Top Mexican prospects showcased on stacked June 10th rjj boxing card

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

STREAMING LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY ON UFC FIGHT PASS® FROM MEXICO

LAS VEGAS (May 13, 2021) — RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, presented by Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, returns to Mexico on Thursday, June 10,to showcase some of the top Mexican boxing prospects.

All the action will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT from Benito Juarez Auditorium in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

“RJJ Boxing continues to showcase some of the best prospects in Mexico,” RJJ Boxing CEO/co-founder Keith Veltre said. “The future of Mexican boxing will be in action once again on UFC FIGHT PASS. We have been able to continue promoting during the pandemic by following COVID-19 protocols, working with Emanuel Romo (DLA O Promotions), a dedicated staff and young fighters anxious to prove themselves in the boxing world outside of Mexico.”

The main event finds 23-year-old Mexican super middleweight Manuel “El Meno” Gallegos (17-1, 15 KOs) matched against his Las Vegas opponent, Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (11-2-1, 6 KOs), in a 10-round bout.

Gallegos, who has stopped 15 pf his opponents in his 17 pro wins, is coming off his only loss as a pro last October, by way of an 8-round unanimous decision to 10-1-1 (7 KOs) Oziel Santoyo. Gallegos’ most impressive victory to date was an 8-round unanimous decision over 37-7 Marco Reyes. Upset-minded Newman has won four of his last five fights.

In the co-featured event, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino featherweight champion Alan “Cacharro” Solis (13-0-1, 7 KOs), rated No. 12 by the WBO, will face the toughest test of his young pro career, Pablo “Diamente” Robles (14-2, 9 KOs), in a 10-round, non-title fight. Solis, also from Mexico, has become a semi-regular fighter on RJJ Boxing cards in Mexico.

Another Mexican fan favorite, World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver Lightweight Champion Luis “Koreano” Torres (11-0, 8 KOs) faces fellow Mexican, Diego “Pato” Eligio (20-5-1, 8 KOs), in a 10-round Special Featherweight Attraction. The 19-year-old Torres is another familiar fighter on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS in Mexico.

Card subject to change. Additional fights to soon be announced.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre

Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, IBF #8 and WBC # 14 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs); two-time world title challenger, bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs); NABF welterweight champion, WBC #15 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs); former NABA welterweight champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (20-1, 12 KO), unbeaten super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight titlist Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs).

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS^®: UFC FIGHT PASS^® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

Six Team USA Boxers Punch Ticket to Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 12, 2021) — The Boxing Task Force (BTF) announced today the 49 quota places, originally to be awarded at the Road to Tokyo Americas Qualifier, that were awarded to boxers to compete in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 this summer. The quota places included six Team USA boxers, which was based off the BTF Rankings.

“These six boxers have been staples within our program and have established themselves amongst the world’s best by their performances during the past quad,” stated USA Boxing High Performance Director Matt Johnson. “Now it is time for them to perform at the world’s biggest stage in Tokyo.”

Representing Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, pending United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee approval, will be Rashida Ellis (Lynn, Mass.) Virginia Fuchs(Houston, Texas), Naomi Graham (Fayetteville, N.C.), Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio), Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio) and Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.). All six boxers will be competing in their first Olympic Games.

2019 Elite Women’s World Championships bronze medalist Ellis will compete in the women’s lightweight (132 lbs./60 kg) division. Ellis won bronze at the 2019 Pan American Games to add to her BTF rankings to solidify her position in Tokyo as the second highest ranked America’s boxer and 12^th overall in her weight class. Ellis will be looking to win Team USA’s first women’s lightweight Olympic medal.

“Qualifying for the Olympics has been one of my deepest dreams,” mentioned Ellis. “I never doubt my ability. I have stopped being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited about what could go right. So, I embrace my mistakes and learn from them, as my mistakes have helped me improve and reach the Olympics. I don’t do easy; I make things happen. The hard work and dedication with effort and determination, I can succeed.”

Fuchs will represent Team USA in the flyweight division (112 lbs./51 kg). The 33-year-old will be looking to earn USA Boxing its second medal in the women’s flyweight division since the introduction of the event in London 2012. Fuchs brings an impressive resume to the ring, including a bronze medal at the 2018 Elite Women’s World Championships and silver medal from the 2019 Pan American Games, which places her as the second highest America’s flyweight boxer and 16^th overall in the BTF rankings.

“I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. I am so excited I can finally call myself an Olympian,” stated Fuchs. “With all this world has been through and having to postpone the Olympics a whole year, I am proud to say I am one of the participants in what will be known as the most recognized Olympics in history. I am ready to represent my country in the most respected way and bring home the gold!”

2019 Pan American Games Graham is the highest seeded America’s female middleweight (165 lbs./75 kg) boxer in the BTF rankings, where she currently sits eighth overall. Graham earned points from her Pan American Games title, as well as her third-place finish at the 2018 Elite Women’s World Championships and top five finish at the 2019 edition. Graham, who will become USA Boxing’s first active female military member to compete in an Olympic Games, will be in contention to grab Team USA’s third straight Olympic gold medal in the women’s middleweight division.

“It feels unreal that I am going to the Olympics,” Graham stated when talking about earning her place to Tokyo. “I continue to surprise myself by finding my own limits, and then having the courage to blow past them.”

Joneswill step into the ring in one of the two newly added women’s weight classes, the welterweight (152 lbs./69 kg) division. Jones, who made history in 2019 with her gold medal performance at the Pan American Games, will look to continue making history by becoming the first Olympic gold medalists in her weight division. The 23-year-old added valuable points to her rankings with her top five placement at the 2019 Elite Women’s World Championships to finish as the top America’s boxer and seventh in the overall BTF rankings for the welterweight division to punch her ticket to the Olympics.

“I may only take up one spot, but my one spot represents so much,” shared Jones. “I’m beyond grateful for the chance to represent women, African Americans, my small city of Toledo, but most importantly, my country.”

The second Ohioan to represent Team USA, Johnson, extends the streak of Cleveland-native boxing Olympians to four, following in the footsteps of Charles Conwell (2016), Terrell Gausha (2012) and Raynell Williams (2008). The welterweight (152 lbs./69 kg), who first caught the attention of the boxing world with his gold medal performance at the 2016 Youth World Championships, earned his ranking points through his bronze medal finish at the 2019 Pan American Games and top 16 placement at the 2019 Elite World Championships. Johnson was the third highest seeded America’s boxer and 19^th overall.

“My struggles are my stripes, and I wear them on my back, so that the people around me can see that even when you’re living in a jungle, you can still chase your dreams,” stated Johnson. “I am not only doing this for my city, but for my two coaches, Dante Benjamin Sr. and Clint Martin, whom I lost during my journey to these Games.”

Torrez, the highest ranked super heavyweight (201+ lbs./91+ kg) boxer from the Americas and 11^th overall, earned his place through his third-place performance at the 2019 Pan American Games and top five standing at that year’s Elite Men’s World Championships. Torrez, a former Youth World Championships bronze medalist, will be the first American boxer to compete in this weight class since 2012.

“Everyone is happy they’re going to the Olympics, it’s everyone’s dream, but I need to be there,” said Torrez. “The fire that was instilled in me before I could even walk, that drives me to be the best, the fire that has been in my family for generations, has overflowed. It has set ablaze all my second options, and it has made ashes of any other possibility besides that of success.”

Team USA will be guided by USA Boxing National Head Coach Billy Walsh during these Olympic Games.

“It is fantastic news for our six boxers who have worked endlessly for the past five years to become an Olympian,” Walsh shared. “We now focus on the next stage of the process, to become an Olympic Champion.”

The boxing competition will begin on Saturday, July 24^th (JST). Continue to check usaboxing.org and USA Boxing’s social media platforms to stay updated on more information regarding the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

All team nominations are subject to USOPC approval.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING: To promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JERMALL CHARLO TO FACE JUAN MACÍAS MONTIEL SATURDAY, JUNE 19 AT TOYOTA CENTER IN HOUSTON LIVE ON SHOWTIME

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Hard-Hitting Lightweight Contender Isaac Cruz Faces Former World Champion Francisco Vargas in the Co-Main Event**

**Former World Champion Angelo Leo Duels Mexican Contender**
**Aaron Alameda to Kick Off Telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT**

**Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Thursday, May 13 at 12 p.m. CT!**

**HOUSTON** (May 12, 2021) – Undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion **Jermall Charlo** will enter the ring for a Juneteenth Day celebration in his hometown when he takes on hard-hitting **Juan Macías Montiel** on Saturday, June 19 at Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event live on SHOWTIME.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature rising lightweight contender **Isaac Cruz** battling former world champion **Francisco Vargas** in the 10-round co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion **Angelo Leo** returns to take on Mexican contender **Aaron Alameda** in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Charlo has established himself as a force in two divisions and will seek to thrill his hometown crowd against Mexico’s Montiel, in a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth Day boxing celebration. Charlo will fight in Houston for the fourth time as a pro and look to keep his undefeated record intact against the upset-minded Montiel.

The event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, May 13 at 12 p.m. CT and can be purchased attoyotacenter.com. Leo vs. Alameda is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs) will return to fight in his hometown for the first time since a June 2019 unanimous decision victory over Brandon Adams on SHOWTIME. The 30-year-old most recently scored an impressive victory over top middleweight contender Sergey Derevyanchenko in their September 2020 showdown. Charlo has held the WBC middleweight belt since 2019, after a championship reign at 154-pounds that lasted from 2015 through 2017. He has compiled a perfect 6-0 record since moving up to middleweight and owns victories over former champions Julian Williams, Austin Trout and Cornelius Bundrage at super welterweight.

“It’s great to be back in the ring, headlining on SHOWTIME and defending my title in front of my hometown fans in Houston,” said Charlo. “Fighting on Juneteenth means a lot to me because there is a battle going on far greater than this. That said, I have to handle my business on June 19. Montiel is a tough, young, power puncher. I know he wants my crown, but I’m hungrier than ever and ready to put on a show for my fans. Get ready for a special, explosive night.”

Representing his native Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel (22-4-2, 22 KOs) has earned knockouts in all 22 of his pro victories, as the heavy-handed brawler established himself as a hard-hitting force. The 27-year-old has put together an unbeaten streak since moving up to middleweight, first competing at the weight in September 2017, and most recently scoring a first-round knockout victory over longtime contender James Kirkland in December 2020. He owns stoppages of Marco Reyes and Gustavo Castro, and a draw against Hugo Centeno, Jr. at middleweight. Montiel had previously campaigned at welterweight and super welterweight, dropping a February 2017 bout to former champion Jaime Munguia in a 147-pound fight.

“I know that I am fighting the best middleweight in the world, but he has never faced someone who can punch like I can,” said Montiel. “All my losses in the past are from not training properly and trying to win by one-punch knockout. I’ve grown up and become a man since then. I proved that I was different when I beat Marco Reyes in 2019, and I haven’t left the gym since then. I’ve worked hard every day to become world champion and I will display everything I’ve learned on June 19.”

The 22-year-old Cruz (21-1-1, 15 KOs) shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in September. Cruz followed that up this March, when he won a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matias Romero. Since making his U.S. debut on the undercard of Jermall Charlo vs. Dennis Hogan in December 2019, the Mexico City-native has been unbeaten in his four ring appearances. This will mark his fifth fight in 20 months, the last four of which will have come on SHOWTIME, including headlining *ShoBox: The Next Generation* in February 2020.

“Me and Vargas are going to show the fans true Mexican-style boxing on June 19,” said Cruz. “He is also from Mexico City, so I know this fight will be toe-to-toe. It’s my time to show the fans that I’m the best Mexican lightweight in the world. In with the new, and out with the old. I want to thank my promoter, Senator Manny Pacquiao, for his support and belief that I will become world champion very soon.”

Also a native of Mexico City, Vargas (27-2-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 36-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas went on to defeat Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories with a technical decision over Ezequiel Aviles in October 2019 and a TKO over Otto Gamez in November 2020.

“I only know how to fight wars and the fans should expect nothing less on June 19,” said Vargas. “I am a warrior, and people are going to remember the reasons why I was in two Fight of the Year battles when they see me in the ring with Isaac Cruz. I want to thank my whole team for putting together this fight that I know the fans will enjoy.”

Leo (20-1, 9 KOs), who fights out of the Mayweather Promotions stable, became the first world champion from his hometown of Albuquerque, N.M., since legendary three-division champion Johnny Tapia, when he defeated Tramaine Williams by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 26-year-old dropped the belt when he lost a decision to unbeaten Stephen Fulton Jr. in January on SHOWTIME. Leo, who trains in Las Vegas, will look to re-establish his position in the stacked 122-pound division on June 19.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring for this fight,” said Leo. “I wasn’t the same fighter in my last fight, as I was when I won the title. That’s given me a big chip on my shoulder. I figured out my mistakes and learned a lot about myself. I’m here to show people that I’m still a top contender and a threat in this division. Alameda is a real contender and he’s not an opponent I’m taking lightly. Whoever comes out on top in this fight will be right there for another title shot and I plan on that being me.”

The 27-year-old Aaron Alameda (25-1, 13 KOs) was able to stop Luis Nery’s knockout streak but came up on the short end of the decision in their super bantamweight title fight last September. Prior to the Nery fight, the Sonora, Mexico native had back-to-back knockouts over Jordan Escobar and Breilor Teran. A pro since 2014, his previous action in the U.S. saw him earn a sixth-round knockout over Andre Wilson in 2016.

“I can’t wait for another big fight on June 19,” said Alameda. “I showed that I belong with the best in my last fight against Luis Nery, and I will be even better against Leo. My goal is to become world champion and I plan on displaying everything I’ve worked on in this fight. I’m excited to battle Leo and give the fans a great show.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and@MayweatherPromo on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LionsOnlyPromotions, @TGBPromotionss and @MayweatherPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

PAUL ‘SEMTEX’ DALEY TO FACE JASON JACKSON IN CO-MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 260 ON JUNE 11

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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London UK – BELLATOR MMA have today confirmed that Paul “Semtex” Daley (43-17-2) will join the main card of BELLATOR MMA 260: Lima vs. Amosov, where he will take on No. 3 ranked Jason Jackson (14-4) in an explosive 175-pound contract weight co-main event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. on Friday, June 11. The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR 260 will be headlined by Welterweight World Champion Douglas Lima (32-8), who will defend his 170-pound title against the undefeated and top-ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0).

Elsewhere on the card, No. 9 ranked Tywan Claxton (6-2) faces the undefeated and newly signed Justin Gonzales (11-0) in featherweight action, while Connecticut’s Nick Newell (16-3) takes center stage against promotional debutant Bobby King (9-3) in a 155-pound clash and Demarques Jackson (11-5) meets Mark Lemminger (11-3) at welterweight. Featherweight legacy fighter Lucas Brennan (4-0) takes on Matthew Skibicki (4-3) and Amanda Bell (7-7) takes on Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2) in female featherweight action.

The preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Additional bouts will be announced at a later date.

Fighting out of Nottingham, England, the hard-hitting Paul “Semtex” Daley will head into the fight looking to make it three straight wins on the bounce inside the BELLATOR MMA cage. Daley, who remains one of the most experienced athletes on the BELLATOR MMA roster with 62 professional MMA fights to his name, returns to action after beating old foe Sabah “The Sleek Sheik” Homasivia TKO at BELLATOR 257 last month. Daley put on a dominant performance that night, reminding fans of his explosive power and ability to stop his opponent in the second round. With notable wins over Lorenz Larkin, Erick Silva and Saad Awad, Daley is currently the promotion’s No. 8 ranked welterweight athlete. Another win for the 38-year-old in his next fight against Jackson will see him rise up the welterweight rankings and could propel him into contention for a run at the title.

Standing in his way will be 30-year-old Jason Jackson, the electric welterweight who trains out of Sanford MMA in South Florida. Currently riding a four-fight win streak inside the BELLATOR MMA cage, Jackson put on a dominant display in his last performance against Neiman Gracie at BELLATOR 255. The win over Gracie is the latest in an impressive run with the promotion, which also includes victories over notable names including Kiichi Kunimoto, Jordan Mein and Benson Henderson. Currently ranked No. 3 in the promotion’s welterweight rankings, Jackson will hope to make it five wins in a row and add another victory to his name when he meets Daley on June 11.

With further bouts set to be announced in the coming weeks, fans can look forward to another stacked card and an unforgettable night of world-class MMA action from the Mohegan Sun Arena.

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 260: Lima vs. Amosov Main Card:

SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Welterweight World Title Main Event: C-Douglas Lima (32-8) vs. #1-Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)

Contract Weight Co Main Event: #8- Paul Daley (43-17-2) vs. #3 Jason Jackson (14-4)

Preliminary Card:

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

Featherweight Bout: #9-Tywan Claxton (6-2) vs. Justin Gonzales (11-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Newell (16-3) vs. Bobby King (9-3)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (4-0) vs. Matthew Skibicki (4-3)

Featherweight Bout: Amanda Bell (7-7) vs. Marina Mokhnatkina (4-2)

Welterweight Bout: Demarques Jackson (11-5) vs. Mark Lemminger (11-3)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit BELLATOR.com for additional information.

boxing, Uncategorized

Hassan Mwakinyo Vs Brendon Denes Title Clash Headlines Rumble in Dar 2 Live on Plus TV/FITE TV May 28th.

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Tanzania’s World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Super Welterweight Champion Hassan Mwakinyo (18-2-0) will be back in Championship action in front of a home crowd on the 28th May 2021, when he faces Zimbabwe’s unbeaten Brendon Dene 8-0-0 for the WBC Africa (African Boxing Union) title at the Next Door Arena in Dar es Salaam on the Global Boxing Stars, The Jackson Group and Epic Sports & Entertainment co-promoted Rumble In Dar Second Edition.

Back in 2018 Mwakinyo shocked the boxing world when he sensationally stopped Great Britain’s highly ranked Sam Eggington in just one minute of the second round on the undercard of the Amir Khan vs Samuel Vargas at the Arena Birmingham.

Mwakinyo’s victory over Eggington made the headlines across the world, as the British fighter was was the reigning IBO Continental Champion. Despite the loss Eggington went on to become crowned the IBF World Champion the following year.

Since that sensational victory over Eggington Mwakinyo has won six times, four of these wins coming by way of stoppage, and secured Championship honours; The Universal Boxing Union (UBU) International, following a second round stoppage of fellow Tanzanian Joseph Sinkala and more recently the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental crown, with a unanimous points decision over Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bebe Rico Tshibangu.

In November 2020 Mwakinyo successfully defended his WBF crown against Jose Carlos Paz, stopping the Argentinian in four rounds.

“Hassan, has so much potential and is probably one of the biggest secrets In the super welterweight division.

“He destroyed Sam Eggerton in the UK, and should have been a lot more highly rated after that fight. It’s now Hassan’s time and I’m excited to be promoting such a world class talent from Tanzania” said Scott Patrick Farrell, CEO Global Boxing Stars.

Rumble in Dar 2, headlined by Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo (18-2-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Brendon Denes (8-0-0) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) African Boxing Union Super Welterweight Championship.

The co-main event features Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola (34-8-0) versus Tanzania’s Shaban Jongo (8-1-2) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Africa Boxing Union Cruiserweight Championship.

The stellar undercard features closely matched international fights:

8 Round Heavyweight Contest: Switzerland based Kenyan Collins Omondi (5-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Elvis Moyo (9-6-2)

6 Round Heavyweight Contest: Ukraine’s Ihor Shavadzutskyi (5-0-0) versus Uganda’s Shafik Kiwanuka (3-0-0)

8 Round Lightweight Contest: Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class (25-6-0) versus TBA

8 Round Super Welterweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Yosif Panov (18-3-0) versus Tanzania’s Nicolaus Mdoe (10-5-1)

4 Round Heavyweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Pencho Tsevtkov (4-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Simon Madhanire (1-2-1)

8 Round Super Welterweight Contest: Zambia’s Lolita Muzeya (16-0-0) versus TBA

4 Round Lightweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Joana Nwamerue (3-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Netsai Vaina Bondayi (2-3-1)

6 Round Heavyweight Contest: South Africa’s Ardi Ndembo (2-0-0) versus Malawi’s Alick Gogodo (4-5-0)

The second edition of the Rumble in Dar series, in association with the Tanzania Tourist Board #VisitTanzania, KCB Bank, Onomo Hotels, Urban Soul Apparel (Botswana) and M Bet, takes place at the Next Door Arena on Friday 28th May 2021 and will be broadcast live across Sub-Saharan Africa exclusively by Plus TV, which is available exclusively on DSTV channel number 294 in more than 30 African countries as well as syndicated globally to linear and digital channels (check local channel listings) and on-line on FITE.

#VisitTanzania

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DANNY ROMÁN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Former Unified Super Bantamweight Champion Román Battles Ricardo Espinoza Franco in Co-Main Event Live on SHOWTIME This Saturday, May 15 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Kyte Monroe/Thompson Boxing Promotions**

**BELL GARDENS, CALIF.** (May 10, 2021) – Former unified super bantamweight world champion **Danny Román** will look to take one step closer to regaining his champion status when he takes on **Ricardo Espinoza Franco** in the co-main event of action live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) this Saturday, May 15 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The 31-year-old Román (27-3-1, 10 KOs) made his ring return after losing his unified titles in January 2020 last September, when he bested former champion Juan Carlos Payano on his way to a unanimous decision. The Los Angeles-native captured his first title with a 2017 stoppage of Shun Kubo, before unifying belts with a triumph over T.J. Doheny in 2019, and eventually lost the belts via a narrow decision against Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

Here is what Román had to say about his training camp, his matchup Saturday and more:

**On his recent training camp:**
“The final days of camp are wrapping up now before we head to the bubble. As always, the sparring we got was top notch. My coach Eddie González and I have relentlessly been working every day to get me in the best shape of my life. These last two months have been demanding, but I know all the hard work will all pay off on fight night.”

**On fighting in Southern California on SHOWTIME:**
“Everyone knows Southern California is a breeding ground for boxers and the fans always show support for their hometown fighters. SHOWTIME has had some tremendous fights showcased out here and I plan to keep that tradition going strong. I plan to put on an entertaining fight for the fans by being explosive with my effort.”

**On his matchup with Ricardo Espinoza Franco:**
“This is not going to be an easy fight because I know my opponent is a tough fighter from Tijuana who is coming with everything he’s got. He’s got a lot of power, so I must be smart on how I throw my combinations. I believe my experience in big fights is going to be the difference on May 15. I’m expecting a rough fight and I’m ready for an intense battle.”

**On his quest to become a world champion once again:**
“Everything I do in boxing from here on out is to regain my status as a world champion. I’ll do whatever it takes to put me back in that position. A victory on May 15 will get me one step closer to that goal. I know in my heart I will become a world champion once again.”

# # #

***ABOUT NERY VS. FIGUEROA***
Nery vs. Figueroa will see two elite undefeated 122-pound champions meet as **Luis Nery** defends his WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship against **Brandon Figueroa** in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 15 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, former unified super bantamweight world champion **Danny Román** faces **Ricardo Espinoza Franco** in a 10-round battle at 122 pounds, while undefeated rising star **Xavier Martínez** meets former world title challenger **Juan Carlos Burgos** in a WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator scheduled for 12 rounds to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Martinez vs. Burgos is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

boxing

George “El YuYu” Acosta Speaks on Career Defining Win Against Gadwin Rosa

May 15, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Photos by Damon Gonzalez / All-Star Boxing

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 10, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions’ super featherweight prospect, George “El Yuyu” Acosta (12-1, 1 KO), picked a career-defining win this past Friday, May 7, 2021, as he defeated Gadwin Rosa(11-2, 9 KOs), at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, FL. With the win, Acosta captured the vacant WBA Fedecentro Super Featherweight title. The event was promoted by All-Star Boxing and televised by Telemundo.

“I’m ready to step up and challenge all the top contenders at 130 pounds,” said Acosta. “I have never been one to call out names, but I know that I am deserving of a high-profile fight. I have fought above my weight for most of my career and took this fight on late notice and got the victory. I am ready for anyone and anything and am grateful to Thompson Boxing for believing in me.”

“We’re so proud of George Acosta,” were the first words of promoter Ken Thompson, “Acosta has been in tough early in his career, and now has found a weight class he is supremely confident in. I see Acosta as a fighter who will be getting a big fights as he marches on at super featherweight.”

“George Acosta has grown as a boxer and is the perfect example of a Thompson Boxing fighter,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager. “George has faced tough competition and learned from a loss, and now he is one of the exciting up-and-comers of Thompson Boxing. We are immensely proud of George.”

“I know that it takes a team to get to the next level and it also takes experience,” concluded Acosta. “I am 24-years-old, and I am right where I need to be. I have never been a disrespectful fighter. I do not call people out, or disrespect them, but I want people to know I am ready to fight anyone. I believe in my team and my promoter, and know good things are coming my way.”

George Acosta won by the following scores 96-94, 97-93 and 98-92, as he defeated Gadwin Rosa by unanimous decision.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Showtime

Heavyweight Interim Title Bout Announced for BELLATOR 261 on Friday, June 25 – Live on SHOWTIME

May 9, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

BELLATOR MMA™ INTRODUCES FIRST INTERIM TITLE IN COMPANY HISTORY

TOP-RANKED TIM JOHNSON SQUARES UP AGAINST NUMBER THREE RANKED VALENTIN MOLDAVSKY IN HEAVYWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE TILT TO HEADLINEBELLATOR 261 ON FRIDAY, JUNE 25 – LIVE ON SHOWTIME

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OUTLAW FACES JURY HIGHLIGHTING A TRIO OF PRELIMINARY FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

LOS ANGELES – As current BELLATOR MMA heavyweight champion Ryan Bader continues his pursuit of re-claiming his light heavyweight championship in the ongoing Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix, BELLATOR MMA has officially introduced an interim title for the heavyweight division.

On Friday, June 25, No. 1 ranked heavyweight Tim Johnson (15-6) and No. 3 ranked heavyweight Valentin Moldavsky (10-1) will vie for the interim title in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 261. The event will be available live on SHOWTIME, with the main card set to kickoff at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, emanating from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The winner of the interim title will become Bader’s mandatory challenger when he returns to the heavyweight division or will be elevated to full champion in the event that Bader chooses to stay at light heavyweight following the culmination of the current Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix.

In addition to the main event, three additional preliminary bouts have been confirmed. Two lightweight bouts, No. 5 ranked Myles Jury (19-5) versus No. 6 ranked Sidney Outlaw (15-4) and Isaiah Hokit (pro debut) against Aaron Hughes (1-1) have been confirmed. Also, a women’s strawweight tilt pitting Lena Ovchynnikova (12-6, 1 NC) against Kyra Batara (8-4) will also take place on June 25. The preliminary card of BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky streams live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Additional bouts will be announced at a later date.

Riding a three-fight win streak, UFC veteran Timothy Johnson firmly entrenched himself as the clear-cut number one contender in the BELLATOR heavyweight division with impressive first-round finishes over Matt Mitrione and Tyrell Fortune. His October 2020 victory over Cheick Kongo during the first-ever major MMA event in France catapulted him to the top of the division. Proudly hailing from North Dakota, but fighting out of Las Vegas, the Xtreme Couture-product is also won two national championships while wrestling at Minnesota State University and a heavyweight championship on the regional MMA circuit.

Training under the tutelage of heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko, Valentin Moldavsky has begun carving out his own legacy, becoming the No. 3 ranked BELLATOR heavyweight and securing himself an interim title shot with a perfect 5-0 record within the confines of the BELLATOR cage. A multi-time European Sambo champion, Moldavsky has defeated top heavyweight contenders such as Javy Ayala, Linton Vassell, and Roy Nelson on his climb to the top. Born in Ukraine, the 29-year-old looks to join teammate Vadim Nemkov and bring more gold to Team Fedor’s trophy case on June 25.

SHOWTIME streaming service is offering 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 on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.

BELLATOR MMA 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Main Card:

SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Interim Heavyweight Title Main Event: #1-Tim Johnson (15-6) vs. #3-Valentin Moldavsky (10-1)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

Strawweight bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (12-6, 1 NC) vs. Kyra Batara (8-4)

Lightweight bout: Isaiah Hokit (pro debut) vs. Aaron Hughes (1-1)

Lightweight bout: #5-Myles Jury (19-5) vs. #6-Sidney Outlaw (15-4)

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

BOXING LEGEND AND HALL OF FAMER FLOYD MAYWEATHER RETURNS TO THE RING FOR AN EXHIBITION BOUT AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA MEGA STAR LOGAN PAUL HEADLINING A SHOWTIME PPV® EVENT ON Sunday June 6

May 9, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Jean Pascal vs. Badou Jack and Jarrett Hurd vs. Luis Arias Also on Tap for Event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens***

***Plus, Former NFL Star Chad Johnson Makes His Boxing Debut in an Exhibition Fight***

**NEW YORK** – **(May 6, 2021)** – All-time boxing great and 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee **Floyd “Money” Mayweather** will make his return to the ring as the undefeated, 12-time, five-division world champion squares off in an exhibition bout against social media sensation and pro boxer **Logan “The Maverick” Paul,** headlining a blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV event on Sunday, June 6. The anticipated clash pits superstars from two different worlds in a must-see showdown for sports and entertainment fans around the globe.

The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Fanmio and Mavathltcs and will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The pay-per-view event also will feature a pair of intriguing professional boxing showdowns, as WBA Light Heavyweight Champion **Jean Pascal** and two-division world champion **Badou Jack** meet in a 12-round rematch in the co-main event. Plus, former unified super welterweight champion **“Swift” Jarrett Hurd** returns to the ring to face **Luis Arias** in a 10-round bout.

In a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver **Chad Johnson** will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against an opponent to be announced. After years of off-season training with Mayweather in Las Vegas, the man once named Chad Ochocinco will test his skills in the boxing ring and bring his unique brand of fan-friendly entertainment to the star-studded event.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, June 6. Tickets for the live event at Hard Rock Stadium will go on sale next week with additional details regarding tickets and the pay-per-view telecast to be announced shortly.

Mayweather, who was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020, has a perfect 50-0 record with 27 knockouts. He racked up 12 world titles in five weight divisions during his illustrious career that spanned three decades. His brilliant boxing resume includes 24 wins over world champions, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez. During his career, he was named the world’s highest paid athlete multiple times by *Forbes, Fortune* and *Sports Illustrated*. Mayweather has accumulated numerous “Fighter of the Year” awards, including five ESPY Awards and two Boxing Writers Association of America awards. His 2015 showdown with Pacquiao shattered the all-time pay-per-view television record with 4.6 million buys, a record that still stands. Mayweather last fought in a boxing exhibition on New Year’s Eve 2018 in Japan. His last professional boxing match was his 2017 stoppage win over Conor McGregor, the second biggest pay-per-view event in television history.

As Mayweather dominated boxing en route to a perfect professional record and international stardom, Paul rose to fame on the internet. Paul, 26, welcomed the world into his life on various social media platforms including YouTube, where he has amassed more than 20 million subscribers. His legions of devoted fans supported him as he stepped into professional boxing in 2019 and sold out the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in his six-round debut against fellow YouTube star KSI. The Ohio native is a former high school wrestling standout and has been training for more than two years. Now, he readies himself to face an undefeated boxing legend. While Paul stands six inches taller than Mayweather and owns an 18-year age advantage, the social media sensation will be challenging the best boxer of his generation, in his arena.

Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) earned a narrow split-decision victory over Jack in their December 2019 title showdown that saw both men hit the canvas. Prior to that fight, Pascal captured his interim title by handing Marcus Browne the first defeat of his professional career. Pascal scored four knockdowns in that fight, eventually earning a close technical decision when a cut suffered by Browne on an accidental head butt stopped the fight after eight rounds. The 38-year-old has been in the ring with the top fighters of his era during his brilliant career, including Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Carl Froch, Lucian Bute, and Chad Dawson. Pascal, who was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and now lives in Laval, Quebec, won his first light heavyweight world title with a unanimous decision over Adrian Diaconu in 2009.

Jack (22-3-3, 13 KOs) will look to avenge the razor-thin defeat he suffered to Pascal in their first match. Jack mounted an impressive rally on the scorecards that nearly turned the match in his favor. Born in Stockholm, Jack (who represented his father’s home country of Gambia in the 2008 Olympics) now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the 168-pound world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the belt three times before being handed a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one of 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against then WBC champion Adonis Stevenson in May 2018. In his most recent outing, Jack won a unanimous decision over Blake McKernan in November 2020.

The 30-year-old Hurd (24-1, 16 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the unanimous 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Maryland native lost the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before going on to defend the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Most recently, Hurd scored a unanimous decision victory over Francisco Santana in January 2020.

Born in Milwaukee, Arias (18-2-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since August 2019 when he takes on Hurd on June 6. The 30-year-old has faced some of the best in the middleweight division, including going the distance with former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a 2017 duel. Arias racked up wins in his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2012 and is now training in Las Vegas as he prepares for this fight.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.fanmio.com, the Official Digital PPV provider. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @SHOWTIMEBoxing, @MayweatherPromo and @Fanmio, and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @Fanmio.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Champions Luis Nery & Brandon Figueroa Square Off In High-Stakes World Title Showdown Saturday, May 15 Headlining Action Live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

May 5, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Fight News Unlimited

Top Mexican prospects showcased on stacked June 10th rjj boxing card

Six Team USA Boxers Punch Ticket to Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

JERMALL CHARLO TO FACE JUAN MACÍAS MONTIEL SATURDAY, JUNE 19 AT TOYOTA CENTER IN HOUSTON LIVE ON SHOWTIME

PAUL ‘SEMTEX’ DALEY TO FACE JASON JACKSON IN CO-MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 260 ON JUNE 11

Hassan Mwakinyo Vs Brendon Denes Title Clash Headlines Rumble in Dar 2 Live on Plus TV/FITE TV May 28th.

DANNY ROMÁN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

George “El YuYu” Acosta Speaks on Career Defining Win Against Gadwin Rosa

Heavyweight Interim Title Bout Announced for BELLATOR 261 on Friday, June 25 – Live on SHOWTIME

BOXING LEGEND AND HALL OF FAMER FLOYD MAYWEATHER RETURNS TO THE RING FOR AN EXHIBITION BOUT AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA MEGA STAR LOGAN PAUL HEADLINING A SHOWTIME PPV® EVENT ON Sunday June 6

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Champions Luis Nery & Brandon Figueroa Square Off In High-Stakes World Title Showdown Saturday, May 15 Headlining Action Live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

The Best Fight News on the Net!