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Richie "Popeye The Sailor Man" Rivera finder nyt hjem i Orlando

Returns to ring Feb. 12th in Orlando on Christy Martin-promoted card

ORLANDO, Fla. (Februar 4, 2021) – It seems only appropriate that undefeated cruiserweightRichie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (18-0, 13 KOS) has found a new home in Orlando (FL), although his heart remains in his native Hartford (CT), since he followed his partner/head trainerTony Blanco there nearly six months ago,   

“I recently went to Universal Studios and it’s definitely Popeye-friendly,” the charismatic Rivera reported. “They had Popeye rides, souvenirs and novelties. I felt like it’s my part of town.”

Due to financial strains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hartford Boxing Center (HBC) was closed by the state March 15 and it never reopened. Blanco and his family traveled south to the Sunshine State, where he opened the Orlando Boxing Club (OBC at 7335 Lake Underhill Road in Orlando, Florida).  Soon after “Popeye” packed his bags and joined Blanco.

“The business was bleeding, and I have a family to support,” Blanco explained. “We’ve more or less brought Hartford Boxing Center to Orlando, where there are so many opportunities for us. It is what it is, there was no other way to survive. We’ve turning a negative into a positive.

“It was a cool ride alongside the Hartford community. We were sad to announce the Hartford Boxing Center had closed its doors. We are deeply indebted to Hartford for giving us the opportunity to meet such a loving community that made us feel like family. We will miss each and every one there and, forhåbentlig, we left our legacy there in good standing with everyone. We hope everybody stays safe, healthy and continues their goals and dreams The fight continues!"

Florida’s weather alone has advantages over Connecticut, in addition to no state tax, and “Popeye” has taken full advantage as he marches towards the top of the cruiserweight division.

“I’ve taken it all in,” he commented. “Down here I’m able to run in weather when it isn’t freezing or in the snow, although that did make me more of an animal. But it was harder training in Hartford and there are so many reasons not to run and train there. Not in Orlando where I have nothing but quality runs and workouts. I get solid sparring here in Orlando with partners who have different styles and I EVEN went over to the gym owned by my idol, Roy Jones, Jr., in Pensacola.

“It’s especially difficult being here during the pandemic with so many of my family and friends back in Hartford. I’m still showed a lot of love back there where I have my roots. Florida is awesome, but I still have a lot of living left, so we’ll need to wait to see what’s ahead for me in the future.”

I mellemtiden, Rivera and Blanco found a strong ally and friend in Hall of FamerChristy Martin, who is now a boxing promoter in Florida and North Carolina. Rivera’s last fight was this past August 15th in Daytona Beach (FL) on a Martin-promoted card, in which he knocked outRyan Soft in the opening round.

“Popeye” is scheduled to fight on her February 12th show in Orlando against veteran Mexican fighterUlises “El Cirillo” Jimenez (24-26-1, 18 KOS) in an 8-round featured bout.

“This will be the fifth time I’ve fought on one of her cards,” Rivera noted. “She’s awesome. Boxing is a little cutthroat, but I felt comfortable with Christy right away. She doesn’t need to have me fighting on her cards. I’m blessed to have her continue to watch after me. I’m also blessed to have a promoter likeJoe DeGuardia (Stjerne Boxing), especially during this pandemic, because he doesn’t have to let me fight on cards that he doesn’t promote like on February 12th.”

The feeling between Martin and Team Popeye is mutual. “I really like Popeye and Tony,” Martin offered. “He understands that this isn’t all about fighting. Fighters need to market themselves. and everybody here loves Popeye. After each fight he goes to talk to fans, especially kids, sign autographs for them and pose for pictures. There’s nothing like being here in Florida. It’s the best for training. Good weather all around and coming from the north like him, no excuses to work-out because of the cold. He’s improved the basic stuff since I first watched him. He’s keeping his head up, improved his power, and is more relaxed in the ring. He’s certainly headed in the right direction. He hasn’t been in any battles and I think he’s getting ready to take a big leap into a title fight.”

Rivera has benefitted from being promoted by DeGuardia in several ways, including his role as a regular sparring partner for Star Boxing light heavyweightJoe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOS), who is preparing for a Feb. 13th opgør medMaxim Vlasov (45-3 (26 KOS) airing on ESPN live from The Bubble in Las Vegas. They will fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.

“’Popeye’ is a colorful character and an exciting fighter who has a very entertaining style,” DeGuardia remarked. “He has a great way about him.”

When asked about putting “Popeye” on Christy’s show, DeGuardia stated: “Every decision is unique and made with a view towards what’s best for both the promoter and fighter. Does it make sense? Is it good for Star Boxing and our fighters?  If it fits, I have no problem having our fighter on somebody else’s card. This makes sense for everybody. Christy gets a good, featured fighter on her card, hopefully ‘Popeye’ gets a win, and our fighter stays busy. While in this COVID-19 pandemic a few good wins for your fighter is a good thing,"

His heart may always be in Hartford, but ‘Popeye” Rivera has found a new home in Orlando, and his boxing career continues to rise.

INFORMATION.

Websted: www.OrlandoBoxingClub.comwww.StarBoxing.com 

Facebook: /orlandoboxingcenter, /StarBoxing

Twitter: @orlandoboxing, StarBoxing

Instagram: @orlando.boxing.center/, @popeye_the_sailor-man_rivera

Youtube: /c/OrlandoBoxingCenter, /StarBoxingInc

RING CITY USA GÅR TILBAGE I MARS MED TO TORSDAGSNAT BOXING BEGIVENHEDER LIVE FRA PUERTO RICO PÅ NBC SPORTS NETVÆRK

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS SERHII BOHACHUK OG BRANDON ADAMS CLASH I MARS 4 VIGTIGSTE BEGIVENHED, NÅR FØRRENDE WORLD CHAMPION ALBERTO MACHADO TAGER HECTOR TANAJARA I MARS 18 MAIN EVENT

Ring City USA begivenheder vil flyve torsdag aften kl 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT på NBCSN i USA og Streaming Around the World på Twitch 

Los Angeles - januar 29, 2021 - Ring City USA, den nye sportsmediestart, der debuterede sin torsdag aften bokseserie i november 2020 på NBC Sports Network, meddelte i dag de to første begivenheder i 2021 afholdes torsdag, Marts 4 og torsdag, Marts 18, live fra Puerto Rico. Begge begivenheder vil blive sendt i USA på NBC Sports Network og NBC Sports-appen torsdag aften kl 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT med undercard action streaming live på Twitch. Hele kortet vil være tilgængeligt på Twitch uden for USA.

Tilbagevenden til Ring City USA har to stærkt konkurrencedygtige matchups med krigere på unikke tidspunkt i deres professionelle boksekarriere. On marts 4, ubesejret blå-chip stigende stjerneSerhii Bohachuk (18-0, 18 KOS) møder tidligere mellemvægt titel udfordrerBrandon Adams (22-3, 13 KOS) i en 10-runde super weltervægt hovedbegivenhed. To uger senere i marts 18, Ring City præsenterer det næste kapitel i Puerto Rico vs.. Mexico ring rivalisering, når tidligere super fjervægt verdens titlisteAlberto Machado(22-2, 18 KOS) står over for ubesejrede udsigter Hector Tanajara(19-0, 5 KOS) i en 10-runde letvægts hovedbegivenhed. Ring Citys begivenheder i marts sendes direkte fra Puerto Rico, da virksomheden fortsætter med at udnytte boksens rige historiske placeringer.

Kampen mellem Bohachuk og Adams var oprindeligt planlagt til toppen i december 3 Ring City-begivenhed på Wild Card Boxing Club i Los Angeles, men Bohachuk blev tvunget til at trække sig tilbage efter at have testet positivt for COVID-19.

”Vi er begejstrede for at starte 2021 med to vejkryds hovedkampe kampe i Puerto Rico,”Sagde chef for boksning Evan Rutkowski. ”Serhii Bohachuk har chompet for at komme tilbage i ringen og i marts 4 han vil møde den farligste modstander i sin karriere i Brandon Adams. Så to uger senere er vi lige tilbage på NBC Sports Network og Twitch med stigende ubesejret udsigten Hector Tanajara, der kæmper med den tidligere verdensmester Alberto Machado fra Puerto Rico i et klassisk Mexico vs.. Puerto Rico-rivaliseringskamp. ”

Den hårdtslående Bohachuk, som i øjeblikket er rangeret syvende af WBC og niende af IBF ved 154 pounds, har damprullet gennem modstand på vej til en 18-0 rekord, som alle er kommet via knockout. Træning med Manny Robles ud af Legends Boxing Academy, den 25-årige beviste sig med en knockout-sejr over Tyrone Brunson i oktober 2019. Senest, han udførte en elektrisk forestilling i september 2020 da han slog Alejandro Davila ud i seks runder. Den ukrainsk-fødte Bohachuk, som forfremmes af Tom Loeffler 360 Kampagner og Ural boksning, fortsætter med at tage den sydlige Californiens bokseverden med storm med sine dominerende forestillinger i ringen og magnetisk personlighed ud af ringen.

”Jeg ser frem til at forsvare min titel mod Brandon Adams i marts 4 i Puerto Rico på NBC Sports Network,”Sagde Bohachuk. ”Jeg vil takke Ring City og mine promotorer for denne mulighed. Dette burde være en stor kamp for fansen. Jeg er ked af, at vi ikke kunne gøre det i december, men nu taler folk endnu mere om denne kamp. Jeg stiller endnu et spændende show til fansen. ”

Efter Bohachuks positive COVID-19 resultat, Adams mødte Sonny Duversonne i Ring Citys hovedbegivenhed den dec. 3. Adams skænkede Duversonne kun få kilometer væk fra sin hjemby Watts, Calif., med en imponerende knockout-sejr i anden runde. Den kamptestede Adams, der arbejder med dygtig træner Dub Huntley, udfordrede WBC mellemvægt titelholder Jermall Charlo om titlen i 2019 efter at have besejret Shane Mosley Jr.. for at vinde Epix Television Series "The Contender." Adams kan prale af en formidabel gruppe af sparringpartnere, inklusive Shawn Porter og Gennadiy Golovkin. Adams startede konkurrencedygtig træning i en alder 19, kæmpede sin første amatørkamp i en alder 20 og blev professionel i alderen 21. Han fremmes af Banner Promotions and Tournament of Contenders.

”Jeg ser frem til at vende tilbage til Ring City i marts og vise mere vækst, når Serhii og jeg endelig kommer ind i ringen i Puerto Rico,”Sagde Adams.

Machado (22-2, 18 KOS), der kommer fra Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, vil kæmpe på øen for første gang siden 2017 og 14th tid i sin professionelle karriere. I 2017, Machado erobrede WBA's superfjervægt i verdensklasse mod Jezreel Corrales via ottende runde knockout. Machado forsvarede med succes verdensmesterskabet to gange i 2018 inden han mistede bæltet til Andrew Cancio i februar 2019. Senere i 2019, Machado rykkede op til letvægts og scorede en anden runde knockout over Luis Porozo. Den 30-årige er i øjeblikket rangeret 12th af både WBA og WBO. Southpaw gjorde sig bemærket på det Puerto Ricanske amatørkredsløb, konkurrerer i AIBA Youth World Championships og 2012 Olympiske kvalifikationer.

”Det har været en trist og tvungen hvile på grund af Coronavirus men, for mig, min krop havde brug for denne hvile. Jeg er spændt på, at jeg efter fire år vender tilbage for at kæmpe igen hjemme i Puerto Rico,”Sagde Machado. ”Jeg takker Miguel Cotto-kampagner, H2 Kampagner, Golden Boy og Ring City USA for at give mig denne mulighed for at overføre dette fantastiske kort. Hector Tanajara, Jr. er en stor fighter, der også søger at bryde igennem i letvægtsafdelingen. Jeg håber, han kommer klar og det 135 har min plads reddet, fordi jeg hører hjemme her, og den 18. marts demonstreres det. ”

Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOS) vil tage den hårdeste test i sin karriere, når han møder Machado på sit hjemmebane. Født og opvokset i San Antonio, Texas, Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOS) kommer ud af kampene i sin hjemby for første gang i sin professionelle karriere i januar 2020 da han overtog den tidligere verdensudfordrer Juan Carlos Burgos, som han slog overbevisende via enstemmig beslutning. Den 24-årige er fortsat med at stige op i de lette rækker siden han blev proff 2015. I Machado, han vil stå over for en ny udfordring ved at tage på en Southpaw fighter for første gang i sin professionelle karriere med 19 kampe. Tanajara kæmper under vejledning af den verdensberømte træner Robert Garcia.

”Jeg er begejstret for at komme tilbage i ringen,”Sagde Tanajara. ”Det har været lidt over et år, og jeg har trænet hårdt hele tiden med at være klar til den, der er. Vi fik endelig en modstander, og jeg er klar til at vise verden, hvem jeg er, og hvad jeg kan gøre med de bedste fyre i divisionen. ”

Opkald til hele handlingssiden i Puerto Rico vil være den tidligere to-gangs weltervægtsmester Shawn Porter, der får følgeskab af NBC Sports blow-by-blow-kommentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell vil fungere som kampnatanalytiker med Curran Bhatia rapportering fra ringside.

Fuld kortoplysninger vil blive annonceret på et senere tidspunkt.

Om Ring City USA

Ringby, som blev lanceret i 2020, er boksningens nyeste sportsmedieplatform. Arbejder sammen med en række arrangører og talent, dens nye bokseserie lægger vægt på konkurrencedygtige matchups, der virkelig tester krigerne og ophidser kampfans. Ring City giver store kampe i ringen og overbevisende skulderprogrammering uden for ringen. Ring City er det bevisende sted, hvor kommende talent kan tjene deres striber og starte sig selv i den øverste del af boksestjernen.

FRANCOIS BOTHA BLIVER MED I FNU-KOMBATSSPORTVISNINGEN

This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Francois Botha, AKAThe White Buffalo.We discussed his new fitness venture, his hopes to rematch Mike Tyson and how he got his nickname, among a few other topics. Lyt her:

FrancoisThe White Buffalo” Botha taler om sin fantastiske karriere og hans utrolige fremtidige bokseplaner | Fight Talk Ubegrænset (spreaker.com)

Contact Rich at rich.bergeron@gmail.com if you’d like to be a future guest on the show or want to sponsor our podcast.

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez targets Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for future mega-showdown

LAS VEGAS (Januar 21, 2021) – If 29-year-oldGilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOS), arguably already one of the top 25 Mexican fighters of all-time, has his way as he enters his prime years, he will eventually have a mega-showdown with fellow countrymanSaul “Canelo” Alvarez (54-2-32, 36 KOS) before making their way to the Hall of Fame.

“Anything is possible, and it’ll be great for fans if a fight for me against ‘Canelo’ happens,” Ramirez said. “With two Mexicans in the ring, you know it’ll be a war from round one. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Første, selv, Ramirez has some business to take care of starting with a potential Interim World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight World title fight against 2012 US. Olympian“Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOS).

The WBC recently ordered No. 1 rated Ramirez vs. Do Not. 4 Browne. Team Zurdo and Team Browne have until February 5th to work out a deal before it goes to purse bid. Ramirez is promoted by his own company, Zurdo Promotions, while Browne is represented by PBC.

If everything goes as Ramirez plans, he’ll have a world unification fight with either WBC/IBF light heavyweight World championArtur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOS) or WBA Super title-holderDmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOS, preferably later in 2021, pending COVID-19 restrictions.

“I never look past any fight,” Ramirez noted. “In this sport, on any given night, the best man will win. All I can do is train hard and prepare myself to be my best for when the occasion arises. Brown, Bivol, Beterbiev or Canelo, it doesn’t matter who I fight; I always train hard to make sure I’m ready when the fight is here.”

Ramirez became the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight crown in 2016, when the athletic southpaw thoroughly dominated defending champion“King” Arthur Abraham (44-4), winning each round for a 12-round unanimous decision (120-106 X 3) to become the WBO world champion.

I 2019, Alvarez joined WBO titlistJulio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) as the only Mexican-born light heavyweight champions of the world, when he stopped 34-3-1Sergey Kovalev i 11th round to become the WBO World light heavyweight champion. The 9-time, 4-division world champion Alvarez relinquished his WBO light heavyweight crown without defending it.

Ramirez is off to the 5th-best winning streak to start a professional career in Mexican boxing history behind four Hall of Famers: his idolJulio Cesar Chavez (87), Carlos Zarate (52), Ricardo Lopez (47) ogMarco Antonio Barrera (43). 

The dream match for “Zurdo,” of course, is down the road against Canelo. How about having it on Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Independence Day

Between then and now, dog, Ramirez needs a career-defining victory against a primetime opponent such as Beterbiev or Bivol to set the stage for a Canelo showdown.

“We’ll see if he’s (Canelo) able to do it again (fight as a light heavyweight),” Ramirez added. “He’s already fought at that weight once (lys sværvægter) and I don’t see why it should be a problem unless it was a fluke. But I do understand he and his team will have to be a lot more cautious navigating this weight class, compared to the lower divisions, due to the higher risk. Also, we’ve been around each other before and even sparred. He knows I’m not just a Kovalev or a Callum Smith.

“It’ll (Canelo vs. Zurdo”) be an instant classic and a great way to showcase top-tier Mexican boxing to the world. I think fans will love this battle between Sinaloa (Ramirez) and Jalisco (Alvarez)."

INFORMATION: 

Websted:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com 

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

About Zurdo Promotions:  Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico. Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us atwww.ZurdoPromotions.com

USA Boxing Converts Abandoned Department Store Into National Training Gym for Preparations for Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – When the boxers of the USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. this week they walked into a new training facility with just over six months left until the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and even less time to their qualification tournaments.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, USA Boxing athletes have not been allowed to train in the national boxing gym at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center (USOPTC) since March 2020 and have had to continue to make adjustments to their training plans, which included training at the French National Training Center in Paris in late 2020.

After being told they would not be allowed to begin 2021 at the USOPTC, the coaching and national office staff had to find a new home to begin the final preparations for the qualification tournaments taking place in May and June.

“After spending most of 2020 waiting to be allowed entry back into our national gym at the Colorado Springs OPTC, it was time that we took matters into our own hands and established a training space that can properly accommodate our team’s training needs,” said Matt Johnson, USA Boxing High Performance Director.

USA Boxing ended 2020 and the beginning of 2021 moving all equipment, which included four boxing rings, numerous heavy bags and strength and conditioning equipment, from their gym at the USOPTC to an abandoned department store in a mall in Colorado Springs to hold training camps, while housing the boxers and coaching staff at the nearby Hotel Eleganté.

“We are able to continue to move forward in this COVID environment by applying multi-layer protection protocols, pre-travel testing, mandatory mask wearing, social distancing, regular cleaning, regular rapid antigen testing, daily health surveys and follow up PRC pool testing, as well as provide a top notch training facility in our temporary facility, which we are greatly thankful for John Bushman, owner of Hotel Eleganté and the training facility, to help provide these opportunities to our boxers,” stated Mike McAtee, USA Boxing Executive Director.

“The training facility and environment we have created has greatly reduced the risk to our boxers and coaches. USA Boxing strives to fulfill our stated mission to our boxers, ‘… (til) inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable our boxers and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence…’ in the face of a worldwide pandemic.”

The first training camp of 2021 began Jan. 14 and will run until Feb. 18, before the boxers head to Bulgaria and Spain for international competitions. USA Boxing will hold the final training camp before the America’s Olympic Qualification Tournament at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, in Chula Vista, Calif., in another makeshift boxing gym, which held the final training camp of 2020 i november.

INFORMATION: 

www.usaboxing.org 

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® OFFERS FIRST LOOK AT SPECIAL VIDEO FEATURE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®

NEW YORK - Januar 20, 2021 – SHOWTIME Sports has released a special video feature in advance of tonight’s ShoBox: Den nye generation fjersynsudsendelse, the first of 2021. The video features ShoBox analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood taking viewers through the history of the popular prospect developmental series, which debuted on SHOWTIME® i juli 2001 and celebrates its 20th year featuring boxing’s rising stars throughout 2021. To watch and share the video, gå til https://youtu.be/c8-_w6qLCkQ.

“I would make the argument that today as we speak in 2021, it’s more important than it’s ever been because prospects need to fight so it’s very important forShoBoxto give them that opportunity because without fights they don’t grow and without grassroots boxing, boxing doesn’t grow,” Farhood says in the feature.

Since its inceptionShoBox: Den nye generation has showcased young talent matched tough in exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Aktuelt, 83 krigere, der er dukket op påShoBox have advanced to win world titles including the likes of Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Timothy Bradley and Nonito Donaire.

Tonight’s telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME and is headlined by Yeis Solano (15-0, 10 KOS) making his super lightweight debut against the first undefeated fighter of his career in East Hartford, Conn.’s Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOS). The co-main event features Panama’s unbeaten Jose Nunez (11-0-1, 4 KOS) facing decorated amateur Aram Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOS) in an eight-round super featherweight matchup.

FIVE UNBEATEN FIGHTERS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® QUADRUPLEHEADER WEDNESDAY, Februar 17 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Janelson Figueroa Bocachica Returns Against Unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr., in Main Event of ShoBox, Celebrating 20th Year Featuring Boxing’s Rising Stars

NEW YORK - Januar 20, 2021 - Exciting welterweight prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica will meet fellow undefeated Mark Reyes, Jr., i en ShoBox: Den nye generation main event bout Wednesday, Februar 17 live på SHOWTIME på 9 p.m. ET/PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Bocachica vs. Reyes headlines a four-fight card featuring eight compelling prospects with a combined record of 119-4-1, five of whom are undefeated.

Detroit’s Figueroa Bocachica (16-0, 11 KOS) is following up on his dominating performance in hisShoBox debut in October when he faces the power-punching Reyes (14-0, 12 KOS) from Tampa, Fla., i en 10-round weltervægt Bout. The co-main event will feature unbeaten Russian and Detroit-trained Vladimir Shishkin (11-0, 7 KOS) taking on Ghana’s Sena Agbeko (23-1, 18 KOS) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup. Desuden, Alexander kriger (12-0, 9 KOS) of Irving, Texas, vender tilbage tilShoBox and faces Mexico’s Abraham Montoya (19-2-1, 14 KOS) i en otte-round letvægts Bout. Another Russian-based in Detroit, Mich., Timur Kerefov (9-0, 4 KOS), will battle middleweight prospect Argenis Espana (15-1, 14 KOS) of Venezuela in the eight-round telecast opener.

The four-fight telecast is promoted by Salita Promotions.

“I am delighted to promote an exciting night of boxing, featuring some of the best young talent in boxing in opposing corners,” Salita said. “The February 17 card features possibly the best new talent in four different weight divisions in pick ‘em fights. Middleweight Timur Kerefov, fighting with trainer SugarHill Steward in his corner, is looking to quickly climb up the ladder. Super featherweight Alejandro Guerrero is fighting his toughest test against Abraham Montoya. Super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin is looking for a breakout performance against the hungry Sena Agbeko, who is looking to make a name for himself. This show may also be the crowning of one of the best new welterweights in the world with an exciting matchup between undefeated prospects, Janelson Figueroa Bocachica and Mark Reyes, Jr.”

Steward, who legally changed his name to SugarHill Steward to honor his late uncle Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, calls Kerefov, “One of the best middleweights in the world right now,” and that there is no limit to how far the 30-year-old can go. “We don’t have long conversations because of the language barrier, but I’m impressed how Timur is able to process the information I tell him, and quickly get better in the short time we’ve worked together,” said Steward, who is also training Anthony Dirrell at Big Time Boxing and Fitness in Boca Raton, Fla. “The Russians who come to Detroit are here to work and not run the streets, som jeg kan lide. They have families and know that boxing in the United States is the mecca. Så, they take it very seriously.”

Bocachica vs. Reyes – 10-Round Welterweight Main Event Bout

Bocachica returns for his second consecutiveShoBox appearance as the 22-year-old Detroit native overpowered Puerto Rico’s Nicklaus Flaz from the start earning a first-round TKO at 2:43 of round one in October. Bocachica is a four-year pro who began boxing at age eight. He won four consecutive Ringside Championships (2011-14), the National PAL Championships and the 2015 Detroit Golden Gloves. He boasts an amateur record of 55-5. He is trained by his father, Nelson Figueroa.

After the last appearance onShoBox, I felt like that was the performance that I needed,” Bochachia said. “I picked Mark Reyes out myself because I wanted better competition and he is 14-0. I want to put a statement out to all of the fighters in the 147-pound division. A win gets me closer to my dreams. I am fighting better opposition. It shows that Janelson is the truth, and I am coming for everyone in the welterweight division. I am not worrying about anything.

Reyes is coming off of a first-round knockout of Diego Perez on November 21, in his hometown of Tampa. Reyes was a successful amateur winning the PAL National Tournament in 2012, as well as the Junior Olympics and Ringside Tournament. He also won two National tournaments competing for Puerto Rico: the 2015 Frankie Larvae National Championships and 2016 Cheo Aponte National Championships. Samlet, he accumulated a record of 45-5 before turning pro in March 2016. He is now trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas, who also coaches former world champion Tevin Farmer.

“I am excited to be in this position, fighting onShoBox, where a win will put my name on the boxing map,” Reyes said. “Bocachica is a solid fighter, but I look forward to adding the first loss to his record and showing the viewers why I took this fight on short notice. Training camp has been going great and I will be ready.

Shishkin vs. Agbeko – 10-Round Super Middleweight Bout

Shishkin has previously fought twice onShoBox earning impressive wins over Ulises Sierra and DeAndre Ware. Steward worked Shishkin’s corner for the Sierra fight, but Steward’s commitment to heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has not allowed the two to train exclusively together. Shishkin has recently been working with L.J. Harrison. In his last fight on August 20, he recorded a ninth-round technical knockout of Oscar Riojas. Shishkin is currently ranked No. 9 af WBC, Do Not. 11 af WBA og nr. 12 by the IBF in the 168-pound division.

“I’m grateful, igen, to get the chance to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME,” said Shishkin, 29. “I’m preparing in a new gym called Superbad with a new coach. I’m curious how that will affect me in the bout. I know this fight puts me just one step closer to my goal of becoming a world champion.”

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Agbeko was a member of the Ghanaian National Team as a youth and had 69 amatør anfald. Agbeko turned pro in 2011 i en alder af 19 and had his first 15 bouts in Ghana before relocating to the United States in 2013 to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion. Agbeko has fine-tuned his craft serving as a sparring partner for Caleb Plant, Badou Jack and Brandon Adams. Agbeko currently lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife.

“Training is going great and we’ve been training for a while already, so we’re just doubling down on a few things and fine-tuning as well for the fight,” Agbeko said. “I know my opponent has an extensive amateur background and a style that’s reflective of where he’s from in Russia. I expect an aggressive, yet well-calculated fighter. I will win this fight because I know I want it more and, as a result, have put more effort into preparation. My superior boxing skills coupled with desire and effort will get it done.”

Guerrero vs. Montoya – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

Kæmper ud af Houston, Texas, Guerrero is a big-punching prospect who won a closely contested slugfest via majority decision over Jose Angulo in the lastShoBox telecast before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March 2020. Prior to that win, Guerrero had stopped three consecutive opponents including a second-round TKO of Darnell Jiles, Jr. i januar 2020. En berømt amatør, der vandt to junior-nationaltitler, the 22-year-old “Pork Chop” has sparred with the likes of world champions Mikey Garcia and Brandon Rios at the famed Garcia Boxing Academy in California.

“I know nothing about my opponent, but I’ve watched one clip of him and that’s all I needed to see to know he will go down,” Guerrero said. “This fight will mean a lot to me because it will show the world I’m the real deal. I will win this fight for my career and my family.”

The 26-year-old Montoya, of Baja California, Mexico, will be making his United States debut on February 17 and will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for just the second time. After dropping his second professional contest, Montoya rallied to go unbeaten in his next 18 bouts before traveling to Russia in November 2019 to take on undefeated prospect Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov, where he lost a 12-round decision. Montoya rebounded to score a second-round TKO over Reyes David Lopez his last time out in October, and also owns an impressive victory over then-undefeated prospect Luis Alberto Lopez Vargas.

“Fighting in the U.S. and on SHOWTIME has always been my dream and I can’t wait for February 17 to show what I can do,” Montoya said. “I’ve never worked or trained as hard for a fight as I have for this one. I’ve seen my opponent and know he will bring the action just like his last fight. He will be tough, but I’m as ready for this as I’ve ever been.”

Kerefov vs. Espana – Eight-Round Middleweight Bout

Hailing from Shaluska, Rusland, and now fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Kerefov will make hisShoBox debut on February 17. Kerefov, 30, amassed an impressive 298-12 amateur record in his home country during his nearly decade-long reign at the elite level of international amateur boxing. I 2019, Kerefov turned in five impressive victories in Russia prior to his United States debut at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit in August 2020, where he turned in a dominating unanimous decision victory over Calvin Metcalf in a middleweight bout.

“I am in the middle of a great training camp with trainer SugarHill Steward in Florida,” Kerefov said. “I look forward to showing the boxing fans that I am the new face of the middleweight division.”

The 31-year-old southpaw, Espana, will be fighting for the first time in the United States as 14 sin 16 professional bouts have taken place in Venezuela. The power-punching Espana’s only career loss was to Dervin Colina in 2019 og 14 sin 15 victories have come via knockout. I december, he TKO’d Leonard Carrillo in his last fight.

“This is a great opportunity for me to appear in the U.S.,” Espana said. “I know very little about my opponent, but that does not bother me at all. I am always training and ready to go the distance or less. Victory will get me closer to a world title.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. Den udøvende producent Gordon Hall med Richard Gaughan producere og Rick Phillips dirigere.

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For mere information besøgwww.sho.com/sports Følg på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, #ShoBox, eller blive en fan på Facebook påwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports

CirkaShoBox: Den nye generation

Siden starten i juli 2001, den kritikerroste SHOWTIME boksning serie, ShoBox: Den nye generation har budt unge talenter matches hårde. DenShoBox filosofi er at transmittere spændende, crowd-glædeligt og konkurrencedygtige kampe samtidig give en Proving Ground for villige udsigter fast besluttet på at kæmpe for en verden titel. Nogle af de voksende liste af 83 krigere, der er dukket op påShoBox og avanceret at samle verden titler inkluderer: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

AFTER 45 YEARS IN THE HEART OF DARKNESS AFRICA ROARS BACK ONTO THE GLOBAL BOXING SCENE

Class vs Mwale and Pulev vs Meroro co-headline historic ‘Rumble-in-Dar’ Global TV event on Jan 29th

Over the years African Boxing has been seen as the poor relative when it comes to Global audiences for professional boxing from the Continent. America and Europe have dominated the scene it seems forever, but that had already began to change, as more recently it is the Middle East that has come to the fore hosting the big events that attract the Global interest.

In just over a weeks time Boxing from Africa, will roar back onto the scene determined to make such an impact that the fans of sport’s focus will begin to shift towards that Continent too.

Historically Boxing in Africa has attracted Global audiences, who could forget that one of the biggest fights of all time took place in Africa. Tilbage i oktober 1974 the world’s eyes were on Zaire as Muhammad Ali challenged George Foreman for his World Crown in Kinshasa.

Whilst Rumble in the Jungle, arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th century, was the most watched boxing event ever, drawing an estimated one billion viewers Globally, the expected Legacy for Boxing in Africa failed to materialise. Ja, since then there have been a few fights on the Continent that were shown on Major Networks in America and Europe, these were one offs, there have been no regular international events to maintain the momentum, but that is all about to change…

On the 29th January 2021, Botswana based Global Boxing Stars and Tanzania based Jackson Group present the first of six planned Fight Night events in the Tanzania, evocatively named “Rumble-In-Dar“, they hope will redress the balance and attract fans of the pugilistic arts around the World.

The ground breaking event is co-headlined by Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class (24-6-0) versus South Africa based Malawian Dennis Mwale (8-0-0), who will be competing for the World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Intercontinental Lightweight Championship.

Bulgaria’s Tervel Pulev (15-0-0), the brother of Heavyweight Kubrat Pulev, who was KO’d by Anthony Joshua back in December, versus Namibia’s Vikapita Meroro (29-9-0) co-headlines in a non-championship ten rounder.

The packed undercard features a further Championship contest, between Tanzania’s Shaban Hamadi Jongo (7-1-2) og New York, USA’s Shawn Miller (18-5-1) for the WBFed International Heavyweight belt.

Unbeaten Zambian World Prospect Lolita Muzeya (16-0-0) makes her return to the ring on the event and South Africa’s rising Heavyweight sensation Ardi “The Iron Fist” Ndembo (1-0-0) makes his second pro outing.

‘Rumble-in-Dar’ will take place in front of an audience at the Next Door Arena in Dar-Es-Salaam, as Tanzania, unlike much of the World today, has been little affected by the COVID 19 pandemic and will be broadcast Globally, providing free to view access to in excess of three quarter of a Billion Homes and Billions more Devices.

So just who are the people so intent on changing not only the perception of African Boxing but also on showcasing African talent on a Global platform.

Scott Patrick Farrell, the founder of Global Boxing Stars, is the former CEO of Ringstar Boxing and former Managing director of Commvault inc, a corporation that that went ipo for over 500 million dollars whilst Scott was part of the senior Management team.

“In business and in life timing is everything, I believe this is the right time, Tanzania is the right place and between GBS and the Jackson Group we have the right partnership to take this platform to the next level, plans are afoot to deploy world titles, world title eliminators as well as international non-title bouts on the future bills, so as to raise the profile and quality of the bills show by show. We have a strategy to position Dar es Salaam as a new sports tourism hub.”

Scott lives the dream and works regularly with the only Boxing hall of fame eight division World champion Senator Manny Pacquiao as co-promoter and producer/event director for the Manny Pacquiao Championship Boxing Series.

Over the years Scott has built and been a very integral part of numerous contenders becoming World Champions, such as; IBF Bantamweight number one contender Michael Dasmarinas. Scott took the unknown boxer from the Philippines to become the IBO world champion, and then to a victory in the IBF world title eliminator. Making Dasmarinas the mandatory challenger for the much-sorted crown of the IBF world title. Other success comes with four division World Champion and current WBO World Champion John Riel Casimero as part of the Sean Gibbons & Manny Pacquiao Championship Boxing team, and Paulus ‘The Rock” Ambunda former WBO and IBO world champion, Scott secured his third world title victory with Ringstar Asia.

Scott has now taken all his life lessons and experience and partnered with Jeremy Bean, who has Pan African connectivity and experience in staging live broadcast events from all major economic hubs of the continent to create Global Boxing Stars, a professional management company to represent and build a fighter’s career. His focus is developing fighters based in Africa and other parts of the world, to build new World Champion prospects to sign with the top promoters in the USA, UK and other parts of the world. Scott has a great working relationship and proven track record with the giants of the boxing industry such as Top Rank, PBC, Golden Boy, DAZN and Matchroom, and many more

“We are extremely energised by this collaboration partnership, we have alignment, a common vision and the energy is good. Together Global Boxing Stars and the Jackson Group seek to develop a new commercial model for Pan African boxing and unlock value through pooling of our networks, resources and operational capacity. Myself and Kelvin are marketing guys that the boxing bug has bitten, we see Pan African boxing as a sleeping giant and believe our partnership will pioneer a new approach that will bring corporate partners with a Pan African footprint to the table.” Said fellow Director of Global Boxing Stars Jeremy Bean.

Jeremy comes from an advertising background, along with practical sports marketing and event staging experience along with a proven track record of producing international, live broadcast boxing events across the African continent.

While producing the Pan African boxing content for the Kwesé ESPN partnership, Jeremy staged fights in all the major economic hubs of Southern, East and West Africa.

Joining the dynamic duo on this major project is Kelvin Twissa, CEO of The Jackson Group.

“Jeremy and I first connected when I was doing shows with Sport Pesa in Kenya and he was producing the Pan African boxing content for the ESPN Kwesé partnership, now under different banners and with what appears opportune timing we are teaming up to position Tanzania as a new fight mecca and sport tourism hub. The Jackson Group and Global Boxing Stars have formed a powerful, cross functional team – we can talk marketing and commercials to brands and sponsors, we can talk television and production specs to broadcasters and now we can talk boxing, all as a single powerful partnership unit.”

Kelvin, a high-level marketing strategist with experience managing campaigns and brands across Africa, is the former Global Chief Marketing Officer of SportPesa, brings to the team vast experience via various marketing roles at Exco level with some of the largest corporates and Telcos on the African continent.

Now in the role of CEO under the banner of the Jackson Group, Kelvin is able to unlock value through commercial partnerships and connectivity across the East African hub and the continent at large. Kelvin’s experience in sports ranges from football working with Clubs and Leagues in Africa and Europe including the Everton, Arsenal, Laliga and Cape Town City FC.

During his time at SportPesa Kelvin created the SportPesa Fight Night, as well as brought Tony Bellew to Kenya as part of the Everton SportPesa Boxing Road Show. The Nairobi Figth Night Series commanded over 7.4 million audience in Kenya alone being shown in over 7 channels across Africa.

Without doubt the stage appears set for a new energy and approach to Pan African boxing, with Tanzania providing the backdrop and this exciting partnership between Global Boxing Stars and The Jackson Group pioneering a new commercial and collaborative model.

Rumble in Dar, co-headlined by Ibrahim Class versus Dennis Mwale for the World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Intercontinental Lightweight Championship and Tervel Pulev versus Vikapita Meroro takes place at the Next Door Arena, Masaki, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania on Friday the 29th January 2021.

Joining host broadcaster Azam TV are numerous broadcast platforms worldwide such as NBC Namibia, Astro Arens (Malaysia) plus more (check local Channel/Cable Network schedule) and will also be streamed live and free to view onFITE.TV, Gineko Network, Boxing TV, PPV Live,  360 PR App etc (further Streaming Channels to be announced soon) as well as on the Go Boxing YouTube and Daily Motion Channels, Rumble in Dar will also be available as Video on Demand seven days after the event on Sports channel Network (SCN) and other VOD platforms.

#RumbleInDar

www.globalboxingstars.com

41-0 Gilberto “Southpaw” Ramirez all in for WBC Interim World light heavyweight clash with “Sir” Marcus Browne

LAS VEGAS (Januar 14, 2021) — The first super middleweight world champion of Mexican decent, ubesejret Gilberto “Southpaw” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOS) is all in for a potential World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim light heavyweight World title fight against 2012 US. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOS).

The WBC ordered Ramirez vs. Browne this past Monday because reigning WBC light heavyweight World champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOS) hasn’t defended his title since capturing it October 18, 2019, due to getting COVID-19 during training camp, as well as for other pandemic related restrictions. Beterbiev is also the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight World champion.

Ramirez is the No. 1 light heavyweight contender in the WBC ratings, while Browne is ranked No. 4. Team Zurdo and Team Browne have until February 5th to work out a deal before it’ll go to purse bid. Martinez is promoted by his own company, Zurdo Promotions, while Browne is represented by PBC.

This is an interesting opportunity and I’m ready to fight anyone in the light heavyweight division to leave my mark on the sport,” Ramirez said. “I know Marcus has been out of the ring for a while, but he’s a U.S. Olympian and still one of the best in the game. I know he’s wanted this fight for a while and hopefully we can make something happen.

“Desuden, it’s always been my dream to get the green belt (WBC) and bring it back to Mexico. I have a lot of respect for the WBC and Mauricio Suliman and I am grateful for all their love and support throughout my career.

Sidste måned, Ramirez fought for the first time in 20 måneder, stopping defending champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-4, 25 KOS) in the 10th round of theBattle of Rio Grande” main event, which marked the debut of Zurdo Promotions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez became the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight crown in 2016, when the ultra-gifted, athletic southpaw pitched a complete shutout against defending title holder “Konge” Arthur Abraham(44-4), winning each round for a 12-round unanimous decision (120-106 X 3) to become the World Boxing Organization (WBO) verdensmester.

Ramirez successful defended his WBO title five times against 33-4-1 Maksym Bursak (DEC12), 22-0 Jessie Hart (DEC12), 25-0-1 Habib Ahmed (25-0-1), 23-0 Roemer Alexis Angulo (DEC12), and Hart again in a rematch (DEC12). “Southpaw” moved up to the light heavyweight division in 2019, destroying 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency, who was unable to continue fighting after four rounds.

A talented southpaw as well, Browne was a decorated U.S. amateur out of New York City, who won gold medals at the 2010 US. Nationale PAL mesterskaber og 2012 US. Nationale mesterskaber, prior to representing the U.S. at the Olympic Games in London.

Browne, 30, is a past WBA Interim light heavyweight World champion. He has beaten a pair of word champions, 22-1-3 Badou Jack (DEC12) og 25-7-1 Gabriel Campillo (25-7-2). Other notable opponents he has defeated include 21-0 Radivoje Kalajdzic (DEC8), 20-2 Thomas Williams (KO6), 28-0 Sean Monaghan (TKO2), og 18-1-1 Lenin Castillo (DEC10). Browne’s last fight was August 3, 2019, when he suffered his first loss as a professional to former world champion Jean Pascal(33-6-1) via an eight-round technical decision, after Browne suffered a severe cut over his left eye from an accidental head-butt.

There are always challenges to making a fight become reality,” Ramirez concluded, “but me being both the fighter and sole promoter, I’m flexible on the common problems that takes to make a fight. I’m not sure how much time Marcus will need to be ready, but both time and location can be determined when the other preliminary items are agreed upon. If it goes to a purse bid, I’m ready for the process and, forhåbentlig, this fight can happen for both of us.

INFORMATION:
Websted: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

UNBEATEN REYMART GABALLO SCORES CONTROVERSIAL SPLIT-DECISION VICTORY OVER FORMER WORLD CHAMPION EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ IN SHOWTIME® MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT

Jaron Ennis vs. Chris van Heerden Declared No Decision After Accidental Headbutt; Gary Antonio Russell Scores Technical Decision Victory Over Juan Carlos Payano

Klik HER til Fotos fra Amanda Westcott / SHOWTIME
(Photos will be uploaded shortly)

Uncasville, Conn. – December 20, 2020 – Undefeated bantamweight Reymart Gaballo scored a controversial split-decision victory over former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez in the main event of Saturday night’s SHOWTIMEBOXING: SPECIAL UDGAVE from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., i en begivenhed præsenteret af Premier Boxing Champions. Med sejren, Gaballo picked up the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight Title.

Saturday’s headliner in the last SHOWTIME BOXING event of 2020 was competitive from the opening bell. In only three of the twelve rounds were Rodriguez and Gaballo separated by more than three landed punches. Samlet, Gaballo (24-0, 20 KOS) threw 148 more punches than Rodriguez (19-2, 12 KOS), but still managed to connect on 16 fewer power punches. The punches of the 28-year-old Rodriguez seemed to be cleaner, as he wobbled the Filipino Gaballo on more than one occasion. Men, two of the judges favored Gaballo’s aggression over Rodriguez’s ring generalship.

SHOWTIME’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood scored the fight 118-110 in favor of Rodriguez and SHOWTIME analyst and former world champion Raul Marquez was dismayed by the judges’ decision.

“There’s no way Gaballo could have won that fight,” said Marquez. “In the worst-case scenario, you could have maybe given him three rounds. I gave him no rounds.”

“I am very happy and blessed to win this belt,” said the 24-year-old Gaballo. “I was always moving forward and controlling the pace, so I thought it was a close fight that either of us could have won.

“I’m waiting for my team to tell me what they have planned for me next. I’m going to keep training hard so I’m always ready for the opportunity when it comes.”

“It was a good fight, but he only won about two or three rounds,” said Rodriguez. “There were two punches from me for every punch he landed. He knows he lost. Everyone knows we won. My team told me to go out and keep boxing him in the late rounds. We knew he needed a knockout in the twelfth round. That was his only chance to win.”

I co-main event, Philadelphia’s undefeated welterweight sensation Jaron Ennis (26-0, 24 KOS) saw his impressive 16-fight knockout streak come to a disappointing end after an accidental headbutt in the first round caused a brutal cut to the forehead of his opponent, Chris van Heerden (28-2-1, 12 KOS). Watch the clash of heads HER: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1340495823474442240

With only two minutes and thirty-nine seconds inside the ring to showcase his skills, Ennis was still able to flash glimpses of his championship potential as he landed 22 af 57 punches, 19 of them power shots as he appeared destined to stop the South African van Heerden and keep his KO streak alive before the clash of heads.

“Before the headbutt I had already cut him and I felt strong,” said a disappointed Ennis. “I knew he was ready to go. I feel like I’m getting better and better. Now I’ll just get back in the gym. As you could see from the first round, I was handling him easily. I feel like everyone is still sleeping on me, but I’m ready for anyone. Bring on the big names.”

I fjersynsudsendelse åbneren, bantamweight contender Gary Antonio Russell (18-0, 12 KOS) kept his unblemished record intact with a technical decision victory over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano (21-5, 9 KOS). After an accidental headbutt caused a bad cut to the left brow of Payano, referee David Fields stopped the fight after the sixth round at the advice of the ringside physician. The fight went to the scorecards, where Russell led on all three cards (58-56, 59-55, 59-55).

Før skaden, Russell and Payano were engaged in a scrappy brawl that saw multiple exchanges of power punches. In the closing seconds of the sixth, and ultimately final round, Russell caught Payano with a counter-shot that hurt Payano. Russell landed 86 af 243 punches while Payano landed just 58 af 268 punches. Russell flashed excellent body work throughout the fight, out landing Payano 40 til 17 on body shots.

In SHOWTIME BOXING Prelims action that streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube -kanal og SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook-side, highly regarded 21-year-old prospect Brandun Lee (21-0, 19 KOS) extended his knockout streak to 13 with a third-round stoppage of Dakota Linger (12-5-2, 8 KOS) and Benjamin Whitaker (15-4, 3 KOS) scored a majority decision victory (76-76, 77-75, 79-73) over previously unbeaten prospect Zsolt Daranyi (15-1, 14 KOS).

Lørdagens SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL UDGAVE telecast will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

An industry leading production team and announce crew delivered all the sights, sounds and drama from Mohegan Sun Arena. Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer hosted the telecast. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo called the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez providing expert analysis. Two Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The telecast was available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion Raul Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna calling the action. The Executive Producer was David Dinkins, Jr., the Producer was Ray Smaltz and the Director was Chuck McKean.

The event was promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo was promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden was promoted in association with D&D Boksning.

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For mere information besøg www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, Følg på Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing og @TGBPromotionss eller bliv fan på Facebook kl www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.