LAS VEGAS (April 28, 2022) – Rather than wait for the winner of the May 7th Las Vegas showdown between superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dimitry Bivol, or take a meaningless stay-busy fight, former World Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will put his impeccable 43-0 (39 KOs) record on the line May 14th versus German Dominic Boesel (32-2, 12 KOs), the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) Light Heavyweight World title holder and WBA No. 1 rated contender.
“Zurdo vs. Boesel,” presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zurdo Promotions and SES Boxing, will stream live and exclusively on DAZN from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The winner of their 12-round main event will position himself for a shot at the Canelo vs. Bivol winner.
“Boesel is the No. 1 European light heavyweight who has all the accolades to make this a challenging fight,” Ramirez said. “Of course, Bivol (WBC & IBF champion Artur), Beterbiev and (WBO champion Joe) Smith are still at the top of my list, but they were all unavailable. Even though they are on the top of my list, I’m not waiting for them, I’ve got my own legacy to chase. I’ve said before, Beterbiev and Smith are average fighters at best, and they know not to mention my name. Bivol was close to making it (fight vs. Zurdo) happen, but he got the Canelo opportunity, so I don’t blame him.”
Boesel, who has fought outside of Europe, is 2-1 in IBO world title fights, losing to Robin Krasniqi, while Zurdo is 6-0 fighting in world championships. Boesel is also a former WBA Interim, European and WBO Youth World lightweight champion.
“I’m looking forward to this challenge,” Zurdo added. “He knows this fight can change his life. I’m the best light heavyweight in the world, but I still need to bring my best come fight night. I will have an advantage in experience, but I can’t take him lightly because, he’s a longtime pro who knows how to take advantage of the moment.”
Because he was blocked from fighting for the WBA, WBO, WBC or IBF light heavyweight world titles right now, due to the aforementioned unavailability of Bivol, Beterbiev and Smith, Ramirez considered formally challenging WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs). It never came to that, however, Zurdo does plan to move up, but only after he takes care of business clearing out the 175-pound division.
“I still plan on moving up to cruiserweight and eventually heavyweight,” Zurdo offered. “It’s always been my goal to be a 4-division world champion.”
Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu Makes Much Anticipated U.S. Debut Against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Saturday, March 26 Live on SHOWTIME® From The Armory in Minneapolis Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event Click HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/ Premier Boxing Champions Click HERE for Photos from Alex Sanchez/ MJS Entertainment LAS VEGAS (March 18, 2022) – Unbeaten rising star Tim Tszyu held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday as he nears his much anticipated U.S. debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha taking place Saturday, March 26 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.
The son of Hall of Famer Kostya, Tszyu arrived stateside last Saturday from his native Australia to finish training camp in Las Vegas before heading to Minneapolis. After amassing a 20-0 record with 15 knockouts, Tszyu looks to move himself one step closer to a title shot with an emphatic victory on March 26.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
Here is what Tszyu and his trainer, Igor Goloubev, had to say Thursday from Left Right Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:
TIM TSZYU
“We’ve done a few camps here in Las Vegas before so we’re familiar with the terrain out here. It’s not too far to then go to Minneapolis, but it’s a lot warmer here is Las Vegas, so I’m glad I came here first. Adjusting to the time difference was tough at first but I’ve definitely recovered. By the time I arrived in Las Vegas, it was just about sharpening everything up.
“I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win. I’m not here to ‘tip-tap’. If that means going for the knockout, I’ll go for it right away. I’m not here to out-jab someone and win on the scorecards. From the first second when the fight starts, my objective is to take him out. Every second of every round, I’m going to be in front of my opponent’s face.
“This has been a long time in the making. I’ve been keen on making my debut here ever since I beat Jeff Horn [August 2020]. It’s good to finally be here and I’m quite excited to be on this platform. This is a real opportunity for me.
“My dad hasn’t talked to me too much about what to expect fighting in the U.S. Mostly he just reminds me to stay ready, which I always am. I’m a professional and I’m fighting nonstop. I don’t take rests or honeymoons like some of these other fighters.
“It’s a big deal for me to be in this position headlining on SHOWTIME. You dream of it as a kid, and now for it to actually be happening, it’s unreal. I’m the first Australian who’s had their U.S. debut as a headline act, having not even won a world title yet. It shows that what we’ve done so far is pretty good for the moment. We’re here to make statements.
“This is going to be an interesting fight. I’m quite interested to see what he’s going to bring. Gausha has the tools to win. He’s got great skills and quick hands and a good variety of punches. He does the simple things very well. I like those types of styles. I’ve sparred guys like that in the U.S. and it’s a fun style to fight against.
“I don’t look particularly big or strong, but when I get in the ring, I give off that dominance that says ‘this is my ring. This is what I do and you’re coming onto my stage’. I present that dominance straight away and let everyone know.
Tszyu on the Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño 154-pound title rematch taking place May 14 on SHOWTIME”
“Charlo is a cautious fighter with power in both hands. He wobbled Castaño a few times. Charlo waits to land that perfect shot and that’s why Castano’s output wasn’t too high in that fight. I thought Castaño fought a great fight and out worked him. Charlo didn’t know what to do at times. I think it’s either going to be Castaño by decision or Charlo by knockout in the rematch.
“I’m coming for everyone in the division. I’m coming for the belts. You have to have confidence in yourself. I believe that I defeat either Charlo or Castaño. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t believe that. I’d take those guys to places they’ve never been and that’s all that matters to me.”
IGOR GOLOUBEV, Tszyu’s Trainer
“Tim is going to make adjustments, like he always does, based off what Gausha brings in the first round. Tim is an absolute pressure fighter. He’s going to be right on top of Gausha from the start. There’s going to be no rest and nowhere for him to go. This is going to be fought on the inside.
“Gausha is a crafty fighter. He’s got a good style from his amateur background and he’s also got strong legs and upper body. We’ve seen footage of him and we know that he can punch, that he’ll move and that he throws lots of jabs. He’s all-around a very good fighter.”
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ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez facing Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.
Super Welterweight Contender Gausha Faces Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®
Main Event Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis
LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2022 – U.S. Olympian and super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha is confident that he’ll be spoiling the stateside debut of unbeaten rising star Tim Tszyu when they square off on Saturday, March 26 live on SHOWTIME® headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.
“We’ve been working on some different things for this fight,” said Gausha. “We’re going to give Tim Tszyu a different look than he’s seen before. Compared to most of the fights that everyone has seen, they’re going to see something new from me on March 26.”
Tszyu, the son of Hall of Fame fighter Kostya Tszyu, will be making his much-anticipated debut in the U.S. against Gausha, after dominating his first 20 fights in his native Australia. For the Cleveland native Gausha, his motivation comes from within and not from the hype surrounding Tszyu entering this matchup.
“I’m just motivated period,” said Gausha. “It’s got nothing to do with any hype around Tszyu. It has everything to do with where I’m at in my life and my career. Things are happening at the right time for me. I’m in a good place. This is the perfect fight for me at this point in my career.
“I appreciate him for taking this challenge. Most other fighters would try to protect their record. This shows that he believes in himself. He wants the tough fights. That being said, I think he took the wrong fight.”
Gausha scored an impressive knockout over young contender Jamontay Clark in his last fight, stopping his opponent in round two in March 2021, and will look to build on that triumph against a bigger name in Tszyu.
“That was a good fight for me against Clark,” said Gausha. “I wanted to get right back in the ring, but sometimes it’s hard to make fights with certain guys. I have a great opportunity against Tszyu and I’m looking to capitalize and build off of my last performance. I’m going to make an even bigger splash in this fight.”
Training in Los Angeles with Manny Robles and Prenice Brewer, Gausha has received excellent sparring leading up to fight night, having shared the ring with 154-pound champion Brian Castaño, welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz and 2020 U.S. Olympian Delante Johnson. While Gausha expects Tszyu to display his typical come forward style, he plans to be ready for anything that his opponent presents.
“I expect Tim to try to bring pressure and come forward,” said Gausha. “He’s a one-trick pony. What you see is what you get. He doesn’t do too many things spectacularly, but what he does do well, he does it very well, and that’s bring the pressure. We have something ready for that and we’re going to do our thing no matter what he tries to do.”
Gausha previously challenged for the 154-pound world title in losing a 2017 decision against Erislandy Lara and also owns a decision defeat to Erickson Lubin and a draw against former champion Austin Trout. Now, Gausha will look to catapult himself right back into the title picture with a victory on March 26.
“After everyone sees this performance on March 26, they’re going to know where I fit into this division,” said Gausha. “I’ve got a job to do. Right now, I’m really just starting to show people my skills and what I can do. This is going to solidify that. I’m knocking on the door of a title fight right now. A win over Tszyu would be great for my career and get me to the world titles.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
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ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA
Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez facing Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.
Lightweight Contender Isaac Cruz Battles Former World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in Premier Boxing Champions Co-Main Event From AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Rising Unbeaten Jose Valenzuela Takes On Former World Champion Francisco Vargas in Lightweight Duel Unbeaten Cody Crowley Faces Veteran Contender Josesito Lopez in Battle of All-Action Welterweights Kicking Off Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Tickets On Sale Now! ARLINGTON, T.X. – March 17, 2022 – Three sensational matchups have been added to the SHOWTIME PPV lineup headlined by WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash on Saturday, April 16 live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.
The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.
“One of the year’s biggest events will feature a deserving pay-per-view undercard lineup loaded with consequential matchups that are primed to deliver drama and action,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz showed against Gervonta Davis that he is a star in the making, and he’ll be looking to display those talents once again against an accomplished opponent in Yuriorkis Gamboa. Plus, another rising star in Jose Valenzuela will step up in competition against former champion Francisco Vargas, while Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez will both bring their high-octane styles into the ring in what shapes up to be a ‘can’t-miss’ showdown to open the loaded SHOWTIME PPV.”
The 23-year-old Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) will return to the ring after dropping a competitive decision against three-division champion Gervonta Davis on SHOWTIME PPV in December. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October. Cruz followed that up in 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matías Romero in March and by defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by decision in June. After making his U.S. debut in December 2019, Cruz went unbeaten in his next four bouts, appearing on SHOWTIME® three times in addition to beating Magdaleno on the Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard.
“I can’t wait to be back in the ring and to fight at AT&T Stadium,” said Cruz. “I love the fans in Texas, they always give me tremendous support. My promoter, Manny Pacquiao, has fought at AT&T Stadium before and won both times. I’m excited to follow in his footsteps against a very accomplished former champion in Gamboa. I’m coming to show the fans why I’m one of the best lightweights in the world and to drive Gamboa into retirement on April 16.”
Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs) is a former unified featherweight champion, holding the IBF and WBA 126-pound titles between 2009 and 2011. A native of Guantanamo, Cuba, he now lives and trains in Miami, Fla. He dropped a showdown against Terence Crawford in a 2014 Fight of the Year, before rebounding to win seven of eight fights. That run included victories over former world champions Jason Sosa and Roman Martinez, putting Gamboa back into world title contention. In his last two fights, Gamboa has dropped contests against current lightweight world champions, losing via 12th-round TKO to Gervonta Davis in 2019 and by decision against Devin Haney in November 2020.
“I always come to the ring to display my talents and April 16 will be no different,” said Gamboa. “It’s very motivating to be facing a young, strong opponent like Isaac Cruz. I’m going to test him and see if he can stand up to my power. I’m coming to win and make a big statement that I still have what it takes to become champion again.”
The 22-year-old Valenzuela (11-0, 7 KOs) now trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez as he seeks to move from prospect to contender in 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela turned pro in 2018 and rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021. Valenzuela capped off his breakout 2021 in December, dominating Austin Dulay on his way to a TKO in round four.
“It’s a dream come true to be on a high-stakes, stacked card like this,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve admired and studied Spence for a long time, especially because we’re both lefties. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I’m not overlooking or underestimating Francisco Vargas in any way. I’m expecting fireworks. You always get a big fight when two Mexican warriors go head-to-head, so I know the fans are going to be delighted with what they see on April 16.”
Fighting out of Mexico City, Vargas (27-3-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 37-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas later defeated Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories over Ezequiel Aviles in 2019 and Otto Gamez in 2020, prior to dropping a decision against Isaac Cruz in his last fight in June 2021.
“It is an honor to be on such a big card with so many great fighters,” said Vargas. “I’m going to come prepared for this fight and ready to leave the ring with a victory. I know Valenzuela will be trying to make a statement, but I’m coming to do the same. As always, the fans can expect a tremendous fight from start to finish.”
Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (20-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a sensational SHOWTIME debut in December 2021 that saw him beat the previously unbeatenKudratillo Abdukakhorov by unanimous decision. Crowley had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for his last two fights after seven of his first eight pro fights took place in the U.S.
“After my win in December on SHOWTIME, I’m ready to accept the next challenge on my journey to becoming welterweight champion of the world,” said Crowley. “Josesito Lopez is always tough and he brings an exciting style to the table. Unfortunately for him, he will discover what 20 fighters before him have learned, which is that I will not be stopped from achieving my destiny. I want to thank my team for this opportunity to display my skills, heart and relentlessness on this great card at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.”
Lopez (38-8, 21 KOs) earned the nickname “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his go-for-broke style in the ring. He has stepped in across from some of the top boxers in the sport, including champions Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The 37-year-old from Riverside, California is always a tough out in the ring as noted by his narrow majority decision loss to then-champion Keith Thurman in 2019. Since that loss, Lopez has put together back-to-back victories, defeating John Molina, Jr. and Francisco Santana.
“I’m eager and very motivated to step back in the ring and prove myself as one of the best fighters in the world,” said Lopez. “I expect a stiff challenge from Crowley and the fans can expect to see me at my very best. I’m in great shape and ready to put everything on the line. You will definitely want to make sure you don’t miss my fight on April 16.”
LOS ANGELES (March 17, 2022) – Undefeated Los Angeles bantamweight prospect John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0, 7 KOs) returns to the ring this Saturday (Mar. 19) to take on Roberto “Escorpion” Pucheta (10-20-3, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in a 6-round bout on the Blair Cobbs-Alexis Rocha card (replacing Vergil Ortiz, Jr.-Michael McKinson), presented by Golden Boy Promotions.
The main card will be streamed live on DAZN from USC Galen Center in Los Angeles; go to Golden Boy’s YouTube page to watch the Ramirez vs. Pucheta live stream.
Ramirez is an LA inner-city sports legend. His journey started on the gridiron, not in a ring, when he was a key member of the Lincoln High football team, profiled in a 2015 documentary, “ESPN 60: Letterman.” The players were from a crime-ridden section of Hollywood riddled with drugs and guns. Ramirez was a 5’ 4”, 160-pound running back on a team that, starting in Pop Warner competition, and advanced to Lincoln High, which hadn’t experienced success in football. Lincoln High went on to become a 3-time league champion, highlighted by its semi-final playoff appearance in his senior year, which eventually led “Scrappy” to a roster spot on the Los Angeles Valley College’s football team.
“The venue is only a five-minute drive from my home,” an excited Ramirez said. “I literally drive by it every day. I grew up around USC and played football there. Now, I’m fighting in the inner-city where I grew up. That’s pretty dope! My dream is to fight at Staples Center, which is only a three-minute drive for me. I’m getting closer.
“Things like this don’t happen by accident. On March 18th, I’ll showcase my skills in front of my people. LA is the City of Champions, but we haven’t had a world boxing champion since Oscar de la Hoya, who grew up in East LA. My goal is to be the next LA champ.”
“Scrappy,” who was one of the most active fighters in 2021 with seven bouts, successfully transitioned from football to boxing, albeit a relatively short amateur boxing career with only 25 amateur matches. He did garner top honors in the Sugar Bert National Championships, as well as in the regional Golden Gloves and SoCal tournaments.
“I last fought on December 18th, took a week off, and went right back to training camp at Brickhouse Boxing Club (N. Hollywood),” the 26-year-old Ramirez added. “I’m getting better and that’s super exciting for me. I’ve been with my strength-and-conditioning coach, running, and working on my boxing skills. My training hasn’t stopped, it’s going full force.”
Pucheta has been stopped only once in 33 pro fights, back in 2016 by Emanuel Navarrete, the current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Bantamweight Champion, who sports a 35-1 (29 KOs) pro record.
“He’s a tough, durable opponent,” Ramirez noted, “who has been in the ring with a lot of good prospects. This is a great opportunity for me to make a statement by becoming only the second to knock him out.”
Ramirez’ accelerated pace and development continues this Saturday, when it’ll be “Scrappy Time” once again, only this time at home.
“I want to be at the top and will,” he concluded. “Every fight elevates me. My goal is to be No. 1 in my weight class, and I’ll get there because of my hard work and dedication.”
Undefeated heavyweight prospect Brandon Moore has been added to the bout lineup of Salita Promotions’ next Detroit Brawl event on Saturday April 2, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI.
The current WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight Champion as a professional, and a former USA national champion as an amateur with several victories over other current professional prospects including unbeaten Dacarree Scott, the 6’ 6” southpaw Moore (11-0, 7 KOs) will appear in an eight-round showdown against divisional gatekeeper Curtis Harper (13-7, 9 KOs).
The two heavyweights will meet in support of the night’s eight-round main event featuring the return of one of Detroit’s own, as undefeated power-punching lightweight contender Erick De Leon (19-0-1, 11 KOs) will return after nearly three years’ absence from the sport due to injuries to face hard-nosed Mexico City veteran Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez (28-11, 20 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling Lina (313.529.7604).
Guided by rising promotional entity Probellum and co-managed by Keith Connolly and Ryan Rickey, Lakeland, Florida’s Moore won his WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight Championship with a fourth-round knockout over Mexico’s Elvis Garcia in August 2021 and successfully defended it in October of that year with a first-round KO over Mexico’s Jesus Angel Nerio. Moore was last seen in December making quick work of Mexico’s Abraham Pascual via KO 1 in Canadian boxing hotbed Montreal.
28-year-old Moore has also sparred with several of the world’s top heavyweights, including superstar former champion Deontay Wilder.
“I’m excited to fight in Detroit,” said a happy Moore. “Dmitry Salita is a great promoter and he always has first-class events. Fighting here is like the resurrection of Joe Louis in his adopted hometown. Get ready for a show! I’m the most exciting and energetic heavyweight in the world. April 2, everyone gets to see!”
“Brandon Moore is an exciting new force in boxing’s most glamorous division and the fans are in for a treat,” added Dmitriy Salita. “He’s up against a tough and unpredictable opponent in Harper, who has pulled off a few surprises. I’m happy to be joining forces with Brandon and his team to present another young and powerful force in heavyweight boxing to the great fans in Detroit.”
In the main supporting bouts will be a pair of world-class contenders, as undefeated former amateur star and professional middleweight Timur Kerefov (12-0, 6 KOs) and WBC #9, IBF #15, WBO #14 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (7-0, 5 KOs) will both make appearances, 8 and 10 rounds respectively, against separate opponents, while undefeated Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur lightweight star Joshua “Double J” Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) will appear in a four-round special attraction.
Kerefov will take on well-respected trialhorse Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (21-9-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. The murderous-punching Izmailov’s, as well as Pagan’s opponents are yet to be announced.
All bouts are subject to change. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 8:00 pm.
ABOUT THEFORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:
The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.
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.
Ruben Villa Returns Headlines Thompson Boxing Event on April 15th
ONTARIO, CA (March 16, 2022) – Returning after his first chance at a world title, Thompson Boxing’s featherweight contender Ruben “Drac” Villa (18-1, 5 KOs), who is co-promoted with Banner Promotions, will make his 2022 debut as he headlines Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event on Friday, April 15, 2022. Villa will square off against battle tested veteran, Horacio Garcia (35-5-1, 25 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico in a 10-round main event.
This event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, and $100, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900.
As one of several talented Thompson Boxing fighters to challenge for a world title, Villa makes his long-awaited return to the ring. Villa’s last fight was a narrow loss against Emanuel Navarrete (35-1, 29 KOs) in October of 2020. After a year and a half break from action, Villa is energized and focused on his goal of becoming a world champion.
“I have fallen in love with the sport of boxing once again, the year or so I was out, I focused on all the things I need to improve on,” said Villa in the comforts of his newly remodeled gym in Salinas, California. “I have always said I want to bring a world title fight to Salinas, and that is still the goal. So, this is just the start of a new beginning, and a better version of myself. The road to redemption starts on April 15th against a worthy opponent in Garcia.”
In the 6-round co-feature, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs), of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., will face Walter “2 Guns” Wright (17-8, 8 KOs) of Seattle, Washington, in a middleweight bout.
“I am ready to start 2022 off on the right track and I’m looking forward to having a big year with Thompson Boxing,” said Brewart. “I’m going to make noise in my division this year. The goal is to fight as much as possible and work my way toward ten-round bouts by the end of the year. I know that fighting in meaningful fights gives me a chance at belts, and I want to collect as many of those as I can. I have not taken an easy road, and I will continue to show how talented I am in April.”
This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. In addition, Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.
UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Lightweight Pedro Valencia (8-0, 7 KOs) of Las Angeles, Calif. will face an opponent to be named at a future date. (6-rounds)
Welterweight Esteban “Stone Hands” Munoz (5-1, 3 KOs), of San Bernardino, Calif., will face Jessie Nares (2-1, 1 KO) of Oxnard, Calif. (6-rounds)
Middleweight “Knuckle”Nelson Oliva (1-0, 1 KO) of Riverside, Calif, will face Antonio Duarte (2-2) of Tijuana, Mexico. (4-rounds)
Opening the card is bantamweight Alejandro “Chako” Barajas (pro debut)of Los Angeles, Calif., facing Ulises “Duende” Rosales (0-5), of Huntington Park, Calif. (4-rounds)
This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.
For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visitThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.
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Mike Ohan, Ryan Kielczweski, Edet Mkanam, Dave Ribeiro & Damon Towns
QUINCY, Mass. (March 16, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced its third promotional event of 2022, “Hometown Royalty,” scheduled on Saturday night, May 7th, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.).
“Hometown Royalty,” is presented by Granite Chin in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions.
Professional boxers from the South Shore of the Bay State will be featured including reigning New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Ban Man” Ohan (14-1, 8 KOs), of Holbrook, Quincy lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs), New Bedford light heavyweight Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), and Brockton’s pro-debut of 2020 New England Golden Gloves champion, welterweight David Ribeiro.
Providence (RI) welterweight Damon Townes (4-0, 3 KOs) is also slated to be in action.
“This is the kind of show the South Shore has been waiting for since everything got shut down,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “It really is an event that everyone – fighters and promoters – are coming together to make something special. Rich Cappiello and Chuck Shearns have been easy to work with and eager to get to work. Over the coming days, we will be announcing fights and getting tickets out to the public. We have no doubt this is going to be a packed house with an electric atmosphere with amateurs fighting during the day and our star-studded pro show in the evening.”
Bouts will be announced soon. Card subject to change.
Tickets will go on sale next week and be available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Hometown Royalty).
TWO WORLD TITLE UNIFICATIONS, SEVEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS AND THREE WORLD TITLE ELIMINATORS ACROSS FIVE MONTHS
Star-Studded Lineup Is Highlighted by Errol Spence Jr., Gervonta Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo
NEW YORK – March 15, 2022 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions today announced nine boxing events across the first half of 2022 featuring some of the sport’s most accomplished and dynamic stars in highly competitive matchups. The lineup pits champions against champions and top contenders against top contenders to form the strongest and most ambitious schedule in the industry. The robust lineup includes:
Nine marquee events across five months featuring 21 undefeated fighters;
Two world championship unifications bouts, one for all four world title belts and the coveted title of Undisputed Champion, and one for three world title belts;
Seven world championship matches with at least 13 world title belts at stake and three world title eliminators;
All of the top-six ranked super welterweights fighting in a seven-week span;
Several pivotal crossroads fights from super bantamweight to super middleweight with an average of two events per month through July.
The massive schedule features the sport’s biggest stars: Errol Spence, Jr., Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo. There are also 18 fighters aged 27 years and younger including unified world champion Stephen Fulton, Jr., and highly regarded, undefeated welterweight contender Jaron “Boots” Ennis. With this emphasis on youth and kingmaking, SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions are well positioned to carry the sport into the future. Led by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc., and four-time Emmy® Award-winning executive producer David Dinkins, Jr., who guides an all-star cast of commentators and production aces, SHOWTIME® remains the most tenured and trusted platform in boxing. Arguably the best active welterweight of this era, the undefeated Spence, already a unified champ, will seek to collect a third world title when he puts his WBC and IBF straps on the line against WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas on Saturday,April 16 in the main event on SHOWTIME PPV® at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Spence-Ugas is only the 12th unification match in the history of the welterweight division, joining classic matchups such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas HearnsI and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. The match is rich with intrigue as Spence attempts to claim supremacy in one of boxing’s deepest divisions, while Ugas, who nearly quit the sport, aims to complete a stunning turnaround after beating eight-division world champion Pacquiao in August. Boxing superstar and five-time, three-division world champion TankDavis will headline his fourth straight SHOWTIME PPV event against nemesis Rolando Romero on Saturday, May 28, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, for Davis’ WBA Lightweight World Title. The bout comes on the heels of Davis’ hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision win over Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in which Davis overcame an injury in front of a star-studded, sellout crowd in Los Angeles last December. WBO 154-pound No. 1-ranked contender Tim Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, who fought many of his most memorable bouts on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, will make his U.S. debut Saturday, March 26 against 2012 U.S. Olympian and top contender Terrell Gausha at The Armory in Minneapolis. The streaking southpaws Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora will engage in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator, for the WBC interim title, in the second of back-to-back, intriguing crossroads matchups in the division on Saturday, April 9 from Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño once again will seek to become the first undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era and just the third overall undisputed champion today when they meet in a rematch of their 2021 classic on Saturday, May 14 in Los Angeles. Plus, rising welterweight star Ennis, possiblythe most talented boxer yet to win a world title, returns as the co-feature against Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. Former two-time world champion Benavidez returns to action on Saturday,May 21 against knockout artist David Lemieux at 168 pounds in Phoenix, Ariz., in a bout between two of the sport’s biggest punchers.Fulton, in his first bout since his title unification win in the 122-pound division against Brandon Figueroa, will defend his titles on Saturday, June 4 in Minneapolis, against former unified world champion Danny Roman in another can’t miss matchup.Jermall Charlo will defend his WBC Middleweight World Championship for the fifth time on Saturday, June 18, when he faces former world title challenger, WBC No. 6-ranked Maciej Sulecki on the Juneteenth holiday weekend in Houston. On Saturday, July 9, in San Antonio, Texas, newly minted WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark Magsayo will make his first title defense since dethroning Gary Russell Jr., on SHOWTIME against unbeaten mandatory challenger and former super bantamweight titleholder Rey Vargas. Additional high-stakes matches will be announced as individual fight cards fill out. “It’s a good time to be a boxing fan and SHOWTIME viewer with so many high-level, consequential matchups on our schedule,” said Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “We continue to grow the sport at every level, from our grassroots series SHOBOX to crowning unified and undisputed champions across boxing’s deepest divisions. When you consider the competitive nature of these fights, the star power of fighters like Errol Spence, Jr., ‘Tank’ Davis, David Benavidez, the Charlo brothers—and the youthful vitality of Stephen Fulton, Jr., Jaron Ennis and Brandun Lee—it’s never been clearer that SHOWTIME is the destination for the most compelling fights and will be for years to come. This SHOWTIME Boxing lineup is hands down the most potent of any network or platform in 2022.” The SHOWTIME Sports boxing schedule features seven editions of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® and two significant SHOWTIME PPV events, all presented by Premier Boxing Champions: · March 26 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGThe Armory, Minneapolis, Minn. o Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha, Super Welterweight Bouto Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, Lightweight Bouto Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, Super Lightweight (142 LBS) Bout · April 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__The Theatre at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas o Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora, WBC Super Welterweight Interim Titleo Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, Super Welterweight Bouto Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, Super Welterweight Bout · April 16 – SHOWTIME PPV__AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas o Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas, WBC, WBA & IBF Welterweight World __Championship Unification SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (preceding PPV):o Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, WBA Welterweight Title Bouto Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, Super Lightweight Bout· May 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Los Angeleso Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño II, Undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Super __Welterweight World Championship Unificationo Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, IBF Welterweight Eliminator· May 21 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Phoenix o David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux, Super Middleweight Bouto Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, Super Welterweight Bout · May 28 – SHOWTIME PPV__Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY o Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero, WBA Lightweight World Championship · June 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Minneapolis o Stephen Fulton, Jr. vs. Danny Roman, WBO & WBC Super Bantamweight World Championshipo David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, WBA Super Middleweight World Title · June 18 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Houston o Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki, WBC Middleweight World Championship · July 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__San Antonio o Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas, WBC Featherweight World Championship\
For more information and future fight announcements visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
The highly anticipated PBC British Super Featherweight Championship clash between Denny’s Kevin Traynor (5-0-0 3KO) and Basildon’s Lewis Mulberry (4-1-0 1KO), finally took place on Saturday night, on the Lee McAllister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE VI event that took place at Rivals in Wishaw, Scotland.
The heavily hyped title clash exceeded all expectations, it was an exceptional closely fought twelve round Battle Royale and rightly is being touted as a leading contender for FIGHT OF THE YEAR accolades.
No surprise really as both warriors went at it hammer and tongs for the full twelve rounds, much to the delight of the fans in attendance as well as those around the world that watched the sensational contest live on FITE+
Speaking from his home, following some well earned rest and relaxation with his family, Traynor said;
“What a night!
“The fight had been built up for the past year or so and I think it definitely lived up to expectations, and much more.
“Lewis was a great opponent very, very explosive but I kept my cool stuck to my game plan and everything went exactly the way I felt that it would, only thing I didn’t expect was for it to go the distance, I thought I would have got him out of there but the lad proved how tough he was.
“I knew how dangerous he would be early and the first three or four rounds would be the toughest, but I remained composed and continued to box smart before stepping it up later in the fight.
“It was a fantastic fight to be involved in and was an excellent experience fighting in my first twelve round fight.
“I enjoyed every second on it and would like to thank Lewis for being a fantastic dance partner, he is only a young lad and can definitely come again and do some great things in the sport.
“As for myself I’m not 100% sure what is next for me, I had a great camp for the fight but with my baby son being born it was hard to train the 2 or 3 times a day, work and be a dad so I will spend some time with my family consider what options I have then take it from there.
“Thanks to Lee McAllister, Assassin Promotions, BIBA and the PBC for the opportunity to fight for my first Championship, it has been a great journey so far and much, much more to come.”
In addition to the sensational Traynor versus Mulberry potential FOTY title clash, fans in attendance, as well as those watching on FITE+ were treated to a night of sensational closely matched contests, the standouts being;
The opening contest of the night see Aberdeen’s Samer Carol (1-1-0) and Newcastle’s Jak Johnson (1-4-0) in action against each other.
Originally Carol was due to face India’s Jaideep Singh (0-1-0) and Johnson was matched against India’s Sukhdeep Singh (1-0-0), however both Indian lads visas were not through in time, so some quick rejigging of the card led to the pair squaring off against each other in a fantastic all action, closely fought four rounder that had the potential of being Fight of the Night, had it not been for the exceptional Traynor-Mulberry title clash. After four all action rounds Referee James Ancliff’s scorecard read 39-39, it was that close!
Unbeaten Liam Allan (3-0-0 3KO) had his hands full when he faced late replacement in Kent’s Adam Harris (Debut), in a four round Heavyweight contest.
What a cracking fight, it was hard to believe it was at Heavyweight as the action was more akin to a Super Middle contest, and what’s more Harris became the first fighter to go the distance, in the pro ranks, with the big punching Aberdeen youngster. Referee James Ancliff scored the contest 40-36 in favour of Liam Allan.
Paisley’s Craig Kelly (11-15-1 2KO) was expecting a really testing full on nights work, when he faced Accra Ghana’s big punching Theophilus Ofei Dodoo (9-2-0 9KO), however fate stepped in to cut the fight short, as Dodoo suffered a serious hand injury during the first stanza that forced him to retire at the end of the round. However believe me the first round is definitely worth watching on FITE+ as it was one seriously great all action affair.
Another fight that only went one round was the heavyweight clash between Barrow’s Lee Kellett and Belfast’s Darren Burns. This was another all action affair, that was until just seconds in to the second minute of the contest when Kellet let rip with a massive hook to send Burns crashing to deck.
Originally the event was due to be headlined by two time WBO Featherweight World Champion Scott Harrison versus Razak Nettey PBC Commonwealth title clash, however that contest was forced to be cancelled just thirty minutes or so before it was due to take place.
Full replays of the LET BATTLE COMMENCE VI event are available to subscribers on FITE+
