Tag Archives: Los Angeles

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

BELLATOR DOUBLE CHAMP RYAN BADER DEFENDS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST VADIM NEMKOV ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

February 1, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**TICKETS ON SALE FEB. 14 FOR CARD SET INSIDE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE**

**LOS ANGELES** – On Saturday, May 9, SAP Center at San Jose will host Bellator with an event headlined by a light heavyweight world championship bout featuring two-division Bellator champion **Ryan Bader** (27-5, 1 NC) defending his 205-pound title against Russia’s **Vadim Nemkov** (11-2).

*Bellator San Jose: Bader vs. Nemkov* airs on Paramount Network and DAZN on Saturday, May 9 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Preliminary action will stream on DAZN, Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

Tickets for *Bellator San Jose: Bader vs. Nemkov* are available early through an exclusive Bellator Nation pre-sale beginning Wednesday, Feb. 12 through Thursday, Feb. 13. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday, Feb. 14. Tickets can be purchased at the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Ticket Office at SAP Center, through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

A winner of seven out of his last eight fights at both heavyweight and light heavyweight, Bellator’s two-division champion Ryan Bader will make his first light heavyweight title defense since defeating“King Mo” Lawal, **Matt Mitrione** and **Fedor Emelianenko** en route to winning Bellator’s 2018 Heavyweight World Grand Prix and becoming world heavyweight champ. Fighting out of Chandler, Ariz., the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler from Arizona State University began his professional career by winning season eight of *The Ultimate Fighter*. “Darth” continued his path of dominance by collecting victories over some of the 205-pound division’s top talent, including wins over former world champions **“Rampage” Jackson**, Rashad Evans, **Phil Davis** (x2) and Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante, as well as Ovince Saint Preux and Vinny Magalhães, before signing with Bellator in 2017.

Vadim Nemkov, who is undefeated over his last six fights and a perfect 4-0 in Bellator since signing in 2017, will come into his first-ever title shot in MMA fresh off a submission win against former middleweight champion **Rafael Carvalho**. With the victory, Nemkov has unequivocally defeated some of the best athletes Bellator has to offer, including three former champions in Carvalho, **Phil Davis** and **Liam McGeary**. A three-time Russian national sambo champion, Nemkov trains alongside Fedor Emelianenko in Stary Oskol, Russia.

**Updated *Bellator San Jose: Bader vs. Nemkov* Main Card:**

**DAZN/Paramount Network**

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

*Light Heavyweight World Title Bout:* **Ryan Bader** (27-5, 1 NC) vs. **Vadim Nemkov** (11-2)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

BELLATOR SIGNS CRIS ‘CYBORG’ TO LARGEST CONTRACT IN WOMEN’S MMA HISTORY

September 4, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce the signing of Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (21-2, 1 NC) to the organization. The deal – the largest of its kind in women’s MMA history – exclusively secures “Cyborg’s” talents with a multi-year, multi-fight contract.

“Cyborg” joins current champ Julia Budd, Olga Rubin, Arlene Blencowe, Janay Harding and Leslie Smith among others, cementing Bellator’s 145-pound weight class as the strongest women’s featherweight division in MMA.

“Cyborg” joins Bellator following a three-year run in UFC, multiple world titles and a 20-fight unbeaten streak that includes notable victories against Holly Holm, Tonya Evinger, Marloes Coenen and Leslie Smith. Notably, the 34-year-old Curitiba, Brazil-native was the inaugural Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Champion, defeating Gina Carano for the title in 2009.

“I have worked with countless athletes over my thirty-plus years of promoting combat sports, but there is no one quite like ‘Cyborg’,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Her ability to excite the crowd from the moment she makes her walk to the cage is special, and having had the pleasure of promoting several of her fights in the past, I am looking forward to the opportunity of promoting her once again. ‘Cyborg’ is the most dominant female fighter in the history of the sport and she will be a perfect fit here at Bellator, where champion Julia Budd and the other women that make up best female featherweight division in the world have eagerly awaited her arrival.”

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

BELLATOR RE-SIGNS HEAVYWEIGHT LEGEND FEDOR EMELIANENKO TO EXCLUSIVE MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT AHEAD OF FAREWELL TOUR

June 16, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**LOS ANGELES** — Bellator is proud to announce that Russian MMA great **Fedor Emelianenko** (38-6, 1 NC) has signed an exclusive multi-fight contract extension to finish his career inside the Bellator cage.

Emelianenko’s farewell tour continues in Bellator’s stacked heavyweight division on the heels of a finals run during the promotion’s eight-man Heavyweight World Grand Prix.Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, “The Last Emperor” recently earned first-round knockouts over **Chael Sonnen** and **Frank Mir** in the tourney’s semifinals and opening round, respectively.

“I am pleased that we were able to sign Fedor, the greatest heavyweight of all time, to a new contract extension,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “He is someone that I consider a friend in this business and am even more pleased that he has decided to finish his storied career with Bellator. There are exciting matchups for him here in Bellator that I know will appeal to his fans from the past, as well as new fans from his recent run in the tournament. As his time in the sport winds down, I am happy to see him close out his career on his own terms.”

“My strong friendship and respect for Scott Coker made reaching a contract extension a simple process,” said Fedor Emelianenko. “Bellator is my home – I look forward to helping Bellator continue to grow and reach its full potential as the world’s top MMA promotion.”

A former PRIDE Heavyweight Champion and PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix Champion, Emelianenko is often referred to as “The GOAT” by fans around the world. With a career resume that stands as one of the most impressive in the history of the sport that includes victories over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman and Andrei Arlovski, to name a few. With 29 career victories ending via finish, the punching power and world-class Sambo of the stoic Russian can always result in yet another accolade in his illustrious career.

Emelianenko’s return to the Bellator cage is yet to be determined, but he is expected to return to action later this year.

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. RAFAEL RIVERA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

February 16, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Headlined by Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Taking on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera This Saturday Night from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles**

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

**LOS ANGELES** (February 14, 0219) – There was no love lost on Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles as fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes exchanged words and went face-to-face at the final press conference before their respective showdowns this Saturday night at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live.

WBA Featherweight World Champion **Leo Santa Cruz** will defend his title against Mexico’s **Rafael Rivera** in the main event of the show. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature an exciting clash between contenders **Omar Figueroa** andJohn Molina Jr., plus unbeaten prospects **Sebastian Fundora** and **Donnie Marshall** going toe-to-toe.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The event also featured an appearance by former world champion and Southern California fan-favorite Fernando Vargas. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Conga Room:

**LEO SANTA CRUZ**

“We were getting ready for Miguel Flores, but in the gym you have to always be ready for any kind of style. We had been already been working with sparring partners who brawl, and that’s what we expect from Rafael Rivera.

“I knew immediately that Rivera was a good opponent. He’s young and hungry and that makes him dangerous. He can take punches, so we’re ready for 12 rounds. We’re going to be smart in this fight because we know what Rivera can do.

“Seeing my dad going through cancer treatment has been very tough. He motivates me to go to the gym and train hard, because I know if he sees me working hard, it will motivate him as well.

“I’m just looking to go out there, give a great fight and help my name continue to grow so that I can fight the best.

“I love fighting and training here in Los Angeles. It gives me a chance to be with my family more. When I have them here, it makes me train harder. I do all of this for them and their future.

“If I can get this win, we want to unify the belts or make the third fight against Carl Frampton. If not, we will go to 130 pounds and seek a title in a new weight class.”

**RAFAEL RIVERA**

“I’ve stepped in late before to a big fight. I’m always ready when it comes. Expect a surprise come Saturday night.

“I know that I have everything it takes to bring this title back to Tijuana. We’ve trained hard and had these last four weeks to focus in on breaking Leo down.

“I’m prepared for anything Leo brings into the ring. Everyone knows he’s very tough and throws a lot of punches, but I believe I am the faster fighter and I can hurt him with counters.

“This is the best opportunity I’ve had, going up against a great champion like Leo. I’m ready for fight and a great show for the fans.”

**OMAR FIGUEROA**

“Given our styles, there’s no way this is going to go the distance. I think this is going to be an early night and I’m planning on having my hand raised.

“The layoff didn’t affect me against Robert Guerrero, so I don’t see why it will affect me now. That’s why I keep my style consistent. The only difference is the character across from me in the ring. This fight will depend on how John wants it to go, because I’m coming to fight.

“I’m just looking to get in the ring and take advantage of this opportunity I’ve been given. I’ve made changes that have made my whole game so much easier. It’s a totally different mentality that I have now.

“Training camp went great. I’ve made a lot of changes in my lifestyle and I’m dedicated 100 percent to boxing. Things have never been better.”

**JOHN MOLINA JR.**

“It’s time to fight. The hard work is done and the time is now. Talk is cheap. On Saturday night, we’ll get down.

“I’ve been down this road before. I was never given lofty expectations. There’s no pressure here. I think Omar’s style will accommodate mine and make it a fun fight for the fans.

“Whenever I fight, it’s going to be exciting. You can say the same thing about Omar. I’m prepared for any version of Omar. Just like any other fight. I can’t wait until Saturday night to get in there and do what I do best.

“I’ve put everything into this camp, like I’m sure my opponent has. That’s what we owe to the fans and it’s going to come to fruition Saturday night.”

**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA**

“I expect a good fight. He’s an undefeated fighter and I hope to give the fans a great show and walk away victorious.

“We’re totally focused on this fight. I just train and everything else is out of the way. I trained hard and I’m going to do my thing like always.

“I’m still growing as a fighter. We’re getting better with every camp and every fight. It’s good that we keep fighting quality opponents, because it helps accelerate that process.

“Hopefully we’re going to display a lot more boxing and technique in this fight. I think Marshall is going to come inside and attack the body. I think if I’m able to stop him, it will be from the boxing skills that I show.”

**DONNIE MARSHALL**

“I’m ready to dominate the fight like I always do. That’s the only thing on my mind. I don’t care about his height, record or anything else. I’m coming to dominate.

“I’ve never been concerned with the height of Fundora. We sparred with some good strong southpaws in Florida including Yamaguchi Falcao. Then we went to Las Vegas for the second half of training camp and worked with some top prospects. I’m more than prepared for anything.

“Every fight is a make or break fight. I’ve trained against top fighters and been all around the country in different gyms. I’ve only been pro two and a half years. I’m a young 30. I’m going to announce myself on Saturday in a big way.”

**RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports**

“This weekend is another example why Los Angeles is such a great fight town. We’re going to have a fantastic crowd at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live on Saturday night. I think that speaks to the strength of this city as a boxing town, and the strength of this card. This is top to bottom one of the best cards I can remember here in Los Angeles.

“The tripleheader on FOX and FOX Deportes has three fights that want to steal the night. We will see which fight and which fighter everyone will be talking about after Saturday. There are definitely some fights on this card that have ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over them.

“We are committed to continuing to bring the best and biggest fights to the fans here in Los Angeles, because Los Angeles is the fight capital of the world again.”

# # #

***ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA***
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion **Leo Santa Cruz** take on Mexico’s **Rafael Rivera** in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion **Omar Figueroa** battling hard-hitting **John Molina Jr.** and a matchup between unbeaten prospects **Sebastien Fundora** and **Donnie Marshall**. Rising prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian **Karlos Balderas** will compete in a swing bout that will air live if time permits.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES: LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. RAFAEL RIVERA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

February 14, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

LEO SANTA CRUZ LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS – WBA Featherweight Champion Santa Cruz Takes on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles

February 6, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

WBA Featherweight Champion Santa Cruz Takes on Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles

**Click HERE for Photos from Luis Mejia/TGB Promotions**

**LOS ANGELES** (February 5, 2019) – WBA Featherweight World Champion **Leo Santa Cruz**, one of Los Angeles’ most popular boxing stars, hosted a media workout at Fortune Gym in Hollywood Tuesday as he nears his primetime showdown againstRafael Rivera that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Santa Cruz, who was joined by his father and trainer Jose Santa Cruz, showed off the skills that have made him a can’t-miss attraction. Santa Cruz was originally scheduled to face Miguel Flores, but he was replaced by Rivera after Flores suffered an injury in training.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday in Hollywood:

**LEO SANTA CRUZ**

“We kept our training camp going despite the change of opponent. We always train the same no matter who the opponent is.

“We spar against fighters who have every different kind of style, because the opponent could always bring something new to the ring. My dad tells me to always be prepared for any kind of style. We are ready for whatever the opponent brings into the ring.

“I’m always staying in shape whether I’m in the gym training for a fight or not. When they call us and tell us what the fight is, we’re always ready.

“I know that Rivera has fought some good opponents like Joseph Diaz and Joet Gonzalez, and he’s gone the distance with them. He’s given them tough battles. He’s shown that he’s a tough fighter who will leave everything in the ring.

“This isn’t going to be an easy fight. Rivera is tougher than people have given him credit for in the past. It motivates me to try to be the first to knock him out. If I have the opportunity for it, I’m going for it. Most important though, is to come out of there with the victory.

“Sometimes when my dad is having tough days dealing with the cancer, I want to stay at home with him, but he tells me to go to the gym and train hard. So I tell him that we’re going to work hard for him. We both motivate each other.

“(WBC Featherweight Champion) Gary Russell Jr. is the fight that I want. He beat me in the amateurs, but in the pros I get 12 rounds. I think that I can beat him.”

**JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer**

“We didn’t worry too much about the opponent change. I don’t think it makes too much of a difference. Leo is going to be at his best and ready for whoever steps into that ring.

“We didn’t let the change effect our routine. We continued the same preparations as always so Leo is ready to fight. We respect every opponent too much to ever fall behind in conditioning.

“I think this is going to be a good fight. Leo is always very competitive and any time he can win a fight he knows it will be big for his career.

“Leo is 30-years-old right now and I think that he will be retired by 35. He has a lot left to accomplish in this sport and our team is going to keep pushing him to be the best that he can.”

**RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports**

“Top to bottom this is just a great card. It’s going to be toe-to-toe action downtown at L.A. Live. It’s an affordable ticket at $30, and that gives you the chance to see one of the stars of the sport in a slugfest.

“Leo Santa Cruz always brings great action and drama when he enters the ring. You have to be on the edge of your seat during a Leo Santa Cruz fight and I expect nothing less next Saturday night. Rafael Rivera has nothing to lose in this fight, and that is the recipe for a tremendous showdown.

“Boxing at Microsoft Theater has caught on. That fight in January between Caleb Plant and Jose Uzcategui had a great atmosphere and it is just a beautiful place to watch the fights. Microsoft Theater is becoming the indoor ‘war grounds’ of boxing.”

**TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions**

“Rafael Rivera put up a great fight against Joseph Diaz Jr., and he came back against Joet Gonzalez and lost a split-decision, but he really won that fight. Rivera should only have one loss on his record.

“Rivera is going into this fight with the same granite chin that he showed everyone against Diaz. He was prepared and ready when the call came for this fight. He’s a great replacement. Leo better be ready and not take him lightly.”

# # #

***ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA***
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX
Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion **Leo Santa Cruz** take on
Mexico’s **Rafael Rivera** in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion **Omar Figueroa** battling hard-hitting **John Molina Jr.** and a matchup between unbeaten prospects **Sebastien Fundora** and **Donnie Marshall**.

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, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Mexico’s Cesar Juarez Battles Former Champion Ryosuka Iwasa in IBF Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator & Undefeated Carlos Licona Defends IBF Junior Flyweight Championship Against South Africa’s DeeJay Kriel on Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live

February 6, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Plus! 2016 Olympian Karlos Balderas, Hugo Centeno, Jr. and Ivan Redkach Appear in Separate Matches in Non-Televised Action**

**WBA Featherweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz Defends Title Against Rafael Rivera in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on**
**FOX & FOX Deportes**

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2019) – Mexico’s Cesar Juarez battles former champion Ryosuka Iwasa of Japan in a 12-round IBF Super Bantamweight title elimination match and undefeated IBF Junior Flyweight Champion Carlos Licona of Mexico clashes with South Africa’s DeeJay Kriel in non-televised action presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Action will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian **Karlos Balderas** (6-0, 5 KOs) in a special six-round lightweight attraction, former title challenger **Hugo Centeno, Jr.** (26-2, 14 KOs) meeting **Oscar Cortez** (27-3, 14 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout and **Ivan Redkach** (21-4-1, 16 KOs) dueling **Tyrone Harris** (26-13, 16 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight match. The Balderas fight is a swing bout for the FOX and FOX Deportes telecast that will air live if time permits.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Juarez (23-6, 17 KOs) has worked his way back into title contention since losing to Isaac Dogboe in a super bantamweight championship match last January. The 27-year-old from Mexico City fought three more times in 2018, scoring two stoppage victories and a unanimous decision over Jorge Sanchez most recently in September.

Iwasa (25-3, 16 KOs) won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a TKO victory over Yukinori Oguni in 2017 and successfully defended it with a unanimous decision over Ernesto Saulong last March. The 29-year-old from Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan most recently lost the title by unanimous decision to T.J. Doheny in August.

Mexico’s Licona (14-0, 2 KOs) was very busy in 2018, fighting four times and winning the IBF Junior Flyweight title with a split decision over Mark Anthony Barriga on December 1. The 23-year-old from Mexico City, Mexico will be making his first title defense against the 23-year-old Kriel (14-1-1, 6 KOs). Fighting out of Johannesburg, South Africa, he will compete for the first time in the U.S. and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Xolisa Magusha in March.

Non-televised undercard action also features unbeaten prospect **Jose Gomez** (11-0, 4 KOs) facing **Jorge Luis Guzman** (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout, undefeated super featherweight prospect **Jerry Perez** (10-0, 7 KOs) meeting **Ivan Benitez** (12-2, 4 KOs) in a four round match and a six-round super featherweight clash between **Neri Ariel Romero** (11-0, 7 KOs) and **Roxberg Patrick Riley** (13-1, 7 KOs).

Rounding out the card is undefeated super lightweight prospect **Julian Rodarte** (14-0-1, 6 KOs) competing against **Miguel Mendoza** (23-15-2, 22 KOs) in an eight-round match, Philippine featherweight and former world champion **Marlon Tapales** (31-2, 14 KOs) stepping in for a 10-round attraction and the pro debut of **Shon Mondragon** in a four-round super bantamweight fight.

# # #

***ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA***
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX
Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion **Leo Santa Cruz** take on
Mexico’s **Rafael Rivera** in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater
at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion **Omar Figueroa** battling hard-hitting **John Molina Jr.** and a matchup between unbeaten prospects **Sebastien Fundora** and **Donnie Marshall**.

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, @Ringstar and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

EMMANUEL SANCHEZ HEADLINES BELLATOR’S RETURN TO WINSTAR WORLD CASINO AND RESORT ON MARCH 22 AGAINST ASHLEIGH GRIMSHAW IN FEATHERWEIGHT CLASH

December 3, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

cid:image002.jpg@01D488DB.7D025FF0

LOS ANGELES – Following his exciting back-and-forth championship bout at Bellator 209 earlier this month, Emmanuel Sanchez (17-4) quickly returns to featherweight action on Friday, March 22 at WinStar World Casino and Resort against one of Bellator’s newest European signings, Ashleigh Grimshaw (20-10-1, 3 NC).

The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, as well as DAZN.com, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino and Resort box office, as well as through Ticketmaster and Bellator.com. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 28-year-old, nicknamed “El Matador,” will serve as Bellator’s headliner for the second consecutive time in his 13th fight with the promotion. A homegrown fighter from the famed Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee has defeated a who’s who of 145-pounders including former champions Daniel Straus and Marcos Galvao, as well as standouts Sam Sicilia, Justin Lawrence and Georgi Karakhanyan. Now, Sanchez looks to immediately put himself back into contender status with a tough test on March 22.

Based out of London, Ashleigh “The White Wolf” Grimshaw has competed professionally since 2003, amassing more than 30 professional bouts across the European MMA scene. Unbeaten in his last four contests, Grimshaw has finished his opponent 18 times in his 20 victories. Now, set for his promotional debut with Bellator, the 36-year-old will be looking to make noise in a division currently championed by Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.

Updated Bellator: Sanchez vs. Grimshaw Fight Card:

Featherweight Main Event Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (17-4) vs. Ashleigh Grimshaw (20-10-1, 3 NC)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

****

boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER & LINEAL CHAMPION TYSON FURY THANK SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS BY INVITING THEM TO SATURDAY’S WORLD TITLE FIGHT AT STAPLES CENTER

November 29, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

(Wilder & L.A. Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas)

WILDER PRESENTS TICKETS TO LAFD FIRE CHIEF AT

ENGINE 3 HOUSE IN DOWNTOWN L.A.

FURY GIFTS TICKETS TO LA COUNTY FIRE CHIEF AT

L.A. COUNTY FIRE HEADQUARTERS

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (November 27, 2018) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury presented tickets for this Saturday’s heavyweight title showdown to area first responders in recognition of the men and women who battled the recent fires in Southern California.

Before he meets Fury on SHOWTIME PPV^®from STAPLES Center, Wilder delivered tickets for first responders alongside L.A. Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas at LAFD Station 3. Wilder spent time with the first responders and donned the firefighter uniform while conducting interviews.

“These men and women risk their lives each and every day,” said Wilder. “When the duty calls, they’re at the top of their game. I really respect the hard work that they do and I’m blessed to be here and be amongst so many brave people.

“I just really appreciate everyone here and I’m looking forward to seeing them at the fight on Saturday night. This donation is for all of the things that they do on a daily basis, and everything they do that people don’t see. They are always ready when the time comes. I know that the city and the state appreciates everything you do.”

“We’re very proud to host the champ here at LAFD Station 3,” said Chief Terrazas. “We wish you well and we look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday night. It’s very special that Deontay wanted to come here and recognize all the hard work that these men and women do.”

Fury, who spent his training camp Southern California, joined L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby at the L.A. County Fire Department Headquarters to meet with first responders.

“These firefighters are heroes who have been out there every day saving lives,” said Fury. “Since I’ve been here I’ve been following the situation and the fantastic job these men and women have been doing. I’m glad to be here to tell them how thankful I am for what they do and help give them a break Saturday night.

“Training in California has really opened my eyes to see so many different cultures and so many different things that are going on here. There’s a lot of homeless people on the streets and when I go home I’m going to build homes for the homeless and set up funds for those in need. Being here has given me that extra push to do more.”

“We’re very thankful for these tickets and for the support shown today for our firefighters,” said Chief Osby. “They put their lives on the line to protect our citizens and our community and we’re happy that their efforts are acknowledged.”

(Fury & L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby)

# # #

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV^® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will featureunbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurdreturning to take onJason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortizfacing-off against Travis Kauffmanand rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joycebattling Joe Hanks.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER OPENS UP ABOUT LONG-AWAITED “LEGACY FIGHT” AGAINST TYSON FURY IN WIDE-RANGING SHOWTIME SPORTS® INTERVIEW

November 10, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

“It’s time for America to wake up and understand they have the baddest man on the planet right here” – Deontay Wilder

Wilder Shares His Thoughts With Below The Belt Host Brendan Schaub As He Prepares To Face Fury December 1 Live On SHOWTIME PPV^®

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder sat down with SHOWTIME Sports correspondent Brendan Schaub as part of a wide-ranging interview providing a glimpse into the mindset of the undefeated champion as he prepares for the most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years. The 6-foot-7 Wilder meets 6-foot-9 lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury December 1 live on SHOWTIME PPV^®from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Wilder, who is America’s only true heavyweight champion since 2007, discusses everything from his career-defining win over Luis Ortiz and his incredible knockout power, to the pressures of being the heavyweight champion of the world and his love for his family in the candid 35-minute interview from a double-decker bus in Los Angeles.

The Tuscaloosa, Ala. native, however, had the most to say about his upcoming battle with Fury. “Throughout my whole career, guys always said I only had one hand,” Wilder explains to Schaub as they head to Los Angeles International Airport following Monday’s media day in Santa Monica. “But when you get in the ring, it’s going to be different. The game plan is going to go out the window, like Mike Tyson said.

“This is the moment in time for America to wake up and understand they have the baddest man on the planet right here,” Wilder passionately continues. “And you think I’m going to let this Gypsy come in here and mess up all those plans for me? I don’t think so.”

The heavyweight showdown headlines the December 1 SHOWTIME PPV live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Wilder, who has knocked out all seven challengers of his title, will attempt to make his eighth WBC Heavyweight defense. In the third fight of his comeback, Fury has the opportunity to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.

FULL INTERVIEW:

Fight News Unlimited

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DEONTAY WILDER OPENS UP ABOUT LONG-AWAITED “LEGACY FIGHT” AGAINST TYSON FURY IN WIDE-RANGING SHOWTIME SPORTS® INTERVIEW

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