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FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BELLATOR 264: MOUSASI VS. SALTER THIS FRIDAY

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs Salter card at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event contributes to an action-packed month of fights on SHOWTIME and is set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In the main event of the evening, BELLATOR middleweight king Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) puts his world title on the line against jiu-jitsu ace No. 1 ranked middleweight John Salter (18-4). Complimenting this amazing main event is a clash between two of the hardest hitting welterweights on the planet, as former champion Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) takes on the No. 10 ranked welterweight Sabah Homasi (15-9) in the co-main event and No. 3 ranked bantamweight Magomed Magomedov (18-1) squares off with No. 4 ranked Raufeon Stots (16-1) in a bout holding major title implications.

Rounding out the main card is a battle between undefeated heavyweights No. 7 ranked Davion Franklin (3-0) and Everett Cummings (16-0), along with a middleweight bout between KO-machine Ty Gwerder (5-2) and the BELLATOR-debuting AKA-product Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4).

The preliminary card consists of seven fights and is stacked throughout, featuring the highly anticipated debut of former Invicta Featherweight Champion Pam Sorenson (8-3) taking on Roberta Samad (5-1) and a bantamweight battle between the brash American Top Team-fighter Danny Sabatello (11-1) taking on the Boston-born veteran Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC).

All BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter prelims will stream live at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.  

Full bout listings are below:

BELLATOR MMA 264: Mousasi vs. Salter Main Card:

Friday, August 13 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Middleweight Title Bout: c-Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2) vs. #1-John Salter (18-4)

Welterweight Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (23-4) vs. #10-Sabah Homasi (15-9)

Bantamweight Bout: #3-Magomed Magomedov (18-1) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (16-1)

Heavyweight Bout: #7-Davion Franklin (3-0) vs. Everett Cummings (16-0, 1 NC)

 Middleweight Bout: Ty Gwerder (5-2) vs. Khadzhi Bestaev (10-4)

Preliminary Card: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV

6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT

Women’s Featherweight Bout: Pam Sorenson (8-3) vs. Roberta Samad (5-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Danny Sabatello (11-1) vs. Johnny Campbell (21-13, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (2-0) vs. Kendly St Louis (3-4)

Featherweight Bout: Nekruz Mirkhojaev (5-3) vs. James Adcock (7-4)

142-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jeffrey Glossner (2-2) vs. Sebastian Ruiz (2-3)

195-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (pro debut) vs. Jon McNeil (pro debut)

*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

Undefeated Jean Matsumoto first 2-division SFT MMA champion

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SAO PAULO, Brazil (August 7, 2021) – Mixed-martial-arts history was made this past Thursday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the “SFT 28: CLASH OF CHAMPIONS – Mexicano vs. Matsumoto” main event, when reigning SFT MMA flyweight titlist Jean Marsumoto (pictured above) defeated defending SFT MMA Bantamweight Champion Wanderlay “Mexicano” Junior to become the first SFT MMA champion in two different divisions.
 
SFT 28 was streamed exclusively on FITE in the United States and worldwide on pay per view via the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv). 
 
Matsumoto (9-0-0), who captured the SFT MMA flyweight strap at SFT 18 with a unanimous decision over Andre Azevedo, kept his professional MMA record intact by winning a 5-round unanimous decision against Junior (10-4-0) in the latter’s first title defense of the crown he captured at SFT 20 (Jan. 25, 2020) by way of a unanimous decision over Humberto Rangel, Jr.
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New 2-division SFT MMA champion Jean Matsumoto on top
In the co-featured event, Ketlen “Esquentadinha” Souza (11-3-0) had a memorable SFT debut, albeit as relatively late replacement, as she won a hard fought 5-round unanimous decision over Gisele “GI” Moreira (9-5-0) to become the first SFT MMA Female Bantamweight Champion.
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Ketlem Souza kicked her way to the SFT MMA female bantamweight title






Former UFC heavyweight Wagner Silva (10-8-0) won a rematch by split decision against Douglas Rakchal (12-7-0), while Aleandro “Muca” Caetano (22-6-1) knocked out Joao “Alicate” Elias (14-3-1) with a knee kick in round one of their fight that was contested at a 130-pound catchweight.
 
Pro-debuting welterweight Matheus Rocha (1-0-0), who was 3-0-0 as a promising amateur, stopped Julio Spadaccini (4-2-0) on punches in the second round. Welterweight Eduardo “Blade” Rufino (10-4-0) and female strawweight Denise Gomes (3-1-0) won unanimous decisions, respectively, versus Moacir Rocha (10-5-1) and Andressa Gauchinbha (3-0-1).
 
One Championship welterweight Carlos “Carlao” Prates (83-10, 43 KOs in Muai Thai) took a unanimous decision from South American kickboxing champion Vinicius Dionzio (40-8 kickboxing) In one of three Xtreme matches on the card.
 
Lightweight Carlinhos Morais defeated Fernando Williams and female strawweight Nagilla “Goku” Bruno punched out Simone Batista in the opening round on punches in the two other Xtreme fights.
 
SFT Xtreme matches allow striking, kicking and knees, fighters wear 4-ounce gloves, and clinching and fighting on the mat is prohibited.
 
Welterweight Everton Ungido won an SFT Jiu-Jitsu match against Wellington “Prado” Prado on points, 14-0, and Adson Araujo registered a second-round knockout of Gabriel Azevedo on punches in a SFT Karate match.
 
Complete results below:
 
_____________________________________________________________________
 
SFT 28
 
MAIN EVENT – SFT MMA BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jean Matsumoto (9-0-0, SFT: 4-0-0), Brazil
WDEC5
Wanderlay Junior (10-4-0, SFT: 3-2-0), Brazil
(Matsumuto SFT MMA bantamweight title)
 
CO-FEATURE – VACANT SFT MMA FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Ketlen Souza (10-3-0, SFT: 0-0-0), Brazil
WDEC5
Gisele Moreira (9-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
(Souza won SFT Female bantamweight title)
 
SFT MMA
 
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Wagner Silva (10-8-0, SFT: 2-1-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Douglas Rakchal (12-7-0, SFT: 0-2-0), 205  
 
WELTERWEIGHTS
Eduardo Rufino (10-4-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Moacir Rocha (10-5-1, SFT: 2-2-0), Brazil
 
Matheus Rocha (1-0-0, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WTKO2 (Punches – 3:24)
Julio Spadaccini (4-2-0, SFT: 0-2-0), Brazil
 
130-POUNDS CATCHWEIGHT
Aleandro Caetano (22-6-1, SFT: 1-0-0), Brazil
WKO1 (knee – 4:35)
Joao Elias (14-3-1, SFT: 1-1-0), Brazil
 
FEMALE STRAWWEIGHTS
Denise Gomes (2-2-0, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Andressa Gauchinbha (3-1-1, SFT: 0-1-0), Brazil
 
SFT XTREME


WELTERWEIGHTS
Carlos Prates, Brazil
WDEC3
Vinicius Dionzio, Brazil
 
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Carlinhos Morais, Brazil
W
Fernando William, Brazil
 
FEMALE STRAWWEIGHTS
Nagilla Bruno, Brazil
WKO1 (punches – 1:24)
Simone Batista, Brazil
 
SFT JIU-JITSU
 
WELTERWEIGHTS
Everton Ungido, Brazil
WPTS (14-0)
Wellington Prado, Brazil
 
SFT KARATE
Adson Araujo, Brazil
WTKO2 (.punches)
Gabriel Azevedo, Brazil
_____________________________________________________________________


INFORMATION
 
Website: www.sftcombat.com
Facebook:: /SFT.combat, /davidhudson.SFT
Twitter: @SFTCombat, @SFTUSA
Instagram: @SFTCombat, @DavidHudson.SFT
You Tube: /SFTCombat, /SFTUSA, /SFTBrasil
 
UPCOMING SFT EVENTS:
September 2 – SFT 29: Noguriera vs. Santos

DANIEL DUBOIS: “THE AMERICAN PUBLIC LOVES HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING, SO IT IS TIME TO INTRODUCE THEM TO DANIEL DUBOIS!”

WBA No.1 Ranked Heavyweight Dubois Takes on Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, Sunday, August 29 on SHOWTIME PPV® from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio

CLICK HERE FOR MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS

Credit: Queensberry Promotions

NEW YORK (August 6, 2021) – British heavyweight sensation Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois beamed with excitement during an open training session for his showdown against veteran Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, which will be featuredon the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley SHOWTIME PPV fight card on Sunday, August 29 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to put on an explosive performance in front of the U.S. audience and show them who the future heavyweight champion of the world is going to be,” said Dubois.

Dubois (16-1, 15 KOs) is preparing for his U.S. debut under the tutelage of trainer Shane McGuigan out of McGuigan’s Gym in London. Since turning professional in 2017, the London-born star has only fought in the United Kingdom but has long desired fighting across the pond.

“This really is a fight with two purposes,” continued Dubois. “It is not just the fight, it is about the crowd and I have always dreamt of fighting in America, but this will be a different sort of crowd with a different atmosphere as well. I am going to take it in and experience all they have got out there.

“Of course, it will be all new to me, with a new young crowd and a new environment. I want to just go out there and perform well. Fighting on SHOWTIME will be special too, the big channel in the U.S., putting on the big shows.”

The 23-year-old has a near-perfect knockout percentage with 15 knockouts in his short pro career. His lone decision was a dominating performance over former world title challenger Kevin Johnson in 2018. Dubois has dispatched four undefeated fighters as he has risen the ranks, including an impressive first-round knockout against then unbeaten Ebenezer Tetteh in September 2019. His last three knockout victories have all come in the second round against difficult challengers Kyotaro Fujimoto, Ricardo Snijders and Bogdan Dinu. Dubois’ knockout performance against Dinu in June remains one of the most sensational finishes in the heavyweight division in 2021.

“It will be important for me to be explosive as I usually am, but I am not going to overthink it,” added Dubois. “It is just part of what I do and to be the best me, I go in there and knock them out. That has always been my approach.”

The WBA No. 1 ranked heavyweight, Dubois will take the next step toward a world title shot as he takes on the veteran challenger Cusumano, who hails from Danville, Virginia. Cusumano is coming off a sixth-round knockout win over Gregory Corbin in November 2020.

“This represents a wonderful opportunity for Daniel to increase his recognition in the United States,” said International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “I believe Daniel is the best young heavyweight in world boxing and another knockout for Daniel moves him closer to a huge fight for the WBA world title held by Trevor Bryan. This is a tremendous opportunity and I’m delighted to deliver it to him so early in his career.”

Dubois will continue to train in London alongside undefeated WBO cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie, who has served as a chief sparring partner during preparations for Cusumano. The heavyweight contender will wrap up training in two weeks before departing for Cleveland to defend his WBA Interim title.

“I am ready now to push on and build on the WBA Interim title I won in my last fight,” said Dubois. “I am thrilled to take the show on the road and look to win the American public over. I am told the American public loves heavyweight boxing, so it is time to introduce them to Daniel Dubois.

“I will make sure it is a name they won’t forget in a hurry,” concluded the six-foot, five-inch contender.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley:

Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Promotions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts. Tickets for the live event can be purchased through RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX TRAINING CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Two-Division World Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux Takes Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero Saturday, August 14 Live on SHOWTIME Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

 Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/iRull Fotos
STAFFORD, TX. (August 5, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux gave insight into his training camp as he prepares to take on WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero on Saturday, August 14 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in a Premier Boxing Champions event. 

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see Cuba’s two-time Olympic gold medalist Rigondeaux, who has earned pound-for-pound recognition at various points in his career, return to action against the Philippine’s Casimero, a three-division world champion looking for a career-best victory in his second 118-pound title defense. 

Here is what Rigondeaux had to say about training camp with Ronnie Shields and more: 

On his upcoming matchup with John Riel Casimero: “It has been a very focused camp, and I have found inspiration watching the Olympics, and it has lit a spark in me. Winning two gold medals in my early years gives me added incentive to win this fight. I want to prove to the world that I am one of the best boxers ever, and that I have a lot left to give in this sport. I am confident that I am going to do that against the most avoided fighter in my weight class. Casimero is a dangerous fighter and a very powerful puncher, but I’m going to tame him with great boxing skills.” 

On his recent training camp with coach Ronnie Shields: “Training in Texas with Ronnie Shields has been great and our energy working together is fantastic. Ronnie has had a lot of world champions, and has a very professional boxing gym, with a lot of world champions and fighters who are competing at the highest level of the sport. I am motivated to work hard, not just to reach my own goals, but by all the young fighters in the gym who are driven and focused. The atmosphere has brought something new out of me. I’m revived and feeling young again.” 

On fighting for WBO world title: “It always feels good fighting for a world title, and I have had the WBO title before after I beat Nonito Donaire, but this time I’m going up against a hungry young lion. I am looking to capture another world title, and give another great fight that fans will talk about for years.”  

On returning to the ring after a year-long layoff: “I feel good. I think at this point in my career, all the time away from the ring helps. I know how to fight and I know how to train, the big thing is knowing how to recover, and not damage my body. I am doing a good job at staying sharp in the gym, but not over training. A win against Casimero will do wonders for my career.” 

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 ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO
Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on 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 begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event.

Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.
For more information

visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.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.

FEDOR EMELIANENKO SET TO MEET TIM JOHNSON AT MOSCOW’S VTB ARENA ON OCT. 23 IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MOSCOW: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA announced this morning that the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will take on number two ranked heavyweight Tim Johnson (15-7) in the main event of BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the VTB Arena.
 
Tickets for the highly anticipated event are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru. Additional matchups and SHOWTIME telecast details will be revealed soon.
 
Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko returns to the BELLATOR cage for the first time since his dominant first-round TKO victory over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2019. With an illustrious career that has seen him earn 30 stoppages in his 39 victories over legendary opposition, the former PRIDE FC Heavyweight World Champion will be fighting in his home country of Russia for the first time in five years. A four-time combat sambo world champion, “The Last Emperor” put together an insane eight-year unbeaten streak on his way to becoming an international MMA icon. Emelianenko has established Team Fedor, which features several top Russian fighters including BELLATOR’s Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov and BELLATOR’s Interim Heavyweight Champion Valentin Moldavsky. With his last three victories coming by way of first-round finish, Fedor is looking to add another exciting chapter to his storied fighting career on October 23.
 
2020 was a huge year for Johnson, as the UFC vet notched three wins in as many fights with impressive first-round finishes over Matt Mitrione and Tyrell Fortune and a decision victory over Cheick Kongo during the historic, first-ever major MMA event in France.  The Xtreme Couture-product showed that he’s got the skill and stamina for championship rounds as he went the full five with Team Fedor’s Valentin Modlavsky (11-1) this past June. Proudly hailing from North Dakota, Johnson is a current member of the United States National Guard who won two national championships while wrestling at Minnesota State University.
 
Updated BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson Card:
 
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. #2-Tim Johnson (15-7)
 
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*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

MANNY PACQUIAO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS – Eight-Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao Takes on Unified Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. Headlining FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
 
LOS ANGELES (August 4, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao held a media workout that streamed live on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube channel Wednesday, as he prepares to take on unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The replay of the live streaming workout can be watched in its entirety HERE. Already a legend in the sport, Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win on August 21 to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.
 
Here is what Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez had to say Wednesday:
 
MANNY PACQUIAO
 
“I’m expecting a good fight. Spence is an aggressive fighter and I know that we can create a lot of action in the ring for all of the fans watching. I have lots of advantages in this fight. My speed and power, along with my strategy and experience, are all advantages for me. 
 
“I never imagined being at this point now, when I started my career. Especially to be here now and still fighting the best. It’s truly a gift that I’ve received.
 
“It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring and it was good for me to have that rest. It helped my body and my mind a lot. This time around, I’m as excited as ever and feeling like I’m young again.
 
“I could have fought several easy opponents. I picked the best opponent because I want to add more to my legacy and accomplishments. I have to prove that I’m not done yet. 
 
“We have a strategy that we know how to use against a southpaw. He wants to fight toe-to-toe and that’s going to be to my advantage. We’re prepared for anything. If he wants to use his reach advantage instead, we are ready.
 
“My family is so supportive of me, because they know that I want to fight and bring honor to my country. At the same time, I’m also here to show for myself that I can still do it at 42-years-old.
 
“This could be my last fight, or there could be more. Like I’ve always said, it’s one at a time. After the fight, I’ll talk about the plan and see if there’s another fight coming.
 
“I’m happy to have been doing this for so long with the same coaching staff. I know that they’re happy with my preparations for this fight. The fire in training is still there. It’s the same as it’s been these last 15 years.
 
“I know my career will not last forever, that’s why I’m starting to help the young fighters in this sport who want to follow in my footsteps. It’s very important to me at this point in my career.”
 
FREDDIE ROACH
 
“We took this fight because we think that Errol Spence Jr. is one of the best fighters out there. I’ve talked with Manny throughout the years and he’s always said that he wants to be the best at what he does. There’s no sense in getting in there with some popular fighter who’s no good. We want to fight the best. I congratulated Many when he chose to fight Errol.
 
“Being out of the ring for a little while can go either way with someone like Manny. The thing is, he’s working out all the time. He shows me everything that he’s up to when he’s in the Philippines and I just give him little adjustments. When he shows up here, he’s ready to go.
 
“He had probably his best sparring yesterday, we went ten rounds and he got two knockdowns. It was the old Manny Pacquiao from 10 years ago. He’s not as big of a puncher usually at welterweight, but those knockdowns yesterday were a great boost for him.
 
“Spence is a good boxer, but he’s a very good puncher. We know that when we get inside, we have to be smart getting back outside. It has to be quick combinations and then out right away.
 
“I told Manny that knocking down Keith Thurman early gave him a lot of momentum in that fight and I’d like to see that again in this fight. He knows that he has to use his speed to do that. He understands completely what I want.
 
“Manny Pacquiao has always loved to fight southpaws. He understands how they work and what they want to do. That’s really one of the big reasons we took this fight.
 
“I think Manny is going to out box Spence. His footspeed is unbelievable and much better than his opponent’s. Spence follows you around and is heavy on his feet. He seems very set to the ground. Manny’s speed will overwhelm him. I’m really happy with the game plan so far.”
 
BUBOY FERNANDEZ
 
“I was very excited when I heard about this fight because Errol Spence Jr. is a great fighter. I was only surprised because Manny hasn’t fought in two years. But I knew right away that this is going to be an exciting fight.
 
“Obviously there is a different Manny because of his age, but his mind is always on the sport. Before we arrived in the United States, we had already been sparring and training in the Philippines.
 
“The team has been very happy with Manny’s performance in camp. The conditioning is going perfectly and we just need to continue. This is going to be 100% Manny Pacquiao on August 21.
 
“I can’t decide if this is going to be Manny’s last fight. Only he can decide if he wants to continue his legacy or not. If it were up to me, I’d want him to fight one more time in the Philippines for his people. It’s all up to Manny though. 
 
“I have respect for Errol Spence Jr. He’s a good fighter and a world champion. We know we can’t underestimate him. He’s an intelligent fighter, so we know Manny has to be 100%. I think this is going to end up being a great toe-to-toe fight.”
 
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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. SPENCE JR.
Pacquiao vs. Spence will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao face unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in the blockbuster FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event on 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 features WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás squaring off against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, while former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a 10-round attraction.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

TRIO OF EXPLOSIVE MATCHUPS ROUND OUT JAKE PAUL VS. TYRON WOODLEY SHOWTIME PPV FIGHT CARD ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

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Former World Champion Ivan Baranchyk and U.K. Stars
Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury Compete in Separate Pay-Per-View Bouts from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland
 
NEW YORK (August 2, 2021) – Three more exciting matchups have been finalized for the highly-anticipated Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley SHOWTIME PPV fight card. Former world champion Ivan Barancyhk will compete along with U.K. stars Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois and Tommy “TNT” Fury making their U.S. debuts in separate bouts on Sunday, August 29 from Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
The five-fight SHOWTIME PPV telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and be headlined by renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul taking on the toughest challenge of his young career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. The card also features the previously announced world championship showdown between Puerto Rican star and WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano and super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado of Mexico, which will serve as the co-featured bout.
 
A former junior welterweight world champion, Baranchyk will step into the ring to face the unbeaten Cleveland-native Montana Love in a 10-round showdown on the pay-per-view. Baranchyk seeks another run at the 140-pound title, while Love looks to score a career-best win.
 
The hard-hitting heavyweight Dubois, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, will face Joe Cusumano in a 10-round matchup, and Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, will square off against combat sports veteran Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor in a six-round, 180-pound catchweight fight to open the pay-per-view telecast.
 
Additional action at Rocket Mortgage Field House includes top-10 ranked junior middleweight and 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell taking on Lucas Bastida of Argentina in a 10-round fight. Paul, Love and Conwell will be fighting critical bouts in front of their hometown fans at the Cleveland arena.
 
Tickets starting at $45 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Barstool Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner for the event and will be incorporated in a unique, fully integrated brand activation that is to be announced in more detail.
 
The Belarusian Baranchyk now fights out of Oklahoma and will look to move closer to another world title opportunity with a win August 29. Sporting a 20-2 record with 13 knockouts, the 28-year-old returns to the ring after fighting in the 2020 Fight of the Year against Jose Zepeda last October. The two fighters combined to score a staggering eight knockdowns in the instant classic won by Zepeda. Baranchyk became a world champion in 2018 by stopping then unbeaten Anthony Yigit in seven rounds. He steps in against Love, a graduate of the ShoBox: The New Generation series who owns a 15-0-1 record with seven knockouts. A highly accomplished amateur, Love will be fighting in his hometown of Cleveland for the second time in his career.
 
“This is a big step for me,” said Baranchyk. “I am grateful to get back in the ring with someone like Montana after my loss. I want to show everyone that I’m back, I’m stronger, and I’m a new version of myself. I want to thank my fans for the support you’ve always given me. On August 29, it’s SHOWTIME, baby!”
 
“I know Ivan is a strong young fighter, but he has some ugly habits,” said Love. “We’re having a grueling camp right now and I’m going to keep it ‘Too Pretty’ on fight night. Cleveland deserves the show I’m about to put on.”
 
A promising heavyweight contender at 23 years old, Dubois has compiled a 16-1 record with 15 knockouts since turning pro in 2017. Dubois had an impressive amateur career as a five-time British junior national champion. A London-native, Dubois’ lone professional loss came against top heavyweight contender Joe Joyce in November 2020. Dubois rebounded quickly with an emphatic second-round knockout of Bogdan Dinu in June to capture the Interim WBA Heavyweight Title. Now, he takes on the 33-year-old Cusumano, who has won four of his last five bouts with all of those victories coming by stoppage. With a record of 19-3, his 17 knockouts give him an impressive 77% KO ratio. Fighting out of Danville, Virginia, Cusumano most recently knocked out Gregory Corbin in November 2020.   
 
“I am ready now to push on and build on the WBA interim title I won in my last fight,” said Dubois. “I am thrilled to take the show on the road and look to win the American public over. I am told the American public love heavyweight boxing, so it is time to introduce them to Daniel Dubois. I will make sure it is a name they won’t forget.”
 
Already a crossover star after his runner-up finish on the hit U.K. reality TV show “Love Island”, Fury will look to follow in the footsteps of his boxing-rich family and establish his own championship legacy. The 23-year-old from Manchester is 6-0 with four knockouts, having most recently earned a unanimous decision over Jordan Grant in June. Fury will be opposed by Alameda, California’s Taylor, an experienced MMA competitor who dropped his sole pro boxing appearance in 2017 by split-decision. The 32-year-old’s MMA experience includes five Bellator fights and a 7-5 overall record with wins in his last five fights. Taylor is currently training in Puerto Rico and is a regular sparring partner of Jake Paul as he prepares for his bout against Woodley.
 
“American fans can, as always with me, expect a big dirty knockout,” said Fury. “That is what I say and that is what I try to bring. I want to put on a masterclass performance and show levels again and show how much I am improving. This is another step on my journey to world titles.”
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Box Fan Expo Postponed until 2022

To All Boxing Fans,  


After reviewing the new CDC government health and mask mandate guidelines for events taking place inside, we have decided to postpone the Box Fan Expo to 2022. 


The Box Fan Expo was started to give fans, fighters, and the Boxing industry a place to meet each other and celebrate the sport we love and work in. We will reschedule this event when we can safely hold this. The health and safety of all our attendees is our #1 priority. 


We are committed to presenting our Boxing Fan Experience with a world-class event and having the champions, current top fighters and hall of fame boxers that you know and love be there to meet and greet their fans.  


While we are extremely disappointed with these turns of events, with Covid-19 cases on the rise and the new Delta variant, we felt it is the wisest decision for all of us involved to move this to 2022.  


Thank you for loyalty and patience during these difficult times, looking forward in coming back even stronger than ever.  


See you soon 


Box Fan Expo 

BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Resumes With Semifinals at Footprint Center in Phoenix October 16

Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov Set To Defend Title Against ‘Rumble’ Johnson, While Ryan Bader Goes Toe-To-Toe With Corey Anderson Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 P.M. ET/7 P.M. PT

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA’s massive second half of 2021 keeps rolling on Saturday, October 16, when both of the high-profile semifinal matchups for the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix take place at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. Light heavyweight kingpin Vadim Nemkov (14-2) defends his world championship against No. 4 ranked Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (23-6), while current BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (28-6) facesNo. 2-ranked light heavyweight Corey Anderson (15-5) in the co-main event.

BELLATOR MMA: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Additional bouts and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Team Fedor’s Vadim Nemkov looks to remain BELLATOR 205-pound champion on September 25, further cementing his status as the best light heavyweight fighter on the planet. In his last outing, Nemkov went five hard rounds with former champion Phil Davis, earning a unanimous decision victory en route to punching his ticket to the semifinals. Should Nemkov defend his belt again and move on to the grand prix final, between Davis—a wrestler by trade—and the power-punching “Rumble,” Nemkov will have showcased his full repertoire as a mixed martial artist in the tournament. Nemkov has been perfect in BELLATOR to this point, winning all six of his contests including three knockouts and a submission.

“Rumble” Johnsonmade his BELLATOR MMA debut in the opening round of the grand prix, engaging in a back-and-forth affair with Jose Augusto before notching another signature “Rumble” knockout in the second round. With the victory, the 37-year-old made it clear his time away from the sport has not slowed him down, and with wins over the likes of Glover Teixeira, Alexander Gustafsson, Phil Davis and current BELLATOR heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, “Rumble” remains one of the most imposing forces in the entire sport.

A winner in eight of his last ten bouts, Arizona State University’s “Darth” Bader will have a home game as he looks to keep the ball rolling when he steps into the BELLATOR cage for the ninth time, on the road to re-capturing the 205-pound belt he once held. Bader—despite his participation in the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix—remains the BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion, a title he plans on unifying with the interim-champ Valentin Moldavksy following the  conclusion of the 205-pound tournament. Bader’s storied career has earned him the moniker of a legend slayer, with wins over all-time greats like Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rashad Evans, and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Corey Anderson has made an excellent impression since his arrival in BELLATOR, reeling off two dominant victories over the likes of veteran Melvin Manhoef and former ACA Champion Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, both ending via TKO. The Rockton, Ill. product came to the promotion boasting an already impressive resumé, previously triumphing over Johnny Walker, Glover Teixeira and Jan Błachowicz amongst others. Anderson’s fight with Bader, his third under the BELLATOR banner, will be his first with the promotion while fans are in attendance.

BELLATOR MMA fans who are new subscribers to the SHOWTIME streaming service can sign up now for a limited time offer which includes a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.

BELLATOR MMA: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals Main Card:

SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Light Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Vadim Nemkov (14-2) vs. #4-Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (25-0)

Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Bout: #1-Ryan Bader (28-6) vs. #2-Corey Anderson (15-5)

Preliminary Card: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

*Card subject to change.

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.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. 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

Unbeaten Two-Time World Champion David Benavídez Will Battle Former Champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator Saturday, August 28 Live on SHOWTIME

Unbeaten Super Bantamweight Contender Carlos Castro Faces Former Title Challenger Oscar Escandon To Open Telecast
at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
PHOENIX (July 29, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez will square off against former champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator as Benavídez returns to his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, August 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature the much-awaited return of longtime contender Jose Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is undefeated contender Carlos Castro taking on former title challenger Oscar Escandon in a 10-round super bantamweight bout. The Benavídez brothers and Castro hail from Phoenix and have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.
 
“I am happy to be bringing David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavidez back to his hometown to fight after so many years away,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “It is going to be a sensational welcome party for him and all the fans.”
 
Still just 24-years-old, Benavídez (24-0, 21 KOs) enters this fight having knocked out his last four opponents, including a September 2019 knockout of two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell. Most recently, he earned stoppage victories over Roamer Alexis Angulo in August 2020 and Ronald Ellis in March of this year. Benavídez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Representing his native Phoenix, Ariz., Benavídez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first title opportunity.
 
“I’m super excited to fight in front of my hometown fans,” said Benavídez. “It’s a dream come true for me to come back home as a two-time world champion. I’m training for Uzcategui like he’s a world champ because he has a lot of experience and he’s a hungry fighter. I know that he needs this win, but I won’t let that happen. I’m staying dedicated and motivated to win on August 28 on SHOWTIME and I want to look impressive doing it in order to get even bigger and better fights in the future.”
 
Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcategui (31-4, 26 KOs) captured a 168-pound world title in March of 2018 by stopping veteran contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds. The 30-year-old put himself in position to fight for a title with four-straight stoppage victories from 2015 through 2016, including a win over then-unbeaten Julius Jackson. Since losing the title to unbeaten champion Caleb Plant in January 2019, Uzcategui has rebounded to win three of his last four fights, including knockout wins in 2021 over Jaime Hernandez Lopez and Josue Obando.
 
“I’m excited to be back on the big stage for this fight,” said Uzcategui. “I know what I’m up against with Benavídez. He’s a great fighter, and that’s my biggest motivation. This is going to be a war and I can’t wait to give the people a great fight. Both of us come to brawl, so this is going to be a classic on August 28.”
 
The 28-year-old Benavídez (27-1, 18 KOs) is the older brother of main event headliner David and returns to fight in his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years. A long-established contender, Benavídez will return to action for the first time since dropping a 147-pound title showdown to Terence Crawford in October 2018. Benavídez had previously earned wins over contenders such as Mauricio Herrera, Francisco Santana and Frank Rojas on his way to that world title opportunity.
 
“I’m really excited to be back in the ring after being out for a while,” said Benavidez. “I feel more mature, motivated and stronger than ever. Fighting alongside my brother and in my hometown is really a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to making a tremendous comeback. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, I guarantee that I’m going to take them out. No one is going to want to miss this night, because me and my brother are bringing the fireworks.”
 
A native of boxing-rich Buenos Aires, Argentina, Torres (17-3, 5 KOs) enters this fight the winner of his last nine contests dating back to 2018. The 31-year-old will fight in the U.S. for the third time on August 28, having scored stateside victories over Cleotis Pendarvis in August 2020 and Louis Hernandez in February of this year. Torres most recently won a unanimous decision over Alexi Rivera in June as he prepares for his toughest fight to date against Benavídez.
 
“I’m very pumped up for this fight,” said Torres. “I want to thank my whole team for this opportunity to participate in such an important fight. This is a great chance for me to go to the next level against a great fighter who’s had an exceptional career. I will work very hard to get the victory on August 14 and raise high the flag of Argentina.”
 
Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) has climbed the rankings since turning pro in 2012 as he seeks a shot at a super bantamweight championship. The Phoenix-native added two victories in 2020, defeating Jesus Ruiz in February before stopping longtime contender Cesar Juarez in four rounds in July. Castro was coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him score three victories, including 10-round unanimous decision triumphs over former title challenger Genesis Servania and veteran contender Mario Diaz.
 
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to fight an excellent opponent in Oscar Escandon,” said Castro. “I’m very motivated to put on a great performance in front of my hometown fans. On August 28, I’m going to be ready to showcase all of my skills and hard work in the ring so I leave with my hand raised.”
 
A native of Ibague, Colombia, Escandon (26-5, 18 KOs) has faced a slew of top contenders and champions including featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa, plus hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar. Escandon captured an interim title in 2016 when he knocked out Robinson Castellanos to earn his world title shot against Russell. Most recently, Escandon scored a first-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Jhack Tepora in December of 2019.
 
“I’m very focused on training for this fight because I know a win can lead me back to another world title opportunity,” said Escandon. “Castro is a good young fighter who has a solid jab and can move. But I think he’s the perfect opponent for me. There are a lot of things we can do to win this fight and I can’t wait to go in there on August 28 and show it.”
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.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.