LAS VEGAS (August 16, 2021) – Undefeated 122-pound world champions are set to square off as WBC champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and WBO champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. will meet in a title unification on Saturday, September 18 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas.
Tickets for the live event go on sale today at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.
Figueroa vs. Fulton has been a much-discussed potential showdown for several years prior to the two unbeaten fighters joining the world championship ranks with career-best performances in 2021. Fulton struck first, dominating then-unbeaten Angelo Leo to capture the WBO title in January, while Figueroa made his own statement in stopping two-division champion Luis Nery to capture the WBC strap in May.
STREAMING LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY AUG. 26TH ON UFC FIGHT PASS® FROM TEXAS LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2021) — Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs) is aware of future implications regarding his August 26th match against Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (15-6, 9 KOs) in the 8-roiund co-featured event on the next installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGH PASS®.
Presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing in association with Next Up Fight and the World Cup Boxing Series, the Aug. 26th event will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Humble Civic Center in Humble, Texas.
Texas rivals Eridson Garcia (13-0, 9 KOs) and Armando Frausto (9-1-1, 5 KOs) headline in the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super featherweight title.
Harris’ most impressive victories to date have been a pair of 2017 8-round unanimous decisions over former California State welterweight and New England middleweight champion, Chris Chatman (14-7-1), and veteran Lanardo Tyner (32-10-2) for the vacant UBF All American middleweight title.
St. Louis’ Alexander is the brother of 3-time, 2-division World champion Devon Alexander. In 2017, “The Animal” stopped former IBF World Middleweight Champion Elvin Ayala in seven rounds and two years later, Alexander took an 8-round majority decision from previously undefeated prospect Money Powell (10-0, 7 KOs).
“I’ll probably come out boxing him, beat on him a little, and then see from there,” Harris predicted. “He may take me the distance, but I’m going to win easily. I’ll have 20 wins and that should position me at the next level, especially fighting on UFC FIGHT PASS. I’ve never fought on a televised (or streamed) show before.
“I’m a boxer-puncher with real good power and speed. I’m a big guy for my weight class and smart. I do a lot of different things and I definitely have a lot of heart.”
Undefeated Austin (TX) super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs) will meet Antonius Grable (3-1, 3 KOs), of Sarasota (FL), in a 6-round match.
Opening the UFC FIGHT PASS stream is a 4-round middleweight bout between Houston prospect Eugene Hill, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) and Shane Hall (0-1), of Clovis, New Mexico.
Former WBA World light welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout will join veteran James “Smitty” Smith on the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS announcing team for this show.
Gary Antonio Russell vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez Ends in No-Decision After Accidental Headbutt Injures Rodriguez in Opening Round Former Champion Rau’shee Warren Scores Dominant Second-Round Stoppage Against Damien Vazquez Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/ Premier Boxing Champions CARSON, CALIF. (August 14, 2021) – WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero defeated two-division champion Guillermo Rigondeaux to retain his title Saturday night live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
A three-division world champion, Casimero (31-4, 21 KOs) made his second successful title defense at 118-pounds, earning a career-best victory over the longtime 122-pound champion Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KOs), who moved down to bantamweight in 2020.
“I’m excited to get the win,” said Casimero. “Rigondeaux is a good boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist. I was worried, because he said he wouldn’t run, but he ran the whole time.”
The bout started with an eventful first round, in which it appeared for a moment that a Casimero left hook to the back of Rigondeaux’s head would lead to a knockdown, but referee Jerry Cantu ruled the moment a slip. During the exchange, Casimero threw several punches while Rigondeaux was on one knee, earning a warning from the referee.
From that point on, Rigondeaux remained steadfast to a defensive strategy that saw Casimero forced to chase his opponent around the ring. Meanwhile, Casimero stayed dedicated to pushing forward, looking to slow Rigondeaux down with body shots to set up power shots to the head.
“My expectations were for a knockout,” said Casimero. “Me and all my fans wanted that. I did my best to knock him out, but he was just running and not fighting.”
Rigondeaux was content countering his charging opponent, doing a majority of his damage with variations of his dangerous left hand. In a bout with numerous close rounds, Casimero ended the fight with a narrow 47 to 44 edge in punches landed, including a 41-28 tally in power punches.
Those power punches and sustained aggression proved to be enough for Casimero to hold onto his 118-pound title in the eyes of the judges, as scores of 117-111 and 116-112 overruled one judge’s 115-113 card in favor of Rigondeaux. While Rigondeaux disputed the decision, Casimero looked forward to potential unification clashes with WBC champion Nonito Donaire and WBA and IBF titleholder Naoya Inoue.
“Nobody wants to fight with me because I frustrate them in the ring,” said Rigondeaux. “I landed the punches that I needed to in order to win the fight tonight. This is how I win. I have these God-given skills and this is the way I display them. I’m a unique fighter. It’s my style and it’s the only one I know. You can see I’m still better than anyone else in the lighter weight classes and I’m going to keep fighting.”
“I had a three-fight plan,” said Casimero. “First was Rigondeaux, and I beat him. Next is Nonito Donaire and then finally Naoya Inoue.”
The co-main event saw rising contender Gary Antonio Russell (18-0, 12 KOs) and former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-2, 12 KOs) fight to a no-decision just 16 seconds into the first round of their 118-pound matchup, after an accidental headbutt injured Rodriguez and ended the fight.
“It happens,” said Russell. “I was looking to establish my jab and I tried to set up a hook, and he came in at the same time. It’s very disappointing.”
“I feel okay,” said Rodriguez. “I’m a little frustrated after putting in all this work for the fight to end so quickly with nothing happening. With the headbutt, maybe if there was no blood, we would have been able to continue. But once I saw all the blood, I knew it was over.”
The crossroads battle for the Interim WBA Bantamweight Title was meant to offer Russell a chance to establish himself as a true title contender and give Rodriguez an opportunity to move one step closer to becoming a two-division champion. Rodriguez attempted to counter an incoming Russell attack, which led to the two southpaws clashing heads.
“I was actually in camp for about four months,” said Russell. “I prepared great for this fight. I was really looking to broadcast my talents and show everyone what’s in my arsenal. Unfortunately, the headbutt happened.”
Rodriguez fell to the canvas immediately and was bleeding from his nose, prompting referee Sharon Sands to wave off the bout, which was ruled a no-decision.
“Of course, I would like to come right back,” said Russell. “If he can do it, I want to get right back in there with Rodriguez.”
“I don’t want to lose the condition that I’m in,” said Rodriguez. “I prepared really hard for this fight. As soon as the injury is fixed, I’ll be back in the ring and I’d like to fight Russell again.”
In the opening bout, former world champion Rau’shee Warren (19-3, 5 KOs) dominated Damien Vazquez (16-3-1, 12 KOs) on his way to a second-round stoppage in their bantamweight showdown. Warren scored his first knockout victory since 2015, after going the distance in his previous eight fights.
“I was trying to show them something different this time around,” said Warren. “I have always had the power, but this training camp was very different. I was sitting on my punches and working on something different. It worked in the ring.
“I always knew I had that power and I always knew I had that speed. It’s just about taking your time in the ring and letting them come. When I saw the opportunity, I went for it.”
A three-time U.S. Olympian, Warren came out fast in the first round, using his speed advantage to beat Vazquez to the punch, connecting with a right hand midway through the frame that scored the fight’s first knockdown. Vazquez was able to rise to his feet, but was sent to the canvas for a second time moments later by another sharp right hand from Warren.
Cincinnati’s Warren landed an astounding 22 of 39 power punches in that first round, and continued his dominance into the second. Warren perfectly timed a straight left hand that badly rocked Vazquez, forcing referee Ray Corona to jump in and halt the bout at 2:18 in the second round.
“Next fight is a title fight,” said Warren. “I am the number one contender for the WBA. I want to thank my team for putting me in this position and pushing me. They know what kind of fighter I am. I am going to be champion. Next fight I am grabbing that title. Maybe I will fight the winner of the main event tonight (Rigondeaux vs. Casimero).”
SHOWTIME featured highlights from a non-televised fight that saw undefeated rising prospect Brandun Lee (23-0, 21 KOs) keep his perfect record intact, as he notched his 13th career first-round knockout with a sensational performance against Ezequiel Fernandez (28-5-1, 3 KOs).
“My performance was good,” said Lee. “It could have been better. There’s always room for improvement. At the end of the day, we got the job done. I’m definitely ready for the next level. It’s only right for me to step up the competition. I’ll take on anybody who’s ready.”
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay Sunday, August 15 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Tuesday, August 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME Extreme.
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast was produced by Ray Smaltz III and was directed by Chuck McKean. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Márquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
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ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO Rigondeaux vs. Casimero saw two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast began at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also saw rising unbeaten contender Gary Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren dueled Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout. The event was promoted by TGB Promotions.
c-Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2) defeated #1-John Salter (18-5) via TKO (punches) at 2:07 of round three
Gegard Mousasi following retaining his middleweight title: “He’s a southpaw so everything is more difficult. It was a little bit more difficult to get my punches in, but other than that I felt good. I’m way stronger than people think. Maybe I look skinny but I’m a lot stronger and physically I was the stronger guy in there. On top, I felt like I could just pressure him, put my weight on him and hurt him with my punches. Make him feel the pressure. It was a five-rounder so in my mind, I’m saying ‘Okay, don’t do everything now because we can go five.’”
Andrey Koreshkov following his return to the BELLATOR MMA Cage:
“I try to show everybody that I’m here, I can compete, and I can beat anyone. I think I’m one of the top fighters in this division. In my opinion, I must fight with somebody for the third, second or first place. I’m open to anybody. It doesn’t matter. Neiman Gracie, Jason Jackson, Paul Daley, Michael “Venom” Page – anybody!”
“I’ve never claimed to be the best wrestler in MMA, but y’all better stop sleeping on my wrestling. I’m a two-time national champion for a reason. Ain’t nobody stopping me in the wrestling division. I’m the best wrestler in the division.”
#7-Davion Franklin (4-0) defeated Everett Cummings (15-1) via KO (punches) at :21 of round one
Davion Franklin has his sights set on fellow BELLATOR heavyweight Cheick Kongo:
“I was just thinking about putting him out. Getting him out in the first round. That was my goal this whole time. I learned just to keep going. By the way, I heard Cheick Kongo commented under Everett Cummings’ Instagram post saying that Everett’s gonna’ tap me out. Hey Cheick Kongo, step up, you’ll get done the same way, if not worse.”
Khadzhi Bestaev had this to say following a successful BELLATOR debut:
“He was bigger than me and very tough, but I knew he was going to gas out. He started gassing out in the second or third round, but I’m still surprised by the decision. I thought it was a draw or maybe a split-decision. But I have to see the fight. In my head, he kicked and punched me so many times so hats off to him. He didn’t give up. I just dropped him a couple of times and that was the difference.” Preliminary Card: Pam Sorenson (9-3) defeated Roberta Samad (5-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) Jeffrey Glossner (3-2) defeated Sebastian Ruiz (2-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28-29-28) Jon McNeil (1-0) defeated Orlando Mendoza (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:57 of round three
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
About BELLATOR BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
FORMER BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION PHIL DAVIS CHALLENGES OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST YOEL ROMERO IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 266 INSIDE THE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 18 Special Night of Combat Sports on SHOWTIME begins with World Title Unification Boxing Event Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Immediately Followed by BELLATOR 266
LOS ANGELES – A pair of elite mixed martial artists will meet in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 266 on Saturday, Sept. 18 inside the SAP Center at San Jose when former 205-pound champion and No. 3 ranked Phil Davis (22-6) welcomes MMA superstar Yoel Romero (13-5) to the promotion.
In addition, a women’s flyweight contest between former title challenger #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) and DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) that was originally slated for next week’s BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov event in South Dakota has been re-booked for Sept. 18.
A pair of preliminary bouts have also been announced for BELLATOR’s return to San Jose, highlighted by the Bay Area’s own No. 10 ranked lightweight Adam Piccolotti (12-4) welcoming the hard-hitting Englishman Saul Rogers (14-4) back to the division after competing at featherweight his past four outings. Also, undefeated light heavyweight Grant Neal (6-0) returns to action against former LFA light heavyweight champion Alex Polizzi (7-1).
BELLATOR 266 will be the second half of a special combat sports doubleheader on SHOWTIME. The night will begin with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT featuring a super bantamweight world championship unification bout between Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton Jr. The two unbeaten 122-pound titlists will meet in Las Vegas immediately before the live BELLATOR 266 telecast begins in San Jose.
The preliminary portion of the docket will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Additional bouts will be announced at a later date.
An exclusive online presale for this event takes place starting Wednesday, August 18 with tickets going on sale to the general public Thursday, August 19 at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
Hailing from Harrisburg, Penn., “Mr. Wonderful” will step into the BELLATOR cage for the 14th time in his career, searching for his 10th promotional victory. The former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Champion is looking to make another run at the 205-pound strap, following victories in three of his past four bouts, including a pair of knockouts over Liam McGeary and Karl Albrektsson. A four-time NCAA Division-I All-American wrestler at Penn State University, Davis has proven time and time again that there are few fighters that can hold their own once he gets them to the ground.
Fighting out of Miami, Romero will be making his highly anticipated BELLATOR debut on Sept. 18. Following a seven-year stint under the direction of the UFC, the American Top Team-product became one of the most sought-after free agents prior to signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion in December 2020. With 11 of his 13 career victories coming by way of knockout, including four of the first-round variety, “Soldier of God” possesses the type of knockout power that can force any opponent into early retirement. A three-time World Cup Freestyle Wrestling Champion, five-time Pan-American Freestyle Wrestling Champion, and 2000 Olympics Freestyle Wrestling Silver Medalist, the Cuban-born Romero has continuously showcased his elite talents at the highest level of competition. The only missing trophy to a near-flawless legacy is a BELLATOR world title.
Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Fri. Aug. 13 // BELLATOR 264: Mousasi vs. Salter // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT
Fri. Aug. 20 // BELLATOR 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov //Sanford Pentagon // Sioux Falls, SD
Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA
Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England
Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ
Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia
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BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero Main Card:
SHOWTIME
Light Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Phil Davis (22-6) vs. Yoel Romero (13-5)
Flyweight Bout: #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) and DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1)
Lightweight Bout: #10–Adam Piccolotti (12-4) vs. Saul Rogers (14-4)
Light Heavyweight Bout: #7-Grant Neal (6-0) vs. Alex Polizzi (7-1)
*Card subject to change.
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
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About BELLATOR
BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About SHOWTIME
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
“Victor Ortiz and I are both exciting fighters…everyone knows this is going to be a fan-friendly dog fight,” – Guerrero Former World Champions Robert Guerrero & Victor Ortiz Meet In Clash of All-Action Welterweights Saturday, August 21 on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Undercard from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Click HERE for Photos from Team Guerrero
LAS VEGAS (August 13, 2021) – Former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero previewed his upcoming showdown against fellow all-action brawler “Vicious” Victor Ortiz before they square off on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through tmobilearena.com and axs.com.
The two former world champions are known for their aggressive styles and have been in numerous Fight of the Year candidates throughout their storied careers. On August 21 they meet looking to score a victory that will put them back in position to vie for a world title once again.
Here is what Guerrero had to say about the matchup, training camp and more:
On his upcoming matchup with Victor Ortiz:
“This fight has been a long-time coming, as I remember it was mentioned years ago, but never happened. I am excited for this bout since we both need a win, and the fans are very familiar with both of our styles. Victor Ortiz and I are both exciting fighters, and everyone knows this is going to be a fan friendly dog fight. Fighting Victor is the type of bout that got me excited to have a full professional training camp. I’m grateful to be fighting on this huge FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View card, and I’m going to give it my all.”
On his recent training camp with coach and father Ruben Guerrero:
“I have been working very hard for this camp, in fact, my father Ruben and I took camp to Las Vegas and brought along some young fighters to keep me motivated. I’ve been getting good sparring with DJ Zamora III, who is very fast. I’m feeding off all the young fighters that are training with me, and that is what keeps me fresh. You need to be around hungry fighters who are motivated to stay at this level, because it is easy to lose focus if it’s just you in the gym.”
On returning to the ring after a long layoff:
“At this point in my career, it is about getting the best fights. I got the rust off and now it’s about getting fights that get me and the fans excited. Everyone knows that when I fight, I bring it, and Victor Ortiz is an exciting fighter as well. I am at a point where I have done a lot in the sport, so I am not going to be fighting every other month like when I was a prospect. When you know how to fight, a layoff isn’t always a bad thing.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“A win here puts me in a position to get in contention for a world title, and that should be the goal of everyone who is fighting, to win a world title. If you’re not fighting to win a world title, you shouldn’t be in the sport. I want to win at least one more world title before it’s all said and done. It’s a lofty goal, but I believe in myself.”
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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. UGÁS Pacquiao vs. Ugás will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz meet in a 10-round welterweight duel, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battle former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the pay-per-view.
How to Watch the Saturday, August 21, FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Fight Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas Main Card: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
TV: Available on all major U.S. & Canadian PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.); as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS (Canada)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (August 13, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the full fight card for the event which will be the promotion’s first since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and its first foray into the Granite State.
On the professional portion of the card, Glory Watson (0-1) and Rebecca Bryggman (0-1) will both seek their respective first pro victories in a women’s strawweight contest. Watson, a former NEF amateur flyweight champion, lost her pro debut earlier this year in Florida. Likewise, Bryggman came up short in her professional debut at Bellator 231 in the fall of 2019.
Caleb Hall (3-0) and Shaun Ray (2-0) will put their respective unblemished pro records on the line in a lightweight bout, as will Jacob Deppmeyer (1-0) and Aaron Hughes (1-0) who are scheduled to meet in the 145-pound featherweight division.
Also in action on the professional portion of the card will be NEF fan-favorite Josh Harvey (7-1-1). Harvey will look to bounce back after suffering the first loss of his pro career to veteran Jesse Erickson (10-8) last year.
Two title fights top the amateur portion of the card as Mike Bezanson (5-0) challenges longtime NEF Amateur Welterweight Champion Duncan Smith (6-3) for his strap and Nathaniel Grimard (3-0) and Brandon Maillet-Fevens (3-1) contest for the vacant NEF Amateur Featherweight Title.
Also featured on the amateur card will be a long-awaited rematch between Caleb Austin (4-0) and James Ploss (1-2) in the 125-pound flyweight division. Their first bout, won by Austin in April 2017 at “NEF 28,” was mired in controversy and received national attention on social media.
Additionally, NEF announced today that it had partnered with Combat Sports Now to provide a pay-per-view stream of “NEF 44: Back in Black.” The event will stream live in its entirety at https://combatsportsnow.com/event/new-england-fights-44 for $29.99.
The full “NEF 44” fight card:
PROFESSIONAL
155 Caleb Hall (Syndicate) vs Shaun Ray (Independent)
145 Josh Harvey (Vision Quest) vs Ian Beatease (KOV Gym)
145 Jacob Deppmeyer (First Class MMA) vs Aaron Hughes (Regiment)
115 Rebecca Bryggman (Kai MMA) vs Glory Watson (Young’s MMA)
AMATEUR
205 Henry Jeffs (Independent) vs Brandon Oldenburg (Vision Quest)
170*TITLE Duncan Smith (Evolution Athletix) vs Mike Bezanson (Kaze)
170 Curtis Ouellette (CMBJJ) vs Zach Faulkner (Recon)
170 Austin Hamilton (Independent) vs Jon Assam (CMBJJ)
155 Ryan Savage (First Class MMA) vs Kyle Pufahl (Nostos)
155 Lucas Donald (Independent) vs Evan Piette (Kaze)
155 Kaleb Kenney (Team Nitemare) vs Isaac Piette (Kaze)
145*TITLE Nathaniel Grimard (Nostos) vs Branon Maillet-Fevens (CMBJJ)
145 Cody Kilton (First Class MMA) vs Cam Hoyt (Kaze)
140 Mike Caron (SSSF) vs Key Baltazar (Nostos)
135 Teddy Politis (Evolution Athletix) vs Tyler Parent (CMBJJ)
130 Hannon Sanford (CMBJJ) vs Richard Martell (Young’s MMA)
125 Caleb Austin (CMBJJ) vs James Ploss (Kaze)
125 Tim Murray (Vision Quest) vs Guiliano Rossi(Kaze)
115 Matt Miles (Independent) vs Juan Quinom (UFC Gym)
130 KICKBOXING Dustin Veinott (CMBJJ) vs Geraldo Reyes (Team Link)
Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.
About New England Fights
New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.
“Ugás is a champion because they gave him my belt. Now, we have to settle it inside of the ring,” – Pacquiao “I’m fighting for my legacy, and for my country. This is the most important fight of my life,” – Ugás Eight-Division Champion Manny Pacquiao Takes on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás Headlining FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Click HERE for Virtual Press Conference Recording (Credit: Premier Boxing Champions; Password: W1Eg&*HL)
LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás previewed their championship showdown during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they meet in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Ugás steps up to replace Errol Spence Jr. in the main event, as Spence recovers from an eye injury. Ugás had been preparing to make his first title defense in the co-main event and will now face the boxing legend Pacquiao in a career-defining fight, defending the same title that Pacquiao won when he defeated Keith Thurman in his last fight July 2019.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“I want to say that I’m praying for Errol to make a fast recovery from his injury. Health is always the priority and the most important thing. I did my best in training and in preparation for this fight, so I wanted to make sure my hard work was not wasted.
“Ugás was ready to fight and challenge me on August 21. So it’s a great thing that I can show off my hard work in the gym when we face each other on fight night.
“I’m not disappointed at all in what happened because my hard work will not be wasted. Ugás stepped up and is bringing his WBA championship into the fight, which I’m excited to fight for.
“I always consider myself a bipartisan boxer. I am happy to fight either right-handed or southpaw fighters. It’s no problem for me at all to switch the styles that I’m going to face.
“What I can say to the fans is that this is definitely not an easy fight. Ugás is a champion because they gave him my belt. Now, we have to settle it inside of the ring. I cannot take him lightly, because he’s the kind of fighter who will take advantage of that.
“I have a lot of people around me that motivate me to win this fight, especially for my family. I’m also very motivated to give the fans a great fight that they’re going to enjoy in the arena or watching on pay-per-view.
“In the end, I want to win the belts. I’m so excited for this championship fight and I don’t care if I’m the challenger or champion coming into it. We’ll see who is the champion after August 21.
“I know that Ugás is also very prepared for his fight because he was going to be on the undercard. If there was no Ugás on the undercard, it’s possible we would have cancelled the fight. It’s a good thing we had another welterweight champion on the card for this scenario that happened.
“The only danger for this fight is the change in stance. Both Spence and Ugás are aggressive fighters, which I like. We can create a lot of great action in the ring that the fans will love.
“I would tell the fans not to miss this fight. This is going to be a really good one. I’m sure that me and Ugás are going to give a fight full of action. I’m excited to see everyone in Las Vegas on August 21.”
YORDENIS UGÁS
“I’m feeling great and super excited to fight on this big stage. I’m ready to go get in the ring on August 21. I couldn’t be more excited for this fight.
“When I got the call that I was going to face one of the best fighters in history, it just pushed my excitement to new highs. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of.
“I also want to wish Errol Spence Jr. a safe and fast recovery. I hope he gets healthy soon and we see him back in the ring.
“I’m used to taking fights at the last minute. It’s really nothing new to me. Once I knew I was fighting Pacquiao, I got right back to work, because I’m always ready to fight anyone they put in front of me.
“I got elevated to being the WBA champion in January, but now we can say that whoever wins on August 21 is the true WBA Welterweight World Champion.
“It’s all about making adjustments at this point. I’ve had a lot of experience doing this before fights. It’s happened multiple times, so I’m truly prepared at all times to adjust to whatever comes my way.
“Fighting Manny Pacquiao is very significant to me. It means the world to me. I’m not fighting for the money, I’m fighting for my legacy, and for my country. This is the most important fight of my life.
“I’m well-aware that Pacquiao is the favorite. But at the same time, I’m a champion. Since I came back five years ago, I’ve overcome so much. I’ve faced so many strong opponents in order to get to where I am today. I have full confidence in myself and my ability to get a victory.
“When I went away from boxing, I was focused on family and spending time with my son. At that time, I never thought I would be defending a title against Manny Pacquiao. But for the past five years I’ve been one of the most active and successful boxers out there and I’m ready to prove myself once again.
“I’m a fighter not only inside of the ring, but outside of the ring I fight for the freedom of my people. That’s the most important thing to me. I hope everyone fighting for freedom in Cuba is safe and knows that I’ll be fighting for them on Saturday, August 21.
“Underestimating Manny Pacquiao is out of the question. He’s going to be ready. I have prepared to face the best so that I can become the best.
“This is going to be a great fight for all the fans. I’m planning on leaving everything in the ring. I can guarantee an amazing fight. We’re going to give a big gift to the fans on August 21. I’m leaving my heart out there for all my fans.”
Two-time Olympic champion Claressa Shields, from Flint, Michigan, is proud of Team USA’s Olympic boxing medalists and the whole USA Boxing squad, which featured five female participants for the first time. The only American boxer ever to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, Shields stood atop the medal podium at the first-ever Olympic Games to feature women’s boxing in 2012, before duplicating the feat at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The reigning middleweight Olympic champion was pleased with the United States’ performance at the Tokyo Olympics, which featured three silver medals and a bronze in the first appearance of a women’s welterweight competition.
“I’m super proud of the U.S. team. The Olympics is the hardest tournament to medal in and all of you showed a lot of grit, hard work, determination and skill,” Shields said.
Earning medals in Tokyo were female welterweight O’shae Jones from nearby Toledo, Ohio, who took home a bronze, as well as a pair of professional boxers in Duke Ragan (featherweight) and Keyshawn Davis (lightweight), and California’s Richard Torrez Jr, (super heavyweight) who each won silver medals. The four medals represent the highest total for Team USA since Ricardo Juarez, Ricardo Williams, Clarence Vinson and Jermain Taylor grabbed hardware (two silver and two bronze) at the 2000 Olympics.
The 2020 Olympic Games featured the addition of two women’s weight divisions, bantamweight (119 lbs) and welterweight (152 lbs), which shows the continued growth of the sport of women’s boxing throughout the world.
Shields, who in addition to her two Olympic gold medals has won ten world titles in three weight divisions and become undisputed champion in two weight classes in just eleven fights as a professional and recently launched a two-sport career with her professional MMA debut for the PFL, says that having Jones as another American female professional boxer sporting an Olympic medal would be good for the sport. Jones has previously expressed a desire to enter the pro ranks.
“An injection of new top-level talent is always positive,” said Shields (11-0-0, 2 KOs), who aside from making her successful MMA fighting debut in June, made history last March by dethroning Canada’s Marie-Eve Dicaire and becoming the first boxer in the four-belt era 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. “The idea of a new generation of ladies turning pro and deepening the talent pool with Olympic-level skills will be good for the sport of women’s boxing.”
Shields went 77-1 as an amateur and turned professional after her second Olympic victory in 2016. Her 2017 battle with Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados was the first female main event to be broadcast on American premium television. In addition to currently being the WBC, WBO, IBF and WBA champion at 154 pounds, Shields had previously unified all four of the major sanctioning body belts at middleweight (160 lbs.).
Shields has had a dominating, record-breaking run thus far in her professional career, tearing through other women once considered the best in their divisions with relative ease. She and Great Britain’s Katie Taylor, also undefeated as a pro, have lifted women’s boxing to new heights in recent years, leading an increasingly deeper talent pool that will only get deeper with the addition of the 2020 Olympians from around the world.
Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet of Mark Taffet Media, agrees that the impending influx of new talent to women’s boxing will benefit the sport as a whole.
“I’m excited for the four Americans who brought home Olympic medals this year, particularly welterweight bronze medal winner Oshae Jones who I believe will be one to watch in the next few years,” said Taffet. “The female boxing talent pool, and importantly the U.S. pool, continues to improve and bodes well for the future of women’s boxing and the continued gains toward equality across the board.”
Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions, says he’s excited for the future and proud of USA Boxing, who produced four medal winners while undergoing a deadly pandemic that severely hampered the ability to train properly
“As a former amateur and professional boxer, I know the sacrifices required to fight on the elite level and I congratulate Team USA for all of its successes this year, even through all the added challenges that Covid-19 created,” said Salita.
DeWayne Williams takes on Justin Bell for the ABF Atlantic Super Middleweight Title
Philadelphia, PA (August 6, 2021)- On Thursday night, September 2nd, Worldwide Title Shot will make it’s promotional debut dubbed “Thursday Night Title Fights” series at the Marriott Philadelphia West Hotel.
The night will be headlined by a six-round ABF Atlantic Super Middleweight Title bout featuring DeWayne Williams taking on Justin Bell.
Williams, 27 years-old of Philadelphia, has a record of 3-3 with three knockouts. The two-year professional is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Stephon Morris (4-1) on April 24th in Philadelphia.
Bell of Greenville, NC has a record of 5-0 with four knockouts. The 25 year-old is a four-year professional is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Tyshawn Foster on May 22nd in Greenville, South Carolina.
In a six-round lightweight co-feature, Kevin Asmat (6-2, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, NJ will fight Danny Murray (5-4) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ.
Seeing action in four-round bouts will be super middleweight Jason Bell (4-1, 1 KO) of Greenville, South Carolina; super featherweight Feifilimai Faiva (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of New York, NY; and pro debuting Jared Wells of Fluvanna, Virginia.
Opponents and More Bouts will be announced shortly.
The Marriott Philadelphia West is located at 111 Crawford Ave, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
