Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR 191 WEIGH-IN RESULTS & PHOTOS

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BELLATOR’S FINAL EVENT ON SPIKE TAKES PLACE

TOMORROW NIGHT AT 9/8c

 

 

PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS / WEIGH IN PHOTOS

 

NEWCASTLE, England – Only one main event competitor is sure to be smiling after their matchup tomorrow night when Michael McDonald(17-4) makes his Bellator debut against Peter Ligier (8-1-1) in the headlining bout of Bellator 191.

 

Another high-profile free agent signing in Valerie Letourneau (8-6) is also set to make her long-awaited promotional debut, squaring off against Kate Jackson (9-2-1) in the co-main event at Newcastle, England’s Metro Radio Arena.

 

Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier will be broadcast free on SPIKE Friday, Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT. The event marks the last time Bellator will air on SPIKE before the network rebrands itself as Paramount Network in January.

 

Tickets for the event can be purchased from Ticketmaster.co.uk & event.co.uk

 

Complete Bellator 191: McDonald vs. Ligier Fight Card:

138 Pound Catchweight Main Event: Michael McDonald (137.6 lbs.) vs. Peter Ligier (135.8 lbs.) Photos

Women’s Flyweight Co-Main Event: Valerie Letourneau (125.8 lbs.) vs. Kate Jackson (125.5 lbs.) Photos

Heavyweight Feature Bout: James Thompson (266 lbs.) vs. Phil De Fries (261 lbs.) Photos

Welterweight Feature Bout: Mohammad Yahya (163 lbs.) vs. Ash Griffiths (170.5 lbs.) Photos

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremy Petley (146.4 lbs.) vs. Lewis Monarch (146 lbs.) Photos

amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves

Popular winter tradition continues 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship

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Central N.E. preliminary round starts  
Jan. 5 at Lowell Auditorium
LOWELL, Mass. (December 14, 2017) — The 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship commences Friday night, January 5, with Central New England (Greater Lowell) preliminary-round action, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium. See the complete 2018 Central N.E. and All-New England Championship schedules below.
Leading boxers expectED to compete in this year’s Central N.E. tournament include national-rated Jess Flores(Methuen, MA), Zachary Calmus(Gloucester, MA), Rashida Ellis(Lynn, MA), Kim Wabik (Everett, MA),Melanie Costa (Norton, MA),Jennifer Perella (Boston, MA), along with a pair of Chelmsford boxers from West End Gym in Lowell, Brandon Higgins and Nathan Valakin.
Season tickets for all nine events are reasonably priced start at $75.00 (general admission). To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online atwww.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required).
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
“This is the continuation of a great Lowell boxing tradition,” New England Golden Gloves Executive Director Bobby Russo said. “We’re all excited about this year’s 72nd edition of the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship. I’m very proud to be part of this tradition. So many outstanding boxers have fought in the Greater Lowell Golden Gloves over the many years such as hometown hero ‘Irish’ Micky Ward, Hall of Famers Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, John ‘The Quietman’ Ruiz, Dicky Eklund, Beau Jaynes, Manny Freitas, Nate James, Danny O’Connorand so many others.”
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
Central New England (Greater Lowell)
Preliminary Rounds – Friday, Jan. 5, 12
Quarterfinals – Friday, Jan. 19
Semifinals: – Thursday, Jan. 25
Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 1
New England Tournament of Champions
Novice Class Semifinals – Thursday, Feb. 8
Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 15
Open Class Semifinals – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22
INFORMATION:
Tournament Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials: Lauri Purcell
Ring Announcer: John Vena
Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter: @LowellGloves
boxing

R.I.P. Kenny Barr

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It was announced earlier today that Kenny Barr, Vice President (Scotland) of the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) and Scottish representative for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) passed away yesterday.

 

Kenny, who was just 34 years old, leaves behind his beloved daughter Hayley.

 

Gianluca Di Caro, CEO and Executive Vice President of the British & Irish Boxing Authority made the following statement on social media earlier.

 

“I am in total shock, I just cannot begin to describe the way I am feeling right now, I just cannot believe that BIBA Vice President (Scotland) Kenny Barr has passed away, it just makes no sense to me at all.

 

My sincere condolences to Kenny’s family and friends, my thoughts are with you at this time of immense sadness.

 

Kenny has been by my side since the inception of the British & Irish Boxing Authority and he was there by my side when we first began sanctioning events in the UK under the Malta Boxing Commission banner and I just cannot believe that he will not be by my side as we grow bigger and stronger over the coming years.

 

Kenny was the main man for BIBA in Scotland, it was his determination and passion for the sport that made us so successful in Scotland.

 

His passion for the fighters is undeniable, they were always first and foremost in his mind, helping them in any way he could. Helping them to achieve their dreams, that was his true passion.

 

I’m going to miss seeing your beaming smile mate, as well as your angry scowl, I’m going to miss your passionate debates, and I’m going to miss us working together pioneering fighter and event health and safety. I promise you Kenny that we will continue to fight the fight to make this sport better, safer, and continue to help the fighters achieve their dreams.

 

Rest in Peace Kenny, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten xxx.”

 

The Board, of the British & Irish Boxing Authority, as a whole join Mr. Di Caro in sending their sincere condolences to Hayley for the loss of her father, as well as to Kenny’s family and many, many friends.

mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION WORLD GRAND PRIX 2017

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joe Ferraro & Frank Trigg named RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2017
PPV announcers
Dec. 29 & 31 LIVE on PPV from Japan
NEW YORK CITY(December 14, 2017) – Veteran “Showdown” Joe Ferraro and former MMA fighter John Trigg have been named announcers for RIZIN Fighting Federation World Grand Prix twin shows, highlighted by the return of combat sports superstar Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic,  December 29 & 31, airing live on pay-per-view from Saitama City, Japan.
The Dec. 29 and 31 (1 a.m. /10 p.m. PT start) will be live-streamed worldwide (excluding Japan on the FITE.TV platforms for $19.99 or the two-day RIZIN Pack special offer for only $29.99. Fans may simply download the FITE app – free to download from iTunes and Google Play – and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website atwww.fite.tv from any computer.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute via cable and satellite PPV on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31 –5:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. PT start) extravaganza live in North America via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the U.S., as well as on SaskTel and Telus in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $19.95.
Ferraro will handle blow-by-blow responsibilities, while Trigg serves as color commentator. Ferraro has called multiple RIZIN events leading up to the conclusion of its World Grand Prix. Trigg, who is working this RIZIN twin-bill the same month as he made his debut as a UFC referee, was a popular fighter at the highest level of international competition, UFC and PRIDE.
The Dec. 29th winners of the men’s bantamweight quarterfinals will advance to the Dec. 31stwomen’s super-atomweight and kickboxing semifinals and then later in the finals. The Special Added Attraction on that card is a light heavyweight clash between Jiri “Denisa” Prochazka(19-3-0, 16 KO/TKO, 2 SUB), Czech Republic and. Karl Albrelktsson (6-1-0, 2 KO/TKOs, 3 SUB), Sweden.
The finals of the RIZIN World-Grand Prix kickboxing, women’s super-atomweight and men’s bantamweight championships will be preceded by three entertaining matches. Croatian heavyweight “Cro Cop” Filipovic (35-11-0, 27 KO/TKO, 5 SUB) takes on Japanese favorite Tsuyoshi Kosaka (27-19-2, 8 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) in a Special Added Attraction on the Dec. 31stcard. Also, the long-awaited return of Japanese lightweight Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi(18-6-0, 13 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) will be showcased in his throw-down with fellow countryman Yusuke Yachi (18-6-0, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB). A women’s match between American flyweights Shinju “Juju” Auclair (1-0-0, 1 SUB) and pro-debuting Chelsea LaGrasse is also on tap.
A special one-day kickboxing tournament will be held Dec. 31st between Japan’s Kazuyuki Fujita and Mitsuhisa Sunabe and undefeated knockout artist (20-0, 16 KOs) Tenshine Nasukawa vs. TBA with the winners facing off in the championship round on the card’s championship final.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @FiteTV, @IntegratedPPV
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Claressa Shields Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Unified Super Middleweight World Champion To Defend Titles Against Undefeated Challenger Tori Nelson Friday, Jan. 12, in Main Event On SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Terrell Groggins / Salita Promotions

 

DETROIT (Dec. 13, 2017) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields met with local members of the media and took part in an open-to-the-public workout on Tuesday at Kronk Gym, exactly one month away from defending her 168-pound WBC and IBF titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.

 

A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are currently on sale for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

 

Here is what the 22-year-old native of Flint, Mich., had to say on Tuesday:

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“I am calm – focused – but still hungry like a challenger with the added confidence of being a world champion.  I took some time off after my last win but I look forward to getting busy again in 2018.

 

“This training camp I did eight weeks instead of six. A lot of camp has been extremely hard. But I’m so focused and determined on 2018 and starting great and staying busy. I expect my opponent to apply pressure, and to use some dirty tactics. She has more experience, but not that much when you speak of her amateur experience

 

“There is no doubt I will start 2018 with a win. Then I just take it one fight at a time. Right now my focus is Nelson.

 

“I’m excited to be on SHOWTIME as the first fight of the year, and just to be back inside the ring. I feel I have been the face of women’s boxing for some time now. I don’t let it feel like pressure – I just work really hard in the gym.

 

“In 2018 I expect great fights against the best contenders. I expect to make history again on SHOWTIME and also looking forward to dropping to 160 to fight against [Christina] Hammer mid-2018. January 12th will be the beginning of great things to come

 

“Training through the holidays is fine. The difference between the amateurs and now is that I was always in other countries competing. Now I get to be home with my family getting ready and I feel good.

 

“The matchup to me will play out with the first few rounds of me using my jab. Then I’ll add the combinations as the fight goes on. I see it being competitive though. I’m going to earn the win. I believe I can KO her by the sixth, seventh round.”

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

boxing

Hernandez Returns to the Ring This Friday

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Photo Credit: Team Hernandez
RIVERSIDE, CA (December 13, 2017) – Middleweight prospect, Marcos “Madman” Hernandez (10-1, 2 KOs), makes his way back to the ring this Friday, December 15th, against Oscar Mora (7-4, 6 KOs).  The 6-round bout will take place at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, CA, on the Vargas vs. Herrera card.
Hernandez, who is coming off an impressive victory against previously unbeaten prospect, Kevin Newman II (7-1-1, 3 KOs), is wrapping up the final days of training camp with coach Henry Ramirez.
“I had a great training camp going into this fight.” said Marcos Hernandez. “I’m very grateful to be fighting one more time before the end of the 2017.  Since my lone loss earlier this year, I’ve really stepped up my game in all aspects.  Training with Henry Ramierz has been a big boost to my career.  I’m going to be well prepared for anything Mora brings to the ring.  The move to middleweight has been good and I’m feeling a lot stronger.  Fans can expect me to throw a lot of punching in this fight.  It’s time to shine.”
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Rising Prospects Enter the Ring as 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas & 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Misael Rodriguez Compete in Separate Bouts on Friday, December 15 from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, Calif.

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Plus! Once-Beaten Prospect Marcos Hernandez
Faces Mexico’s Oscar Mora in Undercard Attraction
 
LANCASTER, CA. (December 13, 2017) – A stacked night of action will feature 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas and 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez entering the ringing in separate undercard matchups this Friday, December 15 from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by former welterweight champion Jessie Vargas taking on hard-hitting veteran Aaron Herrera in a 10-round showdown. Televised coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features a welterweight matchup between rugged veteran Diego Chaves and rising contender Jamal James, plus a super lightweight bout betweenJohn Molina Jr. and Ivan Redkach. The telecast begins with exciting welterweight Wale Omotoso (26-3, 21 KOs) facing Freddy Hernandez (34-8, 22 KOs) in a 10-round contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, begin at $30 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website:www.uavpec.com. The first 300 fans who bring a toy to donate to the Holiday Toy Drive will receive a free t-shirt and five dollars off of general admission tickets. The Holiday Toy Drive will benefit the Inner Circle Foster Care & Adoption Service in Palmdale, Calif.
Balderas (2-0, 2 KO) will enter the ring for a lightweight fight against Mexico’s Carlo Flores (4-7-1, 3 KOs) while Rodriguez (5-0, 3 KOs) takes on Cuba’s Yunier Calzada(6-2-1, 1 KO) in a six round super middleweight contest.
Additional undercard action will see once-beaten prospect Marcos Hernandez (10-1, 2 KOs) taking on Oscar Mora (7-4, 6 KOs) in an eight round junior middleweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights are a trio of prospects as unbeaten Alejandro Guerrero meets Phillip Percy in a four-round super featherweight contest, while undefeated Efren Lopez battles Tyler Marshall in a four-round junior welterweight bout and once-beaten Luis Coria faces Leonardo Torres in a junior lightweight matchup.
Fighting out of Santa Maria, California, the 21-year-old Balderas is the son of Mexican parents who immigrated to the United States to give their children a better life. Balderas had an impressive amateur career that included a 2014 Youth National Championship, four National PAL championships and an impressive run in the World Series of Boxing. His amateur career culminated in a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games where he represented the U.S. and defeated fighters from Kazakhstan and Japan before a decision loss in the quarterfinals. He made his pro debut back in April, forcing Michael Thomas to retire after one round and followed that up with a first round stoppage of Eder Fajardo in July.
At last year’s Rio games, the 23-year-old Rodriguez overcame incredible odds to win the first Olympic boxing medal for Mexico since Christian Bejerano in 2000. The Chihuahua native and his teammates had to resort to begging on public buses and streets in Mexico to raise money to compete in international boxing tournaments. He completed his road to the medal stand by defeating Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin to clinch a medal in the middleweight division. Rodriguez mad his pro debut in April with a dominant decision victory over Brian True and has continued his winning ways with more victories so far in 2017.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

UNBEATEN FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT EFREN “CHICO” LOPEZ RETURNS TO THE RING THIS FRIDAY IN LANCASTER, CA

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Photo by Team Lopez
FRESNO, CA (December 12, 2017) – Amateur standout, featherweight Efren “Chico” Lopez (1-0, 1 KO), from Fresno, CA, will step in the ring for the second time this year.  The 4-round bout will take place on the Vargas vs. Herrera card at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, CA, this Friday December 15, 2017.  Lopez will square off against Tyler Marshall.
Lopez age 21, who was an Olympic hopeful with over 200 fights as an amateur, has a tremendous pedigree.  He made his pro debut in July of 2016.  During the last year he was able to get his (A.S.) degree in phycology and communications.  He’s trained by Ruben Guerrero Sr., but will be guided by former world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, for this fight.  The Ghost will be making his head cornerman debut.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring and pick up where I left off,” said Efren Lopez. “I’ve been training with Ruben and Robert Guerrero in Gilroy for the last few months, and things are going great.  I’m learning a lot and I’ll be ready for my fight this Friday.”
“Chico is looking more and more like a polished pro with every training session,” said Robert Guerrero. “Unfortunately, my dad suffered an injury and won’t be able to work his corner this fight.  I’ll be guiding Efren for this bout, along with my brother Eric.  He’s ready to go.”
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boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

UNDEFEATED 140-POUND PROSPECTS SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV & SONNY FREDRICKSON MEET IN JAN. 12 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONTRIPLEHEADER HEADLINED BY CLARESSA SHIELDS-TORI NELSON

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Jesse Hernandez Makes ShoBox Return Opposing Ernesto Garza In Co-Feature

 

Friday, Jan. 12 Live On SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 12, 2017) – Uzbekistan power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev will face the toughest test of his career in fellow undefeated and top-10 ranked Sonny Fredrickson in the telecast opener of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

In the co-feature of the tripleheader headlined by the Claressa Shields-Tori Nelson Women’s 10-round Super Middleweight World Championship, Jesse Hernandez (10-1, 7 KOs) will take on former National Golden Gloves Gold Medalist Ernesto Garza (9-2, 5 KOs; 1-3 WSB) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout between two all-action fighters.

 

Ergashev (11-0, 11 KOs), who has recorded a knockout in each of his first 11 professional fights, and Fredrickson (18-0, 12 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio, will contest an eight-round super lightweight bout.

 

“This card is a great way to set the tone for competitive fights in the 2018,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita.  “These are two pick’em fights with the winners having a legitimate shot at world title contention in the near future.  Egrashev has the power, skills and ambition to be an exciting addition to the already packed junior welterweight division, but he’s facing his toughest test in Sonny Fredrickson.  Jessy Hernandez is coming off impressive wins over two undefeated fighters and he’s returning against a very durable challenger with solid pro experience and strong amateur boxing pedigree.  I am excited and grateful to SHOWTIME that we were able to put together these fantastic fights as the first show of the year.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are currently on sale for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

 

The 26-year-old Ergashev has been a pro for just over one year and is a former six-year member of the Uzbek national team where he won 202 of his 216 amateur bouts.  A decorated amateur, Ergashev owns a win over Uzbekistan’s Shakhram Giyasov, a silver medalist in the welterweight division at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

 

Ergashev registered a TKO against Marquis Hawthorne at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., in his last fight – and first in the United States – on Nov. 11.  He now trains in Detroit under Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward and Rick Phillips at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit. 

 

“I know Sonny is a world-ranked, highly touted fighter,” Ergashev said.  “I look forward to continuing my knockout streak and getting my 12th KO on January 12.  I am excited to fight on SHOWTIME and show the world what I bring to the ring.”

 

The 23-year-old Fredrickson is currently ranked No. 9 by the World Boxing Association.  An active amateur who had 130 amateur bouts with more than 120 wins, Fredrickson traveled to Medellin, Colombia, in his last fight to face unbeaten Placido Ramirez as part of the annual WBA Convention and looked impressive in a third-round knockout.

 

Fredrickson competed in both the U.S. Amateur National Championships and National Golden Gloves and has been an active pro with five fights in 2015, four in 2016 and three in 2017.  He is represented by Roc Nation Sports and trained by Lamar Wright.

 

“If you look at Ergashev’s past opponents, he hasn’t fought against anyone that talented, so I’m confident that I’ll stop him in his tracks,” Fredrickson said.  “I’m sure he’ll try to come out strong in the beginning of the fight, but I plan to break him down. 

 

“Plenty of boxing stars got their first break on SHOWTIME, so fighting on this network is huge for me.  I’m ready to capitalize on this opportunity and showcase my skills on one of the biggest platforms in boxing.  My goal is to put on a great performance at Turning Stone and get the victory.” 

 

Hernandez is coming off two consecutive wins over previously undefeated, top-15 ranked fighters – a unanimous decision over Glenn Dezurn on Nov. 11, and fifth-round TKO of Vladimir Tikhonov in his ShoBox debut on Aug. 4.  The 27-year-old Hernandez, the youngest of 15 children, was 67-6 as an amateur and took five years off from boxing between 2009 and 2014 to work construction jobs in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.

 

“This is going to be a tough fight, but I am putting in the work and feel like I will definitely come out on top,” said Hernandez, who has six brothers that have boxed professionally.  “It will be action-packed and a must-watch fight.  I feel like my aggressive style is meant for TV.  I will fight whoever is put in front of me to prove my worth.  Dominance in the 122-pound weight division is my ultimate goal.”

 

Garza, of Saginaw, Mich., was the 2008 National Golden Gloves Gold Medalist and a 2009 U.S. National Championships Bronze Medalist.  The 29-year-old is fighting on ShoBox for the second time having suffered a third-round knockout against Jon Fernandez on Feb. 10, in Miami, Okla. Garza has won his last two fights since the defeat, both coming in Michigan. 

 

“I’ve been training hard for this fight, and I can’t wait to step into the ring to show the world my talent,” Garza said.  “I know I’m going to come out on top and bring back this win for my hometown.  I’m extremely blessed and grateful for this opportunity.  I can’t let it slip away.”

 

In the main event, Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Shields will defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Nelson. A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event on ShoBox.

 

Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) won a middleweight world championship in 2011 and owns wins over previously unbeaten Alicia Napoleon and Mia St. John.  The 41-year-old Ashburn, Va., native looks to capture her second world title in a showdown with the fastest rising star in women’s boxing. 

 

This will be the sixth ShoBox visit to Turning Stone Resort Casino, which hosted its first ShoBox telecast during the 2013 Hall of Fame weekend.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

SHOWTIME Sports To Live Stream Katie Taylor vs. Jessica McCaskill Women’s World Title Fight Tomorrow At 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT

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SHOWTIME Sports will deliver live coverage of women’s boxing sensation Katie Taylor’s first defense of her WBA World Lightweight Title against Jessica McCaskill tomorrow/Wednesday on social platforms. The full eight-fight card from York Hall in London will be available for free exclusive to the U.S audience on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

 

Coverage from London will be provided by Sky Sports and also feature Conor Benn, Lawrence Okolie, Josh Kelly and Joe Cordina in separate bouts.

 

This last-minute opportunity comes in cooperation with Matchroom Boxing and furthers this network’s industry-leading commitment to the resurgence of women’s boxing and to expanding boxing’s penetration on social media. This will be the fourth women’s world championship fight offered live by SHOWTIME in 2017, and the fifth world championship bout that the network has distributed live on its social channels this year.

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

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