Tag Archives: boxing

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JEAN PASCAL VS. BADOU JACK AND JARRETT HURD VS. LUIS ARIAS VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

May 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Fighters Preview Showdowns Taking Place Sunday, June 6 on Mayweather vs. Logan Paul SHOWTIME PPV Undercard from**
**Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens**

**NEW YORK –** (May 25, 2021) – WBA Light Heavyweight Champion **Jean Pascal** and two-division champion **Badou Jack**, plus former unified world champion **“Swift” Jarrett Hurd**and veteran contender **Luis Arias**, previewed their respective showdowns on a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step in the ring as part of the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul taking place Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Pascal and Jack will meet for a championship rematch in the co-main event of the pay-per-view, while Hurd and Arias square off for a 10-round bout also on pay-per-view. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson making his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

**JEAN PASCAL**

“I’m very excited about the rematch. I’ve been training in Puerto Rico since December. I’ve been waiting this whole time for the rematch and I’m ready. I respect Badou, but he’s always whining after he loses. The judges said I won the fight and that’s it.

“The first fight, in the first six rounds I did everything well. I might have gotten a little overconfident. I took it a bit too easy after that. The fight got close because of that knockdown he got that wasn’t from a real punch. Without that, it wouldn’t have even been close. We’re going to settle this June 6 in Miami.

“I think I just have to pace myself a little better this fight. I got over excited because I’ve sparred with Badou before and know what I can do. I am a veteran, so I shouldn’t have gotten too excited like that. As far as knocking him down again in this fight, my mom taught me that anything you can do once, you can do twice.

“I do believe that Badou respects my power. If he doesn’t, then he better watch that fourth round again. But I also have skills with my power. I am naturally-gifted and I have the better skills. I was born for this sport and built to win.

“I really think the work in the gym will help so I don’t have ring rust. I’m a veteran. I’ve been here and done that. At this age, it’s better to have more rest than to be over trained. I had the right intensity in camp to make sure I’m not over trained.

“He’s coming for revenge and I’m coming with bad intentions. It’s going to be a great show, so make sure you tune-in for this one.”

**BADOU JACK**

“I’m feeling great with my new trainer Jonathon Banks. Physically I’m in amazing shape and I can’t wait. Another week and a half and it’s all going to happen.

“This has been in the works since our first fight. Last year Floyd called me and said, ‘it’s on.’ Then the pandemic hit and it got pushed back. There is a reason there is a rematch, because everyone knows who won that fight. It’s better late than never. I was back in the gym Monday after the first fight.

“There were three judges and Julie Lederman had it for me and the two other guys had never judged a big fight before. We have two judges for this fight: the right hand and the left hand. That’s it. I’m very confident for this fight and I’m not worried about the judges. I know Jean Pascal is a warrior, and I’m a warrior. I’m just ready to fight.

“Looking at the past, yes, I need to start faster. Every fight, that can apply. I will listen to my corner, and we’re going to figure out how to win the fight. By any means we need.

“He can say whatever he wants about when I knocked him down. I hit him five straight times and he swung and missed and I hit him. That’s why he went down.

“This is going to be a firefight. We already know that. Tune in to this fight. Boxing is not a game and I’m going to show everyone that and try to steal the show.

“I’ve watched the last fight once or twice, maybe three times. I just need to make some small adjustments. You can always do better. I’m more confident than last time. I know we are both warriors. We’ve fought everyone. We’re the same age (Jack is 37; Pascal 38), even though I look a little bit better. I’m looking younger. Nobody has seen my birth certificate. I’m not really 37. I’m 27.”

**JARRETT HURD**

“Training camp has been great. I haven’t fought in a year and a half, so I had a chance to really take my time with this camp. I’ve had a lot of time to put in the work. I’m training with fighters like Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Troy Isley and a lot more. We’re all out here working day after day.

“Arias is a great fighter. This is going to be the type of toe-to-toe fight I like. He’s going to be there in front of me and ready to fight. He’s never been stopped, so I’ll be prepared to go the distance.

“We’ve seen this story before from Arias. He talks a big game but look at his fights against top fighters. It doesn’t matter what weight I’m at, Arias knows what’s coming. I suffered a loss, but I got the win in my last fight and I’m on my way back.

“I just need a dominant win on June 6. Luis Arias can make it ugly, but I have to go win convincingly and let everyone know I’m back. I don’t want to win in a sloppy way, I want to look good doing it.

“He might think he’s catching me at the right time, but it’s not going to be a good time for him on June 6. I can box and I can bang, it doesn’t matter. We’ll decide on fight night which style I’m going to use. I know that I can beat him either way.

“I tried to work on my bad habits after my loss. I was a straight-forward guy who just came at you. I wanted to show in my last fight against Francisco Santana that I can use my height and range if I need to. I wanted to box all 10 rounds and I did that.

“I still have too much unfinished business at 154-pounds. I have a lot of fights, including my rematch against Julian Williams, that I still want to get. I want to regain my titles. Me and Jermell Charlo is probably the biggest fight at 154 right now. I want to handle that before I move up in weight.”

**LUIS ARIAS**

“Camp has been excellent. I’m excited for the fight. I think this is a perfect fight and a perfect opportunity. It’s a great matchup. I’ve been working on the right things to make sure I’m one hundred percent prepared for this fight and I think I’m catching Jarrett Hurd at the right time. He’s switching styles. He really doesn’t know how he wants to fight.

“When this fight was brought to me, he was ranked No. 1 at the Ring Magazine at 154 and that’s part of why I wanted this fight. Leonard Ellerbe asked if I was willing to fight Hurd, and I said one hundred percent. It’s all about challenging yourself. This is another challenge and I never turn down a challenge. I’ve been in there with the best and there’s nothing that Jarrett Hurd can bring to the table that I haven’t already seen.

“A win puts me right back in the mix. I’ve always been just one step away from really getting into the mix with the big guys. My last couple fights have all been just one fight away from getting that world title fight. Once I beat Jarrett Hurd on June 6, I’ll be right there with the big dogs. He’s calling out Jermell Charlo and he wants to fight all these other big names, but he’s going to have to get through me. If he loses to me, I’ll be in position for the fights that he wants.

“It’s going to be a hard fight. If he wants to bang, we can bang. If he says he wants to box, he’s not the better boxer. But there’s only one way to find out and we’re going to find out in two weeks. I have to do everything that I can do to make sure that I show up and I impress.

“I’m still young and I’m still fighting my way through. I just needed to make the proper adjustments. I’m not going to be a desperate fighter. I’m going to go in there and fight the way I fight. I’ve always had championship-level fighting in me, but I just haven’t shown it. This is a perfect opportunity for me to show it.

“I’m coming after him. I have to win. He’s not going to have to find me. I’m going to be right there. If I have to box him in the middle of the ring or if I have to put my head in his chest and dog him out, then that’s what I got to do. From the opening bell to the final bell, if we make it to the final bell, I’m going to be on him. We’ll see what type of adjustments he makes, but I don’t feel he’s a better inside fighter than me and I don’t feel like he’s a better boxer than me.”

**LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions**

“The world is buzzing about this whole event, including our terrific undercard with two great professional bouts. Hurd vs. Arias is going to be a scintillating bout. I’ve seen Luis up close and personal during this training camp and I know that he’s 100% prepared and ready to pull off the upset. Hurd on the other hand is looking to maintain his footprint in the 154-pound division and prove he’s the best at that weight.

“Pascal and Jack had a fantastic bout a year and a half ago on SHOWTIME. From the opening bell, those guys proved they are great warriors and we expect nothing less in the rematch on June 6. The fans are truly in for a treat on that night.

“The energy between these four fighters today has been incredible. As the promoter of this event, I’m excited, so I can only imagine what the fans are in for. Hurd and Arias are both looking to make a statement, and that’s going to roll right into Pascal against Jack, who are going to pick up right where they left off in their first fight.”

***ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL***
Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com andFANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul, www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo,@ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.

Perfect connection Gilberto“Zurdo” Ramirez & Trainer Julian Chua

May 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Back in February of 2019, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had made a decision to move up to fight in the light heavyweight division, and he was searching for a new head trainer.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) immediately connected with a then 28-year-old Julian Chua, a former amateur boxer who had been training boxers at Freddie Roach’s famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. “Zurdo” and Chua are now 2-0 (2 KOs) and preparing for a mega-fought later this year, ideally, against undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs).

How Ramirez ended up with Chua as he head trainer isn’t a typical boxing story. After all, “Zurdo” was the first Mexican world super middleweight champion, sporting a 29-0 pro record, and only 27 when they first met.

Ramirez’ manager, David Suh, conducted a search to hire Ramirez’ chief second. He had a list that included some of the top trainers in the industry, as well as a young, relatively unknown – at least outside of southern California – in Chua.

“I don’t know how I got on that list,” a humble Chua said. “There was going to be a tryout of sorts to determine who would work with ‘Zurdo.’ We trained together in Long Beach (where Ramirez was training) and then I met with David for coffee. He asked if I was interested in becoming the head trainer. We trained together a little more. He liked the way I trained, and we got along well. I texted David saying we liked working together and that I was interested in becoming his head trainer.

“We clicked right away, and we learned things about each other and how we liked to train. I study a lot and do a lot of research of how he had been trained, because I wanted to help him to improve. I was getting four fighters ready in LA and “Zurdo” couldn’t go there for sparring. I said I couldn’t leave these fighters and go to Santa Barbara. “Zurdo” respected me even more for not jumping ship from those four fighters for a better opportunity. We still wanted to work with each other, and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach twice a week, he came to Wildcard three times.”

Ramirez won his light heavyweight debut April 12, 2019, when Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) was unable to continue after four rounds, followed last December 18^th with a 10^th round stoppage of Alfonso Lopez (32-3) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Chua was trained by Roach when he was an amateur from Indiana, but when Chua started at Wildcard, Roach’s assistant Eric Brown became Chua’s mentor. During his training career at Wildcard West Boxing, known now as Churchill Boxing in Santa Barbara, Chua has trained several world champions in boxing and MMA.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO. “Zurdo” returns to action July 9^th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Whether it’s Bivol, or the other world light heavyweight champions — Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith – “Zurdo” and Chua are preparing to beat the best for Ramirez to wear the coveted World championship crown in a second division.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

boxing

BLAIR “THE FLAIR” COBBS EXCITED ABOUT RING RETURN IN EL PASO

May 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**LOS ANGELES, CA (May 24, 2021)** – One of the most exciting welterweights in all of boxing returns on June 19, 2021, when **Blair “The Flair” Cobbs** (14-0-1, 9 KOs), battles decorated amateur and veteran of the sport, **Brad Solomon** (29-3, 9 KOs). The ten-round bout, taking place at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center, will air live on DAZN as the first televised fight on the **Jaime Munguia** vs. **Maciej Sulecki** card.

“I haven’t fought in over a year and it is time for the most electrifying man in all of boxing to give the fans a show,” said Cobbs in-between rounds at his new home, Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, California. “I wanted a tough opponent, and Brad Solomon is just that. His losses have only been to really good fighters and he has over twice the experience as me as a professional, so I am ready to show the world who I am! It’s time for the Wooo man to get busy.”

“Blair is nearing the point to fight some of the world-ranked fighters, the fans love him, he has a great style, and he is a talented fighter,” said Cobb’s manager,**Greg Hannley**, CEO of **Prince Ranch Boxing**. “We’re expecting a lot from Blair, and I see him in a big fight amongst one of Golden Boy Promotions best fighters by the end of the year, that is the goal for Blair.”

Cobbs last fought on Valentine’s day weekend of 2020, winning a split decision over **Samuel Kotey Neequaye**. Cobbs has been out of the ring for a year-plus and has made changes to his team that he feels will help him moving forward in his career.

“I made a decision to move to Hollywood and train with **Freddie Roach** at the Wild Card Boxing Gym, because I needed a change,” said Cobbs. “Being in the gym with Freddie every day and seeing all the great fighters and new faces has me excited all over again. I really want to make my legacy known as one of the top guys in the sport.”
# # #

**Munguia vs. Sulecki** is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for **Munguia vs. Sulecki** are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend **Munguia vs. Sulecki,** your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSulecki.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS DOCUMENTARY FILMS RELEASES OFFICIAL TRAILER AND POSTER ART FOR THE KINGS

May 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

SHOWTIME^® SPORTS DOCUMENTARY FILMS RELEASES OFFICIAL TRAILER AND POSTER ART FORTHE KINGS, AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE BOXING GOLDEN AGE OF DURÁN, HAGLER, HEARNS AND LEONARD

Four-Part Documentary Series Premieres

Sunday, June 6 at 8 PM ET/PT

A picture containing text, book

Description automatically generated

NEW YORK – May 21, 2021 – Showtime Sports Documentary Films has released the official trailer and poster art for the upcoming documentary THE KINGS, a four-part series chronicling the fierce rivalry between world champions and Boxing Hall of Famers known as the “Four Kings” – Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Durán, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Premiering Sunday, June 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME, the series chronicles the four fighters’ dramatic and divergent ascents to greatness and the legendary matches they produced.

To watch and share the trailer, go to: https://s.sho.com/3whPJTt

THE KINGS spotlights boxing’s evolution from the end of Muhammad Ali’s era to the era of the Four Kings, set against the seismic political and socio-economic shifts taking place in the United States. The Four Kings rose to fame as the presidency of Jimmy Carter and economic recession gave way to the boon of 1980s capitalism and excess harnessed by the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, the series also examines the very personal battles that each man waged on his unique journey to the center of the sports world.

THE KINGS is produced by Box To Box Film in association with Ingenious Media. The series is executive produced by James Gay-Rees (Amy, Senna, Drive To Survive) and Paul Martin (Diego Maradona, Drive To Survive), produced by Fiona Neilson (Oasis: Supersonic, Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams) and directed by Mat Whitecross (Oasis: Supersonic, Road To Guantanamo, Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams).

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. MARIO BARRIOS ATLANTA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

May 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

***(Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)***

***“Barrios is coming with power, and you know for sure I’m coming with power. May the best man win,” – Davis***

***“We’ve never faced fighters like each other before. We’re going to see on June 26 if it’s the right move for him,” – Barrios***

**Four-Time World Champion Gervonta Davis Seeks Title In A Third Division Against Unbeaten Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios Headlining A SHOWTIME PPV^® Saturday, June 26**
**In A Premier Boxing Champions Event From State Farm Arena In Atlanta**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Mayweather Promotions**

**ATLANTA** (May 20, 2021) – Four-time world champion **Gervonta “Tank” Davis** and undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion **Mario “El Azteca” Barrios** went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference to preview their SHOWTIME PPV main event taking place Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis will take on a career-defining challenge in the undefeated Barrios, as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history. Standing in his way is the undefeated 26-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign and holds a six-inch height advantage over Davis.

Davis returns to fight at State Farm Arena after selling out the venue in December 2019 during a star-studded event that saw him stop former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 12^thand final round to capture a lightweight title.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday at State Farm Arena:

**GERVONTA DAVIS**

“Camp has been great for me. We know that Barrios is a bigger guy and that he can punch. We’re working hard each day in the gym, because we’re going up against a big task on June 26.

“We all have challenges we go through in life, and that’s what makes us strong. This is another challenge that I have on my road to success. I’m ready to walk through it and keep pushing.

“We know this is a dangerous fight. Barrios is coming with power and you know for sure I’m coming with power. May the best man win.

“I took this fight because I want to be great. All the other big names at lightweight had scheduled fights so I felt like I wanted to go out and beat the best fighter out there for me.

“Even if he is bigger than me on fight night, it doesn’t matter. This is all part of the sport. My goal is to break him down. If I can get him out of there, I’ll get him out of there. If it goes 12 rounds, so be it. He’s big and strong, but he’s never faced anyone like me.

“We have to wait and see what happens on fight night. Different styles dictate what I need to show in the fight. We’ll see what he brings to the table, and then we’ll capitalize off of it.

“I’m not worried about losing any speed by adding weight. I’m going to be quick regardless. I think I’m going to be at my best at 140-pounds.

“Like all of the rest of my fights, this is going to be action packed. Don’t go get popcorn during the fight, because it could end at any moment. I bring what boxing needs, and that’s excitement. We all know when I fight, it’s never a boring fight. From the first round, until whenever it ends, I just keep coming, in all of my fights. That’s what you’re going to see June 26.”

**MARIO BARRIOS**

“This is a huge opportunity for me. ‘Tank’ called me out. I know he’s trying to do something great, but this is a dangerous fight for him. It’s going to be an action-packed fight. We’ve never faced fighters like each other before. We’re going to see on June 26 if it’s the right move for him.

“I fight to represent my city and my people. I’m going to go out there and do my best to make everybody proud.

“They might be looking at my fight against Batyr Akhmedov closely. But I think he has a totally different style and that this fight will be different than what they expect if they just watch that match. I don’t know what they see in me to want this fight, but none of it matters to me. All the questions are going to be answered on June 26.

“’Tank’ is jumping up two weight classes. He’s doing something a lot of great fighters have done. He even said it: this isn’t an easy fight for him. We’re ready to face the best version of ‘Tank’ that anyone has ever seen and it’s going to be war.

“I was surprised when his name was brought up to me. But whether you like ‘Tank’ or not, he has one of the biggest names in boxing. This is the type of fight that can skyrocket my name up there to the top level of the sport.

“’Tank’ is a good fighter and a very explosive fighter. There is the question of whether he’s bringing his power up to 140. I don’t have any concerns about it though. He’s the guy who has to show people he can handle my power at this weight.

“I’m excited to be fighting in Atlanta. This is my first time here actually but I know the fans here are very passionate. I’m expecting to see a great turnout here at State Farm Arena.”

**LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions**

“’Tank’ is a generational fighter. He has certain abilities that others just don’t. He’s special, but this is a dangerous fight for him. This is a tremendous challenge and I’m really excited for this fight.

“Atlanta is a hot market. Obviously the first fight they had in a long time was ‘Tank’ vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa and it was a packed sold out crowd in this building. The fans really enjoyed it. The city needs big events like this. We told the fans we were coming back and here we are.

“’Tank’ is chasing history. When you look back at a lot of all-time greats, they’ve gone through things no one else ever has. Looking to be a three-division champion at 26 years old is another example of him chasing greatness like that.

“’Tank’ is the most exciting fighter in the entire sport and he gives the fans what they want to see. He puts butts in seats. People gravitate to the way he fights. This new generation of fans that we have, they love him.”

# # #

***ABOUT DAVIS VS. BARRIOS***
Davis vs. Barrios will see four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis set his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

Multi-World boxing champion Amanda Serrano to headline iKON 7 MMA event

May 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

STREAMING LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY ON UFC FIGHT PASS^®June 11th FROM LOS MOCHIS, SINALOA, MEXICO

LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2021) – Multiple World boxing champion **Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano** will headline ***iKON 7***, presented by iKON Fighting Federation, the mixed-martial-arts division of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing, June 11^th at Benito Juarez Auditorium in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

***iKON 7*** will be streamed live and exclusively JUNE 11 on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.

Puerto Rico native Serrano, fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, is 1-0-1 in mixed-martial-arts competition. She will face pro-debuting **Valentia Garcia,** of Mexico, in the ***iKON 7***main event. One of the greatest female boxers of all-time, Serrano is a 10-time, 7-division World champion, who sports a remarkable 40-1-1(30 Kos) pro record.

“We are thrilled to have Amanda Serrano headlining our card,” iKON Fighting Federation president **Keith Veltre** said. “She is a great boxing champion, one of the all-time best, who is going to make waves in MMA. She can really fight! Her fight is also a continuation of the terrific Puerto Rico versus Mexico sports rivalry.”

In the co-featured event, Las Vegas fighter **Johnny “The Paradox” Parsons** (6-2-0, iKON: 2-0-0) faces **Ricardo “Woody” Chavez** (5-1-0), of Mexico, at a 175-pound catchweight.

Undefeated Tucson welterweight **Pete “Dead Game” Rodriguez**, a familiar iKON fighter, goes for his fourth straight victory without a loss – all in iKON competition – versus Mexican opponent **Roberto “Pixley 2B” Pixley** (5-1-0).

Scheduled to fight on the undercard is Yakima, Washington featherweight **Jorge “The Natural” Alcala** (4-1-0) vs. **Sergio “The Animal” Cortez** (3-2-0), Hong Kong female featherweight **Ramona Pasqual** (4-2-0) vs. pro-debuting **Guadalupe Guzman**, Miami by way of Egypt welterweight **Manmoud Sebie** vs. **Enrique Hernandez** in a battle of pro-debuting fighters, pro-debuting female flyweights **Rosselyn Chavira**, of Tucson (AZ) and **Sofia Salacar**, and Mexican featherweights **Luis “Mano” Garcia** (1-2, iKON: 1-1-0) vs. pro-debuting **Angel Rivera**.

Card subject to change.

**INFORMATION:**

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

boxing, Granite Chin

“Breakout” headliner NABA U.S. Heavyweight title fight Steve Vukosa vs. Mike Marshall Day-Night Doubleheader June 26 in Derry, N.H.

May 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Day-Night Doubleheader June 26 in Derry, N.H.

QUINCY, Mass. (May 20, 2021) – “Breakout,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will feature two heavyweight title fights as part of another day-night doubleheader on June 26th atNew England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The night card is headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between ageless Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and Mike “Fly” Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs).

Vukosa, fighting of out Quincy, MA, is a former WBC U.S. Heavyweight Champion, which he captured in 2019 when he won an 8-round unanimous decision against Joe Cusumano(18-2, 16 KOs).

The reigning New England Heavyweight Champion, Marshall won his belt last November at the same venue as his upcoming fight with Vukosa, when the Danbury, CT fighter took an 8-round unanimous decision from Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe.

Former N.E. heavyweight champion Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), representing Fairfield, ME, will face his Mexican opponent, Jose Humbert “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs), in the 8-round, co-featured event for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

“I am excited to be coming back to Derry with another doubleheader, featuring open-class amateurs and local professionals,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “I try to grow and develop the Granite Chin brand every show. Bringing in an elite level amateur tournament is a great way to introduce local fans to the future of the sport and help me develop relationships with amateur boxers.”

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) will be in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA. Lawrence, MA junior lightweight Kevin Rodriguez (0-1) faces Ryan Venable (2-4) in a 4-round battle.

Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts against opponents to be determined, are Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), and Woburn, MA middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs).

A Pro-Am card will feature the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” tournament, pitting some of the best amateur boxers in New England in the semifinals round, in the USA Boxing-sanctioned event during the afternoon portion of the day-night doubleheader. The semifinals winners will advance to the tournament’s championship final August 28^th at New England Sports Center.

Some of the top N.E. amateur boxers expected to compete include 2021 USA National Championships gold medalist Arika Skoog, the 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion out of Newton (MA); 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Tashawn Ward, a featherweight from Providence (RI); and middleweights James Maner, 2019 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from Providence, and 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Mike Fontanez, of Nashua (N.H).:

The pro segment of the afternoon’s Pro-Am card will showcase ABF Atlantic Cruiserweight Champion Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) defending his title against Lewiston, ME challenger Cristiano Pedro, fighting out by way of Angola in an 8-round fight.

Other pro fights, all 4-rounders, include Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New York’s pro-debuting Andrew Nolan, Methuen (MA), light heavyweight Andrew Perez in his pro debut vs. TBA, Springfield (MA) super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (0-0-1) vs. Andy Aiello (1-4-1), of Bridgewater, MA, New York cruiserweight Scott Lambert(1-2, 1 KO) vs. Yhago Goncalves (0-3), of Portsmouth (ME) by way of Brazil, and Springfield’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Laurent Humes vs.pro-debuting Philipe Martins, of Marlborough, MA..

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $25.00 (Day Show) / $40.00 (Night Show) for general seating (unassigned). Unassigned ringside seating will be available at $35.00 per seat during the day show. The night show will offer ringside tables (assigned and seats 4) for $300.00 and are available to purchase online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: Granite Chin Invitational for the day show, Breakout for night show).

Doors open at 12:15 p.m. ET and 7:15 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.