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Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas on special mission to become heavyweight & bridgerweight World ChampionImportant announcement

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QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada (March 24, 2021) – Fresh off his recent third-round stoppage of Sylvera “Sly” Louis in their rematch, World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1 rated bridgerweight Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is on a special mission to not only become the first bridgerweight world champion but capture the world heavyweight crown as well.
 
A 2008 Colombian Olympian, Rivas is currently rated as the WBC’s No. 1-rated contender in the bridgerweight division (-224 lbs.), and No. 9 in The Ring magazine’s heavyweight rankings.
 
Prior to his rematch with Louis, Rivas hadn’t fought in 20 months due mainly to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Never-the-less, “Kaboom” remained professional, training throughout his ring absence, and now he’s positioned to fight for the inaugural WBC bridgerweight title.
 
“I love this sport,” Rivas said from his Montreal home. I dedicate my life to boxing. I never stopped training because I love it and I can’t live without it. I am an athlete! The pandemic didn’t make things easy for me or anybody else, especially for a natural heavyweight like me.
 
“In the ring, I am having fun, and that’s what drives me. After I was able to knockdown my opponent (Louis) in the first round, my coach asked me to take advantage of the opportunity to box because I hadn’t fought in 20 months. I hadn’t stepped in the ring and that’s what I enjoy every minute of.”
 
Even though he’s on the precipice of winning his first world title, as a bridgerweight fighter, Rivas will not be fully satisfied without becoming a 2-division world champion.
 
“I want to be the bridgerweight and heavyweight World champion without a doubt,” he explained. “My mission is timeless. For some reason, the big boys in the heavyweight division don’t want to fight me. There would have been good reasons for Dillian Whyte to give me a rematch, to clear any doubts! I love Tyson Fury but when he was looking for a dance partner last December, my name was dropped first even though we had the same promoter.  I can only assume that they consider I am too dangerous for them. By becoming the WBC bridgerweight World champion, I assume that those big boys will be more intrigued to fight me, and I can’t wait. Now, more than ever.
 
“I am a heavyweight and I always tried to stay under 235 pounds throughout my career to exploit my speed, so the bridgerweight class became a natural fit for me. Now, I am aiming to become champion of the world in two divisions. Bring them all on!”
 
Rivas’ most likely will know who his opponent will be for the WBC bridgerweight title fight in June in the coming days. The names often mentioned are No. 3 rated Bryant Jennings(24-4, 14 KOs), 2-time world heavyweight title challenger, or built-up South African cruiserweight, No. 2 ranked Kevin Larena (26-1, 13 KOs).
 
“My team has been working very hard during this unbelievable time (pandemic) to organize a significant fight for me.” Rivas noted. “I just can’t wait to step back into the ring with anybody.”
 
Rivas still has unfinished business with Whyte, who is the only pro to defeat Rivas, albeit under questionable circumstances. Last August, Whyte won a 12-round unanimous decision, after been knockdown with an uppercut in the 9th round, in their vacant WBC Interim heavyweight title fight, but prior to their fight, unbeknownst to Team Rivas, Whyte had apparently tested positive for a banned substance during training camp. A UK Anti-Doping investigation somehow later cleared Whyte of any wrongdoings.
 
Last August, Whyte was knocked out in the fifth round by Alexander Povetkin in their WBC Interim title fight and Povetkin will defend his title this weekend in Gibraltar versus Whyte.
 
Oscar Rivas can’t wait to let his fists go “Kaboom” on his next opponent, whomever and whenever that is, as he continues his special mission.


FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER:  @yvonmichelGYM


#GroupeYM


ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):


Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 155 events in Quebec, participated in 36 international galas outside of Quebec. Six boxers became world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought 48 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 34 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).
boxing, women's boxing

Marie-Eve Dicaire learned invaluable lesson from Claressa Shields fight

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MONTREAL (March 31, 2021) – Popular Canadian boxer Marie-Eve Dicaire learned an invaluable albeit disappointing lesson in her decision-loss to now-undisputed world super welterweight champion Claressa Shields (11-0, 2 KOs) on the March 3rd “SUPERWOMEN” pay-per-view event. 

Dicaire (17-1) suffered her first loss as a professional and in boxing that often leads in one direction or the opposite: learning from the overall experience and improving as a boxer or continue fighting as just a former world champion chasing opportunity. 

Two weeks after the Shields fight, Marie-Eve was right back in training, rather than wallowing in her first loss and feeling sorry for herself. 

“Clearly,” Dicaire said, “I learned a lot.  I went right back to the gym with a precise plan to take my boxing to another level.  I’ve realized many things, some good and some bad, but it will definitely help become a more complete fighter. 

“After two weeks off, I had more than enough.  Also, during the last year we experimented with a new way to work.  I go to the gym for intense training for a few weeks, then take a few days off to rest.  This method has brought me to another level, so we decided to work this way for my upcoming camp, because I felt great in the ring.  I’m an overachiever.  I can’t rest when I know I lost.  I needed to get the work done to enjoy true vacations.  I know I will be in the ring again soon.” 

Losses ultimately lead to changes but Dicaire’s goal of becoming undisputed world champion remains the same.  What’s changing, though, is her style, at least to some degree, especially considering she has zero knockouts during her pro career. 

“I was born ready, so the sooner, the better,” Dicaire spoke about winning another world title.  “I want to become a unified, undisputed world champion and this is why I am already back to work.  We’re working on improving some of my weaknesses that weren’t a priority before.  I’ll be working on improving my power and inside fighting during this training camp.” 

Dicaire also learned that her support system has grown, remarkably, even after the initial setback on her otherwise undefeated record. 

“I thought I was going to deal with the loss alone with my family and close friends,” Dicaire concluded, “but it’s been the exact opposite.  I have never experienced so much support from fans during my entire career.  It is like everybody is aware I have everything it takes to become champion of the world again and they’re with me during this new journey.” 

boxing

MMA LEGEND, ANDERSON SILVA TO FACE JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. AT TRIBUTE TO THE KINGS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH ON PAY-PER-VIEW

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Guadalajara, Mexico (March 30, 2021) – It is Official!! — The Legend Anderson Silva has agreed to fight Julio Chavez Jr. in “Tribute to the Kings” in a boxing match on Saturday June 19th to be broadcast on Pay Per View in North America.
 
Anderson Silva, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, will take on former WBC Middleweight Champion of the world Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. in a boxing match on June 19th at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. Silva of Curitiba Brazil was the longest reigning middleweight Champion for the UFC and compiled a record of 34 victories with 11 losses and 23 stunning knockouts. His boxing record is 13 – 1. Chavez, Jr. has a record of 52-5-1 with 34 knockouts.
 
“When I look back at my journey, I see that nothing has been in vain! 
I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio César Chávez Jr. I train continuously, always am striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath,” said Silva.
  
““I have rededicated myself to the sport I love and I will be ready to face anyone in the Light Heavyweight division starting with Silva. I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19th,” said Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
 
Keith Schoen, of Schoen Entertainment, working in concert with Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming (GSS) have secured the deal with Anderson Silva for this bout with Julio Chavez Jr. The promoter for this event is Jorge Toscano of Toscano Boxing Promotions and Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing Promotions who are represented by Attorney Gino Mazzanti. 
 
“This promises to be an epic battle between two superior fighters with a global fan base. Everyone associated with this Pay-Per-View promotion, and fight fans from around the globe are super enthusiastic to see these two great fighters meet in the ring,” said Keith Schoen. Anderson Silva is represented by ICM Partners, and managed by Talize Sayegh of Ducais Talent Management.
 
Said Jorge Toscano of Toscano Promotions, “We are excited to complete this deal and bring an entertaining night of boxing for the combat sport community.”
 
Fellow co-promoter Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing said, “Anderson Silva is the greatest MMA fighter, and a great boxer so to have him fight Chavez Jr. for his first fight after leaving the UFC makes for an intriguing night of boxing.”
 
Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming stated, ““When you hear the names Chavez, Camacho, & Alvarez you know those are big names in boxing. Now adding Silva’s name to boxing; this made a special night even bigger with the GOAT of MMA fighting in a boxing match.”
  
This Massive Event “Tribute to The Kings” will be live on Pay-Per-View and will also feature a special Exhibition bout that will see Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance against Hector Camacho Jr. Camacho will be honoring the legacy of his late Hall of Fame father.
 
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“I’m coming there to take a win home to Philadelphia and look good doing it, by any means,” – Ennis
 
Rising Welterweight Star Ennis Battles Former World Champion Sergey Lipinets Saturday, April 10 Live On SHOWTIME® in a Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2021) – Undefeated welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to cement his status as a rising star in the welterweight division when he takes on rugged former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
The 23-year-old Ennis will be facing the toughest competition of his career in Lipinets, as he enters the ring in his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event. Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Ennis has used sublime boxing skills and power in both hands to make his claim as the city’s next great champion.
 
Ennis put together a 16-fight knockout streak that included becoming the first person to stop Juan Carlos Abreu when he blasted out the longtime challenger in the sixth round in August 2020. Ennis was unable to extend that streak in December 2020, when his fight against Chris van Heerden was declared a no-contest after round one due to a clash of heads causing a severe cut on Van Heerden’s forehead.
 
Trained by his father Bozy Ennis, Ennis shared his thoughts on training camp, Lipinets and more below:
 
On headlining his first Showtime Championship Boxing card: 
 
“It has made my schedule a little crazier. Being in the main event on SHOWTIME brings more attention, but I like it. I like being in the spotlight. I like to shine, so it’s nothing new to me. Now it’s fight time. I am locked in and ready to rock and roll.”
 
On training camp:
 
“We always do four-minute rounds in camp. I’ve been doing that since I was a baby. That’s another reason why I don’t sit down when I fight, because I am so used to the four-minute rounds. The three-minute rounds go by real fast on fight night. One thing we added this camp was the underwater treadmill work.”
 
On his final preparations: 
 
“The week before the fight, we are winding it down and sharpening up. It’s been a great training camp. I have been getting better and better each and every day, and I can’t wait to perform next Saturday.”
 
On facing his first former world champion: 
 
“He’s a good fighter, but it doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s just another day in the office. He’s a regular person just like anyone else.”
 
On Sergey calling him a ‘typical Philly fighter’: 
 
“I guess he knows I’m tough, gritty and I’m ready to rumble. I’m coming there to take a win home to Philadelphia and look good doing it, by any means.”
 
On his knockout power:
 
“I don’t think I have my man strength yet. I feel it will be one or two more years until I fully have my man strength. The crazy part is, I feel like in a fight, I still haven’t thrown a real power shot and really sat down on a punch yet. Everything I’ve been knocking guys out with has been all natural strength.”
 
On how he views his knockout streak:
 
“Some people might look at a knockout on April 10 as the 17th consecutive knockout, some might view it as the start of a new knockout streak. For me, I don’t really care as long as I come out victorious. That’s all that matters to me. I’m not looking for a knockout but I’m going to take it if it comes.”
 
# # #
 
 
ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
boxing

Heralded Prospect Jalen Walker in Action on Saturday night in Miami

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Los Angeles, CA (March 19, 2021) -This Saturday night, one of the top prospects in boxing will be back in action at the Miami Airport Hilton in Miami, Florida as undefeated featherweight Jalen Walker takes on grizzled veteran Julian Aristule in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.
Walker of Los Angeles is 7-0 with six knockouts and is looking to add his most experienced foe to his resume.


After a successful amateur career that saw him amass a record of 108-13, and was a three-time National PAL champion; Two-Time Silver Medal winner in the Junior Olympics; Time-Time Silver Medal winner in the Adidas Nationals among his endless accolades. Walker turned professional at the age of 17.


Walker won his first six bouts in Tijuana, Mexico before winning his American debut, which was a unanimous decision over Diuhl Olguin.
“I am ready to put on a show. I have put in a lot of hard work for this fight. I have seen a little bit of Aristule. I do not look at too much of my opponents, I let my team do that, but what I have seen is that he is on his way out,” said Walker.


Aristule of Argentina has had a successful career by amassing a record of 34-14 with 17 knockouts, and is a former WBO Latino Super Bantamweight champion. He defeated two undefeated fighters, and has wins over several more quality opponents.


The ambitious Walker kept in good shape during the Coronavirus lockdown, and was ready for action when he took on Olguin last December 20th.


“I never stopped training. I stayed in shape, and continued to run and spar,” continued Walker.


Walker, who started boxing at age seven as he followed in the footsteps of his father Norman and grandfather, who were both amateur boxers.
Walker is one of the most followed boxers on social media as he boasts over137,000 followers on Instagram knows that platforms like that are very important in today’s world of sports and entertainment.


“I think the key to that is consistency. When I first started getting 1,000 views or so, I thought it was a big deal. I had about 6,000 followers before my pro debut, and it has continued to grow. When I start to fight on bigger cards, I can see that even skyrocketing. There are many world champions that don’t get nearly the views that I get. I am just waiting patiently, and when everything happens, things will click perfectly, It is going to be big.”


Walker has gained valuable experience sparring with several world champions such as Danny Roman, Angel Acosta, Joseph Diaz Jr. and Murodjon Akhmadaliev .


Jalen is on the cusp of signing with a major promoter, and he knows that he brings a lot to the table both in and out of the ring.
“I bring what I can do as a fighter, but also with social media, that even helps promote their events when I am fighting. I am the total package
Walker is managed by Waterfront Boxing, which is headed up by the duo of Rene Symonds and Clement Kwan.


The pair see a huge future for Walker.


“Our job as managers to a top talent like Jalen is to build a foundation for him to showcase his talents, flourish as a brand and to develop as a young man,” said Kwan.


Symonds added, “Jalen is an incredibly exciting fighter who eats, sleeps and breathes boxing. We’re incredibly proud of how active he has been during the pandemic – with five outings last year. This bout against a 48-fight veteran is another step towards fulfilling his destiny”
boxing, women's boxing

Undisputed Welterweight Champion Jessica McCaskill looking for Biggest names in Boxing

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McCaskill eying showdowns with Taylor and Shields


Chicago, IL (March 17, 2021) – Fresh off her second consecutive victory over future Hall of Famer, Cecilia Braekhus, undisputed welterweight champion, Jessica McCaskill is looking to fight the biggest names on the female circuit.


McCaskill of Chicago, easily outpointed the legendary Braekhus by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 to win her fifth consecutive and raise her record to 10-2.


“I felt my aggression was really good, just keeping the pressure non-stop, and we are ready for what is next. She was running in, and crowded herself, and I figured if she was going to run in, I would have to get at least one or two shots off, and she kept doing it, so I kept doing it as well. I wanted to move and show some more angles, but she kept coming straight in, so she was right there,” said McCaskill.


“A fight with Katie Taylor might be the next thing on the agenda. If that is what it is, that would be great. If that does not work out, then there are a couple of other names out there. As for Claressa Shields, McCaskill thinks a fight with her can happen, “That could be a possibility if Claressa could come down to 147 pounds. At first, she said that she would not give up any weight, and now she is saying she would, so we are just going to have to see if they are going to take this seriously.”

Said McCaskill’s promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, “Jessica proved yet again that she is one of the top fighters in the world. She has now dominated the fighter that has been the long-time pound for top boxer. We would love to fight anyone, and a fight with Katie Taylor would most certainly have a different outcome then their first fight. Fights with Taylor or Claressa would be historic fights as it would match two of the reigning undisputed champions against each other.”
Photos/Matchroom Boxing
boxing

ANGEL FIERRO KNOCKS OUT FORMER CHAMPION ALBERTO MACHADO IN PUERTO RICO VS. MEXICO BATTLE IN THURSDAY’S RING CITY USA MAIN EVENT

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Jose Martinez and Israel Gonzalez Battle to Majority Draw in Co-Main Event, Alma Ibarra Earns Unanimous Decision Over Maricela Cornejo, and Joe Ward Avenges Lone Professional Loss Against Marco Delgado

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Credit: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Ring City USA

Click Here for Photos from Tonight’s Ring City Event

Click Here to Watch Fierro’s Comeback Knockout Victory

San Juan, PUERTO RICO – March 18, 2021 – Angel Fierro rose from the canvas twice en route to a stunning comeback knockout win in the sixth round against former world champion Alberto Machado as the latest chapter of the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry was written in the Ring City USA main event, live on NBC Sports Network from Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, Puerto Rico.

Tijuana’s Fierro (18-1-1, 14 KOs) handed Machado (22-3, 18 KOs) of Rio Piedras his first professional loss in Puerto Rico, following a hot start from the former junior lightweight world champion. Machado, 30, scored a knockdown in each of the first two rounds with well-placed right-hand counter punches. Fierro displayed a durable chin and beat the count easily both times, signaling that he was not hurt by the crunching power punches. Fierro was down 48-45 on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

“I’m happy, I faced a top-notch fighter tonight in Alberto Machado,” said Fierro, who was a three-to-one underdog. “He is world class and dropped me twice. But I am ecstatic that I was able to come back and beat a fighter of his caliber.”

The 22-year-old lightweight turned the fight around in the fourth round as he dedicated himself to a vicious body attack against Machado. The body work paid dividends as he found openings throughout the fifth and sixth round, ultimately leading to a vicious left hand that sent the former titlist to the canvas for the first and only time in the fight. Fierro credited finding his second wind to his two-year-old daughter back in Mexico.

“He dropped me twice in the beginning of the fight,” added Fierro. “When I got back to my corner, I told them, ‘remind me of my daughter.’ Because with this fight I can change her life and that’s exactly what they did after the third round. They motivated me and that’s exactly what I did.”

Prior to the fight, Fierro told the Ring City USA broadcast team, “the best judge is a knockout when you’re fighting in someone else’s hometown.” The Mexican warrior, who replaced undefeated prospect Hector Tanajara on one week’s notice, delivered on his promise to take matters into his own hands.

“We found a lot of gaps in Machado’s game in the sixth round,” stated Fierro. “I took advantage of them and I turned it around. I told you in the interview (before the fight), I didn’t come here to be a tourist in Puerto Rico. I came here to win.”

Immediately preceding the main event, Ireland’s Joe Ward (3-1, 2 KOs) avenged his only professional loss with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Marco Delgado (7-2, 5 KOs) in their six-round light heavyweight tilt. In October 2019, the 15-time Irish National Champion Ward faced Delgado in his professional debut and suffered a dislocated kneecap which led to a technical knockout victory for the Turlock, Calif. native. Under the tutelage of two-division world champion Joey Gamache, the 29-year-old Ward displayed his spectacular amateur pedigree as he attempts to fast-track his pro career.

In the second fight of the telecast, Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo (13-4, 5 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight fight. Two of the ringside judges scored seven rounds for Ibarra (79-73) while the third saw it 77-75 for the winner. Ibarra, who hails from Monterrey, Mexico, brought the fight to the Los Angeles native throughout the fight and was the far busier fighter.

“Now the world knows who Alma Ibarra is and what she is made of,” said the victor. “To everyone, I was a stranger. And to fight against someone who is very recognized worldwide in Maricela Cornejo and beat her, this opened many doors for us.”

Ibarra, 32, returned from a 16-month layoff following her first professional defeat against Raquel Miller in 2019. Ibarra, who had a successful amateur career, looked comfortable as she commanded the ring against the seasoned professional in 33-year-old Cornejo. Ibarra, a natural welterweight, was fighting at the heaviest weight of her career (156 lbs.).

“I felt very good, very strong, as this is a division that I am not used to,” said Ibarra. “I always fight in lower divisions, we had to go up two divisions to take this great opportunity, and well, I think we were not wrong to take this risk.”

In the co-main event of the evening, which kicked off the four-fight main card on NBC Sports Network, Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez (21-1-3, 14 KOs) of Mayaguez, P.R. and Israel Gonzalez (26-4-1, 11 KOs) of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, fought to a majority draw in their 10-round bantamweight affair. While one ringside judge gave Gonzalez, 24, the edge on the scorecards (96-94), the remaining two judges scored it identically at 95-95. Ring City’s unofficial scorer Steve Smoger had Gonzalez edging the hometown fighter 97-93.

“I felt his punches, but I was the superior fighter tonight,” said Gonzalez. “He might have won three rounds but it’s OK. I’m thankful to Puerto Rico and all of the people that gave me an opportunity to be here.”

The 28-year-old Martinez did his best work on the inside as he attempted to neutralize the five-inch reach advantage of the younger Gonzalez and led on two of the scorecards through the midway point of the fight. Meanwhile, Gonzalez flashed excellent hand speed in the back-and-forth affair and stole many of the later rounds when he found his second wind. This marked the third draw for Martinez over his last seven fights and the first for Gonzalez.

“I feel happy, satisfied with the work I did,” said Martinez. “I understand that I was fighting against a strong opponent and that I won. I pushed more. I was on top of him, but these things happen in boxing. Now it’s a matter of continuing to train, maintain myself and seek that title opportunity.”

Following the co-main event between Martinez and Gonzalez, Ring City USA paid tribute to the late Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who died at the age of 66 on Saturday. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Hagler reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion for several years and participated in several classic bouts in the 1980s.

“The beautiful part of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, if you had the chance to be around him, is that he was authentic,” said blow-by-blow announcer Bob Papa. “Just as he was in the ring was how he treated you outside of the ring. He is truly one of the greatest champions of all time.”

Earlier in the evening, live on Twitch in the U.S. and around the world, Angel Acosta (22-2, 21 KOs) of Barrio Obrero Santurce, Puerto Rico, earned a victory on the scorecards for the first time in his professional career, earning a unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza (17-10-3, 8 KOs) of Baja California, Mexico, in an eight-round super flyweight fight. Fighting in his hometown of Salinas, Edwin Valentin (10-0, 9 KOs) remained perfect with a fifth-round technical knockout victory over fellow Puerto Rican Hector Marengo (7-15-4, 4 KOs). In the opening fight of the evening, Jose Roman (11-0, 5 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, bested Roque Junco (10-8-1, 6 KOs) via unanimous decision in an eight-round welterweight fight.

Calling all the action ringside in Puerto Rico was former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter joined by NBC Sports blow-by-blow commentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell served as fight night analyst with Curran Bhatia reporting from ringside. The executive producers of tonight’s presentation of Ring City USA: Machado vs. Fierro on NBC Sports Network were Eric Weinberger, Jeff Huggins & Frank Samuel. The telecast was produced by David Gibson and directed by Matt Celli. 

Tonight’s full four-fight telecast will be available to watch on-demand on the NBC Sports App with authenticated sign-in. 

Ring City USA returns next Thursday, March 25 on NBC Sports Network to close out its three-event residency in Puerto Rico as one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing will take center stage between seven-division world champion and future Boxing Hall of Famer Amanda Serrano and three-division titlist Daniela Bermudez for Serrano’s WBO and WBC featherweight world titles. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

Third-Generation Boxer Kayla Gomez Cornered by Mother and Grandmother / 2020 USA National Boxing Championships Mar. 25-Apr. 4, in Shreveport, Louisiana

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 15, 2021) – There is no more of a family affair in USA Boxing than Kayla Gomez’s, in which her mother, Crystal Aceves, and grandmother, Cindy Aceves, work her corner. 

They will be together once again at the 2020 USA Boxing National Championships, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic from last December to March 25 – April 3, in Shreveport, La. 

The 18-year-old Gomez, who lives in El Paso (TX), is a youth flyweight (112 lbs.) boxer, who finished second at the 2019 National Championships, highlighting her first year in Youth competition. She has a growing supply of gold medals having finished on top at the 2019 & 2018 Western Regional Open, 2018 & 2017 Junior Open Championships, and 2018 & 2017 Eastern Regional Open. She is also a 5-time National Junior Olympic champion (2015 through 2019).  

A self-described multi-dimensional boxer, Kayla is a counter puncher and consummate boxer, displaying veteran-like “ringmanship,” but also capable of being a technical brawler and pressure fighter. She first started boxing in 2012 after watching a documentary on the 2012 Olympics. 

“The inspiration of the boxers training to earn a gold medal motivated me to learn this unique sport,” Gomez explained.  “I dedicate my whole life to boxing and as of right now, amateur boxing has impacted my life in a positive manner, paving my way in the near future to earn different accolades and experience for an Olympic gold medal and my pro career.” 

Her mother, Crystal, is an amateur boxer who has competed in many tournaments.  She will not compete in these championships this year because she is fully focused right now on her daughter and her future.  She will be competing at other 2021 tournaments. 

“As a boxer, my mom knows what it’s like to be in my position, so instead of getting mad at me, she gives me alternatives to do when I’m feeling low or not myself to have a better chance of being the best fighter I can be,” Kayla explained what it’s like having her mother and grandmother working her corner.  “We all have a great relationship and work well in the ring together.  They understand what it’s like to be in my position.” 

A high school senior, Kayla is in a K-12 program for an online school due to her busy schedule.  She does plan to attend college and share her boxing with educational opportunities. 

“My education is just as important as my boxing,” She concluded. “I will attend college and work really hard to accomplish my goal of earning a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics and beginning my pro career afterwards.” 

Kayla Gomez is a legacy boxer with a promising future. 

INFORMATION: 

www.usaboxing.org 

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni 

Instagram: @USABoxing 

Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States.  The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.   

boxing, fitness, supplements

THE UK’S NEXT BOXING SUPERSTAR, UNDEFEATED SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT SHABAZ ‘THE MAVERICK’ MASOUD, SIGNS ON AS ATHLETE BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR BRAINS PURE CBD

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Reaffirming its committed support of professional boxing around the world, Brains Bioceutical Corp., a leading manufacturer of THC-free cannabidiol (CBD) products, proudly announces the addition of one of the UK’s most promising young prospects, undefeated super bantamweight Shabaz “The Maverick” Masoud (7-0, 1 KO), to its growing stable of athletic brand ambassadors.
 
With the foot-speed of a laser pointer, an awkward but virtually impregnable defense, and blazingly fast hands that seldom miss the mark, the 25-year-old British Pakistani native of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in the UK often bears an uncanny stylistic resemblance to his superstar idol, former featherweight showman Prince Naseem Hamed.
 
Undefeated in his young professional career, the formidable Masoud is yet to lose even a single round on any judge’s scorecard. Masoud will proudly adorn his trunks with Brains Pure CBD branding on Friday, March 19, when he faces countryman Louis Norman at Bolton Whites Hotel in Bolton, Lancashire, UK and streaming live on ESPN+at 1:00 pm EST/10:00 am PST. The IFL TV broadcast of the card is expected to start at 7:30 pm (GTM).
 
“We are in the hurt business,” said Masoud, “and bumps and bruises and even nagging injuries are just part of the game. Brains Pure CBD really helps with the wear-and-tear my body goes though in training camp everyday. Not only does it help to speed my recovery time from minor injuries, but it also helps me get to sleep at night, so I’m always my best in the gym. And it’s not full of mystery chemicals that might get you in trouble with the boxing commissions.


“Brains is all-natural, plant-based product with zero prohibited THC. That’s clinically researched and tested by leading sports authorities. Like with any opponent, I did my research and have found that not all CBDs are created equally. Brains is the only CBD I trust. I’m very happy to be partnering with them on a product I very much believe in for my run to the world championship.”
 
Brains Bioceutical, who have sponsored several recent boxing events worldwide, have also joined forces with 18-0 welterweight standout Custio Clayton of Canada, MTK’s recent “The Golden Contract” Light Heavyweight tournament and world-renowned UK-based trainer of champions, Ben Davison’s state-of-the-art Performance Centre, located outside London, England.
 
Incidentally, Davison, who has worked with a long list of boxing luminaries including Josh Taylor and Billy Joe Saunders, as well as heavyweight king Tyson Fury previously, has given Masoud an important seal of approval by signing on as his trainer. 
 
“Masoud has the potential of a pound-for-pound-level fighter,” said Davison. “I believe he can achieve that. He’s like Naz was in his prime and he has all the same swagger and showmanship. He’s also a good kid who works hard in the gym to reach his goals. That’s why I was happy to find out he had been acquired by the Brains Bioceutical people who are innovating CBD’s countless benefits for an athletes’ rest and recovery.” 


Brains will also have a presence on the ring canvas at the Hotel Plaza in Quebec City, Canada, on Tuesday, March 16, for promoter Yvon Michel’s upcoming event “The Homecoming,” his first in 16 months. The $29.99 PPV card is headlined by a rematch featuring WBC #1 bridgerweight Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) and Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-5, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
 
“Shabaz Masoud is a welcome addition to our worldwide team of athlete ambassadors,” said Ricky Brar, CEO & Chairman, Brains Bioceutical Corp. He has the skills and the personality to become boxing’s newest superstar and Brains Pure CBD will be right by his side.”
 
“As the makers of one of the world’s purest CBD products, tested by a World Anti-Doping Agency approved lab, Brains Pure CBD is ideal for fighters,” Brar continued. We’re proud of our roles in the lives of some of the bravest competitors in all of sport.”
 
“The Homecoming” will be livestreamed by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile app, all major OTT apps and website (FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for USD $29.99 (available in English or French). It will also be available in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP for $39.99 CDN.


You can follow Shabaz Masoud’s journey on his social media accounts.
Twitter: @ShabazMasoud
Instagram: shabaz_maverick_masoud

ABOUT BRAINS BIOCEUTICAL CORP
Brains Bioceutical Corp is a leader in certified production of naturally sourced active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Brains Bioceutical is one of the only cannabinoid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers in production today and is involved in academic and clinical trials across the globe.


For more information, visit: www.brainspure.com or Instagram: @brainspure
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DAVID BENAVIDEZ PUTS THE SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION ON NOTICE,STOPS RONALD ELLIS IN 11th ROUND OF SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® MAIN EVENT

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Lightweight Sensation Isaac Cruz Earns Unanimous Decision Against Matias Romero In First Loss; Terrell Gausha Scores Emphatic TKO Victory Over Jamontay Clark in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME® in Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
(Photos will be uploaded shortly)
 
Click Here to Watch the Main Event’s Final Moments
 
Click Here to Watch David Benavidez’s Post-Fight Interview
 
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – March 13, 2021 – Former two-time world champion David Benavidez kept his perfect ring record intact with an 11th-round technical knockout victory against veteran Ronald Ellis in their WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator main event on Saturday night’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
Phoenix’s Benavidez (24-0, 21 KOs) flashed brilliant hand speed, accuracy and power as he dominated Ellis (18-2-2, 12 KOs) of Lynn, Mass., over 11 rounds before referee Johnny Callas finally waved off the fight at 2:03 of the penultimate round. The 24-year-old star held a significant lead on all three scorecards (99-91, 98-92 x2) at the time of the stoppage.
 
“I rate my performance pretty good but I know I could have done better,” said Benavidez, who extended his perfect record to 24-0. “Ronald Ellis is a tough competitor. I just hope the fans like what they saw. I threw a lot of combinations, punches in bunches. There were a lot of times I thought Ellis was going to quit but he didn’t. Hats off to him, he’s a tough guy. It was a little later than I wanted but a stoppage is still a stoppage. I hope the fans got a good show tonight.”
 
A boxing prodigy turned youngest super middleweight world champion in boxing history, Benavidez turned in a masterful performance as evidenced by his punch stats, landing 289 of 532 power punches thrown for an eye-popping connection rate of 54%. Benavidez connected on 50 punches in the 11th round which ultimately led to the stoppage. Both fighters combined to throw 1,403 punches. Following his dominating win on SHOWTIME, Benavidez is one step closer to reclaiming a super middleweight world title.
 
“I want all the big guys,” Benavidez added. “Speaking for the fans too, they would love to see me against all the big guys because as you can see, I love throwing punches. I love stopping people so me versus any big name would be an amazing fight. I want [Jermall] Charlo, Canelo Alvarez, Caleb Plant, all of them.”
 
Ellis, 31, showed tremendous determination and a very sturdy chin as he absorbed the constant onslaught from the former two-time world champion. Often working off the ropes as Benavidez pressed the action, Ellis landed 89 of his 334 jabs.
 
“I could have popped the jab and controlled things a little bit more and not let him smother me,” said Ellis. “Hell yeah I wanted to finish. I didn’t want to give him that satisfaction. I could have moved a little bit more and not taken so many shots to the head. Hats off to him. He did what he had to do. He never hurt me, that’s the funny thing. I took a lot of shots but he didn’t damage me or have me super hurt. I never thought about quitting.”
 
The sports world lost an icon today as the death of Marvelous Marvin Hagler was reported hours before the live telecast began. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Hagler, who was 66 years old, fought in the first main event ever on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on March 10, 1986. Hagler was honored with a ceremonial 10-count prior to tonight’s main event. Click Here to Watch SHOWTIME’s Tribute to Marvin Hagler
 
Benavidez reflected on Hagler’s passing after the fight: “I had met Marvin once before and he was a great champion. Someone told me he fought the first fight on SHOWTIME. Someone on my team let me know a few hours before the fight that he had passed. It’s sad and he will be missed. He was a true legend.”
 
In the co-main event, Isaac Cruz (21-1-1, 15 KOs) of Mexico City earned a unanimous decision victory over Argentina’s Matias Romero (24-1, 8 KOs) in a 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator. It marked the first time that the 22-year-old Cruz went 12 rounds in his professional career. The judges’ scorecards read 114-113, 115-112 and 118-109. SHOWTIME’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood scored the fight 115-112, giving rounds 10 through 12 to the rising star.
 
“I’m not happy about the style of the fight but I am satisfied I took the victory home and we’ve come to the No. 1 spot in the WBA,” said Cruz. “I didn’t know what was going to happen [as far as the judges]. We forced the fight at all times and it would have been very impossible for the judges to do something to me when I was the one pushing the fight.”
 
Throughout the 36-minute affair, Cruz constantly applied pressure against his opponent which led to Romero, the more seasoned professional, to hold excessively in an attempt to stall the pressure. Despite being warned frequently by referee Harvey Dock, the 24-year-old Romero was never penalized. During the rough-and-tumble contest, however, Cruz was docked a point in the sixth round for a low blow.
 
“He was a fighter who didn’t want to exchange punches,” Cruz added, in reference to the persistent clinching. “I was very fed up with the clinches—there was never a warning toward him. I did my best out there. Not the best way I wanted to do it but thank God we won the fight and we’re taking the victory home.”
 
Romero presented an effective jab throughout the fight, landing 89 of 282, but it was Cruz’s power punching that ultimately earned him the victory. Cruz, who is now the No. 1 contender for a world title shot at 135 pounds, landed 145 of 459 power punches, including 91 body shots.
 
“Obviously I’m not happy with the decision,” stated Romero following his first professional loss. “I thought maybe it was a draw. Overall I’m happy with my performance. He’s supposed to the be the ‘Pit Bull’ and I went the distance. You have to take the opportunities when they are presented and I wish I would have had more time to get ready for this fight.”
 
In the evening’s opening bout, Cleveland’s Terrell Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs) scored an impressive second-round technical knockout over fellow Ohioan Jamontay Clark (15-2-1, 7 KOs) of Cincinnati. Gausha, 33, did not land a single power punch in the opening round but worked well behind the jab, winning the round on two of the judges’ scorecards. As the second round neared completion, Gausha beautifully countered a lunging left hand from the southpaw Clark which sent the 26-year-old to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Clark beat the count but moments later was met by a barrage of unanswered punches in the neutral corner. Referee Arthur Mercante jumped in and called a halt to the bout at 2:44 of the second round.
 
“I knew Jamontay was a tough kid, I’ve been watching him since Cleveland so I knew about him already,” said Gausha. “I felt like I had a chance to knock him out but I didn’t know how the fight would play out. But I feel I did good, executed the game plan. My coaches had been studying film and we executed.
 
“I just took my time,” added Gausha. “I was setting traps. I knew he would be open eventually, but I had to be cautious too because he’s a rangy guy, has a good left hand. But I knew there were holes in his game and we executed and when the opportunity presented itself, we landed that big right hand.”
 
With his emphatic stoppage win, the 2012 Olympian emerges as a contender for a title shot in the super welterweight division. In his first and only world title shot in 2017, Gausha dropped a unanimous decision to current super welterweight world champion Erislandy Lara.
 
“I know I made a statement tonight,” added Gausha. “I put the division on notice. I’m locked and loaded and I’m ready. I want to be a world champion so I’m looking to fight whoever I need to fight to get to the belts.”
 
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay Sunday at 8:55 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday at 10 p.m. ET on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
 
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the telecast. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo called the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The telecast was available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and Alejandro Luna calling the action. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director was Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy.
 
The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.