Liam Paro told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast that he will show he belongs at the top level when he meets Montana Love at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday December 9, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide, where Regis Prograis defends his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Devin Haney.
 
Paro (23-0 14 KOs) returns to the ring after over a year on the sidelines since his spectacular first round KO of Brock Jarvis in Brisbane in October 2022, and is itching to get back into action after injury ruled him out of two fights in the first half of the year, the last and most notable of those being a World title shot against Prograis in New Orleans in June.
 
Paro is back to full fitness and has been on fire in training camp in Las Vegas, where he found himself caught up in a Twitter storm around his sparring with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson. The 27 year old adhered to the fighters code and did not go into specifics of the work, but said he took away real belief that those are the names he belongs with – and will prove it on December 9 against Love.
 
“It’s sparring at the end of the day,” said Paro. “We got good rounds in, but mark my words, I belong at the top level, I can mix it with them confidently. I appreciate the work with Shakur, it’s great work and a good camp to work with, but I belong there for sure. 
 
“I want the winner of Haney-Prograis. I think Devin beats him, I think the way to give him trouble is fast feet like Vasiliy Lomachenko, but in his last fight Regis’ looked stuck in the mud. He’s going to be fit and ready though as this is a massive fight, as big as it gets, but I think Devin edges this one out. Haney vs. Paro rolls off the tongue, but I am not looking past Montana, I know I need to get the job done there first.
 
“I know that when I get the job done, I’ll be headlining big shows like this one against big names, it just motivates me so much. It’s what you dream of as a young kid and now it’s starting to become a reality. It’s unbelievable. I’m here, but I want more. The harder the task, the more I perform, I always rise to the occasion. I love it. That’s what makes a champion, performing under pressure, I really thrive on that.”
 
Joining Paro on the latest episode of Flash Knockdown are O’Shaquie Foster, who reviews his epic fight with Rocky Hernandez and eyes a unification with Joe Cordina next, Josh Warrington, who reflects on his clash with Leigh Wood, and there’s another Mike Costello gem from the memory bank.
 

Alycia Baumgardner will defend her undisputed World Super-Featherweight title against Christina Linardatou at The Masonic Temple Detroit in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday July 15, live worldwide on DAZN – as bitter rivals Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love clash, and Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz makes his pro debut.
 
Baumgardner (14-1 7 KOs) puts all the belts at 130lbs on the line for the second time after a dominant performance over Elhem Mekhaled in New York in February, a first defense in the Big Apple coming after a massive win to claim all the belts in London against fierce rival Mikaela Mayer in October. The big nights just keep coming for ‘The Bomb’ and now it’s home time as she fights in Detroit for the first time in the paid ranks – and has a score to settle against Linardatou, who handed Baumgardner her sole defeat in July 2018.
 
Linardatou (14-2 6 KOs) is aiming to become a three-time World ruler and break Baumgardner’s heart once again, five years after a split decision win over eight rounds in Louisville. That win for the Greek preceded her claiming her first World title at Super-Lightweight against Kandi Wyatt in March 2019, having previously challenged Delfine Persoon for the World Lightweight title in June 2016. The 35 year old defended the crown against Deanha Hobbs in June 2019 in Athens, before Katie Taylor took the title in Manchester, England in November 2019. Linardatou reclaimed the vacant title three months later against Prisca Vicot in Indiana and returned to action in July with a six round win in Greece. 
 
“It was a blessing to be able to fight overseas in front of an international audience to unify titles; and then to finally become undisputed   in my home country at MSG, was so amazing!” said Baumgardner. “But to come back home to the Midwest, where I grew up, where I learned how to work, where my life was shaped, where my faith was forged, and then to headline in my adopted home of Detroit for my first undisputed title defense; I am truly realizing a dream come true.  
 
“In one of the world’s most storied cities for boxing, I get to put on show and show out in front of the people who’ve supported me and know me best. I get to thank the region that helped make me who I am. I get to show the world that a little girl from Fremont, came back home as the Undisputed Champion of the World, and let all those other midwestern little girls like me know that they can reach any dream they can imagine.”
 
“I think it’s going to be a great fight with me and Alycia,” said Linardatou. “It’s going to be much better than the first one. She has shown signs of improvement, but I have a new purpose to fight for – my son. 
 
“And as much as she improved with her skills, her ego and head has grown with it. She does a lot of things for social media and to get attention. I’m doing this for the legacy of my son. See you July 15, chump – I mean champ.”
 
A stacked undercard in support of Baumgardner’s homecoming sees fireworks guaranteed as bitter rivals Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love clash for Hitchin’s IBF North American and USWBC Super-Lightweight titles.
 
Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is rising up the rankings at 140lbs and boxes for the third time in eight months since joining forces with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. The Brooklyn man was punch-perfect in his last outing, dominating John Bauza over ten rounds in New York in February, following a eighth round stoppage win over Yomar Alamo in Cleveland in November. 
 
Love (18-1-1 9 KOs) headlined on that night in his Cleveland hometown against Steve Spark in a fight that ended in controversial circumstances, as a tangle on the rope appeared to end in Love lifting Spark over the ropes, leading to a disqualification. Love now seeks to get back into contention to meet the contenders and champions at 140lbs, and while no greater incentive is needed, Hitchins and Love clashed at the press conference in Cleveland and there’s no love lost between the pair leading up to this high-stakes battle.
 
“It’s done – finally,” said Hitchins. “This is the fight I have been wanting since I signed with Matchroom and finally we’ve got him. 
 
“To say there is bad blood between us is an understatement. This is personal for me. I genuinely cannot stand the guy and come July 15; he’s going to feel all that anger come out. This is my time. This is going to be a showcase performance for me and put me in line for a World title. 
 
“He isn’t on my level. He doesn’t belong in the ring with me. I’m giving him this opportunity for no other reason than that I want to smash him to pieces.”
 
“I’m gonna give you this ass whoopin’ you been asking for,” said Love. “This is just the fight I need to get back into the mix, and when I deal with him, I’ll be back on track for World titles.”
 
Fresh from signing a promotional deal with Hearn and Matchroom, Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz will make his pro debut on the bill over ten rounds at Lightweight against Juan Carlos Burgos.
 
Cruz struck gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in the Lightweight division against Keyshawn Davis in the delayed games in August 2021 and added an incredible third straight AIBA World Championship gold at Light-Welterweight in Serbia three months later, putting that medal next to those he landed at the World Championships in Germany and Russia in 2017 and 2019.
 
The 27 year old is wasting no time in getting into the groove in the paid ranks, and does so against the experienced Burgos (35-7-3 21 KOs) who took Davis the eight round distance in his last outing in December and drew over ten rounds with highly ranked Lightweight Angel Fierro last March. 
 
“I’m pumped and ready,” said Cruz. “Everything I wanted is about to become a reality. Now, it is time for me to show the world what I am made of. I want to give my fans the best of me, and I’m ready to do in pro boxing the same I did in the amateurs, be the best in the World!”
 
“What a night this is going to be – and I am so thrilled for Alycia,” said Hearn. “It’s poetic that we have announced this card just before Katie Taylor finally gets her homecoming in Dublin tonight, as great champions deserve to fight in front of their hometown fans and that’s exactly what Alycia gets on July 15 – with the added spice of being able to right the only loss on her record, I’ve no doubt ‘The Bomb’ is going to produce something special in Detroit.
 
“To say Richardson and Montana do not like each other is an understatement, and they finally get the chance to get their hands on each other in the ring. The build-up will be ferocious, and will come to the boil on fight night, but cool heads will be needed when they step through the ropes as this is a vital clash in the 140lbs division.
 
“And last but by no means least, welcome to the paid ranks, Andy Cruz. Fans who get their hands on a ticket for this brilliant night of action will witness the first steps of a fighter I believe will win World titles at multiple weights and walk into the hall of fame – but every journey starts with a single step, and Juan Carlos is a tough Mexican that’s never been stopped and has mixed in great company, it’s a great test on what will be the first of many epic nights for Andy in the pro game.”
 
An announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.
 

Stevie Spark scored a controversial sixth round disqualification over Montana Love in a scheduled 12-round junior welterweight bout at The Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland.

In round two, Spark dropped Love with a hard right hand. In round six, Love was cut over his right eye by an accidental headbutt. Love was checked by the ringside doctor, who gave Love another minute. Love ran after Spark and tried to roughouse him. Love took it too far, as he crowded Spark on the ropes and a forearm to throat thrusted Spark over the top rope, and the fight was stopped at 25 seconds.

Steve Spark got a victory via sixth round disqualification over Montana Love in 12-round super lightweight bout at The Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

In round two, Spark landed a hard right that put Love on the canvas. In round six, the two fighters clashed heads which opened up a cut around the left eye of Love. That seemed to have perturbed Love as he pushed Spark over the top rope that caused a disqualification.

Spark, 140 lbs of Toowoomba, AUS is 16-2. Love, 140 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 18-1-1.

Richardson Hitchins remained undefeated by stopping Yomar Alamo after round eight of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

Hitchins beat down Alamo until the fight was stopped in the corner following the eighth frame.

Hitchins, 140 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 15-0 with seven knockouts. Alamo, 138.5 lbs of Caguas, PR is 20-2-1.

Raymond Ford scored an eighth round stoppage over Sakaria Lukas in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

Ford was credited with a knockdown in the opening minute of the fight when he landed a left and Lukas stumbled to the canvas.

In round seven, Lukas was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round eight, Ford landed a booming right hook to the chin that put Lukas down and out on his back and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden NJ is 13-0-1 with seven knockouts. Lukas, 128 lbs of Windhoek, NAM is 25-2-1,

Thomas Mattice won a 10-round unanimous decision over Christian Tapia in a super featherweight fight.

In round two, Mattice dropped Tapia with a straight right.

Mattice, 129.5 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 97-92 and 96-93 twice and is now 19-3-1. Tapia, 129.5 lbs of Coamo, PR is 15-1.

Beatriz Ferreira made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Taynna Cardoso in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Ferreira scored a knockdown when she put Cardoso on the canvas with a right hand. In round three, it was another hard right hand that forced Cardoso to take a knee.

Ferreira, 130.5 lbs of Salvador, BRA won by scores of 40-34 on all cards and is now 1-0. Cardoso, 131 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 5-1.

Nikoloz Sekhniashvili stopped previously undefeated David Rodriguez after round three of their scheduled six-round super welterweight bout.

Early in round one, Sekhniashvili dropped Rodriguez with a straight left. The left eye of Rodriguez swelled badly throughout the fight and the bout was stopped after round three.

Sekhniashvili, 153.5 lbs of Gori, GEO is 8-1 with six knockouts. Rodriguez, 155 lbs of Akron, OH is 6-1.

Raynell Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Ryizeemmion Ford in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Williams sent Ford down with a left hand.

Williams, 130 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 14-1. Ford, 131 lbs of Alliance, OH is 8-3.

Khalil Coe won a six-round unanimous decision over Bradey Olmeida in a light heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

In round five, Coe dropped Olmedia with a right hand

Coe, 174 lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 4-0-1. Olmeida, 175 lbs of Mayaguez, PR is 5-1.

Montana Love

On Steve Spark: “He’s getting too comfortable. I’ve been playing it cool because you are from out of town and you’ve been humble, but I will step on you, in or out of the ring. You are tripping, being disrespectful – just keep it on boxing, keep it cool.

“I am not worried about Richardson. On Stevie, I take my hat off to him, he’s a great fighter, pressure fighter, but it’s nothing I’ve never seen before. In this same arena, we had the Russian [Ivan Baranchyk] who said the same words as Stevie – and he got laid out and hasn’t fought since. He has a great style, but you haven’t fought anyone brother. It’s going to be a tremendous fight; we’re going to run Stevie into some traps and we’re going to put his ass to sleep. I know he is coming to fight but he’s getting taken out. 

“He has never faced anyone like me, he’s had a good camp, he’s had some great sparring, but it’s not going to be enough.”

On Richardson Hitchins: “I’ve never seen a fighter getting dropped [by a promoter] while being undefeated. He had an opportunity to fight me in 2019 when I was independent and he was with the Money Team. They turned me down. Now I’m sitting next to the big dog [Eddie Hearn] this is the real money team, and now he’s chasing the bag, as he should.”

Steve Sparks

“I haven’t come halfway across the world to not beat Montana Love. And not just beat him, I’m going to knock this man out. He’s chinny and he’s got a glass jaw.

“I’ve asked for this kind of opportunity because I believe I’m ready for a World title next year. So, I must go out there and beat people like Montana and not just beat him but do it in good fashion, so I must have my wits about me, I know the level of fight this is. I’m excited to be on DAZN and I’m going to shine, he knows this is a hard fight for him, and he’s a hard fight for me. This is the fight of the night; it’s going to be great. I don’t see this fight going the distance.

“It’s do or die in this fight. All or nothing. I’m not going home without that belt. I’m taking it back to Australia.”

Richardson Hitchins

“When you are facing somebody like me you got to come ready. A great fighter like me you should never ever slack not one bit, and I’m looking to take care of business Saturday night. And after that if Montana Love even gets his job done me and him is next. And if he tries to hide from me and him fighting next, we got to see each other in 2023, that’s my goal.

“I came to Ohio cause I’m the truth. I feel like I’m the best fighter on this card and I’m the best fighter in the 140lb division, so it starts like I said on Saturday night. I’m going to show up and show out in his city and hopefully Montana can match that energy.”

Yomar Alamo

“I’ve been prepared like I prepare for all my fights, and we’ve made all the necessary changes to look better and stronger in this fight.”

Raymond Ford

“We’re coming here to dominate. Whether it comes down to a 10 round decision or I stop him early, it really don’t matter. But I’m coming out victorious.

“He [Lukas] got the experience and everything, he’s been around a long time 38 years old. I’m just going to get him out of boxing and send him on his way out.”

Sakaria Lukas

“Saturday night I’m ready to go. You eat or get eaten. Talk is cheap and we can talk the whole night or the whole day but it’s going to change once you get smacked in the face.”

Christian Tapia

“We’re more than prepared to walk away with the victory.”

Thomas Mattice

“We ready. We train extremely hard, had a full camp. I don’t really have much talking to do, I’m ready to handle business. My mind is to hurt something and that’s it.”

Khalil Coe

“This is what boxing is about, taking the tough fights and giving the people a show and giving your best. So that what we want to do and what we’re going to do.”

Beatrice Ferreira 

“I prepared a long time for this moment this big opportunity and there’s nothing better than to be here in the best place in the world for boxing to make my debut and I want people to be happy with my performance.”

David Rodriguez 
“I’ve been around World champions, been in the ring with World champions, got nothing but knowledge and skills, technique, and fundamentals. I got everything to show everyone.”

Love and Spark clash on a stacked card in Cleveland, with the co-main bout featuring a Matchroom debut for Richardson Hitchins also at Super-Lightweight, where the Brooklyn talent faces Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American title.

Raymond Ford continues to catch the eye in his rise in the Featherweight division and defends his WBA Continental Americas title against Sakaria Lukas and Christian Tapia takes on Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title.

Love’s older brother and Olympian Raynell Williams continues his return to boxing against fellow Ohioan Ryizeemmion Ford, Khalil Coe faces unbeaten Bradley Olmeda, Nikoloz Sekhniashvili meets Ohio’s David Rodriguez and Brazilian Olympic silver medalist and former amateur World champion Beatriz Ferreira steps through the ropes for the first time in the paid ranks against fellow Brazilian Taynna Cardoso.

Steve Spark says the pressure is all on Montana Love to impress his hometown fans – and he’ll capitalize on that expectation and clinch a pivotal win for his World title ambitions as the pair clash for the WBA Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title on Saturday night at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, live worldwide on DAZN.
 

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Spark (15-2 14 KOs) is calling Saturday night the biggest of his career as the Australian looks to crash into the reckoning for more big fights in 2023, and ‘The Viking’ is relishing his underdog status in Ohio, having acclimated to America by ending his training camp in Houston, Texas. 
 
The 26 year old makes his US debut against Love, who headlines at home for the first time in his pro career, and Spark insists he’ll spoil the party for ‘Too Pretty’ and jump the queue for World title action.
 
“I’ve been known as someone that takes the hard fights,” said Spark. “I’ve had 14 KOs in 15 wins, you don’t get paid for overtime in this business, I always look for that.
 
“I’m looking to impress the US fans. They will love my style and that’s why I am looking to get in there and ruin Montana’s homecoming and getting that belt in his backyard.
 
“I guess people have me as the underdog, this is my first step-up so rightly so, but in my mind, I’m not the underdog and I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t believe I could win. Not many people get this type of opportunity in their life, so I am taking it with both hands, in my stride and smiling when I do it because it is exciting, it’s a special moment in my life and I want to be known for putting entertaining fights. 
 
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, I give everything in my fights and that’s what I am bringing on Saturday. There’s a little adjustment to make with southpaws, but it doesn’t matter how they stand – they all fall.
 
“Pressure is a funny thing. We all feel it, the hometown pressure is on him, he must perform well in front of them. I’m going there with an ‘everything to gain, nothing to lose’ mentality. 
 
“I’m his toughest test and he’s mine. People might not believe me but when I step into the ring, he’s going to realize in the first round that he’s never been in with someone like me. I want to win this in epic fashion, make a big statement and announce myself as a top 140lber, a fan friendly fighter and one that’s going to be at the top for years to come – it all starts on Saturday. 
 
“I said I wanted to be 27 when I fight for my first World title and that’s next year. I am not looking past Montana, but I like to look through at what possibilities there are when I when and it’s motivating for me that it’s only a few steps from the World title. 
 
“He’s slick, he’s sharp and he’s well rated, he’s up there for a reason. But that’s why we’ve taken the fight, there’s no easy fights at this level and it’s a chance for me to jump the queue and rise up the rankings fast. If I want to be a World champion, this is the sort of fight I need to win and do it in good fashion. I’m young, I’m hungry, I’m fresh, whatever Montana brings to the ring, I’m going to meet it and give him a lot more.”
 
Love and Spark clash on a stacked card in Cleveland, with the co-main bout featuring a Matchroom debut for Richardson Hitchins also at Super-Lightweight, where the Brooklyn talent faces Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American title.
 
Raymond Ford continues to catch the eye in his rise in the Featherweight division and defends his WBA Continental Americas title against Sakaria Lukas and Christian Tapia takes on Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title.
 
Love’s older brother and Olympian Raynell Williams continues his return to boxing against fellow Ohioan Ryizeemmion Ford, Khalil Coe faces unbeaten Bradley Olmeda, Nikoloz Sekhniashvili meets Ohio’s David Rodriguez and Brazilian Olympic silver medalist and former amateur World champion Beatriz Ferreira steps through the ropes for the first time in the paid ranks against fellow Brazilian Taynna Cardoso.

Montana Love fulfils a dream on Saturday night – headlining for the first time in his hometown of Cleveland as he faces Steve Spark for the WBA Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday night (November 12) live worldwide on DAZN.
 

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Love (18-0-1 9 KOs) tops the bill in the sports mad Ohio city and on his second appearance at the home of NBA giants, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Love meets Australian Spark (15-2 14 KOs) in a pivotal clash in the 140lb division, with ranking positions and World title shots at the front of the hometown man’s mind.
 
“The city is showing me love and getting behind me,” said Love. “It’s a proud city and we look after each other and back. It’s a dream come true, being able to headline in the biggest arena in my home. Cleveland means everything to me. We don’t have much, but we stick together and get the job done. 
 
“The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is an electric place, we’ve had a lot of great athletes come through the city in that building, and now I am one of them. I am living my dream, I went through the trials and tribulations to get here, and what I had to deal with is a big part of what makes me hungry now. 
 
“I promised my mother that I would take this 100 per cent seriously. The last thing she remembers of me is going to prison and being in and out of jail, so now I am trying to right my wrongs.
 
“I feel like I am made for this moment. I am coming off being co-main on a Canelo card; fighting in front of a packed house in Las Vegas and I’ve fought at home in front of a big crowd before, so there’s no pressure, I’m going to embrace it.
 
“Steve is a tough guy; he’ll bring the fight and it’ll make for a real spectacle. I want to win this in spectacular fashion, go for the KO – but we just want to look beautiful and put on a great show.”
 
Love and Spark clash on a stacked card in Cleveland, with the co-main bout featuring a Matchroom debut for Richardson Hitchins also at Super-Lightweight, where the Brooklyn talent faces Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American title.
 
Raymond Ford continues to catch the eye in his rise in the Featherweight division and defends his WBA Continental Americas title against Sakaria Lukas and Christian Tapia takes on Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title.
 
Love’s older brother and Olympian Raynell Williams continues his return to boxing against fellow Ohioan Ryizeemmion Ford, Khalil Coe faces unbeaten Bradley Olmeda, Nikoloz Sekhniashvili meets Ohio’s David Rodriguez and Brazilian Olympic silver medalist and former amateur World champion Beatriz Ferreira steps through the ropes for the first time in the paid ranks against fellow Brazilian Taynna Cardoso.

Montana Love’s first headline hometown show will be a family affair as his older brother and Olympian Raynell Williams continues his return to boxing at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on Saturday November 12 – with Khalil Coe and Nikoloz Sekhniashvili also added to the Ohio bill.
 

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Williams (13-1 7 KOs) returned from a near five-year absence from the ring in September with a stoppage win in Cleveland in the final round of six, and the Team USA 2008 games man will face fellow Ohioan Ryizeemmion Ford (8-2 6 KOs) over the same distance. 
 
“This is a dream come true for me,” said Williams. “Fighting at home, in Cleveland, on a card headlined by my brother – it doesn’t get much better than that. 
 
“It felt great to finally step back into the ring last month, and I’m excited about getting right back in there, and working my way back into contention. I know Ford well; he’s an Ohio boy just like me. I respect him as a fighter, but he’s simply not on my level and on November 12 I plan to put on a show.”
 
Khalil Coe fights for the third time in 2022 and will do so over six rounds against the unbeaten Bradley Olmeda. Coe (3-0-1 2 KOs) is looking for win number three of the year having stopped Dylan O’Sullivan in Phoenix in February and followed that with a points win in his first six rounder against William Langston in New York in April.
 
The New Jersey talent now meets Puerto Rican Olmeda (5-0 3 KOs) who himself has two wins to his name in 2022 and fights for the third time in the States with plenty on the line in a battle of the undefeated Cruiserweights.
 
“I’m very excited for this fight,” said Coe. “These are the type of challenges I want at this stage of my career. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to show that on November 12 against a very tough, determined, and undefeated opponent.”
 
“I want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for this great opportunity to fight on this show,” said Olmeda. “I am ready, prepared, and confident I will win this fight and show the world what Bradley ‘The Underdog’ Olmeda is made of.”
 
There is a fascinating Super-Welterweight clash on the card, as Nikoloz Sekhniashvili faces David Rodriguez. Sekhniashvili (7-1 5 KOs) returns to action in Cleveland after over a year out of the ring and will do so against the undefeated Rodriguez (6-0 2 KOs) over six rounds. Sekhniashvili turned pro in April 2018 after seven years on the Georgian national team and recorded seven wins with five inside the distance before tasting defeat in New York in August 2021. 
 
It’s a huge opportunity for Rodriguez to make a name for himself in the biggest fight of a career that the 27 year old juggles with being a Health teacher at LeBron James’ I Promise School in Akron, Ohio.
 
“I am excited to be a part of such a great event in Cleveland,” said Sekhniashvili. “I am fighting an undefeated fighter and will show everyone that I am a World-class Super-Welterweight prospect. Thank you to Matchroom and my team for providing the opportunity.
 
“I’ve fought in nationals, in Cuba, and been in the ring with World champions; it’s my time,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve fought punchers my whole boxing career, I know exactly what to do, this moment is everything – I won’t lose.”
 
Love headlines his first hometown show against Australian Steve Spark on November 12, and the fights above join an already stacked undercard that sees Matchroom’s newest Stateside signing, Richardson Hitchins, fight for his first pro title when he takes on Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American Super-Lightweight title, Raymond Ford continues to catch the eye in his rise in the Featherweight division and defends his WBA Continental Americas title in Cleveland against Sakaria Lukas and Christian Tapia takes on Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title

Richardson Hitchins will fight for his first pro title when he takes on Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American Super-Lightweight title and is the co-main event as Montana Love headlines in his hometown for the first time as he takes on Steve Spark for the WBA Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title on Saturday November 12 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, live worldwide on DAZN.
 

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Hitchins (14-0 6 KOs) inked a promotional pact with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom yesterday and wastes no time in his quest to crash into the top ten in the Super-Lightweight rankings and put the big names on notice as he fights for his first title in his 15^th pro fight, entering the bout on the back of three impressive wins; dismissing Angel Rodriguez in May inside four rounds to add to convincing ten round victories over Malik Hawkins and former World champion Argenis Mendez
 
Opposing the 2016 Olympian is Puerto Rico’s Alamo (20-1-1 12 KOs), the 27 year old is no stranger to title action having recently held the WBO Latino crown to go with his time holding the WBO NABO, WBC Youth and WBC FECARBOX belts, and ‘The Magic’ will be out to spoil Hitchins’ bow under Hearn and bounce back from a slender split decision loss to another new Matchroom signing, Liam Paro, in his last fight in December.
 
“November 12, my time to shine,” said Hitchins. “Eddie promised me big fights, big opportunities, and most importantly, activity. This is the beginning of all that, the beginning of this new journey in my career and I couldn’t be more excited. 
 
“Alamo is a very tough opponent, and I know he’s coming to win, but he’s simply a roadblock towards achieving my championship goals. As I’ve said before, I believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world, and he’s going to find that out as soon as the bell rings. I plan on stealing the show November 12. I promise you; you don’t want to miss it.”
 
“It’s a good fight,” said Alamo. “I’m looking to jump back in the rankings and get a better shot. It will be my first time fighting in Cleveland and I am happy to be fighting in a city where I have a lot of love and support. I’m training at my best to give 100 per cent and to win in style.”
 
Raymond Ford (12-0-1 6 KOs) continues to catch the eye in his rise in the Featherweight division and defends his WBA Continental Americas title in Cleveland against Sakaria Lukas. The New Jersey talent landed that title against the unbeaten Edward Vazquez in February via split decision and defended it with a shutout win over Richard Medina in June, taking another ‘0’ in the process. 
 
Lukas (25-1-1 17 KOs) is the latest man to try to claim the strap from Ford, and the Namibian has familiarized himself with fighting outside his homeland in his last four fights. The 38 year old had only boxed once outside Namibia in his first 23 fights – with that bout taking him to Zimbabwe – but his last four outings has seen fights in Texas and Atlantic City either side of a pair of bouts in Cancun, Mexico, and now he’ll look to hand a first defeat to the 23 year old ‘Savage’.
 
“I’m stepping up again, I don’t duck any challenge,” said Ford. “Lukas has only lost once in 27 fights. I’m fighting to impress my fans and I see myself hurting him and being the first person to stop him. 
 
“Then, I’m coming after any of the Champions out there because there’s no fun and games anymore, I want those belts.”
 
“This is my third fight in the USA and I’m not here to be robbed!” said Lukas. “This boy Ford won’t see the final bell; he will just see me standing over him” 
 
 
There’s more Puerto Rican action on the card and this time against a local favorite, as Christian Tapia takes on Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title.
 
Unbeaten Tapia (15-0 12 KOs) picked up the title in March with a wide points win over Luis Lebron in Philadelphia, and kept busy in the same city with an eight round win over Mario Lozano, and now faces local man Mattice (19-3-1 15 KOs), who enters the bout on the back of two wins inside the distance, with a first round KO in May in Cleveland Heights and an sixth round stoppage in Toledo. 
 
“The Super-Featherweight division just got a little more interesting now,” said Tapia. “Matchroom has given me a global platform and I intend to take full advantage of it. On November 12 in Cleveland, I’m going showcase my skills, showing the 130lb division, showing the people watching and most of all show my opponent why I am the best kept secret in boxing. El Hijo Del Pueblo (The Son of the People) will not only be victorious but all ‘contenders’ in MY division will be put on notice.”
 
“This is one of the opportunities I’ve been looking for,” said Mattice. Being in my hometown makes it even better. I will be ready and victorious on November 12.”

Montana Love will headline at home in Cleveland, Ohio for the first time in his career as he defends his IBF North American Super-Lightweight title against Stevie Spark at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday, November 12, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Ticket pre-sale begins Tuesday, August 30 at 10 a.m. with public on-sale beginning on Wednesday, August 31 at 10 a.m. at RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.
 
Love (18-0-1 9 KOs) boxes in his backyard for the fourth time in his career but first time as the star attraction and does so making the first defense of the strap he landed in his last outing, outpointing Gabriel Valenzuela in Las Vegas on May 7, on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s clash with Dmitry Bivol.
 
The 27 year old is ranked at #7 in the IBF and will be looking to put on a statement performance ahead of the vacant IBF World title being claimed by either Jeremiah Ponce or Subriel Matias this fall – and the man Love will need to impress against is Australian puncher Spark, who has plenty at stake himself.
 
‘The Viking’ (15-2 14 KOs) penned a promotional pact with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn, and his first bout under the deal sees him straight into the Lion’s den on his US debut.
 
The 25 year old from Toowoomba in Queensland has ended 14 of his 15 wins inside the distance, and the former IBF and WBC Australasia Champion will be out to ruin Love’s homecoming and leap into World title contention.
 
“From neighborhood hero to superstar – Cleveland we did it baby!” said Love. “I am happy to announce I will be defending my title here in my hometown.
 
“This is something I dreamed of as a kid. I’m looking forward to putting on a superstar performance. I need everybody in my city to come out – let’s defend the land!”
 
“I’ve been working very hard for a lot of years for this moment,” said Spark. “I have the best team in the world who I can’t thank enough for making this possible. I’m looking forward to exploding into the international boxing scene with a spectacular win. The American boxing fans are in for a treat, as I believe they will love my all-action style. 
 
“We respect the fighter Montana Love is, he is highly credentialed but that’s why we took this fight. We are coming prepared, and we are coming to win. Come November 12, there will be no Love!”
 
“This is the stage and moment that Montana has been waiting for – and now he needs to take it with both hands,” said Hearn. “The chance to headline at home in a fight that can lead to World title action makes this the biggest night of his life, and with the Cleveland’s fans behind him, this is the moment to prove he belongs in the elite.
 
“But Stevie has other ideas. Australia is one of the fastest growing markets for boxing, and we’re looking to build stars Down Under. If ‘The Viking’ can pack his punch power and bring it to Ohio, he could become a major player at 140lbs overnight.”
 
Early undercard news will be released soon.

LAS VEGAS –Canelo Alvarez said he was facing a challenge. He wasn’t kidding. He just didn’t know just how much of a challenge it would be.

Turns out, Dmitry Bivol was a bigger challenger than even Canelo, boxing’s biggest star.

Bivol took him down Saturday, upsetting Mexico’s greatest current champion on a night when his nation celebrated Cinco de Mayo.

It was a stunner, historic, but not the kind of history Canelo has said he is pursuing. Bivol was supposed to be a step in his path to all-time recognition. But that journey was interrupted.

The bigger Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), still the World Boxing Association’s light-heavyweight champion, employed all of his measurable advantages and many that can’t be measured, scoring a unanimous decision – 115-113 on all three cards – over the favored Canelo (57-2-2, 39).

“I prove today that I’m the best,’’ Bivol said to his promoter and the stunned crowd at T-Mobile Arena after the pay-per-view/DAZN bout. “Thank you, Eddie Hearn, Sorry, I break your plans for Gennadiy Golovkin, maybe.’’

On the Canelo blueprint, the bout versus Bivol was a good payday en route to a third fight against Golovkin.

A third bout in a contentious middleweight rivalry was seen as a way for Canelo to have the final say-so. It would allow him to move on from the debate about GGG, who had a draw and a decision loss to Canelo

But maybe Canelo moved a little but too fast and too far up the scale. He unified the super-middleweight title. Light heavyweight was next. But Bivol was there, to remind him that there’s a reason for weight classes.

Canelo, who had promised victory, offered no excuses.

“I lost tonight and he won,’’ Canelo said.

He also said he wanted a rematch. He was asked whether he would exercise the rematch clause in his contract with Bivol

“Si,’’ he said to the Mexican crowd.

Canelo has proven he learns from defeat. He learned a lot after his one-sided loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. After this one – only his second defeat, he faced many more adjustments against a skilled, poised Bivol. The Russian doesn’t get rattled.

No Russian anthem was played, no Russian flag was waved, when Bivol made his entrance. The World Boxing Association ruled against both weeks before the fight in response to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

Initially, the WBA’s ruling was called cosmetic. It’s a boxing acronym after all. It’s more about sanctioning fees than ethics. On fight night, however, the ban felt like the proper move. It fit the time. And the man.

Bivol, the WBA’s champion, has family in Saint Petersburg. He has never taken a position on his home country’s attack on a neighboring country. Neutrality has been hard to maintain. But he has remained quiet about his homeland. He delivers punches. Not opinions.

The Russian flag and anthem might have put further pressure on Bivol in an arena already awash in Mexican flags and symbols. It was Cinco de Mayo, a party and a celebration of Mexican pride. Bivol was the pinata at a roaring fiesta.

But the designated pinata contained surprises. Bivol was more than just a party favor. He had some weapons of his own.

In an early surprise, Canelo started faster than expected. He’s known for a measured pace in the first few rounds. Against Bivol, however, he didn’t hesitate.

The opening bell still echoed through the jammed area when he began to move forward, ever forward. Perhaps, he was buoyed by the crowd, his crowd. Perhaps, he already knew that Bivol couldn’t hurt him. Perhaps, Canelo was anxious to get the job done and join the party.

Whatever the reason, the Canelo attack got underway without hesitation. The thud from his lethal body punches could be heard in the upper-reaches of T-Mobile. The real surprise was coming from Bivol, who over the first four rounds would not give an inch.

Canelo backed up and into the ropes repeatedly. But Bivol responded, coming back behind his long jab. Midway in the third round, the Russian appeared to land a left solid enough to get Canelo’s attention.

In the fourth and again in the fifth, Canelo began to show signs of fatigue. He breathed heavily through an open mouth. The momentum – slowly, surely and inevitably – had begun to switch. It belonged to Bivol.

In the end, so did the victory and the title.

Restless crowd boos Montana Love decision over Gabriel Gollaz

It was an awkward fight between a lefthander, Montana Love, and an orthodox Gabriel Gollaz. A couple of early knockdowns were the result.

In the first round, Love,(18-0-1, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, landed a glancing blow that knocked Gollaz off balance. Then, he appeared to slip. Referee Tony Weeks ruled it a knockdown.

In the second, Gollaz (25-3-1 15 KOs) , of Mexico, threw a quick counter left. It, too, appeared to be a glancing blow off the top of Love’s. But it was enough for Love to lose his balance. He touched the canvas. It was a knockdown. He got up , looking almost embarrassed.

For the next several rounds, neither fighter knew what to do. It left the crowd unhappy. Restless fans knew what to do. There was no love for Montana. None for Gollaz either. Fans jeered, whistled and booed. Love came into the ring to a rapper who carried his pet dog. Even the dog must have whined.

In the end, Love won a unanimous decision. The crow cheered. But it was happy only because it was over.

The only good news was that the main event, Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol, was next.

Shakhram Giyasov wins unanimous decision

Shakhram Giyasov, an Olympic silver medalist and a welterweight from Uzbekistan, had enough power and poise to emerge from a sloppy fight with a unanimous decision over Mexican Christian Gomez.

It wasn’t close on the scorecards. Giyasov (13-0, 9 KOs) made sure of it with power. He knocked down Gomez (22-3-1, 20 KOs) three times. Two — one in the fourth and again the 10th were — clear. One in seventh, however, appeared to be the result more of a trip than a punch.

Marc Castro wins one-sided decision

Lightweight prospect Marc Castro (7-0, 5 KOs), of Fresno CA, got in some work, dominating Pedro Vicente (7-5-1, 2 KOs).

Vicente, of Puerto Rico, never had a chance. Never won a round either. Castro scored a six-round shutout, 60-54 on all three cards.

Zhang Zhilei scores first-round KO

He was a late stand-in. He didn’t stand for long.

Scott Alexander, a substitute for Croatian Filip Hrgovic, was gone within a minute, thanks to a straight left from Zhang Zhilei, perhaps the biggest athlete from China since Yao Ming.

Zhilei (24-0-1, 19 KOs) might not have the same height as Ming, a former Houston Rocket center. But he’s got a slam dunk for a left hand. He took one step back, threw it on a straight line and it landed, dropping Alexander (16-5-2, 8 KOs) flat onto his back in the first bout in the pay-per-view telecast of the Canelo-Bivol card. It was over at 54 seconds of the opening round

Joselito Velazquez unleashes deadly combo for TKO of Soto

Joselito Velazquez had power. He added precision. It was deadly.

Velazquez (15-0-1, 10 KOs, a Mexican flyweight, blew out Jose Soto with the combination, stopping the Colombian (15-2, 6 KOs) in the sixth round of the final fight before the pay-per-view telecast of the Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol card.

Velazquez landed a left, short and precise. Then, he followed up with a succession of powerful combinations. Jay Nady ended it at 1:06 of the sixth

Aaron Silva scores powerful TKO

Superman is stitched across the back of Aaron Silva’s trunks. The Mexican super-middleweight lived up to the nickname. Alexis Espino had no chance against his sustained power in the third fight on the Canelo-Alvarez undercard.

Silva (10-0, 7 KOs) stunned Espino (9-1-1, 6 KOs) with a huge right in the fourth and then poured it on, driving Espino into the ropes and leaving him defenseless. Kenny Bayless stopped it at 1:17 of the round.

Abduraimov scores three knockdowns for second-round stoppage

Elnur Abduraimov (9-0, 8 KOs), a powerful junior-bantamweight from Uzbekistan, appeared to be too much Manuel Correa. Appearances quickly turned real.

Correa (11-1, 7 KOs) was finished within two rounds of the second bout on a card featuring Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol. Abduraimov overwhelmed the Cuban, knocking him down three times in bout stopped at 2:43 of the second.

First Bell: Canelo-Bivol show opens with a split decision

Empty seats, lots of echoes.

That’s how the show started Saturday, about seven hours before Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol were scheduled to fight for a light-heavyweight title at T-Mobile Arena in a DAZN pay-per-view bout.

There was nothing definitive about the opener. The matinee ended in a split decision. Mexican junior-welterweight Fernando Molina (8-0, 3 KOs) prevailed,mostly because of an edge in power. He rocked Ricardo Valdovinos (8-2, 5 KOs), of San Diego, just enough to win on two of the three score cards.

Devin Haney remained undefeated and retained the WBC Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former junior lightweight champion Joseph Diaz Jr. at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fight was very competitive and entertaining as their styles meshed well. Haney trying to box and land hard body shots long right hands from distance. He was able to did that easily over the first three rounds. Diaz started to get going in round four as he started to press forward and land some solid left hands. Haney continued his gameplan and he started to counter Diaz.

The rounds were very close and they took on a pattern of Haney boxing consistently with Diaz flurrying in the middle of the round. Haney was very effective with his right uppercut, with Diaz doing well with the left.

With Haney seemingly up a few rounds going in to the 12th round, Diaz threw caution to the wind, and buckled Haney with an overhand left. Haney did well to recuperate and start to give as good as he received. It was the early rounds that Haney banked plus a few in later part of the fight that got Haney the victory by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112.

Haney landed 164 of 614 punches; Diaz was 140 of 573.

Haney, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is now 27-0. Diaz, 134.4 lbs of California is 32-2-1.

Love Stops Diaz in 3

Montana Love remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Carlos Diaz in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Love dropped Diaz with a left uppercut that was followed by a right hook. It was the same combination that put Diaz down again in the round. Love dropped Diaz for a 3rd time in the round when he landed a left right to the head. In round three, Love landed a straight left that drove Diaz to the corner. Two more shots later, and the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Love, 143.8 lbs (3.8 lbs over the Contract weight) of Cleveland, OH is now 17-0-1 with nine knockouts. Diaz, 139.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 29-2-2.

Mccaskill Stops Wyatt in 7; Retains Undisputed Titles

Jessica McCaskill retained the Undisputed Lightweight Welterweight World Title with a 7th round stoppage over late-replacement Kandi Wyatt.

In round three, Wyatt began to bleed from her nose. McCaskill beat down Wyatt. The challenger stood tough and took all of McCaskill’s leather, and even would get in a nice right of her own.

McCaskill had a big round six as she battered Wyatt. At the end of the round, referee Celestino Ruiz told Wyatt that he had her on a short rope. True to form, McCaskill landed 2 flush rights to start round seven, and the fight was stopped at 19 seconds.

McCaskill, 146.4 lbs of Chicago is 11-2 with four knockouts. Wyatt, 146.2 lbs of Calgary, CAN is 10-4.

Hrgovic stops Ahmatovic in 3

Filip Hrgovic remained undefeated by stopping previously undefeated Emir Ahmatovic in round three of a 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Hrgovic dropped Ahmatovic twice. The first came from a chopping right to the head. The 2nd knockdown was similar as it was another chopping shot in the corner. In round three, it was yet another chopping right that put Ahmatovic down again and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Hrgovic, 246.8 lbs of Croatia is 14-0 with 12 knockouts, Ahmatovic, 228.4 lbs of Germany is 10-1.

“From the opening bell, I knew he wasn’t on my level,” said Hrgovi?. “It was a matter of time before he was going down. I took my time. I didn’t rush. He went down twice in the second round and by the third round I knew he was finished. This is why I want big fights. Then you will see my true potential.”

Castro Stops Solis in 2

Marc Castro remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Ronaldo Solis in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Castro dropped Solis with a hard 1-2 combination. In round two, Castro landed a booming right in the corner and out Solis down, and the fight was stopped at 43 seconds.

Castro, 136.4 lbs of Fresno, CA is 5-0 with five knockouts. Solis, 130.8 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 4-3-1.

Austin Williams stopped Quatavious Cash in the 2nd round of their scheduled eight round middleweight fight.

Williams landed a crushing left to the face that dropped Cash. The referee stopped the bout at 26 seconds.

Williams, 160 lbs of Houston is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Cash, 160 lbs of Atlanta is 14-3-1.

Alexis Espino and Rodolfo Gomez Jr. battled to an eight-round draw.

Scores were 77-75 for Gomez and 76-76 twice.

Espino, 167.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 9-0-1. Gomez of Laredo, TX is 14-5-2.

Amari Jones kept his perfect stoppage streak with a 6th and final round stoppage over Timothy Lee in a middleweight bout.

It was a good action fight that saw Jones drop Lee in the opening frame. Jones started to land heavy shots in round five. Jones poured it on in round six and the fight was stopped at 2:40.

Jones, 160 lbs of Las Vegas is 5-0 with five knockouts. Lee, 159.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 5-2.

Ricardo Sandoval stopped former world title challenger Carlos Buitrago in round seven of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.

Sandoval dominated the fight, and the fight was stopped after a Sandoval flurry at 46 seconds.

Sandoval, 111.8 lbs of Rialta, CA is 20-1 with 15 knockouts. Buitrago, 113 lbs of Nicaragua is 32-7-1.

Jake Paul remained undefeated with an eight-round sPLIT decision over former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in front of over 16,000 fans at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.

Paul landed 71 of 207 punches; Woodley was 52 of 163.

Paul, 190 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75, while won a card 77-75.

Paul is now 4-0. Woodley, 189 1/2 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 0-1.

For Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley photos (more to come), scorecard and punch stats using this link HERE

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

JAKE PAUL

“I don’t know what to say. He was a tough opponent and he’s been fighting for so many years and I’m still new to this. My legs felt weird, I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. All respect to Tyron though. He’s a Hall of Famer and put up a good fight. I have nothing but respect for him. There’s no hard feelings. This feels amazing to do this for my city and it’s a dream come true

“He hit me with one shot the whole fight, and it was a good shot. It was one real good shot. I don’t know what that one judge saw. But l still got the victory. For me to come here and go eight rounds in my fourth fight, who does that? I’m doing things that have never been done. 

“We’ll see who’s next. I’ve been fighting for 18 months now. I haven’t got my hair cut in two years. I haven’t stopped for a second. I’m just going to figure out what’s next.”

TYRON WOODLEY

“I feel like I won the fight. Jake is a great opponent. I didn’t expect him to eat my punches like that. But the fact that one judge only gave me two rounds is insane. Forget that Tommy Fury fight. Let’s run that back.

“Nobody is going to sell the PPV like we did. The ropes held him up when I hit him. I could have had that knockdown. I walked him down and landed back time and time again. I landed power punches, he missed shots all night.”

Serrano Decisions Mercado; Retains Featherweight titles

Amanda Serrano retained her WBC/WBO Featherweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over 122-lb world champion Yamileth Mercado.

In round nine, Mercado had a mouse for med under her left eye. Later in the round

Serrano landed 160 of 577 punches; Mercadro was 95 of 302.

Serrano, 124 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 41-1-1. Mercado, 124 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 18-3.

AMANDA SERRANO

“I had a tough Mexican in front of me tonight. She’s a champion in her own weight class, but I hope I made everyone proud and happy and that SHOWTIME will have me back again. I’m hoping that I made some of these people here fans of women’s boxing and that I made the sport proud. 

“I don’t want to say that I’m No. 1 pound-for-pound, because there are great female fighters like Claressa Shields. As long as I’m at the top with fighters like her, then I’m good. 

“I want that fight with Katie Taylor in the future. First I want to fight the other featherweight champions and become undisputed in my weight class. Then we’ll have two undisputed champions against each other when Katie and I fight.” 

DuBois Blows Out Cusumano inside of 1

Daniel Dubois made a statement in his American debut as he stopped Juiseppe Cusumano inside of the 1st round of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

DuBois dropped Cusumano three times. The first was set up by a left hook that was followed by a right hand to the side of the head that sent Cusumano to the canvas. The 2nd knockdown cam from a combination on the inside. DuBois finished off the fight as DuBois laded a right to the jaw that was followed by a right to the head that folded Cusumano to the canvas at 2:10

DuBois, 238 lbs of London is 17-1 with 16 knockouts. Cusumano, 235 1/2 lbs of Danville, VA is 17-4.

DANIEL DUBOIS:

“You don’t get paid for overtime. I had a great performance and had the best training camp ever.

“I want to fight for a world title. I want to fight the best. It’s going to come soon. Whoever’s next. I want to fight for a world title.

“It was a great week. Amazing atmosphere. Good crowd and energy. I loved it.

Love Stops Baranchyk After 7

Montana Love scored the biggest win of his career and remained undefeated by stopping former world champion Ivan Baranchyk after round seven of their scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

At the end of round seven, Love landed a perfect counter left that sent Baranchyk down to the canvas. Branahcyk, who never seemed to get on track had the plug pulled on the fight after the 7th frame.

Love, 141 lbs of Cleveland, OH is now 16-0-1 with eight knockouts. Baranchyk, 140 1/4 lbs of Miami, FL is 20-3.

MONTANA LOVE

“I want to say thank you to everyone who came out tonight. Hopefully I gained some fans. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s very emotional to have this moment in my hometown.

“This is a dream come true. I’m in training everyday thinking about and visualizing this moment. I want to thank Ivan for giving me this opportunity and helping us give the fans a great show.

“We’d been working on that uppercut the whole time during training. The game plan was to move and box him and make him miss. We knew that eventually he was going to open up.

“Strap me up. We’ve been working hard and now it’s my time. I want Josh Taylor and Gervonta Davis. Line them up and we can make it happen, as soon as possible.”

Fury Decisions Taylor

Tommy Fury remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Taylor in a crruiserweight bout.

Fury landed 73 of 179 punches; Taylor was 29 of 113.

Fury, 179 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 40-36 and is now 7-0. Taylor, 175 lbs of Alemeda, CA is 0-2.

TOMMY FURY

“I thought I had a good performance. You can’t forget that I only had 10 amatuer fights and my dad wasn’t here with me tonight. I had a great time fighting in front of all these lovely people. 

“Jake Paul should have an easy night against me right? He has no excuse to not take the fight. Let’s get it on Jake Paul. I’ve done my part, now you do your part Jake, and we’ll get it on. 

“I’m a novice in this game and I know that I have to work on everything. I’m nowhere near a finished product. I’m learning every single day and I’m just thankful to be here healthy and talking to you. 

“I was nervous, but at the end of the day, we get in the ring and we fight. Day by day, second by second, I’m getting better and I’m learning. We’re going to get there slowly, but we’re going to get there surely.”

ANTHONY TAYLOR

“I felt like I stole rounds three and four. It could have gone either way. I controlled the middle of the ring and I backed him up. I of course feel like there was some bias because everyone wants to see Fury fight Jake Paul. 

“I was more active and threw more body shots. I’m happy with my performance, now it’s up to the powers that be if they want me back. I appreciated this opportunity that I got. 

“Everyone said he was going to knock me out in the first round, but obviously I gave him trouble. I’m not happy that the scores were unanimous.” 

CLEVELAND (July 15, 2021) – Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley faced off for the second time this week on Thursday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, site of their blockbuster boxing event set for Sunday, August 29, live on SHOWTIME PPV.

“This is where it all started for me,” said Paul, who grew up 15 miles from Cleveland in Westlake, Ohio. “This is where I grew up. This is a dream come true. This is surreal. I want to show kids in Cleveland their first boxing match. I want to inspire the next maybe Jake Paul that’s sitting in the stands cheering for me and show them that one day that they can be on this stage.”

Woodley said he is not playing games as he prepares for Paul. “You want to go back and play Fortnite and Atari and Tic-Tac-Toe, as well?” Woodley said. “Or you wanna fight? You want to make bets like a little kid? I’m not going to get a tattoo, because I’m knocking him out. If he wants to walk around with my name on him, have at it. I think he wanted to do that anyway.”

The special Sunday night event will feature an undercard complete with high-stakes, professional boxing showdowns including Puerto Rican star and WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado.

During Thursday’s press conference, the promotion announced additional undercard fighters in a pair of rising prospects from Cleveland. Undefeated junior welterweight Montana Love will appear against an opponent to be determined and top-10 ranked Charles Conwell will face Mark DeLuca of Massachusetts in a junior middleweight fight.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Thursday, July 22, at RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

A graduate of ShoBox: The New Generation, Love (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will be fighting in his hometown of Cleveland for the second time in his career. A highly accomplished amateur, Love earned a unanimous decision over Jerrico Walton on ShoBox in February 2020 and fought Kenneth Sims Jr. to a draw on ShoBox in 2018. His last time out, he traveled to Dubai where he stopped the previously unbeaten Olaide Fijabi in two rounds.

A decorated amateur and competitor at the Rio Olympic Games, Conwell (15-0, 11 KOs) is currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF at 154 pounds, one of boxing’s deepest weight divisions. Conwell fought twice on ShoBox, including a ninth-round knockout of Wendy Toussaint in October 2020 and a unanimous decision over Roque Zapata three years prior.

A United States Marine who served in Afghanistan, the southpaw DeLuca (27-2, 15 KOs) turned pro in 2007 and won his first 21 fights. He suffered his first setback to Walter Wright in 2018, but avenged the loss in an immediate rematch. He was stopped by former world champion Kell Brook in enemy territory in February 2020, but has since rebounded with three consecutive wins.

The Sunday, August 29 event is presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Barstool Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner for the event and will contribute to a unique, fully integrated partnership.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

PHILADELPHIA – February 13, 2020 – Rising lightweight prospect and ShoBox: The New Generation veteran Thomas Mattice and hard-hitting Isaac Cruz both made weight a day before their ShoBox main event on Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.

Cleveland’s Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) will be making his sixth appearance on the prospect developmental series and is coming off his most significant win to date, an eighth-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox. The 21-year-old Cruz (18-1-1, 14 KOs), currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering the only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight.

In the co-featured bout, undefeated super bantamweight Ra’eese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Muskegon, Mich., will take on ShoBox veteran and San Antonio resident Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout. In a matchup of undefeated super lightweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans’ Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super welterweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit, and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight-round 154-pound bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions and King’s Promotions are $100, $75 and $50 and be purchased at www.2300arena.com

The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date. Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Lightweight 10-Round Bout
Thomas Mattice – 133 ½ lbs.
Isaac Cruz – 134 ¾ lbs.

Super Bantamweight 8-Round Bout
Ra’eese Aleem – 122 ¾ lbs.
Adam Lopez – 123 lbs.

Super Lightweight 8-Round Bout
Montana Love – 139 ¾ lbs.
Jerrico Walton – 140 lbs.

Super Welterweight 8-Round Bout
Derrick Colemon Jr. – 154 ¾ lbs.
Joseph Jackson – 153 ¼ lbs.

Non-Televised Bouts weights:
Norman Neely 235.7 – Nicoly Clarke 213.1
Rasheed Johnson 146.5 – Omar Garcia 143.1
Eduardo Diogo 115.8 – Jerrod Miner 114.2
James Martin 148.6 – Vincent Floyd 148.7

FINAL QUOTES:

Thomas Mattice

“I had a great camp. I’m excited to have a big ring in this fight. We’re going to be all over that ring. You’re going to see some beautiful combinations. All night long. I have a great game plan. I hope I can end the fight in spectacular fashion, but I’m not going to rush anything. I will just see how he comes out, and adjust and fight my fight.

“I feel like a whole different person. I feel motivated. I feel great. I’m right on weight and I had no problems making it. We worked on a lot in this camp. I don’t want to say too much, I just want to go out there and show it. But you will definitely see a different Thomas Mattice. My skills are a lot better than what you guys have seen on ShoBox.

“A win in this fight would mean a lot. What it could do for my career, I’m not sure. I hear he’s ranked No. 7 by the IBF, so a win should put me in a really nice position. I think I should be really close to some big money fights. I’m 29 years old, but I’m a young 29. I’m not rushing.

“I really don’t know much about my opponent. I just know that he is a really tough fighter. I know that he likes to come forward. But I am used to that because that’s the type of guys I’ve been fighting a lot. I just will fight my style and I’m confident in the outcome.”

Isaac Cruz

“Fighting in Brooklyn was very different from fighting in Mexico. Everything from the hand wrapping, to the commission to the medicals. But the guy I faced [Miguel Perez] talked a lot, he was dirty. But I’m happy I have that experience of fighting in the U.S., it will help me both physically and emotionally for this fight.

“I don’t know anything about my opponent. I fight the same fight no matter who I’m facing. I really like to attack. I’m a pitbull. I’m used to facing guys that are taller than me. This is nothing new for me. My grandfather was a fighter and my father was a fighter. We all fight the same way, on the inside.

“I come to put on a show. I always come forward and the fans will enjoy my style. I really need to connect on my punches, either on the body or the head. I need to alternate my angles and throw a lot of punches.”

Ra’eese Aleem

“I’m an aggressive fighter. I’m exciting. I have fast hands. I have good boxing IQ. I’m naturally southpaw, but I box orthodox. Sometimes it’s just instinct, sometimes it’s to give my opponent a different look. I think I’m more fluent orthodox.

“I actually haven’t seen footage of my opponent. I’m just focused on myself. It feels like just another fight for me. I’ve been in this arena before and each time I’m here, I put on a great show. I stopped [Marcus] Bates here and I fought [Ramiro] Robles here and I stopped him in the first round. I think I just have good luck here.

“I moved from Michigan to Vegas, and that really helped turn my career around. I used to travel around a lot to train, and when I came to Vegas to train with Nonito Donaire, I realized that this was what I wanted to do. It was a great decision and has put me on the path I want to be on.

“I was in the karate gym at the age of three. I got my black belt by the age of 13, and started boxing at 14. It’s hard going fight to fight, paycheck to paycheck. But I really think I’m close to better days ahead.

“The ultimate goal is to win a world title and to defend my title. I want to do that and everything that comes along with that. The pay days, the other doors that will open, the sponsorships. I want to be the best I can be. I don’t think I’m too far away. I feel like I’m knocking on the door. I just have to stay consistent and this is a great opportunity for me. I want to win, and I want to look good doing it.”

Adam Lopez

“I think both physically and mentally, having three wins in a row is a huge help. In the past, I’ve been inconsistent. But I’m feeling really good right now. I feel like I’ve gotten over that hump and I have my confidence back. They offered me this fight and I think it’s a fight that I can definitely win. Aleem is an overall good fighter, but he’s nothing that I haven’t seen before.

“If I’m going to test myself, I need to get in there against a guy that’s good. How am I going to know that I’m back to where I need to be if I don’t test myself? I feel like a different fighter than the last time I was on ShoBox. I had a great camp, sparring against young fighters. There was no slacking off. I made a few subtle changes during this camp and I feel great.

“I have a sense of urgency with this fight. This is my eighth time on ShoBox. There was a sense of urgency the seventh time I was on ShoBox. I just have to go out there and stop this guy. I want to get on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. I want to get on bigger cards with world title fights.

“I think that I’ve been through more than Aleem in the ring. He is a good, fast fighter but I have a little bit more experience than him. He’s fought a lot of journeymen, so I think I’m a big step-up for him.”

Montana Love

“I took some time off after my last fight because I was fighting back-to-back. Then we just had some management issues, but everything worked out and I’m ready to go. I’ve been busy in the gym. I don’t feel right if I don’t go to the gym. I need to be around that atmosphere. It’s my second home. Boxing is my priority and when the time comes, I put my all into it.

“This fight means a lot. I’m facing another undefeated guy. He’s 16-0 so we’re not taking him lightly. This fight is a hump. If I can get over this, it will bring me to a whole different level. I think I have a major advantage with my hand speed. During camp, I prepared for both an inside fight and an outside fight. I’ve always worked on that, since my amateur days. The fight is won in the preparation.

“I’m not happy with my performance my last time on ShoBox against [Kenneth] Sims. I just felt off. I wasn’t myself. I’m usually more elusive in there. It was an off night. I think I over-trained. For this fight, I’m facing a guy with not much of an amateur background. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’ve put everything into boxing.

“My name is Montana ‘Too Pretty’ Love and I’m fighting on Valentine’s Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out tomorrow night. I’ve got something special planned.”

Jerrico Walton

“I sparred with one of the best southpaws around for this fight, O’Shaquie Foster. He gave me great work and really prepared me well for Montana.

“My best friend was murdered in front of me before the [Dedrick] Bell fight, which is why I think my performance wasn’t great. That wasn’t the real me in the ring that night, but I fought because I think my friend would have wanted me to.

“I never thought I’d be at this point in my life. Through all my trials and tribulations, it’s surreal. I don’t think it’s even hit me yet. Being here, I want people to know my story. I want to have an impact on somebody’s life, just to show them that no matter what, you can change. You can be unique. You can be different. You can be successful. I want to use this fight to tell the world my story and have an impact on somebody’s life.

“We have a good game plan for Montana, and I think we’ll be successful tomorrow night. Before I got with Ronnie Shields, I was just a counter-puncher. Now, my style has changed completely. I think the world will see that on Friday night that I’m much more versatile. I can fight on the inside, I can box and I have much better defense than I had before.

“I didn’t know much about Roberto Duran when I was first given my nickname. When I learned about him, I thought to myself that I need to live up to that name. I need to keep that name alive, ‘Hands of Stone’. There’s a lot to live up to and those are big gloves to fill.”

Derrick Colemon Jr.

“Emanuel Steward was a huge influence for me. He was that guy. I was just a little kid and he put all of this attention into me, so that meant a ton. I was at his house every day after school. He would cook for me. He would give me pointers and invest a lot of time into me. We watched fights together. He was like a grandfather to me. I knew the whole Kronk crew growing up and Gerald McClellan was my favorite fighter growing up in Detroit.

“Kronk is in my blood. We’re animals. I come from the original Kronk gym. I trained in Los Angeles for this fight because of the experience. There’s really good sparring there. I sparred with a lot of Russian Olympians. It was invaluable experience for me.

“I don’t know much about my opponent. I just know that he’s 31 years old. It’s desperation time for him. We watched very little video on him. I just need to be myself, fight my fight, and stay within myself. I can box and I can bang.

“If you haven’t seen me fight before, you’re going to see a nice jab. Good body punches. And once I see how my opponent is reacting, I’ll go from there. Whatever I need to do to adjust, I’ll go from there. I can fight from range or in close. I don’t have any nerves. I feel like I’ve been here before. I want the boxing fans to say that I’m next up after they watch me Friday night.”

Joseph Jackson

“I feel good. I feel like a kid in a candy store. I just like going to show off, show out, and show new eyes what I can do. This is a chance to show America what I can do. I can be a boxer or I can be a brawler. I like to come forward. I have a strong punch and I’m in great condition.

“We’ve seen a little bit of my opponent. But we don’t really go off what our opponent does. We just glanced at him to see what his style is like, and we go off what we can do best. We’ll just adjust as the fight goes on. I just need to be myself and do what I do best.

“I’m always learning. I’m learning on the go because I had such a late start. But I’m doing a good job of learning from the guys I’ve been in camp with. Of course I’m a late bloomer but I’m doing well on the go. There’s definitely a sense of urgency because of my age. This is not just for me, but for my family and my kids. I have the maturity advantage. I think that is what will propel me to victory.

“I had a couple offers for football coming out of high school, but I wanted to go out and work and provide for my daughter. I got a job out of high school at UPS, and then I got into boxing by just trying to stay athletic and stay in shape. Now I’m a fulltime fighter. It makes all the difference. Mentally, it’s all I need to focus on – just boxing and providing for my kids.

“I sparred with Tony Harrison when he was preparing for Jermell Charlo. He was a great guy to be around. It was a great experience and I’m a better fighter because of it. I stay in the gym. What I learned from the Harrison camp, I brought into my camp. We had great sparring. I stayed consistent, stayed on-weight. This is a great opportunity for me. North Carolina doesn’t have the best reputation in boxing, but I’m going to break that curse tomorrow night.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

NEW YORK – January 22, 2020 – Rising lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz Gonzalez in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The four-fight telecast is the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date, including super lightweight prospect Shohjahon Ergashev and super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin, who were victorious on January 17. On January 31, featherweight Ruben Villa and welterweight Taras Shelestyuk will be tested and on February 28, super lightweight Malik Hawkins and welterweight Richardson Hitchins face tough opposition.

In the co-featured bout on February 14, undefeated super bantamweight Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs), of Las Vegas, will take on ShoBox veteran and San Antonio native Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round 122-pound bout. In a matchup of undefeated junior welterweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round showdown with New Orleans’ Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated junior middleweights Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit, and Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs), of North Carolina, will square off in an eight-round 154-pound bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions and King’s Promotions are $100, $75 and $50 and be purchased at www.2300arena.com

Cleveland’s Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) is coming off his most significant win to date, an eight-round TKO of previously undefeated Michael Dutchover last September on ShoBox. The fight was stopped due to a deep gash on Dutchover caused by a clean right hand from Mattice. The judges’ scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage. Mattice will be making his sixth start on the prospect developmental series, including a close loss to Will Madera in 2019, a split decision win and a split draw with Zhora Hamazaryan in 2018, and a knockout of Rolando Chinea. The 29-year-old hopes a convincing win over the top-10 ranked Gonzalez will move him closer to a world title shot.

“A win would be huge for my career and put me in a great position,” Mattice said. “It would put me in the conversation with the top dogs of the division. I have to put on a great performance and let all those top fighters know that I’m here and ready to fight anyone. It’s a must-win for me, but it’s a big fight for both of us. He is ranked No. 7 by the IBF so this has the feel of a big fight. I think a win would put me in the top-10.”

Gonzalez (18-1-1, 14 KOs), of Mexico City, has scored knockouts in 11 of his last 14 fights since suffering only loss of his career in just his sixth professional fight. The 22-year-old owns a career-best knockout of former interim world title challenger Jose Felix Jr. in 2018. Currently ranked No. 7 by the IBF at 135 pounds, Gonzalez made his U.S. debut in December on the non-televised undercard of the Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last December.

“I am excited to be fighting in the United States and I am thrilled for my fight to be shown on SHOWTIME,” said Gonzalea. “So many fighters started their career on ShoBox and have become World Champions.”

Aleem compiled a 65-10 record as an amateur and was a five-time Golden Gloves State Champion in Michigan. He finished third at the National Golden Gloves in 2010 and 2011 before turning professional in 2011. The 29-year-old recently relocated his training camp to Las Vegas, where he has sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire and Jhack Tepora. Aleem, who is trained by Terry Markowski, will face the toughest test of his career in the veteran Lopez.

“All my hard work is paying off and now I get to show it on the big stage,” Aleem said. “I am looking forward to earning new fans and staying on a roll. I know Lopez is a really tough fighter with something to prove. He’s been here before so I know he’s ready for the challenge. This is a steppingstone to ultimately get where I want to be, and that’s fighting for a world title, bigger paydays and more exposure. Ultimately, I don’t just want to win, I want to dominate. Winning isn’t good enough – I also have to look good while doing it.”

Lopez was an accomplished amateur who won six national titles and held a No. 1 ranking, but he has had an up and down career as a pro. The 29-year-old started his career with 15 straight victories yet he has suffered a few setbacks as his level of opposition has dramatically increased. Lopez was undefeated and one win away from challenging for a world championship before losing to current unified 122-pound champion Daniel Roman in a title eliminator in 2017 on SHOWTIME. Lopez, who will break his own record of ShoBox appearances when he steps into the ring for the eighth time, will face his sixth undefeated opponent on the series as he looks to get his career back on track.

“Aleem is a pretty good fighter, but I think my experience is going to be a factor,” Lopez said. “He hasn’t fought top-tier guys with the exception of Marcus Bates. I have been in the big fights and this is his first time doing this. I am on a three-fight winning streak and I have rededicated myself to the sport. I have a new trainer, Chato Martinez, and a whole new camp. I can’t wait to show that I am back.”

The flashy Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record. The 25-year-old southpaw will return for his third test on ShoBox as he seeks a convincing victory. In his first bout on the series, he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah in 2018 and followed that up with a split draw a few months later against Kenneth Sims Jr. Love, who has sparred with Adrien Broner and Robert Easter Jr., will face what should be his most dangerous opponent in the fellow-undefeated Walton.

“Walton is a decent fighter, but I feel he is still green and he doesn’t have that much experience,” Love said. “I know he is tough, but I am taking this to the next level. He’s just a stepping stone. It’s exciting to fight under the bright lights. Some guys fold, but I was made for this. I am not looking past him, but this will take my career to the next level. We are both undefeated and not many guys take risks like this, but this shows I am a true fighter. My name is Montana “Too Pretty Love” and I am fighting on Valentine’s Day, so I will be giving a lot of love out on February 14.”

The 29-year-old Walton was born and raised in New Orleans, where he rescued his mother and sister from the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina when he was just 13 years old. Left homeless, the family relocated to Houston, where Walton competed as an amateur. Walton turned professional in 2014 and has been perfect through his first 16 fights, including a career-best win over former super bantamweight world champion Victor Terrazas in 2019. The boxer-puncher, who is trained by Bobby Benton and fought six times last year, will face the first undefeated opponent of his career in Love.

“I have seen Montana fight before. I know he is flashy in the Adrien Broner mode, but other than that I do not know too much about him,” Walton said. “This opportunity is a blessing. The world is going to get to see me and hear my story. I’m from New Orleans and it was a struggle for me growing up, so this is a great opportunity. I never in a million years thought that I would be in this position. I just need to seize the moment and get the victory.”

Just 20 years old, Colemon started boxing at the age of 4 and honed his craft at the original Kronk Gym under Emanuel Steward until his passing in 2012. Colemon had a 135-fight amateur career and was a four-time national amateur champion in the junior division. He turned professional when he was 18 years old and has eight knockouts in his first 11 professional fights. Colemon, who is trained by Marlon Thomas, will face by far the toughest test of his career in Jackson, a fellow undefeated yet untested prospect.

“I am physically and mentally prepared more than I ever have been,” Colemon said. “I know Jackson is undefeated and tough, so I know I’m in for a big test. This is the next step in my career, and I feel that I will be not only the next great champion that has fought on ShoBox, but the next great fighter out of Detroit. I am ready to show the world my talents. February 14 will put my name in the minds of boxing fans all over the world.”

The 31-year-old Jackson got a late start as a professional yet has been active, including three fights in 2019 and three in 2018. He has 12 KOs in 15 fights, including knockouts in seven of his last eight bouts. The Greensboro native will fight outside of North Carolina for the first time in his career when he takes on the undefeated Colemon.

“I know Colemon is tough, and he had a long amateur career,” Jackson said. “He will come to fight, but I prepare for anything. That is what this sport is all about. I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world.”

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.