VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 27, 2022) — The matchups have changed, but a high-octane heavyweight doubleheader will still go down Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
 
In the 10-round main event, Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba will now take on St. Louis native Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw. Oscar Rivas was originally slated to fight Ajagba but had to withdraw with an eye injury.
 
Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello, who was scheduled to fight Shaw in the co-feature, will now face the upset-minded Jonnie Rice in a 10-rounder.
 
Ajagba-Shaw and Vianello-Rice will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ and includes a 10-round junior lightweight tilt between Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Abraham “El Super” Nova.
 
“Stephan Shaw stepped up and has a tough task against one of the division’s biggest punchers in Efe Ajagba,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We’re pleased that Guido will remain on the card against a formidable opponent in ­Jonnie Rice. This will be a fantastic heavyweight doubleheader at Turning Stone.”  
 
Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) went 3-0 with two stoppages in 2022, including a shutout eight-round decision over Rydell Booker in November. Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs) is one of the heavyweight division’s hardest punchers and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Jozsef Darmos in August.
 
Vianello (10-0-1, 9 KOs), a 2016 Italian Olympian from Rome, has won three fights since a 2020 draw to Kingsley Ibeh. Rice (15-6-1, 10 KOs) has faced a host of heavyweight hopefuls, including Ajagba and Shaw. Following back-to-back losses in 2020, Rice re-energized his career with a fifth-round TKO over then-unbeaten prospect Michael Coffie in July 2021. He repeated the deed on New Year’s Day, outlasting Coffie via a 10-round unanimous decision.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

# # #

About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the January 14th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing legends including Oscar De Lay Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Mike Tyson, Laila Ali and many others, have all taken part in boxing events at Turning Stone over the years.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, annually the biggest and most star-studded weekend in all of boxing. This year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will take place from June 8 – 11.
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

Heavyweight Oscar Rivas had to withdraw from his January 14th bout with Efe Ajagba due to an eye injury according to promoter Yvon Michel’s Twitter account.

Rivas and Ajagba were set to face off at The Turning Stone Resort Casino on ESPN+.

VERONA, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2022) — The Top Rank on ESPN 2023 slate kicks off with a high-powered heavyweight doubleheader Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
 
The 10-round main event is a battle of big-punching Olympians, as Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba looks to author a signature win over Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas. In the 10-round co-feature, 2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello takes a seismic step up in class against fellow unbeaten Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw.
 
Ajagba-Rivas and Vianello-Shaw will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ and includes a 10-round junior lightweight tilt between Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Abraham “El Super” Nova.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), tickets priced from $49 to $89 go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. ET, with pre-sale for TS Rewards Members on Thursday, Dec. 1, and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“The heavyweight division is loaded with talent, and we have two 50/50 matchups that will see a pair of contenders emerge at Turning Stone,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, quickly established himself as one of the division’s heaviest hitters following his pro debut in July 2017. He tallied six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts, using his 6’6 frame and sledgehammer right hand to dispose of his opposition. Last April, Ajagba utilized his right hand to blast out Brian Howard in a Knockout of the Year contender. Following an October 2021 decision defeat to Frank Sanchez, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round.

“I am injury-free and ready to show the world what I can accomplish when I am 100 percent,” Ajagba said. “I respect Oscar Rivas for accepting the challenge. We will give the fans a great show, but I will be victorious on January 14^th.”
 
Rivas (28-1, 19 KOs) is a 2008 Colombian Olympian who moved to Montreal in 2009 to start his professional career. He notched his signature professional victory at Turning Stone in January 2019, knocking out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the 12th round. His only blemish came six months later when he traveled to England and dropped a unanimous decision to Dillian Whyte after knocking Whyte down in the ninth round. Since the Whyte defeat, Rivas has fought twice, knocking out Sylvera Louis in three rounds and outlasting Ryan Rozicki by unanimous decision in an all-Canadian showdown while winning the WBC Bridgerweight title. After multiple prospective bouts fell through, Rivas will enter the Ajagba match coming off a nearly 15-month layoff.
 
Rivas said, “I’m extremely happy to be back in the ring in Verona where I had a lot of success not too long ago. I’m proud of my WBC Bridgerweight title and will be defending it soon, but this opportunity Top Rank gave us at heavyweight was too good to pass up. I also have a lot of respect for Ajagba, and while I agree with him that it will be spectacular for the fans, my skills and my experience will be the difference.”
 
Vianello (10-0-1, 9 KOs), the fighting pride of Rome, turned pro with great fanfare in December 2018 and won his first seven bouts by stoppage in three rounds or less. His momentum stalled following a 2020 draw against Kingsley Ibeh and an injury-plagued 2021 that saw him fight once. Vianello came back in July and knocked out Rafael Rios in four rounds. Three months later, he returned home to Rome and had thrilled the local fans with a dominating eight-round decision over Jay McFarlane.
 
Vianello said, “Stephan Shaw is a good, undefeated fighter, but I fight better when presented with top opposition. I look forward to fighting on ESPN as part of a great heavyweight doubleheader.”
 
Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs), from St. Louis, Missouri, is one of America’s most talented big men, a 6’4, 235-pound boxer-puncher who has knocked out three of his last four foes. He made his Top Rank debut in January, becoming only the third man to knock out Philadelphia’s iron-chinned Joey Dawejko. Shaw tallied three knockdowns in just 2:35 to wipe out Bernardo Marquez in July and then preserved his date against Vianello with an eight-round shutout over Rydell Booker on Nov. 22 in New York City. Shaw will receive his nationally televised big break a decade removed from winning U.S. National and National PAL gold medals as an amateur.
 
“I’m excited. This is my time to shine. This is my moment,” Shaw said.  “I’m ready to go out and there and have some fun. I won’t be under the radar after beating Guido. He’s a good boxer, but I am superior. I will prove that on January 14^th.”
 
Nova (21-1, 15 KOs), born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, is returning to the junior lightweight ranks after briefly testing the featherweight waters. Last January at Turning Stone, Nova knocked out late replacement William Encarnacion in the eighth round. That knockout led to an ESPN-televised co-feature in June against southpaw Cuban dynamo Robeisy Ramirez at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. After four competitive rounds, Ramirez knocked Nova out with a left hand in the fifth. Nova returns to the friendly Turning Stone confines against Lopez (16-3, 6 KOs), a native of Glendale, California, who is making his junior lightweight debut. Lopez last fought in May against Encarnacion, surviving knockdowns in the first and third rounds to eke out an eight-round unanimous decision.
 
In other undercard action:

• Junior featherweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (8-0, 3 KOs), the 19-year phenom who went 5-0 with three stoppages in 2022, will fight in his first scheduled eight-rounder.
   
• Rising junior lightweight Haven Brady Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs), who won four fights in 2022, makes his 2023 debut in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.
   
• Junior welterweight prospect Bryce Mills (10-1, 4 KOs), the local favorite from Liverpool, New York, aims to increase his winning streak to five against Margarito Hernandez (3-3-1) in a six-rounder.
   
• Cleveland-born light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) fights in his first scheduled six-rounder against fellow unbeaten Emmanueal Austin (6-0, 6 KOs).

#  #  # 

About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the January 14th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing legends including Oscar De Lay Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Mike Tyson, Laila Ali and many others, have all taken part in boxing events at Turning Stone over the years.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, annually the biggest and most star-studded weekend in all of boxing. This year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will take place from June 8 – 11.
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

BOGOTA, Colombia (April 26, 2022) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Probellum and Global Jabes 77 held a joint press conference today in Bogota, Colombia, to announce World Boxing Council Bridgerweight World Champion Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (28-1, 19 KOs) will make his first title defense August 13th at home against undefeated Polish challenger Luckaz Rozanski (14-0, 13 KOs), in the 12-round main event on the “Batalla en Cali” card in the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero stadium (40,000 capacity) in Cali, Colombia.

“Battle in Cali” will be distributed worldwide (details coming). There will be five to seven bouts, including one or possibly two other world title fights, which are expected to be announced within the week.

A native of Colombia and a 2008 Colombian Olympian, Rivas will be fighting at home for the first time as a professional boxer having settled in his adopted home of Montreal 13 years ago when he signed his initial promotional contract with GYM.

Rivas, who was born in Cali, captured the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight World (201-224 lbs.) Championship last October, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Nova Scotia’s previously undefeated Ryan Rozicki (13-0).

“I have three dreams I want to realize before the end of my boxing career,” Rivas said. “I want to establish myself as the absolute best bridgerweight fighter, defend my title in Colombia, and become World Heavyweight Champion.”

Rozanski is the WBC International Bridgerweight champion, in addition to being a former Polish National Heavyweight Champion, who is the WBC No. 2 rated bridgerweight contender. In his most recent action (May 30, 2021), Rozanski registered his statement victory to date, upsetting fellow Pole Artur Szpilka (24-4), a former world heavyweight title challenger, by way of an explosive first-round knockout to capture the WBC Bridgerweight International crown.

“I’m highly motivated and in the best shape of my life,” Rozanski commented. “I have what it takes to win this fight.”

The fighters also announced where their training camps will be held: Rivas in Bogata, Rozanski in Chicago. Ronzanski will work there with his fellow countryman, former World Light Heavyweight Champion Andrzej Fonfara, who moved from Poland to Chicago, which has nearly 2-million Poles living there.

GroupeYM, Probellum

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

About Yvon Michel Group (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing. Since its foundation, GYM promoted 162 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada; and participated in 37 international events outside Quebec. Seven boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice) and Oscar Rivas. SeventeenGYM boxers have fought in 51 world championship fights. maintaining an excellent record of 27 -22-2. Major American television networks were more active than ever during this period in terms of coming to Quebec to broadcast the GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions, major American networks presented a GYM event, showcasing Quebec, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

Today’s scheduled World Boxing Council (WBC) purse bid has been avoided as Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) announces an agreement has been reached with Titov Promotions, which promotes undefeated mandatory challenger Evgeny Romanov (16-0, 11 KOs), of Russia, for WBC Bridgerweight World Champion Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas’ first title defense.

Under this agreement, GYM obtained the rights to promote Rivas’ first WBC defense. “We are very happy with this outcome,” GYM President Yvon Michel said. “I would like to thank Mr. Alex Titov for his co-operation. We intend to hold this world championship in June, in Montreal or possibly in Colombia, where discussions are currently taking place. It was important for us that Oscar defends his crown in a familiar environment.”

Trained by Marc Ramsey, Rivas captured the WBC World title last October 22, winning a unanimous decision over Ryan Rozicki (13-1, 13 KOs) at the Olympia in Montreal.

Colombia-native Rivas, who represented his country at the 2008 Olympics, became the first WBC World Champion in the history of the Bridgerweight Division. Romanov, for his part, became the mandatory contender by virtue of his 12-round dominance over compatriot Dmitry Kudryashov (24-5, 23 KOs) last May in Khimki, Russia. Romanov had an excellent amateur career, even registering a knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, the future WBC World Heavyweight Champion, in an international tournament.

“I am happy to be able to defend my WBC bridgerweight belt in familiar terrain and quickly,” Rivas commented. “I intend to keep this belt for a long time. In addition, whether my promoter GYM has obtained the rights to promote in my adopted city, Montreal, or in my native country, Colombia, I feel confident and surrounded by the best. It helps me stay focused on my goals.”

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 160 events in Quebec, participated in 37 international galas outside of Quebec. Seven boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 51 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 27 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 35 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

Facebook: @groupeyvonmichel

Instagram: @groupeyvonmichel

Twitter: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM

Oscar Rivas became the 1st ever WBC Bridgeeweight champion with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ryan Rozicki in a bout that took place at the Olympic Theatre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In round 11, blood started leaking from the nose of Rozicki

Rivas, 222.2 lbs of Montreal, won by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 on two cards, and is now 28-1. Rozicki, 203 lbs of Poland is 13-1.

Francis Charbonneau won a four-round unanimous decision over Alexandre Roberge in a heavyweight fight.

In round one, Charbonneau hurt Roberge with an uppercut and then dropped him with a right hand.

Charbboneau, 199.8 lbs won by scores of 40-35 and 39-36 twice and is now 4-1. Roberge, 207 lbs is 1-2-1.

Terry Osias remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Joaquin Muriega in a light heavyweight contest.

Osias, 172.6 lbs won by 60-54 scores on all cards, and is now 10-0. Muriega, 173.4 lbs if 9-10-3.

Alexis Barriere remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Rafael Sanchez Ruiz in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Barriere dropped Ruiz with with a left hook. Moments later, it was another left that put Ruiz down.

Barriere, 235 lbs won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Ruiz, 211 lbs of Mexico is 5-2.

Kevin Menoche won a four-round unanimous decision over Thad Ridsdill in a junior middleweight fight.

In round one, Menoche dropped Ridsdill with a combination.

Menoche, 153.8 lbs won by scores of 39-36 and 38-37 and is now 5-0. Ridsdill, 153.4 lbs of Oshwa, ONT is 2-3,

MONTREAL (October 21, 2021) – All fighters made weight today for tomorrow night’s “The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozicki,” promoted Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu, at Montreal Olympia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

No. 1 ranked Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas and Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki headline in the 12-round main event for the Inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight Championship.

“The Conquest” will be broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

Fighters’ official weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)

Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 222.2 lbs.

Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada 203 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada 148.6 lbs.

Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico 148.2 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 199.8 lbs.

Alexandre Roberge (1-1, 0 KOs), Lanoraie, Quebec, Canada 208 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 172.7 lbs.

Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 173.4 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs), Repentigney, Quebec, Canada 153.8 lbs.

Thad Ridsdill (2-2-1, 1 KO), Oshawa, Ontario, Canada 153.4 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Alexis Barriere (3-0, 3 Kos), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada 235 lbs.

Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 211 lbs.

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

LINKEDIN: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

(Oct. 19, 2021) — Longtime heavyweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas hopes unbeaten knockout artist Ryan Rozicki is not a bridge too far.
 
Rivas and Rozicki will clash this Friday, Oct. 22 at L’Olympia in Montreal, a 12-round showdown to crown the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight world champion (weight limit: 224 pounds). Rivas has fought as high as 251½ pounds, while Rozicki has spent the entirety of his five-year pro career as a cruiserweight.
 
Rivas-Rozicki will headline a special Canadian fight night streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 
Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is a 2008 Colombian Olympian who has spent his 12-year pro career based in Montreal. In January 2019, he knocked out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the 12^th round of an ESPN+ main event. Six months later, he dropped a highly competitive decision to British star Dillian Whyte. Rivas returned in March 2021 — weighing 221¼ pounds — and knocked out Sylvera Louis in three rounds. Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), from Nova Scotia, Canada, has stopped 12 of his 13 foes in three rounds or less and has never gone past six rounds in the paid ranks.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• In an eight-rounder at super middleweight, Steve Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs), best known for his 2019 challenge of Gennadiy Golovkin, returns from a nearly two-year layoff to fight Gregory Trenel (14-7-2, 4 KOs).
   
• Canadian welterweight contender Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) will face Mexican knockout artist Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Ortega has won eight straight fights, all by knockout, since returning from a nearly three-year layoff in 2018.
   
• In a four-round cruiserweight rematch featuring a pair of Quebec natives, Alexandre Roberge (1-1) will look to avenge his lone pro defeat against Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO). In March, Charbonneau edged Roberge by six-round split decision.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), from Longueuil, Canada, will fight Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder. Murrieta is coming off a knockout win in August over the previously undefeated Carlos Avila (10-0 at the time).

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 14.9 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).

WHAT: “The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozocki” professional boxing

WHEN: Friday, October 22, 2021

WHERE: Montreal Olympia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WHO: MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)

                   Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada



                   CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

                   Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada

vs.

Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

                   SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)

                   Steve Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

vs.

                   Gregory “Crazy Frenchy” Trenel (14-7-2, 4 KOs), Dainville, Nord, France



                   HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

                   Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Alexandre Roberge (1-1, 0 KOs), Lanoraie, Quebec, Canada

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

                   Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico



                   MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

                   Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs), Repentigney, Quebec, Canada

vs.

Thad Ridsdill (2-2-1, 1 KO), Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

                   Alexis Barriere (3-0, 3 Kos), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

(card subject to change)

Promoter: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu

How To Watch: Broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

Tickets: On sale at ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca

FACEBOOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

LINKEDIN: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

MONTREAL (October 13, 2021) – Despite two postponements and a relatively late replace to fight, Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is prepared to capture the inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight World title (under 224 lbs.) on October 22nd, when he takes on undefeated Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), at the Montreal Olympia.

“The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozicki” is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu. The historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018 as it will be broadcasted live on ESPN + in the United States. In total, this “The Conquest” will also aire live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

WBC No. 1-rated Rivas, who represented his native Colombia at the 2008 Olympics, after which he signed a promotional contact with GYM, settling into Montreal. “Kaboom” was supposed to fight Bryant Jennings in a rematch of their 2019 fight, which Rivas won by 12th round technical knockout. Jennings pulled out of the rematch because he refused to comply with Canadian rules and protocol for foreigners in Canada.

“Nothing could stop me preparing for this fight.” Rivas spoke about the delays and change of opponent. “I’ve remained focused for so long for this fight. I was surprised to learn about my new opponent, but nothing changed at all for my preparation for this fight. I am ready!

“I am speechless to be fighting for the first WBC Bridgerweight World title. I am so excited and proud to be fighting for the WBC Bridgerweight title of the World. It is a dream come true and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my promotional team, coaching staff, my agent, and Top Rank for making this happen.”

Rozicki is attempting to become the first world champion boxer from Nova Scotia. As his nickname indicates, “Bruiser” is a power puncher who has won each of his thirteen professional fights by knockout. His record includes his victory over Shawn Miller (18-4-1, 7 KO) in May 2019 for the WBC International Silver crown, as well as the defense of the same title in February 2020 against Vladimir Reznicek (9-2-2, 4 KOs).

“He (Rozicki) is a very aggressive boxer; however, I will be ready for him,” Rivas remarked. “I will be ready for him. I have been waiting for this fight for so long that I can’t wait to show the boxing world how improved I am.

I have devoted my entire life to be where I am today. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to fight for the title in Montreal, the city that has adopted me. I know that I will be at my best for this fight, and nothing will stop me from winning. No misunderstandings, I will become the new WBC Bridgerweight of the World.

“I’m also ready to fight for the world heavyweight championship of the opportunity is presented to me. I miss the ring so much. I know I belong with the best and the best of me is yet to come. Bring them all on, I am ready!”

Oscar Rivas.jpg
Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas

Popular Canadian welterweight Sébastien Bouchard (19-2-0, 8 KOs) meets Mexican welterweight Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2-0, 18 KOs), an explosive 8-round do-featured event.

Fighting on the stacked, Canadian flavored undercard in a pair of 6-rounders are Alexandre Roberge (1-1-0) vs. Francis Charbonneau (3-1-0, 1 KO.) in a 6-round rematch (Charbonneau WDEC), and light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs); heavyweight Alexis Barrière (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, and middleweight Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Thad Ridsdill (2-2, 1 KO) in 4-round matches.

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ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

MONTREAL (October 6, 2021) — The inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight World Championship fight (under 224 lbs.) will take place on October 22nd, promoted by Groupe Yvon Groupe (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, and a presentation of Mise-O-Jeu, at the Montreal Olympia.

As recently announced by the WBC, No. 1 contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) will face Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs) to headline “The Conquest” in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC title.

Rozicki is a powerful, undefeated puncher who has won each of his thirteen professional fights by knockout. His record includes his win over Shawn Miller (18-4-1, 7 KO) in May 2019 for the WBC International Silver crown, as well as the defense of the same title in February 2020 against Vladimir Reznicek (9-2-2, 4 KOs).

By his uncompromising style, “Bruiser” became very popular especially in English-speaking Canada. “Rivas will be my toughest opponent yet,” Rozicki explained. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I started boxing. Thanks to Yvon Michel and my promotional team for making this possible. On October 22nd, I will become world champion.”

In front of him stands an opponent who has been waiting for his chance for a long time, top contender Rivas, who easily disposed of Sylvera Louis (8-5, 4 KOs) by retirement after three rounds last March. Rivas, of course, was the victim of a very controversial defeat in July 2019 in England to Dillian Whyte (25-1), by way of a 12-round decision despite having sent him to the mat in the ninth round.

“Oscar Rivas is in the best shape of his career,” according to his trainer, Marc Ramsay. “I know Rozicki very well and he is very dangerous. He reminds me of a big Joe Smith, Jr., who without being the best technician, compensates with enthusiasm, aggressiveness and determination in the ring “

This fight turns out to be more than a major one for the careers of the two pugilists. The winner will be crowned king of this new division. The historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018 as it will be broadcast live on ESPN + in the United States. In total, this prestigious gala will also be broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

In the co-featured event, charismatic Sébastien Bouchard (19-2-0, 8 KOs) will be in his second fight of 2021, after suffering a major injury against Ayaz Hussain in 2019. He will face Mexican welterweight Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2-0, 18 KOs), of Baja California, Mexico, in an explosive 8-round duel.

With his third knockout victory this past August 28th in as many career fights, Alexis Barrière (3-0, 3 KOs) will return to the Olympia ring. This time around, the heavyweight will face Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in a 4-round clash.

As expected, the 6-round rematch between Alexandre Roberge (1-1-0) and Francis Charbonneau (3-1-0, 1 KO.) remains on this card. The two cruiserweights caused quite a stir on March 16th in their 6-round confrontation, which Charbonneau won by way of split decision.

Canadian light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs) was supposed to have a fabulous 2020 with a series of fights planned at the Casino de Montreal. The pandemic decided otherwise, though. Osias finally finds his way into the ring again on Oct. 22nd against his Mexican opponent, Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), who has won his last two fights by knockout.

Middleweight Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs) will put his undefeated pro record on the line versus Thad Ridsdill (2-2, 1 KO).

So, a colorful evening awaits boxing fans Oct. 22nd at the Olympia in Montreal. In fact, GYM will be promoting its 49th world championship fight in Canada since its founding in 2004.

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ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

MONTREAL (September 13, 2021) — A great World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship fight will officially come to fruition on October 22nd, in the bewitching atmosphere of L’Olympia de Montréal, a renovated venue that has kept its captivating cachet. Those who will have the privilege of being there will attend a colorful show in an exceptional environment that they will not soon forget.

For the first time in history, the WBC Bridgerweight title, under 224 pounds, will be on the line. Adopted Quebecer and WBC No. 1 contender for the vacant WBC title, Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19KO) will face American and No. 3 rated Bryant Jennings (24-4, 14KO), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This is a major clash for the two fighters and their careers, which promises to be a risky, hotly contested contest. After all, the winner will become the monarch of this new division. This grand and historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018, as ESPN + retained the broadcast rights to the fight in the United States. In total, this prestigious gala will also be broadcast live in nearly 50 countries.

Rivas was ranked among the world’s top 5 heavyweights when he was selected as the No. 1 contender in the WBC’s newly created division. In his last fight this past March, he easily disposed of Sylvera Louis by retirement in the 3rd round. In addition, boxing fans remember the fight delivered by “Kaboom” in England on July 20, 2019, against Britain’s Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18KO), in his previous outing. Rivas lost by close decision, even though he knocked his opponent down in the 9th round. The loss was very bitter, especially when it became known that Whyte had allegedly tested positive for illegal substances before the fight without BBBofC intervention.

This will be the second clash between Jennings and Rivas, who fought an extremely contested duel on January 2019, in Verona, New York. Also broadcast by ESPN +, Rivas-Jennings I was virtually even after 11 rounds. At the start of the last round, Rivas attacked with an aggressive and intense push to send the American to the floor, and subsequently forced the referee to end the hostilities. Since that time, the Philadelphia boxer has been calling for a rematch.

Jennings has fought one fight since his first fight with Rivas, a decision loss to Rio Olympics silver medalist and mandatory world contender to champion Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce (13-0, 12KO). Jennings is the only one to have crossed the line against the British giant. The scores of 115-112, 118-119 and 117-110 indicate that Jennings managed to win several rounds in this match, despite it being held in Joyce’s backyard in London.

A total of 6 boxing matches are planned for this magnificent evening.

The return of the charismatic Sébastien Bouchard (19-2, 8KO) is confirmed, He will be back in the ring for the second time in 2021, after suffering a major injury against Ayaz Hussain in Quebec in 2019.

Alexandre Roberge (1-1) and Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1KO) caused a stir March 16th in their 6-round confrontation, which was won by Charbonneau via split decision. The two young boxers will pick up where they left off with another 6-round fight.

The evening’s other fights will be announced later this week.

The Oct. 22nd event, presented in association with Mise-O-Jeu, will mark the 49th world Championship fight promoted by GYM since its founding in 2004.

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m. ET on ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

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About Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company, the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in 37 international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 48 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 34 occasions, the major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasJennings2

QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada (March 24, 2021) – Fresh off his recent third-round stoppage of Sylvera “Sly” Louis in their rematch, World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1 rated bridgerweight Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is on a special mission to not only become the first bridgerweight world champion but capture the world heavyweight crown as well.

A 2008 Colombian Olympian, Rivas is currently rated as the WBC’s No. 1-rated contender in the bridgerweight division (-224 lbs.), and No. 9 in The Ring magazine’s heavyweight rankings.

Prior to his rematch with Louis, Rivas hadn’t fought in 20 months due mainly to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Never-the-less, “Kaboom” remained professional, training throughout his ring absence, and now he’s positioned to fight for the inaugural WBC bridgerweight title.

“I love this sport,” Rivas said from his Montreal home. I dedicate my life to boxing. I never stopped training because I love it and I can’t live without it. I am an athlete! The pandemic didn’t make things easy for me or anybody else, especially for a natural heavyweight like me.

“In the ring, I am having fun, and that’s what drives me. After I was able to knockdown my opponent (Louis) in the first round, my coach asked me to take advantage of the opportunity to box because I hadn’t fought in 20 months. I hadn’t stepped in the ring and that’s what I enjoy every minute of.”

Even though he’s on the precipice of winning his first world title, as a bridgerweight fighter, Rivas will not be fully satisfied without becoming a 2-division world champion.

“I want to be the bridgerweight and heavyweight World champion without a doubt,” he explained. “My mission is timeless. For some reason, the big boys in the heavyweight division don’t want to fight me. There would have been good reasons for Dillian Whyte to give me a rematch, to clear any doubts! I love Tyson Fury but when he was looking for a dance partner last December, my name was dropped first even though we had the same promoter. I can only assume that they consider I am too dangerous for them. By becoming the WBC bridgerweight World champion, I assume that those big boys will be more intrigued to fight me, and I can’t wait. Now, more than ever.

“I am a heavyweight and I always tried to stay under 235 pounds throughout my career to exploit my speed, so the bridgerweight class became a natural fit for me. Now, I am aiming to become champion of the world in two divisions. Bring them all on!”

Rivas’ most likely will know who his opponent will be for the WBC bridgerweight title fight in June in the coming days. The names often mentioned are No. 3 rated Bryant Jennings (24-4, 14 KOs), 2-time world heavyweight title challenger, or built-up South African cruiserweight, No. 2 ranked Kevin Larena (26-1, 13 KOs).

“My team has been working very hard during this unbelievable time (pandemic) to organize a significant fight for me.” Rivas noted. “I just can’t wait to step back into the ring with anybody.”

Rivas still has unfinished business with Whyte, who is the only pro to defeat Rivas, albeit under questionable circumstances. Last August, Whyte won a 12-round unanimous decision, after been knockdown with an uppercut in the 9th round, in their vacant WBC Interim heavyweight title fight, but prior to their fight, unbeknownst to Team Rivas, Whyte had apparently tested positive for a banned substance during training camp. A UK Anti-Doping investigation somehow later cleared Whyte of any wrongdoings.

Last August, Whyte was knocked out in the fifth round by Alexander Povetkin in their WBC Interim title fight and Povetkin will defend his title this weekend in Gibraltar versus Whyte.

Oscar Rivas can’t wait to let his fists go “Kaboom” on his next opponent, whomever and whenever that is, as he continues his special mission.

?FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

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ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 155 events in Quebec, participated in 36 international galas outside of Quebec. Six boxers became world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought 48 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 34 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada (March 18, 2021) – World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1 rated bridgeweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) returned to the ring last night for the first time in 20 months on top of “The Homecoming: Rivas vs. Louis 2” card, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with New Era Fighting & Promotion and Lee Baxter Promotions, at Quebec Plaza Hotel in Quebec City, Ontario, Canada.

The 8-round main event was a rematch between Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) and Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-4, 4 KOs) of a fight Rivas, a 2008 Colombia Olympian, won by way of a 4-round majority decision nearly nine years ago.

Making his bridgeweight debut, Rivas outclassed his opponent until Louis failed to continue fighting after three rounds, headlining GYM’s first promotion in 16 months due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“I felt very strong physically and my reflexes were sharp,” Rivas said after the fight. “I feel like I’m going to show some great things in this new weight class (201-224 lbs.). My goal is to become world champion and I will wait for what comes.”

In the co-featured event, popular Canadian welterweight Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) took a 6-round unanimous decision from always tough Mario Perez (20-8-5, 12 KOs). Bouchard bounced back from his only loss a professional, when Avez Hussian (13-1) stopped him in the fourth round November 23, 2019, for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) USA and Canadian crowns.

In an All-Canadian super middleweight clash, undefeated world-rated middleweight Patrice Volny rolled to his 16th straight victory without a defeat, registering his 10th knockout in the fifth round of a rematch against former Canadian middleweight champion Janko Trotter, which Volny won three years ago by way of a first-round technical knockout. Volny is rated No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as No. 10 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

GYM president Yvon Michel commented, “This gala was made possible thanks to a colossal collective effort on the part of all stakeholders, starting with the entire GYM team, Santé Public Québec, the RACJ (Quebec commission), the management and employees of the Hotel Plaza Québec, our partners and associates and by all the participants who subjected themselves to difficult conditions, the required tests and who all fought with heart and determination! Thank you to everyone who attended the event on site or via television. This is a fresh start, and we will be back very soon.”

Also fighting on the undercard was promising Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO), whose auspicious pro-debut resulted in his second-round stoppage of Colin Sangster (2-1, 2 Kos), while Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 2 KOs) won a 6-round split decision versus Alexandre Roberge (1-1).

“The Homecoming” was streamed live by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $29.99 USD (available in English or French). It was also available to watch in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – BRIDGEWEIGHTS
Oscar Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WTKO3 (3:00)
Sylvera Louis (8-5, 5 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS
Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 58-56)
Mario Perez (20-8-5, 12 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
WTKO2 (1:20)
Colin Sangster (2-1, 2 KOs), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 2 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
WDEC6 (60-54, 58-56, 56-58)
Alexandre Roberge (1-1, 0 KOs), Lanoraiem Quebec, Canada

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Patrice Volny (16-0, 10 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WTKO5 (1:56)
Janko Trotter (10-6-2, 10 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

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RivasLouis2

QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada (March 15, 2021) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s “The Homecoming: Rivas vs. Louis 2” event, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with New Era Fighting & Promotion and Lee Baxter Promotions, at Quebec Plaza Hotel in Quebec City, Ontario, Canada.

The 8-round main event is a rematch between WBC No. 1 rated bridgeweight contender (pictured here on scale) Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) and Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-4, 4 KOs). Rivas, a 2008 Colombia Olympian, defeated Louis by 4-round majority decision back in 2012.

A maximum of 120 fans for a total of 250 peoples will be allowed to attend “The Homecoming.” Boxers and trainers had to have quarantined for 14 days prior to the event, and they will also need to carefully check any Covid potential symptoms during a 10-day period after the tomorrow evening’s fights.

“The Homecoming” will be streamed live by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $29.99 USD (available in English or French). It will also be available in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP.

Fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – BRIDGERWEIGHTS (8)
Oscar Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 221.4 lbs.
Sylvera Louis (8-4, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 203.8 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Sebastien Bouchard (18-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada 146.2 lbs.
Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada 141 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)
Patrice Volny (15-0, 9 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 166 lbs.
Janko Trotter (10-5-2, 10 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada 166.8 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Alexis Barriere (pro debut), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada 236 lbs.
Colin Sangster (2-0, 2 KOs), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada 279.6 lbs.

CRUISERWEIGHTS (6)
Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Granby, Quebec, Canada 187.8 lbs.
Marco Parente (1-4-3, 0 KOs), Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada 181.8 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Francis Charbonneau (2-1, 2 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 211 lbs.
Alexandre Roberge (1-0 (0 KOs), Lanoraiem Quebec, Canada 222.4 lbs.

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

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RivasLouis2

WHAT: “The Homecoming: Rivas vs. Louis 2” professional boxing

WHEN: Tuesday, March 16, 2021

WHERE: Hotel Plaza Quebec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

WHO: MAIN EVENT – BRIDGERWEIGHTS (8)
Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
vs.
Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-4, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

              CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
              Sebastien Bouchard (18-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada

vs.
Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

              SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)
              Patrice Volny (15-0, 9 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

vs.
Janko Trotter (10-5-2, 10 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada

              HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
              Alexis Barriere (pro debut), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada

vs.
Colin Sangster (2-0, 2 KOs), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

              CRUISERWEIGHTS (6)
              Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Granby, Quebec, Canada

vs.
Marco Parente (1-4-3, 0 KOs), Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada

              CRUISERWEIGHTS (4)
              Francis Charbonneau (2-1, 2 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.
Alexandre Roberge (1-0 (0 KOs), Lanoraiem Quebec, Canada

              CRUISERWEIGHTS (4)
              Alexander Beaule (1-0, 1 KO), Granby, Quebec, Canada

vs.
Nick “Big Nac” Naccarato (0-0-1), Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

(card subject to change)

Promoter: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with New Era Fighting & Promotion and Lee Baxter Promotions

How To Watch: Streamed live by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $29.99 USD (available in English or French). It will also be available in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP (https://www.yoop.app/fr-CA/events/LesRetrouvailles/5683)

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

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RivasLouis2

MONTREAL (March 9, 2021) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) will organize its first event in 16 months – “The Homecoming: Rivas vs. Louis 2” — Tuesday night, March 16 at Hotel Plaza Quebec in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

“The Homecoming,” presented in co-promotion with New Era Fighting & Promotion and in collaboration of Lee Baxter Promotions is headlined by a rematch featuring Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) and Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-5, 4 KOs) in the 8-round main event. Rivas defeated Louis by 4-round majority decision back in 2012.

A representative of his native Colombia at the 2008 Olympics, Rivas is coming off a controversial loss July 20, 2019, by way of a 12-round decision to Dillian Whyte (25-1) in the United Kingdom for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim heavyweight title.

A maximum of 120 fans for a total of 250 peoples will be allowed to attend “The Homecoming.” Boxers and trainers had to have quarantined for 14 days prior to the event, and they must carefully check any Covid potential symptoms during 10 days after the fights.

Rivas is rated No. 1 in the WBC’s new weight class, Bridgerweight (200 to 224 lbs.), and he and Louis will participate in the Bridgerweight’s inaugural fight.

“It was not easy to put all the parts in place, to have our sanitary protocol accepted and to obtain all the required authorizations while Quebec City was in the worst of the Covid pandemic time and
declared a red zone,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “It has been tireless teamwork for several months and full collaboration from the participants. It is an expensive but important adventure for the relaunch of our activities and the restarting of the careers of our boxers. This gala will allow several boxers to regain hope and WBC # 1 aspirant Oscar Rivas to restart the machine for whom we have very ambitious plans this year.”

“The Homecoming” will be streamed live by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $29.99 USD (available in English or French). It will also be available in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP.

In the co-featured event, Canadian favorite Sebastian Bouchard (18-2, 8 KOs) takes on welterweight Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs) in a 6-tound bout. It will be the first fight for Bouchard since he was injured in the ring in November 2019.

Former NBA and NABO middleweight champion Patrice Volny (25-1, 18 KOs) squares off against former Canada middleweight titlist Janko Trotter (10-5-2) in a super middleweight clash of Canadians. This is a very important fight for IBF #6 ranked Volny who has been appointed to box Polish Patrick Wojcicki, IBF #3, for the mandatory position to challenge world champion Gennady Golovkin in May.

Former Canadian amateur champion and member of the Canadian National Team, Alexis Barrière, will make is long awaited pro debut when he meets Colin Sangster (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 4-round fight between Canadian heavyweight prospects.

There matches showcasing cruiserweights are also on tap on the undercard: Popular Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs) vs. Marco Parente (1-4-3) in a 6-rounder, plus a pair of 4-round fights between Francis Charbonneau (2-1, 2 KOs) vs. Alexandre Roberge (1-0, 0 KOs), and Alexander Beaule (1-0l 1 KO) vs. Nick “Big Mac” Naccarato (0-0-1).

Card subject to change.

@groupeyvonmichel

@groupeyvonmichel

@yvonmichelGYM

Having always been too small to compete on even terms with boxing’s giants, Saginaw, Michigan’s Robert Simms says he welcomes the WBC’s new Bridgerweight division (200-224 pounds) and would happily face #1-rated Oscar Rivas or any another world-rated contender for its inaugural belt.

A slick technician with good speed and punching power in the mold of all-time-great Michigan fighter James Toney, Simms (10-3, 3 KOs) has used his surprising athleticism and ring smarts to sit in the pocket and conserve energy, yet seldom get hit flush against full-sized heavyweights. But the 5? 11? Simms, currently ranked the #20 contender in the new weight class, says he’ll be a dangerous handful for anyone under 225 lbs, especially the Montreal-based Colombian Rivas.

“Let’s do it. I would beat him,” said Simms. “He’s just another standard heavyweight, nothing special and he’s really stiff as a fighter. I believe that with my skills I would be able to pick him apart. It’s my dream to win a WBC belt.”

It’s not that Simms didn’t have any success at heavyweight. In June of last year at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, a 227-lb Simms took away the undefeated 0 of local favorite Colby Madison with a clear-cut unanimous decision.

A latecomer to the sport at age 24, Simms says he took fights out of shape and way above his most effective weight class “just to see what he could do.” But having recently gotten engaged, the father of five says he’s re-dedicated himself to the sport. In his most recent ring appearance, in October of last year, Simms looked like a different fighter. Coming in at just 198 lbs., Simms utilized his speed and strong technical skills to score a unanimous decision over fellow Michigander Demetrius Banks.

“The height of a heavyweight never bothered me,” continued Simms. “It was the weight that would wear me down. I’ll have stamina all day long at this lower weight class. There’s nobody in this division with my footwork and skills and accuracy.”

“This is the weight class for Robert Simms,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “He’s been floating around cruiserweight and heavyweight division all of his career and he’s beaten and come close to beating some very good fighters. I believe Robert has the skills and now the size and strength to be a force in the bridgerweight division.”

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (March 5, 2020) — Janibek Alimkhanuly will bring his brand of “Qazaq Style” north of the border. Alimkhanuly, the latest middleweight sensation from Kazakhstan, will defend his WBO Global and WBC Continental Americas belts in a 10-rounder against fellow unbeaten Issah Samir on Saturday, March 28 at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

Alimkhanuly-Samir will open the ESPN-televised doubleheader (10 p.m. ET) featuring WBC/IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev’s title defense against mandatory challenger Meng Fanlong.

The undercard (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET) will see the return of heavyweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas in a 10-rounder against 2004 U.S. Olympian Devin Vargas. Rivas, from Colombia, has made Montreal his home since turning pro in 2009.

“What an undercard we have in Quebec City, as Janibek is truly one of the special young talents in the entire sport,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar Rivas is a dangerous freight train of a heavyweight, and he is in the mix to fight for a world title in 2020. It is going to be an action-packed evening.”

Alimkhanuly (8-0, 4 KOs), who is trained by Buddy McGirt and managed by three-time BWAA Manager of the Year Egis Klimas, represented Kazakhstan at the 2016 Rio Olympics and captured gold at both the 2013 Asian and World Championships. Ranked No. 4 by the WBO, Alimkhanuly took the express lane to contention, besting veteran spoiler Vaughn Alexander in only his fourth pro fight. He went 4-0 with three knockouts in 2019, including a sixth-round knockout over former Canadian and NABO middleweight champion Albert Onolunose last November in Fresno, Calif.

“I only want the toughest competition. That’s why I am a contender after eight pro fights,” Alimkhanuly said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase my skills live on ESPN. I will leave Canada with the ‘0’ on my record. I want to thank Samir for taking the fight, but he won’t be able to solve the ‘Qazaq Style’ puzzle.”

Samir (18-0, 15 KOs) is the latest world-class pugilist from Accra, Ghana, a proud fighting city that has produced world champions Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, David Kotey, Joshua Clottey and Richard Commey, among many others. He represented Ghana at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and turned pro in 2011, knocking out eight opponents in his first year in the paid ranks. Samir won the Ghanaian middleweight title over veteran Philip Kotey in 2015 and, following a nearly three-year layoff, he returned to action in June 2018. He is 4-0 with three knockouts since then and will be making his first professional appearance away from his homeland.

“I am coming to Canada to steal the show,” Samir said. “Every time I enter the ring, I fight for Ghana and our great champions who paved the way. Janibek is skilled fighter, but I know he has not fought anyone like me.”

Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), who recently signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank, had an action-packed 2019. He knocked out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in January and knocked down — and nearly knocked out — Dillian Whyte in July before dropping a unanimous decision for the WBC interim heavyweight world title. Ranked No. 3 by the WBC, Rivas is still in the thick of the heavyweight mix despite the Whyte loss. Vargas (22-6, 9 KOs) revitalized his career in January with an upset victory over 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal. Last August, he knocked out then-unbeaten Irish prospect Niall Kennedy in five rounds.

“The past year, I have proven I am one of the world’s elite heavyweights,” Rivas said. “This year, my goal is to prove that I deserve my chance to take on the best heavyweight boxer in the world, Tyson Fury, who is also under contract with Top Rank. On March 28, I will smash my opponent with a spectacular ‘Kaboom.’”

In other undercard action on ESPN+:

Wilfried Seyi (8-0, 4 KOs), a native of Cameroon who calls Montreal home, will fight Alan Carrillo (11-4, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder at super middleweight. Sey represented Cameroon at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and he recently qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In an eight-round super bantamweight battle, Ismael Camacho Garcia (12-2-3, 5 KOs) will face Montreal-based veteran Vislan Dalkhaev (12-1, 3 KOs), who has won three in a row.

Heavyweight prospect Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (6-0, 6 KOs), a 2016 Italian Olympian, will face an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder.

Montreal-based super middleweight KO artist Christian “Solide” Mbilli (16-0, 15 KOs) will face Mexican veteran Felipe “El Pinocho” Ugalde (18-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, Roc Nation Sports and Gestev, tickets priced ($CA) at $542, $330, $275, $137, $104, $75 and $55 (including fees and taxes) are on sale now and are available via www.ticketmaster.ca and in person at the Videotron Centre box office.

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing, Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/yvonmichelGYMl; twitter.com/ESPNRingside; IG: https://www.instagram.com/espnringside/.

Use the hashtag #BeterbievMeng to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 7.6 million subscribers in less than two years, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com. It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

(Feb. 13, 2020) — Heavyweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas, the Colombian-born, Canadian-based puncher on the precipice of a world title shot, has inked a multi-fight promotional agreement with Top Rank. Rivas, who is co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, will return on an ESPN platform in 2020.

Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), ranked No. 3 by the WBC, represented Colombia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before moving to Montreal to begin his professional career.

“Top Rank is in the heavyweight business, and we are pleased to be partnering with Yvon Michel to help Oscar get to the next level,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He fits right in the heavyweight picture and has the skills and toughness to compete against anyone in the division.”

Said Michel: “Oscar Rivas is ready to send a strong message, as he has the style to beat any heavyweight on any given day. It is with great enthusiasm that we are confirming this partnership for Oscar with Top Rank.” 

“I am very proud and excited to join forces with Top Rank. I thank Top Rank for believing in me,” Rivas said. “I also want to thank my manager, Stéphane Lepine, and my promoter, Yvon Michel, for their leadership and guidance from the beginning of my career. 

“I am still a bit bitter over the circumstances surrounding my last fight in London against Dillian Whyte, and I hope that one day we will fight a rematch on an even playing field. As for Dillian, I know he will do all he can to avoid this, but nothing will ever stop me from becoming a world champion. I am ready to take on any challenge.”

Rivas was undefeated when he traveled to Whyte’s home turf last July in a fight for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight world title. Rivas knocked White down in the ninth round but ultimately lost a close unanimous decision. The Whyte defeated put a temporary halt to Rivas’ momentum, as he began his 2019 campaign with a dramatic 12th-round TKO over Bryant Jennings.

Rivas now joins Top Rank’s loaded heavyweight stable, which includes lineal champion Tyson Fury and top contenders Kubrat Pulev, Agit Kabayel, Carlos Takam and Jarrell Miller. As an amateur, Rivas defeated Pulev and former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr.

The WBC has stripped WBC Interim Heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte following testing positive for a banned substance prior to his vicory over Oscar Rivas on July 20th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“An A sample UKAD collected from Mr. Dillian Whyte in relation with his bout against Oscar Rivas yielded an adverse finding,” the WBC said in a statement Tuesday. “In light of that adverse finding, and pending the outcome of the WBC’s own investigation and adjudicatory process, the WBC is provisionally suspending the WBC’s recognition of Dillian Whyte as WBC interim world heavyweight champion and mandatory challenger of the division.

“The WBC has notified Mr. Whyte and his team of the WBC’s suspension, and that it will afford Mr. Whyte the opportunity to present its position to the WBC at an investigative hearing which will take place at a place and time to be announced in the near future. Throughout its investigation and hearing, the WBC will afford Mr. Whyte and his team the opportunity to present any available information and materials, and any exculpatory evidence they might deem appropriate.”

Whyte’s only public comments on the situation came Friday via social media.

“I am so disappointed with the rubbish that has been said about me over the last few days,” Whyte wrote. “I have lawyers dealing with it and I have been told that I can’t talk about it for good legal reasons. I was cleared to fight and I won that fight fair and square.”

DOORS 16:30

BOXING STARTS 16:50

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
ALEN BABIC 14st 11lbs 6oz v MORGAN DESSAUX 15st 6lbs
(Croatia) (France)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
FABIO WARDLEY 17st 6oz v MARIANO DIAZ STRUNZ 16st 8lbs 4oz
(Ipswich) (Argentina)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE

18:10 | 10 x 3 mins Southern Area Light-Heavyweight Title
CHARLIE DUFFIELD 12st 6lbs 5oz v DAN AZEEZ 12st 6lbs 9oz
(Canning Town) (Lewisham)

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Championship
LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 4oz v MARIANO GUDINO 14st 3lbs 9oz
(Hackeny) (Argentina)

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
DALTON SMITH 10st 2lbs v IBRAR RIYAZ 10st 4lbs 3oz
(Sheffield) (Reading)

10 x 3 mins WBA Inter-Continental Cruiserweight Title
RICHARD RIAKPORHE 14st 3lbs 5oz v CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 2lbs 7oz
(Walworth) (Bournemouth)

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DEREK CHISORA 18st 5lbs v ARTUR SZPILKA 17st 5lbs
(Finchley) (Poland)

12 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Heavyweight Title
DAVE ALLEN 17st 3lbs 5oz v DAVID PRICE 18st 5lbs
(Conisborough) (Liverpool)

12 x 3 mins vacant WBC Interim Heavyweight Title
DILLIAN WHYTE 18st 2lbs v OSCAR RIVAS 17st 1lbs 3oz
(Brixton) (Colombia)

DILLIAN WHYTE:

“I’m good. I feel strong and fit. I saw Oscar Rivas throw a few punches in there and he looks strong and he looks big. His arms a dense, chest dense, legs dense, everything dense. He looks good.

“We’ve been working on the same things. We’re just trying to get better and better. People forget I had seven amateur fights. Most of my learning was done sparring guys like David Haye, David Price, Klitschko, Chisora, all of these guys.

“I fought a couple of these guys but I was their sparring partner at the start so my learning has been from training with these guys. I’m at a high level but I’m still learning. We just work on it until we get better and better. 

“Boxing is a strange sport. we’ve been told this for over 607 days and it ain’t happened yet. I just keep fighting. I just want to give the fans the best fights I can. I could have fought someone else. I’m still learning and I want to challenge myself so we picked Oscar Rivas.

“He’s not really someone that you pick. You fight Oscar Rivas if you have to fight him for a World title or as a mandatory challenger. What the heck, we’re in the game to try and make history and do the best we can. These kind of guys, if we I beat these guys, I’m piggy-banking on their amateur experience and their experience. This is another step in the right direction. 

“I don’t even know what the best of me looks like yet. Even the strength and conditioning guys keep saying to me ‘you don’t know your limit, we don’t know your limit because we haven’t been there yet’. There’s still probably another 20% or 30% of improvement left to come across the board. I’m just excited and working. The longer these guys leave me the better I’m getting.”

DAVE ALLEN:

“I don’t really care enough about anything in life for it to be a pressurised situation for myself.

“If David Price loses against me I know it will upset him because I never boxed when he was the next Klitschko, I had never even boxed in my life.

“So he must beat me otherwise it’s the end, where I will keep going. I’ve got no shame. I’ll fight anywhere, anyone. The pressure is all on him.

“It’s a massive advantage having Darren in my corner. I hope I don’t have to come back to the corner at the end of round one. I think it could go that quick, he hits hard enough and I hid hard enough and he’s fragile enough.

“If I hit him he could go and if he hits me I could go. That’s why it’s so intriguing because one of us will get knocked out at some point. It just depends when, how, where, who.

“I really excited to be involved in it, it’s a really exciting fight. I always wanted to be involved in these kind of fights. I’ve got all the respect in the world for David Price, I know what he’s capable of and I’m just excited by the whole week.

“I just want to keep going. I know what the prize is for this fight and I guess realistically that’s what has kept me going.

“I’m a lazy man, I like to eat, I like to go out and do things I shouldn’t do, so I do need something to keep me going and I’ve had that in this fight and I’ve got Darren as well to keep me on the straight and narrow.

“Everything has gone well for this fight, everything is 100 per cent. There’s no excuses, I’m really happy and when I’m happy I’m dangerous.”DAVID PRICE:

“It’s a pick-em fight for the public, so it’s going to be exciting to watch.

“Dave’s got a bit of momentum and I’ve got a bit of momentum. Dave Allen fits the bill for the next step up after Tom Little and Kash Ali. 

“No pressure whatsoever because I’m the B-side in this fight and it’s kind of nice, it’s refreshing because Dave Allen is the favourite.

“I know I’m capable and what I’m supposed to do on the night.”

Whyte vs. Rivas tops a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (17-4-2, 14 KOs) tackles Liverpudlian Heavyweight David Price (24-6, 19 KOs) in a must-win domestic showdown, former World title challengers Derek Chisora (30-9, 21 KOs) and Artur Szpilka (22-3, 15 KOs) clash in an explosive Heavyweight match-up, big-hitting London Cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe (9-0, 8 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental title against Bournemouth’s undefeated Chris Billam-Smith (9-0, 8 KOs), Canning Town’s Charlie Duffield (7-1, 6 KOs) clashes with Lewisham’s Dan Azeez (8-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant Southern Area Light-Heavyweight title, Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Cruiserweight title against Mariano Gudino (13-2, 8 KOs), Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (7-0, 6 KOs) continues his march towards a title and Sheffield amateur star Dalton Smith (1-0) fights for the second time.

The Heavyweight title eliminator between Dillian Whyte and Oscar Rivas for the number one spot in the WBC will be streamed live in all DAZN markets on Saturday, July 20, from The O2 in London. DAZN is available across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Whyte (25-1 18 KOs) holds the number one slot with the WBC and puts that on the line as the hard-hitting ‘Body Snatcher’ continues to blast his path to a World title shot. The Brixton banger put Derek Chisora away in devastating style in his last outing, the pair thrilling the Greenwich crowd in their rematch in December – before icing Del Boy in the 11th round.

The 31-year-old Briton will be gunning for a tenth straight win against Rivas, with wins over Joseph Parker, Robert Helenius and Lucas Browne sandwiched between his two wins over Chisora. Whyte has become a must-watch fighter since rocking old foe Anthony Joshua in their battle at The O2 in December 2012, and yet again takes on a high-risk challenge as he cements his spot as the leading Heavyweight contender in the world.

Rivas (26-0 18 KOs) is yet another dangerous challenger for Whyte to risk his number one rankings with, and the Colombian comes into the bout on the back of his biggest win in the paid ranks. Rivas traveled to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York in January and KO’d former World title challenger Bryant Jennings in the final round of their clash, underlining his dangerous potential to World titlists and fellow contenders.

In the United States, action will begin on DAZN at 1:00 p.m. ET with the full six-fight Matchroom Boxing undercard from The O2 in London.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is a huge night of Heavyweight boxing and I’m excited that DAZN subscribers will get to watch it live. Dillian Whyte, who has proved himself as one on the best Heavyweights on the planet, takes on the relentless and unbeaten Oscar Rivas who is coming off a brutal KO of Bryant Jennings. Brit Derek Chisora faces off against Poland’s Artur Szpilka and crowd favourite Dave Allen tackles David Price in a big domestic shootout. Tune in and don’t miss it!”