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4 Fights, 3 Cards, 2 Countries–Split T Management Featured All over North America on Saturday

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4 Fights, 3 Cards, 2 Countries


Split-T Management Fighters Featured All Over North America On Saturday


Giovani Santillan Takes on Cecil McCalla in Las Vegas (ESPN+)


Diego Pacheco battles Fellow Undefeated Jesus Moroyoqui Palomares in Mexico (DAZN)


Charles Conwell fights Silverio Ortiz plus Haven Brady Jr. battles Nathan Benichou in Ashland, Kentucky

NEW YORK (June 25, 2021)–On Saturday, boxing’s top management company, Split-T Management will have four of it’s top fighters featured in bouts throughout North America.


At the Virgin Hotel In Las Vegas, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan battles Cecil McCalla in a 10-round bout.


In Guadalajara, Mexico, rising undefeated prospect Diego Pacheco takes on undefeated Jesus Palomares in an eight-round super middleweight fight.


In Ashland, Kentucky, world-ranked super welterweight Charles Cinwell takes on Silverio Ortiz, while Haven Brady Jr. takes on Nathan Benichou in a four-round featherweight bout.


Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images


Santillan, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank, has a record 26-0 with 15 knockouts. Santillan of San Diego, has wins over Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Hanyk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tienda (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kemeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1) and his last bout when defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco on June 16, 2020 in Las Vegas.


McCalla of Randallstown, Maryland, has a record of 23-4 with 10 knockouts.


McCalla has defeated the likes of Ivan Zigar (1-0-1), Antonio Walls (2-0), John Mackey (11-2-1), Gary Lynch (4-0) and Oscar Godoy (13-2). McCalla has won two in a row, and is coming off of a 2nd round stoppage over Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on October 16th in Plant City, Florida.


Santillan weighed 147.6 lbs and McCalla was 147 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.


The bout can be seen on ESPN+ at 7:15 PM.


Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing


Pacheco of Los Angeles is 11-0 with eight knockouts.


The 20 year-old Pacheco will be facing his 5th undefeated foe of his three-year career. He already has wins over Felix Aguilar, Guillermo Maldonado, Jose Esparza and Terry Ferandez. Pacheco also has a 2nd round stoppage over Juan Antonio Mendez (12-2). Pacheco is coming off a unanimous decision over Rodolfo Gomez Jr. on February 21st in Miami.


Palomares of Sonora, Mexico is 7-0-1 with four knockouts, and has defeated two undefeated opponents in his last two bouts. He has a 2nd round stoppage over Christian Hermosillo (3-0) and in his last bout Palomares won a unanimous decision over Jaime Portillo on November 19th in Sonora, Mexico.


Both Pacheco and Palomares were 167 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in


In Ashland, Kentucky Conwell and Brady were able to book fights following bouts being postponed in Miami.


Conwell of Cleveland is ranked number-seven by the IBF, has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts,


The 2016 United States Olympian is the USBA champion, who has made three defenses has wins over Roque Zeoeda (4-1-3), Travis Scott (19-3), His USBA title winning effort over Courtney Pennington (12-3-3) and defenses over undefeated Webdy Toussaint (12-0) and Madiyar Ashkeyev (14-0).


Conwell, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions checked in at 158 lbs.


Ortiz of Yucitan, Mexico has a record of 37-26 with 18 knockouts, and is a 21 year veteran,


He has fought many world champions and title challengers and has sprung upsets over Daniel Seda, Miguel Angel Huerta, Mian Hussein and Ramzan Baysarov


Brady of Albany, Georgia is 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout. He weighed 128 lbs.


The 19 year-old Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Michael Land on December 12th in Las Vegas.


Benichou of Puebla, Mexico has a record of 2-4 with two knockouts.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

JERMELL CHARLO SCORES SIXTH ROUND KNOCKOUT  OVER JOACHIM ALCINE

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Tony Harrison Secures Unanimous Decision Victory Against Cecil McCalla
 
Caleb Plant Decisions Tyrone Brunson
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Josh Jordan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
HOUSTON (November 1, 2015) – The Halloween night broadcast of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN took Houston’s NRG Arena by storm as undefeated rising starJermell “Iron Man” Charlo (27-0, 12 KOs) dominated former world champion Joachim Alcine (35-8-2, 21 KOs) in the main event by sixth round knockout.
Televised coverage kicked off with a thrilling showdown as Tony Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) got the unanimous decision over Cecil McCalla (20-3, 7 KOs).
The final televised fight of the evening saw undefeated middleweight prospect Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (12-0, 8 KOs) capture a unanimous decision over Tyrone Bruson (22-6-1, 21 KOs).
Here is what the televised fighters had to say about their performances tonight:
JERMELL CHARLO
“I established my jab early, and once I was comfortable with my jab the right hand started landing.
“I wanted to load up and show that I have power. I knew I was getting to him and wearing him down. It felt great to get the knockout.
“I knew after the knockdown in the sixth round it was over, but he was a strong fighter.
“Fighting in front of my hometown crowd fueled me. It gave me energy.
“I’m a completely different fighter now with my new trainer. My brother noticed it too and told me the same thing.
“I’m getting older, better, wiser and improving with every fight. Everything people saw tonight is a product of hard work in training.
“Hopefully I can fight again in December, and I want John Jackson next.”
JOACHIM ALCINE
“My right hand was working well for me, but I stopped throwing it and started focusing too much on my jab.
“I didn’t fight for a year and a half, and then I jumped right into the ring with a hungry, young lion. I wanted the fight, but sometimes pride takes its’ toll.
“Fighting on a PBC card gave me a big opportunity to show the world what I can do. But (Charlo) was stronger than I thought he’d be.
“I don’t know what’s next. I’ll talk with my wife first. I still have a strong desire to get in the ring, but I’m 39 now. My health is very important to me. I want to be there for my family and my daughter. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
TONY HARRISON
“I wanted to stay focused and get in my rhythm. The whole point is to hit and not get hit, and I thought I did a great job of that through eight rounds. I just need to stay focused for the whole fight.
“I got kind of careless in the ninth round and the same thing happened tonight that happened against Willie Nelson, but thankfully I had the experience this time to pull it out.
“I wanted to show the fans that I can take a punch, and I definitely showed that tonight.
“I’m back! Next time I want to fight someone that’s a little more offensive. (McCalla) was throwing so few punches that it was actually hard to get down the timing against him.
“I’d love to fight back home in Detroit next, and I’d like to face the winner of tonight’s main event. I’m ready. I also want Willie Nelson again though. If he can do it twice he’ll make me a believer.”
CECIL MCCALLA
“I kept looking for the right moment. I came into the fight trying to outwork him, but I just couldn’t pull it off.
“When I caught him with the overhand right I wanted the knockout, but it didn’t come.
“Harrison’s jab played the biggest part in him getting the win tonight.
“I want another opportunity as soon as possible and I’ll make sure to make the most of it.
“I want to fight Ishe (Smith) again.”
CALEB PLANT
“The plan tonight was to stay composed and relaxed. I was doubling up my jab and landing combinations up and down his body all fight.
“I saw him start to break down after the second and third rounds, but I didn’t want to push too hard. Instead I wanted to stay in control, take him into deep waters, and dominate the fight. That’s what I did.
“I’d love to fight again this year, maybe in late December. I’m not taking any punishment, and we’re always staying in shape and ready. So as long as I’m healthy I’ll fight as often as I can against whoever they put in front of me.”
TYRONE BRUNSON
“I thought my power was working well for me tonight. My corner was telling me to throw the left to the body and it was landing.
“Caleb caught me once in my left eye in the third round and he had me seeing double for a little while, but it didn’t last beyond that round.
“I’m naturally a junior middleweight. That’s where I’m most comfortable. I can compete against anyone at 154 lbs.”
# # #
The card was promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxingand www.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS IN ADVANCE OF JERMELL CHARLO VS. JOACHIM ALCINE AT NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS ON OCTOBER 31

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Coverage On NBCSN Begins At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
HOUSTON (October 29, 2015) – Before the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN fight card this Saturday, some of the fighters hosted a media workout at Charlo Brothers Boxing Academy. The card will feature a main event showcasing undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) out of Houston, Texas taking on former world champion Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs).
Televised coverage will begin at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with the hard-hitting Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs).
Here is what Jermell Charlo had to say before stepping in the ring on Saturday:
JERMELL CHARLO
“Fighting here in Houston in front of my hometown crowd with all of my family and friends to support me is huge. This is my first opportunity to fight as a main event in my city, and I’m excited to put on a great show for the fans.
“Joachim Alcine does certain things in the ring that I’ve seen and taken note of. There are some things I believe I can take advantage of. Hopefully he makes those mistakes and I can make him pay. But he puts in hard work. I know I’m not just going to go in there and beat him up. I’m going to have to be smart, but it should be a very entertaining fight.
“Sometimes too much experience can be a bad thing. Alcine is going to come in there on Saturday and try to use his experience to beat me, but I’m confident he’s going to run into some problems with me.
“My plan is to come in strong and powerful, be the faster man, move a lot and try to make him commit to the things he’s used to seeing me do in previous fights. And that’s how we’re going to open him up.
“I don’t necessarily have a prediction, but I’m going to knock him out. I don’t know what round it will be, but he’s going down.”
# # #
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED PROSPECT CALEB PLANT RETURNS TO THE RING ON  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 FROM NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON

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Plus! Full Night Of Undercard Action Stacked With Local Prospects
 
Tickets Still Available For PBC On NBCSN Headlined By Houston’s Own Jermell Charlo Taking on Joachim Alcine
 
HOUSTON (October 27, 2015) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (10-0, 8 KOs) returns to the ring in an eight-round bout as part of a stacked undercard on Saturday, October 31 from NRG Arena in Houston.
The October 31 event is headlined by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSNfeaturing undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) out of Houston taking on former world champion Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with power-punching prospect Tony Harrison(21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
Undefeated with all but two victories coming by knockout, the 23-year-old Plant returns to the ring fresh off of a victory in September over Jamar Freeman. The Ashland, Tennessee-born fighter will be fighting in Texas for the first time as a pro, looking to display the knockout power that has helped him accumulate his undefeated record. A victory onOctober 31 would make him 6-0 in a busy 2015.
The local talent on the undercard includes a trio of Houston-natives as 22-year-old Devonte Williams (8-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rick Graham (3-9-2, 1 KO) out of Detroit in a six-round super welterweight bout, 28-year-old Pablo Cruz (11-1, 3 KOs) facing Mexico’s Andres Lara (5-3, 1 KO) and Jesse Gonzalez (4-1, 2 KOs) battling Kenneth Williams (3-2-1, 1 KO) of Palm Springs, California in a four-round welterweight contest.
The Houston-flavor continues with Uzbekistan-born Bahodir Mamadjonov (17-2, 11 KOs), who fights out of Houston, in an eight-round super lightweight bout, 22-year-old Christon Edwards (4-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight bout.
Further action features 30-year-old Levan Ghvamichava (15-1-1, 12 KOs) of Poti, Georgia in an eight-round lightweight showdown against Honolulu’s Cameron Kreal (8-7-2, 1 KO), 25-year-old Jonathan Morales of Channel View, Texas against Patrick Simea (1-3) from Houston in a four-round super middleweight contest and the pro debuts of Allison Edwards of Spring, Texas and California’s Kathryn Talley as they compete in a four-round lightweight contest.
Rounding out the night of fights is 21-year-old Marshall Sanchez (1-0) of Humble, Texas in a four-round flyweight bout against Elio Ruiz (1-6) of Austin, Texas, Lucia Osegueda(5-1) of Baytown, Texas facing Dallas-native Jasmine Clarkson (2-4) in a four-round lightweight bout and 26-year-old David Limerick Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) of Katy, Texas squaring-off against Guatemala’s Rolando Rivas (3-2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight bout.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxingand www.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, fantasy sports

$2000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Crawford vs. Jean heads new game

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NEW YORK (October 20, 2015) – Boxing fans have another opportunity to back up their fight predictions, as well as earn bragging fights and cash winnings, simply by playing thenext $2,000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game,online at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com, powered by CompuBox.
 
This Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game is arguably the most difficult to date, featuring prohibitive favorites as well as several near pick ’em fights. Below find the complete line-up with fighter salaries:
Prohibitive favorites include junior middleweight world champion Terence Crawford($5600) defending his title at home in Omaha, Nebraska vs. Canadian challenger Dierry Jean ($4300), undefeated junior middleweight Jermall Charlo ($5800) vs. former world champion Joachim Alcine ($3900), and Olympian Joseph Diaz, Jr. ($5800) vs. Ruben Tamayo ($4000).
Much more competitive fights, near pick ’ems, include Tony Thompson ($4800) vs. Malik Scott ($4500) in a battle of veteran heavyweights, Kazakh prospect Sergey Lipinets($5000) vs. Lydell Rhodes ($4600), Rick Brant ($4800) vs. Louis Rose ($4600), and Tony Harrison ($5100) vs. Cecil McCalla ($4500) in a match-up of fighters coming off of disappointing losses
There are three easy ways to play Throwdown Fantasy: 1. Select five fighters from the game group, using the $25,000 salary cap (see above); 2. Then track scoring in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and CompuBox statistics (see example chart below); 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a full week and each has multiple winners.
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing, and
CompuBox fight statistics are available for research at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
New players who sign up now receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Freeroll game.  Throwdown Fantasy also provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (3 free entire upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People have an opportunity to register and play for free and then move onto paid games.
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @Throwdownfan
Instagram: @throwdownfantasyboxing
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED RISING STAR JERMELL CHARLO FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOACHIM ALCINE ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN HIS HOMETOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN COMES TO NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS 11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT

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Powerful Super Welterweight Prospect Tony Harrison Takes On
Cecil McCalla In The Co-Main Event
 
Pre-Sale Discount Available Now!
Public On-Sale Available Too!
 
HOUSTON (September 25, 2015) – Undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) will look to put on a show for his hometown fans when he takes on Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight bout on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN comes to NRG Arena in Houston, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with powerful super welterweight prospect Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight attraction. Doors in the arena open at 5 p.m. CT and will feature a full night of exciting action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. A Pre-sale ticket discount with special passcode is available now through Sunday at 11:59pm online only at ticketmaster.com. The public tickets are on sale now by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
“This is a good fight against a former world champion,” said Charlo. “He’s experienced and he’s been in the ring with multiple world champions. I’m not taking anything away from him, but Houston is my town. I’ve been anticipating another fight here. I’m ready to go and I’m going to put on a great show.”
“I am so excited for this opportunity to compete against a young, strong fighter like Jermell Charlo,” said Alcine. “I don’t think he’s faced a fighter with my level of experience in big fights. I am not going to make it easy for him. I am going to challenge Charlo like he never has been before.”
Younger-by-one-minute than his identical twin, super welterweight world champion Jermall, Charlo is also a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old stepped up in class in 2014 and delivered three wide unanimous decision victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano. In 2015 he delivered his most impressive victory to date, beating highly-ranked Vanes Martirosyan in March.
A veteran of the sport for over 15 years, Alcine is unbeaten in his last three bouts. The 39-year-old won a world title in 2007 with a victory over previously unbeaten Travis Simms and defended against Alfonso Mosquera. Born in Haiti, but fighting out of Quebec, Alcine owns a victory over David Lemieux and most recently fought to a split-draw with Delvin Rodriguez.
At just 25-years-old, Harrison has made big noise recording a 10-fight knockout streak before dropping his last fight to Willie Nelson. The Detroit-native will look to bounce back and return to the win column when he enters the ring onOctober 31. He has picked up victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.
After an extended amateur career in which he competed in nearly 100 fights, McCalla is looking to bounce back from a loss to Ishe Smith in April. He entered 2015 on a 20-fight win streak and hopes to get back on track onOctober 31. The 30-year-old fights out of Baltimore, Maryland.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

ISHE SMITH TO HEADLINE “SIN CITY SHOWDOWN” WHEN HE BATTLES CECIL MCCALLA AT THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT ON APRIL 30 LIVE ON A SPECIAL THURSDAY NIGHT EDITION OF ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

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 Tickets Are On Sale Now!

 

LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2015) – Just two days before the historic showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather Promotions will give boxing fans a special treat on Cinco De Mayo weekend when they present the “Sin City Showdown” on Thursday, April 30 headlined by former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-7, 12 KOs) taking on the hard-fighting Cecil McCalla (20-1, 7 KOs) live on a special Thursday edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

In the evening’s co-main event welterweight contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (37-6-1, 11 KOs) will battle Mahonri Montes (29-4-1, 20 KOs). Also featured in televised action is exciting knockout artist Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (11-1, 9 KOs) duking it out with Eddie Hunter (10-12-2, 3 KOs).

 

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live.

 

Further undercard action features a slew of Mayweather Promotions rising stars including Lanell “KO” Bellows (11-1-1 7 KOs) taking on Tyrell Hendrix (11-6-2, 4 KOs), plus  Juan Heraldez (6-0, 5 KOs), Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (6-0, 1 KO) and Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (1-0-1) competing in separate bouts against opponents to be determined.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $104.50, $79.50, $54.50, $29.50 and $19.50, plus applicable fees, are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-944-3200.

 

“Headlining in my hometown of Las Vegas is always a great thrill and I will not disappoint all the people who come out to watch me fight,” said Smith. “I have aspirations of getting another world title belt and this fight is my first step towards getting another opportunity.”

 

“I’m thrilled to get back in the ring and show the world what ‘The Treasure’ is all about,” said Theophane. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I am going to make the most of it.”

 

“While the fight the whole world is waiting for takes place Saturday, Mayweather Promotions is extremely pleased to put on a great night of fights at Palms Casino Resort just days before,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Ishe Smith is an accomplished former world champion and Ashley Theophane is an exciting welterweight who always comes to fight.”

 

“We’re thrilled to host another great match with Mayweather Promotions,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events for The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort. “There’s a lot of excitement in the air for boxing fans and this is a great opportunity to see some amazing fighters leading up to the big fight.”

 

After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Smith, 36, finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF super welterweight world title in Feb. 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title.  He subsequently lost his title on September 14, 2013 by a close split decision to the always-tough Carlos Molina. A knockout victory Ryan Davis gave Smith another title shot as he challenged Erislandy Lara in Dec. 2014. Smith fought well but was beaten by Lara via unanimous decision.

 

After an extended amateur career in which he competed in nearly 100 fights,  McCalla is looking to bounce back from his first career defeat when he battles Smith. He dropped a narrow split-decision in Jan. 2015 to Chris van Heerden but had won his previous 20 bouts to start his pro career. The 30-year-old fights out of Baltimore and will make his Las Vegas boxing debut on April 30.

 

An experienced contender from London but fighting out of Las Vegas, Theophane is looking to build on his current four fight win streak when he enters the ring on April 30. The 34-year-old has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. Most recently he dominated Miguel Zuniga on his way to a unanimous decision in Dec. 2014.

 

Sporting a 55-5 record as an amateur, the heavy-fisted Montes looks to make it back-to-back wins when he takes on Theophane. The 25-year-old is experienced beyond his years as he has fought frequently since turning pro in 2006. He earned a shot at former world champion Humberto Soto in 2013 but dropped the bout by unanimous decision. Most recently the fighter out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico defeated previously undefeated Diego Cruz in Oct. 2014.

 

A threat to deliver a big knockout every time he enters the ring, Gavril hopes to bounce back from his first professional loss when he battles Hunter. The 28-year-old dropped a close decision to longtime contender Elvin Ayala on March 28 but had previously won nine of his first 11 pro fights by knockout. Born in Romania, but fighting out of Las Vegas, Gavril looks to get back on the right track on April 30.

 

The 28-year-old Hunter has lost his last three fights but has certainly faced tough competition having battled undefeated fighters in 13 of his pro fights. Fighting out of Seattle, Hunter will look to pull off an upset on April 30 in Las Vegas.

 

For more information follow on Twitter @MayweatherPromo, @PearlAtPalms and @ESPN and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, Facebook.com/ESPN and Facebook.com/PalmsPearl.