfo Delgado Defeats Bryan Flores by Split Decision

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Lindolfo Delgado won a 10-round split decision over Bryan Flores.

In round three, Delgado dropped Flores with a clubbing right to the top of the head.

In round seven, Flores was deducted a point for a low blow.

Delgado landed 100 of 354 punches. Flores was 104 of 471.

Delgado won two cards by scores of 96-92 and 95-93. Flores won a card 96-92.

Delgado, 139.9 lbs of Linares, MEX is 21-0. Flores, 139.9 lbs of Juarez, MEX is 26-1-1.

Delgado said, “The victory was not easy, but I enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed every round of it, as we had to stay focused in each moment to win the fight.”

“He came with a strong will to win, and aside from that, he throws his punches with force. But we managed to get the victory. I would like a world title opportunity next

Matthew Griego won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza in a flyweight bout.

Griego, 111.9 lbs of Albuquerque won by scores of 80-2 on all cards and is now 15-0. Mendoza, 110.7 lbs of Modesto, CA is 23-19-4.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Laszlo Toth in the second round of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Mielnicki landed an uppercut that was followed by a left hook to the temple that put Toth down. Toth got to his feet but was stumbling around. His father/trainer entered the ring therefore the official result was a disqualification.

Mielnicki, 154 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 19-1. Toth, 153.3 lbs of Soprom, HUN is 32-9-2.

“I thought it was a knockout, not a DQ,” Mielnicki said. “Xander Zayas, we could get that going in New York soon, probably in another year. Let’s get that going. I heard him call my name. I’d love that.”

Albert Gonzalez remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Damian Alcala in a six-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Gonzalez scored a knockdown with a hard combination. Gonzalez continued to land hard shots drilled Alcala with a big uppercut that was followed by a right that put Alcala down again and the fight was stopped at 2:51.

Gonzalez, 126.3 lbs of Moreno Valle, CA is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Alcala, 126.9 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 8-5.

Alan Garcia remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Maickol Lopez Villagrana in a eight-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Villagrana with a right hand. In round three, it was a left hook that put Villagana on the canvas. Later in the round it was a double right hook that put Villagrana down again and the fight was stopped at 2:34.

Garcia, 136.2 lbs of Ulysses, KS is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Villagrana, 136.2 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-6.

Steven Navarro stopped Israel Camacho in the opening round of their six-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Navarra dropped Camacho with a hard left to the body. Seconds later it was another thudding left to the body that put Camacho on the canvas and the fight was over at 2:14.

Navarro, 116.6 lbs of Inglewood, CA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Camacho, 115.6 lbs of Houston is 2-12.

World-ranked featherweight Arnold Khegai stopped Belmar Preciado after round nine of their 10-round bout.

Khegai dominated the fight until Preciado had enough following the ninth frame.

Khegai, 125.8 lbs of Odessa, UKR is 22-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Preciado, 125.9 lbs of Ibohue, COL is 22-8-1.

Raymond Ford scored a dramatic 12th round stoppage over Otabek Kohlmatov to capture the WBA Featherweight title at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

It was a terrific back and forth bout that saw each fighter score throughout the contest. Ford suffered a cut under his right eye. In round 12, behind on the scores, Ford landed a straight left that forced Kohlmatov across the ring. Kohlmatov was left wide open to eat under flushh left hand that forced referee Charlie Fitch to stop the bout at 2:53.

Ford, 125.9 lbs of Camden, NJ is 15-0-1 with eight knockouts. Kohlmatov, 125.8 lbs of Sirdaryo, UZB is 12-1.

Luis Alberto Lopez Stops Abe in 8; Defends IBF Featherweight Title

Luis Alberto Lopez made the third defense of the IBF Featherweight title with an eighth round stoppage over Reiya Abe.

Lopez dominated the action by coming forward and not letting Abe getting rhythm.

In round two, the right eye of Abe began to swell badly to the point where ringside doctors took a look at it.

In round eight, Lopez turned up the energy and landed a big punches in the middle of the ring which forced referee Mark Nelson to stop the bout at 39 seconds.

Lopez, 125.3 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 30-2 with 17 knockouts. Abe, 125.8 lbs of Yamato, JAP is 25-4-1.

Brian Norman Jr. and Janelson Bocachica battled to a no-contest at the end of round three of their 10-round welterweight bout due to excessive bleeding from Bocachica.

In round one, Norman was cut over his right eye. Later in the round, Bocachica dropped Norman with a perfect right to the head. In round two, Bocachica was cut over his right eye and then a second cut in his hairline. The cuts were due to a headbutt and elbow and was too much for Bocachica and the fight was halted after round three.

Norman, 147.2 lbs of Atlanta is 25-0. Bocachica, 146.6 lbs of Detroit is 17-2-1.

Local favorite Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Gerffred Ngaynt in a junior welterweight bout.

Mills, 138.7 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 15-1. Ngaynt, 138.7 lbs of Buffalo is 6-2.

Troy Isley remained undefeated with a thudding seventh round stoppage over Marcos Hernandez in an eight-round middleweight bout.

In round seven, Isley landed a big right hand that put Hernandez on the canvas. Hernandez got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:30.

Isley, 159.3 lbs of Washington, DC is 12-0 with five knockouts. Hernandez, 160.6 lbs of Fresno, CA 16-7-2.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Edwin Diaz in a bantamweight fight.

Diaz, 118 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 11-0. Rodriguez, 117.8 lbs of Juana Diaz, PR is 12-8-2.

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Tarik Zaina in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Polanco was credited with a knockdown after what looked like a push put Zaina on the canvas. In round eight, Polanco dropped Zaina with a uppercut.

Polanco, 142.7 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 79-71 twice and 78-72 and is now 12-0. Zaina, 142,4 lbs of Tangier, MOR is 13-1-1.

Nico Ali Walsh won a six-round unanimous decision over Charles Stanford in a middleweight bout.

Walsh, 156.9 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 10-1. Stanford, 155.1 lbs of Cincinnati is 7-6.

Brandon Moore remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Helaman Olguin in a heavyweight bout.

Moore, 242 lbs of Lakeland, FL won by sores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 14-0. Olguin, 281.7 lbs of Salt Lake City, UT is 9-7-1.

 •  Otabek Kholmatov 125.8 lbs. vs. Raymond Ford 125.9 lbs
(Vacant WBA Featherweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •  Luis Alberto Lopez 125.3 lbs vs. Reiya Abe 125.8 lbs
(Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•  Brian Norman Jr. 147.2 lbs vs. Janelson Bocachica 146.6 lbs
 (Welterweight— 10 Rounds)

•  Bryce Mills 138.7 lbs vs. Gerffred Ngayot 138.7 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight— 6 Rounds)

•  Troy Isley 159.3 lbs vs. Marcos Hernandez 160.6 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Rohan Polanco 142.9 lbs vs. Tarik Zaina 142.4 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight— 8 Rounds)

•   Floyd Diaz 118 lbs vs. Edwin Rodriguez 117.8 lbs
 (Bantamweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Nico Ali Walsh 156.9 lbs vs. Charles Stanford 155.1 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Brandon Moore 242 lbs vs. Helaman Olguin 281.7 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

VERONA, N.Y. (Feb. 29, 2024) — Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs) will lock horns against American standout Raymond Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA featherweight world title this Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

This battle of unbeaten southpaws will see the WBA’s No.1 and No. 2 contenders compete in their first world title bouts.

In the co-feature, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) defends his IBF featherweight crown against Japanese contender Reiya Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs).

Kholmatov-Ford & Lopez-Abe headline a loaded bill streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 5:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. PT. The co-feature is scheduled to begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed action includes welterweight standout Brian Norman Jr. (25-0, 19 KOs), who takes on Janelson Bocachica (17-2-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder, and the return of middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs), who sees action in a six-rounder versus Charles Stanford (7-5, 4 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

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

Otabek Kholmatov

“It has been my dream to fight for a world title. I’ve been training my whole life for this. I’m ready.”

“I love to fight. That’s all I have done in my life. So, I’m going to bring the fight on Saturday.”

“I’m very well prepared. It’s been a great training camp. Great sparring. Great coaches. Everything went well, and we are prepared for the fight.”

“Fighting for all the titles is a dream come true. Every fighter wants to become undisputed. That is the goal for me.”

Raymond Ford

“This means the world to me. I’ve been fighting my whole life for this opportunity. It’s finally here, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

“Shakur Stevenson is like a big brother to me. I’ve been sparring with him since I was in the amateurs. It’s really no different. Just now it’s more intense. It’s great always going to Houston. I get away from home and distractions. I can fully lock in, and that’s been the difference from my past few camps.”

“I’m willing to stay for one more fight at 126 if it’s to defend against a champion or a big money fight. If it makes sense, I’m definitely here for it. But it has to be right away. If not, I’m moving up to 130.”

Luis Alberto Lopez

“I’m anxious to step into the ring and anxious deliver a great fight to the people.”

“We know he’s a fighter who likes to move a lot. He likes to be on his toes and moving backward. But if he wants to be the new champion, he’s going to have to come here and fight. We will do everything possible to win early.”

“I’ve been looking for a unification fight for quite some time. When Mauricio Lara was a champion, I wanted to unify with him. When Robeisy Ramirez was a champion, I wanted to fight him. I’ve been asking for it.

“The faster a unification fight happens, the better for me. It would be great for my career.”

Reiya Abe

“I think Lopez is a good champion. But this will be the day that I show that I’m the best at 126 pounds.”

“The level of boxing in Japan has been improving, and I’m pleased to have been recognized there. The pressure has increased, but I consider it to be necessary to become stronger.”

“I believe that bringing back a victory is the best way to give back to everyone who has supported me.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“I’m back in the U.S. I’m back on home turf. I’ve made a lot of improvements in my last fight that a lot of people haven’t seen. So, you’re going to see a bigger jump in improvement. I’m really excited to show it.”

Brian Norman Jr.

“I’ve been in the same since I was seven. This is all I know. All I know is to throw hands. I won a WBO International belt, but it don’t mean nothing to me until I win a main belt. It was just one step to get to the big goal, which is to be undisputed in the welterweight division.”

Bryce Mills

“It’s always exciting to fight here and be able to have family and friends come out and watch me. There’s no better place to fight than in your backyard. So, it’s very exciting, and I feed off that energy.”

Saturday, March 2

FIRST BELL: ESPN+ (5:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. PT)
 

Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford, 12 rounds, Vacant WBA Featherweight World Title 

Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Reiya Abe 12 rounds, Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title 

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Janelson Bocachica, 10 rounds, WBO International Welterweight Title 

Floyd Diaz vs. Edwin Rodriguez, 8 rounds, bantamweight

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Charles Stanford, 6 rounds, middleweight

Brandon Moore vs. Helaman Olguin, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Kholmatov vs. Ford will be presented live this Saturday, March 2, at approximately 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, exclusively on ESPN+. The event takes place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

In the main event, Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov will fight Raymond Ford for the vacant WBA featherweight world title. This duel of unbeaten southpaws will see the WBA’s No.1 and No. 2 contenders making their inaugural world title appearances. 

Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs), a former international amateur champion, debuted as a pro in August 2021 and secured nine impressive victories before the year ended. Last March, Kholmatov traveled to enemy territory to battle undefeated British contender Thomas Patrick Ward. The Uzbek powerhouse dropped Ward three times, forcing his corner to throw in the towel in the fifth round.

Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) was a two-time national Golden Gloves champion before entering the paid ranks in March 2019. In fifteen pro fights, he has only had one blemish, a draw against then-unbeaten Aaron Perez in March 2021. Since then, the 24-year-old native of Camden, New Jersey, has gone 6-0 with three knockouts, including wins over undefeated prospects Edward Vazquez and Richard Medina, as well as a victory over former world champion Jessie Magdaleno.

In the co-feature, Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez defends his IBF world crown against Japanese contender Reiya Abe. 

Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs), the fighting pride of Mexicali, Mexico, captured the IBF strap by dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, last December. In May, the 30-year-old traveled to Belfast and beat hometown hero Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO. Lopez defended his title against division mainstay Joet Gonzalez, emerging victorious via unanimous decision after 12 hard-fought rounds in September. 

Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs), the IBF No. 1 featherweight contender, suffered a few early-career setbacks before a breakout performance against then-undefeated Ren Sasaki in October 2020. The 30-year-old southpaw is unbeaten in five bouts since the Sasaki triumph. He is coming off a points victory in a world title eliminator against former two-division world champion Kiko Martinez. 

Undercard action, including the returns of Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (11-0, 7 KOs) and Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs), begins at 5:20 p.m. ET/ 2:20 p.m. PT. 

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

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Kholmatov vs. Ford (All Times ET)

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez is determined to turn his third world title defense into a war of attrition.

Lopez will defend his IBF featherweight world title against Japanese contender Reiya Abe on Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. 

Lopez-Abe will serve as the co-feature to the vacant WBA featherweight world championship showdown between Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov and American standout Raymond Ford.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Kholmatov-Ford & Lopez-Abe will headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) captured the IBF title by defeating Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, in December 2022. The fighting pride of Mexicali, Mexico, defended his crown by traveling to Belfast to beat hometown hero Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO. Lopez then beat division mainstay Joet Gonzalez with a hard-earned unanimous decision last September. The 30-year-old looks to vanquish his mandatory challenger as he preps to face the other champs in his division. Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs) is coming off a points win over former two-division world champion Kiko Martinez to earn his shot at the belt.

Following a recent training session in Santa Fe Springs, California, this is what Lopez had to say:

“I decided to do my camp here in Los Angeles so I can be a little closer to my family. I also like it because of the altitude I get to experience when I go to the mountains. There are a lot of good spots to run out here. I feel great out here.”

“We’ve gotten tall southpaws who move a lot because we’ll need to neutralize Reiya Abe’s legs. We’re going to need to cut the ring off a lot, so we’re preparing for his style of fighting.”

“He’s a very slippery fighter. He doesn’t really like to brawl. So, it’s going to be difficult to catch him in the early rounds. But we’ve got great sparring partners. You can tell by the black eye one of them left me. I think we’re doing a great job, and I expect to win this fight by knockout.”

“My long-term goal is to fight the other champions and become a unified champion. I welcome a fight with whomever is next in line. Honestly, I want to unify the titles quickly and establish myself as a great champion and then move up to 130 pounds.”

“The fans know that I give everything in the ring. I always look for the fight. I always look to win by knockout. They know that I come here to fight. So, it’s going to be a real war. It’s going to be a bit complicated in the early rounds, but everyone knows that when I step in the ring, it’s always going to be a war.”

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 19, 2023) — The featherweight division will take center stage in a high-octane world title doubleheader on Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. 
 
In the main event, Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov will fight Raymond Ford for the vacant WBA featherweight world title. This duel of unbeaten southpaws will see the WBA’s No.1 and No. 2 contenders making their inaugural world title appearances. 
 
In the co-feature, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez defends his IBF world crown against Japanese contender Reiya Abe. 

Kholmatov-Ford & Lopez-Abe will headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Thursday, December 21 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“Kholmatov and Ford are deserving challengers for the WBA world title. That is a true 50/50 fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Lopez believes he is the top featherweight in the world, and I know he’ll want to make a huge statement against a tough out in Abe. The fans at Turning Stone Resort Casino will be in for a real treat.”
 
Kholmatov (11-0, 10 KOs), a former international amateur champion, debuted as a pro in August 2021 and secured nine impressive victories before the year ended. The 25-year-old southpaw stepped up to face then-unbeaten Armenian Andranik Grigorian in March 2022, decisioning him after 12 dominant rounds. In his last fight, Kholmatov traveled to enemy territory to battle undefeated British contender Thomas Patrick Ward. The Uzbek powerhouse dropped Ward three times, forcing his corner to throw in the towel in the fifth round.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, and I will be ready,” Kholmatov, said. “I have no doubt. On March 2, I will become the new WBA featherweight champion of the world.”
 
Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) was a two-time national Golden Gloves champion before entering the paid ranks in March 2019. In 15 pro fights, he has only had one blemish, a draw against then-unbeaten Aaron Perez in March 2021. Since then, the 24-year-old native of Camden, New Jersey, has gone 6-0 with three knockouts, including wins over undefeated prospects Edward Vazquez and Richard Medina, as well as a victory over former world champion Jessie Magdaleno. Ford dropped Magdaleno twice en route to a 12-round decision win.
 
Ford said, “I’ve been waiting so long for this fight, and I’m already tired of talking about it. I’ve worked my whole life to put myself in position for this opportunity, and I will be leaving that ring on March 2 as a world champion.”
 
Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs), the fighting pride of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, captured the IBF strap by dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, last December. In May, the 30-year-old traveled to Belfast and beat hometown hero Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO. Lopez defended his title against division mainstay Joet Gonzalez, emerging victorious via unanimous decision after 12 hard-fought rounds in September. 
 
Lopez said, “My team and I are focused on Reiya Abe. I’m going to make my third title defense on March 2, and we’ll be focused on obtaining the victory and making a statement in order to get a unification fight against whomever is available.”
 
Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs), the IBF No. 1 featherweight contender, suffered a few early-career setbacks before a breakout performance against then-undefeated Ren Sasaki in October 2020. The 30-year-old southpaw is unbeaten in five bouts since the Sasaki triumph. Abe captured his first regional title with a decision win over Hinata Maruta in May 2022 and defended it against Jinki Maeda seven months later. He is coming off a points victory in a world title eliminator against former two-division world champion Kiko Martinez. 
 
Abe said, “I am traveling a long way to fulfill my dream of becoming champion of the world. Lopez is a tough opponent, and I will give it my all to bring a world title home to Japan.”
 

# # #

 
About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the March 2 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing hall-of-famers and legends of the sport have attended fights, promoted cards, or fought at Turning Stone over the last two decades, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miquel Cotto, Mike Tyson selected Turning Stone as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, and Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and attended a fight in 2022 when she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate in June with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. 
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including NY Rec & Social Club, featuring TS Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book and elevated sports lounge, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.  

 •  Luis Alberto Lopez 125.2 lbs. vs. Joet Gonzalez 126 lbs
(Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •   Xander Zayas 153.7 lbs vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr. 153.4 lbs
(Zayas’ NABO/NABF Junior Middleweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

   •   Emiliano Fernando Vargas 135.8 lbs vs. Alejandro Guardado 136.3 lbs
(Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

•    Omar Aguilar146.6 lbs  vs. Julio Luna 146.6 lbs 
 (Vacant WBC USA Welterweight Title — 8 Rounds)

•    John Rincon143.4 lbs  vs. Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera 143.9 lbs 
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•  Jamaine Ortiz 137.8 lbs  vs. Antonio Moran 137.5 lbs 
 (Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Ruben Villa 126.7 lbs vs. Brandon Valdes 126.9 lbs
 (Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Tiger Johnson 141.7 lbs vs. Ricardo Quiroz 141.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 13, 2023) — Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) is ready to kick-start Mexican Independence Day weekend with the second defense of his world title.

Lopez will put his IBF featherweight world title on the line against two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) this Friday at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) faces Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (21-4, 20 KOs).In the six-round lightweight ESPN-televised opener, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) steps up versus Spain’s Alejandro Guardado (5-0, 1 KO).

Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela and Vargas-Guardado will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT) features Mexican standouts Omar Aguilar (25-1, 24 KOs) and Julio Luna (20-1-2, 11 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight tilt.

Corpus Christi native John Rincon (7-0, 2 KOs) takes on Puerto Rico’s Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round welterweight clash, and Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) fights Antonio Moran (29-5-1, 20 KOs) in his first fight since last year’s valiant effort against Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa (20-1, 7 KOs) will look to notch his second win of the year in an eight-round featherweight battle against Brandon Valdes (15-3, 7 KOs), while U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (9-0, 5 KOs) makes his third appearance of 2023 in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Ricardo Quiroz (13-2, 7 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $30 are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

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

Luis Alberto Lopez

“I am happy to fight on an important date for Mexico where Joet Gonzalez and I will be representing our country. We are going to present a real war that night.”

“I respect him because he has had great fights. He has done a great job in his career. But you know that when we get in the ring there is no respect. I am going to take this belt home for my family and for Mexico.”

“It’s going to be a total war. When there are two hungry Mexicans in the ring, they always go at it with everything. We know that Joet Gonzalez is tough. And my goal, as I’ve said, is to knock him out.”

“We are ready as always. I am a fighter who knows how to give exciting fights. I am a warrior who goes forward. They know that when ‘El Venado’ gets in the ring, there will be a great show.”

Joet Gonzalez

“This is my third {world title} opportunity. I’m truly grateful. I’ve worked really hard every single time. And every time I step into the ring, I give it my all. I’ve got to win.”

“I’ve always trained hard. I’ve never taken any shortcuts. I’ve always put in the hard work in the gym. But sometimes it’s not your night. It is what it is. But I’m still here, and I’m going to give it my all every time.”

“I’m expecting a great fight. It’s a big day for Mexico. All I have to do is win and become the new IBF world champion. Plain and simple. I can’t go home empty-handed. I’m bringing that belt back home.”

Xander Zayas

“It’s been a great journey. I’m 16 fights in. I’ve been growing. I’ve been learning. I’ve been getting better in and outside of the ring. And I’m excited to put on a show this Saturday night.”

“We’ve been training for the last three or four fights for a ten-rounder. Now I get the opportunity, and I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m facing a Mexican warrior who is ready to put on a show.”

“He has a lot of things behind him. Mexican Independence Day is the day after. His family is here with him. He’s probably going to have the crowd behind him. But I’m excited to put on a show and win over the crowd.”

Roberto Valenzuela Jr.

“It is a very important date for me and for Mexico. So, we will do our best to get a good result. This is my opportunity to let everyone know who Roberto Valenzuela is.”

“We have been studying him. He is a great boxer. He actually doesn’t have many flaws. But I believe that my hunger to win and move forward in my career is going to be the difference. I know that if I win this fight, we will be on the path to very big fights;.”

Omar Aguilar

“I feel very excited and happy. It is a great date for Mexico and for boxing. So I feel honored to fight on these dates, and what better way to do it than with these people around me? I’m going to give my best in the ring.”

“I learned a lot against Lindolfo Delgado. I matured with that fight. It was a very interesting fight. I hope to take all the experience that I’ve gained and apply in this fight. We are ready.”

Julio Luna

“I’ve come very well prepared, whether it lasts eight rounds or if it ends before. If it ends earlier, even better. But I’ve come prepared either way. Whenever two Mexicans get into the same ring, it is a guaranteed war. I think this will not be the exception.”

“The fight with Giovani Santillán gave me a lot of experience. And now I’m trying to get rid of that thorn in my side. I was not happy with that decision, and now I am grateful for this second opportunity.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“It’s a blessing to be here. It’s a great opportunity for me to bring that excitement back to Corpus Christi. It’s definitely something special for me and my father. He fought here, and now I’m fighting here almost 20 years later. It’s very special for us.”

“I’m insanely excited to make my ESPN debut. This is definitely a step up with the opponent I have. It’s only going to make it more of a show. The best comes out of me when I’m facing better opposition. At the end of the day, to get to that world championship level where I know I can compete at and dominate, I’ve got to get through the Spaniard come Friday.”

John Rincon

“I’ve been dreaming for a moment like this since I was a kid. I’m finally here. The hard work is done. Friday night I’m going to put on a great show. I’ll see you all then.”

Friday, September 15

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Joet Gonzalez, 12 rounds, Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title 

Xander Zayas vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr., 10 rounds, Zayas’ NABO/NABF Junior Middleweight Titles

Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Alejandro Guardado, 6 rounds, Lightweights

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

Omar Aguilar vs. Julio Luna, 8 rounds, Vacant WBC USA Welterweight Title 

John Rincon vs. Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera, 6 rounds, Welterweights 

Tiger Johnson vs. Ricardo Quiroz, 8 rounds, Junior Welterweights 

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Lopez vs. Gonzalez will be presented live this Friday, September 15, at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the main event, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez will defend his IBF featherweight world title against former two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.

Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) earned his shot at the IBF title in 2021, dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England. In his first defense, the 30-year-old traveled to Belfast and beat Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO with a dazzling right uppercut. He is now looking to defend his crown against Gonzalez, a division mainstay during the past several years. Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2012 and was 23-0 before facing Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2019. The 29-year-old will now have his third opportunity at a world title after defeating Enrique Vivas via 10-round unanimous decision in April.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.  Since signing with Top Rank at 16, Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) has been on a rapid trajectory to super stardom. The 21-year-old will make his second 2023 appearance after a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs) is a six-year pro and, at 24 years old, is coming off a third-round TKO victory against Daniel Vega in April.

The undercard will air exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

Digital, On Demand and Exclusive to ESPN+

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Out Thursday: A Look at the Rising Stars by Nick Parkinson.

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Lopez vs. Gonzalez (All Times ET)

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 6, 2023) — IBF featherweight world champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez looks to kick off Mexican Independence Day weekend with an emphatic defense of his title.

Lopez will defend his crown against two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Lopez-Gonzalez, Xander Zayas-Roberto Valenzuela Jr., and the return of lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) overcame numerous challenges in his quest to become a world champion. After early-career losses to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa, he defeated Andy Vences via split decision in July 2020 and dominated then-unbeaten prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. in September 2021. After scoring three more wins, he earned his shot at the IBF title, dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England. In his first defense, the 30-year-old once again traveled to enemy territory and beat Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO in Belfast. Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) is a 29-year-old contender who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Jose Enrique Vivas in April.

Following a recent training session, this is what Lopez had to say:

“I’m always working on being a little smarter and on knowing how to do everything in the ring because sometimes we are going to need it. I am always working on improving all aspects.”

“I’m going for the knockout. It’s a personal challenge that I have. Joet Gonzalez has faced great fighters like Shakur Stevenson, Emanuel Navarrete and Isaac Dogboe, and he has never been knocked out. Knocking out a tough fighter like him is a huge goal for me.” 

“I know this fight will be difficult. Joet Gonzalez is a fighter who comes forward throwing a lot of punches. But I like to come forward, too. So, we know it’s going to be a real clash.”

“Representing Mexicans on such an important night is a great motivation. And I can’t wait for the fight. We’re ready. We have a plan ready, and we are going to do our job. We are going to put on a great show on September 15.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 14, 2023) – Like father, like son.
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas will make his ESPN-televised debut on Friday, Sept. 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, more than 18 years after his father headlined at the venue.
 
Vargas, who scored a second-round stoppage victory against Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado last Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, will return in a six-round clash against an opponent to be named. Vargas’ return will open the televised tripleheader headlined by the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.
 
Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela and Vargas’ return will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) turned pro last May and has tallied five victories since signing with Top Rank later that year. Before the Alvarado knockout, “El General” shined on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko bill in his Las Vegas hometown, stopping Rafael Jasso in two rounds. All five of his stoppage victories have come in either the first or second round, and now Vargas, who recently turned 19, will step up to the six-round distance for the first time. His father, Fernando Vargas, defeated Raymond Joval by unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at American Bank Center in 2005.
 
“I’d like to thank Top Rank and my team for the opportunity to make my ESPN-televised debut on a great card in Corpus Christi,” Vargas said. “I am proud to be a Vargas, and I look forward to following in the footsteps of my father, who was victorious at the American Bank Center nearly 20 years ago.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 24, 2023) – Mexico’s featherweight king is set to put his crown on the line during Mexican Independence Day Weekend. 

Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez will defend his IBF world title against former two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lopez returns stateside after back-to-back championship showdowns abroad.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.

Lopez-Gonzalez and Zayas-Valenzuela will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $30 go on sale Tuesday, July 25 at 3 p.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.

“The fight fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching on ESPN are in for a real treat. Luis Alberto Lopez is one of Mexico’s emerging champions, and Joet Gonzalez is a seasoned pro who is a difficult night at the office for anyone,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I am also pleased to see Puerto Rico’s next superstar, Xander Zayas, back in the ring against a step-up opponent in Valenzuela.”

Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) overcame numerous challenges in his quest to become a world champion. After early-career losses to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa, he defeated Andy Vences via split decision in July 2020 and dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. over 10 rounds in September 2021. Lopez then moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, he earned his shot at the IBF title, dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England. In his first defense, the 29-year-old once again traveled to enemy territory and beat Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO with a dazzling right uppercut in Belfast.

“We’re going to bring a memorable all-Mexican war to Corpus Christi on Mexican Independence Day Weekend,” Lopez said. “Nothing but respect to Joet, but he’s not leaving Texas with my belt. I guarantee an exciting fight, but the IBF world title will still be wrapped around my waist.”

Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2012 and was 23-0 before facing Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2019. He dominated veteran Miguel Marriaga in his September 2020 return before losing his second attempt at the WBO strap in a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Emanuel Navarrete. Gonzalez then stopped Jeo Santisima via ninth-round TKO in March 2022 before dropping a split decision to Isaac Dogboe in July of that year. The 29-year-old will have his third opportunity at a world title after defeating Enrique Vivas via 10-round unanimous decision in April.

Gonzalez said, “I am thankful to Top Rank that I am receiving another shot at the world title. I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity and fulfilling my dream. Lopez is an excellent champion, but I’m coming to Texas with every intention on hearing the words, ‘And NEW!’”

Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) has been on a rapid trajectory to super stardom since signing with Top Rank at 16. He has maintained an unblemished record since debuting as a pro in October 2019. In 2022, he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. The 20-year-old will make his second 2023 appearance after a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs) is a six-year pro who has given stiff tests to Alexis Rocha, Souleymane Cissokho and Bakhram Murtazaliev. The 24-year-old Mexican is coming off a third-round TKO victory against Daniel Vega in April.

Xayas said, “I am excited for the next big step in my career that will take place on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas, against a Mexican warrior that I know will come prepared to give his best and will bring out the best in me. I am training hard to continue showing Puerto Rico and all of Latin America what I am capable inside the ring.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes an all-Mexico showdown, a U.S. Olympian, and the return of three of Top Rank’s top contenders. 

Mexican standouts Omar Aguilar (25-1, 24 KOs) and Julio Luna (20-1-2, 11 KOs) will collide in an eight-round welterweight battle. Both are on the comeback trail following losses to two of Top Rank’s finest. Aguilar suffered his first career setback against Lindolfo Delgado last August and returned with a second-round TKO win over Cristian Sonora Soltero in May. Luna dropped a 10-round decision to Giovani Santillan last August, but he bounced back with a third-round knockout win against Hassam Valenzuela in March.

Lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) returns in a 10-rounder. Last October, the 27-year-old took an early lead against former lightweight champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko before losing the tightly contested battle via unanimous decision. 

Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action in an eight-round junior lightweight tilt. Conceicao heads to the ring for the second time this year following a no contest against Nicolas Polanco in June.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa (20-1, 7 KOs) returns in an eight-round featherweight clash against Colombia’s Brandon Valdes (15-3, 7 KOs). Villa dominated Maickol Lopez Villagrana en route to a fifth-round KO in May.

U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (9-0, 5 KOs) makes his third appearance of 2023 in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be named. He scored a dominant decision win over Jonathan Montrel in July.

BELFAST (May 27, 2023) – He came. He saw. He conquered.

Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) defended his IBF featherweight world title with a fifth-round TKO over Michael “Mick” Conlan (18-2, 9 KOs) Saturday evening at The SSE Arena in Conlan’s hometown of Belfast.

Lopez made the first defense of his crown after beating Josh Warrington in enemy territory in Leeds, England. Once again, the 29-year-old native of Mexicali, Mexico, thrived on away soil.

Conlan, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist making his second attempt at a world title, initiated the contest as expected, jabbing from a southpaw stance to establish distance. However, Lopez landed explosive left hooks and right hands to the body with surprising ease. Conlan ended the round with a series of left hands, but Lopez did not let the round end without landing some of his own.

In the following round, both men exchanged punches to the body. Lopez backed Conlan toward the ropes, but the 31-year-old Irishman returned the favor.

In the third stanza, Conlan relied more on head movement to avoid Lopez’s punches, dipping his head on the inside to avoid wild hooks. That backfired, as Lopez timed an uppercut that hurt Conlan and sent him reeling towards the ropes.

Conlan tried to regroup in the fourth, but by then, the damage had been done. In the fifth round, as Conlan ducked to avoid a wild hook, he ran into a right uppercut that immediately floored him, forcing his corner to throw in the towel.

Lopez said, “I hope all the world champions at the featherweight division are ready for ‘Venado’ Lopez. I’m coming for all of them. I want all their belts. One by one, I’m taking all their belts with me to Mexico.

“It was an excellent atmosphere to fight in. The energy was amazing. The boxing fans from Ireland have treated me very well, so I’m glad Mick and I could give them a great fight. I wish the best of luck to Conlan moving forward, and I hope he recovers and comes back very soon.”

Conlan said, “Lopez had my respect before the fight and still has my respect after the fight. He hits very hard. He just beat me. He travels well and is a great champion”

Featherweights: English contender Nick Ball (18-0, 11 KOs) defended his WBC Silver title with a 12th-round TKO win over South Africa’s Ludumo Lamati (21-1-1, 11 KOs). Lamati’s six-inch height advantage posed issues for Ball in the first two rounds of the fight, but by the third and fourth, Ball began closing the distance with ease. Once inside, the 26-year-old landed vicious combinations, and Lamati’s corner stopped the bout in the latter stages of the final round.

Junior Lightweights: Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs) scored a 12-round unanimous decision win against Polish contender Damian Wrzesinski (26-3-2, 7 KOs). Despite Wrzesinski’s aggression,Cacace’s reach and height advantages allowed him to land harder and more consistently from his southpaw stance. Cacace is now 6-0 since suffering his first loss in 2017 against Martin J Ward. Scores: 118-111, 117-111 and 116-112.

Junior Welterweights: Irish standout Pierce O’Leary (12-0, 7 KOs) defended his WBC International belt with a first-round stoppage over Florin Ciorceri (17-4, 7 KOs). O’Leary dropped Ciorceri with a left hook, then finished things up with a savage follow-up attack. Time of stoppage: 1:11.
# # #  

About ESPN+  
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

  •  Luis Alberto Lopez 125.5 lbs. vs. Michael Conlan 125.9 lbs
(Lopez’s IBF Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Nick Ball 125.9 lbs vs. Ludumo Lamatii 125.5 lbs
(Ball’s WBC Silver Featherweight Title — 12 Rounds)

   •  Anthony Cacace 129.9 lbs vs.  Damian Wrzesinski 129.4 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 12 Rounds)

   •   Pierce O’Leary 139.3 lbs vs. Alin Florin Ciorcerii 140 lbs
(O’Leary’s WBC International Junior Welterweight Title — 10 Rounds)

Top Rank on ESPN: Lopez vs. Conlan will be live this Saturday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at SSE Arena Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs) will make the first defense of his IBF featherweight world title against Belfast’s own Michael “Mick” Conlan (18-1, 9 KOs).

Lopez, from Mexicali, Mexico, thrilled American fight fans with his July 2020 split decision victory over Andy Vences inside the MGM Grand Bubble. Fourteen months later, he dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. Lopez then moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, Lopez received his shot at the title, defeating Josh Warrington in enemy territory in Leeds, England. He now intends to defend it in Belfast.

Conlan turned pro in 2017 after a decorated Irish amateur career that included an Olympic bronze medal, and gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Last March, he nearly captured the WBA featherweight crown from Leigh Wood in Wood’s hometown of Nottingham, England. Conlan, ahead on all three scorecards, was knocked out in the 12th round of ESPN’s Fight of the Year. The Wood disappointment did not linger as Conlan came back later that year with victories over Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi at the SSE Arena, the same venue where he intends to seize his championship moment.

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Thursday: Michael Conlan won’t let a knockout loss deter his goal of becoming a world champion by Nick Parkinson.

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About ESPN+  

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-30-

THE LEADING CHARACTERS in Saturday night’s World Championship show at the SSE Arena in Belfast faced the media today in a final press conference ahead of Michael Conlan challenging Luis Alberto Lopez for the IBF world featherweight title, live on BT Sport.

Below are the key quotes from this media event that also featured promoters Bob Arum and Jamie Conlan and undercard fighters including Queensberry champions Nick Ball, Anthony Cacace and Pierce O’Leary.

Michael Conlan
I’m just excited, really excited about Saturday night. I thank Luis for coming to Belfast, I appreciate it, but on Saturday night I will be champion. I have experienced a lot of atmospheres throughout my career now, very mad, crazy atmospheres and Saturday night will be no different. I know how to handle it now. He plans to end it quickly, but I know he has changed trainers a few times during this training camp and there are probably things going on with him. I don’t think he truly believes that, he is saying it for the cameras and that is ok, no problem. I respect him as a fighter, I respect his opinion, but on Saturday night I will be champion. I am expecting the best Luis Alberto, he is going to bring everything and try and come in and knock me out. I am prepared for everything he is going to do, I have ticked every box I need to tick and I am very confident going into this fight. It is a pleasure to have this in Belfast, but I know it doesn’t mean too much because Luis travels well. I believe on Saturday night it will be ‘and the new’.

Luis Alberto Lopez
I have already beaten up all the prospects and fighters Top Rank have given to me so, on this Saturday night, I want to prove to everyone that I am a true champion and, after beating Michael Conlan, I will go for the next world champs. I am used to this type of environment, I am used to travelling and this is my third time here in the UK. Everybody wants to see me lose but, don’t forget, I am the world champion. Every time they tell me that I am going to lose, that I am going to be knocked out, but when I jump into the ring there are two of us and I am used to it. I am going to be taking the victory.

Jamie Conlan
It is fantastic and we are delighted to bring it to Belfast. A fantastic champion like Luis Alberto Lopez, risking everything and prepared to put it on the line in Belfast is a credit to him. I truly believe this is a special night, a special moment in Irish boxing history, that Ireland will have its first male amateur world champion becoming a first male professional world champion. I believe Michael is the man to do it. This is the best fight on Saturday, the most intriguing fight in the division between two unpredictable fighters who can adapt and adjust. It is not to be missed.

Bob Arum
I’ve been there from the start of Mick’s professional career and people ask what attracted you to Mick? Go back and remember that Olympiad where he got cheated out of a decision win and he knew exactly who to blame. Remember Mick? We gave the finger to Putin and we continue to give the finger to Putin! It has been a great run with Mick, he is a terrific young man, a really good fighter who is stepping to the plate, as we say in the United States in a baseball term, against a really tough, tough opponent and world champion in Luis Lopez, who doesn’t hesitate to go into his opponents home town and perform spectacularly. It may end up being the fight of the year.

Anthony Cacace
This has been eight years in the making, the last time I fought here was in 2015. I am just excited to fight in front of my home city and show what I can do. I am delighted to be on a show stacked with talent and Mick fighting for a world title. It means a lot to be fighting in front of my family and friends, who don’t have to fly and follow me around the UK. I don’t know too much about Damian Wrzesinski, I’ve watched a bit of tape and he hasn’t fought much out of Poland. I don’t really care about Damian, I just want to do what I know I can do and, if I do that, I should win pretty handy.

Nick Ball
I am just trying to stay focused. All he says sounds good but I have heard it all before and it is nothing new to me. Let’s see what he is saying when he gets punched in the face on Saturday. I am looking forward to it. It is a massive show and I appreciate everyone who got me on it. There is a world title fight at my weight and it is a good chance to show what I am about. I can’t lose focus, I’ve got another man who is coming to win and, if you think I underestimate him, you clearly don’t know me. I’ve got my business to handle first, then we will think about world title belts.

Ludumo Lamati
Firstly I want to thank Nick Ball’s team of Queensberry. If it is the toughest fight, I don’t know, I will find out on the 27th. I am looking forward to this and excited that I have finally got a shot that I think will take me to the world title. I think he is strong, he is a threat and experience-wise, I don’t know, we will find out. I will give him a fight and we will see how he will handle a fight. I’ve been in fights, I’ve been pushed and pushed back. He is strong, comes forward and if he is going to bully me I will deserve that in the ring. I have everything to beat him. 22 guys have tried to beat me and failed all over the world.

Pierce O’Leary
I want to thank Top Rank, Conlan Boxing and, most of all, my manager Francis, George, Frank and Queensberry for getting me on this card. It is a massive card for Irish boxing itself. It is great to be home, it is not Dublin, but I am going to carry a lot of Dubs up and it is going to be loud. They call me Big Bang, so I want to go out and I want to destroy people. I’ve told you before, I don’t bang everything!

NB: DUE TO THE CLASH OF THREE MAIN EVENTS ON SATURDAY, LOPEZ-CONLAN RINGWALKS WILL BE AT 9PM, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

NICK BALL IS bidding to stake a claim for a place at the top table of the featherweight division this weekend and is hoping to issue an invitation to the winner of the world title clash between Luis Alberto Lopez and Michael Conlan in Belfast, live on BT Sport.

Scouser Ball takes his place on the Belfast bill with a precarious defence of his WBC Silver title against the unbeaten South African Ludlum Lamati with the express intention of placing his name right in the frame to fight whoever emerges as IBF world champion next.

To do this, the 26-year-old knows he needs to make a splash in the city that built the Titanic.

“That is the place I am going, the level I am going, which is world level,” said the 17-0 Ball on the prospect of taking on either Lopez or Conlan. “If I get the opportunity to fight the winner I will take it with both hands.

“I’m made up, it is a good card to be on, with it being a world title at my weight. Although obviously I am concentrating on my fight, putting a good performance in and trying to steal the show.”

On what will be something of a defining night for the featherweight division, it is also one that will see WBA king Mauricio Lara rematch against Leigh Wood in Manchester.

WATCH DEV SAHNI’S FULL INTERVIEW WITH NICK BALL BY CLICKING HERE

Ball is confident that his swashbuckling approach to fights contains all the right ingredients to demand the attention of the watching public and establish his world title credentials.

“Definitely, that’s what boxing is. We go out there to entertain people and I always want to look good doing it. I feel like my style does that and people would rather watch a style like mine over an average boxer, if that’s what you want to call it.”

And as for opponent Lamati, all Ball knows for sure is that, as normal, he will be up against a tall order.

“I don’t really know anything about him, just that he’s tall, but they all are until they get in the ring with me and I bring them down to my size!”

NB: DUE TO THE CLASH OF THREE MAIN EVENTS ON SATURDAY, LOPEZ-CONLAN RINGWALKS WILL BE AT 9PM, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

LAS VEGAS (May 9, 2023) – IBF featherweight world champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez is gearing up to make the first defense of his crown.

The 29-year-old will face Michael “Mick” Conlan Saturday, May 27, at The SSE Arena in Conlan’s hometown of Belfast.

Lopez-Conlan and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States. BT Sport will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.

Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, navigated bumpy terrain to become a world champion. Despite losing early in his career to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa, he regained his momentum with victories over unbeaten standouts Gabriel Flores Jr. and Isaac Lowe. After two stay-busy wins, Lopez received his shot at the title, defeating Josh Warrington in enemy territory in Leeds, England. Now under the tutelage of Kay Koroma, he is preparing in Las Vegas to make his first title defense. Conlan (18-1, 9 KOs), a 31-year-old Olympic bronze medalist from Belfast, made an unsuccessful bid for the WBA featherweight title against Leigh Wood in March 2022 but bounced back later that year with wins over Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi. Less than six months after his first-round knockout against Guerfi, he will return to The SSE Arena for the third straight time.

Following a recent training session, this is what Lopez had to say:

“I’m excited to have given both my country and my family a world champion. It’s not every day that you get a new world champion in my hometown of Mexicali, Mexico. It had been 27 years since my city last had a world champion. So, I’m happy to have been able to do that.”

“We’re making a strong finish to camp. We’re working with Kay Koroma at DLX Boxing in Las Vegas. We’re making big changes. We know I have speed. We know I have power. But now we’re working on sitting down more on my punches and on using my distance.”

“This is going to be a great fight. He’s an Olympian. He knows how to stick and move. It’s going to be a difficult fight. But my preparation has been excellent. This has been the best training camp of my entire career. And as soon as he starts planting his feet a bit, the fight will end very quickly.”

“It wouldn’t be smart for him to try to brawl with me. So, I expect him to come out and box. But I have the speed and strength to cut the ring and find him. I will knock Michael Conlan out!”

Promoted by Top Rank and Conlan Boxing, in association with Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now via www.Ticketmaster.ie.

BELFAST (March 22, 2023) — Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez may have to start calling himself “The Road Warrior.” Lopez will make the first defense of his IBF featherweight world title against Michael “Mick” Conlan on Saturday, May 27, at The SSE Arena in Conlan’s hometown of Belfast.
 
Lopez captured the title last December, venturing to Josh Warrington’s home base of Leeds, England, to grind out a majority decision.
 
Lopez-Conlan and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States. BT Sport will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.
 
Promoted by Top Rank and Conlan Boxing, in association with Queensberry Promotions, tickets go on sale Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. local time via www.Ticketmaster.ie.
 
“The passionate Belfast fans will pack The SSE Arena hoping to lift their hero, Michael Conlan, to a world title. I also know that Luis Alberto Lopez thrives in enemy territory and will not relinquish his title without a tremendous fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
“Belfast hasn’t had a big world title fight in six years. Michael’s fans have traveled far and wide throughout his career and now they get to create the cauldron-like atmosphere that the SSE Arena is known for in the biggest fight of his career. Luis Alberto Lopez is a very dangerous fighter and a fantastic champion that has a reputation of going to the enemy’s backyard and upsetting the apple cart, so we are in for a barnburner on May 27,” said Conlan Boxing CEO Jamie Conlan.
 
Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, navigated bumpy terrain to become a world champion. After early-career defeats to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa stunted his momentum, Lopez thrilled American fight fans with his July 2020 split decision victory over Andy Vences inside the MGM Grand Bubble. Fourteen months later, he dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. over 10 rounds. Lopez then moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, he received his shot at the title, turning an expected triumphant Leeds homecoming into disappointment for the partisan fans.
 
“I am a road warrior. Traveling to my opponent’s home country doesn’t faze me,” Lopez said. “I won my world title in Leeds, and now it’s time to defend it in Belfast. The louder they cheer for Michael, the harder I will fight. The IBF title will remain in Mexico. May 27 will be a special night for me, and Michael’s fans will go home disappointed.”

Conlan (18-1, 9 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after a decorated Irish amateur career that included two Olympic berths, an Olympic bronze medal, and gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. His double middle finger salute to the judges at the 2016 Rio Olympics turned him into a fighting folk hero, and as a pro, he has proven himself on the world stage. Last March, he nearly captured the WBA featherweight crown from Leigh Wood in Wood’s hometown of Nottingham, England. Conlan, ahead on all three scorecards, was knocked out in the 12th round of ESPN’s Fight of the Year. The Wood disappointment did not linger, as Conlan came back later that year with victories over Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi at The SSE Arena. Five months after knocking out Guerfi in one round, Conlan returns to the friendly SSE Arena confines, prepared to seize his championship moment.
 
 “This is a massive opportunity. Fighting for the world title in Belfast is something I’ve always dreamed of, and I will be taking this opportunity with both hands.” Conlan said. “The SSE Arena will be buzzing, and I will do everything I can to bring a world title home. Credit to Lopez for coming to Belfast, but I am taking his title. He is not prepared for what is coming his way on May 27. Ireland will see a new champion crowned.”

# # #

About ESPN+ 
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Luis Alberto Lopez won the IBF Featherweight title with a majority decision over Josh Warrington at The First District Arena in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, England.

Lopez, 124.3 lbs of Mexicali. MEX won by scores of 115-113 twice and 114-114 and is now 27-2. Warrington, 125.3 lbs of Leeds, England is now 31-2-1.

Ebanie Bridges made the first defense of the IBF Bantamweight title with a eighth round stoppage over Shannon O’Connell.

In round three, Bridges dropped O’Connell with a big counter right. In round five, the right side of O’Connell’s face began to swell up.

In round eight, Bridges continues to pound away on O’Connell and then land a flurry of flush shots before the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Bridges, 117.75 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 9-1 with four knockouts. O’Connell, 117.35 lbs of Sacks Creek, AUS is 23-7-1.

Felix Cash remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Celso Neves in a super middleweight bout.

Cash, 166 lbs of Workingham, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 16-0. Neves, 166.2 lbs of Basel, SWI us 9-3-2.

James Metcalf stopped Courtney Pennington at the end of round six of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

Metcalf, 153.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is now 24-2 with 15 knockouts. Pennington, 153.1 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 16-6-3.

Koby McNamara won a four-round decision over Nabil Ahmed in a super bantamweight bout.

McNamara, 120.1 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 40-37 score and is now 4-0. Ahmed, 120.3 lbs of Bartley, ENG is 1-12-2.

Former world champion Shannon Courtenay won an eight-round decision over Gemma Ruegg in a super bantamweight fight.

Coutenay, 124.7 lbs of Watford, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 8-2. ruegg, 124.8 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG is 6-6.

Cory O’Regan remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Antonio Rodriguez in a six-round lightweight bout.

In round four, O’Regan drove Rodriguez to the ropes and landed 14 unanswered blows and the fight was stopped at 2:03.

O’Regan, 137.8 lbs of Heckmondwike, ENG is 9-0 with one knockout. Rodriguez, 136.7 lbs of Las Palmas, SPA is 7-28-8.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Jonathan Santana in a super bantamweight fight.

In round three, Price dropped Santana with a straight to the body.

Price, 123.2 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 9-0. Santana, 123.8 lbs of Las Palmas, SPA is 9-4-1.

Junaid Bostan stopped Athanasios Glynos in round five of their six-round super welterweight bout.

In round five, Bostan landed a left hand on the chin that put Glynos down and the fight was stopped at 46 seconds.

Bostan, 155.5 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 4-0 with four knockouts. Gkynos, 155.5 lbs of Athens, GRE is 2-2.

Rhiannon Dixon remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Kristine Shergold in a lightweight contest.

Dixon, 134.8 lbs of Wigam, ENG won by a 8-73 score and is now 7-0. Shergold, 134.3 lbs of Exeter, ENG is 7-7-1.

8 x 2 mins Lightweight contest 
RHIANNON DIXON 134.8lbs v KRISTINE SHERGOLD 134.3lbs
(Wigan, England)                        (Exeter, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
JUNAID BOSTAN 155.9lbs v ATHANASIOS GLYNOS 155.8lbs
(Rotherham, England)          (Athens, Greece)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
HOPEY PRICE 123.2lbs v JONATHAN SANTANA 123.8lbs
(Leeds, England)              (Las Palmas, Spain)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
CORY O’REGAN 137.8lbs v ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ 136.7lbs
(Heckmondwike, England)  (Madrid, Spain)

followed by

8 x 2 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
SHANNON COURTENAY 124.7lbs v GEMMA RUEGG 124.8lbs
(Watford, England)                             (Bournemouth, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
KOBY MCNAMARA 120.1lbs v NABIL AHMED 120.3lbs
(Leeds, England)                       (Batley, England)  

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Super-Welterweight 
JAMES METCALF 153.6lbs v COURTNEY PENNINGTON 153.1
(Liverpool, England)               (Brooklyn, USA)

followed by

21:00 LIVE ON DAZN

8 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
FELIX CASH 166lbs v CELSO NEVES 166.2lbs
(Wokingham, England) (Basel, Switzerland)

followed by

10 x 2 mins IBF Bantamweight World Title
EBANIE BRIDGES 117.75lbs v SHANNON O’CONNELL 117.35lbs
(New South Wales, Australia) (Slacks Creek, Australia)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Featherweight World Title
JOSH WARRINGTON 125.3lbs v LUIS ALBERTO LOPEZ 124.3lbs
(Leeds, England)                           (Mexicali, Mexico)

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Leeds. After a rollercoaster year of Taylor-Serrano at Madison Square Garden, Leigh Wood against Michael Conlan one of the fights of the year, Canelo against Bivol, Canelo against GGG, AJ against Usyk, last week Chocolatito against Estrada – all around the world, it ends on Saturday night in Leeds with an unbelievable night of boxing. Josh Warrington, the IBF Featherweight World Champion, makes his mandatory defence against Luis Alberto Lopez. It’s a World Championship double-header – all-Australian female fight on the card as well, a tremendous fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Title – Ebanie Bridges against Shannon O’Connell. So much more to come. This is a night with a difference, not only is it the elite atmosphere of the Leeds faithful, but it’s England vs. France. We’re kicking off around 2pm in the arena on Before The Bell. 7pm we break for England vs. France, and then 9pm we kickstart again with Felix Cash, Ebanie Bridges and Josh Warrington. This is going to be a wild day of sporting drama. We cannot wait.”

Josh Warrington:

“It’s a very tough fight. Before we get going, I’d like to say thank you for the appreciation from the boys at the front – it’s nice to get a thank you for the opportunities that they’re getting. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do – put Leeds boxing on the map and give these younger fighters opportunities. So I do appreciate that lads. Moving onto Luis, he’s full on confidence isn’t he. He’s like a kid on whizz walking around like Ric Flair. He’s going to be full of confidence. He’s blasted out a few guys over in the States and in Mexico but I’m not them guys.

“I’ve been in this position all throughout my career. I wasn’t meant to get this position. I wasn’t meant to win a European Title, I wasn’t meant to get a World Title. I’ve always been an underdog. Any fight at this level is always going to be a hard fight because he’s got himself into mandatory position. He’s beaten some decent guys along the way but I just don’t think he’s mixed in the same level that I’ve been in with. He’s certainly not had a fight like me.

“He’s coming into the Lion’s Den. They can’t be in the ring with me, but it’s a f***ing hell of an atmosphere! I feed off that energy. Once I walk out into that arena I’m a man possessed and do what I have to do to keep hold of that belt. I’ve been around haven’t I. A lot of these young fighters are going to be full of confidence. They’re going to be excited. I think they forget, sometimes my name doesn’t get the respect it deserves. I’m not asking for it but I’ve been in with challengers all throughout my career. I’ve just got to concentrate on what I do best and I believe it will be enough to get me a win on Saturday night.”

Luis Alberto Lopez:

“Thanks for the opportunity. It’s great to be here once again, and this time to be facing a champion. I always come here as a warrior for war and I won’t be going home without that World Title. I come full of capabilities, full of confidence in my preparation. I come to do what I always do, turn fights on their head and beat opponents when I’m not expected to do so. I’ll be winning this title. I’m coming for the knockout, that’s what I’ve come for. He shouldn’t believe what he sees on the videos. I’m a completely different proposition when I’m in the ring and that’s what I’m coming to do, I’m coming to win.”

Ebanie Bridges:

“Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you. She can say whatever she wants. I’ve been hearing it for years. It’s boring. It just bored me to be honest. All that matters is what happens in the ring on Saturday night. That’s when she’ll find out how serious I take this sport. I think Shannon O’Connell is my hardest fight and I’m taking it very seriously. I’m not underestimating her at all. I know that she’s a great fighter and I know that she’s going to come and bring it. She wants it. I’ve done everything that I need to do in the gym with Mark and Jimmy. I’m very confident in my skills, my mind and what I can do. I just know that belt is going to stay with me and it’s my destiny to continue to be a World Champion. I have faith in myself and in my team.”

Shannon O’Connell:

“I’m really happy that we’re finally here. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of dodging and trying to get around the fight but we’re here now and there’s no hiding. I don’t have a fake bone in my body. Everything I’ve said I’ve meant. Everyone you see on TV, do you like them? You don’t have to like everyone that you’ve met. She’s making herself a public figure and she’s putting herself out there to be judged. That’s just what happens. I’ve got morals. 100%, I’ve got everything it takes to become World Champion. She’s got nothing over me.”

Felix Cash:

“It’s been a long time coming so let’s hope that Saturday night actually happens this time. I’ll go in there on Saturday, get the ringrust off and then we’re going to have some big fights in 2023. I’ll get my hands on a World Title. It was tough to be honest with you – at one stage I was like, ‘f***k this’. I stayed in the gym and stayed focused and we’ve got out again before the year is over. We’ll make up for lost time next year by getting some big fights. I’ve got a job to do on Saturday night, I’ll get Neves out of the way and then we’ll get some big fights. Ammo Williams wants it. He’s got a big mouth. I’ll happily shut it for him.”

James Metcalf:

“I’m not overlooking him at all. We’ve seen he’s just come off a good win. He’s travelled all the way over and he sounds very confident but I’m confident as well. I believe I’m going to win and that belt is not going anywhere. I’m not taking my eye off the ball. I’m not going to overlook him. I’ve taken the fight very seriously. Everything that has been asked of me I’ve done. I’m just looking forward to the fight now.”

Courtney Pennington:

“I want to thank you for inviting me here – DAZN Boxing, Matchroom and especially JJ for taking this fight, because he didn’t have to. Thank you to my team for getting me here. Trust me, I’ve got it from here. I plan on taking this show over. This fight is going to be like a main event, with Josh Warrington and Luis Alberto Lopez as my undercard. I’m going to show you guys that I’m not going home without that strap. They have no idea. I’m one of the best Junior Middleweights in the world. I will show that come Saturday night. They don’t know that yet, but we’ve got two days guys.”

Shannon Courtenay:

“Obviously I’ve had a year out due to having quite a big injury – two operations. At one point I was told I’d never box again. To be back on the big stage straight away – I’m buzzing and I feel like I’m home to be honest. I’m not going to be ignorant and talk about World Titles just yet because I’ve got to get through Saturday and Gemma Ruegg is a good fighter. I know for a fact that 2023 is going to be a very big year for me and I’m just going to keep myself to myself. Let’s just get Saturday out of the way. I think it’s going to be an explosive fight. The styles will gel, just like mine and Ebanie’s did. It’ll be very explosive from start to finish. I don’t mind who wins. In an ideal world I’d get my WBA World Title back, Ebanie has her World Title and then we’d unify in another massive fight and a big pay day for the both of us. The first fight was a great fight and the second one would be even bigger. Let’s just see what Saturday brings first.”

Hopey Price:

“It’s the final box to tick before a big 2023. I think this is my last 8 rounder. I’m looking to put on another statement performance on Saturday night and then I’m coming for all of the titles in the Super-Bantamweight division in 2023. I wanted to be boxing for a title this time but obviously we had a bit of activity and whatever else. Get this one out of the way and the in 2023 I’m definitely coming for those belts. I think I’m the best Super-Bantamweight in Britain – 100%. Josh has paved the way for us in Leeds. When he goes, who’s next? I believe it’s me. I believe I’m the next one to carry the flag for boxing in Leeds.”

Junaid Bostan:

“I’m delighted to be back finishing the year on a high. I’ve had four fights this year, and ideally I’d like to get a stoppage so it’s four out of four. That would be happy days. I’m ready to put on a clinical fan friendly performance. As much as I’m learning in the ring professionally, I’m learning just as much in the camps. I’ve been sparring Avanesyan, Troy Williamson, did a few rounds with Pat (McCormack) and Mark (Dickinson) the other week. I’m learning as I go. I’m delighted. I’m only 20 and with how I’ve been performing in the gym and in the ring I think I’m one of the best, if not the best, prospects you’ve got at the moment.”

Rhiannon Dixon:

“I’m just trying to get as much experience as I can in the ring and I’m just really looking forward to putting a performance on on Saturday. I’m just really enjoying keeping active. Obviously I had an injury at the start of this year so I was a bit inactive but I’m just looking forward to keeping active.”

Cory O’Regan:

“I was fortunate enough to be on in March as well when Josh won his World Title back. The experience is what you’d imagine – it’s the best stage to be on. I’m just proud to be a part of it again. I’m looking forward to putting another great performance on as well.”

Koby McNamara:

“I can’t wait for it. I’ve done over 500 tickets for Saturday so I’m looking forward to putting a good performance on. I can’t wait.”