“The Greatest” Muhammad Ali will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 5th as part of Wrestlemania weekend on April 5th in Philadelphia.

The legendary boxer had several dealing with professional wrestling as he fought Japanese star Antonio Inoki as well as being the special guest referee as part of the first Wrestlemania in New York in 1985.

Former world title challenger Jack Catterall won a 12-round unanimous decision over former three-division world champion Jorge Linares in a super lightweight bout in Liverpool, England.

Catterall landed 149 of 390 punches. Linares was 82 of 312.

Catterall, 140 lbs of Boulton, ENG won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice and is now 28-1. Linares, 140 lbs of Barinas, VEN is 47-9.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Peter McGrail won a 10-round unanimous decision over Fran Mendoza.

McGrail landed 169 of 551 punches. Mendoza was 114 of 482.

McGrail, 121.4 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 8-0. Mendoza, 119.8 lbs of San Antero, COL is 17-1.

Jack Turner remained perfect by stopping Adam Yahaya in the opening round of their four-round bantamweight contest.

In round one, Turner dropped Yahaya with heavy shots in the corner and he could not beat the count at 1:21

Turner, 117.3 lbs of Liverpool is 3-0 with three knockouts. Yahaya, 116.6 lbs of Dar-Es-Salaam, TZN is 23-11-2.

Reece Bellotti stopped previously undefeated after round eight of their 12-round super featherweight bout.

In round eight, Bellotti dropped Fiaz with a a left hook. Bellotti was all over Fiaz and the corner threw in towel at end of round eight.

Bellotti, 128.9 lbs of Watford, ENG is 17-5 with 14 knockouts. Fiaz, 130 lbs of Oldham, ENG is 12-1.

Khaleel Majid stopped Tom Farrell in round six of their eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round five, Majid dropped Farrell with a body shot. In round six, Majid dumped Farrell again with a body. Seconds later it was a right that Farrell down again and the fight was stopped at 2:33.

Majid, 141.3 lbs of Bolton, ENG is 12-0 with four knockouts. Farrell, 141.9 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 21-8.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a disqualification win over Jamie Sampson in the eighth and final round of their super lightweight bout.

Sampson was deducted two points before being disqualified at 2:07 of the final round.

Hatton, 142.9 lbs of Hyde, ENG is 14-0. Samspon, 141.1 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 9-3.

Paddy Lacey stopped Owen Kirk in the opening round of their eight-round middleweight bout

Lacey dropped Kirk with a left to the body. Kirk could not get up at

Lacey, 163.1 lbs of Chester, PA is now 9-0 with two knockouts. Kirk, 163.6 lbs of heysham, ENG is 3-2-2.

Muhammad Ali won a six-round decision over Giulio Commerso in a super bantamweight bout.

Ali, 123.9 lbs of Leicester, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 4-0. Commerso, 123.6 lbs of Pescara, ITA is 2-1.

William Crolla stopped Martin Shaw in the opening round of their four-round super welterweight bout.

Crolla hurt Shaw badly with a hard right hand and then finished him off with a hard flurry in the corner at 56 seconds.

Crolla, 153.9 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 2-0 with one knockout. Shaw, 153.1 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 4-17-3.

2020 Olympic Gold Medal winner Galal Yafai continued his dominant run as a professional as he stopped Tommy Frank in the opening round of their 10-round flyweight bout in Birmingham. England.

In round one, Yafai dropped Frank with a right hook. Yafai was all over Frank until the corner of Frank threw in the towel at 1:40.

Yafai, 111.8 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 5-0 with four knockouts. Frank, 111.9 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 15-4-1.

Conan Walker stopped Cyrus Pattinson at the end of round seven of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Walker dropped Pattinson rounds three and five. Pattinson sent Walker to the deck in round six. The fight was stopped after round seven after Walker continued to land hard shots on Pattinson.

Solomon Dacres won a 10-round unanimous decision over Chris Thompson in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres of Birmingham, England won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92.

Khaleel Majid won an eight-round decision over Alessandro Fersula in a super lightweight bout.

At the end of round one, Majid dropped Fersula with a hard left hook.

Majid of Bolton, ENG won by a 78-73 score.

In a rematch, Jordan Flynn and Kane Bake fought to a 10-round draw in a super featherweight contest.

In round two, Flynn dropped Baker with an overhand right.

The fight was scored 94-94.

Ibraheem Sulaiman made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Michel Gonxhe in a four-round lightweight bout.

Sulaiman landed a hard left that was followed up by a flurry which was featured by a hard right hook and left to the face thar forced a stoppage at 1:27. Gonxhe protested the stoppage.

Sulaiman, 136.4 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Gonxhe, 136.5 lbs of Karlsruhe, GER is 5-5-1.

Aaron Bowen stopped Wilmer Baron htwo of their six-round middleweight bout

In round two, Bowen dropped Baron with a left to the body. Bowen then hit Baron with a right hand while he was down, but it was not called and the fight was over after a 10-count at 52 seconds.

Bowen, 162.9 lbs of Coventry, ENG is 3-0 with two knockouts. Baron, 165.3 lbs of Arboletes, COL is 6-2.

Sahil Khan made a successful pro debit with a four-round decision over Sean Jackson in a bantamweight fight.

Khan, 122.2 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 1-0. Jackson, 120.9 lbs of Manchester, NG is 0-15-1.

Muhammad Ali remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Francisco Rodriguez in a four-round super bantamweight fight.

In round three, Ali dropped Rodriguez with a body shot. Ali jumped all over Rodriguez until the towel was thrown in at 1:20

Ali, 123.5 lbs of Leicastershire, ENG is 3-0 with one knockout.

Sunny Edwards made the fourth defense of the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Andres Campos at the OVO Arena in London.

Edwards, 111.1 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 20-0. Campos, 111.6 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 15-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Emilio Salas in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher sent Salas down with an overhand right. Salas got to his feet as the referee reached the count of 10 at

Fisher,238.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Salas, 229.9 lbs of San Sebastian, PR is 7-5-1.

Ellie Scotney won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson.

In round six, Johnson was cut around the right eye.

Scotney, 121.4 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and us now 7-0. Johnson, 120.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 15-2.

Cheavon Clarke stopped David Jamieson in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight

In round four, Clarke dropped Jamieson with an uppercut. In round five, Clarke dropped Jamieson again with a hard combination to the head and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Clarke, 199.2 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jamieson, 199.1 lbs of East Kilbride, SCO is 10-3.

Nina Hughes retained the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Katie Healy.

Hughes, 117.3 lbs of Billericay, ENG won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 6-0. Healy, 117.5 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 6-1.

Reece Bellotti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Youssef Khoumari in a super featherweight bout.

Bellotti, 129.4 lbs of Watford, ENG won by scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 16-5. Khoumari, 129.8 lbs of Wembley, ENG is 15-2-1.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a first round stoppage of Nikolas Dzurnak in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight.

In round one, Liddard dropped Dzurnak with a body punch. A moment later, Liddard put Dzurnak down with a left hook to the head. Liddard ended things as he jumped on Zurnak and a right hand put Dzurnak down for a third and final time at 2:29.

Liddard, 162 lbs of Billericay, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dzurnak, 160.5 lbs of Vyskov, CZE is 5-4-2.

Shannon Ryan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Martina Bernile in a super flyweight bout.

Ryan, 115 lbs of Watford, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 5-0. Bernile, 114.4 lbs of Milan, ITA is 5-2-1.

Muhammad Ali won a four-round decision over Bryan Castro in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 123.8 lb of Leicester, ENG won by a 40-36 contest and is now 2-0. Castro, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 2-6-1.

LOS ANGELES, CA – Harlan J. Werner, longtime sports agent of the late Muhammad Ali, today announced he has decided to part ways with his entire personal collection of incredible Ali memorabilia. The impressive collection will be available through his new venture, The Memorabilia Network, currently for auction at www.tmnauctions.com.  In addition to Werner’s collection, also included will be numerous Ali items from friends and colleagues of Ali who have collaborated to offer an incredible array of articles from one of the most celebrated and one of the most beloved icons of the 21^st Century.

Over 300 items will be available for sale with some of the highlights including a set of four art prints of Ali, generated from original artwork by Andy Warhol. Both Warhol and Ali signed the prints, with the set being one of only six known in existence from the icons. The auction will include personal writings of Ali, a 1970s era training-worn robe, numerous awards, and several personal items that have never been seen before.  This will be the first opportunity for fans and collectors to have a chance at acquiring items accumulated by Werner over his 25-year personal friendship with Ali. 

Additional highlights of the Ali collection will include over 30 pieces of artwork and sketches done by Muhammad himself.  Also included is a unique collection of 30 hand-written notes and letters with incredible subject matter. There will be artwork created by Stephen Holland, LeRoy Neiman, and other acclaimed artists.  Signed tickets, rare and unique programs, signed images and trading cards will also be available.

Werner has called upon his friends who have worked with him over the past decades, to share fun and inspirational stories about Ali in a special video that will be part of the auction process.  Also participating will be those who also have acquired and collected items through the years. The collection will give fans of Ali a real treat, getting to see items and to hear about special insights of the man that Harlan refers to as his “special friend.” When asked what the value of the collection is worth, Werner replied “priceless.”

Werner, who spent over twenty years traveling with Ali, created The Memorabilia Network as a place for people to share their unique stories, much like his intention to share his stories about their working relationship and friendship.  It will allow fans and collectors to view and hear some truly amazing and inspirational stories, in addition to providing an opportunity to secure items Werner and his friends acquired through decades of working for, and with, The Greatest himself.

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 26, 2022) – Top Rank’s surging middleweight prospect, Nico Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs), the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will now have a new head coach guiding his corner when he steps in the ring this Saturday, January 29th against Jeremiah Yeager (1-1-1, 1 KO). Former heavyweight boxer and Joe Frazier protégé Richard T. Slone will now serve as chief cornerman for Nico Ali Walsh. Walsh’s next bout is promoted by Top Rank Inc. and will air live on ESPN+ from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with undercard coverage starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

“Working with Slone is a blessing to my career”, said Nico Ali Walsh. “Most people recognize Rich Slone as the world’s greatest boxing artist but I’ve known him for many years. I know his extensive background working with Joe Frazier and Emanuel Steward as a professional boxing trainer. Together we will do great things.”

“Working with Nico is something I never anticipated but I have known him for most of his life and I know that he has a good work ethic,” said Slone, who spent over a decade training boxers and working corners for top fighters with Emanuel Steward. Nico has worked very hard in preparation for this fight and I think that will show in his performance”,

Richard Slone spent over a decade as the Vice President of Kronk Gym and is known globally for his incredible talent as an artist, having painted some of the most iconic pieces in boxing history. He’s the official artist for the International Boxing Hall of Fame and has had his artwork grace the cover of Ring Magazine.

Shakur Stevenson became a two-division champion with an emphatic 10th round stoppage over reigning champion Jamel Herring to capture the WBO Junior Lightweight championship at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Stevenson used his superior ability to dominate the action and systematically beat down of Herring.

In Round three, Herring started to swell under his left eye

In round 10, Herring was cut over the eight eye. In round 10, Stevenson landed about seven shots for which forced a referee stoppage at 1:30.

Zayas stops Karpency after 4

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a stoppage over Dan Karpency after round four of a six-round junior middleweight fight.

Zayas, 153.2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 10-0 with eight knockouts. Karpency, 153.2 lbs of Adah, PA is 9-4-1.

Ali Walsh stops Westley II in 3

The grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh scored his 2nd consecutive knockout with a third round stoppage over James Westley II in a scheduled four-round middleweight fight.

In round two, Ali Walsh dropped Westley with a hard right.

At the beginning of round three, Walsh dropped Westley again with a right and Westley’s corner waved the towel at 2:30.

ALi Walsh, 162 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-0 with two knockouts. Westley, 159.6 lbs of Toledo, OH is 1-1.

Evan Holyfield stopped Charles Stanford in round two of a scheduled six-round junior middleweight fight.

In round two, Holyfield landed a booming left hook that was followed by a right cross that sent Stanford down and his head bounced off the canvas as the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Holyfield, 151.6 lbs is the son of the legendary Evander Holyfield and now raised his record to 8-0 with six knockouts. Stanford, 151.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 6-4.

2021 U.S. Olympian Troy Isley stopped Nicholi Navarro in the 1st round of their four-round middleweight fight.

Isley bounced Navarro all over the ring until He landed two hard uppercuts that put Navarro down and the fight was stopped at 2:48.

Isley, 156.8 lbs of Alexandria, VA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Navarro, 156 lbs of Denver, CO is 2-2.

Eric Palmer scored an upset six-round split decision over previously undefeated Roddricus Livsey in a junior welterweight bout.

Palmer, 141 lbs of Uniontown, PA won by scores of 58-56 twice, while Livesey took a card 59-55.

Palmer is 13-14-6. Livsey, 142.4 lbs of Atlanta is 8-1-1.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Roberto Negrete in a battle of undefeated featherweights.

Brady, 127 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Negrete, 127 lbs of Corpus Christie, TX is 3-1.

Antoine Cobb needed just 58 seconds to obliterate Jerrion Campbell in a four-round junior welterweight contest.

Cobb landed a booming right hand hat sent Campbell under the ropes and the fight was stopped.

Cobb, 144.2 lbs of Chicago was making his pro debut. Campbell, 142.4 lbs of Jacksonville, TX is 2-2

Harley Maderos won a four-round unanimous decision over Deljerro Randle in a lightweight fight.

In round one, Maderos dropped Ravello with a right hand.

Maderos, 136 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won on all cards 40-35 and is now 2-0. Randle, 135.8 lbs of Brighton, CO is 0-2.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Last week, it was Triller. This week, it’s PBS.

It’s hard to go from the gutter to the Ivory Tower, but boxing knows the way. Maybe, that’s because of its curious mix of bloody brutality and ballet of footwork. At its best, it dances in and out, never far from garbage or grace.

Last week, it was the garbage, a pay-per-view Triller telecast that made heavyweight great Evander Holyfield look like an aging fool while Donald Trump played ringside commentator, praising fighters he claimed to have known. Instead, the ex-President should have been honoring dead American heroes at 9-11 Memorials.

This week, grace supplants disgrace with the build-up to a four-part Public Broadcasting Service documentary about Muhammad Ali.

I’m trying to forget the image of a 58-year-old Holyfield suddenly on the canvas within just a couple of minutes of opening bell in a depressing exhibition against somebody named Vitor Belfort last Saturday in south Florida. I have a friend who likes to say that boxing is dead. The Triller telecast was like hearing last rites.

Maybe the PBS series, scheduled to begin Sunday, will help. But I’m not sure. I’ll watch, but more out of nostalgia than anything else. I’m part of the generation that grew up with Ali. As a high-school kid, I listened to the radio for the blow-by-blow accounts of his victories over Sonny Liston. As a college student, I watched him lose to Joe Frazier in 1971 on a movie screen in an old theater. All the time, I argued with my father about who was better, Ali or Joe Louis.

As a sportswriter, I met Frazier and heard how his anger at Ali was still there, hard and bitter, more than 20 years after their brutal third fight in Manila. I met George Foreman, who moved beyond his 1974 loss to Ali in Zaire. He called Joe Louis the greater heavyweight. He called Ali the greater man.

Then, I met Ali, who had moved to Phoenix in 2005 for treatment of his advancing Parkinson’s. Initially, he was playful, almost childlike. He’d play magic tricks, then draw cartoons on a sheet of paper ripped from a reporter’s notebook. From year-to-year, however, the advancing disease trapped him and silenced even him, the very man who created trash talk.

It was hard to watch.

It was even harder to not think of the punches he took.

 I asked Frazier if he wondered whether his punches were responsible for Ali’s Parkinson’s.

“I don’t have to wonder,’’ Frazier said as he watched his feared left hook land during a replay of his ‘71 decision over Ali on a nearby screen during a US Olympic Committee celebration of an anniversary of the famous fight. “You see that left hand. See it. See it. That’s why he is the way he is.’’

When Foreman was making a memorable comeback that led to him regaining a heavyweight title in a victory over Michael Moorer in 1994, I asked him if Ali’s “Rope-A-Dope” tactic in ’74 might have led to Parkinson’s. Ali absorbed huge blows from the most powerful puncher of the day. The tactic paid off then. Foreman tired. Ali won, scoring an eighth-round knockout. But I’ve always wondered whether Ali paid for it later.

“Maybe,’’ Foreman told me before he launched his improbable comeback with a victory in 1989 over Bert Cooper in Phoenix.

In the years before and after he died June 3, 2016 in Phoenix, Ali’s legend has grown. He was always boxing’ biggest name, one of the sport’s original celebrities. He made sure of it with his braggadocio, social activism, opposition to the Vietnam War and his name change from Cassius Clay. He’s been gone for more than five years. But his charisma is alive. On video, it lives on in the eyes that dance like his feet. His voice is always there, a lyric like a Golden Oldie soundtrack. He had fun. And he was fearless. We can still see him. Hear him.

That’s a reason for the PBS documentary by Ken Burns, whose interest in boxing is not new. Burns’ work includes Unforgivable Blackness, the story of Jack Johnson. In Ali, he is trying to take a long look at somebody Burns calls the most important athlete in the 20^th century. Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis and Jack Johnson might argue. But Ali’s role is impossible to deny. It’s huge, big enough for further documentaries, more rewrites. In boxing, at least, it is magnified by what we’ve seen – or haven’t seen lately — on Triller.

But Ali is also not bigger than boxing, although that has been suggested in some of the PBS promos. No boxer is bigger than the punches they take. Not even Ali, who landed many and took too many in a legend still growing long after the last one landed. 

FEATHERWEIGHT hope Muhammad Ali is already thinking of greatness after just two professional fights.

He might share his name with ‘The Greatest,’ but the Bradford boxer believes he is also heading to the top.

Ali, 25, hopes to make it a hat-trick of professional wins when he faces Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

The 2016 Olympian is already talking of moving up in class and conquering the best with the ultimate target American ace Shakur Stevenson.

First he fancies challenging Queensberry stablemates Louie Lynn, the WBC International Silver Featherweight champion, and WBO World ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp.

Sharp is also in action on the impressive Royal Albert Hall bill on July 10th, when he faces Marcio Soza for the WBO Global belt.

“I wanna go all the way. I have dedicated my life to this sport,” insisted Ali (2-0).

“I have got no animosity towards Archie. I just want to fight him. It will be entertaining.

“We sparred when we were on Team GB when I was a Flyweight and he was a bit heavier but we’re almost the same weight now.

“Louie Lynn is also very good. He has a similar style to myself  – is busy and throws a lot of punches.

“I beat him quite easily in the Senior ABAs but that was five or six years ago. Time moves on and anything could happen.”

Stevenson is tipped to become an all-time great, and Ali who is trained in Manchester by Anthony Farnell accepts that dream match is some way off still.

He added: “If I keep doing well and get up to that level I would love to fight him. Hopefully we can that fight on down the line.

“If I keep winning and move up to that weight, I would love that down the line.

“I am a big Featherweight and it will be natural for me to move up. I don’t think I will have to try too hard.”

Ali turned professional in February 2020 with a disqualification win against Stefan Sashev, and followed that up in December by outpointing Jamie Quinn.

He hopes former English title challenger Glover will be more ambitious than his previous professional opponents.

Ali said: “For my last opponents I might as well have stayed in the gym and punched a bag. Hopefully this guy throws something back.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the Royal Albert Hall bill on July 10th. He makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

 Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

Today on the ESPN Daily podcast – hosted by Pablo Torre and downloaded nearly a half million times per month – ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap looks back 50 years at the build-up, historical context and legacy of Ali-Frazier I.

Episode Summary: Fifty years ago today, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier met in their first iconic boxing match, known as “The Fight of the Century.” It was 1971, with the civil rights movement in full swing and the nation divided over the war in Vietnam. Jeremy Schaap, boxing historian and host of E60 and Outside the Lines, shares how political and cultural views were projected onto Ali and Frazier, with their different personalities, history and fighting styles. The night itself was a grand celebrity spectacle (Frank Sinatra took a gig as a photographer, just to get in the building). And while Frazier won unanimously, the fight has a more complex and nuanced legacy. Half a century later, it remains one of sports’ biggest moments.

ESPN Podcasts can be found wherever you download your podcasts, and on ESPN.com: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/27852002/the-espn-daily-podcast-how-listen-episode-guide-more

Fans will have a chance to experience one of the most iconic fights in boxing history when ESPN on ABC debuts Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 50^th Anniversary Special this Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m. ET. The two-hour program will also air on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNEWS between Sunday and Monday, March 8.  The entire Ali-Frazier trilogy is also available on demand on ESPN+. ESPN Deportes will re-air the entire Ali/Frazier trilogy in primetime on Sunday, March 7. 

On March 8, 1971, Ali and Frazier met for the first time at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York in a transcendent boxing main event that could only be named “Fight of the Century.” Ali sought to reclaim the title he lost nearly four years prior when the state athletic commissions stripped him of his title after refusing induction into the army.  Until this fight, no unbeaten fighters had ever fought each other for the heavyweight title. 

“The ‘Fight of the Century’ will be presented to our viewers in a brand-new way,” said Norby Williamson, Executive Vice President, Event and Studio Production & Executive Editor, ESPN. “This was one of the most important and impactful sports events ever and fans now have the chance to experience it as never before.” 

Fans will be thrilled to see the results ESPN’s boxing production team achieved in Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 50^th Anniversary Special through the intricate digital remastering of every second of both the original footage of the entire fight and the original ABC Wide World of Sports broadcast.  For the fight, this process included some 461 shots in which graininess was removed, color was corrected and enhanced, and images were sharpened. 

A team of producers, editors and reporters also worked on accompanying stories to further enhance the fight broadcast and transport fans to 1971. These include:

• Epilogue: What became of Ali-Frazier after their first fight and after their careers were over?
• Scuffle: Behind the scenes of the scuffle between Ali and Frazier at the ABC Studios in 1974.
• 50^th Anniversary Tease
• Biggest Crown Essay
• 15 Rounds Essay

ESPN Presents: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 50^th Anniversary Special

Ali-Frazier I had not been aired on U.S. television in nearly 30 years (it previously aired in August 1991) until it was shown on ESPN last June. Ali and Frazier met again on Jan. 28, 1974 — with no titles at stake — in what was called the “Super Fight II,” also at MSG. On Oct. 1, 1975, Ali and Frazier fought once again for the heavyweight championship in the “Thrilla in Manila” at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.

Boxing fans can also re-live hundreds of the sport’s most historic fights on demand anytime.

MUHAMMAD ALI CANNOT wait for the chance to unleash his formidable brand of featherweight fisticuffs on his rivals when he gets to make his return to the ring in the near future.

The 2016 Olympian and one of Britain’s Blue Chip prospects made his professional debut back in February, shortly before the trading of punches ceased due to lockdown.

His opening night didn’t pan out quite as he imagined because, in front of some 250 of his fans from Bradford at York Hall, his opponent Stefan Sashev did little else other than spoil and hold. The patience of referee Lee Every ran out just over half way through the second round and the Bulgarian was sent packing back to the dressing room.

Since this time, Ali has linked up with respected trainer and long-standing WBU middleweight champion Anthony ‘Arnie’ Farnell in Manchester to further his professional development.

“I’ve known Arnie since I was a youth and I sparred one of his boxers,” explained the 24-year-old. “We just kept in touch and I thought he was the right man for me. He is passionate about the sport and we get on well together.

“He was an aggressive fighter and I am the same. He is tweaking me up a little bit, but not changing me too much, more adding to what I’ve already got,” continued Ali, before looking back to his eventful debut.

“I hit the kid early on and after that he just wanted to grab on. It spoiled my debut a bit but I feel I will get the chance to shine as the opposition gets better. It will suit me more when they fight back and come to win.

“I will just take each fight as it comes, as long as I win, then you’ve just got to put each one to bed and not dwell on it too much.”

What the former storied amateur, with his ripped featherweight frame, does struggle to comprehend is how an earth he campaigned at flyweight in the vested code of the sport.

“I just don’t know!” he conceded. “I think back now and I cannot make sense of it with me weighing five kilos more. I was broken, I struggled and in my head day after day was just about making weight.

“Nobody could ever tell I was so drained because in my fights I was so aggressive. I’ve still got four or five kilos to lose to make featherweight, but it is mostly water so it comes off quite easily.”

What quickly becomes obvious with any footage featuring the feisty featherweight is that he enters the ring with destruction on his mind and he will be a lot of fun to watch as he closes in on the big fights and beyond.

In his own opinion, it is what fight fans want to see.

“It is one hundred per cent my style, to set about everyone from the first bell. It is like (Amir) Khan when he was younger; everybody loved him because you wouldn’t know if he would get caught himself or hit someone with a ten-shot combo.

“They didn’t know what would happen next, it was always exciting and people always tuned in. With me it will be similar because I will always be on my opponent and people will love it.”

Khan, of course, at times was considered vulnerable to return fire and this is something Ali hopes he does not share with the Bolton favourite.

“I f**cking hope not!” he retorted in jest. “Nothing has gone wrong yet so hopefully it won’t any time soon.”

By Norm Frauenheim-

Games don’t matter much, at least they haven’t throughout about a relentless pandemic. Only the platform does. The NBA took its game off the floor and out of the bubble this week to protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

It was the right thing to do.

It would have been too easy to just move on through playoffs in a season that has felt artificial. Fans are missing. So is much of the fun. There was a title at stake and still will be if the playoffs resume. But will anybody remember the eventual winner? Probably not.

What will be remembered is the way the NBA used its so-called platform to take a stand against a summer full of racial unrest. What was forgettable became memorable, thanks to the Milwaukee Bucks-led walkout Wednesday.  Not everybody agrees, of course. That’s what also makes the NBA’s fast-break move from diversion to relevance so controversial.

Politics and sports aren’t supposed to mix, or so goes the argument from those who think anyone with athletic talent surrenders their right to speak out. But tell that one to generations of athletes.

Tell it to Olympic sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who flashed the black-power slate while standing on the 1968 Mexico City medal stand as though it were a bully pulpit.

Tell it to Jackie Robinson.

Tell it to Jack Johnson

Tell it to Muhammad Ali.

Of all of them, Ali has become the historical face of protest. He’s the loud voice that sums up the reasons athletes sometimes have to use their sport and stardom as a megaphone. Ali’s sport, boxing, is an appropriate setting. As a symbol, there’s nothing quite like the ring, which is something that politicians use all the time. They talk about heavyweights and lightweights. They love to talk about in-fighting and how they fight off-the-ropes. They’ll also tell you not to confuse sports and politics.

It’s good to hear LeBron James and Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers say otherwise. Rivers attacked Donald Trump and his bucket guy, Mike Pence. The President and Vice-President talk about violence in the cities and fear in the suburbs.

“All you hear is Donald Trump and all of them talking about fear,’’ Rivers said Tuesday after a Clippers victory over Dallas. “We’re the ones getting killed.’’

Rivers’ comment made me think of Ali.

“You’re my opposer when I want freedom, you’re my opposer when I want justice,’’ he said when he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Ali and had his heavyweight title stripped for refusing to be drafted during the Vietnam War “You’re my opposer when I want equality.

“You won’t even stand up for me in America for my religious beliefs and you want me to go somewhere and fight, but you won’t even stand up for me here at home.”

During the turbulent 1960s, it was a powerful statement for a fighter who could be as cruel as he was cocky. But there was never much doubt about his timing on either side of the ropes in a battered craft that is and always will be what Mike Tyson has called it: The hurt business.

Ali knew when to jab. Knew when to counter.

Mostly, he knew when to take a stand. There’s always been an argument about where he stands among the all-time fighters. Even among the heavyweights, there’s a fair enough debate over who was the GOAT. Some say Joe Louis. Some say Ali.

But there’s never been much debate about who has had the greatest overall impact. George Foreman, stopped by Ali in 1974’s legendary Rumble In The Jungle, once told me that Louis was a better heavyweight, but that Ali was the better man.

The best ever.

(April 16, 2020) — This Saturday, April 18, will be a day of classic boxing on ESPN when the network airs 11 consecutive hours of the sweet science starting at 12 noon ET. This special presentation will showcase some of the greatest bouts of all time, including the epic trilogy between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Ali-Frazier I has never been aired before on ESPN platforms and has not aired on U.S. television in nearly 30 years (August 1991). 

In addition to the linear telecast, Ali-Frazier I will become available on ESPN+ beginning Saturday, joining the other two fights in the Ali-Frazier trilogy. Exclusively available to ESPN+ subscribers, it marks the first time ever that all three of the historic fights are available together on demand.

ESPN’s 11-hour Saturday programming initiative will begin at noon ET with Ali-Foreman and culminate with the Ali-Frazier trilogy, running from 7 p.m. to 11p.m. ET.   

The full lineup is as follows:

Ali-George Foreman (12:00 PM ET): Ali was a 4-to-1 underdog against Foreman, who entered the fight at 40-0 with 37 KOs and two title defenses under his belt. Dubbed “The Rumble in the Jungle,” the fight became iconic after Ali employed the “rope-a-dope” tactic to tire out and ultimately stop Foreman in eight rounds.

Evander Holyfield-Foreman (1:00 PM ET): Holyfield knocked out Douglas to win the heavyweight title and chose Foreman, 42 years old and four years into his comeback, for his first world title defense. Holyfield won a unanimous decision, but Foreman pushed the younger man for 12 rounds. “The Battle of the Ages” was a heavyweight title showdown for the ages.

Oscar De la Hoya-Julio Cesar Chavez I (2:00 PM ET): De La Hoya, the then-unbeaten Mexican-American superstar, was seeking a world title in a third weight class against the beloved Chavez, who entered the bout with a 97-1-1 record. Chavez lost his super lightweight world title in four lopsided rounds, as a severe cut and a busted nose caused by De La Hoya punches forced the ringside doctor to stop the fight.

De La Hoya-Felix Trinidad (3:00 PM ET): Trinidad and De La Hoya were a combined 66-0 entering the welterweight title unification bout, which at the time was the most lucrative non-heavyweight contest in boxing history. Trinidad came on strong in the later rounds to eke out a controversial majority decision, a verdict that still sparks heated debate among fans. 

Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns (4:00 PM ET): Quite simply, one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Round 1 is perhaps the greatest round in boxing history, and in less than three rounds of brutality, Hagler and Hearns cemented their status as legends of the sport. Hagler made 12 defenses of the middleweight world title, while Hearns won world titles in five weight divisions over a nearly 30-year career.

Mike Tyson-Trevor Berbick (4:30 PM ET): The beginning of a legend. Tyson knocked out Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest man (20 years old) to win a heavyweight world title.

Tyson-Larry Holmes (5:00 PM ET): In a matchup of youth versus experience, Tyson needed only four rounds to knock out Holmes, who entered the fight having not fought in nearly two years. Holmes held the world heavyweight title from 1978-1985, made 20 successful title defenses and is considered to be among the greatest heavyweights who ever lived.

Tyson-Michael Spinks (5:30 PM ET): Tyson earned lineal heavyweight champion status with his 91-second destruction over Spinks, who first defeated Larry Holmes in 1985 to win the recognized heavyweight title. Spinks edged Holmes in their 1986 rematch and defended the lineal title twice more over the next two-plus years before running into Tyson.

Sonny Liston-Cassius Clay 1 (6:00 PM ET): On Feb. 25, 1964, the unthinkable happened when Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay, entered the ring as a clear underdog to face heavyweight world champion Sonny Liston. Clay claimed the victory after Liston, one of the most intimidating fighters ever, quit on his stool, after the 6^th round.

Ali-Frazier Trilogy (7:00 – 11:00 PM ET): In their first battle, since then known as “Fight of the Century” on March 8, 1971, Ali and Frazier were both undefeated gold medalists with legitimate claims to the heavyweight title in a nation torn apart from Vietnam when they stepped into the ring at Madison Square Garden. A vintage Frazier leaping left hook planted Ali on the canvas in the 15^th round, as he closed the show in style to win a unanimous decision. Ali and Frazier met again three years later in 1974, with Ali avenging his loss in a hotly contested rematch that cemented the fierce rivalry.

“Thrilla in Manila,” their third and final fight, turned out to be the most brutal fight of Ali’s and Frazier’s careers. Ali and Frazier split their first two matchups, and the two went to war. After 14 rounds, Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight. Neither man was ever the same, and the greatest rivalry in boxing history had reached its conclusion.  

ESPN+ also features a library of hundreds of the most important fights in boxing history, as well as recent Top Rank on ESPN fight cards for replay, all streaming on demand. The historic fights on ESPN+ include legendary heavyweight showdowns like Ali vs. Frazier III, Ali vs. George Foreman, Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn, Tyson vs. Holmes, Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney, Max Baer vs. James J. Braddock, Ali vs. Sonny Liston I & II, Wilder vs. Fury II and many more.  

ESPN Boxing Schedule (All Times Eastern)

This Tuesday, April 7, will be a night of heavyweight legends on ESPN2 when the network airs a special programming lineup featuring classic heavyweight fights. The seven-hour encore presentation will showcase some of the greatest heavyweight bouts of all time, including Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier III, Mike Tyson vs Buster Douglas and Evander Holyfield vs George Foreman.

The action will begin at 7 p.m. ET with back-to-back presentations of three of Ali’s most memorable battles – Ali vs Foreman, Ali-Frazier III and Ali vs Leon Spinks II.  

At 10:30 p.m. ET, fans will be treated to a special replay of four legendary Tyson bouts, including Tyson vs Trevor Berbick, Tyson vs Larry Holmes, Tyson vs Michael Spinks and Tyson vs Douglas.   

The action will conclude at 1 a.m. ET with the 1991 thriller between Holyfield and Foreman.  

Ali-Foreman: Ali was a 4-to-1 underdog against Foreman, who entered the fight at 40-0 with 37 KOs and two title defenses under his belt. The historic fight, dubbed “The Rumble in the Jungle,” became iconic after Ali employed the “rope-a-dope” tactic to tire out and ultimately stop Foreman in eight rounds.  

Ali-Frazier III: Ali had defended his title three times since upsetting Foreman, and the “Thrilla in Manila” turned out to be the most brutal fight of Ali’s career. Ali and Frazier split their first two matchups, and the two went to war outdoors under the sweltering Manila sun. After 14 rounds, Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight. Neither man was ever the same, and the greatest rivalry in boxing history had reached its conclusion.  

Ali-Spinks II: Seven months after being upset by the 1976 Olympic gold medalist, Ali got revenge, won a 15-round unanimous decision and became the first man to win the heavyweight world title three times.  

Tyson-Berbick: The beginning of a legend. Tyson knocked out Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest man (20 years old) to win a heavyweight world title.  

Tyson-Holmes: In a matchup of youth versus experience, Tyson needed only four rounds to knock out Holmes, who entered the fight having not fought in nearly two years. Holmes held the world heavyweight title from 1978-1985, made 20 successful title defenses and is considered to be among the greatest heavyweights who ever lived.  

Tyson-Spinks: Tyson earned lineal heavyweight champion status with his 91-second destruction over Spinks, who first defeated Larry Holmes in 1985 to win the recognized heavyweight title. Spinks edged Holmes in their 1986 rematch and defended the lineal title twice more over the next two-plus years before running into Tyson.  

Tyson-Douglas: Perhaps the greatest upset in boxing history, Douglas, a 42-to-1 underdog, knocked out Tyson in 10 rounds at the Tokyo Dome. Tyson had made nine title defenses before Douglas shocked the world.  

Holyfield-Foreman: Holyfield knocked out Douglas to win the heavyweight title and chose Foreman, 42 years old and four years into his comeback, for his first world title defense. Holyfield won a unanimous decision, but Foreman pushed the younger man for 12 rounds. “The Battle of the Ages” was a heavyweight title showdown for the ages.  

ESPN+ also features a library of hundreds of the greatest fights in boxing history streaming on demand, as well as more recent Top Rank on ESPN fight cards for replay. Among them are legendary heavyweight showdowns like Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III, Ali vs. George Foreman, Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn, Mike Tyson vs. Larry Holmes, Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney, Max Baer vs. James J. Braddock, Ali vs. Sonny Liston I & II, Fury-Wilder II and many more.  

(March 31, 2020) — Bob Arum started at the top, and he’s still here. A one-time practicing attorney who worked in the tax division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Arum promoted his first card on March 29, 1966. Muhammad Ali defended his heavyweight world title at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens against Canadian challenger George Chuvalo and won a 15-round unanimous decision.

Arum planned on staging Ali-Chuvalo in Chicago, but the Illinois State Athletic Commission banned Ali because of his “unpatriotic” remarks about the Vietnam War. So, Arum went north of the border, and Maple Leaf Gardens owner Harold Ballard welcomed Ali and Arum with open arms. Chuvalo accepted the fight on less than three weeks’ notice after original opponent Ernie Terrell pulled out, and the rest is boxing history.

“It was a memorable, crazy time in our country,” Arum said. “After we were kicked out of Chicago, Ballard told us we could bring the fight to Toronto, and he was a man of his word. More than 50 years later, Ali-Chuvalo in Toronto is still the most difficult promotion of my entire career.”

Arum wound up promoting 27 Ali fights and turned Top Rank (incorporated in 1973) into an international brand that has promoted 2,079 fight cards and 655 world title bouts in 42 U.S. states and 92 foreign or international cities. Many of the greatest fighters of the past half-century have fought under the Top Rank banner, including: Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Johnny Tapia, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya, Timothy Bradley Jr., James Toney, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Alexis Arguello, Michael Carbajal, Miguel Cotto, Emile Griffith, Carlos Monzón, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Said Arum: “It has been one hell of a 54-year ride. I am honored to have promoted many of history’s greatest boxers. I could have never foreseen this 54 years ago. I look forward to many more memorable nights at ringside.”

Top Rank/Bob Arum By The Numbers:

2,079: Fight cards promoted
824: Shows on ESPN family of networks
655: World title fights promoted
517: Shows promoted in Nevada
412: Shows promoted in New Jersey
219: American cities in which Top Rank has promoted
195: Shows promoted in California
154: Shows promoted in Texas
129: Shows promoted on HBO    
92: Foreign or international cities in which Top Rank has promoted
73: Shows promoted on ABC
72: Shows promoted in New York State
69: Shows promoted in Arizona
63: Shows promoted in Puerto Rico
52: Shows promoted in Mexico
49: Pay-per-view shows promoted
47: Shows promoted in Illinois
42: States in which Top Rank has promoted boxing
41: Miguel Cotto fights promoted
41: Shows promoted in Pennsylvania
38: Michael Carbajal fights promoted
38: Shows promoted in New York City
37: Oscar De La Hoya fights promoted
36: Johnny Tapia fights promoted
35: Floyd Mayweather Jr. fights promoted
33: James Toney fights promoted
32: Erik Morales fights promoted
31: Shows promoted in Florida
28: Iran Barkley fights promoted
27: Muhammad Ali fights promoted or co-promoted
26: Foreign countries in which Top Rank has promoted, plus Puerto Rico
25: Freddie Roach fights promoted
24: Shows promoted in New Mexico
23: World heavyweight title fights promoted
22: Terence Crawford fights promoted
20: Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights promoted
20: Manny Pacquiao fights promoted
19: Juan Manuel Marquez fights promoted
14: George Foreman fights promoted
14: Shows promoted in China
13: Thomas Hearns fights promoted
10: Alexis Arguello fights promoted
10: Ray Mancini fights promoted
9: Timothy Bradley Jr. fights promoted
8: Roberto Duran fights promoted
7: Sugar Ray Leonard fights promoted
7: Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. fights promoted
5: Carlos Monzón fights promoted
5: Emile Griffith fights promoted
4: Mike Tyson fights promoted
3: Tyson Fury fights promoted
2: Larry Holmes fights promoted
1: Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon jump promoted
0: Shows (so far) promoted by Top Rank in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming.

ATLANTA – December 18, 2019 – When Gervonta Davis and Yuriorkis Gamboa clash for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship on December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta, they’ll be making history in a long-underserved boxing hotbed that has hosted monumental fights featuring Hall of Famers Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield.

“Just to be mentioned with those Hall of Famers is amazing,” said Davis. “I’m lost for words. It’s not only big for me, it’s big for boxing in the city and all the other fighters that have the opportunity to fight on the card.”

The Davis vs. Gamboa SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast features two world title bouts and will be the first world championship event in Atlanta in more than 20 years. Jean Pascal will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship against former two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-feature of the Premier Boxing Champions event.

Prior to December 28, the last world title fight in Atlanta was unified heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield’s IBF and WBA defenses against Vaughn Bean on September 19, 1998. SHOWTIME televised that bout live from the since-demolished Georgia Dome where 41,357 fans in attendance saw the Atlanta resident floor Bean in the 10th round en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Despite the strong turnout and festive atmosphere for Holyfield vs. Bean, the Hall of Famer Holyfield fought just four times in Atlanta in his 57 professional bouts spanning nearly three decades. The city did host Holyfield’s first title fight, a bout that is widely considered the best cruiserweight fight in history and one of the last great 15 round fights. On July 12, 1986, Holyfield challenged WBA Cruiserweight Champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi in a back-and-forth bout that Holyfield won by split decision to capture his first world title.

While Holyfield vs. Qawi is considered the best fight in Atlanta boxing history, the most significant and biggest event in the city was Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight in 1970. Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight title and exiled from boxing after being controversially convicted of draft evasion in 1967. While his case was still under appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court, Ali received a license to fight in Georgia for his first bout in more than three-and-a-half years. Ali stopped Jerry Quarry in the third round on October 26, 1970 at City Auditorium in an event that would mark his triumphant return. Ali’s conviction was overturned the following year in June of 1971, just three months after the “Fight of the Century” with Joe Frazier.

While Georgia has been home to a number of recent world champions, none have fought in Atlanta as titlists. The late two-division world champion Vernon Forrest was born in nearby Augusta and lived in Atlanta, however he never fought as a champion in the state’s capital. Similarly, former two-division champion Paul Williams, also of Augusta, fought just once in Atlanta in 2001 before he became champion.

Davis, who is on-track to sell out his third consecutive venue of the year in three different cities, is hoping to make big time boxing in Atlanta a permanent fixture.

“The spotlight will be on Atlanta,” said Davis. “They haven’t had a big fight there in many years. So it’s a dream to bring big time boxing back just like I did in Baltimore. Atlanta welcomed me with open arms for so many years. I always knew I had a fan base and I always wanted to fight here. Now is the perfect time in my career for it to happen.

“I’m a fighter, but I’m also a fan. So I’m looking forward to it as much as everyone else. I’ll give it my all, I know Gamboa will give it his all. It’s going to be a great night on December 28.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com. Good tickets are still available. All tickets start at $54 and $104.
ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA
Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

New York, September 12, 2019

Star Boxing is bringing heavyweight boxing back to the historical Catskills in Saturday nights “CATSKILLS CLASH II,” featuring heavyweight title contender, CARLOS TAKAM (36-5-1 28KO’s) as he takes on CRAIG LEWIS (14-3-1 7KO’s) in a 10-round bout.

Some of the greatest heavyweights of all time played a major role in the prominence of boxing in the Catskills. Names like, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali have all left a clear impact in the majestic New York region’s affinity for boxing. Calling the Hudson Valley village home, Iron Mike Tyson’s famous rise to stardom began under the watchful eye of legend Cus D’Amato at the Cus D’Amato Boxing Club, in Catskill, New York

With a direct link to boxing, the Catskills played a major role in boxing as arguably the greatest training area for boxers dating back to the 20th century. It was not uncommon for multiple high-profile boxers to be training in hotels in the Catskills at the same time.Other greats from Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali to Larry Holmes, Joey Archer and Emile Griffith, to Roberto Duran and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, have all called Sullivan County and the Catskills their temporary homes while training for fights, and for most of the 20th century, very few places in the world could claim a greater link as a professional boxing training camp mecca.

Carlos Takam is well respected in the heavyweight division as someone who comes ready to fight and is not afraid to trade punches. Having fought some of the best heavyweights in the world, like Anthony Joshua, Dereck Chisora, Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin, Takam has proven he will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Making his US debut in the Catskills is fitting for the Cameroon born French heavyweight, where so many greats came before him. Opposing Takam, is Detroit’s Craig Lewis, a tough heavyweight with a granite chin and will.

With the Takam-Lewis heavyweight bout set to headline Saturday nights highly anticipated night of fights at Resorts World Catskills, great boxing action, and specifically thrilling heavyweight boxing, lives on in the Catskills.

BROOKLYN (May 8, 2019) – When WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defends his title against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale on Saturday, May 18, he will not only seek to continue his run as the only American heavyweight champion, but also cement himself into the historic company of heavyweight legends that came before him.

In an event taking place live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, Wilder will attempt to defend his WBC title for the ninth time since first capturing the belt in January 2015. Wilder’s triumph marked the return of heavyweight prizefighting in America and the end of an eight-year drought without an American heavyweight world champion, the longest in the history of the sport.

“There has been a long line of great American heavyweight champions who represented our country with pride, strength and honor in the ring,” said Wilder. “I take the responsibility very seriously to pick up where they left off and continue to show every young fighter who looks up to me, that they one day can be the heavyweight champion of the world.

“I’m a champion of the world, but I represent for the entire country and everyone in it,” said Wilder. “I’ve fought challengers from all around the world, knowing in my mind how important it was to keep this title in the U.S.

If successful on May 18, Wilder will become just the 10th fighter in the more than 135-year history of heavyweight boxing to make nine or more consecutive successful heavyweight title defenses. Wilder would join an impressive list of Hall of Famers who dominated the sport during their reign – Tommy Burns, Joe Louis, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and future Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko. *Note: number of title defenses listed below

“Fighters like Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and more have paved the way for me,” said Wilder. “Now I’m going to take what they started and make sure that the heavyweight world championship stays in America for a long time.”

Wilder’s successes in the ring have seen him skyrocket toward the kind of recognition that heavyweight champions have garnered throughout history. In 2018 he was ranked 34 on ESPN’s “World Fame 100” list, the top spot of any boxer in the world.

“Being the heavyweight champion and holding that title on the American sports landscape is a huge deal,” said Wilder. “There was a time where that person was as well-known as the president. I’m going to keep leaving a path of destruction inside the ring, so that everyone knows I am the one name and one face of the heavyweight division.”

List of fighters with nine consecutive heavyweight title defenses (listed chronologically):
1.) Tommy Burns (11)
2.) Joe Louis (25)
3.) Joe Frazier (nine)
4.) Muhammad Ali (nine in first run, 10 in second reign)
5.) Larry Holmes (20)
6.) Mike Tyson (nine in first run)
7.) Lennox Lewis (nine in second run)
8.) Vitali Klitschko (11 in second run)
9.) Wladimir Klitschko (18 in second run)

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features
WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender
Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comand barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,
www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

The two-part HBO Sports documentary WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI, chronicling the extraordinary life of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures, debuts TUESDAY, MAY 14 (8:00-10:40 p.m. ET/PT), with both chapters airing back-to-back in a special television event, it was announced today by Kary Antholis, president, HBO Miniseries and CINEMAX Programming, and Peter Nelson, executive vice president, HBO Sports.

The documentary will also be available on HBO GO, HBO NOW, HBO on Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.

WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI is the first feature-length HBO production from SpringHill Entertainment, with LeBron James and Maverick Carter serving as executive producers, and is directed and executive produced by acclaimed feature-film director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “Southpaw,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Equalizer” franchise). Exploring Ali’s challenges, confrontations, comebacks and triumphs through recordings of his own voice, it paints an intimate portrait of a man who was a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the world and, in his later years, was recognized as a global citizen and a symbol of humanity and understanding.

In addition to relying on Ali himself to guide viewers through his remarkable journey, WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI features archival footage, some of it previously unseen.

The production team features executive producer Bill Gerber, a producer of the current Best Picture Oscar® nominee “A Star Is Born,” and executive producer Glen Zipper, creator and executive producer of the critically acclaimed docu-series, “Dogs,” a producer of the Oscar®-winning documentary “Undefeated” and an executive producer of HBO’s 2018 multi-part documentary “Elvis Presley: The Searcher.” The film is produced by Sean Stuart, whose HBO and CINEMAX credits include “Eagle of Death Metal: Nos Amis” and “Mike Judge Presents: Tales From the Tour Bus.” Paul Wachter and Jamie Salter are executive producers and Kat Samick of Fuqua Films is co-executive producer

“Muhammad Ali transcended sports in a way the world had never seen before,” says LeBron James. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to tell his incredible and important story for the coming generations. He showed us all the courage and conviction it takes to stand up for what you believe in. He changed forever what we expect a champion to be, and I’m grateful that SpringHill gets to be a part of continuing his legacy.”

“Muhammad Ali had a deep impact on me from an early age,” observes Antoine Fuqua. “Being given the opportunity to tell his story, both inside and outside the ring, is a privilege and a dream come true.”

“Muhammad Ali is indisputably one of the most iconic and distinctive figures in the history of sports,” says HBO’s Kary Antholis. “His impact resonates far beyond the boxing ring and is woven deep into the cultural and social tapestry of the second half of the 20th century. His personality, his voice, his message and his legacy all endure as an important element of American history. From the moment LeBron James told us of his deep visceral connection to Ali’s life and legacy, we were committed to helping him and Antoine Fuqua realize this film about one man’s incredible journey and the impact he had upon the world.”

Lonnie Ali, who was married to Muhammad Ali for the final 30 years of his life, adds, “We are at a time in American history when we look to a new generation of heroes like LeBron James to carry on Muhammad’s legacy, not only by remembering Muhammad, as is done so eloquently in this documentary, but also through their own words and deeds. I’m grateful to LeBron, Maverick Carter, SpringHill Entertainment and HBO for advancing the ideals that Muhammad believed in and fought for throughout his life.”

WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI is produced with the cooperation of the Muhammad Ali family estate and Jamie Salter, founder, chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group, which has been active in preserving the Ali legacy and brand.

“As proud guardians of Muhammad Ali’s legacy, we are dedicated to preserving and upholding his core principles, and HBO’s production of WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI provides audiences around the world with an intimate connection to this global icon,” says Jamie Salter.

The HBO Sports presentation is a Sutter Road Picture Company Production in association with Fuqua Films and SpringHill Entertainment; executive producers, LeBron James, Antoine Fuqua, Maverick Carter, Paul Wachter, Bill Gerber, Jamie Salter and Glen Zipper; directed by Antoine Fuqua; produced by Sean Stuart; co-executive producer, Kat Samick; written by Steven Leckart; edited by Jake Pushinsky.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Muhammad Ali’s wife Lonnie will present the Muhammad Ali trophy to the winner of the Oleksandr Osyk – Murat Gassiev Cruiserweight final in Moscow.

“Since this is the first Ali Trophy ever presented, and as a part of Muhammad’s legacy in boxing, I am proud to be here to represent the Ali family, the WBC and its president Mauricio Sulaiman,” Ali said in a statement before Saturday’s fight.

“Muhammad would have been proud to see one of these champions being rewarded with the trophy that carries his name,” Ali said.

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland, the chief boxing officer of tournament organizer Comosa AG: “Muhammad Ali being our ambassador is the greatest honor of all. Having his wife present the first Ali Trophy in Moscow will make this ceremony one of the most emotional moments ever seen in a boxing ring.”

By Norm Frauenheim-

Amid all of the hyperventilating, over-eating and hyperbole preceding the annual Super Bowl spectacle, there’s now another reason for indigestion:

The G.O.A.T. debate.

The acronym — Greatest Of All Time — is often traced back to Muhammad Ali. In 1971, Ali began to call himself the greatest, often adding “of all time.’’ He never called himself the G.O.A.T. Who did? It was a loser’s label in those days

The four letters evolved later in pick-up games on asphalt courts and rap lyrics on street corners. In 1992, Lonnie Ali, whose husband died 20 months ago in Scottsdale, Ariz., incorporated Greatest of All Time, Inc. (G.O.A.T. Inc.), licensing it as her husband’s intellectual property.

Ali created it.

Owned it.

Yet, the original G.O.A.T. is not part of the argument in the hours before the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots kick off Sunday in Minneapolis. At most, there’s a passing mention of Ali during the endless rounds of give, take and redundancy about who is better: Pats quarterback Tom Brady or retired NBA star Michael Jordan.

One number appears to be at the heart of the current debate. Actually, it’s one ring. Jordan has six NBA championship rings. Brady has five of the NFL’s version. If Brady wins his sixth Sunday, who’s the best? If it’s only about the respective resumes — Brady’s versus Jordan’s – fair enough. But don’t ever put ever next to best. And don’t ever talk about The Greatest without mentioning Ali. In 1971, that would be enough to make you the lower-case goat.

Depending on who is debating, Ali gets tossed out because he wasn’t involved in a team sport. In other words, he didn’t have a Scottie Pippen or Randy Moss. But how does that eliminate him? Yes, this is a column on a boxing website. Am I biased? Of course.

From a boxing perspective, an individual sport is a better test of how great an athlete really is than team sport ever could be. There was never a back-up quarterback in Ali’s corner. When he got hurt, he had to reach within and fight on or he was finished.

Jordan and Brady always have had a reserve waiting to come in long enough to shake off pain or some other trouble. In boxing, adversity of just about every strip is part of the contest. More than that, it helps explain what it means to be the G.O.A.T., which is what Ali was in coming back from a 1971 loss to Joe Frazier and enduring George Foreman’s massive power in 1974.

It’s also impossible to fully define G.O.A.T. by restricting it to what happens in the arena. Ali, named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Century in 1999, had a personality and fearlessness that went far beyond the ropes. In fact, there are reasonable arguments within boxing circles that Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis might have been better boxers. But nobody had Ali’s impact on culture and politics.

He is remembered for his controversial stand against Viet Nam. He’s also admired for paying a price that neither Jordan nor Brady ever had to pay. He was banned from the ring for three years. Ali’s history doesn’t need to be repeated here or anywhere else. At times, however, it seems to be forgotten in what really takes to be the G.O.A.T. Jordan and Brady will be remembered for rings, victories and money. They might be the greatest athletes of their time. But of all time? There’s still only one.

The first three star names have signed up for the inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series. IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) as well as former IBF / WBC champion & IBF top-ranked challenger Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs) will all participate in the revolutionary global knock-out tournament, with five more elite fighters to be confirmed shortly. The winner will receive the GREATEST prize in boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Boasting a combined record of 99 wins and 3 losses along with 72 KOs, Gassiev, Briedis and Wlodarczyk can´t wait to get in on and write history.
“It is an honor to be in the World Boxing Super Series,” said Gassiev, who holds the IBF title. “This is the best fighting the best. I have never lost a fight, I am the IBF champion and I look forward to winning the other belts as well to cement my position as the best fighter in the division!”
WBC Champion Briedis is also thrilled to participate. “This is the Champions League of boxing and I am going to prove that I am the world´s best cruiserweight,” he said. “The competition will be tough, but to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Wlodarczyk, the former IBF & WBC Champion who now occupies the number one spot in the IBF rankings, is equally confident of success. “I will stamp my authority on the division by beating the best cruiserweights out there and winning the World Boxing Super Series,” he stated. “There is a reason the winner gets the Muhammad Ali Trophy. He was the Greatest of all time, and the winner of this tournament has the right to call himself the greatest cruiserweight of our time.”
Saturday will mark the first anniversary of Muhammad Ali´s death. Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa´s Head of Management Board, paid tribute to the GREATEST of all time. “Nobody will ever forget what Ali has achieved,” he said. “He was the GREATEST of all time because he defeated the best opponents out there. The World Boxing Super Series is all about the best fighting the best, and that is why we named the trophy after him.”
With three high-profile signings confirmed and many more to come, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. “The quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has officially begun and we are thrilled to welcome two unbeaten world champions and a top-ranked challenger, who is a former champion, to the World Boxing Super Series,” Dalmiglio said. “They have accepted the ultimate challenge to determine the best cruiserweight in the world.”
Season 1 of the World Boxing Super Series will feature the cruiserweights and super-middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight top fighters will battle out a bracket-style elimination tournament. There will be four quarter-finals (September / October 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018), which makes for a total of 14 high-class fights. “We have received a massive amount of applications for both divisions,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa`s Chief Boxing Officer. “The best fighters are lining up to be in the tournament. Just like the fans, they love the format and the fact that there will only be one man standing at the end.”
Richard Schaefer, Comosa`s Chairman of the Americas, added: “We promised you the biggest names and champions in the divisions and here we are delivering. More names will follow shortly. We simply can’t wait to get the action started!”
The quarter-final pairings will be determined during the Draft Gala in Monaco in early July. In each weight class, the four top-seeded boxers (which will be determined by the Comosa Board) will select their quarter-final opponents from the four unseeded boxers. Once the pairings are set, the exact fight dates and venues will be announced. Details about the participants in the super-middleweight division will be revealed shortly.
For more information, please visit www.WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

New York, NY/Louisville, KY – May 25, 2017 – Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, in association with Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues, has announced that its promotional debut will be a quadruple-header televised live on CBS Sports Net, on Saturday, June 24, at 10pm ET, from Freedom Hall, in Louisville, KY. The inaugural installment of the “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series, branded as “Evander’s Tribute to Ali”, will be a part of the local “I AM ALI” Festival in honor of Muhammad Ali, one year after the champ’s passing. Headlining the card will be the always-exciting heavyweight contender Derric Rossy facing Puerto Rican Carlos Negron in a 10-round bout with the vacant WBC Continental Americas title at stake.

“I am proud to bring this exciting card to Louisville, KY, as well as to the boxing fans around the world,” said Evander Holyfield, Co-Owner of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “We have entertaining fights featuring fearless competitors and this is how we want to set the standard for our company.”

“Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is determined to put on quality, competitive, entertaining bouts, and we believe that this debut event is undoubtedly representative of our company’s vision,” said Eric Bentley, COO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “The main event on June 24 is truly a crossroads bout, with highly touted Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron stepping up to challenge the seasoned gatekeeper Derric Rossy, who has been in with the best and will be hungry to keep his world title hopes alive. In the co-feature, Puerto Rican Olympian Enrique Collazo faces his toughest challenge in the battle-tested and always dangerous Steven Martinez. We will also be showcasing our newly signed, extremely talented junior lightweight contender Toka Kahn Clary, as he continues his comeback in a special attraction eight-round bout. A clash of welterweight prospects will open up the card, with Pete Dobson and Jeremy Nichols willing to risk their undefeated records.”

Over his 12-plus-year professional career, heavyweight Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) has proven his willingness to take on any challenge, always entertaining fans with his all-action style. Rossy, of Medford, Long Island, NY, turned pro in 2004 after winning the New York Golden Gloves tournament and has been promoted his entire career by Sal Musumeci, now doing business as President/CEO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. His resume reads like a who’s who of heavyweight contenders, with battles against Eddie Chambers, Alexander Dimitrenko, Kubrat Pulev, Maurice Harris, Audley Harrison, Fres Oquendo, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Bermane Stiverne and Erkan Teper. Rossy holds impressive victories versus Gary Bell, Ray Mercer, Travis Walker, 26-1 Carl Drummond, 21-1 Joe Hanks and 16-0 Axror Muralimov, and has won numerous titles including the New York State, NABO, WBC Asian, WBC Fecarbox, WBC-USNBC, and the IBF North American heavyweight belts. He is coming off of a second-round stoppage win over Richard Carmack on December 10.

“Facing Negron is another great fight in the right direction for my career,” said Rossy. “A tall, athletic and tough boxer like Negron is going to be a difficult task, but at this point in my career, there are no easy fights. I am looking forward to getting in the ring against Negron with the WBC Continental Americas belt on the line. There is a lot of excitement in the heavyweight division again and a win on June 24 will get me back in the rankings and ready to make some noise.”

Carlos Negron (19-1, 15 KOs) is a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, from San Juan. Standing at 6’6”, he turned pro in 2009, and his only loss came in 2011. Currently riding a six-fight winning streak, Negron won the WBC Fecarbox title on September 9, 2016, with a first-round TKO over 20-3 Andy Perez. In his last bout, Negron knocked out 17-0 Cristian Galvez in two rounds, on December 19. The June 24 fight will be his first stateside appearance since 2010.

“I’m very excited to be back and put up a great fight for the fans in Louisville, KY,” said Negron. “Rossy is a good fighter, but I am ready to win this fight and capture the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight championship. I can’t wait to get to Louisville and get back in the ring on June 24.”

In the televised co-feature, San Juan, Puerto Rico’s hard-hitting prospect Enrique Collazo (11-0-1, 9 KOs), a 2012 Olympian, will square off against Steven Martinez in an eight-round middleweight contest, in what will be his toughest test to date. Collazo won the WBC Fecarbox middleweight title on April 22, 2016, with an eight-round unanimous decision over Oscar Riojas, then defended the belt last September. Having fought mostly at home in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, this will be Collazo’s first fight in the US since his February 2013 pro debut that ended in a draw.

Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but now based out of The Bronx, NY, Steven Martinez (17-3, 13 KOs) is trained by Marco Suarez and has been a pro since 2009. On December 19, 2015, Martinez earned his most impressive win, stopping 29-5-1 Jorge Melendez inside two rounds. He has never been knocked out, and two of his losses came via split and majority decisions. As an amateur, Martinez accumulated a 103-17 record and was a three-time New York Golden Gloves champion, three-time New York Metro champion, two-time Empire State Games champion and a National Golden Gloves champion in 2008, where he was voted the ‘Most Outstanding Boxer’ of the tournament.

Junior lightweight contender Toka Kahn Clary (21-1, 15 KOs) will continue his quest for a world title, competing in an eight-round special attraction bout. He has rebounded from his only loss last September with two wins by knockout. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Kahn Clary immigrated to the United States as a child, initially living in Philadelphia, PA, before settling in Providence, RI. Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. since his amateur days, Kahn Clary turned pro in 2012. A highly accomplished amateur with a 119-11 record, Kahn Clary began boxing at age 14 and was a National Golden Gloves champion and a five-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Welterweight up-and-comers “Pistol” Pete Dobson (8-0, 5 KOs), of The Bronx, NY, and Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, NV, put their undefeated records on the line in the eight-round televised opener. A New York Golden Gloves champion, Dobson is a fan-friendly, aggressive volume-puncher who can box as well as brawl. While still an amateur, Nichols, originally from Long Beach, CA, gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Jr. leading into the mega fight with Manny Pacquiao. Nichols is intent on testing himself, as Dobson will be his fourth unbeaten adversary upon turning pro in October 2015. Both Dobson and Nichols will compete in their first scheduled eight-rounder.

The stacked undercard off-TV will include Real Deal Sports & Entertainment prospects Devaun “Unique” Lee (7-2-1, 3 KOs), a middleweight from Queens, NY, and Louisville lightweight Carlos Dixon, a nationally ranked amateur and three-time regional Golden Gloves champion, in his pro debut. Two amateur bouts will open up the event.

Tickets for the live event on June 24, promoted by Real Deal Sports & Entertainment in association with Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues, are priced at $105, $79, $58 and $41. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster, online at this link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Real-Deal-Championship-Boxing-tickets/artist/2374260?tm_link=tm_homeA_b_10004_6 or by calling 800-745-3000. Doors open at 6:00pm ET, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00pm ET.

VENUM is a proud sponsor of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12, 2016 – An untitled HBO Entertainment multi-part documentary about the life and career of Muhammad Ali from LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment and Antoine Fuqua’s Fuqua Films has started production and will debut on the network, it was announced today by Kary Antholis, president, HBO Miniseries and CINEMAX Programming. Directed by acclaimed feature-film director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “Southpaw,” “The Magnificent Seven”) the documentary will explore Ali’s greatest triumphs and comebacks, painting an intimate portrait of a man who, against all odds, dreamed and achieved the impossible, over and over again.
“Muhammad Ali is indisputably one of the most iconic and distinctive figures in the history of world sports,” said Antholis. “His impact resonates far beyond the boxing ring and is woven deep into the cultural and social tapestry of the second half of the 20th century. From the moment LeBron James told us of his deep visceral connection to Ali’s life and legacy, we were committed to helping him realize this film, and our enthusiasm has only grown as Antoine Fuqua has developed his compelling cinematic vision for telling one man’s incredible journey.”
“It’s tough to put into words how much it means to me to be a part of this project honoring the legacy and telling the extremely important story of the great Muhammad Ali,” says LeBron James. “He transcended sports and used his platform to empower people, which paved the way for all athletes and people of every race and gender that came after him, myself included. It’s important that his story continues for generations to come, and it’s an honor for SpringHill Entertainment and me to be a part of this.”
“Muhammad Ali meant many things to many people, and he is someone who had a deep impact on me from an early age,” says Antoine Fuqua. “Being given the opportunity to tell his story, both inside and outside of the ring, is a privilege, and a dream come true, and I couldn’t have found better partners than LeBron and HBO to help memorialize ‘The Greatest of All Time.’ ”
The story of Muhammad Ali is a study in greatness. A 1960 Olympic gold medalist from racially divided Louisville, Ky., and longtime heavyweight champion, he forged a long and tumultuous career inside the ring, and confronted a chaotic life outside the ring. Through it all, he continued to rise above his own imperfections, and challenge the imperfections of the world around him.
Ali never chose the easy path, and that fierce unwillingness to back down helped galvanize his greatness. It also contributed to his ultimate decline, both inside and outside the ring, as tragic and painful as it was to witness. His personality, his voice, his message and his legacy all endure.
Said Lonnie Ali: “We are at a perfect time in history, and in our lives as Americans, to welcome this special documentary on Muhammad with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment and HBO. This documentary will have national and global appeal. I’m hopeful this documentary will engage the audience in a similar way Muhammad engaged his audience and fans. Without a doubt, Muhammad’s life journey provides simple yet extraordinary lessons for all of us, with perhaps the most important one being, to see and embrace the humanity in all people.”
The production team is highlighted by one of today’s most socially responsible and community-minded athletes, NBA superstar and three-time world champion LeBron James.
The film is being produced with full participation of the Muhammad Ali family estate coordinated through Jamie Salter, chairman and CEO of the Authentic Brands Group, the majority stakeholder of the Muhammad Ali Brand.
The documentary will combine archival footage and gorgeous, cinematic recreations that will transport viewers into the ring and at home with “The Greatest of All Time.” The production will also feature never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections of the Ali family and others.
The film is an HBO Entertainment presentation in association with SpringHill Entertainment and Fuqua Films; executive producers, LeBron James, Antoine Fuqua, Maverick Carter, Paul Wachter, Bill Gerber, Jamie Salter and Glen Zipper; directed by Antoine Fuqua; producer, Sean Stuart; written by Steven Leckhart.

LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2016) — Sugar Ray Leonard, a member of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NVBHOF) inaugural class in 2013, will return to the Hall’s 2016 induction ceremony to pay tribute to the late Muhammad Ali. Leonard, who won a 1976 Olympic gold medal and world titles in five weight classes as a pro, will give a speech, “What Muhammad Ali Meant to Me,” as part of the annual induction dinner on Saturday, July 30 at Caesars Palace.

Ali was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. His health prevented him from attending, but his daughter, Rasheda, accepted the honor in his place.

As a special treat on July 30, Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, will attend the ceremony as a guest of the World Boxing Council and its president, Mauricio Sulaiman.

Inductees for the NVBHOF’s fourth class are boxers Ray “Boom Boom”Mancini, Pernell Whitaker, Christy Martin, Ricardo Lopez and Freddie Little; trainers Kenny Adams, Thell Torrance and Johnny Tocco and journalists Tim Dahlberg and James “Smitty” Smith.

Remaining tickets are available at the NVBHOF’s website at nvbhof.com for $300
or $175 (ceremony and dinner) or $75 (ceremony only). The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is a 501 c-3 organization and all proceeds benefit boxing-related charities.

Richmond, VA (6/30/16) – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are proud to announce they will be honoring the life of the late Muhammad Ali at The Diamond starting on July 19th, marking the 20th Anniversary of Ali lighting the Olympic Torch. The Squirrels will be wearing unique jerseys featuring a butterfly and a bee on the front and boxing gloves with numerals on the back (Click here for rendering). The special Ali jerseys worn on July 19th will be available for auction online (auction details below) with all monies raised from the jersey auction donated to the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center at VCU Medical Center. The Squirrels will then wear a similar Ali tribute jersey on September 1st against the Hartford Yard G.O.A.T.S. (to commemorate the Greatest Of All Time). Other Ali-themed promotions will take place during the game.

The Flying Squirrels organization has a special connection with the boxing community through President and Managing General Partner Lou DiBella. DiBella’s name has become synonymous with boxing after an 11-year run at HBO sports. He created and orchestrated the highly successful series, “Boxing After Dark.” Under his guidance, HBO experienced enormous success with some of the most high profile matches in boxing history. After leaving HBO, Lou formed DiBella Entertainment and has established it as one of the world’s leading boxing promotional companies. During his career, DiBella has forged a friendship with the Ali family. In honor of the life of Muhammad Ali, the Squirrels will be adding a permanent tribute on the concourse with boxing gloves signage.

“Muhammad Ali was much more than a boxer; he was a person of principle and a kind and giving man,” said Lou DiBella. “His positive impact on this world transcends sports and his legacy lives on. It’s appropriate for us to honor Muhammad in the Greater Richmond Area by raising funds and awareness for VCU’s Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center. It’s also fitting that he be honored, like Arthur Ashe, with a permanent tribute in our ballpark.”

Auction #1 Details
The first Ali jersey auction will begin exclusively online on Sunday,July 17th at 9:00 PM. The bidding will end on Sunday, July 24th at 9:00 PM. The July 19th jerseys will feature the butterfly and bee design on the front with a boxing glove silhouette on the back. The July 19th jerseys will also feature a special patch on the sleeve commemorating the 20th anniversary of Ali lighting the Olympic Torch.

Auction #2 Details
The second Ali jersey Auction will take place in-person at The Diamond on September 1st against the Hartford Yard Goats. The jerseys will have the butterfly and bee design on the front and the boxing glove silhouette on the back. September 1st jerseys will also feature a G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) patch on the sleeve. Bidding will end in the bottom of the sixth inning.

About the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center at VCU Medical Center

The Virginia Commonwealth University Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center combines research, clinical evaluation and treatment; and education and outreach to provide a coordinated approach for developing strategies that combat movement disorders and neurodegenerative disorders.

The Center was conceptualized by the Movers and Shakers, a local advocacy group that raised the funds necessary to launch the Center. The highly integrated, multidisciplinary Center moves groundbreaking research from novel approaches in the laboratory to clinical trials, translating discoveries into real-world treatments.

Season tickets, mini plans, and group packages are currently available by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN or online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com.

LOS ANGELES (June 24, 2016) – WBC Super Featherweight World Champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas was honored today with the Boxing Writers Association of American Muhammad Ali – Joe Frazier Fight of The Year Award. Vargas was onsite to receive the award in regard to his spectacular fight against former world champion Takashi Miura on November 21, 2015.

“I’m very grateful to recieve this award and I only hope to continue to give great fights to all the fans, ” said Francisco Vargas.

Serving as the co-main event to the highly anticipated Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alavrez event on Nov. 21, Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas stole the show and received unanimous Fight of the Year nods from Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com, The Bleacher Report, USA TODAY’s Boxing Junkie, The Sweet Science and Boxing Scene. The action packed fight featured knockdowns, great performances and a lot of heart from two of boxing’s’ most respected warriors; where Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas was able to claim the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship via ninth-round technical knockdown over Takashi Miura after suffering a knockdown during the fourth round. ESPN.com called the fight “the most dramatic comeback since the late Diego Corrales used a legendary 10th-round rally to stop Jose Luis Castillo and unify lightweight titles in 2005.”

For more information please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @GoldenBoyBoxing and @elbandido130.