CARSON, CALIF. (November 2, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire will defend his title against undefeated Interim WBC Bantamweight Champion and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Tennis Stadium in Carson, Calif. Tickets for the live event go on sale November 2 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com. # # #
GLOBAL STAR JAKE PAUL TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 ON SHOWTIME PPV®
Paul And Fury Put Their Undefeated Pro Boxing Records on the Line
Live at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Tickets Go On Sale Wednesday, November 10
NEW YORK (OCTOBER 29, 2021) – International super star Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face undefeated professional boxer and U.K. reality TV star Tommy “TNT” Fury in a sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight bout after months of heated back-and-forth between the two men. Paul and Fury will headline a SHOWTIME PPV event on Saturday, December 18 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The main event bout will be contested at a 192-pound catchweight, as Paul continues to challenge himself and deliver on his promise to disrupt the combat sports industry.
On the heels of an impressive performance against former mixed martial arts world champion Tyron Woodley in August, Paul looks forward to his fifth professional boxing match as he takes a sizable step up in competition and puts his undefeated record on the line. Paul, the social media sensation, has garnered unprecedented attention for a young boxer since he entered the ring against NBA star Nate Robinson and defeated him with a show-stopping knockout that made headlines around the world. Paul is now taking the next step in his young career as he goes after Love Island reality TV star Fury, the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury.
Paul and Fury will meet for the first time since their fight was announced on Saturday, November 6 in Las Vegas and will make an additional appearance in Tampa on Monday, November 8. More details on both events to follow.
Titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, the event is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV and promoted in association with Tony Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and it will feature other exciting high-stakes, professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, November 10, at www.amaliearena.com.
The 24-year-old Paul (4-0, 3 KOs) is a world-renowned content creator. He began his professional boxing journey in January 2020 and has proven to be an influential participant in the sport’s landscape with his outsized personality and quickly developing skill set. The Cleveland-native is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the eye of former boxing cruiserweight contender and world title challenger B.J. Flores, who has been training Paul from his first professional fight. After knocking out British YouTube star AnEsonGib in his debut and defeating Robinson with a knockout heard around the world, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April with a first-round knockout. The win over Askren was Paul’s first victory over a seasoned professional fighter and he followed it up with an impressive performance against Woodley, arguably his most dangerous opponent to date.
“I started my professional boxing career less than two years ago on January 30th, 2020. Four fights, three pay-per-views, two as the headliner, and one sold-out arena, I’m looking forward to my toughest challenge yet and continuing to prove the critics wrong,” said Paul. “Fight a real boxer they’ve said, and that is exactly what I’m doing. An undefeated boxer from the legendary Fury bloodline. However, this one is more than just boxing for me. It’s for America and showing the world there is no other country that gives you the opportunity to achieve whatever you set your mind to. It’s for every young person who has a dream and dedicates their life to achieving it. On December 18th I’m continuing to fulfill my dreams and turning a Fury into a Fumbles.”
Fighting out of Manchester, England, Fury started boxing at 12 years old. With 12 amateur bouts, he won two regional titles and reached the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury’s first professional fight came in 2018, a win by decision. From there he proceeded to knockout or TKO his next four opponents and put the boxing world on notice. He has fought three times in 2021, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard in August, where the 22-year-old earned his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. Paul is clearly facing his biggest challenge to date in the undefeated Fury (7-0, 4 KOs), who comes from a renowned family of boxers and has been trained by British star Ricky Hatton.
“Jake Paul is about to learn a serious life lesson. This is my world, and he doesn’t belong here,” said Fury. “I’m not one of these MMA men or basketball players, I have been boxing my whole life. On December 18th I will show the world the difference between a YouTuber and a real fighting man. Thanks to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and Showtime for giving me the opportunity to shut this clown up once and for all.”
#PaulFury: One Will Fall is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Paul and Bidarian serve as Executive Producers of the #PaulFury event.
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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Davis Replaces Former Champion Jose Uzcátegui in Main Event
PHOENIX (October 28, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez will make his homecoming return to Phoenix against 168-pound contender Kyrone Davis in a 10-round match that headlines live on SHOWTIME Saturday, November 13 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center.
Benavídez was originally scheduled to face former world champion Jose Uzcátegui, who was forced to withdraw due to a failed pre-fight drug test.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature the much-awaited return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.
Still just 24-years-old, Benavídez (24-0, 21 KOs) enters this fight having knocked out his last four opponents, including a September 2019 knockout of two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell. Benavídez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Representing his native Phoenix, Ariz., and returning to fight there for the first time since 2015 on November 13, Benavídez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first title opportunity.
A native of Monmouth, N.J., Davis (16-2-1, 6 KO) most recently won an exciting September clash against Martez McGregor, triumphing by decision after eight action-packed rounds. Davis had previously been impressive against the toughest test of his career, as he fought two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell to a split-draw in February. It was the 26-year-old’s debut at super middleweight, after beginning his career at middleweight. Davis had won five of his six previous outings heading into the Dirrell clash. He is trained by renowned coach Stephen Edwards in Philadelphia, alongside former unified world champion Julian Wiliams.
FIVE FRESH PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS ADDED TO BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH ON FRIDAY, NOV. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
TONS OF SOUTH FLORIDA TALENT SET TO THRILL HOMETOWN CROWD AT HARD ROCK LIVE AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN HOLLYWOOD, FLA., AS BELLATOR™ RETURNS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE FOR FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS
LOS ANGELES – In addition to the Featherweight World Title main event pitting current 145-pound champion Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) against No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), BELLATOR MMA has added several star-studded matchups to the preliminary portion of BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh on Friday, Nov. 12, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic five-fight main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.
Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.
In female flyweight action, Miami’s “Master”Valerie Loureda (3-1) hopes to steal the show yet again, as the 23-year-old star prepares for Knoxville’s Taylor Turner (5-7), while Brazilian sensation Bruna Ellen (5-3) challenges the heavy-handed Desiree “Dirty Dez” Yanez (5-3).
Fighting out of Key West, Fla., the undefeated knockout artist Roman Faraldo (5-0) returns to the BELLATOR cage to face fellow Floridian and Pensacola-native Robert Turnquest (11-7) in a 170-pound contest. Additionally, Roufusport product Jordan Newman (3-0) hopes to keep his perfect record intact in a middleweight showdown against Palm Beach, Florida’s Shane O’Shea (4-2).
Lastly, former Penn State wrestler and current American Top Team standout Cody Law (4-0) puts his unblemished professional mark on the line in a featherweight clash with Fort Smith, Arkansas’ Colton Hamm (4-3).
In the co-main event., top-10 heavyweights will go toe-to-toe as No. 5-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1, 1 NC) squares up with No. 8 Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC).
Rounding out the five-bout SHOWTIME telecast, the always electric and No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) will square off against undefeated No. 8 Justin Gonzales (12-0), while No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) attempts to cement her place as the next in line for a shot at the 145-pound crown against No. 7 Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card, undefeated No. 7-ranked Boca Raton, Fla., resident Steve Mowry (9-0) will continue his quest toward the top of the heavyweight ranks as he takes on veteran Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1, 1 NC).
Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH MAIN CARD:
Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)
Unbeaten Two-Time World Champion David Benavídez and Longtime Contender José Benavídez Preview Respective Showdowns Taking Place Saturday, November 13 Live on SHOWTIME® fromFootprint Center in Phoenix in a Premier Boxing Champions Event Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (October 26, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and his older brother, longtime contender José Benavídez, previewed their respective showdowns before they enter in the ring in their hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. on Saturday, November 13 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center.
David will battle former champion José Uzcátegui in a super middleweight title eliminator bout that headlines the event, while José faces Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round co-main event. The Benavídez brothers have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans in long-awaited homecoming bouts November 13, which will mark their first time entering the ring in Phoenix since 2015.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the Benavídez brothers, plus their father and trainer Jose Benavídez Sr., had to say from training camp in North Hollywood, California:
DAVID BENAVÍDEZ
“Everything has been amazing in camp. We’re sparring 12-13 rounds and running six or seven miles a day. I’ve worked very hard and I can’t wait to put on a show November 13.
“Uzcátegui is a tough competitor and he was a former world champion, so I have to give him that respect. There are big fights on the horizon for me, so I have to prepare accordingly for Uzcátegui.
“I feel like I’m the better fighter. I have the better skills, more power, more speed and I’m hungrier too. It’s going to be a great night for my team. I feel like I’m going to go in there and get the knockout victory.
“A lot of people in Phoenix are excited for this one. I’m excited to go back. The timing is perfect. For me, this is the biggest fight of my career. I’m ready for anything that comes my way November 13.
“We’re just focused on Uzcátegui, but of course there are bigger fights for me in the future. If I win this fight, I’m in the number one spot for whoever wins between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant.
“Facing Canelo would be a huge fight in the super middleweight division, but I have to go out there on November 13 and get this victory first.
“Right now, with the level I’m at, the fighters that I’m seeking to fight are champions and former champions. Whether it’s Canelo, Plant or Jermall Charlo, I feel like we’re all going to end up facing each other at some point.
“Canelo vs. Plant is a great fight for the division. It’s a fight where both guys have a lot to prove. Those kinds of fights tend to bring the best out of everybody. There’s a lot of pressure and a lot of glory on the line, so I feel like they’re going to be the best they’ve ever been. I’m going to be ready for the winner next.
“I’ve been a pro for eight years already. I just want the biggest fights out there. This is the level I’ve been working to get to for a long time, and we’re finally here at this moment. I want to fight the best of the best and prove myself. I want to show that I’m the best super middleweight in the world.
“Uzcátegui is strong and he has a will to win, but I just believe that I have the better skill set. These are the types of fighters that I need to test myself against. It’s definitely going to be a war, but I’m going to come out on top.”
JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ
“It feels great to be on this card with my brother, and to be making my comeback in my hometown. There’s going to be a lot of support for me. It’s a great feeling and I’m looking forward to giving my fans a great outcome.
“I had to take a break, but now I have a different kind of mindset. I just want to keep fighting, training and staying ready. I want to get to the top of the super welterweight division.
“The delay has just given me more time to train, more time to get stronger and more time to get ready. I’ve just been making the most of it.
“I’m going to be an animal on fight night. I’m coming for everything. I’m hungry. I’ve been out of the ring for years, so I need to make a statement. That’s what I’m looking to do November 13.
“We have a great team here. We all came from nothing and we all started this journey at the same time. We learned day by day and that’s what makes our bond strong. Without my team, I wouldn’t be boxing.
“I have a lot of friends, family and fans who are coming out for my return. That’s really what’s motivating me. I’m happy that people still want to see me in the ring.
“I don’t know too much about my opponent, and I honestly don’t care, because I’m taking him down. No matter who they put in front of me, good luck to them.
“After my fight, which I’m going to end early, I’m going to be ready to walk out with my brother and support him for his fight.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with my wife and my two daughters during this time off because there were so many things I wasn’t able to be around for earlier in my career. It’s been amazing but I’m excited to be back. I still have a lot to prove.”
JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ SR., David and José’s Father and Trainer
“David is looking very strong right now. With every fight he gets stronger and stronger and matures more and more. He’s just getting his man strength, so I think everyone is going to see something spectacular November 13.
“Words can’t even describe how it feels to be coming back to Phoenix training my two sons for this big show. It’s something I’ve only dreamed of. Now it’s happening, and we’re super excited.
“I always have to continue adjusting and growing as a trainer. I have to understand that these are grown men now. I had to stop thinking of them as my little kids. I’m always trying to learn more so that I can support their careers as best I can.
“I’m super proud of Jose for getting to this point after his injury. Everything he does now is just extra, it’s up to him to stay focused and work hard. He’s very strong both physically and mentally and that’s why I never gave up on him.
“We’ve been dedicating ourselves and sacrificing every day so that we can give our people in Phoenix a really good show. They’re going to get an exciting night and I can’t wait.”
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD RESULTS AND QUOTES:
Fedor Emelianenko (40-6, 1 NC) def. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-8) via KO at 1:46 of round one
Fedor Emelianenko: “I feel very great. I feel good. Two years passed. I’m happy that everything worked out the way we were thinking. “I’m very happy for the fact that we made the audience happy and we delivered such great joy to our fans. To those who follow our career and Bellator events. “Its much easier for me to perform in America. I don’t have such huge attention, or maybe I do get the attention, but all the events are strictly planned. Here at home all our camp and our preparation for the fight took place under the supervision of media, journalists and so forth and so on. “Its difficult to say, I think this is one of the most important wins of my career taking into consideration the location, the country (Russia), the age. Taking into consideration the force of Tim Johnson, who is a strong opponent. “Thank god I’m still in sports and I’m not losing my speed. “Its difficult to answer the ‘what if’ questions. I would like to say that at this moment I’m not planning on finishing my career. I will talk to Scott Coker and my family.”
No. 8 Said Sowma (8-2) def. Vitaly Minakov (22-2) via TKO at 3:08 of round three
Said Sowma: “I couldn’t hit the guy while he was fixing his finger when it was broken. I told the ref that his finger was messed up when he was telling us to keep fighting. I want to fighting him like a true martial artist, not like that. “I haven’t thought about who’s next, I’m just excited about this one right now. He was a lot heavier than I was, but it wasn’t a fight that I took on short notice. I just wanted a step up in opponents. I believe that if you fight bums your whole life, then you will be a bum. I hope I laid a path for everyone at home that you can achieve anything you set your mind to no matter where you’re from. “Minakov didn’t finish me in one minute like he usually does with his opponents so I’m pretty happy, but it was definitely a bit of a bittersweet win for me.” No. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) def. Patrik Pietila (11-9) via submission (RNC) at 4:06 of round one
Usman Nurmagomedov: “I’m feeling good. I want to thank God for this victory. It was amazing fighting here in Russia. I am so happy right now. “I certainly planned on taking this fight to the ground. I was trying to catch him so that I could take it to the ground, where I knew I had an advantage. “I want to take on a top fighter next. A Top-10 or Top-15 fighter, it doesn’t really matter to me, but I want a top fighter. I will need about a week of rest and then I will be back and ready to go. “I have not yet talked to Scott Coker about anything in relation to title shots. I don’t know who will win the world title fight between Patricky Pitbull and Peter Queally, but I’m going to take that belt and bring it back home with me.” Anatoly Tokov (30-2) def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-4-1) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Anatoly Tokov: “I felt a little bit rusty in this fight because of the two-year absence. It felt like my reach was a bit off. It was not an easy fight. I was glad that it went three rounds because it allowed me to breath and it allowed me to take control of the situation.” “Nothing was surprising about this fight because we used to train together and I know his strengths and I know that he’s a really serious fighter. It was a true challenge for me, but nothing was surprising about this one. I also wasn’t nervous at all and in fact I knew that I took care of him in each round.”
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS: Kirill Sidelnikov (13-6) def. Rab Truesdale (10-8-1) via TKO at 2:01 of round one Katarzyna Sadura (5-4) def. Darina Mazdyuk (4-2) via TKO at 3:17 of round two Irina Alekseeva (4-1) def. Stephanie Page (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Nikita Mikhailov (8-1) def. Brian Moore (14-8) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Alexey Shurkevich (13-4) def. Grachik Bozinyan (11-5) via KO at 2:25 of round one Aiden Lee (10-5) def. Alexander Osetrov (8-3-1) via submission (RNC) at 3:41 of round one
“I’m going to show him that he’s a chump on December 5. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight,” – Davis “Everyone’s going to see December 5, I’m going to knock Gervonta the f*** out!” – Romero Five-Time World Champion Davis To Defend WBA Lightweight Title Against Unbeaten Contender Romero Sunday, December 5 on SHOWTIME PPV®From STAPLES Center in Los Angeles Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME® Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/ Mayweather Promotions Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions LOS ANGELES (October 21, 2021) – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference to preview their showdown for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Championship headlining live on SHOWTIME PPV Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction will see him battle his outspoken lightweight foe Romero, as the 26-year-old power-punchers put their unbeaten records on the line. The event will mark Davis’ return to Southern California after he knocked out Hugo Ruiz in the first round in front of a sold-out crowd in February 2019.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from City View Terrace at STAPLES Center:
GERVONTA DAVIS
“I’m thankful to be here to give the fans another great fight. This is what we do. ‘Rolly’ is just here to talk. He’s trying to talk his way into winning, but he’s scared. I’m coming to fight.
“They only talk about his power, but this is boxing. His skills are not up to par with mine. He can’t even talk about power, because everyone knows I’m bringing it. You can shoot bullets, but how are you going to defend yourself when the bullets are shot back?
“He’s been talking for a long time. He’s trying to sell a fight, but I’m going to show him that he’s a chump on December 5. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight. I don’t take this personally. To me, this isn’t beef, this is business.
“I was on a mission when I fought Jose Pedraza for the title. I didn’t do the trash talking. I went in there and proved that I’m a top guy. This guy is just here to talk. I’m going to do the talking in the ring on December 5.
“His trainer isn’t working on anything but power. They aren’t working on any skills. He hasn’t fought anybody like me and he’s going to see the difference.
“I’ve never once turned down any fight. I’m not scared of anybody. I’m going to fight everybody. I’ll fight a heavyweight. This is nothing to me. I’ve survived a lot of stuff.
“He’s supposed to come here and sell the fight. I’m supposed to win. I’d rather punish him for 12 rounds than knock him out quick. Part of me wants to humble him, but the most important thing to do is just go out there and get the job done.
“This fight is for the fans. The fans are winning December 5. Make sure you come out and support. I’m thankful to be in this position. It’s all about my team and those people who have put me in a great position.”
ROLANDO ROMERO
“Everyone’s going to see December 5, I’m going to knock Gervonta the f*** out. I hope you hear that.
“I’ve been calling ‘Tank’ out since 2017. We were supposed to spar in 2018 and he didn’t show up to the gym. He did that twice because he knew he was getting beat. December 5, you’re getting knocked out.
“This is just who I am. This is how I was born. I came into this sport at 17-years-old and I’ve made the most out of what I’ve done. Everybody come watch me knock him out on December 5.
“He’s got such a big head, it’s going to be hard to miss it. He gets touched up by every opponent he faces. Leo Santa Cruz was beating him up and Barrios was getting to him too.
“He wants to run out of the ring whenever he gets hit. It happens in sparring and in the amateurs. I was the one who had to force this fight, because I’ve seen for years that he’s a chump. He’s made a career out of beating up 126-pounders.
“He doesn’t know half the stuff that I’ve seen and been through. I’m here to knock him out in the ring. He’s arrogant and tries to act like he’s tough, but I’m knocking him out.
“Manny Pacquiao has an awkward style too, and look at everything he’s accomplished. Just because I fight differently, does that mean I don’t have skills? I have my own skills and they’ve gotten me this far.
“I’m not going into the ring angry, I’m just focused.”
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions
“These are two great fighters. And when I say great, I mean that every time they go out there, they produce. ‘Tank’ is a young kid from Baltimore who had a dream. He’s been through a lot. He fought his way to the top. You have to commend him for that. No matter what anyone says, he earned his stripes.
“I believe ‘Tank’ is one of the best fighters in the world. ‘Rolly’ says he wants to fight the best. Come December 5, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
“’Rolly’ is tough. He’ll fight anybody and that eagerness makes this an intriguing matchup. ‘Rolly’ just wants to prove he’s the best. He’s also a hell of a puncher. Every time we presented an opponent to him, he’s accepted every one of them.
“’Tank’ is doing record-breaking numbers. I always told him it would come in due time. I told him that the same way I sell out arenas, you’re going to do the same thing one day. He had patience and that’s what we’re doing.
“These guys are the future of boxing. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Two undefeated knockout artists. Two champions. December 5, I’ll see everyone there.”
CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Co-Trainer
“I hope you keep up this talking ‘Rolly.’ We’ll see who’s still going to be talking at the end of the night on December 5.
“Romero has an awkward style, but the beauty of having two coaches with ‘Tank,’ is that there’s nothing we aren’t ready for.
“Having Barry Hunter be a part of the camp has helped calm ‘Tank’ down in many ways. I think everyone will see the beauty of us working together in this fight.
“I don’t train ‘Tank’ for knockouts. I train him to go the distance. He can get you from round 1 to 12. So you better stay sharp.”
BARRY HUNTER, Davis’ Co-Trainer
“Everyone knows what we’re coming to do. I have mad respect for the other side. Bring your A-game, because we’re definitely going to bring ours.
“We’re born for stuff like this right here. Like everyone said, there’s no way this fight goes the distance.
“Everybody is working hard to be at their best, because we don’t want any excuses after it’s over with. I have faith in Gervonta. I know what he’s going to do.”
BULLET CROMWELL, Romero’s Trainer
“I know what everybody is saying about who the champ is coming into this, but the champ wasn’t born a champ, he had to rise too. Just like a young lion, ‘Rolly’ is ready to rise.
“I’m an L.A. guy. When we come back here, we’re fighting for a legacy. It’s not just a belt and money.
“I told ‘Rolly’ that Gervonta Davis is standing in the way of changing your family and your legacy. We got a job to do.
“I don’t care about pure boxing or any style. I took karate, street-fighting and boxing, and I put it all together. Combined with a puncher with ‘Rolly’s’ power, and with his grind and grit, it’s a perfect match.
“I have a lot of respect for ‘Tank’ and his team. He’s a great fighter, but Rolly is next up. He’s going to be the new WBA champion on December 5.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We’re excited to bring this huge event to Los Angeles at STAPLES Center on Sunday, December 5. This is a tremendous matchup and the fans should be excited. There’s a lot of buzz already and tickets are going fast.
“These fighters truly despise each other. It’s rare you see that in boxing. In 2019, me and Floyd were at the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia and we were talking and all of a sudden Davis and Romero were ready to go at it at ringside. Floyd told them that they could do it in the ring, and now here we are.
“’Tank’ is without a doubt the most exciting fighter in the world. He’s also one of the biggest attractions and one of the best fighters in the world. ‘Rolly’ has let it be known that he’s been ‘trolling’ ‘Tank’ and I’m sure on December 5, ‘Tank’ will be doing whatever he can to shut ‘Rolly’ up.
“’Rolly’ is a very explosive fighter and anytime he steps into the ring, he’s looking to get his opponent out of there. He never lacks confidence and he’s confident that on December 5 he’s getting the job done.
“With two tremendous power punchers like this, there’s no way this fight doesn’t end in a knockout. Tune in December 5 and expect someone to get knocked out.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports
“For SHOWTIME Sports, 2021 has been one of the strongest years on record. We have delivered a total of 42 events, half of which ended in knockouts. On December 5, I expect this won’t go the distance, either, with these two hard hitters.
“Week after week, year after year, SHOWTIME continues to be the standard of this sport. No one in combat sports is putting on better, or more meaningful fights than us.
“As we enter Gervonta’s 11th fight with SHOWTIME, he has never been down, and he has continued to shine. When other fighters are talking, ‘Tank’ is fighting and selling out arenas.
“’Rolly’ has also never been downed as a pro. He is a hard hitter and is one of the best talents in boxing, and he will be the first to tell you.”
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ABOUT DAVIS VS. ROMERO Davis vs. Romero will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero live on SHOWTIME PPVon Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Undefeated Former World Champion Rey Vargas Returns To Battle Mexico’s Leonardo Báez in Super Bantamweight Showdown Plus! Super Lightweight Contenders Elvis Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Romero Square Off in Pay-Per-View Opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT LAS VEGAS (October 18, 2021) – Three high-stakes matchups featuring former world champions, top contenders and rising future champions have been added to the highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by Canelo Álvarez and Caleb “Sweethands” Plant battling for the undisputed super middleweight championship on Saturday, November 6 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Two-time super middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell will square off against exciting contender “Madman” Marcos Hernández in the 10-round co-main event, while unbeaten former super bantamweight world champion Rey Vargas returns to action against Mexico’s Leonardo Báez in a 10-round attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, super lightweight contenders Elvis Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Romero will duel in a 10-round showdown.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.
Dirrell (33-2-2, 24 KOs), a two-time WBC 168-pound world champion, won the title for the first time with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2014. The native of Flint, Mich. dropped the title the next year to Badou Jack by majority decision, before putting together six straight victories to get back into position to fight for the championship again. He captured the title for a second time in 2019, winning a technical decision victory over Avni Yildirim. Most recently, Dirrell battled Kyrone Davis to a draw in February, in his first fight since a title fight defeat against David Benavidez in September 2019.
“I’m very ready for this fight,” said Dirrell. “I know Hernandez is a tough competitor and I’m sure he’ll have a lot of fans there since we’re fighting on the same card as Canelo. But I know I’m ready to fight on the big stage and on a card of this magnitude. I fought on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter undercard and I think this fight night is going to have a similar feel. I’m just prepared to do whatever I have to do to get the victory. The fans should expect fireworks. I’m not shying away from the action and hopefully I can get the winner of Canelo vs. Plant if I perform well on November 6.”
Fighting out of Fresno, Calif., Hernández (15-4-2, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough fellow rising contenders. The 28-year-old most recently scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Armando Resendiz in September. In addition to his recent triumph, Hernández has twice faced former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He has also taken down then-unbeaten fighters in Kevin Newman II and Thomas Hill.
“I’m having a great training camp for this fight coming off of my performance in early September,” said Hernández. “As always, the fans can expect me to bring an entertaining fight. I know that I’m up against a former world champion who’s accomplished a lot in his career. I’m just focusing on working hard every day to get the victory and everything that will come with it.”
The former WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion, Vargas (34-0, 22 KOs) will return from layoff due to injury when he enters the ring on November 6. The 30-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. A native of Mexico City, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders including Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan. His last fight and fifth successful title defense came via a unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.
“I’m very happy for my return to the ring and my debut with PBC,” said Vargas. “You are going to see a renewed Rey Vargas on November 6. My opponent is a good fighter with speed who throws a lot of combinations. It will be a tough fight, but I know I have what it takes to win. I couldn’t be happier to be on the big stage on Canelo’s undercard. I know that I have to shine on fight night, take advantage of this showcase, and deliver a great fight for the fans.”
The Baja California, Mexico native Báez (21-4, 12 KOs) enters this fight the winner of his last three outings, all coming by TKO. The 26-year-old put together the winning streak after defeats to the previously unbeaten Carlos Caraballo and former title challenger Jason Moloney. Báez, who has fought professionally since 2013, will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on November 6. Amongst his stateside outings, Báez dominated former interim champion Moises Flores on his way to earning a unanimous decision in February 2020.
“I’m excited for this great challenge on November 6,” said Báez. “I’m planning on giving the fans a true Mexican war and leaving it all in the ring to get the victory. It’s an honor to fight on the Canelo undercard and I’m going to make the most of it. This is going to be a toe-to-toe war, and I’m going to show that he’s not able to stand up to my power and aggression.”
Rodríguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs) burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights. He capped off a five-win 2020 campaign with a knockout of Cameron Krael in October and a decision victory against Luis Alberto Veron four months later. Fighting out of his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez most recently dropped a narrow majority decision against Kenneth Sims Jr. in May.
“I am very thankful to my team for getting me this tremendous opportunity opening up the pay-per-view for the biggest fight of the year,” said Rodríguez. “I have a tough opponent in front of me, but I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m ready to show everyone that I’m the real deal. My goal remains the same, and that’s to win a world title in 2022. First, I am just focused on November 6 and making sure I take advantage of the opportunity that a victory will produce on my road to the world title.”
Romero (14-0, 9 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after fighting for his native Mexico at the 2016 Olympic Games. The 31-year-old dispatched solid veterans Nestor Armas, Nestor Gonzalez and Ranses Payano in 2019, before earning a 10-round decision over Sergio Torres Alvarado in his only 2020 contest. Romero made it back-to-back 10-round unanimous decision triumphs in April of this year, as he won his U.S. debut by defeating Deiner Berrio. Throughout his extensive amateur career, Romero owns an impressive victory over unbeaten welterweight contender Gabriel Maestre.
“I’m very excited that my team was able to get me this great opportunity to fight on a Canelo show in Las Vegas,” said Romero. “I feel just as happy and excited to fight as I did for the Olympic games. I’m going to prove what I’m made of on November 6. No matter who my opponent is, I always train hard and prepare to do whatever I can to earn the victory.”
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ABOUT CANELO VS. PLANT Canelo vs. Plant will see boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Mexican superstar and unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez face undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant in a historic showdown on Saturday, November 6, live on SHOWTIME PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter with the hashtag #CaneloPlant, and @Canelo, @SweetHandsPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @Canelo, @CalebPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
Rising Welterweight Star Jaron Ennis Duels Veteran Contender Thomas Dulorme in Co-Main Event and Exciting Unbeaten Lightweight Michel Rivera Kicks Off Telecast Facing Matías Romero Tickets on Sale Now! LAS VEGAS (October 13, 2021) – WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal “Shango” James will defend his title against unbeaten contender Radzhab Butaev in a 12-round duel that headlines a night of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 10-round showdown against veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, exciting unbeaten lightweight contender Michel Rivera faces Argentina’s Matías Romero in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Ennis vs. Dulorme is promoted in association with D&D Boxing. Rivera vs. Romero is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing.
“A stacked lineup of top contenders and up-and-coming future champions will be on full display October 30 on SHOWTIME in Las Vegas,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jamal James has battled his way to the highest levels of the welterweight division and will get one step closer to gathering elite status if he can overcome the unbeaten Radzhab Butaev. The undercard bouts will also feature two rising stars, as Jaron Ennis and Michel Rivera look to impress in tough matchups on a big stage.”
Minneapolis’ James (27-1, 12 KOs) returns to action after his previous outing saw him earn an interim title by defeating Thomas Dulorme in August 2020, before later being upgraded to the “regular” championship. The 33-year-old is riding a seven-bout winning streak that includes triumphs over Abel Ramos, Diego Gabriel Chaves and Antonio DeMarco, with four of those matchups coming in his hometown, where he has grown a rabid fan base. With a win on October 30, James moves nearer to a potential rematch of his first and only defeat against WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas.
“Training is and has been at 100%,” said James. “I’m excited to finally get back in the ring and defend my title. This will be the fight where I show everyone why I’m elite in this profession and should be recognized as one of the best.”
The 27-year-old Butaev (13-0, 10 KOs) will finally square off against James in a long-awaited matchup ordered by the WBA. Butaev turned pro after approximately 400 amateur bouts in 2016 and reeled-off KOs in six of his first seven outings. Originally from Russia and now fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y., Butaev returned to the ring in December 2020, stopping previously unbeaten Terry Chatwood in the third round.
“We’ve been working hard for a year leading up to this fight,” said Butaev. “Everything is going really well in camp and we’re excited to finally get in the ring against James. I’ve seen how James fights and it’s definitely going to be a clash of styles. I can just promise that I’m going to bring the war and make this an exciting fight. I’m going to start writing my history on October 30.”
Ennis (27-0, 25 KOs) is the latest in the pantheon of outstanding Philadelphia fighters, combining sublime boxing skills with natural power in both hands. After numerous appearances on ShoBox: The New Generation, the 24-year-old Ennis graduated to headlining his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast in his last outing in April, as he became the first fighter to stop former world champion Sergey Lipinets. The knockout victory gave Ennis 17 KOs in his last 18 fights, with the only blemish being a no-decision in the first round against Chris van Heerden in December 2020.
“I’m glad to be back in the ring October 30 on SHOWTIME in Las Vegas,” said Ennis. “This is another step towards becoming world champion! They haven’t seen nothing yet. It’s time for me to continue to shine and be great. I can’t wait to show out and have some fun.”
The 31-year-old Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs) has amassed a solid resume at 140 and 147 pounds during his career, climbing into the ring with world champions Yordenis Ugas, Jessie Vargas and Terence Crawford. Born in Marigot, Guadeloupe but representing Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dulorme rebounded from a loss to Crawford for a 140-pound title by scoring back-to-back knockouts, followed by a narrow decision loss to Ugas. The world title challenger is coming off solid efforts in back-to-back decision losses against Jamal James and Eimantas Stanionis.
“I think in the Stanionis fight I demonstrated that I am still at the top level,” said Dulorme. “A lot of people told me I won that fight and I thought I did too. I’m excited to face Ennis because he’s a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought anyone like me. The fans can expect another great performance from me on SHOWTIME.”
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Juan Rene Tellez. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Rivera has continued his dominance with a pair of knockout victories in 2021, stopping Anthony Mercado in February before most recently delivering a highlight-reel knockout of Jon Fernandez in July on SHOWTIME.
“Romero made a big mistake taking this fight,” said Rivera. “What he’s seen from me in the gym, is not the same thing that he’s going to see on fight night. He is far from a fight night fighter. He folds under pressure or runs. He is a good fighter, but he’s not at my level. I won’t let him go the distance like Isaac Cruz did. On October 30, I’m going to give him the beating of his lifetime.”
Romero (24-1, 8 KOs) made his stateside debut in March, dropping a competitive decision to top lightweight contender Isaac Cruz on SHOWTIME. Previously, the Cordoba, Argentina native picked up a pair of victories in 2020, winning a 12-round decision over Javier Jose Clavero in November, while stopping Gabriel Gustavo Ovejero in March. A pro since 2015, the 25-year-old will look to bounce back from his first defeat and move into title contention against another elite 135-pound opponent.
“Rivera and I have the same promoter and I personally requested for Sampson Lewkowicz to let me fight him when I saw he had no opponent,” said Romero. “I am willing to step in because I know I can beat him. We have trained at the same gym, but never sparred. His style is perfect for my style. This is going to be another victory for me to add to my collection.”
BELLATOR returns to the Sunshine State for the first time in eight years with an outstanding night of MMA action from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA announced today that current 145-pound world champion and top-ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Cris “Cyborg” will make her third straight featherweight title defense when she takes on the No. 5-ranked contender and Irish boxing sensation Sinead Kavanagh at BELLATOR MMA 271, Friday, Nov. 12, from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
SHOWTIME will televise the main card live at 10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT. Additionally, the preliminary card will airlive on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.
Additional bouts and ticket information for BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh will be announced in the coming weeks.
Only the second BELLATOR woman’s featherweight champion in the company’s history, “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) aims to further her legacy as the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time when she battles the pride of Dublin less than two weeks before Thanksgiving.
Currently fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., “Cyborg” is coming off the second defense of her BELLATOR crown when she scored a vicious TKO over Leslie Smith at 4:51 of the fifth round in May 2021. After previously holding gold in STRIKEFORCE, UFC and Invicta, the Brazilian native made history by capturing the BELLATOR title to become a “Grand Slam Champion” with belts in four different organizations. The hard-hitting, 36-year-old sports 20 wins by finish with victories over punishing competition, including Julia Budd, Holly Holm, Smith (twice), Marloes Coenen, and Gina Carano.
Kavanagh (7-4), a winner of her last two BELLATOR outings, strives to live up to her “KO” moniker when she attempts to stop the sport’s most dominant female athlete. The former amateur boxing champion is poised for the breakout moment of her career at BELLATOR MMA 271 when the SBG Ireland-product attempts to do what only two other women fighters have previously accomplished; defeat “Cyborg.”
Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Fight Card: Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME 10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT
Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)
For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com.
** Card subject to change **
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About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
