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boxing, Las Vegas

Two-Division World Champion Michael Spinks Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco de Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Box Fan Expo – the Largest Boxing Fan Event held in the U.S –

the Ultimate Boxing Fan Experience

*Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite*

For Immediate Release

Las Vegas (February 20, 2020) – Two-division world champion Michael Spinks has confirmed that he will appear at the sixth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spinks will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com– @BoxFanExpo

**Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:**
https://bitly.com/BoxingExpo2020

Spinks will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Spinks will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Jinx.”

**About Michael Spinks**
Spinks is a two-division world champion, having held the undisputed light heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985, and the lineal heavyweight title from 1985 to 1988. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Spinks is the brother of former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, and uncle of Cory Spinks, a former welterweight and light middleweight champion.
Spinks went undefeated in his first 31 professional fights, beating such opponents as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Marvin Johnson and Eddie Davis en route to becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Following ten successful title defenses, Spinks moved up to heavyweight, and as an underdog defeated long-reigning IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes; in doing so, Spinks became the first reigning light heavyweight world champion to win the heavyweight title. Spinks only defeat in his professional career came to the hands of Mike Tyson on June 27, 1988. The International Boxing Research Organization and BoxRec rank Spinks among the ten greatest light heavyweights of all time.

**About Box Fan Expo**
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

boxing, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT KEITH HUNTER TRAINING CAMP NOTES AHEAD OF SHOBOX MAIN EVENT

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Hunter Faces Fellow Unbeaten Malik Hawkins in Main Event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, February 28 Live On SHOWTIME^®***

**Click HERE for Hunter Photos; Credit: Team Prince Ranch Boxing**

**LAS VEGAS** – February 19, 2020 – Undefeated super lightweight sensation and Las Vegas native, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs), talks about training camp in advance of his upcoming showdown against fellow undefeated prospect Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11KOs) in the main event of a *ShoBox: The New Generation* on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from *Sam’s Town Live* in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KOs) in a 10-round bout and once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup that opens the telecast.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ *Sin City Showdown* start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Hunter, 27, returns to *Sam’s Town Live* after an impressive 2019, in which he won a decisive 10-round unanimous decision against Cameron Krael and scored an upset victory over former amateur standout Sanjarbek Rakhmanov. He comes from a family of fighters, he’s the younger brother of heavyweight contender Michael Hunter and his father was a well-respected boxer who sparred with Mike Tyson. Hunter has spent the entirety of his training camp at Prince Ranch Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, where he trains alongside undefeated welterweight Blair Cobbs.

Here is what Hunter had to say about his recent training camp and upcoming battle with Hawkins:

***On his opponent…***

“This is my time to shine. Hawkins is a good fighter, he is talented, but he stands in my way. I am not just fighting for myself, but for my family. If you look at my record, I’ve fought some very tough guys. I know I’m battle ready to take my career to the next level. Hawkins is going down. I am going to make people respect the Hunter name once again

“I have nothing bad to say about Malik Hawkins. He is a hard-working fighter. I just feel that I am better. This is my time, and no one can take this opportunity away from me. The problem for Hawkins is, I have trained harder than ever to get the win. I am more focused than ever.”

***On training camp…***

“I wanted this camp to be very specific. I get good sparring at Bones Adams’ gym and a lot of top pros have come through there like Shakur Stevenson, Manny Pacquiao, and many others. I have watched how they trained, and I have used that same work ethic and principles for this camp with the supervision of my coaches.”

***On his status as a contender…***

“I’m now ranked 13 by the WBA, which makes me a contender. I must get past Hawkins, so believe me when I tell you I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I’m looking at this fight like it’s a world title. Losing is not an option.”

***On making his SHOWTIME debut…***

“I am excited to headline on *ShoBox: The New Generation.* It’s a platform that launches fighters’ careers, and SHOWTIME has a fantastic and professional production crew. One goal from the beginning was to showcase my talent on a big stage like this, now I’m here. This is a very big opportunity for me, I’m not going to let it slip away.”

Hunter is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, advised by former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman promoted by Greg Cohen, Founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.

# # #

For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com/events, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, and on Instagram @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, orwww.bit.ly/sincityshowdown.

boxing, Las Vegas

Undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion Blair “The Flair” Cobbs Battles Samuel Kotey Friday February 14, From the Honda Center in Anaheim, California Live on DAZN

February 11, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Click** HERE for Photos from Team Cobbs

**LAS VEGAS, NV (February 10, 2020)** – Undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion **Blair “The Flair” Cobbs** (14-0-1, 10 KOs) hosted a Las Vegas media workout Saturday in preparation for his upcoming bout against **Samuel Kotey** (23-2, 16 KOs) which takes place Friday, February 14 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Cobbs, who is managed by **Greg Hannely** of **Prince Ranch Boxing** and promoted by **Golden Boy Promotions**, will make his 2020 debut as part of the of **Ryan Garcia** versus **Francisco Fonseca** card, which will air live on **DAZN** at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Here is what Cobbs had to say Saturday from the **Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame** in Las Vegas:

**BLAIR COBBS**

“This camp has been amazing. I’ve had nothing but the greatest sparring partners to get prepared for this upcoming bout. My trainer **Brandon Woods** has been sharpening up my tools and I’m ready to preform at my best on fight night. Everyone can expect to see the best Blair “The Flair” Cobbs possible. This is a sport filled with entertainment and I call myself “The most exciting man in Boxing”.

“On Valentines Day, I’m going to steal the show and all the fans watching on DAZN will see an amazing performance from me. My opponent, Samuel Kotey, is a tough hombre who is coming to win, but I have other plans for him. There is nothing he can do that will outmatch my skill and desire to win this fight.”

“It’s been a wonderful experience having the Mexican fans behind me being that they know that’s where I first learned how to box when I fled to Guadalajara, Mexico. It’s been a hell of a journey coming back to the United States from Mexico, where I learned to fight the Mexican style, always throwing big shots to entertain the fans. Fighting in the amateurs in Mexico, is like fighting in the pros. Sometimes we didn’t use headgear. It was crazy, but it made me the fighter I am today.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. YURIORKIS GAMBOA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

December 28, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Two-Time Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis Battles Former Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for Vacant WBA Lightweight Title this Saturday, December 28 Live on SHOWTIME from**

**State Farm Arena in Atlanta**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/**

**Mayweather Promotions**

**ATLANTA** (December 26, 2019) – Boxing’s hottest attraction, **Gervonta “Tank” Davis**, and former unified champion **Yuriorkis Gamboa**, went face to face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they battle for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title this Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured WBA Light Heavyweight Champion **Jean Pascal** and two-division champion **Badou Jack**, who will square off in the co-main event, and former champion **Jose Uzcategui** and **Lionell Thompson**, who battle in the opener of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com. Good tickets are still available. All tickets start at $54 and $104.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel:

**GERVONTA DAVIS**

“Training camp has been great. I’ve been training with my brothers and sister on the undercard. Saturday night we’re going to make history again. There hasn’t been a title fight in over 20 years and I’m excited to be in this position to open doors for others and myself.

“This is my first time fighting in Atlanta. I’ve been coming here for over four or five years and I’ve been wanting to fight here. Atlanta always shows me love and I always thought that me fighting here would be big. I knew I had a big fan base here.

“Saturday night we’re going to have a big fight. Thank you to Gamboa for taking the chance. Saturday night it’s going to be an action-packed fight and we’ll see who’s got what it takes.

“I’m pretty sure Gamboa watched my last fight. He’s just saying he didn’t to be cocky. I know he at least watched it heading into this fight. We’ll see Saturday night. He’s been a little cocky, so I have to make him pay.

“I can’t say whether I’ll get the knockout, but I’ve trained very hard and I’ve been focused on the main goal, which is to get the win. I know that Gamboa is a tough opponent and he’ll lay it all on the line. If it goes 12 rounds, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m looking to make this a great fight for me and also for the fans.

“I believe that I haven’t gone past nine rounds and I’m undefeated, so I think that’s a good thing for me. I’ve been doing this for so many years that I believe Gamboa can’t bring anything to the ring that I haven’t seen.

“I know that I have to come in there focused, strong and fast. Let’s see what it all comes out to. I’m ready and hopefully he’s ready to give the fans what they want to see.

“Saturday night everyone should be looking for a great fight, not just from Gamboa and me, but the whole undercard. On Saturday night the fight fans win. We’re both bringing our all and we’ll see what Saturday night brings for each of us.”

**YURIORKIS GAMBOA**

“My job isn’t to pay attention to any trash talk. My only focus is to go in there at 150% and give it my all. I don’t care about any of the chatter outside of the ring.

“The confidence that I have comes from my focus and the hard work that I’ve put into this camp. I know what I have to do December 28. Everything from camp has unfolded how I wanted to leading into fight night.

“I’m very appreciative to have this opportunity to fight for the world title on Saturday night. I have to make the best of this position that I’m in. I’m still at the level where I know that I can compete and beat the best fighters in the sport.

“My focus and discipline has allowed me to get to the position that I’m in today. I’ve always relied upon that heavily and it hasn’t failed me yet.

“Gervonta knocking his opponents out and not going past the ninth round is great for him, but I don’t think it has anything to do with my resume. I’ve faced stronger fighters than Gervonta and I’ve been able to beat them. He’s not going to bring anything I haven’t seen.

“We’re thrilled that the fight landed in Atlanta and we can tell you that the fans are going to be very happy with the fight they see Saturday. I came here to win and I’m definitely ready to go all 12 rounds if I have to.

“I’ve had a great training camp and I know what I’m able to give on Saturday. I’m giving my all and then some. Atlanta, be ready. We’re going to give you a war.”

**JEAN PASCAL**

“This is my first time in the city of Atlanta and I might have to move here after my victory on Saturday night.

“I’m excited to be able to display my talents on SHOWTIME on Saturday night. I’m at the top of my game and my whole team has helped me get to here.

“Badou Jack is a solid fighter with great defense and good attack. I’ve had a great camp in Puerto Rico. I’ve been away from my family for three months and I’m war ready. Make sure you tune in.

“Badou and I sparred, but it was a long time ago back in 2014. Sparring is sparring. I was getting ready for Sergey Kovalev. It was a good session, but at the time he was at 168-pounds. I don’t rely on that sparring because it was so long ago.

“I know that Badou has had a long layoff and he’s fresh and will be even hungrier. I’m always hungry and that will make it a great fight on Saturday night.

“I’ve been fighting at the highest level for the last 11 years. That means something. I’m a special fighter. I have things that nobody can teach, which is a chin and a heart.”

**BADOU JACK**

“I had a great training camp, which everyone says, but I really do feel great. I’m 36 and I feel like I’m 26 again. I can’t wait for Saturday night to hear ‘and the new’.

“I guess you have to wait until Saturday night for me to prove that I still have it. I was flat against Marcus Browne, regardless of the cut, but I feel much better this time than I did heading into that fight.

“All of the close decisions I’ve had in the past, everyone who watched those fights knows that those were wins. Saturday night I’m going to win and there will be no doubt.

“Gervonta was on my undercard and now I’m on his and I’m very proud of him. He’s already a superstar.

“I take care of myself. I don’t do anything outside the ring to jeopardize my career. I have a great nutritionist who gives me all organic foods. You can talk to my strength and conditioning coach as far as how I’m looking, but I feel amazing.

“I’m going to take everything one fight at a time. I think Pascal can bring the best out of me on Saturday night. Styles make fights and I think our styles will mesh.

“Pascal and I both come to fight. Marcus Browne is a southpaw and he’s more evasive. So it’s hard to compare. Pascal is a tough guy and I expect nothing less than a tough fight.”

**JOSE UZCATEGUI**

“I’m grateful to be back in this position and I promise the crowd won’t be disappointed. I’m going to be around for a long time and I’m going to get my world title back.

“I don’t talk much, but since he says I only have power, we’ll see on Saturday. Don’t talk today and then run around the ring.

“After I knock out Lionell Thompson, we’ll see what Caleb Plant has to say after that. I hope he will stand and fight. The only reason Plant is champion is because I messed up.

“When I’m at my best, I’m the best super middleweight on the planet. Everyone will see on Saturday.”

**LIONELL THOMPSON**

“I want to thank Uzcategui and his team for taking the fight. This is my first time in the super middleweight division and I plan on being victorious.

“To everybody that has helped me and supported me, I promise I won’t let you guys down. I’m planning on giving my best performance on Saturday night.

“I’ve been in there with bigger punchers at light heavyweight and the only time I was stopped was early in my career. I’ve beaten good guys and undefeated prospects that could punch.

“I believe that moving down in weight, and doing it right with a nutritionist, will be better for me. Anyone can hurt you. Everyone says that he can punch, but anyone who hits you right can hurt you.

“I’m focused on being perfect. I don’t plan on making any mistakes. I know what I can do. Anyone who has shared the ring with me will say I’m one of the most skillful fighters out there. Floyd Mayweather even said it.

“I know Uzcategui is tough, but I’m not worried because I’m bringing my best. I believe I’ll be victorious. I respect him and he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with, but I just believe in myself.”

**LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions**

“Saturday night, it’s going to be lit. I’m very excited about this card. I can recall when we first talked about bringing this fight to Atlanta, there was only one name that was synonymous with tapping into a market that hasn’t had a big fight in 20 years. When it comes to excitement, the name Gervonta Davis goes hand in hand.

“We knew that this entire community would be involved. We know that this would be the most talked about event and create a buzz that we haven’t seen in many years.

“We have an outstanding undercard, including a great co-main event with Jean Pascal and Badou Jack, which I guarantee will be a very entertaining match. These two are going to lay it all on the line.

“From top to bottom this is a very entertaining card. Looking at the main event, when you look at Gamboa, you know what he brings to the table. We’re not buying anything about him being an older fighter. He has a phenomenal pedigree and he has seen everything in that ring. This is a very dangerous fight for Gervonta and that’s what we want. We want nothing but the best for Gervonta.

“I think that Gamboa is going to bring out the best in “Tank” on Saturday night. We’re going to give you an entertaining card from top to bottom, with a main event that’s going to end in a knockout.”

**STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.**

“It’s a big weekend for SHOWTIME as we have eight big boxing shows over the next 10 weeks, featuring some of the biggest names in the sport and some of boxing’s top young prospects. We couldn’t kick it off with a better fight card this Saturday night.

“It’s time to quit calling Gervonta a young star or a rising star, because what he has demonstrated this year is that he’s a bonafide star. That is without question when you go into three cities and bring out all the people that he has.

“At the end of the day, none of that matters on Saturday night. That’s what we love about this sport. You have labels, critics and big names, but none of it matters when the bell rings. Each one of these six fighters up here fights like an underdog, because they’ve all been underdogs before.

“Gervonta and Gamboa fight like they’re hungry and like they’re angry. They fight like there’s one plate in the middle of the ring. In the co-main event, with Badou Jack and Jean Pascal, I’ll put their resumes against any fighter in the sport. They’ve fought tough fight after tough fight and they’re still fighting on this stage. Uzcategui is one of the hardest punchers in the sport, and Lionell Thompson is looking for his shot. With all of this together, we’re in for an entertaining night.”

# # #

***ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA***

Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank’’ Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports,
www.PremierBoxingChampions.com,

follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

boxing, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime

GERVONTA DAVIS & YURIORKIS GAMBOA LOOK TO REIGNITE LEGACY OF ATLANTA BOXING HISTORY STARTED BY ALL-TIME GREATS MUHAMMAD ALI & EVANDER HOLYFIELD

December 20, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Davis And Gamboa Face Off For WBA Lightweight World Championship In Atlanta’s First World Title Fight In More Than 20 Years Next Saturday, December 28 Live On SHOWTIME***^® ***From State Farm Arena***

**ATLANTA** – December 18, 2019 – When **Gervonta Davis** and **Yuriorkis Gamboa**clash for the vacant WBA Lightweight World Championship on December 28 **at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta,** they’ll be making history in a long-underserved boxing hotbed that has hosted monumental fights featuring Hall of Famers Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield.

“Just to be mentioned with those Hall of Famers is amazing,” said Davis. “I’m lost for words.  It’s not only big for me, it’s big for boxing in the city and all the other fighters that have the opportunity to fight on the card.”

The Davis vs. Gamboa SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast features two world title bouts and will be the first world championship event in Atlanta in more than 20 years. Jean Pascal will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship against former two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-feature of the Premier Boxing Champions event.

Prior to December 28, the last world title fight in Atlanta was unified heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield’s IBF and WBA defenses against Vaughn Bean on September 19, 1998. SHOWTIME televised that bout live from the since-demolished Georgia Dome where 41,357 fans in attendance saw the Atlanta resident floor Bean in the 10^th round en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Despite the strong turnout and festive atmosphere for Holyfield vs. Bean, the Hall of Famer Holyfield fought just four times in Atlanta in his 57 professional bouts spanning nearly three decades. The city did host Holyfield’s first title fight, a bout that is widely considered the best cruiserweight fight in history and one of the last great 15 round fights. On July 12, 1986, Holyfield challenged WBA Cruiserweight Champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi in a back-and-forth bout that Holyfield won by split decision to capture his first world title.

While Holyfield vs. Qawi is considered the best fight in Atlanta boxing history, the most significant and biggest event in the city was Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight in 1970. Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight title and exiled from boxing after being controversially convicted of draft evasion in 1967. While his case was still under appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court, Ali received a license to fight in Georgia for his first bout in more than three-and-a-half years. Ali stopped Jerry Quarry in the third round on October 26, 1970 at City Auditorium in an event that would mark his triumphant return. Ali’s conviction was overturned the following year in June of 1971, just three months after the “Fight of the Century” with Joe Frazier.

While Georgia has been home to a number of recent world champions, none have fought in Atlanta as titlists. The late two-division world champion Vernon Forrest was born in nearby Augusta and lived in Atlanta, however he never fought as a champion in the state’s capital. Similarly, former two-division champion Paul Williams, also of Augusta, fought just once in Atlanta in 2001 before he became champion.

Davis, who is on-track to sell out his third consecutive venue of the year in three different cities, is hoping to make big time boxing in Atlanta a permanent fixture.

“The spotlight will be on Atlanta,” said Davis. “They haven’t had a big fight there in many years.  So it’s a dream to bring big time boxing back just like I did in Baltimore. Atlanta welcomed me with open arms for so many years.  I always knew I had a fan base and I always wanted to fight here.  Now is the perfect time in my career for it to happen.

“I’m a fighter, but I’m also a fan.  So I’m looking forward to it as much as everyone else.  I’ll give it my all, I know Gamboa will give it his all.  It’s going to be a great night on December 28.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com. Good tickets are still available. All tickets start at $54 and $104.
***ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA***
Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

boxing, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

LIONELL THOMPSON TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

December 15, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Lionell Thompson Makes Super Middleweight Debut Against Former Champion Jose Uzcategui Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 from State Farm Arena in Atlanta**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/**

**Mayweather Promotions**

**LAS VEGAS** (December 13, 2019) – Veteran contender **Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson** previewed his upcoming showdown from his training camp as he prepares to take on former champion **Jose Uzcategui** live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by boxing’s hottest attraction **Gervonta “Tank” Davis** as he moves up in weight to take on former unified champion **Yuriorkis Gamboa** for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features **Jean Pascal** defending his WBA Light Heavyweight Title against two-division champion **Badou Jack** in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com.

For Thompson, it will be his debut fight at 168 pounds, after fighting in the light heavyweight division throughout his career. Here is what Thompson had to say about his new division, his December 28 opponent and more, from training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

**LIONELL THOMPSON**

“I’m not worried about his power. I’ve been in there with big punchers my whole career. I’m just ready to perform. I’m not worried about what he can do. I’m just concentrating on what I can do. Everyone can punch in the pros. One punch from anyone can hurt you. I’m fully focused on being excellent on December 28.

“We’re working hard. It’s a new weight class for me and that’s motivating me even more to be my best. This win is going to do wonders for my life and career. I believe I’ll be victorious in Atlanta. Don’t blink.

“All of my fights are important to me. Uzcategui is just another fighter. I don’t focus on what the perception of Uzcategui is. People say he’s a big puncher, but how do you know if he’s never hit you before? It’s someone’s job to pump their fighter up, but I’m only focused on what I can control.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m definitely thankful to the Mayweather Promotions team for putting me in this position. When I saw that Uzcategui was looking for an opponent, I told (Mayweather Promotions CEO) Leonard Ellerbe that I wanted to fight him and he made it happen.

“I know it’s rare for someone at my age to go down in weight. I feel fresh for my age though. I’m making weight the right way and the healthy way. I think with my training camp and the challenge that Uzcategui presents, it will bring out the best of me on December 28.”

# # #

***ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA***

Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank’’ Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports,
www.PremierBoxingChampions.com,

follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

boxing, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

BADOU JACK LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

December 11, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Two-Division World Champion Jack Faces WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Pascal in Co-Main Event Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 from State Farm Arena in Atlanta**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/**

**Mayweather Promotions**

**LAS VEGAS** (December 10, 2019) – Two-division world champion **Badou Jack** showed off his skills and previewed his upcoming title fight at a Las Vegas media workout Tuesday as he prepares to take on WBA Light Heavyweight Champion **Jean Pascal** Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by boxing’s hottest attraction Gervonta “Tank” Davis as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com.

Jack hit the ring and talked to media at Mayweather Boxing Club as he prepares to face Pascal in a bid to become a three-time champion and capture his second title at light heavyweight. Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday:

**BADOU JACK**

“Mentally I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m hungrier and I feel like I did the first time I fought for the title. I’m always hungry, but I’m really excited for this fight.

“Sometimes losses make you better. My first loss was an accident, and I became better because of it. The loss to Marcus Browne, it wasn’t the fairest loss, but it’s made me even hungrier. I’m going to go out there and win the fight no matter what.

“People have written Pascal off a couple of times and he always came back. He’s a throwback fighter who definitely knows how to fight. He brings it every time. He’s got more mileage than me, but I can’t overlook a guy like him.

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win the fight. I feel 100% physically. The cut was cleared in March, and we’re way past that. I’ve been ready physically and this camp has proved that to me and my whole team.

“Pascal and I sparred before but it was a long time ago and sparring is way different than a real fight. I’ve fought bigger punchers, but you have to respect the power of anyone in the ring. Anything can happen. You can get caught by someone who’s not a puncher.

“I know that I have a lot left to give this sport. I feel like I’m young for my age. The break between fights and bouncing back from a loss have made me more motivated than ever. I’m ready to go in and give the best performance of my career.”

**LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions**

“Badou has a glow about him, just like the old Badou. He looks super-fast in the ring and everything is what we would want to see.

“Badou Jack has shown time and time again that he wants to fight the best and he’s not going to back down no matter what the challenge is. We’ve never had to think twice about it and one setback wasn’t going to stop him from having that mentality.

“Badou is a fighter who always uses his platform to make the world better for those less fortunate. He’s done wonderful things and is really so much more than a champion boxer. It’s an honor to work with him and always a pleasure to watch him perform.”

# # #

***ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA***

Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank’’ Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports,
www.PremierBoxingChampions.com,

follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

boxing, UFC, women's boxing

WBC Super Featherweight Champion Eva Wahlstrom retains title, fights split draw with Ronica Jeffrey

August 6, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

John Vera returns to ring with win

RJJ BOXING ON UFC FIGHT PASS

OFFICIAL RESULTS

LAS VEGAS (August 3, 2019) – World Boxing Council (WBC) female World super featherweight champion Eva Wahlstrom retained her title by fighting to a 10-round split draw last night with challenger Ronica “Queen” Jeffrey at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Wahlstrom vs. Jeffrey was the main event on another RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS series installment, which was streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports

RJJ Boxing Promotions offered free admission to reward its loyal Las Vegas fans and 5,400 turned out to watch the action.

Wahlstrom (22-1-2), fighting out of Finland, was coming off a loss by decision to undefeated Irish star Katie Taylor this past February at famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. The skilled Finn has been the WBC titlist since 2015 and this was her fifth successful title defense.

Jeffrey (17-1-1, 1 KO), a former IWBF world champion from Brooklyn, was riding a four-fight win streak going into last night’s fight against Wahlstrom.

Wahlstrom and Jeffrey are both tactical, pure boxers who fought that way last night, going back and forth without either being hurt. It was an even fight that could have gone either way with judge Tim Cheatham scoring it a draw (95-95), Richard Ocasio slightly favored Walstrom (96-94), and Lisa Giampa inexplicitly had Jeffrey winning all 10 rounds (100-90).

In the co-featured event, former top 10 rated junior middleweight John “The Phenom” Vera(19-1, 11 KOs) moved up to middleweight, after losing for the first time as a pro last March in France to Michel Soro by way of a 12-round decision. Vera, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas, won a six-round decision against his Uzbek opponent, Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-2, 13 KOs), the former WBA FEDALATIN welterweight champion.

Las Vegas-based super bantamweight Jamie “The Miracle” Mitchell (5-0-2, 3 KOs) and Virginian Britain Hart (3-3-2, 2 KOs) battled to a six-round majority draw.

Local favorite Trevor Covington won his professional debut, taking a four-round unanimous decision in the Fight of the Night against Los Angles super flyweight Ming Freeman (1-4-1), who had a point deducted for a low blow.

Official results below:

MAIN EVENT – WBC WORLD FEMALE SUPER FEATHRWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Eva Wahlstrom (22-1-2, 3 KOs), Champion, Helsinki, Finland

SD10 (96-94, 95-95, 90-100)

Ronica Jeffrey (17-1-1, 1 KO), Challenger, Brooklyn, NY

(Wahlstrom retained world title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

John “The Phenom” Vera (19-1, 11 KOs), Fort Worth, TX

WDEC 6 (58-56, 58-56, 58-56)

Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-2, 13 KOs), Las Vegas, NV by way of Uzbekistan

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS

Jamie Mitchell (5-0-2, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

MD6 (589-56, 57-57, 57-57

Britain Hart (3-3-2, 2 KOs), Roanoke, VA

SUPER FLYWEIGHTS

Trevor Covington (1-0), Henderson, NV

WDEC4 (37-36, 37-36, 37-36)

Ming Freedom (1-4-1), Los Angeles, CA

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass,www.thomasandmack.com

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @ThomasAndMack, @wahlstrom_eva

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @ThomasandMack, @eva_wahlstrom

Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /Thomas&MackCenter, /EvaWahlstrom,

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Rising Prospect Chris Colbert Talks Upcoming Showdown, Championship Climb & More Ahead of Matchup Against Alberto Mercado Sunday, June 23 in FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas

June 16, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***FOX PBC Fight Night is Headlined by Former World Champion Jermell Charlo Taking on Mexico’s Jorge Cota***

**LAS VEGAS** (June 14, 2019) – Unbeaten rising prospect **Chris “Prime Time” Colbert** will step into the ring against Puerto Rico’s **Alberto Mercado** as the headliner of FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The 22-year-old will be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time as a pro, but he’s determined to not let Sin City’s bright lights distract him June 23.

“Vegas is a great fight city and they say that you have to fight there to make it big, but I’m just focused on doing what I have to do to get the win by any means necessary,” said Colbert. “I always look to dominate and show that I’m one of the best fighters in the world, but you never know how a fight will go. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to get the win.”

Colbert has already faced three undefeated fighters in his 11-fight pro career, plus two other fighters who had only suffered one loss. His last fight saw him dominate veteran Mario Briones on FS1 in April.

“I’ve always wanted to stand out and do what others can’t,” said Colbert. “No other prospect or young champions are coming up like me. I don’t want to pad my resume. From the beginning, I’ve told my advisors that I wanted to face the best to prove myself every time I step into the ring.”

The Brooklyn-native has been hard at work with longtime coach Aureliano Sosa as they prepare for a durable opponent in the 31-year-old Mercado, who has never been stopped in his career.

“I like to keep training camp very consistent,” said Colbert. “I’m just sparring more and more. I think I’ve put in well over 200 rounds of sparring ahead of this fight. I’m just practicing what I’m going to do on fight night. Every camp involves strength and conditioning, running, gym work and eating well. This is my lifestyle. It’s not a seasonal thing for me. I don’t take any breaks.”

As he ascents toward the elite level of the professional ranks, Colbert will continue to flash his speed and skill, combined with his trademark confidence and work ethic.

“There’s a lot of great fighters out there, but I believe I’m the best and I’m committed to fighting everyone to prove it,” said Colbert. “We’re not in a race to the title. This is a marathon, not a spring. When I get the title, I want to keep it for a long time. For now, I’m just enjoying the ride and continuing to do what I do best.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

# # #

**ABOUT CHARLO VS. COTA**
Charlo vs. Cota pits former super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo against Mexico’s Jorge Cota in a super welterweight attraction that serves as the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja clashing in a 12-round WBC featherweight title eliminator in the co-feature, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer faces Akeem Black in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Preceding that show is FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see exciting unbeaten prospect Chris Colbert taking on Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado in an eight or 10-round lightweight bout and unbeaten welterweight prospect Jesús Ramos in a four-round attraction.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

boxing, ESPN Boxing, Las Vegas

Undefeated Super Middleweight Cem Kilic to take on Martez McGregor on Saturday, June 15th on Fury – Schwarz undercard at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas

June 7, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

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