LAS VEGAS, NV (January 18, 2024) – Super bantamweight WBO #5 contender Ra’eese Aleem (20-1, 12 KOs), is fervent about his desire for a rematch on U.S. soil with Sam Goodman (17-0, 7 KOs), following their intense bout in June of 2023. Aleem, determined to rectify the outcome of their last encounter, aims to secure a rematch with Goodman to prove his worth and showcase his growth as a fighter.

“I’m hearing Goodman wants to come to the States to secure a fight with a top name, and I’m ready for a rematch,” said Aleem. “I fought him on his home turf, now he should honor a rematch against me on my home turf. I lost a split decision and it’s only fair I get a rematch.”

Despite the loss, Aleem remains determined and is open to facing other formidable opponents if a rematch with Goodman can’t be made. Three other potential contenders on Aleem’s radar are Stephen Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs), TJ Doheny (25-4, 19 KOs), and Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs). Aleem believes that a victory over either of these accomplished fighters would solidify his position in the super bantamweight division and propel him closer to his ultimate goal.

Aleem’s ambitious aspirations extend beyond his fights with top contenders, as he sets his sights on the reigning undisputed champion, Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs). Aleem is eager to climb the ranks and earn a shot at the coveted super bantamweight titles currently held by Inoue.

“I have learned from every fight, and I am ready to face any challenge that comes my way. A rematch with Goodman is my priority, but I am more than willing to take on Fulton, Doheny, Akhmadaliev, or anyone else who stands in my path. Ultimately, my goal is to become the super bantamweight champion, and Inoue is the man to beat,” concluded Aleem.

“I believe Aleem is one fight away from getting a shot at Inoue,” stated Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager. “One big win against a top contender will put him in a great position. Ra’eese has been training hard, waiting for his name to be called. I have no doubt, he’ll be ready to go when that time comes.”

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – October 6, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar and WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Tim Tszyu will look to make the first defense of his world title when he battles streaking top contender Brian Mendoza headlining action live on SHOWTIME^® on Saturday, October 14 (Sunday, October 15 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL^® telecast begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT and will also feature Australia’s rising contender Sam Goodman squaring off against former world title challenger Miguel Flores in a 12-round featherweight bout.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu is one of the sport’s busiest stars and will once again look to challenge the best when he faces the fast-rising Brian Mendoza on SHOWTIME October 14 in Australia,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We’ve seen in recent outings that both of these fighters have the ability to end a fight at any moment, and that should lead to yet another memorable fight in the stacked 154-pound division.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (23-0, 17 KOs) will look to continue his red-hot 2023 that began with him stopping former world champion Tony Harrison in March on SHOWTIME in a career-best performance that earned him the interim title. He followed that up in June with a first-round KO over Carlos Ocampo and was recently elevated to the full WBO champion when former Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermell Charlo challenged Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez in a losing effort on September 30. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S. and SHOWTIME debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya Tszyu, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“There was no celebration, no nothing when Charlo stepped in the ring against Canelo and I became world champion. I’ll feel like a world champion once this fight with Mendoza is done,” said Tszyu. “I want to earn it that way Brian and I are both in that top one percent of fighters in the world. He’s a style I haven’t faced before and I know he thrives on that underdog mentality. So, he of course has my respect. But he’s in there with someone that’s a different breed and it’s not going to end well for him. I promise to turn any remaining non-believers into believers. This is my time and my division now.”

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Mendoza (22-2, 16 KOs) scored one of the year’s biggest upsets in April as he blasted out the previously unbeaten Sebastian Fundora with a sensational one-punch knockout in round seven, solidifying his own status at 154 pounds by capturing the interim WBC title. Reinvigorated since teaming with renowned trainer Ismael Salas, Mendoza had previously knocked out former unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in November 2022. Mendoza has won three fights in a row since dropping a decision to highly touted knockout artist Jesus Ramos in September 2021. Mendoza also owns a 10-round unanimous decision triumph over Thomas LaManna in August 2020 and began his career with eighteen consecutive victories.

“Fighting for the world title is an incredible opportunity and I’ll be ecstatic when I win, because the dream isn’t just to fight for the title, the dream is to bring it home to my family,” said Mendoza. “I’m finishing up training camp and feeling sharper than ever. I’m in the best shape of my life and ready to put on another explosive performance. I’m going in there to lay it all on the line, because I know that winning this fight will change my family’s life for generations to come.”

The 25-year-old Goodman (15-0, 7 KOs) burst through to become a top contender in June as he earned a career-best decision in edging out elite 122-pounder Ra’eese Aleem. It was Goodman’s second consecutive win over a name brand contender as he had previously dominated former world champion T.J. Doheny in March on his way to a unanimous decision. After an impressive amateur career that included four national championships and an appearance in the 2017 World Amateur Championships, the Australian from Albion Park, New South Wales turned pro in April 2018 and began compiling his unbeaten record.

Flores (25-4-1, 12 KOs) returns to action having most recently battled former three-division champion Abner Mares to a competitive draw in September of last year. Before that fight, the 31-year-old stopped a two-bout losing streak with a decision over Diuhl Olguin in June 2021. Those losses had come in a 130-pound title fight against four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and against top contender Eduardo Ramirez. Born in Mexico and now residing in Spring, Texas, Flores turned pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old and was victorious in his first 22 bouts.

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World rated contender Elijah Pierce (18-2, 15 KOs) needed just three rounds to knock out Mike Plania (28-3, 15 KOs) on Friday night. The event was promoted by Overtime Boxing and streamed on DAZN. 

Pierce is currently world rated by the WBC, IBF and WBO. 

The 26 year old southpaw connected with a short and succinct shotgun left hand that dropped Plania, and the Florida-based Filipino fighter failed to pick himself back up from the canvas. This marks the first time Plania has been stopped in 31 fights. 

“I’ve been telling everybody, the power is real. I know I’m the hardest punching super bantamweight in the world. I feel like I’m the only one who can beat Inoue, as once he feels my shots he’ll respect me.”- said Pierce. 

Elijah’s manager Trifon Petrov has been pushing for a big fight for his fighter.

“This was an extremely impressive win for Pierce. He did the unthinkable and stopped Plania. Pierce is on a tear since we started working together, he won 9 in a row, 7 by knockout. He paid his dues, he is ready for the biggest names in the weight class.”- said Trifon Petrov. 

After last week’s win, Pierce proved once again he is a top 5 fighter in the world. He is a high risk fight for all those rated above him, so whenever Elijah Pierce’s name comes up most fighters don’t even want to entertain a conversion about possibly fighting him. 

“I know my manager has been working on trying to make the Ra’esee Aleem fight. I will take this fight in a heart beat. Him and I are the best USA based fighters in the weight class. Let’s run it.” said Pierce. 

When asked about Stephen Fulton, here is what Pierce had to say. 

“Although I think Fulton is a great fighter and I respect him, I have seen a lot of flaws I could exploit and he also showed how he does with big punchers. If he and I ever fight, it would be another one-sided beating just like what Inoue did to him… would he fight me though is the question?”

Pierce wouldn’t mind going overseas and fighting some of the big names there either.

“I’ve gone to people’s hometowns and embarrassed them in front of their families and friends. I wouldn’t mind going to Australia and doing the same to Sam Goodman.”- said Elijah Pierce. 

LAS VEGA, NV (July 20, 2023) – Super bantamweight contender, Ra’eese Aleem (20-1, 12 KOs), has broke his silence since suffering his first defeat as a professional, a hard-fought split decision loss to Sam Goodman (15-0, 7 KOs), a fight that took place in Goodman’s homeland of Australia last month.

One of the major hurdles Aleem faced during his journey to Australia was acclimating to the significant time change. He attested to the difficulties of adjusting to the new time zone, stating, “The time difference definitely presented some unique challenges. I now know what fighters have always said about fighting overseas, its not easy. I’m not taking anything away from Goodman, he showed he belongs with the elite in the division. Nevertheless, I believe that stepping out of my comfort zone is necessary for growth and reaching new heights in my career. I definitely want that rematch, but here in the States, and let’s see if he can hang with the travel.”

Despite the setback in Australia, Ra’eese Aleem remains undeterred and determined to reclaim his position among the super bantamweight elite. He recognizes that the road to success is often filled with obstacles but believes that every experience, whether victory or defeat, serves as a steppingstone towards greatness.

“Ra’eese is a true warrior, and his determination is unmatched,” said Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing who manages Aleem. “Despite facing adversity in Australia, he has proven time and again that he belongs at the highest level of the super bantamweight division. We are excited about his future, and we are confident that he will bounce back stronger than ever.”

Looking ahead, Aleem is eagerly keeping an eye on the highly anticipated unification bout between Stephen Fulton and Naoya Inoue. The potential matchup with either of these world-class fighters presents an enticing opportunity for Aleem to prove his mettle on the grandest stage. His unwavering focus on top-tier competition showcases his commitment to be recognized as one of the best in the division.

“Fulton verses Inoue is going to be a great fight,” continued Aleem. “I’ll be watching closely as either one of them are potential opponents down the road. I’m leaning toward Fulton to pull off the upset, but I know it’s going to be a difficult task for him being that he’s fighting overseas. People don’t realize how hard it is to get acclimated when fighting on foreign land.

LAS VEGAS – June 14, 2023 – Undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem declared his upcoming showdown against unbeaten Australian Sam Goodman “a chess match, but a brutal one,” as he prepares to step into the ring in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator that serves as the co-main event live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu returning to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

Here was what Aleem had to say about training camp prior to arriving in Australia last Thursday, and more:

On his matchup with Sam Goodman:

“I believe my fight with Goodman is going to be a war. He does a lot of nice things in the ring, but so do I. It’s a matchup of unique styles. He likes to fight off the back foot and I like to do multiple things. I’ll be throwing hard punches as always looking for the knockout. It’s going to be a chess match, but a brutal one.”

On his recent training camp:

“I kept my weight in check, so I feel strong going into this fight. I feel everything came together during this camp and I’m ready to go.”

On fighting outside of the U.S. for the first time:

“Deep down inside I’m excited to be fighting Goodman in his Australia, where he calls home. I’m a proud American and I’ll do anything to bring pride to our country. Although it’s just a boxing match, we’ll be going toe-to-toe, and I’ll be representing the great United States of America.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“Winning this fight will catapult me to a world title shot. Not only am I fighting someone in his own country, but it’s a title elimination bout to see who’s next to fight for the title. Everything changes for me if I win this fight, so you best believe I’m coming with everything I got. I’m leaving everything in the ring against Goodman.” 

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QUEENSLANT, AUSTRALIA (June 10, 2023) – Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), the unbeaten IBF #5 ranked Jr. Featherweight sensation hailing from the United States, has touched down in Queensland, Australia, as he prepares to face off against IBF #4 rated Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) in a highly anticipated 12-round title elimination bout.

Aleem’s relentless pursuit to fight any of the current champions has come on deaf ears, but has propelled him to the upper echelons of the Jr. Featherweight division. With each victory, he has showcased his technical mastery and knockout power, capturing the attention and admiration of boxing enthusiasts worldwide. Now, he sets his sights on overcoming the challenge posed by Sam Goodman, a worthy warrior determined to maintain his unbeaten record.

“As an athlete, my ultimate goal is to be great and make a lasting impact in the sport of boxing,” stated Ra’eese Aleem from Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Muskegon Michigan, who is eagerly looking forward to the challenge of representing the United States on foreign soil. “I’m willing to fight anyone anywhere, and that’s why I came out here.  I am incredibly proud to represent the United States as I prepare to face Goodman in his own backyard. Stepping outside my comfort zone and fighting overseas is something I believe will prove my worth and demonstrate the skills and determination that have led me to this moment. I’m coming to knock this man out!”

The electrifying showdown between Aleem and Goodman will take place on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) at the esteemed Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. This event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME, with the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 5, 2023) – Undefeated Jr. Featherweight, Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), ranked IBF #5, gears up to face his toughest challenge yet, a 12-round title elimination bout against IBF #4 rated contender, Sam Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs). 

Aleem, hailing from the United States, is embracing stepping out of his comfort zone to fight Goodman in his home country of Australia. This will be the first time in his challenging career that Aleem will fight out of the USA. For years, Aleem has been ducked by all the top fighters in the division. He explains why he is willing to travel outside of the country for a fight.

“I am thrilled to be back in the ring and eager to showcase my skills on Australian soil,” said Aleem, from his training camp in Las Vegas. “Stepping out of the USA for the first time in my career is my way of letting everyone in boxing know that I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get a title shot. I am fully prepared to leave everything in the ring and make a decisive statement by getting the knockout. I don’t want to let any decision be in the hands of the judges. I feel winning this fight outside of the USA, will show how serious I am about becoming world champion.”

“Aleem has proven that he’s one of the best fightiers in the 122-pound division and its no secret why he’s also the most avoided fighter at super bantamweight,” said Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager and CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Aleem should be applauded for fighting overseas against a guy fighting in his own country. He’s hungry and he’s ready to come out victorious.”

Aleem vs. Goodman will air live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The main event featuring Tim Tszyu defending his Interim WBO 154-pound title against the tough Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – June 2, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will return to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on undefeated Australian Sam Goodman in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator in the co-main event.

Tszyu will make the first defense of his interim belt after capturing it in March on SHOWTIME with a career-best showing in stopping former champion Tony Harrison. He had originally been scheduled to face Undisputed Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas in January, before Charlo was forced to withdraw due to injury. With a victory on June 17 in his home country, Tszyu can lock in a date with Charlo later this year.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu has solidified his place near the top of the super welterweight division and will once again bring his fan-friendly style to the ring for fans in the U.S. watching on SHOWTIME,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “An experienced and hungry Carlos Ocampo will be coming to Australia to upset Tszyu’s plans and disrupt his path toward a long-awaited showdown with the 154-pound division’s undisputed champion Jermell Charlo. Adding in top contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on the rising Australian Sam Goodman, and this shapes up to be a great doubleheader of action fights on Saturday, June 17.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) has quickly climbed the rankings in the 154-pound division with an all-action, aggressive style. The notable names on his resume include former welterweight champion Jeff Horn, whom Tszyu stopped in round eight, and Terrell Gausha, a top contender and member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S. and SHOWTIME debut against Gausha and showed his poise and toughness by rallying back from a first-round knockdown to win the fight via unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I was full training on Monday after the thing happened on Saturday,” said Tszyu to Australian press in reference to a dog bite on his right arm. “I’m not going to be limited at all…There’s a dog in me right now that’s about to come out.

“I’m a fighter. My job is to fight. I won’t sit on the couch and wait for [Jermell] Charlo’s hand to get better. I want to fight in the meantime,” added Tim Tszyu previously to the Australian media about his announcement for his title defense against Ocampo. “The fans deserve the fights…The Charlo fight is in the making, but I’m not underestimating Ocampo. I’ve got a hard task ahead of me.

“Technically, this fight is going to be much harder than my previous fights. The Mexican style will require something new in me and I expect it to be tough. Despite being Australian and on the other side of the globe, I’m headlining a fight on SHOWTIME for the third time. Is anyone else doing that? Everyone knows I’m coming to take over.”

The 27-year-old Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) rode a 12-fight winning streak into his last matchup, which saw him drop a decision to 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora last October in a SHOWTIME main event. The 12 consecutive triumphs dated back to the only other loss of his career, which came to current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in a 2016 knockout defeat. During the 12-fight stretch, the Ensenda, Baja California, Mexico native scored nine of those victories by stoppage, including traveling to Mikael Zewski’s home country of Canada to stop the fan-favorite by ninth-round TKO.

“I’m looking forward to my fight against Tim Tszyu,” said Ocampo. “We are both warriors who go forward without fear. The fans will be the true winners that night, because I’m going after that title at all. Costs and it’s coming back to Mexico with me. He won’t want to hand it over to me, so I’ll just have to take it from him.”

Owning a top-10 ranking at 122-pounds from multiple sanctioning bodies, Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) put on the most impressive performance of his career in January 2021, dominating in a battle of unbeatens by dropping Victor Pasillas four times before eventually stopping him in round 11. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, the 32-year-old Aleem stopped seven-straight opponents before most recently earning decisions over Eduardo Baez in November 2021 and Mike Plania in September 2022. Aleem made his SHOWTIME debut in February of 2020 with a fourth-round stoppage of Adam Lopez on SHOBOX: The New Generation.

The 24-year-old Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) scored a career-best victory in his last outing, announcing himself as a 122-pound contender with a dominant unanimous decision victory over former world champion T.J. Doheny in March. After an impressive amateur career that included four national championships and an appearance in the 2017 World Amateur Championships, the Australian from Albion Park, New South Wales turned pro in April 2018 and began compiling his unbeaten record.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is executive produced by four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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