Tag Archives: ESPN

WOMENS POUND FOR POUND QUEEN CLARESSA SHIELDS NOMINATED FOR ESPY FOR 2021 BEST BOXER

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR CLARESSA SHIELDS AS 2021 BEST BOXER HERE.


Salita Promotions wishes to congratulate women’s pound-for-pound #1 boxer and three-division world champion Claressa Shields for being nominated for a 2021 ESPY Award for Best Boxer.


Presented by Capital One and the ESPN network, the ESPY’s allow fans to choose the yearly winners by way of online voting.


Aside from making her successful MMA fighting debut in June, Shields (11-0-0, 2 KOs) made history last March by dethroning Canada’s Marie-Eve Dicaire and becoming the first boxer in the four-belt era, male or female, to be an undisputed champion in two divisions. She also retained her WBC and WBO junior middleweight titles with the victory and claimed Dicaire’s IBF belt, as well as the vacant WBA Championship.


Shields is in strong company with the other nominees, including unified super middleweight champ Canelo Alvarez, unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez and WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.


CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE GWOAT HERE AND TUNE IN TO THE ESPYS ON JULY 10 AT 8 P.M. ET ON ABC.


“Claressa is a once-in-a-generation athlete who is taking women’s combat sports and her fight for equality, inside and outside the ring, to new heights every time she steps into the ring,” said her promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “She is an example to young athletes and especially young female athletes that with hard work you can reach your dreams. 2021 is another history-making year for Claressa with no end in sight to what she can accomplish.”

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About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
 
Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 
 

SUPERSTAR CLARESSA SHIELDS NAMED WOMEN’S BOXING #1 POUND-FOR-POUND BY THE RING AND ESPN

Women’s boxing superstar Claressa Shields has added two more impressive distinctions to her already unparalleled boxing career laurels.


25-year-old “T-Rex” Shields (10-0, 2 KOs), currently the unified WBC and WBO World Female Super Welterweight and WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion, has been named #1 in both The Ring and ESPN’s inaugural pound-for-pound women’s rankings of the best female fighters in the world.


During an exciting renaissance for the sport, Shields was able to best a strong lineup of female fighters including Irish unified lightweight champion Katie Taylor, seven-division champ Amanda Serrano, Norway’s long-time undisputed queen Cecilia Braekhus and her recent conqueror Jessica McCaskill.


Among her many accomplishments, Shields is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and the first American boxer – female or male – to win consecutive Olympic boxing gold medals. She became Unified Super Middleweight World Champion in her fourth professional fight, Unified Middleweight World Champion in her sixth professional fight and Unified Super Welterweight World Champion in her tenth. She also holds the record for becoming a two and three-weight world champion in the fewest professional fights and is one of only seven boxers in history, female or male, to hold all four major world titles in boxing—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO—simultaneously.


“Claressa is the driving force for women’s boxing!” said her promoter, Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “I am happy to see that ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, and the well-respected “Bible of Boxing” Ring Magazine unanimously and indisputably recognize Claressa’s incredible accomplishments as the best in the world.” 


“I’m proud to see two more Herstoric achievements added to the unprecedented resume of Claressa Shields,” said her manager, Mark Taffet, President of Mark Taffet Media. “She continues her march toward equality for female boxers using her broad shoulders from both an athletic and a social perspective. I look forward to the day when she appears on the top pound-for-pound list among the men with no gender labels.”

USA Boxing pays tribute to True Patriot Robert Carmody 1964 Olympic bronze medalist & Soldier killed in Vietnam

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 21, 2020) – People all across the United States will rightfully pay respect to fallen military men and women during this Memorial Day weekend.  One true American Patriot that USA Boxing will remember forever is 1964 Olympic bronze medalist Robert “Butterball”  Carmody, who was killed in action three years later at the height of the Vietnam War.

Born in 1938, Carmody learned to fight on the streets of Brooklyn, where he lived before joining the U.S. Army in 1957, and where he took his first boxing lesson.  A natural-born fighter, he was selected to represent the 11th Airborne Division, even after it was deployed to Germany, after he had earned his airborne wings, and Robert developed into a record 4-time All-Army flyweight champion. 

Carmody also captured top honors at the 1962 International Military Sports Council and earned a bronze medal in 1963 at the prestigious Pan American Games.  At the 1964 Olympic Boxing Trials, held at the famous New York’s World’s Fair, he upset flyweight favorite Melvin Miller to earn a spot on the 1964 USA Olympic Boxing Team.

At the Olympics, Carmody became a close friend of heavyweight Joe Frazier, the lone American to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.  The smallest and biggest men on the Olympic Team were buddies.  Frazier, of course, went on to become a Hall of Fame heavyweight champion, who was inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame this past December.

“He’s the type of guy you really need,” Frazier said in a 2006 ESPN.com interview.  “I had some hard times, things was rough, but he was a guy that helped you out a lot.  I loved him like a brother.”

Hampered by a bruised hand, the 5’ 2”, 112-pound Carmody had a bye in the opening round, knocked out Nam Singh Thapa (Nepal) in his first fight, took a decision (4-1) versus Otto Babiasch (Germany), and lost in the semifinals by way of a questionable decision (1-4) to the eventual Olympic champion, Fernando Atzon (Italy).

Although he never publicly complained about the decision that may have cost him an Olympic gold medal, Carmody was visibly upset as he headed to the locker room, when General William Westmoreland hollered to him, “Good job, soldier!” Carmody, though, turned and reportedly yelled back, “You dumb son of a bitch!”

After the Olympics, Carmody retired from amateur boxing with a 128-12 record, returned home and rather than turn pro, he decided to stay in the U.S. Army, training a few teams at the International Military Sports Council, including the U.S. Army squad. 

Strings were pulled for the 10-year military veteran, because of his imposing status as an Olympic bronze medalist, he didn’t have to go with his 199th Light Infantry Brigade when it was deployed to Vietnam.  But even though he wasn’t combat trained, due to his training as a boxer, Carmody insisted on deploying with his unit on June of 1967, the day his son, Robert Carmody, Jr. was born. 

A few weeks later, Staff Sergeant Carmody’s unit. D Troop of the U.S. 17th Calvary Regiment was on a routine six-man foot patrol north of Saigon.  They were ambushed by Viet Cong guerillas and five of the six U.S. soldiers were killed, including Carmody, who was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star for valor.  He became the first Olympic boxing medalist to die in combat.

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

“Robert Carmody’s selflessness and character extends far beyond our sport of Olympic-style amateur boxing,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Director.  “A warrior in the ring, a hero outside of the ring—he showed the world the very best of what USA Boxing has to offer, and the USA Boxing Alumni Association looks forward to keeping his legacy alive.”

“On this Memorial Day, USA Boxing wants to recognize and honor our fallen heroes who have gave their lives in defense of our country, like Robert Carmody,” stated USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee. “On this Memorial Day, I think it is important to also recognize all who have served in our military, which Billy Ray Cyrus stated, ‘All gave some and some gave all.’ Thank you for your service, we will never forget.”

Olympic Bronze Medal winner to Bronze Star recipient, Robert Carmody was a fighter true and true, as well as a man of tremendous honor, and a legitimate hero.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.orgi

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. 

MENG FANLONG EARNS TITLE SHOT VS. BETERBIEV – LOOKS TO BRING HAPPINESS TO HOMELAND AT DIFFICULT TIME

February 17th, NYC — China’s Meng Fanlong (16-0, 10 KOs) will fight IBF & WBC light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs), March 28th at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada.  Beterbiev vs. Meng is presented by Top Rank in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and Gestev, and will be broadcast live on ESPN along with a co-feature bout at 10 PM ET. 

Fanlong, who is from Chifeng, Inner Mongolia China, has more than just his world title shot on his mind.  His home country has been essentially shut down due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak.  

“The majority of my country has been shut down for weeks.” Says Meng. “My fellow citizens need something to help them escape from this very difficult time.  I hope to bring some positivity, happiness, and joy to them with this fight. I want to put pride in their hearts.”




On the 28th of March, Meng will be stepping into the ring with one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers.  Champion Artur Beterbiev has won all of his professional fights by knockout – including his thrilling title unification bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyck in October.  Meng was in attendance that night in Philadelphia and observed with great interest. 

But facing one of boxing’s most dangerous fighters in the ring pales in comparison to the concerns and troubles that are affecting hundreds of millions of Chinese across the globe. 

“Fanlong is the best Chinese fighter in the world – everyone will learn that on March 28th.”  Says Meng advisor Tommy Lane. “This is a historic fight because he is the first Chinese boxer to fight for the light heavyweight championship. And with what is going on with coronavirus, this is a fight that can bring joy and positive energy to the people at this challenging time.” 

It is unknown when the coronavirus will be under control or when the citizens of the The People’s Republic of China can get back to normal life. 

“My country needs me.  We will get through this.”

Tickets for Beterbiev vs. Meng can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ca or the Videotron Center box office Meng. More event details will be announced at a later time.  For interview requests and media opportunities, please contact Terry Lane – tmlane@gmail.com.   

#BeterbievMeng – official hashtag

ABOUT MENG FANLONG

Meng Fanlong is a Chinese, undefeated, professional boxer who competes in the light heavyweight division. Meng has a long list of amateur boxing accomplishments, including earning a spot on the the 2012 Chinese Olympic team.  He is now the number one ranked light heavyweight contender. 


ABOUT LANE BROTHERS BOXING

New York City Based “Lane Brothers Boxing” was founded in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane.  The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for nearly fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent. Terry and Tommy are the sons of former referee Mills Lane. 

FOX SPORTS AND ESPN OFFER EXTENSIVE WILDER VS. FURY FIGHT WEEK PROGRAMMING

Quartet of World Champions Anchor FOX Sports and ESPN
Wilder vs. Fury II Pay-Per-View Broadcast

Wilder vs. Fury II on FOX Sports PPV and ESPN+ PPV,
a Historic Joint Presentation, Starting Saturday, Feb. 22 at 9:00 PM ET

LAS VEGAS – Today, FOX Sports and ESPN announced an extensive Wilder vs. Fury II fight week and fight night programming lineup in advance of the highly anticipated rematch between undefeated heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and unbeaten lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury taking place on Saturday, Feb. 22, in a historic, joint presentation by FOX Sports PPV and ESPN+ PPV live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9:00 PM ET and features former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin squaring off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator as the co-main event. WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” will defend his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima in the PPV featured bout. Plus in the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.
 
Prelims will begin at 7:30 PM ET on FS1, ESPNEWS and in Spanish on FOX Deportes and ESPN3, featuring two explosive bouts. ESPNEWS’ coverage will switch to ESPN at 8:00 PM ET.
 
Fight week and fight night programming will feature a quartet of former champions and current FOX Sports and ESPN analysts, including three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, former two-division world champion and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, two-time welterweight world champion Shawn Porter and future Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley. Lewis and Ward will join ESPN veteran broadcaster Joe Tessitore for ringside commentary. Bradley and Porter will join ESPN’s Max Kellerman and FOX Sports’ Brian Kenny (host) live on the desk. ESPN’s boxing insiders Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will serve as reporters alongside FOX Sports’ Kate Abdo. Boxing Hall of Famer Larry Hazzard Sr. will serve as the unofficial scorer and rules expert, while Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will serve as ring announcer. Spanish-language coverage from site includes play-by-play from ESPN Deportes’ Jorge Eduardo Sánchez and FOX Deportes’ Adrián García Márquez, alongside former champions Juan Manuel Márquez (ESPN Deportes) and Hall of Famer Erik “Terrible” Morales (FOX Deportes) on the analysis. ESPN Deportes’ David Faitelson and FOX Deportes’ Jaime Motta will provide commentary.
 
FOX Sports and ESPN’s presentation of Wilder vs. Fury II will feature unique production upgrades to bring fans closer to the ring and deliver views that enhance their experience. The production will include 35 cameras – unprecedented for an ESPN boxing production – seven super-slow-motion and six robotic cameras, a 4D camera system that allows 360 degree replays, a mini FlyCam, a JITA camera for unique shots, as well as bumper corner cameras.
 
Covering the historic heavyweight battle, FOX Sports and ESPN will be producing an unprecedented amount of content from numerous locations in Las Vegas starting Tuesday, Feb. 18. Lead up coverage includes:
 
SportsCenter on the Road (Tuesday-Sunday, from MGM Grand set near KÀ Theater): Toni Collins, Mark Kriegel, Bernardo Osuna, Joe Tessitore and Stan Verrett rotate to host segments for ESPN’s flagship news and information program.
Wilder vs. Fury II Final Press Conference (Wednesday at 4:30 PM ET on FS1 and ESPN2): Watch Joe Tessitore, Brian Kenny and Shawn Porter preview Saturday’s showdown, while Kate Abdo hosts the fighters in their final press conference from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes and FOX Deportes.
Wilder vs. Fury II Official Weigh-In: (Friday at 6:00 PM ET on FS1 and ESPN2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena): Joe Tessitore, Brian Kenny and Shawn Porter discuss the heavyweight title fight, while Kate Abdo reports. Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes and FOX Deportes.
Wilder vs. Fury II Pre-Show on ABC: Will feature Joe Tessitore from the desk, with ringside analysis from Tim Bradley, Max Kellerman, Mark Kriegel, and Andre Ward, and reports from Bernardo Osuna.
Max on Boxing (Tuesday & Thursday from MGM Grand set near KÀ Theater; Wednesday & Friday from the MGM Grand Garden Arena): ESPN’s boxing series hosted by Max Kellerman airing on ESPN2 at 5:00 PM ET, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 5:30 PM ET on Wednesday. Shows on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday will each be one hour, while Wednesday will be 30-minutes following the live final press conference.
Speak For Yourself (Wednesday-Friday at 3:00 PM ET on FS1): Jason Whitlock and Marcellus Wiley co-host the 90-minute discussion and opinion-based program live on-set at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino set near the MGM Grand Race & Sports Book.
First Take (Thursday-Friday at 10:00 AM ET on ESPN): ESPN’s morning debate show hosted by Molly Qerim with commentators Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman will have Smith, Kellerman and Qerim live on-set at the MGM Grand set near KÀ Theater.

Wilder vs. Fury II Original Content
ESPN’s RingScience hosted by Andre Ward, exclusively on ESPN+.Countdown: Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II, one-hour specialgoes behind the scenes and inside the lives of both fighters as they prepare for their long-awaited rematch. Re-airs during fight week across ESPN and FOX Sports platforms.
Inside Wilder vs. Fury II, an in-depth four part series which looks into the fighter’s preparation leading up to fight night. Re-airs across ESPN and FOX Sports platforms throughout fight week.
Wilder vs. Fury II: The Roundtable premieres on ESPN Friday, Feb. 14.
E60: (Sun at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN): Tyson Fury is a 31-year-old Englishman and unbeaten lineal champion. In 2017, he was on the brink of total self-destruction, and battled depression and anxiety. On February 22, Fury enters the ring to settle old scores when he takes on current WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Before he does, Fury sits down with E:60 reporter Jeremy Schaap to discuss his demons, the road to recovery and his comeback.
Andre Ward’s Unguarded with Tyson Fury, available now exclusively on ESPN+.
 
FOXSports.com
From FOXSports.com: Martin Rogers on how the epic Wilder vs. Fury rematch will shape the boxing landscape and their legacies.
‘One More Round’ with Wilder and Fury – both fighters break down the pivotal rounds from their first bout
The best of “Inside PBC Boxing” including both fighters’ Keys to Victory as broken down by Shawn Porter and Abner Mares
A host of original content on @PBConFOX’s social channels, including Wilder and Fury’s Top 3 Knockouts and their Boxing Mount Rushmores
 
ESPN.com
From ESPN.Com: The Tyson Fury rollercoaster – a look at the highs and lows of a wild career
Mark Kriegel on how Tyson Fury’s decision to change trainers changed everything about this fight
The stories about Deontay Wilder you need to know, as told by those who know him best
Mark Kriegel on how Deontay Wilder became the unlikeliest American boxing icon
Breaking down “The punch”: An oral history of the 12th round in the first Wilder-Fury fight
How does each fighter get the job done? Tim Bradley offers up the gameplan for both fighters (E+)
Social: @ESPNRingside TwitterFacebook and Instagram
 
FOX Sports and ESPN Fight Night Schedule for Saturday, Feb 22:

Sat., 2/22
 
Time ET
Show
Network
11:00 AM
*A Los Golpes
ESPN Deportes
1:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II Pre-Show (Live)
ABC
5:00 PM
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (Early Undercards)
 
FOX Sports App, ESPN App unauthenticated (English & Spanish),
6:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II Pre Show (ABC Re-air)
 
ESPNEWS
7:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II Live Pre-Show

FS1, ESPNEWS; Spanish: ESPN3, FOX Deportes
7:30 PM
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (Undercards)
 
FS1, ESPNEWS
Spanish: ESPN3, FOX Deportes
8:00 PM
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II (Undercards)

FS1, ESPN
Spanish: ESPN3, FOX Deportes
9:00 PM
Wilder vs. Fury II PPV
Available on PPV via major cable and satellite providers, FOX Sports app and ESPN+
Conclusion of PPV
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II Post Show (Live)

FS1, ESPN2
Conclusion of PPV
In Spanish – Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II Post Show (Live)

ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes
*slight delay

Main Card, Undercards and Early Undercards (All times ET)

9:00 PM
Main
Deontay Wilder (C) vs. Tyson Fury (Lineal)
Co-Feature
Charles Martin vs. Gerald Washington
Special Feature
Emanuel Navarrete (C) vs. Jeo Santisima
Opener
Sebastian Fundora vs. Daniel Lewis
8:00 PM
Feature
Amir Imam vs. Javier Molina
7:30 PM
Feature
Subriel Matias vs. Petros Ananyan
5:00 PM
Feature
Rolando Romero vs. Arturs Ahmetovs
Undercard
Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Matt Conway
Undercard
Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Cory Champion
Undercard
Isaac Lowe vs. Alberto Guevara
 
 
For more information, visit FOX Sports Press Pass or ESPNPressRoom.
 
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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.toprank.comhttp://www.
foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
www.foxdeportes.com and www.espn.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @trboxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @ESPN, @ESPNRingside, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.Facebook.com/trboxingwww.facebook.com/foxsportswww.facebook.com/foxdeportesand www.facebook.com/espn.

January 18: Eleider Alvarez and Michael Seals Set for Light Heavyweight Slugfest LIVE on ESPN+ at Turning Stone Resort Casino

ESPN+ stream to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

VERONA, N.Y. (Nov. 4, 2019) — Two of the light heavyweight’s division’s most explosive fighters are set for a fistic shootout Saturday, Jan. 18, as former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will face Michael “Cannon Handz” Seals at Turning Stone Resort Casino.


The 10-round showdown will be contested for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title, and the winner is expected to challenge for a world title in 2020.

Alvarez-Seals and a co-feature will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $89, $75, $69, $62, $59 and $40 go on sale Friday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

“This is a fantastic fight, a true 50-50 matchup featuring two of the division’s best punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light heavyweight division is on fire right now, and the winner will be in a tremendous position.”

“I am very happy to get back in the ring after this long layoff,” Alvarez said. “I am looking at Jan. 18 to reboot my career against a strong puncher, Michael Seals, and begin my campaign to once again be on top of the boxing world. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, but in 2020, nothing will stop me from becoming a world champion again.”

“First, I would like to thank Top Rank and ESPN for giving Eleider this opportunity, as well as a plan to be very active in 2020,” said Yvon Michel, Alvarez’s co-promoter.  “Eleider had a great run before his last fight, beating three former or current world champions in a row: Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Sergey Kovalev. The defeat in his rematch with Kovalev was very painful, but also a great learning lesson. Eleider Alvarez belongs with the elite of the light heavyweight division, and he will prove it starting Jan. 18 in Verona.”

“Uncle Bob and Brad Goodman are giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am going to put on a show for them,” Seals said. “Everyone knows that going the distance is against my religion. I’m going to bring the heat, and that’s no secret. Alvarez made a huge mistake in accepting me for his ‘comeback fight.’ When you sign a contract with me, I’m trying to force-feed you some ZzzQuil. This is a tune-up for him but everything for me. I’m not an opponent for the top fighters. I am a top fighter. I want a world title shot, and I won’t let this guy get in the way. He had his time. It’s my time.”

Alvarez (24-1, 12 KOs), the Colombian-born, Montreal-based boxer-puncher has not fought since Feb. 2, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Sergey Kovalev six months after knocking him out to win the WBO light heavyweight world title. Alvarez’s long layoff is due to a torn foot ligament he suffered in training earlier this year. He hopes a win over Seals will earn him another crack at world championship glory.

Seals (24-2, 18 KOs), a Mobile, Alabama, native who played collegiate football at Alabama A&M, is still one of the division’s heaviest hitters at 37 years of age. An 11-year pro, Seals has been involved in many memorable brawls, including a 2015 Fight of the Year contender versus Edwin Rodriguez that included five knockdowns in three rounds. Despite falling short versus Rodriguez, Seals’ reputation as a fan-friendly was solidified. He has won four in a row, including three by knockout in either first or second round. He is coming off a one-punch, first-round knockout Oct. 18 in Philadelphia against Elio Trosch.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.comwww.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #AlvarezSeals to join the conversation on social media.

Oscar Valdez-Jason Sanchez Headlines Top Rank on ESPN Card June 8 at Reno-Sparks Convention Center


Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals to clash in 10-round light heavyweight co-feature

LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



RENO, Nev. (May 9, 2019) — Boxing’s preeminent action superhero, Oscar Valdez, will make the sixth defense of his WBO featherweight world title Saturday, June 8 against the upset-minded Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Valdez-Sanchez and the 10-round light heavyweight showdown between title-hungry contenders Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Gabriel Flores Jr. (13-0, 6 KOs), fresh off his third-round knockout over Eduardo Pereira Reis in front of more than 10,000 fans in his hometown of Stockton, California, will see action on the undercard.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.

“Jason Sanchez is the real ‘Cinderella Man,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is young, hungry and capable of pulling off a major upset. It should be an exciting battle.”

“I’m excited to be back in the ring for the sixth defense of my world title. I know there is a big target on my back because I’m the champion, but nobody is going to take this title away from me,” Valdez said. “This will be my second fight training with Eddy Reynoso. Training with Eddy, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I felt great in the ring during my first fight with Eddy in my corner. I know that I will look even better this time out. The fans in Reno and watching on ESPN and ESPN Deportes can expect a great showing from me on June 8.”

“I am truly honored and blessed to have an opportunity like this,” Sanchez said. “Coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico, I knew I had to work extra hard to be noticed and to get where I’m at right now. I will be bringing this belt home to Albuquerque, to my family, my supporters, and most of all, my late brother Alan Sanchez. I believe he guided me down this road and that my journey is only beginning.”

Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs), Mexico’s first two-time Olympian, has thrilled boxing fans with his go-for-broke style. He won the WBO featherweight title in July 2016 and proved his mettle with a trio of 12-round bloodbaths against Miguel Marriaga, Genesis Servania and Scott Quigg in consecutive bouts. Valdez outlasted an over-the-weight Quigg last March by unanimous decision despite fighting more than half the bout with a severely broken jaw. Following the Quigg bout, Valdez took nearly a year off, returning Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to knock out then-unbeaten Italian challenger Carmine Tommasone in the seventh round.  

The 24-year-old Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) enters this championship fight as one of the featherweight division’s fastest-rising young guns. Last October, he stunned then-unbeaten Jean Carlos Rivera via unanimous decision in Panama City, Panama. Following the Rivera victory, Sanchez signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. He impressed in his Top Rank debut Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, knocking out Daniel Olea in the second round. Sanchez hopes to become only the fifth men’s boxer from New Mexico to win a world title.

Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12th and final round.

Seals (22-2, 16 KOs), a former linebacker for Alabama A&M University, traded in his cleats for trunks and turned pro after a five-fight amateur career. He was 19-0 when he clashed with Edwin Rodriguez in November 2015. In a seesaw battle that included five knockdowns, Rodriguez knocked out Seals in the third round of a Fight of the Year contender. Seals is 3-1 since the Rodriguez battle, the lone loss coming via disqualification after he hit his opponent while he was on the ground. The winner of this can’t-miss action fight will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.

“I am very excited to have signed with Top Rank, a world-class organization with the best light heavyweights in the world,” Barrera said. “I am excited about the future, but the first step is to handle business June 8 and then I can look forward to a shot at a world title. My ultimate goal is Sergey Kovalev. I’ve been chasing him my whole career. Hopefully, we can finally fight this year.”

“This means everything to me. I had a great opportunity with Edwin Rodriguez, but I went into that fight with a torn rotator cuff. I was basically fighting with just my right hand,” Seals said. “Now, I am 100 percent healthy. This is my time. Barrera had his time. I feel good. I feel sharp. I feel young. I have sacrificed so much and have had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made and all of the hardships I’ve gone through. On June 8, I’m going to unleash all of my frustration on Barrera. I don’t want to take anything away from Barrera. He’s a world-class fighter, but I am as well.”

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Teofimo Lopez has star making performance in New York City


Teofimo Lopez obliterates Mason Menard in 44 seconds with “Knockout of the Year” candidate in front of large viewing audience in ESPN

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

NEW YORK (December 10, 2018) -Top lightweight Teofimo Lopez scored an explosive 44-second knockout over Mason Menard this past Saturday night at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a scheduled ten-round bout that was viewed by a massive audience on ESPN.


Lopez landed a crushing right hand that had Menard plummeting face-first on to the canvas, in what was the opening televised bout on the Vasilly Lomachenko – Jose Pedraza lightweight unification card.

Lopez is now the NABA, NABF and USBA Lightweight champion.
The knockout, was featured on ESPN SportsCenter, and all over social media, took place on an event which was the 2nd highest rated boxing card on cable television this year 

With the win, Lopez pushed his perfect mark to 11-0 with nine knockouts, and now he feels he is ready for anybody in the lightweight division.


“I knew he was a tough fighter. I knew he could fight,” Lopez said. “I wanted to test him, and I took a chance early in the fight. I know he trained hard, and he didn’t want it to go that way. But this is ‘The Takeover.’ ‘The Takeover’ has begun.

“In 2019, I will be a world champion. That’s a guarantee.”

“I put an exclamation point that I am no longer a prospect, and now it’s on to the contenders, and moving up the rankings.  In 2019 you will see me fight for a world title.”

Said Lopez manger, David McWater of Split T Management, “He’s just never stops surprising me. Just when you think he can’t do better than his last fight he does something even more amazing. It’s been a generation since boxing saw a young fighter like this”

Teofimo Lopez talks about his explosive KO over Mason Menard

Isiah Seldon ready for undefeated middleweight Tyler Howard on November 16th in Oklahoma City

Atlantic City, NJ (November 1, 2018) – Middleweight Isiah Seldon is getting ready for his biggest fight of his career when he takes on undefeated Tyler Howard in a bout scheduled for eight-round on November 16th at The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

 

 

 

The bout, which is promoted by Top Rank, will be streamed live on ESPN+.

 

 

 

The main event will see WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker defending against Alex Saucedo.

 

 

 

Seldon (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been training in Atlantic City under the watchful eye of Bill Johnson.

 

 

 

“I am looking forward to this great opportunity,” said Seldon.  “I have been longing for an opportunity to take on a fighter such as Howard as a win will take my career to the next level.”

 

 

 

Team Seldon, has been working diligently with longtime manager Jim Kurtz very excited about the opportunity that Seldon has in front of him.

 

 

 

“It doesn’t get any bigger than fighting on a Top Rank show with an explosive main event between Hooker and Saucedo. The staff at Top Rank has been top notch.  I am really excited for Isiah to get this opportunity to display his talents on a big stage.  Myself and co-manager Joe Thompson are convinced Isiah is ready to shine on November 16th and it can’t get here fast enough,” said Kurtz, who has managed Seldon from day one.

 

 

 

Kurtz also managed Seldon’s father, WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon.

 

 

 

“Isiah has reunited with his original trainer Bill Johnson and they haven’t skipped a beat.  This is the first time Isiah has had a full fledged training camp.  We haven’t left any stone unturned in preparation for this fight.  Isiah’s conditioning is at a point that I have never seen with him before.  He is getting great sparring and his improvement working with Bill in preparation for this fight has been incredible.  He is ready to show the world a new and improved Isiah Seldon.  He has a large legacy to follow being the son of former WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon but Isiah is determined to make his own mark on the sport of boxing.”

 

 

 

“He has always had power in both hands, scoring knockdown in almost every fight, but now he is learning to remain calm and finish guys instead of getting overly excited and letting them off the hook.  He is punching harder than ever before, putting his punches together and his boxing ability has reached a level where he can control the pace of the fight.  We have taken it slow with Isiah considering he didn’t have any amateur fights but we are now at the point where he is ready to make his mark on the Middleweight division.”

 

 

 

“We know Tyler Howard is a good undefeated fighter.  He had a good amateur career, comes from a family with a boxing background, and has a solid management team who have done a great job with him. On November 16th we expect a tough fight with some fireworks but we are confident Isiah will emerge victorious and this will lead us to bigger and better opportunities.”

Teofimo Lopez shines with 6th round stoppage over William Silva in ESPN co-feature

NEW YORK (JULY 16, 2018)–Teofimo Lopez shined in a major step up bout as he dominated William Silva by scoring a 6th round stoppage in their lightweight bout that was the co-feature on ESPN.

The bout took place on Saturday night at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

In round one, Lopez dumped Silva with a left hook.  Silva was bleeding from the nose,  In round five, Lopez landed several hard hooks to the bloodied Silva, and then dumped Silva to the canvas in the corner.

Lopez came out in round six by landing three left hooks and a right that dropped Silva and the bout was called at 15 seconds.

Silva who came in with a record of 25-1, and is only loss was to Felix Verdejo on HBO, had never been knocked down before the fighter known as “Gordo” dropped him three times.

Lopez is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts.  Silva is 25-2.

“I know everything is set up by the jab,” said Lopez.  “The jab is the most important punch.  I was playing with his mind.  I was setting him up by letting him get comfortable and then to land the big shot.  I hurt my hands, early in the fight but you prepare yourself for the worst possible. I just put everyone on notice that I’m coming for those world title at 135lbs!”

“I can’t remember ever seeing such a dynamic young performer as Teofimo Lopez. He’s going to be the best in the world,” said Split-T Management CEO David McWater.

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank