Joshua Buatsi will face former World Title challenger Maxim Vlasov on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s huge rematch with Derek Chisora at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday December 18, live worldwide on DAZN (with the exception of New Zealand and Samoa).

Buatsi (15-0, 13 KOs) scored his tenth knockout in a row when he stopped Latvia’s Ricards Bolotniks in the eleventh round of their WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title Eliminator on the third and final week of Matchroom Fight Camp in August. 

That win followed on from his brutal fourth-round stoppage of undefeated Frenchman Daniel Blenda Dos Santos in May and the 28-year-old contender returns to the famous arena next month to take on his toughest challenge yet in the professional ranks. 

Russia’s Vlasov (45-4, 26 KOs) dropped a controversial twelve-round majority decision to the USA’s Joe Smith in a challenge for the vacant WBO Light-Heavyweight World Title earlier this year and the former Interim Cruiserweight World Title challenger is determined to bounce back by becoming the first man to defeat Buatsi.  

Also on the card, undefeated New Malden Super-Middleweight talent Lerrone Richards (15-0, 3 KOs) looks to build on his impressive EBU European Title win against Giovanni De Carolis in May when he takes on unbeaten IBO 168lbs World Champion Carlos Gongora (20-0, 15 KOs).

Gongora created history by becoming Ecuador’s first ever World Champion when he scored a spectacular twelfth-round knockout win over Kazakhstan’s Ali Akhmedov last December before stopping Christopher Pearson in his maiden defence of the title on the Andrade vs. Williams undercard. 

‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (20-2-1, 9 KOs) returns to the scene of his Fight of the Year contender with Felix Cash back in 2019 as he clashes with Germany’s Emre Cukur (17-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Super-Middleweight crown following his win over Avni Yildirim in July. 

Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (26-1, 16 KOs) hopes to make it three wins from three fights in 2021 as he meets Australia’s Bruno ‘The Terminator’ Tarimo (26-2-2, 5 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF World Title. 

Derby Super-Lightweight prospect Sandy Ryan (2-0, 1 KO) is out to impress again after her vicious body shot knockout win over Aleksandra Vujovic last month in Italy, unbeaten Cruiserweight Jordan ‘Troublesome’ Thompson (11-0, 9 KOs) looks for another big KO in his home city, New Zealand Cruiserweight David Nyika (1-0, 1 KO) fights in the UK for the first time and Anthony Crolla-trained Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) returns to action. 

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 and £400 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from 10am on Thursday November 4. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members.

General Sale tickets can be purchased via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) from 10am on Friday November 5.

By Bart Barry-

Saturday on ESPN in an entertaining and honest title fight at an Oklahoma casino New York light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. majority-decisioned Russia’s Maxim Vlasov by fair scores that would have been just as fair and exactly opposite had they happened in Russia.  Neither man claimed the other’s consciousness, which means no crying for the loser, and announcement of the official cards got called correctly, comically and tragically “the big reveal”.  Smith got what he long desired and got it by winning the championship rounds.

There was a relative dissipation, though, by Smith in the pre-championship rounds, relative and relatable.  A deflation of sorts, when the taut covering, be it tattooed skin or shiny plastic (I’m thinking of the inflatable bop bags kids punch), has less air protruding it and goes some slack.

That’s what the corner of an attrition guy like Smith fears most.  Not that he’ll lose energy and get frustrated and make that frustration new energy; that he’ll lose energy and make a treaty with it, lose his defiance, find a resignation, and revel silent counterintuitively in his own helplessness.  Like Oscar De La Hoya pleading with Manny Pacquiao to throw a punch to cut the lights and spare him conscious humiliation.

There’s some wallowing in the Smith biography, doubt not, lest his trainer’d not’ve been so emphatic round the time Andre Ward made note of Smith’s body language.  Lunchpail, hardhat, selfindulgence – they are of a piece, or so say their dinercounters and bartops.  There’s nothing particularly heroic about rising at the same time each day and going to work.  The impediments, the sore back and sprained ankle and tendinitis in the elbow, dash in heroic seasonings.  It makes the next generation of men consciouser of these obstacles, seeing them celebrated in their dads’ overcomings.  The weight of the world and the system and all that.  Balance it just right, take on so much weight – and ensure some poet sings on it – and prevail, that is heroic.  Take on a bit too much, get forward bowed, and you make the infinite rolls of broken men.

For Joe Smith’s good from here till the end he needed to be able to be a titlist.  It’s why the judges’ decision took on outsized import to his corner.  Smith had done enough to win and little enough to lose, but being able to be called champ in a meaningful way, not in the cliched ways promoters and handlers and superfans address everyone who’s worn gloves, that was in the offing after 36 minutes of punching Saturday.  Smith got what he wanted – a well deserved new identity, something our beloved sport owed him for curtaining the B-Hop show years after its curdling.  

Smith is absolutely the best light heavyweight in his country and just as absolutely not the world’s best light heavyweight.  There’s a chance a good fight might be made between Smith and The Ring’s number-3 175-pounder, Sergey Kovalev, another man whose deflation has been public and obvious, but no chance Smith’s handlers should want for him to make any unification efforts with the division’s currently belted Russians.

Smith is in the glow of his greatest night as a prizefighter, his longsought triumph, the apogee of a bluecollar epic, a win for every everyman, so there’ll be no talking him into retirement, even if the time might be ironically right.  He knows he physically doesn’t have everything he did a few years ago.  But he has experience, now, and adulation, especially from strangers, and those things convince a man he’s better than ever, 20-percent at least for his new hardware, and capable of blinding others with status.  But Russians can be brutally oblivious of American status.

When your talent is what you are and the energy that manifests it begins to dissipate there are so very many reasons to say it is not what happens.  Do not discount resentment in those reasons, a general sense others have gotten more with less than you, that even though your product isn’t what it was in your obscure years there are backwages owed, and all those who ignored what you did when you were young and energetic owe you a retirement.  There’s a sweetness in obscurity, though, a private joy in being unappreciated for the right reasons that often proves more durable than an acclaim that comes for the wrong.

To jumble metaphors more than a little, that sweetness is the siren song for a fighter that his handlers lash him to a mast, any mast – be it sparring or roadwork or larger purses – to prevent his tasting.  You owe it to the less-fortunate to make the most of your talent, they say, and that most is a thing insatiable till you’re knocked the fuck out the ring by a younger, stronger man.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Follow all the action as Joe Smith Jr. takes on Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight title.  The action kicks off at 10 PM ET with a Heavyweight fight featuring Efe Ajagba and Brian Howard.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Right from Vlasov…Another right

Round 2 Good right from Smith..Smith cut over his right eye…Right from Vlasov..3 body shots from Smith

Round 3 Left to body from Smith…Right from Valsov..Combination

Round 4 Right from Vlasov..Left hook from Smith

Round 5 Right from Smith…Right from Vlasov..Good right

Round 6 Good body shot from Vlasov..Body shot from Smith…Right from Vlasov…Blood from Mouth of Vlasov…Right from Smith..

Round 7 Hard right hurts Vlasov..2 rights to the body..another body shot..Hard right..Left from Vlasov

Round 8 Hard combination from Smith..Right to body by Vlasov

Round 9 Series of headshots from Vlasov

Round 10 Right from Vlasov..Lead right..Right from Smith

Round 11 Good body shot from Smith…Short right from Vlasov..Body shot from Smith

Round 12 Right from Smith..Combination from Vlasov

114-114; 115-113 115-112 FOR SMITH

Round 1  Big right from Ajgaba
Round 2 Jab and right from Ajagba
Round 3 HOWARD LANDS A HUGE RIGHT…DOWN GOES HOWARD…FIGHT OVER

Joe Smith Jr. pounded out a hard fought 12-round majority decision over Maxim Vlasov to win the WBO Light Heavyweight title at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma

In round one, Smith was cut over his right eye from a punch of Valsov. The two fought hard, taking turns winning rounds. Everytime one of the fighters would gain advantage, the adversary would come back and seize control of the action. Smith landed several hard shots and seemed to have Vlasov in trouble. Vlasov was crafty throughout.

Smith landed 226 of 888 punches; Vlasov was 214 of 863.

Both guys were marked up facially, but in the end, it was Smith who by scores of 115-113, 115-112 and 114-114.

Smith, 174 lbs of Long Island, NY is 27-3. Vlasov, 175 lbs of Russia is 45-4.

Smith said, “It’s a great feeling. It was definitely a close, tough fight. I give it to Vlasov. Great fighter. He really put on a great show tonight and toughed it out. I believe that round where I hurt him there… I believe he had his head down, and I should’ve got the knockout. I think I would’ve got the stoppage in {the 11th} round, but he pulled it off and made it out on his feet. I believe I got the victory tonight because they saw I landed the harder shots. He landed a lot of punches. It was a great fight.

“I want the other belts. I want the big fights out there. Now I gotta get back in the gym and keep working on my technique and stuff. I believe I’m going to start unifying belts.”

Vlasov disagrees with Smith’s assessment of the fight and believes the world title should be going home to Russia.

“This was a very hard-fought, competitive fight,” Vlasov said. “I thought I was winning rounds and was well ahead. Against the aggressive style of Joe Smith, I came forward the entire fight. I felt confident I was winning and was securing rounds in the bank with the judges. I never felt that I was behind at any stage of the fight. This was my opportunity to show the world I was a world champion, and I did that, and Joe Smith knows I did that.” 

Ajagba Destroys Howard in 3

Efe Ajagba viciously stopped Brian Howard in round three of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Ajagba landed a huge right hand that twisted Howard completely around as he fell hard the canvas with his legs wrapped up underneath him.

Ajagba, 236 lbs of Nigeria is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Howard, 218 lbs of Lake Wells, FL is 15-5.

Ajagba said, “I felt good. I tried to pick the punches, use the jab. This guy is very slick sometimes. I tried to do the job. He was shaky, so when I went back to the corner after the first round, my coach told me to take my time, start with the body, leave the head.
 
“I trained for this fight, took my time, started with my boxing foundation, and came back strong. This camp was the best one for me, the best camp ever in my boxing career.
 
 “It’s my time to shine, so I’m coming for the heavyweights.”

Jared Anderson remained perfect by stopping Jeremiah Karpency in round two of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Anderson landed a perfect right to the body that sent Karpency down to the canvas. In round two, it was another right to the body that sent Karpency to a knee for the 10-count at 34 seconds.

Anderson, 253.8 ls of Toledo, OH is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Karpency, 226.6 lbs of Adah, PA is 16-3-1.

Anderson said,  “I knew he was going to find a spot to fall. I respect him for getting in there and showing up today. It’s a man’s sport. I’m just grateful to be here, thankful for the opportunity.

“I {saw} the shot. His hands kept going up. I kept throwing my jab, looking for openings, feinting, moving around the ring, and it just came. It was a good shot, and he didn’t want to get back up.

“Everybody who says they’re the biggest and the baddest, come see ‘Big ‘Baby’ then.

“I want to thank Toledo, my city. A lot of them came out to Oklahoma, and I wanted to put on a show for them. I can’t wait for what is next.

Albert Bell remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Manuel Rey Rojas in a junior lightweight bout.

In round two, Rojas was cut on the outside of his right eye. In round two, a headbutt opened up a cut on the left side of his head.

Bell landed 114 of 392 punches; Rojas was 94 of 383.

Bell, 132.2 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 18-0. Rojas, 132 lbs of Dallas, TX is 20-5.

Robson Conceicao stopped Jesus Antonio Ahumada in round seven of a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

In round five, Ahumada started to bleed and have a lot of swelling on his face. In round seven, Conceicao landed a hard left that put Ahumada down. Ahumada got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:20.

Conceicao, 128.4 lbs of Bahia, BRA is now 16-0 with eight knockouts. Ahumada, 129 lbs of Mexico is 17-4.

Trey Lippe Morrison stopped Jason Bergman in round three of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout, when Bergman could not continue due to a leg injury.

Bergman seemed to have scored a knockdown in round one when he landed a left hand that put Morrison on the deck, but it was ruled no-knockdown.

In round three, Bergman seemed to have twisted his ankle and fell to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:27.

Morrison, 225.8 lbs of Tulsa is now 17-0 with 17 knockouts. Bergamn, 256 lbs of Adah, PA is now 27-20-2.

Duke Ragan won a six-round unanimous decision over Charles Clark in a featherweight bout.

Ragan, 125.8 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 4-0. Clark, 126.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 3-7-1.

Jeremiah Milton stopped Jayvone Dafney in the 1st round of their four-round heavyweight bout.

Milton landed a booming right that made Dafney prone on the top rope and the fight was stopped at 1:19.

Milton, 231.8 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dafney, 226 lbs of McComb, MS is 2-3.

Sonny Conto Knocked out Waldo Cortes in the opening round of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Conto landed a booming right hand that sent Cortes plummeting to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Conto, 230.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-0 with six knockouts. Cortes, 262 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 6-4.

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

    •    Joe Smith Jr. 174.8. lbs vs. Maxim Vlasov 175 lbs 
(vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: David Sutherland, Pat Russell, Gerald Ritter
Referee: Gary Ritter

•          Efe Ajagba 239.6 lbs vs. Brian Howard 218 lbs 
(Heavyweight— 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT)

•   Jared Anderson 251.8 lbs vs. Jeremiah Karpency 226.6 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 8/6 Rounds)

•         Albert Bell 132.2 lbs vs. Manuel Rey Rojas 132 
(Junior Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)

   •   Robson Conceição 128.4 lbs vs. Jesus Antonio Ahumada 129
 (Junior Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)

•       Trey Lippe Morrison 225.8 lbs vs. Jason Bergman 256
 (Heavyweight  — 8 Rounds)
•      Duke Ragan 125.8 lbs vs. Charles Clark 126.6
 (Featherweight  — 6 Rounds)

•        Jeremiah Milton 231.8 lbs vs. Jayvone Dafney 222.6
 (Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Sonny Conto 230.4 lbs vs. Waldo Cortes 262
 (Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

TULSA, OK (April 8, 2021) — Joe Smith Jr., the small business owner and former union construction worker from Long Island, just wants to fight. Smith, who operates Team Smith Tree Service with his father, hopes to chop down Maxim Vlasov and win the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday evening at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN, 10 p.m. ET).

Smith and Vlasov were scheduled for a pre-fight press conference once before, Feb. 11 in Las Vegas. Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19 that day, and their scheduled Feb. 13 fight was temporarily derailed. Vlasov recovered, went home to Russia, and then finished training camp in Las Vegas.

Smith got married, but he delayed his honeymoon to focus on the task at hand. Instead of the bright lights of Las Vegas, they will do battle in the Sooner State in front of a sold-out crowd.

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

Joe Smith Jr. 

“I was 100 percent ready to go back in February, but it’s OK. I had time to enjoy my wedding day and now I’m just ready to go once again.”

“I know what I’m going up against. He is a busy and aggressive guy with a lot of experience, but I have prepared well and I’m going to give 100 percent of myself to come out victorious.”

“Becoming world champion and hearing the words, ‘and new!’ it’s going to be an amazing feeling. This is everything I have been working for since I was 15 years old.”

Maxim Vlasov

“I’m sure that you will see no ring rust at all this time. I’ve been preparing well. I’ve been sharpening my skills, and I’m ready to give it my all, 100 percent.”

“I feel the same as a younger boxer who is less experienced because this is a great chance for me. This is a great responsibility, a great risk. I am very excited and motivated for this fight.”

“I have taken preparation seriously, watched many of his fights, and learned some things. I don’t like to talk about his weakest or strongest points or divulge any strategies or plans related to the fight.”

SATURDAY, April 10, 2021

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

Joe Smith Jr. vs. Maxim Vlasov, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title

Efe Ajagba vs. Brian Howard, 10 rounds, heavyweight

ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Jared Anderson vs. Jeremiah Karpency, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Albert Bell vs. Manuel Rey Rojas, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Trey Lippe Morrison vs. Jason Bergman, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Duke Ragan vs. Charles Clark, 6 rounds, featherweight

Jeremiah Milton vs. Jayvone Dafney, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Tulsa, OK (April 6, 2021) – This Saturday night (April 10), JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (26-3 21KO’S) will challenge for the vacant WBO World Light Heavyweight Title in the main event on ESPN against Russian veteran, MAXIM VLASOV (45-3 26KO’s). The fight was rescheduled from February 13, to April 10, due to Vlasov testing positive for COVID-19.

The WBO world title is up for grabs after it was vacated by pound for pound star, Canelo Alvarez in December of 2019 after he knocked out then champion, Sergey Kovalev. Now on April 10th, live on ESPN, Joe Smith Jr. will be seeking to win the World Championship and further solidify his increasing reputation as one of the top and most fan-beloved light-heavyweights in the world.

The “Common Man,” as he is affectionately known as, Joe Smith Jr. sat down with us and recapped his rise to the top of the light heavyweight division ahead next Saturday’s world title bid.

As an amateur, Smith Jr. won the coveted 2008 New York State Golden Gloves, defeating his rival Sean Monaghan. Smith Jr. decided to turn pro just one year later, hoping to use the momentum from his major Golden Gloves victory. Following his pro debut, Smith Jr. made appearances in the metro area, including, Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY, Roseland Ballroom, The Paramount in Huntington, and Barclays Center. While gaining exposure and being built up locally, Smith Jr. remained a relative unknown in the boxing scene outside of the metro area.

That all changed on June 18, 2016 when Star Boxing CEO and NY Hall of Fame promoter, JOE DEGUARDIA brought the opportunity of a lifetime for “The Beast,” against ANDRZEJ FONFARA in Chicago for the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title. Smith Jr. would shock the boxing world when he destroyed the heavy Polish 20-1 favorite with a first round TKO.

Q: You beat Fonfara as a 18-1 underdog, what was that like for you?
A: “That was a night I will never forget. The crowd was really loud, and there were a lot of Fonfara fans there, that I was able to make my fans. I knew I could beat him, I really believed it. We realized that [Fonfara] left himself open when he punched, and that’s what I looked for.”

Later that year, the Smith Jr. train continued into what was dubbed the #Final1, as living boxing legend, BERNARD HOPKINS, hand-picked Smith Jr. as his opponent for the curtain call of his legendary career. However, the upset minded Smith had other plans, knocking Hopkins out of the ring, onto the Forum floor, in one of the most spectacular and memorable knockouts in recent boxing history.
(Watch Hopkins-Smith Highlights HERE.)

Q: The nickname, “The Common Man,” started appearing around the Hopkins fight, why was that?
A: “Well it actually began during the press conference against Hopkins. Hopkins was crafty and used whatever he could to get an advantage. At the press conference he started yelling and screaming and basically said that he was special, and I was just common. My promoter Joe DeGuardia started talking about how I was proud to be a ‘Common Man’ and a working laborer. All of that is true and it kind of stuck. But I think I took care of that (slight by Hopkins) when I knocked him out of the ring. About a year later I saw Hopkins at the BWAA awards dinner, and he said to me, ‘hey Joe get over here so we can talk about that push.’ I think I earned a lot of respect from him and everyone else that fight.”

Q: Was it your goal to go in there and be the first fighter to knock Hopkins out?
A: “Yea, I wanted to be the first guy to knock him out, but I must say, [Hopkins] is one tough guy man. I hit him with some clean hard shots, and he was still there, punching back. When I had him against the ropes, I hit him with a right hand that I saw basically had him out on his feet, before I hit him with a left hand that sent him out of the ring.”

After fighting nine-rounds with a broken jaw on HBO against Sullivan Barrera at the Forum, then devouring Melvin Russell in the first round at Mohegan Sun on NESN, Smith Jr. would get the opportunity to fight for his first world title against Russian technician DMITRY BIVOL.

Q: What did you learn from the Bivol fight?
A: “The Bivol fight taught me a lot about myself. I realized that to win at that level, I needed to have better movement, and be more fluid. I needed to stay busier and be more focused the whole time, not just looking for one big shot. I wish I would have started faster in that fight.”

Q: Speaking of one big shot, you landed a massive right hand at the nd of the tenth-round. Do you ever re-watch that clip and think to yourself, if only I had ten more seconds?
A: “Oh yes I do. I watch the clip of that every time. If I just pushed myself harder from the beginning, I think I could have won that fight. Maybe winning this title on April 10th will help me get back to that fight again.”

Bouncing back from the Bivol fight, Smith Jr. dominated in a due or die challenge against then #1 rated light heavyweight JESSE HART on ESPN for the WBO NABO Title. There was a lot of bad blood leading up to the fight, as Hart, a Philadelphia native, felt he had to make up for what Smith did to his mentor and fellow Philly native, Bernard Hopkins, four years prior.
(Watch Hart-Smith Highlights HERE.)

Q: Hart seemed to really take your fight personally talking about how he was going to knock you out in honor of his mentor Bernard Hopkins. What did you think about that?
A: “He was one of those guys that was making someone else’s problems his. He was telling me he was going to knock me out, and that he had more knockouts than me, and I think at the time he only had one more knockout than me. He said at the bell he was going to come right to me and fight, so the bell rang and I ran to the middle of the ring and he started dancing around me like a ballerina and I said, ‘Dude I thought you were going to come to fight.’”

In August of 2020, coming off of the Hart victory, Smith Jr. was in the finals of the WBO World Title eliminator, against then #1 rated light heavyweight and former world champion, ELIEDER ALVAREZ on ESPN in the Bubble at the MGM Grand. Conjuring his inner 2016, Smith Jr. tore up and dominated Alvarez, culminating in a ninth-round TKO, sending Alvarez through the ropes, similar to the knockout of Hopkins.
(Watch Alvarez-Smith Highlights HERE.)

Q: You were the underdog again against Alvarez. Some analysts had you as a very live dog which proved to be true. How did you handle being the underdog in this fight?
A: “I don’t mind being the underdog. You have to know your skill and know that you can always win. Going into that fight was different because it was at the Bubble, and there were no fans, but I didn’t mind it because there were no distractions at all.”

Q: Alvarez was the second consecutive #1 light heavyweight and favored fighter that you fought in 2020. Does that play in your mind at all leading up to a fight?
A: “Anybody is a dangerous opponent. I was confident in both fights, but there is always that thought in your head that this guy can beat you. Anybody can lose, but as long as you work hard and do what you need to do, you will win. That’s what I think. I can beat anybody anywhere, anytime.”

Looking forward to 2021, Smith Jr. is set to challenge for a world title for the second time. No longer a secret in the boxing world, Smith Jr. enters April 10 on ESPN against Russian veteran, Maxim Vlasov, for the vacant WBO World Title. Smith Jr. will look to bring the world title back to Long Island, setting himself up for major opportunities later in 2021.
SMITH JR vs VLASOV OFFICIAL TRAILER
Joe Smith Jr vs Maxim Vlasov | April 10th OFFICIAL TRAILER
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the Smith-Vlasov World Championship card will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on April 10 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Use the hashtag #SmithVlasov to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing or www.starboxing.com; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing, Facebook.com/StarBoxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing ;twitter.com/ESPNRingside; twitter.com/starboxing

#

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.5 million subscribers.

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

JOE SMITH JR. battles for the vacant WBO World Light Heavyweight Title in the main event on ESPN against Russian veteran Maxim Vlasov

April 10|Tulsa, OK| ESPN

New York (April 3, 2021) – When Long Island’s, JOE SMITH JR. (26-3 21KO’s) takes on Russian veteran, MAXIM VLASOV (45-3 26KO’s) for the WBO World Light Heavyweight Championship on April 10, on ESPN in Oklahoma, he has the opportunity to engrain his name among Long Island boxing royalty.

Long Island, compromised of just two counties, Nassau and Suffolk, has a strong home-grown boxing population. Boxing gyms are scattered across the island breeding both amateur and professional talent. However, only 4 Long Island born boxers have ever held an elusive World Championship.

In 1988, BUDDY MCGIRT (73-6-1 48KO’s) became the first Long Island born world champion. Hailing from Brentwood, Long Island, McGirt would go on to have a hall of fame career, becoming a three-time world champion.

In 2011 Star Boxing started its critically acclaimed Long Island series, “Rockin’ Fights.” As a result, just 5 years from the series inception, but 38 years after McGirt’s championship, Long Island had its second World Champion when Star Boxing’s CHRIS ALGIERI (24-3 9KO’s) won the WBO Super Lightweight World Title at the Barclay’s Center. In an incredible effort, Algieri got off the canvas to beat the “Russian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov in 2016 to secure the World Championship.
(Watch Provodnikov-Algieri HERE).

The effort to build Long Island boxing continued when, in 2019, Coram Long Island born Marine, JAMEL HERRING (22-2 10KO’S) won the WBO Super Featherweight World Title against Japans, Masayuki Ito. Also, while not usually counted among Long Island born and bred Champions, recognition must be given to former world champion, Jake Rodriguez, who resides in Central Islip Long Island, but was born in Puerto Rico.

Now, this Saturday, 2021 could bring the biggest bang for Long Island fight fans. With a win on April 10, Smith Jr. will join the Mount Rushmore of Long Island boxing royalty. “Bringing that title back to Long Island is everything I have worked for” said Smith Jr. “It will be a big accomplishment for me, and it will lead to bigger and better fights.”

In “Common Man” fashion, this fight has not come without its hurdles. Originally scheduled for February 13, but later postponed due to Vlasov testing positive for COVID-19, Smith has found his silver lining, “I am putting in the work and I should be in even better shape than I was the first time. I have been through a lot of up and downs in my career, but I believe this is going to be the time that I win the World Championship. It’s going to be a great night.”

“We have had tremendous support from Long Island boxing fans and it is very rewarding to see the World Championship belts here again. Joe Smith Jr is a thrilling fighter and we look forward to having another home-grown Long Island World Champion. Be sure to watch ESPN on April 10th and support Joe Smith Jr. in his quest to win the World Championship.” stated JOE DEGUARDIA, the President of Star Boxing.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the Smith-Vlasov World Championship card will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on April 10 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

TULSA, OK (March 26, 2021) — The heavyweight division’s next king is taking his show on the road. Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, who knocked out five opponents inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, returns to action Saturday, April 10 against Jeremiah “The Bullfrog” Karpency in a bout scheduled for 8/6 rounds from Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Anderson-Karpency is among the undercard contests streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT), preceding the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title main event featuring Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov, and the 10-round heavyweight co-feature between Efe Ajagba and Brian Howard (ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tony Holden Productions, limited tickets are available and can be purchased by visiting StubWire.com.

“Jared Anderson is a superstar in the making,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is the world’s most exciting young heavyweight, and I can’t wait to see what he shows next. When you watch Jared, you are watching a future world champion.”

Anderson (8-0, 8 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, turned pro with Top Rank following a stellar amateur career that included U.S. National Championship victories in 2017 and 2018. He has been spotless as a professional, notching five first-round knockouts and serving as Tyson Fury’s primary sparring partner before the Deontay Wilder rematch. He last fought Feb. 13 and created a viral moment with a left hook that knocked out Kingsley Ibeh in the sixth round. Karpency (16-2-1, 6 KOs), from Adah, Pennsylvania, is an 11-year pro whose only defeats have come against previously undefeated foes: Oscar Rivas (third-round TKO) and Sergey Kuzmin (sixth-round KO).

Anderson said, “I began 2021 on a high note against Ibeh, and I’m looking forward to carrying over my momentum against Karpency. The fans love big knockouts, and my goal is to deliver that every time I fight.”

In other undercard action:

Robson Conceição (15-0, 7 KOs) vs.Jesus Antonio Ahumada (17-3, 11 KOs)
8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

2016 Olympic gold medalist Conceição, from Bahia, Brazil, cemented his status as a contender with last October’s gut check against Louie Coria. Conceição recovered from a knockdown and a pair of point deductions to squeak out a unanimous decision victory and preserve his unbeaten record. Ahumada, from Hermosillo, Mexico, is 3-1 since a 2018 TKO loss to Stephen Fulton, who went on to win a junior featherweight world title.

Albert Bell (17-0, 5 KOs) vs. Manuel Rey Rojas (20-4, 6 KOs)
8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

The six-foot Bell, from Toledo, Ohio, makes his 2021 debut following last July’s 10-round shutout over Filipino veteran Mark Bernaldez. Bell, who is ranked in the top 15 by the WBO, holds a 2019 victory over longtime contender Andy Vences and is closing in on a potential world title opportunity. Rojas, from Dallas, Texas, is 8-1 in his last nine bouts, with his only defeat coming by 10-round decision in January 2020 to Puerto Rican star Felix Verdejo. He fought last September in Mexico and scored a second-round stoppage.

Sonny Conto (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Waldo Cortes (6-3, 3 KOs)
4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Conto returns for his first fight in 15 months against the man he was supposed to fight Feb. 20 inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. A medical issue forced Cortes out of the fight, but he is now recovered and ready to face the South Philadelphia native who has two consecutive first-round stoppages.

Troy Isley (1-0) vs. LaQuan Evans (4-1, 2 KOs)
4 Rounds, Middleweight

Decorated former U.S. amateur star Isley, from Alexandria, Virginia, turned pro Feb. 13 and shut out Bryant Costello over four rounds. Isley will step up in pro bout number two against Evans, a two-year pro who has won three straight bouts since a majority decision defeat.

Duke Ragan (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Charles Clark (3-6-1, 1 KO)
6 Rounds, Featherweight

Ragan, from Cincinnati, Ohio, signed a professional contract with Top Rank last year following an amateur run that included a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships. As a professional, he’s been perfect, following up a first-round knockout in his professional debut with a pair of shutout four-round decisions. He steps up to six rounds against Clark, who bested the 4-1 Malik Loften in his last fight.

Trey Lippe Morrison (16-0, 16 KOs) vs. TBA
8 Rounds, Heavyweight

Tulsa’s Morrison, son of the late heavyweight star Tommy Morrison, returns from a nearly two-year layoff intent on extending his knockout streak. A proven ticket-seller in Oklahoma, this will be Morrison’s 14^th professional fight in the Sooner State.

Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jayvone Dafney (2-2, 2 KOs)
4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Tulsa native Milton returns home after a pair of stoppage wins to begin his career late last year. Dafney is coming off a first-round knockout Feb. 27 in Georgia.

Use the hashtag #SmithVlasov to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing;twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.

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

BoxNation and Premier Sports have today announced live coverage of the rescheduled fight between Joe Smith Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs) and Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight Title in Tulsa, OK including top heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba in the co-feature. Vlasov had to pull out last month when he tested positive for Covid-19 but having recovered, the fight with Smith Jr is back on and scheduled for April 10^th.

Smith, the 31-year-old native hailing from Long Island, rose to prominence when he brutally knocked out the legendary Bernard Hopkins in 2016. In 2020, he began the year off with a split-decision victory over Jesse Hart and ended it with another vicious knockout victory over former world champion Eleider Alvarez. 

34-year-old Vlasov, meanwhile, is a veteran of the sport who previously established himself as a contender in the Cruiserweight division, where he challenged for an interim world title. Since moving down to Light Heavyweight, he’s gone 3-0, knocking out Omar Garcia before scoring back-to-back decision victories over Issac Chilemba and Emmanuel Martey.  

In the 10-round co-feature, unbeaten heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba will take on Brian “MVP” Howard. Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, is one of world boxing’s most accomplished young heavyweights. At 26 years old, he’s already knocked out the likes of longtime contender Amir Mansour and former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu. He made his Top Rank debut last September and outlasted veteran Jonathan Rice via decision over 10 rounds. Howard (15-4, 12 KOs) is an 11-year pro who has split a pair of bouts since moving up to heavyweight. In August 2019, he knocked out 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in the first round.

New customers signing up to watch this event can do so easily via the Premier Sports website. More upcoming fights for April and May are expected to be announced shortly.

ENDS

ABOUT PREMIER SPORTS

Premier Sports was founded in 2009 is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. In the Premier Sports bundle on Sky, Virgin TV and Premier Player, customers can enjoy Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2, BoxNation and LaLigaTV.

Premier Sports 1 is on Sky channel 412 and Virgin channel 551. Premier Sports 2 is on Sky channel 435 and Virgin Channel 552. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and on Freesat Channel 252.

The channels are also available to pubs, clubs and other commercial premises throughout the UK.

Premier Sports also broadcast LaLiga, Serie A, Scottish Cup football, 152 games from the Guinness PRO14, 15 games a week from the NHL, GAA and the home of NASCAR in the UK.

ABOUT BOXNATION

BoxNation began broadcasting in 2011 and has featured some of the best fights from home and abroad in the 9 years it has been on air. BoxNation is currently available on Sky channel 427, Virgin TV channel 546, BT TV and Talk Talk channel 415.

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

TULSA, OK (March 17, 2021) — If at first you can’t fight, try again.

Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov are headed to the Sooner State to fight for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday, April 10 at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

They were originally scheduled to fight Feb. 13, but Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the weigh-in, forcing a postponement.

In the 10-round co-feature, unbeaten heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba will take on Brian “MVP” Howard.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tony Holden Productions, Smith-Vlasov and Ajagba-Howard will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:30p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT, including a trio of big-punching heavyweights: Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson and Tulsa natives Trey Lippe Morrison (16-0, 16 KOs) and Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2 KOs).

Ticket information for this world championship event will be announced shortly.

“Joe Smith Jr. deserves this opportunity, and I know Maxim Vlasov will give him a great challenge,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light heavyweight division is one of the hottest in boxing, and the winner will have no shortage of lucrative opportunities.”

Smith (26-3, 21 KOs), the “Common Man” from Long Island, hopes his 2021 kicks off where 2020 concluded. Last August, he broke through inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, knocking former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez out and through the ropes. Smith has won three straight bouts since his first world title opportunity in March 2019, a unanimous decision loss to Dmitry Bivol. He became a household name in boxing in 2016 when he knocked living legend Bernard Hopkins through the ropes and into retirement.

“I am extremely motivated after all I have been though in my career,” Smith said. “I am proud of all I have accomplished, and I am confident I will bring the belt home on April 10 and move forward with my goal of unifying belts and proving I am the best light heavyweight in the world.”

Said Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing, “We all worked very hard to get Smith and Vlasov back in the ring as soon as possible, not just for the fans that love to watch the ‘Common Man’ fight, but for Joe, who is very anxious to become world champion. The blue-collar banger that is Joe Smith Jr. will be ready to fight and thrill the fans. He is laser-focused and fully intends on bringing the WBO world title to Long Island on April 10.”  

Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs), from Samara, Russia, is 3-0 at light heavyweight since moving down from cruiserweight, where he became a top contender and challenged for an interim world title. He had a banner 2019 at light heavyweight, knocking out the 14-1 Omar Garcia, avenging a previous defeat with a unanimous decision over Isaac Chilemba, and shutting out the 15-0 Emmanuel Martey over 10 rounds.

“I am ready to return to the ring and become the new WBO light heavyweight world champion,” Vlasov said. “The postponement was a minor setback, but it will be worth the wait when I have that belt around my waist.”

Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, is one of world boxing’s most accomplished young heavyweights. At 26 years old, he’s already knocked out the likes of longtime contender Amir Mansour and former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu. He made his Top Rank debut last September and outlasted veteran Jonathan Rice via decision over 10 rounds. Howard (15-4, 12 KOs) is an 11-year pro who has split a pair of bouts since moving up to heavyweight. In August 2019, he knocked out 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in the first round.

Use the hashtag #SmithVlasov to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing;twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.

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

LAS VEGAS (February 11, 2021) — Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov — for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title — has been postponed after Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19. 

Vlasov said, “I am devastated with the postponement of my world title fight against Joe Smith Jr. I have been following strict protocols, I have done regular testing with negative results, and I have no symptoms. I am well prepared and had an excellent training camp. I look forward to the rescheduling of the fight and the opportunity to display my world class skills.”

The Richard Commey-Jackson Marinez lightweight bout has been elevated to the main event and will headline the ESPN-televised tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In the new co-feature, action star Adam Lopez will defend his NABF featherweight belt in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Jason Sanchez. The ESPN telecast will open with Toledo heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs) against Kingsley Ibeh in a six-rounder.

Undercard bouts, including the professional debut of former U.S. amateur star Troy Isley, will stream live on ESPN+ at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT.

LAS VEGAS (January 28, 2021) —Featherweight action star Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez are ready for a phone booth battle. Lopez will defend his NABF belt in a 10-rounder against Sanchez Saturday, Feb. 13, on the undercard of the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title bout between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

In a six-round heavyweight special attraction, 21-year-old knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will take on Kingsley Ibeh, who went 2-0-1 last year inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.
 
Lopez-Sanchez and Anderson-Ibeh will stream live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, preceding the ESPN telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) featuring Smith-Vlasov and Richard Commey-Jackson Marinez.
 
Lopez (14-2, 6 KOs), from Glendale, Calif., has earned his reputation as the “Glendale Gatti” with a series of action-packed fights. Following his controversial TKO loss to Oscar Valdez in November 2019, Lopez returned last June with a majority decision over Louie Coria in one of the year’s best fights. Sanchez (15-2, 8 KOs) challenged Valdez for the WBO featherweight world title in June 2019 and dropped a competitive unanimous decision. He has split a pair of bouts since then, most recently falling short via 10-round decision to Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz last June. 
 
“On February 13, we’re back on the big screen,” Lopez said. “Mark your calendars, call off work, do what you have to do. You don’t want to miss this one. This is the year ‘BluNose’ gets his strap. Stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen.”
 
Sanchez said, “l’ve never been more ready. I just came back from a loss, so I am more determined and hungrier than ever. I will not take another loss, and that is my biggest motivation.”
 
Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, went 5-0 in 2020, including four Bubble knockouts. He most recently knocked out Luis Eduardo Pena in one round, the fifth first-round stoppage of his young career. Ibeh (5-1-1, 4 KOs), a former collegiate football player fighting out of Phoenix, became an instant ESPN favorite with his go-for-broke style. In his last two bouts, the 6’4, 275-pound Ibeh held unbeaten phenom Guido Vianello to a draw and bested the previously undefeated Patrick Mailata by majority decision.
 
In other matches streaming on ESPN+:

• Former junior middleweight contender Carlos Adames (18-1, 14 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will make his long-awaited ring return in an eight-round middleweight fight against an opponent to be named. Adames last fought in November 2019 and lost a unanimous decision to Patrick Teixeira for the interim WBO junior middleweight world title.
   
• Lightweight prospect Eric Puente (4-0), from San Diego, will fight fellow unbeaten Sergio Vega (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder. Puente, who is trained by Robert Garcia, won a pair of decisions last year after more than a year away from the ring.
   
• A pair of highly talented former U.S. amateur stars will make their professional debuts in separate four-round bouts. Troy Isley, from Alexandria, Va., is scheduled to fight Bryant Costello (1-1, 1 KO) at middleweight, while Las Vegas-born bantamweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz will fight Fernando Macias (1-1). Diaz made headlines in 2010 as a six-year-old when his flashy mitt work routine was shown on an episode of HBO’s “24/7 Mayweather-Mosley.”
   
• Jahi Tucker (2-0, 1 KO), the 18-year-old prodigy who turned pro last September, will face Eric Rodriguez (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round welterweight tilt.

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 11.5 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

January 26, 2020 (New York, New York)–JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. had a spectacular 2020, consecutively dominating two #1 world rated light heavyweight challengers on ESPN in Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez, and was nominated as the BWAA 2020 Fighter of the Year. Now the #1 world rated light heavyweight, Smith Jr. (Long Island, NY 26-3 21KO’s) is working hard again in his native Long Island hometown preparing for his WBO World Championship title bout against Russian veteran MAXIM VLASOV (Samara, Russia 45-3 26KO’s).

Incredibly, since Smith Jr.’s two impressive victories in 2020, not much has changed in terms of the current COVID world we are all faced with. Social distancing, masks and testing still reign supreme, especially in the worldwide attempts in the sports world to trudge on through the pandemic. How does an elite athlete work around these conditions? This “Common Man,” who has become an elite beloved fighter, gets back to his roots.

“I just train because there is nothing else to do,” said Smith. “I can’t go to the movies, I can’t go bowling, so while I sit at home, there are no distractions, that’s for sure. As far as conditioning, I do a lot outside and at home.”

In an attempt to keep the circle small, Smith Jr. and trainer Jerry Capobianco are lucky enough to have a key to a local Long Island boxing gym where they are able to put in work as Smith Jr.’s thudding punches echo across the otherwise empty gym. “As far as sparring, my sparring partner and his coach come down and opens their gym for us” said Smith. “It is one on one, and no one else is around.” Most recently Smith has continued sharpening his skills training with heavyweight Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki, UFC’s Randy Brown as well as Star Boxing stalemate, super welterweight Wendy Toussaint.

As for the fight, Smith Jr. knows the work that he is putting in now will pay dividends come fight night against Vlasov. “Anybody is a dangerous opponent, but I am confident that I am preparing the right way for a tough fight. I know Vlasov is a busy fighter so I will come into this fight in great shape.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the Smith-Vlasov World Championship fight will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on February 13 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

(January 19, 2021) —Troy Isley, a 2017 World Championships bronze medalist, is set for the next step. Isley, a 22-year-old native of Alexandria, Va., signed a multi-year professional contract with Top Rank and will make his debut Feb. 13 on the Joe Smith Jr.-Maxim Vlasov undercard. Top Rank will co-promote Isley with Antonio Leonard Promotions.
 
Isley’s head trainer is Kay Koroma, a longtime U.S. amateur coach who has guided his boxing journey since the day he entered Alexandria Boxing Club at the age of 9.
 
Said Isley, “I’m ready to turn over a new leaf. I wanted to go to the Olympics, but I did everything an amateur could possibly do. I want to hit the pro scene, showcase my talents, and pursue a world title. I naturally have a pro style. I can box when I want to box. If I have to fight on the inside, I can do that as well. I’ve fought every style, so I feel like I’ll be able to adjust to anything.”
 
“We’ve been following Troy’s progress, and we believe he’s one of the very best amateurs this country has produced in quite some time,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
Isley suffered a pair of close defeats in December 2019 at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which closed the amateur chapter of his career. In addition to the World Championships bronze medal, he won gold at the U.S. Championships in 2016 and 2017, a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, and a silver medal at the 2016 National Golden Gloves. He holds victories over 2016 Olympic gold medalist Arlen López, current junior middleweight contender Israil Madrimov, Austin “Ammo” Williams, Sebastian Fundora, Top Rank stablemate Josue Vargas, and lightweight star Devin Haney. 

LAS VEGAS (December 22, 2020) — Light heavyweight contender Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr., the consummate everyman, spent more than a decade as a union laborer on Long Island. He now owns and operates a tree service business, chopping and trimming trees when he’s not training.

At 31 years old, this far-from-average Joe will battle Russian veteran Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday, Feb. 13. In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, former world champion Richard “RC” Commey will fight Dominican slickster Jackson Marinez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Patriot Promotions, Smith-Vlasov and Commey-Marinez will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“This is Rocky IV come to life,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Joe Smith Jr. is boxing’s blue-collar hero, a relentless fighter who chops down trees outside the ring and chops down opponents when the lights are bright. Maxim Vlasov is a tough Russian who is going to meet Joe punch for punch in the center of the ring. This will be an early contender for 2021 Fight of the Year.”

DeGuardia said, “I am very confident that Joe Smith Jr. will be the new WBO world champion, but I also know that Maxim Vlasov is a strong and seasoned fighter who also wants to become champion. It will make for a great night of boxing on ESPN. Kudos to the WBO for recognizing Joe’s talents and mandating this fight, and to Bob Arum and Top Rank for their continued excellence during this pandemic.”

Smith (26-3, 21 KOs) is best known for sending living legend Bernard Hopkins through the ropes and into retirement in 2016, but a world title has thus far proven elusive. He received a shot at the WBA light heavyweight world title in March 2019 and nearly knocked out Dmitry Bivol in the 10^th round, but Bivol hung on to win a unanimous decision. Smith rampaged in 2020, dominating Jesse Hart over 10 rounds and knocking out former world champion Eleider Alvarez in an August title eliminator. Those victories propelled Smith to the WBO No. 1 ranking and a second crack at world title glory.

Smith said, “I have worked very hard to get a second opportunity at a world title. I feel I have improved, and on February 13, I am going to make my dream come true and become world champion.”

Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs), a 15-year-pro, has been a world-level operator at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He moved down to light heavyweight in early 2019 and soon joined the ranks of the top contenders. In a six-month span, Vlasov stopped Omar Garcia in four rounds, topped longtime contender Isaac Chilemba by unanimous decision to avenge a 2011 defeat, and shut out the previously undefeated Emmanuel Martey over 10 rounds.

“This is a great chance, and perhaps my last opportunity, to finally become a world champion,” Vlasov said. “Smith is a strong and relentless fighter, so I expect a very serious challenge.”

Commey (29-3, 26 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, has been a lightweight since turning pro in his home nation in February 2011. He fell just short in his first attempt at a world title, dropping a split decision to Robert Easter Jr. in September 2016 for the vacant IBF title. Commey won the IBF title in February 2019 with a second-round stoppage over Isa Chaniev, then defended it in June with an eighth-round knockout over former world champion Ray Beltran. His title reign ended that December, when Teofimo Lopez emerged with a star-making second-round TKO. Commey has not fought since the Lopez fight and is re-energized for another world title run.

Commey said, “It’s been a long and frustrating wait to get back into the ring, and February 13 can’t come soon enough. I’ve kept myself in shape, but once I heard the date, I stepped up my training. All I’ve been thinking about is winning back my title. I am not looking past Jackson Marinez, as I know he is a tough, slick fighter, so he has my full attention. The road to redemption begins now.”

Marinez (19-1, 7 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, entered 2020 largely unknown to fight fans. That all changed in August, when he outboxed the unbeaten Rolando Romero over 12 rounds. The official judges disagreed with most boxing observers, and Marinez lost a unanimous decision. Trained by Robert Garcia in Riverside, Calif., Marinez gets a shot at redemption and would enter the world title picture with a victory over Commey.

Use the hashtag #SmithVlasov to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

December 8, 2020 (New York, New York)

The working man’s hero, Long Island light heavyweight slugger, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (26-3 21KO’S) is officially set to take on Russian, MAXIM VLASOV (45-3 26KO’s) on February 13th for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title on ESPN. If it weren’t reality, some would say it was scripted. An American union laborer’s rise to the top of the boxing world, in the paramount bout of his career for the Championship of the World, against a big strong Russian bear.

Smith Jr. had a 2020 reminiscent of his remarkable 2016. In both years, Smith Jr. secured two major upsets, placing himself inside the top 5 in the light heavyweight division and on track to fight for a world title. As a relative unknown in 2016, and a 16-1 underdog on NBC, Smith Jr. traveled to Chicago to win a devastating first round knockout of then #2 rated, Andrezj Fonfara in what would be dubbed “Upset of the Year” by Ring Magazine. Later that year, once again as an underdog, Smith Jr. would knock boxing legend, Bernard Hopkins, clear out of the ring, onto the Forum floor becoming the first to knockout the former multi-division world champion. Both knockouts were also runners-up for Knockout of the Year. With a win over the likes of Fonfara and Hopkins in back-to-back fights, Smith Jr. became a well-regarded and beloved inspiration in the light heavyweight division.

Fast forward to 2020, and Smith Jr. would once again find himself clawing back into the mix of a hot light heavyweight division. In January, Smith Jr. was in the main event on ESPN from the Hard Rock in Atlantic City, where he soundly defeated then #1 rated light heavyweight, and heavily favored Jesse Hart for the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight Title. Next, Smith Jr. laced up his boots, and found himself again as the underdog in a four-man WBO World Title elimination tournament against then #1 rated, and former world champion, Elieder Alvarez. After dominating the fight, Smith Jr. knocked Alvarez through the ropes in the ninth round, eerily similar to his Bernard Hopkins knockout, four years prior, en route to a 9th round brutal TKO victory.

With his August win over Alvarez, Smith Jr. was set to take on the winner of Maxim Vlasov vs Umar Salamov, in the finals of the WBO Title Eliminator. However, after this semifinal bout was postponed once due to the global pandemic, again in October, and then the rescheduled November bout was also postponed when Salamov tested positive for COVID-19, Star Boxing’s NY Hall of Fame Promoter, JOE DEGUARDIA, requested and was granted the right for Smith Jr. to take on Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO World Title.

Vlasov who had a twelve-fight win streak snapped by Krzyzsztof Glowacki in a bout for the Cruiserweight World Championship in November 2018, has since won three in-a-row in which he collected the WBO Global Light Heavyweight Title.

Smith Jr. now finds himself as the main character in a Rocky story, founded in reality. Just four years ago, as a member of Union Laborer’s Local 66, Smith Jr. could be found at the Bay Park Sewage Plant with RJ Industries, power washing fecal matter off of tanks. To this day, Smith Jr. keeps his books up to date with the union, and while not fighting, can be found around Long Island servicing trees with his Dad, for their company, “Team Smith Tree Service.” Originating from humble beginnings, with a roll up your sleeves style of hard work, Smith Jr.’s grit and determination to make something of himself has led him one victory away from glory and has made him the pride of the working class, known affectionately as the “Common Man”.

Joe Smith Jr. started his pro career with brothers Jerry and Phil Capobianco. “Running into Jerry (trainer) and Phil (manager) changed my life. Without them I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today. I would still be a gym fighter.” SMITH JR. continued, “and a huge thank you to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing, my promoter, who took me to the Paramount and world and providing me with this great opportunity and believing in me. I am ready for this fight and I can’t wait”.

Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA, said this about the upcoming World Title fight, “Joe Smith Jr. is one of the hardest working men in boxing. He is the optime of the working-class hero. It is truly a different experience watching Joe fight – he has hammers in both fists, and at a moment’s notice, can end a fight. He has vastly improved his boxing ability and I believe he has become the top guy in the division. I am very confident that the ‘Common Man’, Joe Smith Jr. will be the World Champion. Kudos to the WBO for recognizing Joe’s talents and mandating this fight.”

(March 10, 2020) —Top Rank has signed veteran light heavyweight contender Maxim Vlasov to a long-term promotional agreement. Vlasov, a 33-year-old boxer-puncher from Samara, Russia, has won regional titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight.

Vlasov will return this summer against countryman Umar Salamov as part of the four-man WBO light heavyweight tournament, which will determine a new world champion. Joe Smith Jr. and former light heavyweight world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will face off in the other WBO semifinal. With Vlasov’s signing, all four men in the tournament have promotional ties to Top Rank.

“Maxim deserves the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and we are thrilled to add him to our deep light heavyweight stable,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “His fight against Salamov is one that I can’t wait to see.”

“I want to thank Mr. Bob Arum for believing in me and signing me to a long-term promotional agreement. I am very excited to be part of the four-way tournament for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title,” Vlasov said. “Having fought professionally for 15 years in three different weight divisions against some of the world’s top fighters, I now believe that I am at the top of my game. I am ready to prove to the light heavyweight division that I have what it takes to become the WBO world champion.”

“It is very exciting for Maxim and our team to have signed a promotional agreement with Top Rank. The backing and support from a world leader in the boxing industry will give Maxim the exposure globally that he needs to become a star,” said Oleg Bogdanov, Vlasov’s manager. “He is a real dark horse that has experience against world-class fighters in three weight classes.”

Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) had a brief 35-bout amateur stint and turned pro in April 2005 at the age of 18. He won the first 19 bouts of his career before dropping a 10-round decision to perennial light heavyweight contender Isaac Chilemba, whom he knocked down twice in the eighth round. In 2015, following a decision loss Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, he moved up to cruiserweight. He won his first 12 bouts at cruiserweight, including a 2016 knockout over 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev and a 10th-round stoppage over hard-punching veteran Olanrewaju Durodola in February 2018.

Following a close decision defeat to Krzysztof Glowacki in November 2018 for the interim WBO cruiserweight world title, Vlasov moved down to light heavyweight. He has won three straight since, including a decision over Chilemba. He last fought Nov. 30 in Russia, where he shut out the previously unbeaten Emmanuel Martey over 10 rounds.

Poland’s Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov have studied each other thoroughly before their Ali Trophy Cruiserweight Quarter-Final November 10 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Tickets are available via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

“I’ve watched a lot of his (Vlasov’s) fights together with my coach and we have tactics ready,” said 32-year-old Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs). “Of course, he does have a lot of weak points but he also has a lot of strengths.

“But I’m not focused on him, really. I don’t care what he does, what he eats or whether he sleeps a lot. I’m mostly interested in myself and what I do. Because I know that if I give everything, I’ll win.

“What am I bringing to the tournament? My faith for the most part, my faith that I’m going to win and I know there can only be one champion.”

Vlasov, a fighter with success at multiple weights, is well prepared for the challenge.

“I know a lot about my opponent Krzysztof Glowacki,” said 32-year-old Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs). “I watched many of his fights, he is a difficult and dangerous boxer. He is a fighter who can shoot at any moment and one always need to watch him and stay focused.

“At this stage of my career, this fight against Glowacki is key. It’s either do or die.”

Latvia’s Mairis Briedis vs Germany’s Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs Maksim Vlasov are the two Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the quarter-finals LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

Season I star Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov are the two Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.

“I am really looking forward to fighting in Chicago,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs). The Latvian hero is undoubtedly one of the favourites to take home Season II’s Ali Trophy in the 200-lb division.

“I am happy to be back in the World Boxing Super Series, and I am looking forward to fighting in front of a U.S. crowd. I am sure there will also be a lot of Latvians in the arena to help create a fantastic atmosphere.”

Briedis’ opponent, Germany’s Noel Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KOs), is eager to perform on the biggest stage – only a split decision defeat, in an IBF eliminator against Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, prevented him of participating in Season I.

“There are only world class fighters in this tournament, but I believe my ring IQ will give me the edge to win it,” said Mikaelian.

The second main event in Chicago on November 10 is a potent match-up between Poland’s former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov.

“The plan is simple: take it all, give nothing back,” said Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs)

The exciting southpaw fought Season I winner Aleksandr Usyk in 2016 – relinquishing the WBO belt over 12 rounds, he won the belt in 2015 via knockout against Marco Huck.

“I have been waiting for a long time for my chance, and I am full of power and great energy. I am going to win this tournament and become world champion again!”

Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs), a fighter with success at multiple weights, likewise enters the quarter-final with great confidence after winning 12 straight fights since moving up in weight in 2015.

Tickets will be available to buy via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 on Monday 1 October. Fans can be alerted by email when tickets go on sale by signing up for Ticket Alerts here.

Ahead of Season 2, US-based boxing fans are able to watch Season I’s Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final, George Groves vs Callum Smith on Friday, 28 September, LIVE on the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

Dates and venues for the six weeks of Ali Trophy quarter-final action this autumn:

1. October 7th, Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)
WBA ‘Regular’ Bantamweight Championship
&
Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia).
WBA Super-Lightweight Championship

2. October 13th, Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
TBA

3. October 20th, CFE Arena, Orlando, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)
IBF Bantamweight Championship
&
Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland).
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com

4. October 27th, U.N.O. Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)
WBC Super-Lightweight Diamond Title
&
Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs Anthony Yigit (Sweden)
IBF Super-Lightweight Championship
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com

5. November 3rd, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)
WBA ‘Unified’ Bantamweight Championship & WBC Bantamweight Diamond Title
&
Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)
WBC Super-Lightweight Silver Title
TICKETS: From £35 (plus fees) here: thessehydro.com

6. November 10th, UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
&
Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com (On sale: Mon 1 Oct)

Season II divisions and Ali Trophy quarter-final match-ups:

Bantamweight:
Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)
WBA ‘Unified’ World Championship and WBC Diamond Title

Zolani Tete (South Africa) vs. Mikhail Aloyan (Russia)
WBO World Championship

Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)
WBA ‘Regular’ World Championship

Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)
IBF World Championship

Super-Lightweight:
Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)
WBC Diamond Title

Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)
WBC Silver Title

Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia)
WBA World Championship

Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs. Anthony Yigit (Sweden)
IBF World Championship

?
Cruiserweight:
Mairis Briedis (Latvia) vs. Noel Mikaelian (Germany)

Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland)

Krzysztof Glowacki (Poland) vs. Maksim Vlasov (Russia)

Ruslan Fayfer (Russia) vs. Andrew Tabiti (United States)
IBF Eliminator

Brandon Rios scored a emphatic 3rd round stoppage over Mike Alvarado in their contest that was a scheduled 12-round Welterweight bout at the 1stBank Arena in Broomfield, Colorado.

Rios busted up Alvarado in the first round from a shots with both hands by Rios. Rios continued the assault in round two as he wobbled Alvarado with a right and then followed up with solid body work. Rios continued to drill Alvarado in round three and finally sent him to the deck with an uppercut.

After the round, Alvarado had enough and called a halt to the bout.

Rios, 146 3/4 lbs of Oxnard, CA is now 33-2-1 with 23 knockouts. Alvarado, 146 1/2 lbs of Thornton, CO is now 34-4.

Gilberto Ramirez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Maxim Vlasov in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Ramirez, 170 1/2 lbs of Sinaloa, MX won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 31-0. Vlasov, 170 lbs of Russia is now 30-2.

HBO Boxing begins a new season with the final chapter in a heated rivalry when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: MIKE ALVARADO VS. BRANDON RIOS 3 AND GILBERTO RAMIREZ VS. MAXIM VLASOV is seen SATURDAY, JAN. 24 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colo., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 25 (10:15 a.m.) and 26 (11:30 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 25 (4:45 p.m.) and 27 (11:50 p.m.)

Alvarado and Rios own one victory apiece in a rivalry that would stand out in any era. Their previous encounters, in 2012 and 2013, were memorable slugfests that had fans on the edge of their seats from the opening bell. Now, they’ll meet in 12-round welterweight showdown before a partisan Alvarado crowd.

Boasting a loyal following, Denver’s Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs) has battled many top talents in the 140- and 147-pound weight classes, including Juan Manuel Marquez, Ruslan Provodnikov, Mauricio Herrera and Mike Dallas Jr. His crowd-pleasing style is an ideal match for Oxnard, Cal. native Brandon Rios (32-2-1, 22 KOs), who never backs down and has squared off recently with Manny Pacquiao and Diego Chaves.

Previewing the bout, is the special “Road to Alvarado-Rios 3,” which replays Saturday, Jan. 24 (11:45 a.m. ET/PT) on HBO and is available on HBO ON DEMAND® and HBO GO®.

Following the first Rios-Alvarado fight, Yahoo! Sports wrote, “Each round was bitterly contested and the advantage would swing from one guy to the other like a pendulum,” adding that it was “one of the most sensational bouts in a long time.”

Opening the telecast, Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez (30-0, 24 KOs) makes his HBO debut in a ten-round light heavyweight matchup with Russia’s Maxim Vlasov (30-1, 15 KOs). Ramirez, who is moving up in weight to take on Vlasov, relies on knockout power and ring savvy; appearing on HBO Latino in November, he stopped Fulgencio Zuniga in the eighth round. Vlasov has won his last 11 fights.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

DENVER (January 6, 2015) — Undefeated No. 2-world-rated super middleweight contender GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ of Mexico will face the toughest challenge of his professional career when he rumbles with once-beaten Top-10 contender MAXIM VLASOV from Russia. The 10-round light heavyweight battle will be the co-main event to the final chapter of one of this era’s most exciting trilogies — Denver’s “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO vs. BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS of Oxnard, Calif .Ramirez vs. Vlasov and the 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) International welterweight title fight between Alvarado and Rios will headline an all-action card, Saturday, January 24, at the 1STBANK Center, located outside Denver in Broomfield, CO. Both fights will be televised live on HBO, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

The four gladiators boast a combined record of 126-6-1 (84 KOS) — a winning percentage of 95% — with two-thirds of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zapari Boxing and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Alvarado-Rios welterweight championship event, priced at $250, $200, $125, $65 and $40, are available at www.AltitudeTickets.com, by phone at 866-461-6556 and at the Pepsi Center box office.

“I really appreciate Bob Arum, HBO and my team at Zapari Boxing for giving me this opportunity. I have been waiting so long for this caliber of fight,” said Ramirez. “Vlasov is the biggest test of my career. A victory over him will validate me as a worthy challenger for a world title. I promise to give the fans a very exciting fight on January 24.”
“I box to live and I live to box,” said Vlasov, from his Russia-based training camp. “I want this victory very badly. This is my time and I am ready to prove it.”

Ramirez (30-0, 24 KOs), of Mazatlan, Mexico, is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the WBO, and No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF). A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 23, won all four of his 2014 bouts by knockout. In his last outing, on November 15, he scored an eighth-round TKO victory over four-time world title challenger Fulgencio Zuniga. The other three 2014 victories included Junior Talipeau (TKO 1) on July 19, two-time world title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo (TKO 5) on April 11 and Don Mouton (TKO 1) on February 1. Ramirez’s vanquished opponents had a combined record of 92-24-3 — a winning percentage of 77% — when he fought them.

Vlasov (30-1, 15 KOs), from Samara, Russia, enters this fight riding a four-year, 11-bout winning streak, with three of his last four victories coming by way of knockout. A consensus Top-10 world-rated contender (No. 6 IBF / No. 9 WBO / No. 10 WBC), Vlasov, 28, is nearing prime as his recent fights have shown. In his last fight, on July 26, he knocked out former world title challenger Ruben Acosta in the eighth round to capture the vacant WBC Baltic light heavyweight title. Highlight victories include a third-round TKO of 2000 Dominican Republic Olympian Jerson Ravelo, a sixth-round TKO of Artem Redko, a third-round TKO of Roman Shkarupa to capture the vacant WBC Baltic super middleweight title and a 10-round unanimous decision over Geard Ajetovic.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #AlvaradoRios to join the conversation on Twitter.