Category Archives: boxing

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return to Defend His Title Against Battle-Hardened Veteran Josesito Lopez Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, January 26 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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Also in Action! Unbeaten Adam Kownacki Faces Gerald Washington in Heavyweight Attraction & Unbeaten Featherweight Contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar Battles Claudio Marrero

Tickets on Sale Now!

BROOKLYN (December 18, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event o Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar battles Claudio Marrero to open the telecast.

Tickets for the show begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com,or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. Nyambayar and Marrero are guaranteed to add fireworks to an already thrilling show. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.’’

“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”

Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center,the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez.

Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.

“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,’’ said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve-wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”

The 34-year-old Lopez(36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,’’Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens,chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”

Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.

“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.’’

Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career.The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.

“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,’’ said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.’’

Nyambayar (10-0, 9KOs) has made a rapid ascent through the talent-laden featherweight division with precision and power. The 26-year-old Nyambayar, who is from Ulan-Bator Mongolia and now lives in Carson, California, won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the Mongolian boxing team. He scored a KO victory over Oscar Escandon in his last fight on May 26.

Marrero (23-2, 17KOs), a 29-year-old southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is coming off a stunning KO victory over Jorge Lara in his last fight on April 28.Marrero two losses have come against former featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013 and Jesus Rojas in 2015. A victory over Nyambayar will putMarrero in position to fight for a world title again.w

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO PRESENT DILLIAN WHYTE VS. DERECK CHISORA HEAVYWEIGHT REMATCH THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL To Air Live At 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME And The Network’s Streaming Service

NEW YORK – December 18, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated rematch between top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora this Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. As with all SHOWTIME programming, the event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights, live from London’s The O2 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL.The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch. 

“SHOWTIME continues to lead the industry by delivering more of the most compelling boxing events from around the world to our premium cable subscribers and online streaming customers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “This network has televised all of the most important heavyweight fights during the division’s renaissance and we are proud to join Matchroom Sports in delivering Whyte-Chisora II to our audience. Their first fight was action-packed from bell to bell. Now, with the stakes as high as they have ever been for both men,this bout promises to be even better. I hope that the boxing pundits have not yet cast their vote for Fight, Knockout and Round of the Year. Saturday’s matchup may challenge some of this year’s best.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood calling the action. 

The stakes are high in the rematch, as both Whyte and Chisora have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder. Whyte holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, as well as the WBA’s No. 4 position. Chisora is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, as well as No. 9 by the WBC.  Their first matchup was widely regarded as the best heavyweight matchup of 2016, and round five of their “sensational fight” earned Round of the Year honors from ESPN.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Two-Division Champion Badou Jack Battles Undefeated Top Contender Marcus Browne for WBA Interim 175-Pound Title On Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV®

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Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, January 19

From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Plus! Former World Champion Rau’shee Warren Meets Unbeaten Nordine Oubaali for Vacant WBC Bantamweight Title &

Unbeaten Featherweight Jhack Tepora Takes on

Former World Champion Hugo Ruiz

LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2018) – Two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view undercard will also see former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic match up that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten JhackTepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

In the main event, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

“Not only will the fans witness a tremendous main event, they will get to enjoy three action-packed match-ups that will add another level to the pay-per-view portion of the card,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz are looking to make a name for themselves in the stacked featherweight division, while Rau’shee Warren and Nordine Oubaali are in the prime of their careers and battling for the WBC title. Mayweather Promotions’ Badou Jack has made an exemplary statement for his career inside and outside of the ring and is focused on further strengthening his resume, while Marcus Browne is looking to showcase his talent on boxing’s biggest stage.”

Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs) has fought twice at light heavyweight since relinquishing his super middleweight world title to campaign at 175 pounds. The 35-year-old, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, represented his father’s Gambia in the 2008 Olympics and now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the super middleweight world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the title three times before he relinquished the belt following a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against Adonis Stevenson in his last fight on May 19.

“I’m looking forward to getting back onto another big stage to perform for my fans across the globe and prove I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Jack. “I plan to show off my skills with a dominating performance on January 19. I always want to fight the best, and he’s the best that’s available right now. I’m always 100 percent ready and I’m going into this fight stronger, faster and with more experience than ever before.”

The 28-year-old Browne (22-0, 16 KOs) will be taking a step up to face an elite opponent when he battles Jack. A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Browne moved up the contender ladder in the 175-pound division with brute force and power, scoring three straight knockout victories against Thomas Williams, Jr., Sean Monaghan and Francy Ntetu. Browne, who was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., scored a unanimous decision victory over Lenin Castillo in his last fight on August 4.

“This is really an honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to showcase my talents on a big time pay-per-view card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner,” Browne said. “Badou Jack is a championship-caliber fighter and one of the toughest guys you can fight in the light heavyweight division. I’m ready for the step up in competition and focused on being a household name in the sport sooner rather than later.”

Warren (16-2, 4 KOs) is looking to return to the world championship ranks with a victory over Oubaali. The 31-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012. His Olympic run came to an end against Oubaali when he lost a narrow 19-18 decision in the first round of the 2012 London Games. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by split-decision.

“This fight means everything for me and it’s about to be the biggest moment of my career,” Warren said. “Not only am I fighting for the WBC belt, but it’s on pay-per-view. When I first won the title it was like winning the gold medal at the Olympics. After I lost the title, it made me much hungrier and I want to get it back even more. I fought this guy in the Olympics, so I’m fighting for revenge. This isn’t the Olympics. This is 12 rounds and I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. I have no choice but to put it all on the line on January 19.”

The 32-year-old Oubaali (14-0, 11 KOs), an unbeaten southpaw from Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France, has knocked out his last five opponents. His most recent KO of Luis Melendez on April 17 moved Oubaali up the ranks to position him for a world title shot. Oubaali, who is the sixth of 18 children born in France to parents who are from Morocco, twice represented France at the Olympics, qualifying in 2008 and 2012 when he defeated Warren.

“Many people are waiting for this fight because it’s the second time we meet,” said Oubaali.”I beat Rau’shee Warren at the 2012 London Games in a great battle. In the meantime, Rau’shee captured a world championship and lost it. Right now, I’m the WBC No. 1 ranked bantamweight fighter in the world. It will be a great fight in Las Vegas on January 19 and I intend to beat Rau’shee again to become the new WBC world champion.”

The 25-year-old Tepora (22-0, 17 KOs) has steadily risen up the ranks since turning pro in 2012 and most recently captured the WBA interim featherweight crown with a ninth-round stoppage of Edivaldo Ortega in July. Representing Cebu City, Philippines, Tepora enters his U.S. debut on January 19 with stoppage wins in 11 of his last 12 contests.

“It has always been a dream to fight in the United States,” said Tepora. “I never dreamed that my first fight in the U.S. would be on a card with Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner. I look forward to a tremendous fight on January 19 and defending my title versus former world champion Hugo Ruiz. As you all know the best rivalry in boxing is Filipino vs. Mexican. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ruiz (38-4, 33 KOs) will make his featherweight debut on January 19 after picking up two victories in 2018. The 30-year-old won a super bantamweight world title with a first round stoppage of Julio Ceja in 2016, avenging his previous loss to Ceja in one of 2015’s most exciting fights. He now seeks to position himself for a world title at 126 pounds with a victory against Tepora.

“I expect it to be a good fight because Tepora is undefeated and a good Filipino champion,” said Ruiz. “But I’m ready. I don’t think he can handle my power. I’m going to knock him out. I want to do my best to win the title. I’ve been watching videos of him and I’ve been training hard. I’m really focused on how to beat him. I’m still young, but I’ve got the experience to handle him in this fight.”

boxing, Olympics, women's boxing

Claressa Shields Is The BWAA’s 2018 Female Fighter of the Year

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Click HERE to read online|

By Joseph Santoliquito/BWAA President

In a pivotal year for women’s boxing that saw the sport reach more
people than ever before, two-time United States Olympic gold medal
winner Claressa Shields continued to soar, as she successfully defended her two world middleweight titles, then added three super middleweight belts before the end of a campaign that earned her the 2018 Christy
Martin Award, which is given to the Boxing Writers Association of
America’s Female Fighter of the Year.


“I am thrilled and honored to receive the Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America. It is a dream come true, and it furthers my goal to lift women’s boxing to new levels,” Shields said.


“In 2019 my goals are to become undisputed champion, to be ranked in the top 10 pound-for-pound list regardless of gender, and to continue
the march of women’s boxing toward equality with men.”


The 23-year-old from Flint, Michigan becomes the second winner of the award, which was established in 2017. She will be honored at the
BWAA’s annual award dinner, which will take place in 2019 at a site and date to be determined.


“In such a big year for women’s boxing, it wasn’t a surprise that there
were so many worthy nominees for this award, but in 2018, Claressa
Shields took things to a new level by becoming a two-division world
champion and successfully defending her titles at both 168 and 160
pounds in Showtime and HBO-televised bouts,” said Thomas Gerbasi,
chairman of the BWAA’s women’s boxing committee. “That’s impressive in its own right, but the fact that she’s done this all before her tenth pro
fight and under the glare of the spotlight that comes with being the face of the sport in the United States made her a unanimous choice for this
year’s Christy Martin Award.”


Joining Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward and the late Emanuel Steward as
members of the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018, Shields began the year on a collision course with middleweight
champion Christina Hammer, but first she finished up her business at
168 pounds by successfully defending her IBF and WBC titles with a
shutout victory over Tori Nelson in January.

Next was Shields’ middleweight debut against Hanna Gabriels in June,
and what followed was a Fight of the Year candidate that saw Shields
rebound from the first knockdown of her career to win a clear-cut
decision and the IBF and WBA belts. Soon after, the news came that
Hammer had to withdraw from her November clash with Shields due to
injury, but “T-Rex” didn’t slow down, as she defeated Hannah Rankin and Femke Hermans to successfully defend her middleweight titles while
adding the WBC crown to her trophy case.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Jermall Charlo to Battle Matt Korobov for WBC Interim Middleweight Championship Live in Primetime on FOX & FOX Deportes

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Presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (December 17, 2018) – Middleweight contender Matt Korobov has stepped up to challenge Jermall Charlo for the WBC Interim Middleweight Championship live in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. 

Korobov is replacing Willie Monroe, Jr., who was removed from the main event after he tested positive for a banned substance by VADA under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC is conducting further investigation into the matter.

Korobov was due to fight on the undercard and had been training to fight December 22. He willingly stepped forward when the call came for a replacement for Monroe. 

“I was well prepared for Willie Monroe, who is a southpaw, so there won’t be that much difference facing Korobov,” said Charlo. “There is a size difference. He’s taller than Monroe, but I’ll just have to adjust my game plan. The best fighters in the world are the ones who are able to make the best adjustments. Beating Korobov is going to make the victory that much sweeter due to this adversity. That means the celebration is going to be sweeter as well. He was fighting on the undercard, so he’s prepared. But now fighting for the title in the top spot is going to make him fight harder. I love it. He’s a much better opponent on paper than Willie Monroe Jr.” 

“I was training to fight on this card so I am physically and mentally ready to fight,” said Korobov. “It doesn’t matter that I am taking this fight on a week’s notice because I have been preparing for this moment my entire life. I will make a few adjustments for Charlo and make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss it. Make sure you tune-in to FOX for a great fight.” 

The Charlo vs. Korobov bout is part of a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC middleweight championship bout against Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title. 

Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs), who was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Juan De Angel, has an outstanding resume that includes a unanimous decision victory over current super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui in 2014. His lone loss came against Andy Lee in a middleweight championship fight in 2014. Korobov was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards when he was caught by a right hand from Lee that resulted in a sixth round TKO loss. 

The 35-year-old southpaw is from Orotukan, Russia and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an amateur he won the European Championships in 2006 by defeating reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. He was a member of the 2008 Russian Olympic boxing team and finished his amateur career with a record of 300-12. He enters this fight with four straight victories, having most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jonathan Batista. 

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, October 27 at noon ET.

Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. 

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @BrooklynBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

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RAEESE ALEEMSCORES IMPRESSIVE TKO VICTORY

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Photo Credit – Hosanna Rull

HOUSTON, TX (December 14, 2018) – Tonight at the Arabia Shrine Center in Houston, Texas, Prince Ranch Boxing’s super bantamweight prospect, Raeese Aleem (13-0, 7 KOs), remained undefeated with a 5th round TKO against Derrick Wilson (12-8-2, 3 KOs). 

From the opening bell Aleem started to dominate the fight, using superior lateral movement, in addition to accurate punching. Although Wilson was game for the first few rounds, Aleem eventually got him out of there with a barrage of punches in round five.   The time of the stoppage was 1:53 of round five. 

“I feel I’m the best super bantamweight in the world and every time I step in the ring, I’m going to prove it,” said Aleem, who is promoted by Kings Promotions and trained by Bones Adams, along with Brandon Woods. “I’m ready to battle the best fighters in my division with the goal of becoming a world champion. I’m coming for everyone at 122 pounds.” 

“Tonight, Raeese Aleem showed why his is one of the top prospects in the super bantamweight division,” said manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “His incredible boxing ability is a thing of beauty.   2019 will be a big year for him as I see him in a big fight with one of the top contenders.”


boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

FOX SPORTS PREMIERES INSIDE PBC BOXING THIS SATURDAY

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WBC Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter and Former Three-Division World Champion Abner Mares Serve as Analysts with Veteran Host Kate Abdo

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports today announces the premiere of its new studio show INSIDE PBC BOXING on FOX on Saturday, Dec. 15 (3:00 PM ET).

INSIDE PBC BOXING is the official show of Premier Boxing Champions, hosted by Kate Abdo, along with analysts WBC Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter and former three-division world champion Abner Mares. The show also features FOX Sports boxing insider Mike Coppinger, who will add breaking news and special reports. 

“FOX Sports is thrilled to be expanding PBC boxing programming with this studio show,” said Steve Becker, FOX Sports Vice President of Production. “We look to go inside the stories of the PBC boxers with in-depth interviews and feature profiles, as well as previews of upcoming fights and breakdowns of the most-recent, thrilling matchups. Having current boxers Shawn and Abner working with us will provide some honest commentary on what’s happening in the sport right now.” 

Porter, who makes his first title defense against top-rated challenger Yordenis Ugas live on FOX on Saturday, March 9, 2019 is excited to be a part of the studio show: “Honestly, sports is my thing! It’s a Cleveland thing. That’s what we do back home.” Porter continued, “So, I always knew past competing, I’d want to be involved in TV, talking boxing. To be doing this show on FOX right now is an incredible opportunity for myself, especially because I know the treats [that are] about to be delivered on network television to all the boxing fans out there.” 

While Mares is waiting for his next opponent to be announced, he’s enthusiastic about the studio opportunity as well: “I’m thrilled to be a part of FOX Sports’ new boxing show, INSIDE PBC BOXING and working with Kate, Shawn and Mike. I’m looking forward to talking to the biggest names in boxing, helping break down the most exciting fights, and telling viewers what’s really happening inside the ring.” 

As a boxing enthusiast, who’s also hosted several FOX PBC Fight Nights, Abdo is thrilled to be a part of the regular studio show. “As a huge boxing fan, I could not be more excited to host FOX’s new INSIDE PBC BOXING show. The PBC stable is second to none, and I can’t wait to shine a light on all that talent. Talking boxing with Shawn and Abner will be zero work, all pleasure.”

She’ll also continue to host FOX PBC Fight Nights throughout the year. 

Porter (29-2-1, 17 KOs) won the WBC belt with a decision victory over Danny Garcia in September. The Akron, Ohio native won the IBF Welterweight title against Devon Alexander on Dec. 7, 2013, then defended it in April 2014 with a two-knockdown, fourth-round stoppage of two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi, before losing a majority decision loss to England’s Kell Brook in August 2014. His only other loss came in a Fight of the Year-caliber unanimous decision to champion Keith Thurman in June, 2016. 

Mares (31-3-1, 15 KOs) is a strategic and crowd-pleasing boxer-puncher. His five-fight run between August 2011 and May 2015 produced world championships at 118, 122 and 126 pounds. Born in Mexico, Mares’ split decision win over Jesus Cuellar in December 2016 regained him a 126-pound title, but he lost it in a second classic clash with fellow Los Angeles-based, three-division champion Leo Santa Cruz in June of this year. 

With the recently announced deal, the FOX broadcast network and FOX Deportes will feature 10 marquee fight nights in prime time each year, while FS1 and FOX Deportes will telecast 12 fight nights annually. The Emmy Award-winning FOX Sports production team will produce more than 175 hours of original PBC boxing content per year across its channels, including INSIDE PBC BOXING on FOX and FS1, PBC COUNTDOWN and PBC FACE TO FACE shows prior to all fights.

All PBC on FOX Sports programming and events will be streamed live on the FOX Sports app. Follow @PBConFOX on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more information on FOX Sports, visit FOX Sports Press Pass. 

boxing

Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing inks 18-1 featherweight prospect Ray Ximenez, Jr.

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LAS VEGAS (December 13, 2018) – Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing proudly announces the signing of Dallas featherweight prospect Ray Ximenez, Jr. to a long-term, exclusive promotional contract. 

Riding a five-fight win streak, the 25-year-old Ximenez (18-1, 4 KOs) is expected to make his RJJ Boxing debut in March. “We’re excited to sign another top prospect like Ray Ximenez to our growing stable of fighters,” RJJ Boxing CEO and co-founder Keith Veltre said. “Ray is an old-school boxer, well-conditioned, hard-working, and we believe he has a very bright future.” 

“I’m very excited and very appreciated for Roy Jones Jr. Boxing giving me this opportunity,” Ximenez commented. “I plan on showing everyone that I will be the next world champion from Dallas. I am ready, willing and able to fight anyone, anywhere, any place and any time.”

Ximenez was a standout amateur boxer, compiling a sterling 120-9 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances, both in the National P.A.L. Championships and Ringside World Championships.  A six-time Dallas Golden Gloves champion, Ximenez started boxing at the age of 10. He also captured gold at the 2009 Silver Gloves National Championships and Junior Olympic National Championships. He represented and captained Team USA at the 2009 Youth World Junior Olympics. 

In 2010, Ximenez made a successful pro debut, winning a four-round unanimous decision versus Cristoval Larrazolo..      

Five years later, Ximenez defeated Jesse Angel Hernandez, currently 12-1 and world rated (IBF #14, WBO #15), by way of a six-round split decision in Fort Worth, Texas. Last February on beIN Sports, Ximenez registered an impressive eight-round unanimous decision in Dallas over EugeneLagos, who in his next fight on ESPN knocked off Golden Boy’s top prospect, undefeated (15-0) Emilio Sanchez, in round two. 

Ximenez won a 10-round unanimous decision over 111-fight veteran German Meraz this past July in Ximenez’ last fight. 

“I’m also excited and appreciative for this opportunity,” Ximenez’ manager Michael Montoya added. “I’d like to especially thank CEO Keith Veltre and matchmaker Guy Taylor for believing in Ray Ximenez, Jr. and I am looking forward to a long-term relationship with one of the best boxing promoters in the sport of boxing.”


INFORMATION:

Websites:  http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @alexflores919

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, alexander_thegreat_flores  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing

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World-Ranked Super Middleweight Aslambek ‘The Hulk’ Idigov Returns to Action on December 18

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On Tuesday, December 18, inside the Pyramid in Kazan, Russia, WBO #13 super middleweight Aslambek “The Hulk” Idigov will stay active with a 10-round showdown against rugged Russian veteran Konstantin “The Volga Cossack” Piternov.

Idigov (14-0, 6 KOs) is a 5’ 8” bull with pinpoint accuracy. This will be the Idigov’s fourth fight this year since signing with Salita. The 23-year-old has been training mostly at the Kronk Gym in Detroit to prepare for his fights and the improvement has been remarkable.

“I had a great training camp and I look forward to putting it all on display December 18,” said Idigov. “I have a very experienced opponent in front of me, but my skills will show that I am ready for the elite in the division.”

Idogov is another of Salita Promotions’ “Beasts from the East,” a growing stable of fighters from the former Soviet Bloc that includes Uzbekistan-born junior welterweight sensation Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev, undefeated world-ranked light heavyweight Umar Salamov, undefeated Kazakhstani junior welterweight showman Bakhtiyar Eyubov, undefeated heavyweight Apti Davtaev, undefeated Ukrainian-born ethnic Korean super bantamweight slugger Arnold Khegai, cruiserweight contender Alexey Zubov, undefeated women’s future champion Elena Savelyeva, top-rated bantamweight Nikolai Potapov, undefeated up-and-coming women’s prospect Elena Gradinar and undefeated heavyweight Izim Izbaki.

“Aslambek has shown tremendous improvement in his last several fights and I expect for him to finish the year out in a big way with an impressive victory on December 18,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita.

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Undefeated Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman Makes Long Awaited Ring Return to Defend His Title Against Battle-Hardened Veteran Josesito Lopez Live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, January 26

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From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Also in Action! Unbeaten Adam Kownacki Faces Gerald Washington in Heavyweight Attraction

Tickets on Sale Now!

BROOKLYN (December 12, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle. Tickets for the show begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. 

“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.” 

“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”

Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center, the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries, including surgery and rehabilitation on his elbow, has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites.

The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez. Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory over Garcia on March 4, 2017. 

“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,” said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.” 

The 34-year-old Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky” because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015.

Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX. “I’m approaching this fight as leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,” Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens, chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.” 

Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on September. 8.

Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall. 

“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.” 

Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career. The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10. 

“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,” said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.” 

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