Category Archives: ESPN Boxing

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Team Ortiz moves on from disputed draw Feeling Confident Undefeated Lightweight Jamaine Ortiz Made Loud Statement

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 29, 2021) – Despite a disputed draw with unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs) last Saturday night in Kissimmee, Florida, lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) displayed his vast skills and courage on ESPN+. 

Recovering from two knockdowns (the first from an illegal punch behind the head) and still taking the fight to the promoter’s fighter, Ortiz won six of the eight rounds but, unfortunately, he had to settled for an 8-round majority draw with (76-74, 75-75-75) Adorno.    

Ortiz, fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, is the reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, as well as a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist.   

“I didn’t fight my fight,” Ortiz evaluated his performance.  “I fought too much instead of being ‘The Technician.’   Before the fight, I thought I was the B-side fighter and wanted to please the crowd. I didn’t realize that I was on the A-side (thanks to his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield) and the betting favorite.  I was fighting a Top Rank guy and felt that I had to bring the fight to him.  Muscle memory, I guess, from back in the amateurs.  I was fighting on his stage, so I put pressure on him. If the fight went the distance, I wanted to make sure the scoring was clear and obvious.  I knew I’d break him down because I had better stamina and skills. 

“I fought him too much, but I still thought I won the fight.  The 76-74 score made sense.  I won every round but the second and seventh (rounds of knockdowns).  I didn’t agree with the one judge who had him (Adorno) winning the sixth. He hit me behind the head in the third round and I was off balance.  But the referee does his job and mine is to fight.  Nothing I could do about it.  The plan was to box him, going to the body, but not switch stances because it would expose me.  I had to go to the body, always part of my plan, but I wasn’t ‘The Technician.’ Sometimes I switch stances without realizing it.  I got clipped in the seventh round (uppercut that resulted in a standing 8 count) when I was switching for first time.  I handled it like a pro.  I got up and felt good.  I survived the round by holding a few times and then I came back again.” 

Burchfield, head of Classic Sports and Entertainment (CEO), knows Ortiz showed that he’s somebody lightweights will have to reckon with in the immediate future. 

“Jamaine’s stock went up for the second fight in a row (last November he registered a sensational stoppage of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been previously stopped, in seventh-round on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-event),” Burchfield added.  “Adorno is an animal when he’s in control of a fight.  Jamaine had to take control of the fight by being the aggressor but, as ‘The Technician, knowing when to fight and when to box.    The punch in the second round was, definitely, behind the head, clearly a foul, and it was more of a slip than a knockdown because he was off balance.  If that punch was disallowed, Jamaine wins the fight, even if he had lost the round.  He (Emil Lombardi) is a quality ref who made a mistake.  Maybe he didn’t catch it because of the angle he had, which is why I’m a firm believer in instant replay, and It would have been ruled a non-knockdown.  

“Going into the seventh, I thought Jamaine led by 2-3 points having taken five of the previous six rounds. Jamaine showed the world his endurance when he came back so strong in the eighth round.  If the fight had been 10-round, or even 30-sconds longer, no disrespect to Adorno, Jamaine would have knocked him out.  Jamaine is the real deal.  He certainly proved he’s TV friendly after his last two fights and he deserves to be mentioned among the top 135-pounders in the world.  Any takers?” 

Ortiz’ manager, Dick Shappy, had mixed emotions after the fight, understanding that Ortiz raised the bar, even though he fought to a draw. 

“I wish he had won,” Shappy remarked, “but a draw wasn’t too bad under the circumstances.   I though Jamaine won the fight outright.  If not for that illegal punch in the second, he won the fight on their scorecards.  It still shouldn’t have been ruled a knockdown, more of a slip, because he was going forward and lost balance.  It never should have been 10-8.  Adorno would have lost if they had to go into the championship rounds.  Jamaine was more skilled, he did a good job.” 

Count no less than former Olympic gold medalist and 2-division World Champion Andre Ward, who served as color commentator for Ortiz-Adorno, among those impressed by Ortiz. 

“Ortiz outworked Adorno, no doubt, and he never backed down,” Ward commented on air.  “I want to see more of Ortiz!’ 

As entertaining as Ortiz-Adorno was – it may have stolen the entire show – it’s unlikely that there will be a rematch. 

“I don’t think he wants to fight me again,” Ortiz reported.  “He said something about maybe when we both have world title belts.” 

Ortiz has taken advantage of the tremendous opportunities for worldwide exposure in his last two fights.  His reward will certainly come, in time, moving up the ratings as people continue jumping on “The Technician” bandwagon.                        

Undefeated lightweight Jamaine Ortiz Takes on Unbeaten joseph adorno

The Technician” vs. “Blessed Hands” 

This Saturday in Florida on ESPN+ 

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 19, 2021) – Rarely do undefeated prospects with double-digit victories fight each other because of the perceived risk like lightweights Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) and Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs) will do this Saturday night, April 24th, at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. 

The 8-round Adorno vs. Ortiz fight, streaming live on ESPN+, will be on the Top Rank card headlined (on ESPN) by WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs).    

Both young lightweights were decorated USA amateur boxers who are rising stars in arguably boxing’s most loaded division.  

“I’m counting the days,” Ortiz said about his fight with Adorno.  “I’ve trained hard my whole life.  When an opportunity like this comes, I’m ready to prove myself.  I think I’ll have a spectacular performance and impress the crowd like I usually do.  I’m fighting on another big card; I’m going up not down.”   

The reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, in addition to being a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist, the 24-year-old Ortiz recently cracked the top 40 in the WBC ratings at 31, and he’s also ranked No. 5 by the NABF.   

Ortiz is coming off a sensational, high-profile knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, in the seventh round last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event. 

The lone blemish on the 21-year-old Adorno’s pro record came in his last fight, back on January 11, 2020, when he fought an 8-round split draw with Hector Garcia (14-7-3).  Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Adorno lives and trains in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 

Ortiz surprisingly may have what amounts to a “hometown” advantage, at least in terms of vocal support, largely because many of his New England friends and family are flying down to Florida to attend the fight, along with his Florida fans. 

“My father lived in Florida and I visited him during summers, and I went to second grade there,” Ortiz explained.  “I have a big family-base in Orlando.  A lot of family and friends from Worcester are going to the fight.  I’m surprised by how many people will be there for me.” 

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), which will co-promote Adorno vs. Ortiz with Top Rank, and managed by Dick Shappy

“Both teams need to be complimented for taking a fight like this.” Burchfield commented.  “Two undefeated, young boxers like this fighting each other is what real boxing is all about. Bob Arum, Carl Moretti Team Top Rank have been friends of mine for so many years.   

“We turned Jamaine pro and through all these years as a promoter (32nd), maybe, every decade or so you have a special one like Jamaine, who can become the future of boxing. When you find a fighter who can box, punch and set-up his punches very well, he’s special and I feel Jamaine is special like that, not only in the ring but outside as well.  I don’t worry about getting a late-night call about him.  He is a total professional, no distractions with him.  Jamaine works as a carpenter, he’s learning the real estate business, and he’s also looking into the medical field in the future. He reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De Lay Hoya.  He has that charisma and is a technician in the ring.  A very smart kid in the ring. He has a spectacular team of managers and trainer to work with, too.”  

“For many years,” Shappy added, “our management team (including Eddie Imondi) had been searching for the right boxer to come along that had the potential to be a world champ. We are very confident that we have found that person, Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz.” 

Rare as it may be in boxing, the reward is ultimately worth the risk for these legitimate fighters, Ortiz and Adormo.  

MENG FANLONG EARNS TITLE SHOT VS. BETERBIEV – LOOKS TO BRING HAPPINESS TO HOMELAND AT DIFFICULT TIME

February 17th, NYC — China’s Meng Fanlong (16-0, 10 KOs) will fight IBF & WBC light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs), March 28th at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada.  Beterbiev vs. Meng is presented by Top Rank in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and Gestev, and will be broadcast live on ESPN along with a co-feature bout at 10 PM ET. 

Fanlong, who is from Chifeng, Inner Mongolia China, has more than just his world title shot on his mind.  His home country has been essentially shut down due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak.  

“The majority of my country has been shut down for weeks.” Says Meng. “My fellow citizens need something to help them escape from this very difficult time.  I hope to bring some positivity, happiness, and joy to them with this fight. I want to put pride in their hearts.”




On the 28th of March, Meng will be stepping into the ring with one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers.  Champion Artur Beterbiev has won all of his professional fights by knockout – including his thrilling title unification bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyck in October.  Meng was in attendance that night in Philadelphia and observed with great interest. 

But facing one of boxing’s most dangerous fighters in the ring pales in comparison to the concerns and troubles that are affecting hundreds of millions of Chinese across the globe. 

“Fanlong is the best Chinese fighter in the world – everyone will learn that on March 28th.”  Says Meng advisor Tommy Lane. “This is a historic fight because he is the first Chinese boxer to fight for the light heavyweight championship. And with what is going on with coronavirus, this is a fight that can bring joy and positive energy to the people at this challenging time.” 

It is unknown when the coronavirus will be under control or when the citizens of the The People’s Republic of China can get back to normal life. 

“My country needs me.  We will get through this.”

Tickets for Beterbiev vs. Meng can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ca or the Videotron Center box office Meng. More event details will be announced at a later time.  For interview requests and media opportunities, please contact Terry Lane – tmlane@gmail.com.   

#BeterbievMeng – official hashtag

ABOUT MENG FANLONG

Meng Fanlong is a Chinese, undefeated, professional boxer who competes in the light heavyweight division. Meng has a long list of amateur boxing accomplishments, including earning a spot on the the 2012 Chinese Olympic team.  He is now the number one ranked light heavyweight contender. 


ABOUT LANE BROTHERS BOXING

New York City Based “Lane Brothers Boxing” was founded in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane.  The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for nearly fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent. Terry and Tommy are the sons of former referee Mills Lane. 

DEONTAY WILDER VS. TYSON FURY II IS AS BIG AS IT GETS

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Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight Champion Wilder & Undefeated Lineal Heavyweight Champion Fury Square Off in Highly Anticipated Rematch Taking Place Saturday, February 22 in Historic Mega PPV Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 

LAS VEGAS (February 13, 2020) – The upcoming rematch between WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury is the biggest heavyweight title fight in history.
 
Literally.
 
Standing 6’7″ and 6’9″ respectively, Wilder and Fury create the greatest combined height ever seen in a bout for the WBC, Ring Magazine and lineal heavyweight titles, standing a collective 13 feet and 4 inches. The only heavyweight title bout “taller,” so to speak, took place in 2007, when the 7-foot Nikolay Valuev defended his WBA heavyweight title against the 6’6″ Jameel McCline. But never before have the sport’s very best big men been as large as they are today.
 
To put in perspective how large Wilder and Fury are, it’s best to compare them to the land of giants: The NBA. Consider the fact that at 6’7″ and in the neighborhood of 220 pounds, Wilder is the same size as Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard. Fury, meanwhile, is nearly identical to LeBron James in terms of height and weight. 

These days, a look at the Top 10 of any rankings you choose shows that most contenders are built like Super Bowl champion tight end Travis Kelce, who stands 6’6″ and weighs around 250 pounds.
 
As anyone who watched the thrilling first contest between Wilder and Fury will know, the two are indeed athletes, far from the lumbering behemoths you might expect men of their measurements to be. Wilder might be known for his titanic one-punch power, but he’s displayed some truly dynamic movement in the ring as well. Go watch the tape of his knockout of Bermane Stiverne and watch him bound laterally to create angles before landing his devastating shots, juking like a wide receiver in the open field, and you can see why Wilder dreamt of playing college football at Alabama when he was in high school.
 
Fury never dreamt of doing anything other than boxing-how could you when you were named after a heavyweight legend and born into a family rich with fighting history in Ireland. But the “Gypsy King” was also born with remarkable nimbleness to go along with a lifetime of developed boxing acumen, gliding around the ring and boxing with a style that would befit a welterweight, not a power forward-sized heavyweight. 

Wilder and Fury are distinctive because ironically, giants aren’t usually dominant in sporting fields. While some have been all-time greats-i.e. the 6’9″ Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, who is a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame-often times big men are known mostly just for being big, and don’t reach the pinnacle of their sport. And understandably so. Being colossally large is often a hindrance in as many ways as it’s an advantage, particularly when it comes to movement and dexterity. The NFL’s tallest player, seven-footer Richard Singh, played just eight career games, the MLB’s all-time tallest player, the 6’11” Jon Rauch, was a journeyman reliever, and tennis’ 6’10” and 6’11” skyscrapers Ivo Karlovic, John Isner and Rilley Opelka have no majors to their names.
 
As human beings have become bigger and stronger over the years, naturally, so have boxers. Rocky Marciano, standing 5’10 ½” and weighing just above 180 pounds, would be a tiny cruiserweight by today’s standards. Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, considered by many to be the two greatest heavyweights of all-time, and certainly not tiny fighters in their time, stood 6’1 ½” and 6’3″ respectively. Theoretically, Louis would give up nine inches in reach to Fury, whose wingspan is 85″. There were outliers in earlier eras, of course-Jess Willard and Ernie Terrell were 6’6″ and above and captured heavyweight titles-but for decades it was possible to be the size of a modern cruiserweight and not just compete, but be an imposing figure in the division.
 
Things began to change in the late 80s and 90s, when Tony Tucker, Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis, a trio of 6’6″ heavies captured belts. But the modern era was ushered in by Vitali and Wladimir Klitscko, the 6’6″ brothers who essentially ruled the division for the better part of a decade before Fury unseated Wladimir for the lineal crown in 2015. 


Boxing has had its share of giants through the years, many of which have fallen short of the elite levels. In recent times, fans will remember the much-hyped American prospect Tye Fields, a towering 6’8″ southpaw who despite a massive amount of hype, never fought for a world title. Julius “The Towering Inferno” Long started his career 5-0, and at 7’1″ with a 90″ reach looked like a force to be reckoned with, before settling in as one of the sport’s most notorious journeymen and reliable sparring partners.
 
Wilder and Fury are a remarkable blend of size and athleticism and are bucking the trend that you can be “too big” to be great. As the rematch nears, it’s exciting-or perhaps scary-to think about the next evolution of heavyweights that will come after these two. There was a time when the great George Foreman, at 6’3″ and with a 78″ reach, or Larry Holmes at 6’3″ with an 81″ reach, were considered among the most daunting physical presences to ever step in the ring. But Wilder and Fury have set a new physical standard. Will NBA-sized heavyweights become the norm in the coming years?

At least for the moment, Wilder and Fury are far from normal. They’re colossal presences, yes, but they’re also the two very best heavyweights in the world at the peak of their powers, looking to follow up one of the most memorable fights, and hotly debated draws in recent history.
 
Who will stand tall on February 22?


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ABOUT DEONTAY WILDER VS. TYSON FURY II
Wilder vs. Fury II will see the highly anticipated rematch between unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury as they headline a historic, mega PPV event Saturday, February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin squaring off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington for a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator in the co-main event. WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” will defend his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima in the PPV featured bout. Plus, in the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.
 
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.toprank.comhttp://www.
foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
www.foxdeportes.com and www.espn.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @trboxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @ESPN, @ESPNRingside, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/trboxingwww.facebook.com/foxsportswww.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.facebook.com/espn.

FOX SPORTS AND ESPN OFFER EXTENSIVE WILDER VS. FURY FIGHT WEEK PROGRAMMING

Quartet of World Champions Anchor FOX Sports and ESPN
Wilder vs. Fury II Pay-Per-View Broadcast

Wilder vs. Fury II on FOX Sports PPV and ESPN+ PPV,
a Historic Joint Presentation, Starting Saturday, Feb. 22 at 9:00 PM ET

LAS VEGAS – Today, FOX Sports and ESPN announced an extensive Wilder vs. Fury II fight week and fight night programming lineup in advance of the highly anticipated rematch between undefeated heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and unbeaten lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury taking place on Saturday, Feb. 22, in a historic, joint presentation by FOX Sports PPV and ESPN+ PPV live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9:00 PM ET and features former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin squaring off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator as the co-main event. WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” will defend his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima in the PPV featured bout. Plus in the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.
 
Prelims will begin at 7:30 PM ET on FS1, ESPNEWS and in Spanish on FOX Deportes and ESPN3, featuring two explosive bouts. ESPNEWS’ coverage will switch to ESPN at 8:00 PM ET.
 
Fight week and fight night programming will feature a quartet of former champions and current FOX Sports and ESPN analysts, including three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, former two-division world champion and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, two-time welterweight world champion Shawn Porter and future Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley. Lewis and Ward will join ESPN veteran broadcaster Joe Tessitore for ringside commentary. Bradley and Porter will join ESPN’s Max Kellerman and FOX Sports’ Brian Kenny (host) live on the desk. ESPN’s boxing insiders Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will serve as reporters alongside FOX Sports’ Kate Abdo. Boxing Hall of Famer Larry Hazzard Sr. will serve as the unofficial scorer and rules expert, while Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will serve as ring announcer. Spanish-language coverage from site includes play-by-play from ESPN Deportes’ Jorge Eduardo Sánchez and FOX Deportes’ Adrián García Márquez, alongside former champions Juan Manuel Márquez (ESPN Deportes) and Hall of Famer Erik “Terrible” Morales (FOX Deportes) on the analysis. ESPN Deportes’ David Faitelson and FOX Deportes’ Jaime Motta will provide commentary.
 
FOX Sports and ESPN’s presentation of Wilder vs. Fury II will feature unique production upgrades to bring fans closer to the ring and deliver views that enhance their experience. The production will include 35 cameras – unprecedented for an ESPN boxing production – seven super-slow-motion and six robotic cameras, a 4D camera system that allows 360 degree replays, a mini FlyCam, a JITA camera for unique shots, as well as bumper corner cameras.
 
Covering the historic heavyweight battle, FOX Sports and ESPN will be producing an unprecedented amount of content from numerous locations in Las Vegas starting Tuesday, Feb. 18. Lead up coverage includes:
 
SportsCenter on the Road (Tuesday-Sunday, from MGM Grand set near KÀ Theater): Toni Collins, Mark Kriegel, Bernardo Osuna, Joe Tessitore and Stan Verrett rotate to host segments for ESPN’s flagship news and information program.
Wilder vs. Fury II Final Press Conference (Wednesday at 4:30 PM ET on FS1 and ESPN2): Watch Joe Tessitore, Brian Kenny and Shawn Porter preview Saturday’s showdown, while Kate Abdo hosts the fighters in their final press conference from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes and FOX Deportes.
Wilder vs. Fury II Official Weigh-In: (Friday at 6:00 PM ET on FS1 and ESPN2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena): Joe Tessitore, Brian Kenny and Shawn Porter discuss the heavyweight title fight, while Kate Abdo reports. Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes and FOX Deportes.
Wilder vs. Fury II Pre-Show on ABC: Will feature Joe Tessitore from the desk, with ringside analysis from Tim Bradley, Max Kellerman, Mark Kriegel, and Andre Ward, and reports from Bernardo Osuna.
Max on Boxing (Tuesday & Thursday from MGM Grand set near KÀ Theater; Wednesday & Friday from the MGM Grand Garden Arena): ESPN’s boxing series hosted by Max Kellerman airing on ESPN2 at 5:00 PM ET, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 5:30 PM ET on Wednesday. Shows on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday will each be one hour, while Wednesday will be 30-minutes following the live final press conference.
Speak For Yourself (Wednesday-Friday at 3:00 PM ET on FS1): Jason Whitlock and Marcellus Wiley co-host the 90-minute discussion and opinion-based program live on-set at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino set near the MGM Grand Race & Sports Book.
First Take (Thursday-Friday at 10:00 AM ET on ESPN): ESPN’s morning debate show hosted by Molly Qerim with commentators Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman will have Smith, Kellerman and Qerim live on-set at the MGM Grand set near KÀ Theater.

Wilder vs. Fury II Original Content
ESPN’s RingScience hosted by Andre Ward, exclusively on ESPN+.Countdown: Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II, one-hour specialgoes behind the scenes and inside the lives of both fighters as they prepare for their long-awaited rematch. Re-airs during fight week across ESPN and FOX Sports platforms.
Inside Wilder vs. Fury II, an in-depth four part series which looks into the fighter’s preparation leading up to fight night. Re-airs across ESPN and FOX Sports platforms throughout fight week.
Wilder vs. Fury II: The Roundtable premieres on ESPN Friday, Feb. 14.
E60: (Sun at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN): Tyson Fury is a 31-year-old Englishman and unbeaten lineal champion. In 2017, he was on the brink of total self-destruction, and battled depression and anxiety. On February 22, Fury enters the ring to settle old scores when he takes on current WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Before he does, Fury sits down with E:60 reporter Jeremy Schaap to discuss his demons, the road to recovery and his comeback.
Andre Ward’s Unguarded with Tyson Fury, available now exclusively on ESPN+.
 
FOXSports.com
From FOXSports.com: Martin Rogers on how the epic Wilder vs. Fury rematch will shape the boxing landscape and their legacies.
‘One More Round’ with Wilder and Fury – both fighters break down the pivotal rounds from their first bout
The best of “Inside PBC Boxing” including both fighters’ Keys to Victory as broken down by Shawn Porter and Abner Mares
A host of original content on @PBConFOX’s social channels, including Wilder and Fury’s Top 3 Knockouts and their Boxing Mount Rushmores
 
ESPN.com
From ESPN.Com: The Tyson Fury rollercoaster – a look at the highs and lows of a wild career
Mark Kriegel on how Tyson Fury’s decision to change trainers changed everything about this fight
The stories about Deontay Wilder you need to know, as told by those who know him best
Mark Kriegel on how Deontay Wilder became the unlikeliest American boxing icon
Breaking down “The punch”: An oral history of the 12th round in the first Wilder-Fury fight
How does each fighter get the job done? Tim Bradley offers up the gameplan for both fighters (E+)
Social: @ESPNRingside TwitterFacebook and Instagram
 
FOX Sports and ESPN Fight Night Schedule for Saturday, Feb 22:

Sat., 2/22
 
Time ET
Show
Network
11:00 AM
*A Los Golpes
ESPN Deportes
1:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II Pre-Show (Live)
ABC
5:00 PM
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (Early Undercards)
 
FOX Sports App, ESPN App unauthenticated (English & Spanish),
6:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II Pre Show (ABC Re-air)
 
ESPNEWS
7:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II Live Pre-Show

FS1, ESPNEWS; Spanish: ESPN3, FOX Deportes
7:30 PM
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (Undercards)
 
FS1, ESPNEWS
Spanish: ESPN3, FOX Deportes
8:00 PM
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (Undercards)

FS1, ESPN
Spanish: ESPN3, FOX Deportes
9:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II PPV
Available on PPV via major cable and satellite providers, FOX Sports app and ESPN+
Conclusion of PPV
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II Post Show (Live)

FS1, ESPN2
Conclusion of PPV
In Spanish – Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II Post Show (Live)

ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes
*slight delay

Main Card, Undercards and Early Undercards (All times ET)

9:00 PM
Main
Deontay Wilder (C) vs. Tyson Fury (Lineal)
Co-Feature
Charles Martin vs. Gerald Washington
Special Feature
Emanuel Navarrete (C) vs. Jeo Santisima
Opener
Sebastian Fundora vs. Daniel Lewis
8:00 PM
Feature
Amir Imam vs. Javier Molina
7:30 PM
Feature
Subriel Matias vs. Petros Ananyan
5:00 PM
Feature
Rolando Romero vs. Arturs Ahmetovs
Undercard
Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Matt Conway
Undercard
Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Cory Champion
Undercard
Isaac Lowe vs. Alberto Guevara
 
 
For more information, visit FOX Sports Press Pass or ESPNPressRoom.
 
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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.toprank.comhttp://www.
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January 18: Eleider Alvarez and Michael Seals Set for Light Heavyweight Slugfest LIVE on ESPN+ at Turning Stone Resort Casino

ESPN+ stream to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

VERONA, N.Y. (Nov. 4, 2019) — Two of the light heavyweight’s division’s most explosive fighters are set for a fistic shootout Saturday, Jan. 18, as former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will face Michael “Cannon Handz” Seals at Turning Stone Resort Casino.


The 10-round showdown will be contested for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title, and the winner is expected to challenge for a world title in 2020.

Alvarez-Seals and a co-feature will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $89, $75, $69, $62, $59 and $40 go on sale Friday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

“This is a fantastic fight, a true 50-50 matchup featuring two of the division’s best punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light heavyweight division is on fire right now, and the winner will be in a tremendous position.”

“I am very happy to get back in the ring after this long layoff,” Alvarez said. “I am looking at Jan. 18 to reboot my career against a strong puncher, Michael Seals, and begin my campaign to once again be on top of the boxing world. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, but in 2020, nothing will stop me from becoming a world champion again.”

“First, I would like to thank Top Rank and ESPN for giving Eleider this opportunity, as well as a plan to be very active in 2020,” said Yvon Michel, Alvarez’s co-promoter.  “Eleider had a great run before his last fight, beating three former or current world champions in a row: Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Sergey Kovalev. The defeat in his rematch with Kovalev was very painful, but also a great learning lesson. Eleider Alvarez belongs with the elite of the light heavyweight division, and he will prove it starting Jan. 18 in Verona.”

“Uncle Bob and Brad Goodman are giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am going to put on a show for them,” Seals said. “Everyone knows that going the distance is against my religion. I’m going to bring the heat, and that’s no secret. Alvarez made a huge mistake in accepting me for his ‘comeback fight.’ When you sign a contract with me, I’m trying to force-feed you some ZzzQuil. This is a tune-up for him but everything for me. I’m not an opponent for the top fighters. I am a top fighter. I want a world title shot, and I won’t let this guy get in the way. He had his time. It’s my time.”

Alvarez (24-1, 12 KOs), the Colombian-born, Montreal-based boxer-puncher has not fought since Feb. 2, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Sergey Kovalev six months after knocking him out to win the WBO light heavyweight world title. Alvarez’s long layoff is due to a torn foot ligament he suffered in training earlier this year. He hopes a win over Seals will earn him another crack at world championship glory.

Seals (24-2, 18 KOs), a Mobile, Alabama, native who played collegiate football at Alabama A&M, is still one of the division’s heaviest hitters at 37 years of age. An 11-year pro, Seals has been involved in many memorable brawls, including a 2015 Fight of the Year contender versus Edwin Rodriguez that included five knockdowns in three rounds. Despite falling short versus Rodriguez, Seals’ reputation as a fan-friendly was solidified. He has won four in a row, including three by knockout in either first or second round. He is coming off a one-punch, first-round knockout Oct. 18 in Philadelphia against Elio Trosch.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.comwww.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

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

Undefeated Super Middleweight Cem Kilic to take on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th on Fury – Schwarz undercard at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Beverly Hills, Calif. (June 5, 2019) – Undefeated super middleweight Cem Kilic will look to take another step towards the world rankings when he takes on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 
The fight will be part of the Tyson Fury – Tom Schwarz undercard.
 
Kilic of Frankfort, Germany, who now calls Los Angeles, California home, has a record of 13-0 with eight knockouts.
 
The 24 year-old Kilic has upped his resume and reputation thanks to wins over Jerhed Fenderson (1-0), Joe Amouta (7-1-1), and a nationally televised win over DeAndre Ware (12-0-2).
 
In his last bout, Kilic stopped Zacariah Kelly in two rounds on February 15th in Hinckley, Minnesota.
 
“I have had a great training camp for this fight with my head trainer Buddy McGirt,” said Kilic. “I have been sparring with Sergey Kovalev for the last month, and I am in the best shape of my life. I am excited to showcase my talent on June 15th, and to make history as the first fighter from Turkey to fight at the MGM Grand! Big thanks to my manager Shane Shapiro and my promoter Greg Cohen for getting me this opportunity.”
 
“Cem is really peaking at the right time of his career. While this is only his 14th pro fight, being in training camps the last four years with legendary fighters like Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Sergey Kovalev, Jermell Charlo, and Errol Spence Jr. has helped him develop into a fighter well beyond 13 fights on his professional record. I am anxious for the world to see Cem Kilic live on ESPN 2 come June 15th,” said Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC.
 
 McGregor of Chicago. has a record of 8-1 with six knockouts.
 
The 28 year-old McGregor has a win of previously undefeated Luis Jimenez (3-0).  McGregor has won five in a row, which includes his last bout, when he stopped David Mason in the 1st round on February 22nd in Elk Grove, Illinois.


Kilic is the 1st fighter from Turkey to fight at The MGM Grand.
 
Kilic is managed by No Limit Mindset LLC.  He is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.
 
The bout can be seen on ESPN 2.

Oscar Valdez-Jason Sanchez Headlines Top Rank on ESPN Card June 8 at Reno-Sparks Convention Center


Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals to clash in 10-round light heavyweight co-feature

LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



RENO, Nev. (May 9, 2019) — Boxing’s preeminent action superhero, Oscar Valdez, will make the sixth defense of his WBO featherweight world title Saturday, June 8 against the upset-minded Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Valdez-Sanchez and the 10-round light heavyweight showdown between title-hungry contenders Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Gabriel Flores Jr. (13-0, 6 KOs), fresh off his third-round knockout over Eduardo Pereira Reis in front of more than 10,000 fans in his hometown of Stockton, California, will see action on the undercard.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.

“Jason Sanchez is the real ‘Cinderella Man,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is young, hungry and capable of pulling off a major upset. It should be an exciting battle.”

“I’m excited to be back in the ring for the sixth defense of my world title. I know there is a big target on my back because I’m the champion, but nobody is going to take this title away from me,” Valdez said. “This will be my second fight training with Eddy Reynoso. Training with Eddy, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I felt great in the ring during my first fight with Eddy in my corner. I know that I will look even better this time out. The fans in Reno and watching on ESPN and ESPN Deportes can expect a great showing from me on June 8.”

“I am truly honored and blessed to have an opportunity like this,” Sanchez said. “Coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico, I knew I had to work extra hard to be noticed and to get where I’m at right now. I will be bringing this belt home to Albuquerque, to my family, my supporters, and most of all, my late brother Alan Sanchez. I believe he guided me down this road and that my journey is only beginning.”

Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs), Mexico’s first two-time Olympian, has thrilled boxing fans with his go-for-broke style. He won the WBO featherweight title in July 2016 and proved his mettle with a trio of 12-round bloodbaths against Miguel Marriaga, Genesis Servania and Scott Quigg in consecutive bouts. Valdez outlasted an over-the-weight Quigg last March by unanimous decision despite fighting more than half the bout with a severely broken jaw. Following the Quigg bout, Valdez took nearly a year off, returning Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to knock out then-unbeaten Italian challenger Carmine Tommasone in the seventh round.  

The 24-year-old Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) enters this championship fight as one of the featherweight division’s fastest-rising young guns. Last October, he stunned then-unbeaten Jean Carlos Rivera via unanimous decision in Panama City, Panama. Following the Rivera victory, Sanchez signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. He impressed in his Top Rank debut Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, knocking out Daniel Olea in the second round. Sanchez hopes to become only the fifth men’s boxer from New Mexico to win a world title.

Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12th and final round.

Seals (22-2, 16 KOs), a former linebacker for Alabama A&M University, traded in his cleats for trunks and turned pro after a five-fight amateur career. He was 19-0 when he clashed with Edwin Rodriguez in November 2015. In a seesaw battle that included five knockdowns, Rodriguez knocked out Seals in the third round of a Fight of the Year contender. Seals is 3-1 since the Rodriguez battle, the lone loss coming via disqualification after he hit his opponent while he was on the ground. The winner of this can’t-miss action fight will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.

“I am very excited to have signed with Top Rank, a world-class organization with the best light heavyweights in the world,” Barrera said. “I am excited about the future, but the first step is to handle business June 8 and then I can look forward to a shot at a world title. My ultimate goal is Sergey Kovalev. I’ve been chasing him my whole career. Hopefully, we can finally fight this year.”

“This means everything to me. I had a great opportunity with Edwin Rodriguez, but I went into that fight with a torn rotator cuff. I was basically fighting with just my right hand,” Seals said. “Now, I am 100 percent healthy. This is my time. Barrera had his time. I feel good. I feel sharp. I feel young. I have sacrificed so much and have had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made and all of the hardships I’ve gone through. On June 8, I’m going to unleash all of my frustration on Barrera. I don’t want to take anything away from Barrera. He’s a world-class fighter, but I am as well.”

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Use the hashtags #ValdezSanchez and #BarreraSeals to join the conversation on social media.

Ray Robinson” I Won That Fight. I Am The Last Guy to Defeat Crawford. I deserve a Title Shot Against Him”


NEW YORK (April 4, 2019)–Welterweight contender, Ray Robinson believes that he should have deserved the decision in his bout with WBO number-one ranked Egidijus Kavaliauskas in a bout that was seen live on ESPN this past Saturday at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.


Robinson of Philadelphia and Kavaliauskas battled to a majority draw in a bout where Robinson demonstrated great ring generalship and dictated the pace of the bout.

“This is why I fell in love with boxing.  To hit and not get hit, i put on a boxing lesson,” said Robinson.

“I feel like I offset him.  I was faster and the lateral movement confused him.  I frustrated him.  I just listened to my coaches and threw him off.  I had a full camp, and it showed in my performance as I feel that I dominated,” continued Robinson, who won one scorecard by a 97-93 tally, while two others were even at 95-95.

Kavaliauskas has been mentioned for a chance to fight undefeated WBO champion Terence Crawford, but with his performance, Robinson would happily step in the ring with the Nebraska native, as he showed not only he is a worthy fighter, but he also, Robinson owns a win over the consensus pound-for-pound fighter in the amateur ranks.  Robinson feels he would repeat that result in the pro ranks, with an opportunity at Crawford.

“I think now I deserve that shot.  I am the last person to defeat Terence Crawford in the amateurs.  The fans would want to see it, and I am sure he would want it.  If it was me, I would want to fight the last person who beat me.  If not Crawford, I feel that I deserve to compete with the top welterweights out there.  Guys like Thurman, Porter, Spence, Sadam Ali, Kell Brook, Adrien Broner.  Any of them.  I am a promotional free agent, so it won’t be difficult to make a deal with any of them”


Ray Robinson talks Kavaliauskas draw