Tag Archives: boxing

WBO News – Headline Matches For This Weekend

 

 

 

 

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) will oversee seven headline bouts around the world this weekend, two of which are for world titles.

 

 

 

Starting Friday, June 8, in Verona, New York, WBO number one ranked Junior Featherweight Diego De La Hoya (20-0, 9 KOs) will defend his NABO 122 lbs title against José “Sugar” Salgado (35-4-2, 28 KOs) in a 10-round duel. The bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and will go on stage at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in the aforementioned city.

 

 

 

The fight will be televised live on ESPN3, starting at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). ESPN2 will air the fights at 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. and ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

De La Hoya-Salgado will take place during the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend, where “Dr. Ironfist” Vitali Klitschko, Erik “El Terrible” Moráles, and Ronald “Winky” Wright will be exalted, along with other important boxing figures such as Peter Kohl, Steve Albert, Jim Gray and Lorraine Chargin.

 

 

 

On Saturday, June 9 in Argentina, Facundo Galovar (10-2-1, 7 KOs), of Tucumán, and Rolando Mansilla (13-5-1, 5 KOs), of Entre Ríos, will face off for the vacant WBO Latino Super Middleweight belt in a scheduled 10 round bout. The card will take place at the Club Atlético Central Córdoba in San Miguel, as part of an event promoted by Argentina Boxing Promotions.

 

 

 

Also on Saturday, but in the Philippines, two WBO Jr. Featherweight title bouts will take place, when local pugilist Jeo “Santino” Santisima (15-2, 13 KOs) faces Likit Chane (16-6, 10 KOs), from Thailand, for the vacant WBO Oriental 122 lbs belt, and local Albert Pagara (29-1, 20 KOs), who is ranked No. 9 by the WBO, battles Laryea Gabriel Odoi (20-3-2, 14 KOs), of Ghana, for the vacant Inter-Continental Junior Featherweight title. Both fights are scheduled for 12 rounds in an event promoted by ALA Promotions at the Maasin City Complex.

 

 

 

In England, the former WBO Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KOs), from Manchester, will seek to reign in a second division, when he clashes with Texan Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16KOs) for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight crown. The duel will be the main event of a card presented by Queensberry Promotions. The fight will be held at Manchester Arena. Flanagan and Hooker are ranked in the first and second positions, respectively, at the Junior Welterweight division.

 

 

 

During his reign in the Lightweight division, Flanagan successfully defended the title five times.

 

 

 

The fight will be televised by BT Sports, on Showtime Boxing’s Facebook page, as well as in Showtime Sports’ YouTube Channel and Panama Cable Onda Sports beginning at4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Another WBO world title fight will be staged this Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here, welterweight campion Jeff Horn, of Australia, will face WBO Super Champion and former Lighweight and Junior Welterweight champion Terence Crawford, of Omaha, Nebraska.

 

 

 

For Horn (18-0-1, 12 KOs), it will be the second defense of the title he won by beating legendary WBO Super Champion, Manny Pacquiao.

 

 

 

With a victory over Horn, Crawford (32-0-0, 23 KOs) would join Oscar De La Hoya (130 lbs, 135 lbs, 160 lbs), Miguel Cotto (140 lbs, 147 lbs, 154 lbs), Jorge Arce (108 lbs, 115 lbs, 122 lbs) and Fernando Montiel (112 lbs, 115 lbs, 118 lbs) as the only three divisions champions of the entity.

 

 

 

Also on the card, WBO Latino Lightweight Champion and ranked No. 5 by this sanctioning body, Antonio Moran (23-2, 16KOs), from Mexico, is heading for his second title defense, when he faces former Jr. Lightweight Champion, and WBO 14th ranked Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (23-1, 12KOs), from Puerto Rico, in scheduled 10 round match.

 

 

 

Horn-Crawford and Pedraza-Moran will be broadcast live via ‘ESPN+’ App, starting at9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT. The event is promoted by Top Rank.

 

TYSON FURY FACES OFF WITH SEFER SEFERI AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR LONG-AWAITED RETURN THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS® SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

 

 

Click HERE For Photos By Stacey Verbeek / Frank Warren

 

Photo Credit: Stacey Verbeek/Frank Warren

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 6, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury took one more step toward ending his 31-month exile from the sport as he met face-to-face with Sefer Seferi at the final press conference Wednesday at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

 

SHOWTIME Sports will live stream the long-awaited return of Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena when he faces Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout from Manchester Arena. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offering will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Here’s what Fury had to say on Wednesday:

 

“If he has knocked out 21 men before, if he gets it on my chin he will knock me out too.

 

“I look at Sefer like I look at Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, anybody. He’s a dangerous puncher.

 

“I could have picked someone a lot easier than Sefer; someone to knock out in a round. But I need rounds.”

 

On his Heavyweight rivals: “They know the message – I’m back. I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now.

 

“I feel sharper now, more power. I fell out of love with the game but now the love is thriving, we are back on fire for one another.

 

“You’re going to be the best Tyson Fury you have ever seen.”

 

“There are no nerves at all. I feel like I have been a goldfish in a tank, trapped and now I am getting released back into the river where I belong. So just put me there and watch me swim.”

 

“I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now. I feel shaper now, faster than I’ve ever been, more power, I just want it more.

 

“It was a lost relationship, it was like I was married to the game too long and we sort of fell out of love with each other.”

 

In the opening bout of the live stream, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Super Lightweight crown. This will be the third live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawlingproviding the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 94:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Fury vs. Sefari From Manchester Arena

Facebook: s.sho.com/FurySeferi 

SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Event Page: https://s.sho.com/2M0rsek

WBC SILVER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ROBERTO GARCIA ISN’T AFRAID OF MARTIN MURRAY; “I’M READY TO FIGHT JUNE 23”

 

Deerfield Beach, FL (June 6, 2018)—Martin Murray is one very upset fighter.

 

 

 

Murray was scheduled to fight for the WBO Middleweight Championship at the O2 Arena in London, England on June 23, but champion Billy Joe Saunders has pulled out of the fight because of an injury for a second time.

 

 

 

WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Roberto Garcia has just the cure for the upset Murray.

 

 

 

“I’m not like Saunders,” said Garcia.  “I’m not afraid of Murray.  I’m willing to risk my title and come to London to fight Murray before his hometown fans.   Let’s get it on!”

 

 

 

Saunders postponed the originally scheduled April 14th fight with Murray because of a alleged hand injury.  Now he is pulling out of the June fight because of an alleged hamstring injury.

 

 

 

“My manager, Lee Holliday, informed me today that my promoter, Don King, has reached out to Warren’s team about making this fight.  I have a “have Belt and will Travel” attitude and ready to back it up tomorrow if necessary.

 

 

 

“No more whining about Billy Joe and his excuses.  If you want to fight on June 23, then put up or shut up.  If not, then you are just Billy Joe with different excuses.”

‘BULL VS. MATADOR’ MATCH-UP OF SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECTS BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV VS. NICHOLAS GIVHAN ADDED TO UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. HANNA GABRIELS IBF & WBA WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.; Tickets on Sale Now

Another exciting battle between well-regarded prospects has been added to the un-televised undercard of Salita Promotions’ “Shields vs. Gabriels” event on Friday, June 22, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

 

 

 

In a classic “bull vs. matador” match-up, Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Nicholas “King Beamen” Givhan (21-1-1, 11 KOs) will face undefeated Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs), from Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, over 10 exciting super-lightweight rounds.

 

 

 

A six-year pro, Nicholas Givhan has had mixed results, thus far, against stronger opposition. He fought to a draw with France’s 8-1 Freddy Durand in August 2015 and suffered his lone setback against undefeated top contender Ivan Baranchyk in March 2016. Givhan has won five straight fights since then and was last seen scoring a unanimous decision over rugged veteran Agustin Cicero last February. Givhan is a smooth boxer with good instincts in the ring. The 32-year-old stands 5’ 9” and has a 68” reach.

 

 

 

“Training is going great. I’m putting the work in and prepping for the big fight,” said Givhan. “I’m a very good boxer and I’m looking forward to showing off my craft with no mistakes.”

 

 

 

Givhan says he respects Eyubov, but is confident of coming out on top.

 

 

 

“I would say he’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced so far. He comes and keeps coming and coming. He’s a very in-tight fighter and has nice power. It’s hard to say how the fight will go. Real fighters adapt to any style, so I can’t say if his style is made for mine. I just know that whatever he brings, I’ll be able to adapt.”

 

 

 

A six-year pro, Brooklyn-based Eyubov is originally from Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan. A charismatic showman, Eyubov is a fast-rising prospect who has appeared twice on ShoBox: The New Generation. He stopped then 16-2-1 Jared Robinson in three rounds in January 2016 and took an exciting 10-round split decision from veteran Karim Mayfield in August of the same year. He was last seen in January, when an accidental headbutt forced opponent Maurice Chalmers to quit in round one. The fight was ruled a No Contest. The 31-year-old stands 5’ 6” and has a 65.5” reach.

 

 

 

“I look forward to a great fight on June 22. I am the best junior welterweight in the world – a point I will prove it in this fight,” said Eyubov. “I will show my improved skills, strength and power in the ring. I had a great training camp in Brooklyn, New York, with my trainers Nirmal Lorick and Keith Hewitt. This is a very important fight for me I plan on making a statement and showing the world that I am the best and hardest punching man in the division.”

 

 

 

Eyubov says he’ll be looking for another knockout on June 22.

 

 

 

“I know Givhan is a strong fighter and is in great shape and coming to win. The fight is in his hometown but that’s no problem. My plan is not to leave it to the judges June 22nd can’t come soon enough!”

 

 

 

“This is a significant crossroads fight with each fighter understanding the upside of victory and the doom of defeat,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. I know Bakha is hungrier than ever to win this fight and make a statement to the junior welterweight division that he is ready for the best. This match has all the ingredients of a great fight.”

 

 

 

“Shields vs. Gabriels” will feature two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Unified Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

The main event will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT) and will also feature highlights of Unified Women’s Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer as she defends her WBC & WBO Titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

  Undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury launches comeback after 2 ½ years off vs. Sefer Seferi

 
 
AIRING LIVE THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT
“He’s Back!”
 
Plus, Terry Flanagan-Maurice Hooker
WBO Super Lightweight world title fight
 
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
(all pictures courtesy of Queensbury Promotions)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (June 5, 2018) – Canadian boxing fans will have the opportunity to watch the long-awaited return of the“Gypsy King,” undefeated former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury this Saturday against Sefer “The Real Deal” Seferi in the 10-round main event, airing in Canada exclusively on Super Channel, live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
 
He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, will air exclusively on Super Channel across Canada, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this highly anticipated bout marking the return of Tyson Fury to the boxing world, to our viewers,” said Don McDonald, President and CEO, Super Channel. “This is exactly the type of exclusive content that Canadian boxing fans have come to expect from Super Channel Sports and is a welcome addition to our growing catalogue of marquee boxing events.”
 
Perhaps boxing’s most polarizing figure, Fury (25-0, 15 KOs) has been sidelined with mental health issues for the past 2 ½ years, after shocking the boxing world November 28, 2015, when he defeated future Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 115-112).
 
The 6′ 9″ Fury became the undisputed world heavyweight champion, securing the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO and The Ring championships, only to be stripped and/or relinquish his title belts without a single defense.
 
 
(L-R) – In his last fight, Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko
 
Canadian boxing fans are more than familiar with Fury, who held his extended training camp in Canada, at Hotel Lac Leamy in Gatineau, prior to his April 20, 2013 fight at famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, in which he stopped multiple world champion Steve Cunningham in the seventh round.
 
“I can’t wait to get in there and prove that I’m a better fighter than I’ve ever been,” the charismatic Fury said. “I’m coming into the prime of my career now and I’ve never felt better. I’m fitter, stronger and faster than the Fury of 2015.
 
“It’s going to be a huge night for the City of Manchester (where Fury was born). I’m delighted to be fighting at the iconic Manchester Arena for the first time in my career. I’m promising the fans a special performance to thank them for their loyal support.”
 
Seferi, fighting out of Albania, has suffered only one loss during his otherwise perfect 11-year pro boxing career, losing a 10-round decision in 2016 to future WBA heavyweight world champion Manuel Charr (29-4) for the vacant WBA International crown.
 
“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” Seferi predicted. “I’m very disciplined and always ready to take on everyone and anyone. This will not be an easy night for him. I’m coming to Manchester to beat one of the boxing legends of the 21st century.
 
“He is tall and strong, but he won’t be ready for the pressure that I will bring. Two-and-one-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko. I am going to seize the opportunity with both hands.”
 
The 12-round co-feature features local hero, undefeated Brit Terry “Turbo” Flanagan (33-0, 13 KOs), in his bid to become a two-division world champion, versus unbeaten American Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KOs) for the vacant WBO super-lightweight world title.
Three other exciting fights on the “He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi” card, in addition to the previously mentioned main event and co-feature, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
Undefeated prospect Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron (19-0, 15 KOs) takes on fellow countryman Andrew “D’Animal” Robinson (21-3, 6 KOs) in a 12-round British battle for the vacant WBC International Silver middleweight title, unbeaten Brit J.J. “Kid Shamrock” Metcalf(17-0, 9 KOs) and Spanish champion Aitor Nieto (22,5 9 KOs) square off in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC International super welterweight crown, and British heavyweight Nathan Gorman (12-0, 10 KOs) meets Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-2, 8 KOs), of Ireland, in a 10-round match.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao vs. Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, and the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals and semifinals.
To watch “He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi” live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
 
About Super Channel
 
Super Channel is a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.
 
Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.
 
Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.
 
Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.
 
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO LIVE STREAM THE LONG-AWAITED RETURN OF FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION TYSON FURY ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

 

 

Fury To Face Sefer Seferi; Terry Flanagan To Face Maurice Hooker For Vacant 140-Pound World Title

 

Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

 

NEW YORK (June 4, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports has secured the U.S. rights to stream the long-awaited return of former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who will face Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena. SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

In the opening bout, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight crown. This will be the fourth live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

 

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport and BoxNation with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre-fight and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a rematch against fellow three-division world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

 

 

Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion will end a two-years-and-seven-months exile from the sport on June 9. Fury has been inactive since outpointing Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in November 2015 due to an injury, personal problems and a doping ban.

 

 

 

“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been,” said Fury, who has teamed up with new trainer Ben Davison. “Timing, reflexes, everything is better than it’s ever been. I kid you not. I’m 29 years old, coming into the prime of my life, I’m stronger and faster, holding more muscle mass than ever. I’m more confident looking at the competition.”

 

 

 

Albania’s Seferi (23-1, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old Switzerland-based cruiserweight who is stepping up in weight and opposition when he faces the 6-foot-9 Fury. Seferi’s sole loss came in 2016 in a heavyweight bout against now-secondary WBA heavyweight champ Manuel Charr.

 

 

 

“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” said Seferi. “Two-and-a-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko.”

 

 

 

Flanagan, the first Englishman to earn a lightweight world title, will seek to capture a title in a second weight class just days away from his 29th birthday. Hooker, a southpaw from Dallas, Texas and ShoBox alum, has been training with Terence Crawford. Hooker will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dallas resident Errol Spence Jr., who went to Kell Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England to capture his first world championship.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Will fifth time be the charm for Carlos Buitrago?

       
La Batalla
TITO ACOSTA vs. CARLOS BUITRAGO
WBO World Light Flyweight Championship

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
Coliseo de Puerto Rico * Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

LIVE ON PPV – 9
pm ET / 6 pm PT

 

Nicaraguan challenging WBO light flyweight champion Tito Acosta

 
La Batalla, June 16
Live on PPV from Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 4, 2018) – Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago hopes his fifth world title shot, June 16 against World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta, headlining “La Batalla” to air on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

 

 

 

WBO #12-rated Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs) has had four unsuccessful title challenges, losing three times, along with one draw. He was stopped for the first time in his last fight this past December, by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0), in the eighth round of their title fight in Japan.

 

 

 

All three of (pictured to left) Buitrago’s career losses have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then-WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.

 

 

 

Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), who will be making his first world title defense against Buitrago, at home in Puerto Rico, captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out Juan Alejo (24-4-1), of Mexico, in the 10th round.

 

 

 

 

“I’m not at all concerned about fighting Tito Acosta in his country, basically his ‘hood,” Buitrago said. “I’m used to fighting for the world championship in my opponents’ country, just as I did with Merlito Sabillo, but they robbed me of that victory. I’m working consciously and think I’m in great shape to challenge Tito Acosta and seize the championship.

 

 

 

“Truth be told, I’m in perfect shape, I will fight a smart fight; if Acosta wants to battle, so be it, I’m used to battling hard hitters. If he comes into the ring with the intention to battle, I will fight intelligently.”

 

 

 

Naturally, the 26-year-old Buitrago believes his experience advantage will be the difference versus Acosta, allowing him to bring the world title back to Nicaragua, like Puerto Rico, a hotbed for boxing.

 

 

 

“I think that this being my fifth world title fight, I have experience on my side,” Buitrago added.     “I’m relaxed and ready thanks to the training I’ve had in Nicaragua. I’m not sure what Tito Acosta will bring into the ring June 16I don’t think Tito Acosta is going to learn the necessary moves and techniques in a month. He is a raw boxer who relies only on the strength of his blows. I don’t believe that he will bring anything new into the ring and if they change him, the only thing that will accomplish is confuse him. I’m always emphasising my preparation. I’m coming in smart because I’m bringing the ability to work round for round. My only objective is to bring the world championship to Nicaragua.

 

 

 

“I think’s it’s great initiative on Miguel Cotto’s part to promote new boxing talents. I’m grateful to Miguel Cotto and his team for giving me the opportunity to be the one to challenge Tito Acosta in his first world title defense.

 

 

 

“I’m a likeable boxer, people like to watch me fight. I’m known for being a smart fighter that, when fighting is needed, I fight, and when boxing is needed, I box. We work on half and short distance, which is why I believe people like to see me fight. All those who attend or watch on pay per view will enjoy a great fight.”

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

www.promocionesmiguelcottowww.integratedsportsnet.comwww.directvpr.comwww.fite.tv

 

 

 

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

\

Super Bantamweight World Champion Daniel Roman Defends Title Against Unbeaten Moises Flores Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME® from Ford Center at The Star

 
Plus! Former World Champion Javier Fortuna Battles
Adrian Granados in a 140-Pound Special Attraction
 
Welterweight Champion Errol Spence, Jr. Headlines With
World Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger
Carlos Ocampo in Homecoming Event Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 4, 2018) – Super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman will defend his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The event will also see former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction that kicks off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas-area homecoming at the Dallas Cowboys facility against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in the main event. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

 

 

 

“This is shaping up to be a fantastic card with the addition of the 122-pound championship fight between Daniel Roman and Moises Flores and former champion Javier Fortuna taking on Adrian Granados in a 140-pound special attraction,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “None of these boxers have reverse in their gear box, which promises entertaining battles for the fans at The Star and those watching at home on SHOWTIME.”

 

 

 

The 27-year-old Roman (24-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making his second title defense of the WBA 122-pound championship he won with a TKO victory over Shun Kubo last September in Japan. The 28-year-old, of Los Angeles, Calif., returned to Japan and made his first title defense with a unanimous decision victory over Ryo Matsumoto this February. Roman enters this bout having won 16-straight fights.

 

 

 

“Everyone knows I want to fight the best and Flores is right up there,” said Roman. “He’s unbeaten for a reason and he’s the number one challenger for my title. I’m not taking him lightly. I’m motivated to be great. I’m more focused now than ever before. I’m not going to let Flores, or anyone else take my belt. The plan is simple. Pick him apart round by round just like I’ve done in my other world title fights.”

 

 

 

Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, returns to the ring after a no contest against Guillermo Rigondeaux in a fight that saw Flores hit and knocked out with a shot that was initially called legal, but was eventually ruled to have come after the bell, thus causing the no contest. The 31-year-old scored an impressive win with a decision victory over Oscar Escandon in 2015 that earned him an interim 122-pound title and followed that up with victories over previously once-beaten fighters Luis Emanuel Cusolito and Paulus Ambunda.

 

 

 

“I’m going to make Daniel Roman fight me every round until the end,” said Flores. “He’s a good boxer and a counter puncher, but I’m a warrior so I’ll be ready for anything he brings. If he can’t hold up to my power, then he’s going down early. This is a must-win and I’m determined to become a world champion on June 16.”

 

 

 

Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KOs) won the super featherweight title with a unanimous decision against Bryan Vasquez in 2015 and enters this fight looking to bounce back from a split-decision loss to lightweight champion Robert Easter, Jr. in January on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old Fortuna, of La Romana, Dominican Republic, failed to make weight for the Easter fight and will now seek to challenge in the 140-pound division.

 

 

 

“I know that Adrian Granados is a warrior, but this fight breaks in my favor because I am simply the better fighter,” said Fortuna. “I respect Granados’ style and I know he surprises a lot of people with his resiliency in the ring. I’m fully prepared to out-box him on fight night. I’m not concerned about moving up in weight either because once we step into the ring, I’ll be the bigger guy.”

 

 

 

The 28-year-old Granados (18-6-2, 12 KOs) has garnered a reputation as a boxer willing to accept all challenges and one who always pushed his opponents to the brink. Fighting out of Chicago, he looks to get back on the winning track with a victory over Fortuna. Last year Granados lost a unanimous decision to former welterweight champion Shawn Porter and a split-decision to four-division champion Adrien Broner. Before those two losses, Granados had put together a five-match win streak that included a TKO victory over Amir Imam.

 

 

 

“Javier Fortuna is a crafty southpaw, but I’m going to be stronger and better than ever back at 140-pounds,” said Granados. “I feel like I can knock out anybody at this weight. After I beat Amir Imam, everyone has been ducking me at this weight class. I’m going to make a statement about where I belong in boxing and give the fans a great show like I always do.”

 

 

 

About The Star

The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfriscoPBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Calderon to Face Crosstown Rival Martinez at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Friday, July 6

On Friday, July 6, 2018, Heavyweight Factory Boxing promoter Kris Lawrence will continue his “Greatest Dark Series” in all of boxing with “Hometown Throwdown,” a night of world-class professional boxing highlighting 10 bouts.

 

 

 

Taking place at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., the night’s main event will feature a 10-round crosstown rivalry showdown between undefeated Miami-based welterweights Harold “King” Calderon (16-0, 10 KOs) and John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-0, 8 KOs). The pair have decided Miami isn’t big enough for two undefeated 147-lb. fighters and one of them will lose their “0” that night.

 

 

 

The co-main event will be the 10-round rubber match of an entertaining three-fight series between veteran Florida middleweights Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (26-4-1, 16 KOs) and Ed “The Lion” Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs). Also featured in a showcase bout that night will be 19-year-old Hawaiian WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (11-0, 11 KOs), who will face an opponent TBA.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Hometown Throwdown” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Thirty-year-old Calderon is a popular slugger of Honduran heritage. He enjoys a friendship with Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso and has already been featured in several main events. The powerful southpaw was last seen in March, stopping veteran Ronald Montes in three impressive rounds.

 

 

 

Also a fan favorite, 29-year-old Martinez was 14-2 as an amateur, and won the 2009 Golden Gloves and Florida PAL Championships. In addition to fighting, Martinez is a successful entrepreneur. He trains at the world-famous 5th Street Gym under Dino Spencer. He was last seen in April stopping Felix Sandoval in two rounds at Casa de los Clubes in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 

 

 

Hernandez vs. Paredes will be third meeting between the two fighters. They fought to a thrilling split draw in August 2009 and then again, on ESPN in February 2010 when Paredes scored a shocking KO 2 “Knockout of the Year” contender over Hernandez. It was southpaw Hernandez’s first career loss. The two fighters are not fans of each other. Their first two fights featured dirty tactics and body slams. They have also had to be separated at previous weigh-ins.

 

 

 

Nineteen-year-old Yoon, from Honolulu, won the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Championship by impressively battering Mexican former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado over 10 rounds last March.

 

 

 

Expected special guests that evening include Heavyweight Factory regulars, former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. On fight night, the action starts at 7:15 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to start time. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

 

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About Hard Rock Event Center

Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

 

 

 

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and Hard Rock Event Center – the 3,600-seat entertainment venue that is home to some of South Florida’s top concerts, comedy shows and events. The casino offers 120 live table games, 2,000 of the newest and most popular slots and a 37-table poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 182 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

 

 

 

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online atwww.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

 

 

 

This Week’s FNU Combat Sports Show: UFC and Bellator UK Show Recaps, Bisping Retires, Cop Boxing Teen Goes Viral

This week on the FNU Combat Sports show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a slow week for boxing and recap two huge MMA cards in the United Kingdom last weekend. We also talk about Michael Bisping deciding to retire, weight cutting issues in the UFC, and a cop nicknamed “Blade” getting his 15 seconds of fame in a viral video where he boxes a teen in full uniform and comes out on top. Listen to the whole show below: