MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS UNVEILS FULL CARD FOR MOST VALUABLE PROSPECTS V ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 IN ORLANDO, FL AVAILABLE GLOBALLY ON DAZN

NEW YORK, NY – January 23, 2024 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the full card and special broadcaster for Most Valuable Prospects V, the first prospects event of 2024, taking place on Friday, February 2 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL available globally on DAZN subscription. Most Valuable Prospects V, headlined by H20 Sylve (10-0, 9KOs) vs. Estivan Falcao (13-2, 7KOs) for the WBC Youth World Championship and presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, will feature super lightweights Orestes Velazquez (8-0, 7KOs) vs. Julian “The Quiet Storm” Smith (7-2, 5KOs) for the WBA International Title. Famed Filipino fighter Ninito Donaire will also join the event as an analyst and expert commentator, bringing his significant experience, success, and signature “flash” to the DAZN broadcast team. 

Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects V are available now via Ticketmaster

H2O Sylve and Estivan Falcao will headline Most Valuable Prospects V with a 10-round lightweight bout on Friday, February 2nd, for the WBC Youth World Championship. The 19-year-old phenom Sylve returns to the ring for his very first 10-round fight against Brazil’s Falcao. This fight marks a step up in class for Sylve, after his victory over Adam Kipenga, and his thrilling knockout of veteran William Silva on the Paul vs. Diaz card in August of 2023. With six years of professional fighting under his belt, Falcao will prove a challenge after back to back wins in 2023.

The highly anticipated WBA International Title super lightweight battle between Orestes Velazquez and Julian Smith will take place over ten rounds. Velazquez (8-0, 7KOs), from Cuba, triumphed over Mohamed Soumaoro in September of last year for the WBA International Super Lightweight title with a TKO in the eight round. The Las Vegas-based fighter gained this win six months after going the distance with Marcelino Lopez on the Benavidez-Caleb Plant undercard in Las Vegas, NV, in March of 2023. The inspirational Illinois native Smith (7-2, 5KOs), who is deaf, is a Chicago Golden Gloves champion and will be making his third appearance in the prospects series, where he most recently defeated Julio Rosa (8-3, 4KOs), by majority decision (59-55, 57-57, 60-54). Smith found out he won via sign language and celebrated his hard-fought victory with a heartfelt moment where his mom joined him in the ring.

Rounding out Most Valuable Prospects V will be lightweight undefeated Florida natives Benigno Aguilar (13-2-0, 7KOs) and Corey Marksman (8-0) as they battle over six rounds, and Maricela Cornejo (14-6, 5KOs) will take on Kandi Wyatt (10-4, 3KOs) in a welterweight bout across eight rounds. Cornejo fought Claressa Shields in June of 2023, with only two weeks’ notice before the bout. Despite the short notice, Cornejo took Shields the distance, ultimately losing via unanimous decision. Cornejo has decided to take a new path toward becoming a world champion, competing at welterweight, with Most Valuable Prospects marking only her second fight in this class. 

Providing commentary on these fights will be Nonito Donaire, the former boxing champion in four weight classes from flyweight to featherweight, and the oldest boxer in history to win a bantamweight world title – while being the first three-time champion in that weight class. Donaire also holds the distinction of gaining world championships in three consecutive decades, and is the sixth boxer to do so alongside legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Serving as analyst and expert commentator, Donaire will bring his incredible and unique POV to the DAZN broadcast team alongside Wade Plemons, Dan Canobbio and Sibley Scoles, and to fans around the world. The full card will be offered globally via DAZN subscription.

“In May of 2023, I headlined MVP’s very first Most Valuable Prospects event, and now I’m battling for the WBC Youth World Championship less than a year later. It’s an honor to come back to Orlando and represent the series for a second time,” said H20 Sylve. “Most Valuable Prospects has provided so many fighters – myself included – with a platform and opportunity in this sport and I’m looking forward to headlining for a second time. Thank you to MVP, Boxlab, Caribe, and DAZN for the opportunity and make sure to tune in on Friday, February 2nd to watch me give the WBC Youth World Championship belt a new home.”

“Most Valuable Prospects was introduced last year, and since that time we’ve provided up and coming fighters with a platform to display their skills and build their names. We couldn’t be more excited by this first installment of 2024, where we’ll see MVP phenom H20 Sylve battle Estivan Falcao for the WBC Youth World Championship in H20’s first 10-round bout, and Orestes Velazquez and Julian Smith fight for the WBA International Title,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “It’ll also be a big night and test for Maricela Cornejo, as she forges her path towards becoming world champion at welterweight against Kandi Wyatt, an important bout which continues Most Valuable Promotions’ support of women’s boxing. It’s truly a card created for the fans, and another great representation for Most Valuable Prospects. Thank you to DAZN, Boxlab, Caribe Royale Resort, and CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy for another year of partnership.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and promoted by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The fifth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of Most Valuable Promotions and the Most Valuable Prospects series. 

For more information, follow on Twitter via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

How to watch DAZN  

  • Visit DAZN.com and follow the steps to sign up now
  • Once signed up, download the DAZN app to watch on any device
  • Go to the app store on your chosen device, search ‘DAZN’ and download the DAZN app  
  • DAZN is available on your phone, tablet, smart TV, streaming devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles. 
  • Connect multiple devices to your account to watch at home or on the go  

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? 

DAZN is the NFL’s global partner and, from the 2023 season, will be the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match through the NFL Game Pass International add-on subscription. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.? DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.?

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DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialize, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.?

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to a ground-breaking rights catalog and slate of incredible content. In the UK and globally, DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and can find the app on their iPhone, iPad, and android mobile devices. DAZN is available as an Amazon Channel on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed on Channel 429 on Sky in the UK and Ireland.   

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.??




NEW WBC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMP ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO EXPECTS KEEPING THE TITLE WILL BE EVEN HARDER THAN HIS UPHILL CLIMB TO WIN IT

Despite overcoming several pre-fight distractions and challenges in the weeks and months leading up to his title-winning victory over legendary four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire, newly crowned WBC World Bantamweight Champion Alexandro “Peque” Santiago says the truly difficult part of his veteran career starts now.

Fighting on the televised undercard of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford pay-per-view superfight on Saturday, July 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs), from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, notched a unanimous decision victory over “The Filipino Flash” Donaire by scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112.

The victory was made even more impressive by the fact that Santiago trained for the fight while also welcoming the birth of his son less than two months earlier, the fight being rescheduled from its original date of July 15 last minute, and his family duplex partially burning down on June 30.

“It was an accident,” explained Santiago. “The top floor of the house, where my relatives were staying, burned down. I live with my parents right now and, thankfully, the firefighters were able to stop the fire before it got to the first floor.”

Santiago, who has had to endure no less than five controversial draws in his 10-year career, including one against then IBF junior bantamweight titlist Jerwin Ancajas for the title in September 2018, says that nothing thrown his way was going to affect his second chance at a world title.

“The fire started close to 1 am in the morning. The next day I was supposed to go to San Diego to spar, but we had to cancel so I could help with the recovery of the salvageable part of the house and to make our part livable again. But, I was so focused, I didn’t allow myself to be affected because I wanted to win the title and nothing would stop me. I’ve always been on the B side and that’s why I am always so hungry and prepared to the best of my ability no matter what happens. It makes no difference to me.

The 27-year-old Santiago says he enjoyed a welcoming reception upon returning home from the victory.

“A lot of my family couldn’t travel to watch the fight, so it was an amazing reception everybody was on the street waiting for me. I felt this overwhelming joy they were so proud of me. I worked so hard most of my life and it’s an amazing feeling to have achieved this finally.

“But,” continued Santiago, “now that I’ve been able to achieve my dream and win the title, I will work even harder to be able to keep it. I always want to be champion. I know I must work even harder now to make that happen.”

“Alex is one of the most dedicated fighters I’ve ever worked with,” said his long-time promoter Paco Damian. “He has an amazing ability to stay focused, no matter what happens. He gets a bad decision in a fight he won? He works harder. His house burns down during training camp? He works harder. Nothing stops Alex from reaching his goals and that’s what makes him special.”

“He deserves to be champion for all the things he’s conquered to get here,” added co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “Imagine training for a world-title fight while your house is half-burned. That’s why he is where he is and that’s why he’ll be at the top for a long time to come.”

“My priority right now is to help my dad rebuild the portion that burned down and stay focused and humble and work hard to maintain this title, so that in the future, I have enough to buy a house for my wife and son,” concluded Santiago.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.




This Bud Is Forever: Crawford claims his era with defining stoppage of Spence

LAS VEGAS –It’s always been what Terence Crawford said it was.

It’s his era.

This Bud is forever.

Terence “Bud” Crawford delivered the proof – definitively – Saturday with a devastating ninth-round stoppage of Errol Spence Jr. in front of a T-Mobile Arena crowd that roared, first in disbelief and then in just plan admiration.

At his best, Crawford has been The Sweetest Scientist of his generation. But the proof was always elusive for the welterweight from Omaha, a midwestern city in a state known more for college football, wheat and Warren Buffett than boxing.

“Nobody believed me,’’ Crawford said in a ring crowded with his fans, officials and cops.

They do, now.

Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) was at his scientific best, breaking down fighters in a way nobody ever has. Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) had never been knocked down. Crawford floored him three times, once in the second and twice in the seventh.

Crawford’s many – now former – critics often complained about his resume. The question was always:

Who have you fought?

Spence and his trainer, Derrick James, asked exactly that question just a few days before opening bell.

But he dominated Spence as much as he has everyone else in his era. Perhaps, more so.

To wit: Crawford found himself in tougher fights against Shawn Porter and Jose Benavidez Jr. Porter’s dad threw in the towel after 10 rounds. Benavidez didn’t fall until the 12th and final round.

Dominance defines Crawford, explains his era. He’s been so dominant that it’s almost hard to believe. Until now.

“It means everything because of who I took the belts from,’’ said Crawford, who added Spence’s three belts, giving him an undisputed four for the second time in his career. “They tried to blackball me. They kept me out. They talked bad about me. They said I wasn’t good enough and I couldn’t beat these welterweights.

“I just kept my head to the sky and kept praying to God that I would get the opportunity to show the world how great Terence Crawford is. Tonight, I believe I showed how great I am.”

There was no argument from Spence, who fought for only the third time since his scary auto accident.

“My timing was a little bit off,’’ Spence said.  “He was just the better man tonight.

“He was just throwing the hard jab. He was timing with his jab. His timing was just on point. I wasn’t surprised by his speed or his accuracy. It was everything I thought.

“We gotta do it again. I’m going to be a lot better. It’ll be a lot closer. It’ll probably be in December and the end of the year. I say we gotta do it again. Hopefully, it will happen 154 (pounds).”

Their contract includes a rematch clause. But Crawford’s dominance might erode the public demand for a sequel.

It was apparent in the second round. Crawford threw a left hand. Then a jab. Then a precise combination. Spence was down, down for the first time in his career. He looked confused. Defeat was on his horizon for the first time.

Seven rounds later, defeat was reality.

In the seventh, Crawford dropped Spence with a counter. He dropped him again with a right hook set up by an uppercut to the body.

It was just a matter of time. That time arrived in the ninth. Referee Harvey Dock looked at Spence, bloodied in the face and standing unsteady legs. Dock ended at 2:32 of the ninth.

“It was a good stoppage,’’ Crawford said.

It’s been an even better era..

Isaac Cruz wins split decision

Isaac Cruz is built like a boulder. He moves like one.too. He tirelessly pursues, picking up momentum from round to round like a stone moving down a slight incline. Don’t get on his way. Giovanni Cabrera did. Punishment was the price.

Somehow, Cabrera stayed upright. Somehow, he survived.

But he lost anyway, losing a debatable split-decision to the stronger, more aggressive Cruz Saturday night in the last fight before the long-awaited Crawford-Spence main event.

Two judges scored it for Cruz, 114-113 and 115-112. A third judge, Glenn Feldman had it 114-113 for Cabrera. Fledman’s score was announced first. The crowd groaned. But there was no outrage this time. Just questions.

“I thought I dominated the first,” Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs), of Mexico City, said through an  interpreter.

So did the crowd. But Cruz, who put himself in line for a shot at lightweight champion Tank Davis, hurt himself by holding in the eighth round. He was penalized a point. He also could never knock down the game Cabrera (21-1, 7 KOs, who is trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach.  

Repeatedly, Cruz fired menacing shots from a crouch. Lefts and rights from all angles were launched as Cruz seemed to spring up and forward at the taller Cabrera. A couple of the shots, successive left, landed and echoed throughout an arena that was beginning to fill up with restless anxious for the Crawford-Spence showdown.

40-year-old Nonito Donaire loses bid for another title

It was a Filipino hello. And a Filipino goodbye

A T-Mobile Arena crowd welcomed back Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao as a fan at about the same time it prepared to say goodbye to Nonito Donaire as a fighter.

It was a moment, a slice of Filipino history, that transpired late in a  Donaire loss to Mexican Alexandndro Santiago for the World Boxing Council’s bantamweight title in a pay-per-view bout Saturday on the Spence-Crawford card.

Doniare, certain to be a Hall of Famer, didn’t say he would retire in the immediate aftermath of a unanimous-decision defeat.

“I love the sport tso much,” said Donaire, a 116-112, 115-113, 116-112 loser.  “But I’ll have to go back, talk to wife and see what’s next.”

A long twelve rounds was evidence that very little is left. Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs) looked every bit his age. He’s 40. He had hoped to become the oldest bantamweight champion ever. But Santiago proved repeatedly that it’s a younger man’s sport. Santiago (28-35, 14 KOs) displayed more energy and quicker feet.  

He made Donaire look almost stationary. The middle-aged Filipino no longer had the energy in his legs or feet to set up the Donaire power that still echoes over his many many years in the ring.

Yoenis Telez wins third-round stoppage

He was the stand-in. He also was the last one standing.

Yoenis Tellez, a substitute for injured junior-middleweight prospect Jesus Ramos of Casa Grande AZ, delivered power that surprised Sergio Garcia and then beat him Saturday in the Showtime pay-per-view opener on the Errol Spence-Terence Crawford card at T-Mobile Arena.

Tellez (6-0, 5 KOs), a Cuban, rocked Garcia (34-3, 14 KOs) with a right hand set up by a glancing left. Garcia’s knees buckled. It looked as if he might go down. But he caught himself and quickly sprung back up. This time, Telez was there to meet the Spaniard with anotherleft tnat  put him down.

Again, Gracia jumped up .But he had an uncertain look in his eyes as referee Robert Hoyle counted. Then, Garcia stumbled  as he tried to walk to his corner. That’s when Hoyle ended it, a TKO at 2:02 of the third round.

Steven Nelson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Rowdy Legend Montgomery in a super middleweight fight.

Nelson, 167.8 lbs of Omaha, NE won by scores 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 19-0. Montgomery, 166.8 lbs of Victorville, CA is 10-5-1.

Jose Salas stopped Aston Palicte in round four of their 10-round super bantamweight.

Salas dropped Palicte to a knee in round four. Palicte got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:30.

Salas is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Palicte is 28-8-1.

Jabin Chollet wins second-round TKO

Jabin Chollet probably broke more of a sweat after the fight than he did during it.

Chollet (8-0, 7 KOs) headed out,  back into Vegas”s meltdown heat, after some quick work, a second-round stoppage  of Michael Portales (3-2-1, 1 KO) in a lightweight bout on the non-televised portion of the Spence-Crawford card Saturday at T-Mobile.

The overmatched Portales, of Hayward CA, was simply too small for Chollet, of San Diego. 

Demier Zamora wins easily, scores a scorecard shutout of Buzolin

He calls himself The War Machine. But there was no war Saturday. More like maneuvers.

Las Vegas lightweight Demier Zamora (12-0, 9 KOs) had all of the right ones, out-maneuvering Nikolai Buzolin (9-5-1, 5 KOs), of Brooklyn NY,  throughout eight rounds for a shutout decision in the third fight on the Crawford-Spence card. 

DeShawn Prather scores knockdown, wins narrow decision

Only a knockdown separated DeShawn Prather from Kevin Ventura .

A fifth round knockdown of Ventura allowed Prather to escape with a narrow victory in a welterweight fight Saturday afternoon about six hours before the Spence-Crawford showdown for the undisputed welterweight title at T-Mobile..

Prather (16-1, 2 KOs), of Kansas City, got a unanimous decision, 57-56 on all three cards against Ventura (11-1, 8 KOs), of Omaha.

First Bell: Spence-Crawford card off to a hot start

On the streets, there was no way to avoid the 112-degree heat. Inside T-Mobile Arena, there was no avoiding Justin Viloria.

Viloria (3-0, 3 KOs) got the Errol Spence-Terence Crawford show off to a hot start in a Saturday matinee, scoring a fourth-round stoppage of Pedro Borgaro (4-1, 2 KOs) in a junior-lightweight bout.

The aggressive Viloria, of Whittier CA, went on to land successive shots. By the fourth, a tiring Borgaro, of Mexico, looked defenseless. At 41 seconds of the round, referee Robert Hoyle ended it.




FUTURE HALL OF FAMER NONITO DONAIRE AND MEXICO’S ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO TO MEET FOR VACANT WBC BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ON SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD SATURDAY, JULY 29

LAS VEGAS – July 12, 2023 – Future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire will battle Mexican contender Alexandro Santiago for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford on Saturday, July 29 in a Premier Boxing Champions events from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the telecast opener, top prospect Yoenis Tellez, who is guided by renowned trainer Ronnie Shields will take on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 10-round super welterweight attraction. Garcia was originally scheduled to face Jesus Ramos Jr. However Ramos was forced to withdraw due to a hand injury.

The Donaire vs. Santiago fight, which was originally scheduled to take place July 15, will be the second fight of the pay-per-view. The previously announced Gurgen Hovhannisyan vs. Viktor Faust bout was removed after Faust was forced to withdraw because of a back injury.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

One of the sport’s most accomplished active fighters, Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs) has captured titles at flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. He will look to make another run at bantamweight after capturing the title with a May 2021 knockout of Nordine Oubaali and eventually a defeat to Naoya Inoue in their June 2022 rematch. Representing his native Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, Donaire’s previous campaign at bantamweight began in 2018 by upsetting then unbeaten champion Ryan Burnett in his hometown to capture a title once again, before eventually dropping the belt in the 2019 Fight of the Year in his first matchup against Inoue.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to become a world champion once again on an already historic night for boxing,” said Donaire. “I’m thankful to my team for this opportunity and I’m going to do everything I can to make the most of it. We’re working really hard on defense and being as fast as possible. It’s been an amazing camp and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

A native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Santiago (27-3-5, 14 KOs) will compete for a bantamweight crown for the first time in his career on July 15, as he enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak since a majority decision loss to Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. The 27-year-old had previously fought for a 115-pound championship in September 2018, battling Jerwin Ancajas to a split-draw. Santiago most recently avenged one of the draws on his record, as he stopped Antonio Nieves in seven rounds last October.

“I have been waiting five years to get another world title opportunity, so another two weeks is nothing,” said Santiago. “I’m still focused and working hard. The objective and target is still the same. I’m very fortunate and would like to thank my team for this great opportunity to be part of such an amazing event on July 29.”

The 23-year-old Tellez (5-0, 4 KOs) is the latest young standout from boxing-rich Cuba looking to make a splash early in the pro ranks. A native of Santiago de Cuba, Tellez now trains in Stafford, Texas with Shields and first turned pro in June 2020. Tellez has already scored two victories in 2023, including most recently earning a shutout unanimous decision over Cameron Krael in May.

“I’m super excited to be a part of this huge event,” said Tellez. “Spence vs. Crawford is the best fight in boxing and it is a blessing to be part of this big night and facing a legit top-10 contender in Sergio Garcia. I look forward to boxing fans seeing a new star of the super welterweight division. I can’t wait to shine under the bright lights!”

Garcia (34-2, 14 KOs) returned to the ring in April to defeat Ricardo Sebastian Cabana before he steps into the ring for his third stateside bout on July 29. His only career defeats have come via decision as he dropped a December 2021 bout against top contender Sebastian Fundora and an April 2022 clash against former world champion Tony Harrison. Fighting out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, the 30-year-old has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by traveling to the U.K. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his home soil in 2019 and followed that up with a triumph over veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko.

“I’m very thankful to my team for keeping me on this exceptional card,” said Garcia. “I’m very happy to be able to show my boxing skills to the whole world. It is very unfortunate what happened to Rams, but these things happen in boxing. Now I’m facing Tellez, who is at a much higher level than his record shows. He’s a great fighter and I’m going to give it my all to beat him. I know that a good performance on a big card in the U.S. will put me right on the doorstep of a world title.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceCrawford, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.




TOP LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER FRANK MARTIN DUELS UNBEATEN OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST ARTEM HARUTYUNYAN IN WBC TITLE ELIMINATOR SATURDAY, JULY 15 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT FROM THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – June 16, 2023 – Undefeated top contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin will take on undefeated Olympic bronze medalist Artem Harutyunyan in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator topping action live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see future Hall of Famer and Filipino star Nonito Donaire battle Mexican contender Alexandro Santiago for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the co-main event, plus top super lightweight contender Elvis Rodriguez meets former world champion Viktor Postol in a 10-round showdown opening the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

“Every time Frank Martin gets in the ring, he shows why he’s a future world champion and one of the most talented fighters in the sport,” said unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr., Martin’s promoter. “I’ve been seeing him up close day after day in the gym, and I know he’s gonna look spectacular on July 15. Don’t miss this one, because you’re going to be seeing a special fighter at the top of his game.”

“Frank Martin has established himself in the top-tier of fighters in the star-studded lightweight division and can take another big step toward earning his world title shot against the tough Olympic bronze medalist Artem Harutyunyan on July 15 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With a world championship on the line between all-time great Nonito Donaire and Mexico’s Alexandro Santiago in the co-main event, and a high-level crossroads fight between Elvis Rodriguez and Viktor Postol in the telecast opener, this card sets up to deliver memorable clashes throughout the night.”

The 28-year-old Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) stamped his status as one of the elite 135-pounders in the sport last December at The Cosmopolitan as he dropped the previously unbeaten Michel Rivera on his way to a dominant unanimous decision . Martin’s initial ascent at 135-pounds saw him begin by stopping then unbeaten Jerry Perez in April 2021 before dispatching of tough contenders Jackson Marinez, Romero Duno and Ryan Kielczweski. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas-area under the guidance of highly renowned trainer Derrick James and alongside his promoter and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“Anyone who doesn’t know about me, I want to wake them up to who I am with a great performance on July 15,” said Martin. “I’m locked in and I have a lot of momentum on my side. There’s a great energy in our gym and I’m ready to show everybody what I’ve been working on. I know he’s undefeated too and coming in there to try and upset me, but we’ll be prepared for whatever he brings. I’m ready to make a statement. I’m definitely not looking past Harutyunyan, but I’m ready for the best fighters and this performance will show everyone how ready I am.”

Harutyunyan (12-0, 7 KOs) earned a Bronze medal representing Germany at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in late 2017. Born in Armenia and now fighting out of Hamburg, Germany, Harutyunyan scored a career-best victory by knocking out then unbeaten Samuel Molina in five rounds in September 2021 and most recently defeated Humberto Galindo by unanimous decision last June. The 32-year-old will make his U.S. debut on July 15 after fighting in Germany for his first 12 outings.

“I respect all of my opponents, but Frank Martin is just my next step toward reaching my dream of becoming world champion,” said Harutyunyan. “I’m very happy to be making my U.S. debut in Las Vegas and I know that the crowd is going to love me. I’ve been training in Germany and working hard for months now. All of this is going to lead to an extraordinary win over Frank Martin.”

One of the sport’s most accomplished active fighters, Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs) has captured titles at flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. He will look to make another run at bantamweight after capturing the title with a May 2021 knockout of Nordine Oubaali and eventually a defeat to Naoya Inoue in their June 2022 rematch. Representing his native Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, Donaire’s previous campaign at bantamweight began in 2018 by upsetting then unbeaten champion Ryan Burnett in his hometown to capture a title once again, before eventually dropping the belt in the 2019 Fight of the Year in his first matchup against Inoue.

“I’m coming to the ring on July 15 to take that belt home and there’s no second option for me,” said Donaire. “I’m thankful to my team for this opportunity and I’ve been training hard to make the most of it. I’ve brought in some really fast fighters who have helped me prepare, and my team has really focused on giving me some defensive pointers. I’m ahead of schedule right now and I can’t wait to get in there.”

A native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Santiago (27-3-5, 14 KOs) will compete for a bantamweight crown for the first time in his career on July 15, as he enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak since a majority decision loss to Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021. The 27-year-old had previously fought for a 115-pound championship in September 2018, battling Jerwin Ancajas to a split-draw. Santiago most recently avenged one of the draws on his record, as he stopped Antonio Nieves in seven rounds last October.

“I would like to thank my whole team for this amazing opportunity,” said Santiago. “It has been a long time coming. I have been waiting for another world title opportunity since my draw with Ancajas. Camp has been great and I’m working extremely hard. It is also a great honor to be able to share the ring with one of the greatest of my generation, Nonito Donaire. However, this is my time to shine.”

Rodríguez (14-1-1, 12 KOs) has bounced back from his first career defeat, a majority decision loss to Kenneth Sims Jr., to defeat three-straight opponents. His most recent fight came in February on SHOWTIME as he defeated Joseph Adorno by decision to follow up stoppages of Juan Pablo Romero and Juan Jose Velasco. The 27-year-old burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights and totaled an impressive five wins in 2020. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez now lives and trains in Los Angeles, Calif.

“I’m very motivated to be back in the ring,” said Rodriguez. “Viktor Postol is a great fighter and warrior and has fought the best in this division. This will be an action-packed fight that no one should miss. I’m coming to prove that I deserve a title shot after this fight. Beating Postol in spectacular fashion is a statement that earns me that shot. I have a duty to myself, my family and my country to win on July 15. This is the most important fight of my career.“

A feared contender in the 140-pound division, Postol (31-4, 12 KOs) returns to the ring after a defeat to top contender Gary Antuanne Russell at The Cosmo in February 2022. Fighting out of California and originally from Ukraine, Postol, knocked out Lucas Matthysse in 2015 to capture a super lightweight world title before losing a unification showdown against Terence Crawford. Postol had won three of his previous five fights before facing Russell, with the only defeats in that stretch coming against the then-unified champion Jose Ramirez and the former undisputed champion Josh Taylor, both by decision.

“I’m very happy to be back in the ring fighting in the U.S. against a strong contender,” said Postol. “I know my opponent very well. We’ve both trained in the same with Freddie Roach and we’ve sparred together. Now we get to fight for real and prove who is better on July 15.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #MartinHarutyunyan, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




AUDIO: Nonito Donaire talks about working with Dylan Price and Breaks News on World Title Opportunity






VIDEO: Nonito Donaire talks about working with Dylan Price and Breaks News on World Title Opportunity




Nine-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire Confirmed For Price Promotions February 18th Pro Boxing Card”

CHESTER, PA (JANUARY 17, 2023)–Price Promotions who at this current time has one main goal, and one main focus and that focus is on Dylan Price. Dylan (Affectionately called) “Real Dyl” is a bantamweight contender that seems to be more times than not on the wrong end of the stick.

Price has won “Most Outstanding Boxer” in two National Tournaments, yet not many know of his name. He is a star, but at the lower divisions so… Well who the hell really cares, right? Now you have to also take into account that his father, David, is a very smart business mind so not too many promoters want to deal with that type of person.

The primary promoters choose to deal with people that can be told, and when confronted, will submit, but the senior Price was not really moved by the former nor the latter. However, there was one particular company that showed love to the Price’s. and that was Mayweather Promotions. They, particularly, Leonard Ellerbe were kind to the Price’s (In the way that they understand how to be) so that being said, David Price owes Leonard Ellerbe an apology. “I have done so via text and by voicemail and my final apology is in the form of this release” (how appropriate a word).

“However, as a whole, this industry is not without its share of undesirables. These individuals or even groups of individuals have conspired to keep my son Dylan and myself from mainstream boxing. I know, I know another bitter father that sees his son as something beyond his actual abilities. Well, riddle me this, if my son isn’t as good as I believe him to be, then why is it that to date we have never received a call from a matchmaker representing any of the minor or major promotional companies . Not even one can ever say that they have ever reached out with a possible match for my son. In other words if he isn’t what he thinks he is, then why not serve up another meal for one of your 118lb monsters? Why not have a seven- Time National Champion, Two -Time MVP that was 10-0, 11-0, 12-0, 13-0, 14-0 and is currently 15-0, with 10kos as an opponent for someone in your 118lb stable. All of the major boxing promotions have at least one 118lb boxer if not more, but still we are sitting here all by our lonesome. .. I’m sorry I digressed!!!!”

When Mayweather in their attempt to show love, had us featured on their Facebook channel in January 2019. We actually lost. Yes 15-0 Dylan Price has a loss! But Dylan also has a father who also has a heavenly Father who saw fit to have the Nevada State Athletic Commission make a random request to check this particular fighter’s urine, and to our surprise my former business partner and still close friend Doc Nowicki called me and said I was looking on Boxrec and Dylan’s name has an 0 beside it. I of course thought he was mistaken, but when I researched Boxrec, I saw the same. I immediately contacted the Commission and they confirmed that it was in- fact, accurate. He cheated, he cheated, he cheated, I celebrated!!!! But there’s not going to be much of a fuss surrounding positive news regarding a 115lb African American kid that had their record sponged due to cheating. Nope that gives those that were hoping that we failed more energy to galvanize.

Good plan but…………..the God that I serve saw otherwise. Long story for another time but this same individual has caught the eye of the former king ,and soon to be back on his throne to once-again be the king of the bantamweight division. That being future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Nonito Donaire.”

“The Filipino Flash” has agreed to be Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price’ trainer along with his beautiful wife Rachel. Rachel has proven that she is more than capable to function as the team’s lead strategist and strength Coach. The unlikely pair of families have in a relatively short period of time, developed a bond, a kindred spirit connection of some sorts.

Ok Listen you don’t have to have a THD in Theology to ask these questions;

  1. Why would a fighter in the same division share information from the first 10 minutes that he met another fighter? Why would he tell him secret techniques that he had developed over the course of his career?
  2. Why would a 40 year old, nine- time World Champion, that is still chasing greatness seeking an unprecedented 10th World Championship, decide to get on a plane, oh yeah, bring his wife at the bequest of the senior Price and assist them in training???
  3. A 118lber former King who is seeking title number ten, decides to take on as a protégé another contender in his current division by the name of Dylan Price, weird right? Either way as I said…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………

“Nine-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire Confirmed For Price Promotions February 18th Boxing Card”

Price Promotions will be having their first Star Studded Event of 2023 which will also be their 3rd event since conception. These Star Studded Events are focused around one individual fighter by the name of Dylan Price.

In each of the events, Price Promotions has created their version of “24/7” or “All Access” entitled 7on7, “7 weeks, 7 episodes, 7 minutes welcome to 7on7”. The 7on7 series can be currently viewed on Price Productions Youtube Page. There are several pages with this name but we are the one with 27 Subscribers (as of January 14, 2023). Filming has also begun on 6 mini sitcoms (several of which feature Dylan Price) created by Dr. David Price, President and Founder of Price Promotions, DKP Productions and Price Productions LLC. He is also the senior partner in an app being developed called Profetsplus.com (Prophets for Profit). The youngest boxer in the family will be making his professional debut at 135lbs. The 18 year old Devin “Baby Boy” Price (sometimes Kristian; another story, another day) is excited about the opportunity to begin his professional career on Saturday February 18th.

This Star Studded Event will be held on Saturday February 18, 2023 located at the Elevations Event Center at 51 S 9th Street, Chester Pa 19013.

Tickets will be released on Wednesday February 1, 2023 and the fight will be available for purchase on Pay-Per-View at Profetsplus.com

        The Dream Team:

  1. Fighter: Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price
  2. Trainer: Nonito Donaire;
  3. Trainer: David Price
  4. Trainer: Wade Hinnant
  5. Adjunct Trainer: Nate Campbell
  6. Adjunct Trainer: Paulie Malignaggi
  7. Strategist & Strength: Rachel Donaire
  8. Cutman: Danny Davis
  9. Chief Advisor: J Russell Peltz
  10. Public Relations: Marc Abrams
  11. Sponsor: APS, Shane Goodell
  12. Matchmaker: TBA

Price Promotions is still seeking a dynamic matchmakers to assist with several bouts




AUDIO: Nonito Donaire “I still have a lot more”






VIDEO: Nonito Donaire “I still have a lot more




NONITO DONAIRE – ‘I want Kazuto Ioka or Chocolatito next

LOS ANGELES, AUGUST 4 – Nonito Donaire is targeting huge fights at super flyweight with Kazuto Ioka and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez – before moving back up to chase bantamweight greatness. 

The former four-weight world champion has emphatically dismissed any idea of retiring following his brutal stoppage defeat to Naoya Inoue in June

Instead, the legendary Donaire, who will be 40 in November, intends on dropping down to the 115lbs division to chase mouth watering fights with WBO champion Ioka and the brilliant Chocolatito. 

And then the Filipino Flash plans to move back into the mix at bantamweight in pursuit of becoming the undisputed champion in that division. “It’s a really good fight with Chocolatito and people are saying it would be ‘legend versus legend’” Donaire told Probellum.com 

“It’s a big fight. But I do like the Ioka fight as well because I want to get that title and become a five-division champion and then move back up to 118 and go for the undisputed crown once everything else is open and I get another opportunity for it.” 

Donaire has revealed he was mulling over the move to super flyweight in the hours before he faced Inoue last month. 

“Before the fight with Inoue, Richard Schaefer and I talked about going down to 115,” Donaire said.  

“Making the weight was very simple for me and I made it quickly. I even made 117 before stepping on the scales.  

“Richard and I were talking and saying that regardless of what happens here, maybe I can go down to 115 and fight the guys in that division.  

“Richard is talking with Ioka’s people, with Mr Honda and he is talking to Chocolatito as well. It’s exciting, there are a lot of things to look forward to.” 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Donaire’s next move, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.????

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.?

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.




Inoue Makes Monstrous Statement; Stops Donaire in 2 in Rematch

Naoya Inoue made his claim to be considered the pound for pound best fighter in the world as he stopped Nonito Donaire to add the WBC Bantamweight title to his WBA/IBF crowns in Saitama, Japan.

At the end of round one, Inoue dropped Donaire with a quick counter right to the head. Donaire decided the fight Inoue, but that turned out to be a mistakes as Inoue rocked Donaire several times and buckled him badly with a left hook. Inoue jumped on Donaire and landed a big left hook that sent Donaire down again. When he got to his feet, he has a cut over his right eye and referee Michael Griffin deemed that Donaire was in no shape to continue at 1:24.

Inoue of Japan is now 23-0 with 20 knockouts. Donaire of the Philippines is now 42-7.

The bout was a rematch of a classic 2019 Fight of the Year, where Inoue won a decision.

Takuma Inoue Decisions Furuhashi

Takuma Inoue won an entertaining 12-round unanimous decision over Gakuya Furuhashi in a super bantamweight fight.

Inoue was dominant with crisp uppercuts with both hands against the hard charging Furuhashi. Furuhashi’s left eyelid was bleeding un the final round.

Inoue of Japan is now 16-1. Furuhashi is 28-9-2

Andy Hiraoka stopped Shun Akiawa in round six of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round one, Hiraoka dropped Akaiwa with a left uppercut.

In round six, Hiraoka turned up the heat and landed a hard barrage of punches that hurt Akaiwa, and the bout was stopped at 1:24.

Hiraoka is now 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Akaiwa is now 7-4-1.




FOLLOW INOUE – DONAIRE 2 LIVE!!

Follow all the action as Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire battle for the WBA/WBC/IBF Bantamweight titles in a rematch of the 2019 Fight of the Year. The action Kicks off at 5:30 AM ET / 2:30 AM PT/6:30 PM in Japan

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12 ROUNDS–WBA/WBC/IBF BANTAMWEIGHT TITLES–NAYOYA INOUE (22-0, 19 KOS) VS NONITO DONAIRE (42-6, 28 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
INOUE* 10 TKO                     10
DONAIRE 8                       8

Round 1: Left hook from Inoue..Counter left hook…Right…Jab…Left hook from Donaire..Left from Inoue…COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DONAIRE..

ROUND 2 Left Hook from Donaire…hard left from Inoue…Big left hook…Body shot…Left buckles Donaire badly…BIG LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES DONAIRE AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

12 Rounds–Super Bantamweights–Takuma Inoue (15-1, 3 KOs) vs Gakuya Furuhashi (28-8-2, 16 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Inoue 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 120
Furuhashi 9 9 9 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 109

Round 1 Inoue lands a jab…Furuhashi lands a right and left to the body..Left hook from Inoue…1-2..Right uppercut from Furuhashi..Left from Inoue
Round 2 Left hook from Inoue..Nice body work from Furuhashi…Right from Inoue…Triple uppercut
Round 3 Right uppercut from Inoue..Uppercut from Furuhashi..2 Punch combination from Inoue…Overhand right from Furuhashi..Nice right uppercut from Inoue…Double Uppercut..another double uppercut…big exchange…
Round 4 Nice uppercut from Inoue…Nice sweeping left hook…Nice right uppercut…Long right from Furuhashi..Landing power shots…
Round 5 Furuhashi landing body shots…Uppercuts from Inoue…Left hook to body…Right to body from Furuhashi..Jab from Inoue…Uppercut..Short right and left hook…Uppercut…
Round 6 2 Good body shots from Inoue…Double uppercut…
Round 7 Double left hook from Inoue…right and left uppercut…
Round 8 Inoue lands a left hook to the body…Exchanging of liver shots..Uppercut from Inoue…Nice body shot from Furuhashi…
Round 9 Nice combination from Inoue…Good right to the body by Furuhashi…
Round 10 Nice right cross and left uppercut from Inoue…Good right from Furuhashi…Nice right uppercut..Overhand right…Nice counter left from Inoue…Nice left hook from Furuhashi…Left from Inoue..Nice Jab from Furuhashi..
Round 11 Nice double uppercut from Inoue…Nice body shot from Furuhashi..Short left hook and right from Inoue..Right uppercut…Body work from Furuhashi…Right uppercut…
Round 12 Nice Body shot from Inoue..Blood from right eyelid of Furuhashi..Nice double uppercut from Inoue..Body shot from Furuhashi.

10 Rounds–Super Lightweights–Andy Hiraoka (19-0, 14 KOs) vs Shun Akaiwa (7-3-1, 5 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Hiraoka* 10 10 10 9 10 TKO             49
Akaiwa 8 9 9 10 10               46

Round 1 Left uppercut from Hiraoka…Straight left..LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN AKAIWA..Counter left and right from Akaiwa…
Round 2 Right hand from Akaiwa…left to body..Body shot and uppercut from Hiraoka..Nice body work
Round 3 Good right to body from Hiraoka..
Round 4 Nice right from Akaiwa…
Round 5 
Round 6 
Good right uppercut from Hiraoka..Hard overhand right…BARRAGE OF PUNCHES…FIGHT STOPPED




WEIGH-IN RESULTS – Nonito Donaire vs Naoya Inoue rematch

TOKYO, JUNE 6 – Nonito Donaire says he is “fired up” after making weight ahead of his eagerly awaited rematch with Naoya Inoue.

The 39-year-old tipped the scales at 117.8lbs in Yokohama earlier today (June 6), to comfortably come inside the bantamweight limit, while Inoue weighed in at 118lbs.

Donaire and his Japanese rival clash at the Super Arena in Saitama tomorrow, with the WBC, WBA and IBF world titles on the line, in a fight the whole of boxing will be watching.

After squaring off with Inoue for the final time before fight night, the Filipino Flash said:“I feel good, I feel great.  It is going to be an amazing night and you can look forward to seeing the best of me.

“I am very fired up and it is going to be a very exciting fight!”

CARL FRAMPTON SEES ‘SHOCK’ IN STORE

NEW GLOVES TO MAKE BIG DIFFERENCE – DONAIRE

The rematch of 2019’s Fight of the Year headlines an event which is promoted by Ohashi Promotion and Teiken Promotions, in association with Probellum, with the first fight due to start at 4:50pm local time, and Donaire vs Inoue scheduled for 9pm local time.

Donaire rebounded from the first fight with Inoue to claim the WBC bantamweight title and set up a second showdown which promises to be more explosive than their classic encounter, nearly three years ago.

The future Hall of Fame inductee is confident of gaining revenge over the fighter known as ‘Monster’ and Donaire wants to set up an undisputed clash with WBO champion Paul Butler.

To keep up to date with the latest news on Donaire vs Inoue, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.??? 

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.??




June 7: Inoue. Donaire. The Rematch is LIVE on ESPN+

(May 17, 2022) — WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue is 17-0 in world title fights and only once has been pushed to the brink.

WBC bantamweight world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, the four-weight kingpin whose late-career renaissance cemented his status as one of boxing’s greatest lighter weight champions, has one more shot to stun the Japanese pound-for-pound icon.

Inoue and Donaire will meet in a title unification rematch Tuesday, June 7, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Inoue and Donaire first fought in November 2019 at Saitama Super Arena, with Inoue overcoming a broken orbital bone and nose to win a unanimous decision in the consensus Fight of the Year.

Inoue-Donaire 2 and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT.

“Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire’s first fight is among the greatest championship battles I’ve ever seen, and I am thrilled that American fight fans can watch the rematch on ESPN+,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Inoue (22-0, 19 KOs), a three-weight world champion, won the WBC light flyweight title in April 2014 and ascended to pound-for-pound prominence with dominant runs at junior bantamweight and bantamweight. At one point, Inoue had a championship streak of seven consecutive knockouts against fighters who had never been stopped before. He joined the bantamweight ranks in May 2018 with a devastating first-round stoppage over Jamie McDonnell. One year later, he knocked out Emmanuel Rodriguez in two rounds to win the IBF world title. Since unifying the IBF and WBA belts versus Donaire, Inoue has knocked out Jason Moloney, Michael Dasmariñas, and Aran Dipaen.

Donaire (42-6, 28 KOs), a 39-year-old future Hall of Famer who won his first world title at flyweight in 2007, has experienced a career rebirth since moving down from featherweight following a decision defeat to Carl Frampton in 2018. He earned stoppage wins over Ryan Burnett and Stephon Young in his first two bantamweight contests before stepping up to face Inoue. Donaire before showed no ill effects from the 12-round shootout with Inoue, returning last May to upset Nordine Oubaali via fourth-round stoppage to win the WBC title. Donaire then defended that strap in December with a fourth-round knockout over the previously undefeated Reymart Gaballo.

In other streaming action on ESPN+:

  • Takuma Inoue (15-1, 3 KOs), the younger brother of Naoya and a former bantamweight world title challenger, will defend his WBO Asia Pacific junior featherweight strap in a 12-rounder versus Gakuya Furuhashi (28-8-2, 16 KOs). Inoue has won two straight since a decision loss to Nordine Oubaali for the WBC bantamweight world title, while Furuhashi is unbeaten in 11 fights dating back to 2016.
     
  • Rising junior welterweight star Andy Hiraoka (19-0, 14 KOs) will defend his Japanese title against Shun Akaiwa (7-3-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Hiraoka has won five straight by knockout, including two stoppages on Top Rank on ESPN undercards.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.3 million subscribers. 
?? 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost. 




Donaire stops Gaballo in 4

Nonito Donaire defended the WBC Bantamweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Reymart Gaballo at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a competitive fight with Gaballo trying to land quick power shots. Donaire was countering well with some solid punches of his own. In round four, Donaire landed a perfect left hook to the body that put Gaballo on the canvas. Gaballo tried to get up but went right down again and was counted out at 2:59.

Donaire, 117.2 lbs of the Philippines is 42-6 with 28 knockouts. Gaballo, 117 lbs of General Santos City, PHl is 24-1

Cody Crowley scored a mild-upset when he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Abdukakhorov dropped Crowley with a straight left hand. In round five, Abdukakhorov was cut on his forehead from a punch.

Crowley, 145.4 lbs of Peiterborough, CAN won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 95-94 ands is now 20-0. Abdukakhorov, 146.2 lbs of Uzbekistan is 18-1.

Brandun Lee remained undefeated with a 7th round stoppage over Juan Herladez in a 10-round junior welterweight fight.

In round seven, Lee landed a perfect 1-2 that put Heraldez on the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Lee, 140 lbs of La Quinta, CA is 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Heraldez, 144 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 16-2-1.




FOLLOW DONAIRE – GABALLO LIVE

Follow all the action as Nonito Donaire defends the WBC Bantamweight title against Reymart Gaballo

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12 ROUNDS — WBC BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE–NONITO DONAIRE (41-6, 27 KOS) VS REYMART GABALLO (24-0, 20 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
DONAIRE* 10 9 10 KO                 29
GABALLO 9 10 9                   28

Round 1: Big right uppercut from Gaballo..Left to body from Donaire..Left..Sharp right…Left Hook..Counter right..

Round 2 Over hand right from Donaire..Counter from Gaballo…Double Jab from Gaballo..Jab from Donaire

Round 3 Gaballo lands a big right…Counter left from Donaire…Jab..Right…Nice Exchange…Sharp jab from Gaballo..Left hook…Right from Donaire..

Round 4 Right to body and head from Donaire…righ to body and left hook…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES GABALLO….HE DOES NOT GET UP AND THE FIGHT IS OVER




VIDEO: Nonito Donaire vs. Reymart Gaballo: Weigh-In | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




NONITO DONAIRE VS. REYMART GABALLO FINAL WEIGHTS AND COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR SATURDAY’S BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON SHOWTIME®

WBC Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Nonito Donaire – 117.2 lbs.

Reymart Gaballo – 117 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Dr, Lou Moret (Calif.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Kudratillo Abdukakhorov – 146.2 lbs.   

Cody Crowley – 145.4 lbs. 

Referee: Jerry Cantu; Judges: Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Pat Russell (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 140 lbs.

Juan Heraldez – 144 lbs.*

*Heraldez missed the contracted weight of 142 lbs. The fight will proceed as scheduled.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: Tiffany Clinton (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Zachary Young (Calif.)

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ABOUT DONAIRE VS. GABALLO

Donaire vs. Gaballo will see WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire defend his title against undefeated interim WBC Bantamweight Titleholder and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing and @PremierBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.




VIDEO: Nonito Donaire vs. Reymart Gaballo: Presser | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




NONITO DONAIRE VS. REYMART GABALLO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

CARSON, CALIF. (December 9, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire and unbeaten Interim WBC Bantamweight Champion and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo went face to face at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the main event live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features unbeaten welterweight contenders Kudratillo Abdukakhorov and Cody Crowley squaring off in the 10-round co-main event, plus rising super lightweight Brandun Lee battling contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round bout. The telecast kicks off with a replay of last Saturday’s Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV® main event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

NONITO DONAIRE

“For me, after the Naoya Inoue fight, I saw that I still had a purpose in this sport. I came in strong against Nordine Oubaali in my last fight because I have that purpose. That purpose is to become undisputed champion of the world.

“I’m proud that there is another Filipino fighting at this level. I’m happy to be sharing the ring with Reymart. I know he’s very hungry and that he has a big dream, just like everyone in the Philippines. I know that he’s going to be at his best, so I made sure that I’m prepared and at my best as well.

“I’ve faced a lot of top guys with great power like Gaballo has. My experience allows me to have no fear of the power. We’re just focused on our strategy and how I can take advantage of his style.

“We’re 100% ready. We build up our mental fortitude so we can always push forward and be ready. We’re only as strong as our mind can be. My mental strength is through the moon.

“I’m here enjoying this moment and every moment I have left in my career. In the gym, I feel like I can do this for another 10 years. I just take it one fight at a time and I’m grateful for every moment of it.

“This is a gentleman’s sport. It gives credibility to a fighter if he can speak with sportsmanship. It’s not about talking down to other people. I believe the greater man can look into his opponent’s eyes, shake hands with him and then go for the kill when they’re in the ring.

“I love the sport of boxing. It’s given me everything that I have and I’m going to represent the sport with honor and integrity.

“I’m going to leave it up to my team as to what we do next. Having said that, I’m going to go after all of the other bantamweight champions.

“Reymart is a really good fighter, but I’m very confident. I have bigger fish to go after following this fight. We’re both going to do our best but victory is the only thing I’m here for.”

REYMART GABALLO

“It’s an honor to fight my idol in the ring. I’m so excited to compete on Saturday night for the world championship.

“When I look at my last fight, I see that I have to improve my head movement and throw more punches. I believe that I’ve made the improvements that I needed to during training camp.

“Every time we train in the gym, everyone is throwing me the same punches that Nonito throws. We know that he’s not only going to throw that left hook, so we made sure I’ll be ready for everything.

“Age is just a number. I know that Donaire’s movement is still there, just like it’s always been. We’re not going to rely on my youth as the only thing I need in this fight.

“I’m very happy and it gives me great pleasure to have this chance to become world champion. I’ve been working my whole life to accomplish this goal.

“I’m going to do everything that we’ve worked on and prepared for in training so that I put on a great performance. I’m coming with everything I have to win this fight.

“I don’t like to talk too much, but I can say that I’m going to do my best in the ring on Saturday night.

“This is going to be a very good fight and I’m going to do everything that I can to make sure that my hand is raised after the final bell rings.”

KUDRATILLO ABDUKAKHOROV

“I will win this fight. After three years of being the mandatory challenger in the IBF, I deserve a shot to be a champion.

“I will knock him out on Saturday night and then I will knock out Errol Spence Jr. to become world champion.

“I have no sympathy for Crowley and I don’t want to hear any excuses from him after this fight. It doesn’t matter what he says today, I will knock him out anyway.

“I’ve prepared for this opportunity and I know that I have what it takes not only to win this fight, but to show everyone that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world.

“I’m going to win this fight and knock him out. He says he’s never lost a round before, but that’s because he’s never faced the kind of competition that I’ve faced or that I bring to the ring.”

CODY CROWLEY

“I got offered this fight back in April and I accepted this fight without questioning it. He backed out the first time, but now we’re finally here. I have a feeling he’s overlooking me.

“He doesn’t know what I’m capable of. I’ve been in the ring with world champions. Even by mentioning Errol Spence’s name, he’s overlooking me. On Saturday night, he’s going to find himself in waters that he can’t swim in.

“You’re going to see who’s standing in the center of the ring and who’s running once the bell rings. I’ve survived in waters that destroy most people.

“I feel fantastic. I’m a world-class athlete and this is the level I’m supposed to be on. There’s a reason that people can’t keep up with my activity in the ring. I’m a machine. He’s going to find out that he doesn’t have a human in front of him Saturday night.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. This is where I belong and this is where I thrive. I feel at home right now. A win on Saturday puts me where I already know I am. I’m a world champion in my head, the world just doesn’t know it yet.

“It’s taken a lot of sacrifice to get here. I’m from a super small town in Canada where boxing doesn’t really exist. I’ve had a burning desire since a young age to become something great and I’ve put myself in the best possible environment to be successful.

“Everything I’ve done comes from a crazy work ethic that I put in at the gym every single day. I wake up and go to sleep every day knowing that I’m going to become world champion. Now I’m here on SHOWTIME. It’s a message to everyone out there in the world, that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

BRANDUN LEE

“I am going in to win no matter how it goes down. I might knock him out, it may go the distance.

“It doesn’t matter if I go for the knockout or go for the win. Come Saturday night, I’ll be 24-0.

“I don’t get paid for overtime, so it doesn’t matter if the fight goes one round or 10 rounds. I’m going to take it moment by moment and display all of my skills for as long as this fight goes.

“Juan Heraldez is a good boxer; he has good speed and he is light on his feet. He is definitely my best opponent to date. It’s a challenge that I’m looking forward to.

“I can’t predict the future, but the one thing I can predict is me winning. I’m going to be 24-0 after Saturday night.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“I learned in the Regis Prograis fight that I have to prepare better. I can’t just rely on my skills and talent. I have to physically be at a higher level.

“I changed coaches back to my amateur coach because I know he’s going to have a game plan and that he’s going to get the best out of me.

“I’m not worried about being an underdog. I’ve been an underdog against an undefeated fighter before and we’ve seen what I can do in those kinds of fights.

“I’m going to show off where I’m headed in this sport. My speed, talent and my jab are going to all come together. I think this is going to be the best performance of my career. I’m prepared physically and mentally.

“We’re going to find out Saturday what advantages I have over Lee. I haven’t watched much of him, but his record is what it is. We’re going to find out what he’s made of on Saturday.

“I’m predicting a win. Everyone else might be surprised, but we won’t be.”

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




WBC BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION NONITO DONAIRE TAKES ON UNDEFEATED TOP CONTENDER REYMART GABALLO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® IN A PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT FROM DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK IN CARSON, CALIF.

CARSON, CALIF. (November 2, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire will defend his title against undefeated Interim WBC Bantamweight Champion and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Tennis Stadium in Carson, Calif.

Tickets for the live event go on sale today, Tuesday, November 2 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com.

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




BOXING LEGEND NONITO DONAIRE JOINS PROBELLUM

Los Angeles, CA – October 11, 2021 – Probellum is proud to announce the huge promotional signing of boxing legend and nine-time, four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire.

Donaire (41-6, 27 knockouts) is the reigning WBC bantamweight champion, and is universally recognised as one of the greatest boxers of the last 20 years.

The ‘Filipino Flash’ won his current world title with a fourth round knockout win over Nordine Oubaali earlier this year, while he has also claimed world honours at flyweight, super-bantamweight and featherweight.

He has been involved in some of the biggest fights that the sport has seen, sharing the ring with fellow greats like Jorge Arce, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Vic Darchinyan, Naoya Inoue and Carl Frampton.

An extremely popular figure, Donaire is loved and respected around the world, and will now look to add to his already-earned Hall of Fame legacy by joining forces with Probellum, and continuing his long-time relationship with Probellum President Richard Schaefer.

Probellum’s number one goal is to empower fighters and galvanize a global fanbase, while promoting the best and biggest fights to boxing fans around the world, with Donaire’s arrival helping to achieve that.

His signing sees him follow in the footsteps of other elite names to team up with Probellum, including Regis Prograis, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Eduardo Hernandez and Brandon Moore.

Probellum has also secured co-promotional agreements with some of the biggest promoters in the sport, such as Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

“Richard Schaefer has always been a “’fighter’s first’ promoter,” said Nonito Donaire. “I am convinced that with his vision, leadership skills and passion for the fighters he will elevate the sport and most importantly continue to empower fighters. I am proud to be part of Team Probellum and continue my relationship and friendship with Richard.”

“In my past 14 years in active boxing, I have never known a person like Richard,” said Nonito’s manager and wife Rachel Donaire. “For 20 years he has made his name as the one who stood by the fighters.

“Every person I have spoken to who had worked with Richard had the utmost respect and admiration for his passion for the fighters. When we made the shift to work with Richard, it couldn’t be more true that he was a man of his word; fighters come FIRST.

“Richard is a man I would follow into the fire as his knowledge, experience and compassion to fighters is unrivalled. Congratulations to Richard and his team on Probellum. I couldn’t be more happy to continue this next journey with Richard in our corner.”

“Nonito and Rachel Donaire are not just the best husband and wife or fighter and trainer team in boxing today but most certainly in the history of the sport,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“Nonito is one of the GREATEST fighters in boxing. A future Hall of Famer and four-division and nine-time world champion, but it is not just his talent in the ring but his personality, charisma and values outside of the ring which make him the champion and role model he is.

“I am fortunate to call him my friend. It is a pleasure and an honor for me to have him join Probellum and I can’t wait to help him unify the bantamweight division and conquer many more world titles.”

News on when Donaire will have his first fight after signing with Probellum will be announced in the near future.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.




AUDIO: Nonito Donaire Post fight Press Conference after Knocking out Nordine Oubaali






VIDEO: Nonito Donaire Post fight Press Conference after Knocking out Nordine Oubaali




FOLLOW OUBAALI – DONAIRE LIVE

Follow all the action as Nordine Oubaali defends the WBC Bantamweight title against four-division world champion Nonito Donaire.  The action begins at 10 PM ET

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12 ROUNDS–WBC BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE–NORDINE OUBALLI (17-0, 12 KOS) VS NONITO DONAIRE (40-6, 26 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
OUBAALI 9 9 7                   25
DONAIRE* 10 10 10 KO                 30

Round 1: Left to body of Donaire

Round 2 Counter right from Donaire..Left from Oubaali..Counter from Donaire..

Round 3 Left from Oubaali..another..Left…Right from Donaire…Right..Left uppercut..left hook..body ,,,LEFT AND DOWN GOES OUBAALI…Left hurts Oubaali…LEFT AT THE BELL AND DOWN GOES OUBAALI

Round 4 Left hook from Doanire and other…Hard roght…Left hook and right hand...LEFT AND DOWN GOES OUBAALI AND THE FIGHT IS OVER




NORDINE OUBAALI VS. NONITO DONAIRE FINAL WEIGHTS

WBC Bantamweight World Title – 12 Rounds

Nordine Oubaali – 117 ½ lbs.

Nonito Donaire – 117 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Patrick Russell (Calif.)

IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Subriel Matias – 139 ½ lbs. 

Batyr Jukembayev – 139 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Gary Antuanne Russell – 137 ¼ lbs.

Jovanie Santiago – 140 lbs.

Referee: Sharon Sands; Judges: Carla Caiz (Calif.), Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.)

NOTE: Three-time super bantamweight world champion Israel Vazquez will join Alejandro Luna on Saturday night’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. as a special guest analyst on the Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in place of Raul Marquez.

Two of the fights in Vazquez’s legendary four-fight series with fellow Mexican Rafael Marquez took place at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly known as Home Depot Center and StubHub Center), including a seventh-round stoppage loss in their first meeting and a split-decision victory in their third. All four fights in the fierce rivalry aired live on SHOWTIME.

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ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE

Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.




LIVE VIDEO: Oubaali vs. Donaire: Weigh-In | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




NORDINE OUBAALI VS. NONITO DONAIRE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

CARSON, CALIF. (May 27, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title showdown taking place this Saturday, May 29 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias and unbeaten Batyr Jukembayev, who meet in the co-main event for a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, and unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and Jovanie Santiago, who square off in a 10-round super lightweight clash that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

NORDINE OUBAALI

“Yes, we’ve sparred but training is training. When you go into a fight, it’s not the same. Every fight is different and I know on Saturday I will put on a great show with Nonito Donaire because I know he’s a good boxer but I know I’m the best. I trained so hard for this and now I’m ready to fight. I want to show everybody that the best two bantamweights in boxing today are fighting on Saturday.

“Yes, he’s had an outstanding career and he has power but I believe I have more power than him. I know I have the power. He’s a good boxer but I’m the world champion and on Saturday I’m going to show the world who is the best. I know I am the best. I respect Nonito. He’s had a good career but I’m the best in the division.

“The difference in the fight is going to be I want to win more. I want to continue to make history and stay as the world champion in this division. I know that it’s my time. I want this more than he does.

“If I’m victorious, why not have my next fight be for the unification? I want to make history every time and this is my motivation. I’m here because I love boxing and I want to face the best boxers every time. I’m facing Nonito Donaire and that’s great for my career. I just like to fight and this is my life.”

NONITO DONAIRE

“It would be great to win the title at 38 years old and become the oldest champion at 118 pounds, but let’s keep it going. Let’s make it 40. Let’s make it 42. There ain’t no stopping me. Mentally, I’m very grateful but at the same time I’m just very ready.

“I’m always healthy and the reason why I can compete with anybody is because I keep myself healthy and I work hard. There’s nothing less than 100 percent every time I’m in that gym.

“I’m very hard-headed so I don’t always do what people tell me to do. People can say that it’s their time. But I also have my time and I’m always going to be the one who concedes their time or makes that decision. It’s still my time.

“It’s going to be a great fight. Oubaali is the champion for a reason. He’s been through it in terms of the amateurs and making it here. So we’re not underestimating any of that. But I’ve fought in this venue many times and I always make magical fights in the first place. It’s always going to be magical with me. I’m a unicorn.

“The difference in this fight is going to be my hunger. He’s younger than me but I have the hunger. We both have an objective and that’s what’s going to make this a great fight.

“I want to fight the best out there. I want the rematch with Naoya Inoue and I want to get all the belts. The only thing I haven’t accomplished in boxing is becoming undisputed champion. I’ve done everything else. Fighter of the Year. Knockout of the Year. Multiple championships. Four-division champion. You name it. That’s my main goal. Get the belt and put them all together.

“Bantamweight is my real weight. I’ve always fought in the heavier division because of the excitement, the challenge and the lucrative offer or the names at that time. Now, I’m here where I belong and this is where I’m really strong.

“The layoff will not be a factor at all. The time off helped me out. Just being out of the ring helped my body recover. And the eagerness and the hunger is there more than ever. It was a blessing for me.”

SUBRIEL MATIAS

“I will be his toughest test without question and come Saturday night, everybody will find out why I’m saying that.

“I believe him when he says that he has the tools to get a stoppage on Saturday. But it’s not just a matter of saying, on Saturday night he has to prove it. If it’s going to come out of your mouth, then you have to prove it.

“We’re both knockout artists and with what we’re looking at, this fight should not finish by a decision.

“I don’t have much to say about that fight against Petros Ananyan. Those that saw me lose, I lost. There’s nothing I can say about it. But those that know boxing know that I’ve been progressing and improving and you all will see that on Saturday.”

BATYR JUKEMBAYEV

“I had a great training camp. I am ready for Saturday night. I know that he’s a good fighter but I promise that I will be ready.

“We will see Saturday night whether it’s going to end in a knockout. I’ll show you what I’m made of and you will all see.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I’m in the hurt business. He’s a slugger. If he wants to come in there and slug with me, he will feel my power. He will see how intelligent I am. Not just mentally, but physically with my hands. Like I said, I’m in the hurt business. I come to hurt.

“Pardon my lack of Spanish, but what you are going to see is, ‘la violencia.’ He’s going to bring his pressure. He’s going to bring punches in bunches and I believe that’s all he can bring. If he’s been training and trying to perfect himself for my style of fighting, that’s fine. You’re not supposed to come in here one-dimensional. A diamond shines from all sides.

“The only thing I can say is this venue is going to promote blood, sweat and tears and the desire of people to be great. I’m definitely one of them. I’ve been in the gym giving my blood, my sweat and my tears and I’m bringing all of that to this venue come Saturday night.

“I definitely want to stay more active. That’s always been my plan. The pandemic slowed things down. Fans always tell me they want to see me get back in there because they want to see more ass-kickings. I just tell them, me too. The fighters aren’t the ones pulling all of the strings. Should I be more active? Of course. I want to be more active.

“I want to show that I’m the cream of the crop. I’m a superstar. The light hasn’t been shining on me because there’s a lot of other things going on. Until then, you’re going to have to wait and see. Come Saturday, it will be a great show. There will be some sparks and fireworks. I have an opponent that’s not willing to lay down. If he’s not willing to, I must make him lay down.”

JOVANIE SANTIAGO

“I know that he’s a good fighter. An Olympian. He’s young and he’s going to come fight. I’m going to come to fight too, so if the fight finishes early, then it finishes early.

“I just have to work round-by-round, throw punches and win one round at a time. After I beat Russell, everybody is going to be on my side.

“This is my weight. This is where I’m most comfortable. I’ve always been a 140-pounder and Saturday that’s what I’m going to demonstrate.

“This time, I’m fighting at my actual weight. I feel strong. I’m coming to work round-by-round and on Saturday everybody will see what I’m all about.”

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ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE

Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.




AUDIO: Nordine Oubaali – Nonito Donaire Press Conference