Tag Archives: WBO

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CASEY “LADY HAWAIIAN PUNCH” MORTON RETAINS WBO ASIA PACIFIC FLYWEIGHT TITLE WITH SPLIT DECISION

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 26, 2019) – Last night at the Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Paranaque City, Philippines, Prince Ranch Boxing’s female flyweight Casey “Lady Hawaiian Punch” Morton (8-1-3, 1 KO), retained her WBO Asia Pacific title with a split decision victory over Japan’s Chie Higano (8-8-1, 2 KOs). Scorecards read 94-96 for Higano and 97-93, 96-94 for Morton.
 
“I felt good to come back down to flyweight,” said Casey Morton, “I feel this is the weight where I can make my run toward a world title.  Higano was a very tough opponent and I have a lot of respect for her.  It’s very difficult to get a win overseas but I was able to do it.  Now my goal is to capture the WBO world title.  I’m hoping to get my shot by the end of the year.”
 
“Casey is a natural flyweight and she is best when fighting at this weigh,” said manager Greg Hannley ofPrince Ranch Boxing. “For her to go to the Philippines and pull off another monumental win is just amazing.  A world title shot in 2019 is something I can see happening.  I know she is ready to become a world champion.”
 
Morton, who is trained by Nonito Donaire Sr., feels she has the perfect team in place to take her career to the next level.
 
“With Nonito Donaire Sr. as my coach, I feel he’s the right person to make me into a world champion as a trainer,” Morton Continued. “In addition, my manager Greg Hannley is providing everything I need for these big fights, as well as Victor Conte who has my back every step of the way.  The team I have in place now is the best in boxing and I’m grateful for all their support.  Together we will go to the top.”


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boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. CHRISTINA HAMMER NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD TO FEATURE WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT, UNBEATEN PROSPECTS & MORE!

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Saturday, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Headlined by Shields vs. Hammer Battle for Undisputed Middleweight Championship Live on SHOWTIME®

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (March 26, 2019) – Undercard action on Saturday, April 13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City will feature an exciting lineup, including a women’s featherweight world title matchup and unbeaten prospects stepping in the ring, leading up to the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader headlined by the Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer showdown for the undisputed 160-pound world championship.
 
The undercard lineup is highlighted by unbeaten Russian Elena Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs) vying for her first world title when she takes on former two-time title challenger Brenda Karen Carabajal (15-4-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship.
 
“Women’s boxing is experiencing monumental growth throughout the world and as part of this historic night, we wanted to showcase top talent in significant fights,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “I am delighted to feature two top contenders fighting for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title as highly-regarded and unbeaten Russian fighter Elena Gradinar and longtime Argentinian contender Karen Carbajal will battle to become champion. Top to bottom, April 13 will be a memorable night for boxing fans around the world.”
 
In super flyweight action, 23-year-old Detroit-native Ja’Rico O’Quinn (11-0, 8 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round fight against Northfield, Minnesota’s Vicente Alfaro Martinez (9-4, 3 KOs).
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.
 
The action will also include former heavyweight title challenger Samuel Peter (37-6, 30 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Mario Heredia (15-6-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round matchup and Jesse Angel Hernandez (12-2, 7 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas stepping in for an eight round super bantamweight contest against New Jersey’s Edgar Joe Cortes (6-4-1). Flint, Michigan-native Darrion Lawson will look for his second pro win in as many fights when he faces Saul Almeida in a super middleweight bout.
 
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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER
Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
boxing, Showtime, women's boxing

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECTS JERMAINE FRANKLIN AND OTTO WALLIN COMPETE IN SEPARATE CO-FEATURED ATTRACTIONS SATURDAY, APRIL 13 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

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Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer Meet in
SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Main Event
To Crown Undisputed Women’s Middleweight Champion
 
NEW YORK – March 7, 2019 – Two undefeated heavyweight prospects will put their unblemished records on the line when they fight in separate bouts on Saturday, April 13 live on SHOWTIME from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J on the undercard of the Claressa Shields-Christina Hammer groundbreaking event. Top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will take on former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker in the 10-round co-featured bout while undefeated Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin will battle highly decorated amateur Nick Kisner in a 10-round clash that will open the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 
In the main event, undefeated middleweight world champions Shields and Hammer will meet to crown the women’s undisputed 160-pound world champion in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.
 
“The heavyweight division is as talented and exciting as ever,and we are thrilled to add two undefeated warriorsto the April 13 telecast,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “We have the best American heavyweight prospect in Jermaine Franklin and one of the best European heavyweight contenders in Otto Wallin. These fights will be tremendous lead-ins to the historic Shields vs. Hammer main event and will create a night to remember for boxing fans worldwide.”
 
The 25-year-old Franklin (17-0, 13 KOs), from Saginaw, Mich., is a former amateur standout and a 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion. A likely candidate to represent the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic Games, Franklin turned down the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team and instead chose to begin his professional career in 2015. Widely regarded as the top American heavyweight prospect, Franklin has built his undefeated record with relative ease since turning pro, knocking out nine of his first 10 professional opponents. Coming off a lopsided 10-round decision over Craig Lewis in July, Franklin aims to continue moving up the ranks of the resurgent heavyweight division in 2019 and position himself for a title shot.
 
“I can’t wait – I am ready to show that I am the new man in the heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Rydell is a good fighter but he is in the way of my goal of winning the heavyweight world title. April 13 will be my coming out party and I am very honored to have this opportunity on SHOWTIME.”
 
Booker (25-1, 12 KOs), from Detroit, Mich., is a former No.1-ranked U.S. amateur who was once a rising heavyweight prospect with a 22-0 record. He suffered his lone defeat to former three-division world champion James Toney, who was coming off wins over Vassiliy Jirov and Evander Holyfield, in 2004. After serving a 12-year prison sentence, Booker has returned to the ring looking to get his life back on track and live up to his once promising expectations, registering three unanimous decision victories in 2018 under the tutelage of former world champion Jimmy Paul.
 
“It means a lot to have this opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME,” said the 38-year-old Booker, who sparred with heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in preparation for his September 2018 bout with Alexander Povetkin. “I’m ready to show my talents on a national stage so everyone will know who Rydell Booker is once again. I think Jermaine Franklin is a pretty good fighter but he has never fought anybody with my experience, knowledge in the ring or my ring savvy. I am going to teach him some new lessons on April 13. I have a bag full of goodies and tricks at my disposal that I will teach this young whipper snapper.”
 
Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs), who will be making his U.S. debut, turned pro in 2013 and has gradually risen in the rankings by recording 20 consecutive wins. The 28-year-old southpaw, who originally played ice hockey and soccer in his native Sweden before finding the sweet science, won the Swedish Boxing Championship at 16-years-old, fought against Joshua twice as an amateur and was a member of the Swedish National Boxing Team. Currently ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, Wallin most recently won a 12-round unanimous decision over Adrian Granat in April 2018 and now has his sights set on becoming his country’s first Heavyweight Champion since Ingemar Johansson in 1960.
 
“I’m very excited about making my U.S. debut on SHOWTIME,” said Wallin, who has spent the last two years conducting training camp in New York with his trainer and former two-division champion Joey Gamache. “To be fighting on such a big card is very inspiring. I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I first started boxing at the age of 15. I will put on a good performance on April 13 and introduce myself to the American fans. I will be one step closer towards my goal of winning the heavyweight world title. Like I’ve said before, I’m a kid from a small town in Sweden and I’m proud of where I’m from and what I’ve achieved so far, but I feel like this is when all the fun starts.”
 
The 28-year-old Kisner (21-4-1, 6 KOs) has competed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight since turning professional in 2010 after a successful amateur career. Among Kisner’s numerous amateur recognitions, the Baltimore, Md. native was a three-time National Silver Gloves Champion, two-time Junior National Golden Gloves Champion and Ringside World Champion. He holds the distinction of being the youngest boxer in American history ever to win a Men’s National Title in the heavyweight division at 17 years old. As a pro, three of Kisner’s four losses have come against opponents who boasted an undefeated record on fight night. In his last bout, Kisner defended his WBA U.S. cruiserweight title with a majority decision win over Scott Sigmon.
 
“I’ve dreamt my whole life of one day fighting on national television and now that the time is here, I’m going to make the most of it,” said Kisner. “Wallin is very good but I’m going to prove I’m one of the best heavyweights on the planet. I have proven my ability to beat the best in the world at both the amateur and professional level and I will do it again on April 13.”
 
Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
 
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. CHRISTINA HAMMER NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Middleweight Champions Shields & Hammer Battle for Undisputed Women’s Middleweight World ChampionshipSaturday, April 13 Live on SHOWTIME® from Boardwalk Hall
 in Atlantic City

SHOWTIME Sports® Announces Two-Part ALL ACCESS: SHIELDS vs. HAMMER with Installments on Social Media Platforms March 29 and April 5

Tickets For Live Event on Sale This Friday, March 1 at 
11 a.m. ET!

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Marilyn Paulino/Salita Promotions

NEW YORK (February 26, 2019) – Two undefeated middleweight champions went face-to-face Tuesday as Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer met in New York at a press conference ahead of their battle for the undisputed women’s middleweight championship Saturday, April 13 live on SHOWTIME from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
 
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will feature a long-awaited unification in what is arguably the most significant event in women’s boxing history. In addition to world titles from all four sanctioning bodies, this fight will be for the Ring Magazine Women’s Middleweight Championship, the first time a Ring divisional title has been at stake in a women’s boxing match.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and are on sale Friday, March 1 at 11 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com. Pre-sale tickets are available now at the link HERE by using the code BOXING.
 
Also on Tuesday, SHOWTIME Sports announced that it will chronicle the buildup to Shields vs. Hammer with a two-part digital installment of the Sports Emmy® Award winning programing ALL ACCESS. ALL ACCESS: SHIELDS vs. HAMMER will premiere on March 29 with the second installment on April 5 on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and take viewers into the training camps of both champions. Cameras will be embedded with Shields at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., and with Hammer in the town of Seefeld in the Austrian Alps as the undefeated rivals prepare for the most significant fight of their careers.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan:


 
Download the Shields vs. Hammer Press Kit at bit.ly/ShieldsvsHammerPressKit
 
CLARESSA SHIELDS
 
“This has been long overdue. I’m just glad that Hammer is here and the fight is set. She’s been at my fights before but I can’t wait to get inside the ring and show her I’m the real champion.
 
“I’ve traveled to many different countries and dethroned champions around the world. At the end of the day, I’m coming to fight and I recognize that she’s a great champion. To be a champion for all those years shows that she’s a good fighter. But I also look at resumes, and her resume is not as good as mine.
 
“I’m not someone coming to lay down. I’m not afraid of her. You don’t win belts by talking. You have to fight. I said two years ago I want to fight Christina Hammer in my seventh fight. It would have been if it weren’t for her medical issue. But now we’re here and ready for April 13.
 
“April 13 you’re going to see someone fold. I promise you, it will not be me. Make sure you all tune-in.
 
“I think for women’s boxing this is a true super fight that we’ve never gotten before. We’ve never had a fight like this in women’s boxing. It’s great to make this happen and us being from two parts of the world makes this fight even better.
 
“She’s not the tallest girl I’ve ever fought. I’m stronger than her and I know it. I got up from a knockdown and won. She can’t do that. I don’t believe she knows how to fight on the inside, but she better learn.
 
“I want to make her quit. I don’t want her to just know I’m a good fighter, I want her to know I’m great. I wish we could go 12 rounds, but I’ll be prepared for all 10 rounds.”
 
CHRISTINA HAMMER
 
“I’m very glad to be here and make this fight happen. I’m looking forward to April 13. I want to show the world who I am.
 
“This is a big risk to come from Germany to the U.S., but I believe the best should fight the best and I did what I had to so that this could happen. This fight can be a game changer for our sport.
 
“I will give everything to step out of the ring as a winner. I know Claressa Shields is also a great champion. She’s undefeated like me and that’s why people want to see the fight and that’s why we made it happen.
 
“I want to thank everyone who made this fight a reality and brought us to this stage. It’s huge for me to be here in New York and I am looking to win on April 13.
 
“This fight is the real deal. This is going to be a game changer for women’s boxing. I think we’re going to inspire a lot of female athletes who want to live their dream. It’s motivation for everyone.
 
“I’ve had the title for a long time. I always push myself. This is the fight I wanted to show everyone who is the best. I will be the undisputed champion.
 
“Shields is beatable. Hanna Gabriels caught her in the first round of their fight and I am taller and stronger than Gabriels. I want to finish the job if I get the chance.
 
“Anything can happen in boxing. I’m prepared to go the distance. Knockout is the goal but most importantly, I want to win.”
 
DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions
 
“I’m honored to bring to the fans the first super fight in women’s boxing history. A lot of questions surround this fight. Will this be a classic like Leonard vs. Hearns, where the gold medalist handles the experienced pro, or like Mosley vs. De La Hoya, where the boxing pro took the gold medalist down. This fight is going to be for all of the belts and this recognizes the true value and impact of this fight.
 
“Christina Hammer has been a world champion for over nine years and has won titles in two divisions. She’s charismatic and a superstar in Germany and Europe. As a champion that she is, she’s traveling to the other side of the world to prove that she’s the best.
 
“Claressa made the Olympic team when she was 17 years old, winning our only boxing medal at the 2012 Olympic games. She’s the only boxer in U.S. history to win two Olympic gold medals in boxing. She’s had a very impressive pro career, beating world champions and top contenders in all her fights. She’s on her journey to be the best and this fight is a big step toward cementing herself as the GWOAT (greatest woman of all time).
 
“This is going to be a historic night of boxing. If you watch this fight live and in-person, you will want to hold onto your ticket as a memento.”
 
MARK TAFFET, Claressa Shields’ Manager
 
“The media support for this fight is outstanding. This is a very special time. This fight is one of the most significant fights I’ve worked on in my career, because of the place it will hold in history.
 
“Two years ago I met Claressa Shields and we discussed her turning pro. We made a list of dreams and I promised Claressa I would do everything in my power to fulfill every one of them. We’ve had a wonderful journey together. One of those dreams was to make this undisputed championship fight happen. We’re going to keep making dreams happen.”
 
TOM LOEFFLER, Christina Hammer’s Advisor
 
“Without the fighters wanting this fight, events like this wouldn’t happen. Christina Hammer wants this challenge and she wants to prove she’s the best middleweight champion out there.
 
“These two fighters can be an example for a lot of male boxers. These are two undefeated fighters in their prime putting it all on the line to show who is the best. You don’t see that very often these days.
 
“This is going to be a fun promotion. This is a fight that’s a real 50-50 fight. Claressa will be coming forward with her style and tenacity, going up against Christina’s experience. It’s for all the marbles”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
 
“Let’s get one thing straight here. This isn’t just an important women’s fight. This isn’t just a high-quality women’s boxing match. This is a high-quality boxing match. This is an important fight. So certainly we have two very skilled women, we’re not going to ignore that fact. But this is one of the best fights that can be made in this sport. Two pound-for-pound boxers, the best fighting the best. If you are not interested in this fight, then candidly, you are not a boxing fan. This is as good as this sport gets.
 
“We at SHOWTIME have a long history showcasing the best in women’s boxing and MMA. Names like Laila Ali, Christy Martin, Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg.; those are all fighters who made their debuts and that became stars on SHOWTIME. This has been a long-time commitment.
 
“The first nationally televised women’s MMA event was on SHOWTIME. The first domestic televised MMA women’s main event was on SHOWTIME. The first women’s boxing match that was nationally televised was on SHOWTIME. The first women’s main event boxing bout was also on SHOWTIME, and that obviously was Claressa just a couple of years ago.
 
“So here on this stage you’ve got two of the most elite athletes in the sport. Not two of the elite women’s fighters in the sport, but two of the elite athletes within this sport. Two-time gold medalist, the only American to do that consecutively, and a two-belt world champion versus a longtime middleweight champion who has dominated this division for nearly a decade.
 
“This is one of the best fights that can be made in the entire sport. We have two of the elite athletes in boxing and they are deserving of having everything that comes with a marquee event on SHOWTIME, including our Emmy Award-winning All Access series.”
 
JIM WYNKOOP, General Manager, Boardwalk Hall
 
“We are so excited to have this great fight coming to Boardwalk Hall. It will be our first championship fight in several years and we can’t wait.
 
“There is a huge history of boxing at Boardwalk hall in Atlantic City and we look forward to writing another chapter on April 13.”
 
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boxing

WBO Belted Yomar Álamo in Puerto Rico

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Aguas Buenas – In an emotional activity held at the Aguas Buenas Urban High School, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), together with its president, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq., delivered the WBO North America (NABO) Jr. Welterweight title to boxer Yomar “The Magic” Álamo which he won last Friday in Florida, after defeating Mexican Manuel Méndez by unanimous decision in an event promoted by All Star Boxing.

“When Yomar fought the previously, we were not pleased, Yomar’s people made the decision for him to train with Iván Calderón so that he learned some techniques that Iván had already used very well. Iván is the architect of this and I recognize his work as a coach who charge of polishing this diamond. As a fighter, Iván made 18 world title defenses in the 105 and 108 pounds of the WBO and will be a safe bet for the Hall of Fame”, Varcárcel said.

An excited Álamo said: “I am very happy with this tribute. This fight was for my people of Aguas Buenas and Puerto Rico, who so need moments of happiness. Everything can be done in life, just set some goals and fight for them, no matter how strong the winds are. If you are at the hands of Jesus Christ, our savior, nothing will be missing and I know that many young people will achieve it”.

Álamo’s trainer Iván Calderón said: “I want to thank Ángel Cotto, who was the one who physically prepared Yomar Álamo for the fight and without that work, you can’t do what you did. Thanks to Efraín Román and Armando for giving me the confidence to join the team. The discipline that Yomar had to represent Aguas Buenas with a lot of pride, knowing that his people are behind him, motivated him a lot”.

“From the Cagüitas neighborhood, we have a young man who, since he was a child, trained in the municipal gym of Aguas Buenas with Efraín Román and his father Armando Álamo. His dedication is remarkable throughout the town. Always running at 4:00 in the morning and that fills us with pride. His title is well deserved and thanks to the WBO for this great activity”, said the Aguas Buenas mayor Javier García Pérez, who was joined by the representative Jorge Navarro, on behalf of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico.

For the WBO, other from Valcárcel, Treasurer Adolfo Flores, Vice-Chairman of the Championship Committee Enrique Mendoza, Esq, Ratings Committee Chairman Edgardo López Sasso, Esq, and adviser Gustavo Olivieri, Esq, were also in attendance. ��7D���z5üH

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Espinoza vs. Nuñez Main Event Added to “Rumble at the Rock IV” on Friday, March 1, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. and Live on Boxeo Telemundo

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A second main event has been added to the professional boxing event on Friday, March 1, at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 PM ET/PT).
 
Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, Rumble at the Rock IV  will now also feature highly touted WBO No.1-ranked and WBO Bantamweight Latin Champion Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza (22-2-19 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, defending his title against Panama’s rugged veteran Ricardo “El Matematico” Nuñez (29-8-23 KOs).


In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Miami via Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas(18-0-1, 14 KOs) will face fellow Floridian Ed “The Lion” Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs) of Pembroke Pines, Fla.


Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 and are available through ticketmaster.com.
 
Nuñez, a former world title challenger, is looking to test his young opponent by bringing him into deep waters and kickstarting his boxing career for one last shot at a world title. On the other hand, Espinoza is coming off a second-round stoppage of then undefeated Colombian prospect Yeison Vargas (17-1-12 Kos).


“My opponents tend to underestimate me because of my young age,” said Espinoza.“They soon realize my power once in the ring. I never underestimate anyone who has two hands.”


“I’ve seen that Espinoza has never fought into later rounds,” said Nuñez. “I’m looking to take him into uncharted waters to see if he still has the power he claims when we get into rounds 8, 9 and 10.” 


On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. CHRISTINA HAMMER UNDISPUTED WOMEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 13 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

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IBF, WBA And WBC Champion Shields To Meet WBO & WBC Champion In Recess Hammer In Arguably The Most Significant Women’s Boxing Event In History



SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Live At 9 p.m. ET/PT


 
NEW YORK – February 12, 2019 – Undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer will meet on Saturday, April 13 live on SHOWTIME to crown the women’s undisputed 160-pound world champion. The blockbuster unification from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. will be the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history.


 
Shields vs. Hammer features two of the consensus top-10 pound-for-pound fighters in the world squaring off to crown only the second undisputed champion in female boxing history.The fight, originally scheduled for November 2018, was postponed due to a now-resolved medical issue suffered by Hammer.


 
The 23-year-old Shields (8-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division champion who holds the IBF, WBA and WBC 160-pound titles. The 28-year-old Hammer (24-0, 11 KOs) owns the WBO belt, is the WBC Champion in Recess, and has dominated the women’s middleweight division for more than eight years. Shields and Hammer fought on the same card last June on SHOWTIME, with both fighters winning impressively to set up the first undisputed showdown in the women’s 160-pound division.


 
The winner of Shields vs. Hammer will join Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and women’s welterweight Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class.


 
Shields vs. Hammer is promoted by Salita Promotions. Ticket prices and on-sale date will be announced next week by Boardwalk Hall.


 
“I always seek the biggest challenges and set the highest goals. I will be ready like never before and will defeat Christina Hammer on April 13,” said Shields. “Nothing will stop me from becoming undisputed champion and continuing my journey to carry women’s boxing to never-before-seen heights. I want to be the greatest of all time and change the game forever for all women in sports, and April 13 is an important step on that road to history.”


 
“I have waited a long time for this moment,” said Hammer. “I am bigger, stronger and more experienced than Claressa Shields. I am undefeated and have been a champion for over eight years. I can’t wait to show the world that I am the best and undisputed middleweight champion of the world.”


 
“SHOWTIME Sports has a long history of featuring the best in women’s combat sports, whether it was with Laila Ali and Christy Martin in boxing, or Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey in MMA,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “More recently, since 2016 we have featured today’s elite with Claressa Shields, Christina Hammer, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano appearing in an industry-leading 10 presentations of women’s boxing. Male or female, SHOWTIME has delivered the best fighters in their toughest matchups, and April 13 will be no different. We have two of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world facing each other with all four middleweight titles at stake. It doesn’t get much better than that.”


 
“The biggest women’s fight of all time is set to take place on April 13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer, both champions, both in their prime, are not only taking on the biggest challenge in their respective careers by meeting each other in the ring, but are breaking barriers for boxing and for women in sports. April 13 is destined to be an electric and historic night of boxing live on SHOWTIME.”


 
“Shields vs. Hammer is the biggest and most important fight in women’s boxing history – two undefeated unified champions in their prime battling for the undisputed middleweight championship of the world,” said Shields’ manager Mark Taffet. “Christina Hammer is indeed a very good fighter and champion, but Claressa Shields is once-in-a-lifetime. The same intense focus and determination that got Claressa through life, earned her two Olympic gold medals, and won her five world titles in eight pro fights will carry her to victory on April 13.”


 
“We are very excited to bring world-class championship boxing back to Atlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall,” said Matt Doherty, Executive Director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. “This reinforces the CRDA’s commitment to attract world-class sporting events and increase visitors to our destination.”


 
Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. The Flint, Mich., native turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields moved down to middleweight for her June 22 headliner on SHOWTIME, defeating Hanna Gabriels to win the IBF and WBA titles and become a two-division champion in just her sixth professional contest. After Hammer was named WBC Champion in Recess due to her medical issue, Shields picked up the vacant WBC title last November with a unanimous decision over Hannah Rankin. She most recently defended all three titles in December against Femke Hermans.


 
Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has been the dominant force in the women’s middleweight division since winning the WBO title in 2010. Hammer became unified champion in 2016 with a unanimous decision over WBC titlist Kali Reis and made four defenses as unified champion. In her eight years as champion, Hammer has lost just a handful of rounds across 16 world title fights. Hammer, who also models professionally and was recently featured at Fashion Week in New York City, made her U.S. debut on June 22 after campaigning mostly in Germany since turning professional in 2009. After being forced to withdraw from the November unification due to the health issue, Hammer won a non-title fight via second round knockout last Saturday, February 9 in Germany.


 
The undercard for the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

 
boxing, charity

The WBO Kids Drug Free Program Continues To Impact Puerto Rican Children

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In a festive family atmosphere, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), through its successful WBO Kids Drug Free program, delivered bicycles, school supplies and sporting goods to the children of Cubuy in the town of Canóvanas, Puerto Rico.

The event was led by the WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq, coach Jesús ‘Chuito’ Ayala, and referee José H. Rivera.

“Every day we work with children to be world champions in the ring or, more importantly, in life. We work to be disciplined for life. We thank the WBO for helping in this process with their activities for the children, who are the future”, said coach Ayala.

WBO President Valcárcel told everyone present that “the work everyone is doing here is tremendous. Thanks to people like ‘Chuito’, who work very hard and unselfishly for the benefit of the children, that are our priority. Here we give them some gifts they can take home because they behaved well. If they respect their elders, behave well, and respect their parents, the Three Kings will arrive”.

Participating in the event were interim Latino WBO Heavyweight champion Víctor Bisbal, WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight champion Jean Carlos “Lobo” Torres, WBO/NABO Jr. Flyweight champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez, WBO Latino Jr. Bantamweight Champion Yenifel Vicente, and WBO Latino Featherweight Champion Luis “Popeye” Lebrón. Other boxers who were present included Alberto Mercado and David Reyes and amateur boxer Armani “The Legacy” Alméstica.

Also in the event were managers Raúl Pastrana, Margaro Cruz and José Ortíz; coaches Jesís “Tongui” Ortiz, Yoel “Yowy” González, and Oro Lebrón. The referee Roberto Ramírez,Jr., physical trainer and nutritionist DJ, and the Vice President of Spartan Boxing Club Mayra Pastrana also attended the event. For the WBO, Executive Director of the NABO / Intercontinental Diana Meléndez, the Treasurer Adolfo Flores, Vice-Chairman of the Championship Committee Enrique Mendoza, Esq, and Ratings Committee Chairman Edgardo López Sasso were present.

WBO Kids Drug Free is an international program aimed at children and young people in order to carry a message of drug prevention and motivate them to continue studying, using sports as a tool to stay on the right path, as well that support causes directed to those in need in order to ensure a better quality of life.

Video by Victor Planas / WBO

Video for download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-pZoGSAtiwQaJusX19XcHjxOPjicon0/view?usp=sharing p

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Aston Palicte vs. Jose Martinez WBO Jr. Bantamweight World Title Eliminator

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Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 * Viejas Casino & Resort * Alpine, CA

LAS VEGAS (December 20, 2019) – Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions will co-promote a potential early candidate for the 2019 Fight of the Year, when world title challenger “Mighty”
Aston Palicte (24-2-1, 20 KOs) takes on unbeaten Jose “Chiquiro”
Martinez (20-0-2, 13 KOs) in a World Boxing Organization (WBO)
junior bantamweight title eliminator on Thursday, January 31, at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California.
 

 
Palicte vs.Martinez will headline a soon-to-be-announced card in the 12-round main event, held on the Thursday night of Super Bowl week, in the Oak Ballroom. Viejas Casino & Resort is located 35 miles outside of San Diego.
 
 
 
The winner of the Palicte vs. Martinez title eliminator will become the
mandatory challenger for the winner of the New Year’s Eve match in
China for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship,
between No. 1 contender Donnie Nietes (41-1-5, 23 KOs) and No. 3
rated Kazuito Ioka (23-1, 13 KOs).
 
 
 
Palicte and Martinez will continue a Philippines-Puerto Rico boxing
rivalry that dates back many years, perhaps, highlighted by the 2009
showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, in which the
fabulous Filipino defeated the Puerto Rican warrior by way of a 12th 
round technical knockout. It marks the first time Jones and Cotto, two
of the greatest boxers of all-time, will be in opposite corners, in terms of competing fighters they promote, respectively, Palicte and Martinez.
 
 
 
“Having our new partnership with Viejas Casino & Resort allows us to
host these great fights,” Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions
CEO/Co-founder Keith Veltre remarked. “Having a Roy Jones Jr. and
Miguel Cotto fighter face-off makes this fight even more exciting. 2019 is going to be the biggest and most active year for RJJ Boxing.”
 
 
 
“This is the type of fight that changes your career,” Hall of
Famer/promoter Cotto said. “We know ‘Chiquiro’ Martinez is ready for
the challenge and it will be an exciting fight. Promoting this fight,
together with Roy Jones, Jr., will be great for boxing. We really look
forward to start 2019 with a great fight like Martinez vs. Palicte.”
 
 
 
“All of us at Viejas are excited to be working with Roy Jones, Jr. and look forward to this amazing event,” added Jimmy Wild, GM Viejas Casino & Resort.
 
 
 




Palicte (WBO No. 2) heads the latest wave of world-class Filipino boxers, who is coming off a controversial 12-round split draw with his fellow
countryman, 3-division world champion Nietes, for the vacant WBO
Junior bantamweight title this past September in Inglewood, California. Many at ringside felt that Palicte should have won the Filipino showdown, based on his relentless pressure and considerably higher activity rate, throwing 300-plus more punches than Nietes.
 
 
 
Palicte is also ranked No. 9 in independent world ratings by The Ring 
magazine.
 
 
 




Martinez (WBO No, 4), who captured the vacant WBO North American Boxing Organization (NABO) Championship on November 16, 2017,
knocking out Jesus Martinez (23-2-1, 11 KOs) in Cancun Mexico, has
also held the World Boxing Council Latino and WBC USNBC Silver
crowns.
 
 
 
“I want to thank God for this great opportunity,” Martinez commented. “Thank you, Miguel Cotto and the WBO. I feel excited because this is
the most important fight of my career with a high-level boxer as Palicte. I will train really hard to be in the best condition. We are really focusing on getting the big win on January 31st.”
 
 
 
Priced at $65.00, $55.00 and $45.00, tickets go on sale tomorrow (Fri., Dec. 21), and are available to purchase by going online at
www.viejas.com.
 
 
 
INFORMATION:
 
 
 
Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com
 
 
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @CottoPromotions, @viejascasino, @AstonPalicte
 
 
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear,
@Viejascasinoresort, @astonmightypalicte
 
 
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /ViejasCasinoAndResort, /MiguelCottoPromotions
boxing

WBO Kids Drug Free program impacted the children of Aguas Buenas

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Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico – With its consistent social commitment, the World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq, and through the program WBO Kids Drug Free, brought joy and gifts for the children of the ‘Educational Center: Play, Explore & Learn’ and ‘Hacienda Don Antonio’. Both centers are located in the city of Aguas Buenas.

During the busy event that took place in the municipal boxing gym of Aguas Buenas, the children received backpacks with school supplies and sporting goods. Also, motivational speeches were given, bicycles were raffled, and lunch was served for them.

“We have no words for what the WBO did for our city. It was the second time this year our children saw the WBO visiting and helping us. In the future, this will reflect on their lives. Our gratitude is infinite. Thanks Paco, for this gesture of love”, said the mayor of Aguas Buenas, Javier García Pérez.

“Thanks to the mayor for putting the sport of his city first. These activities serve to motivate, but the most important thing is that we have to be consistent in maintaining that. This isn’t done overnight; this is a process that we work with a lot of love and in the long term, we see extraordinary results”, Valcárcel said.

The WBO Interim Latino Heavyweight champion Víctor Bisbal, WBO Latino Jr. Welter Champion Jean Carlos “Lobo” Torres, WBO/NABO Flyweight Champion Jonathan “Bomba” González, and WBA World Featherweight Champion Jesús Rojas participated as volunteers, along with prospects Yomar Álamo, Emmanuel “Tito” Morales, Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz, Patrick Cora and John Karl Sosa. Amateur boxing was represented with the presence of Alexamil Cotto, Tatiana Ortiz, Ryan Montes, Ramón Montes, Kenneth Molina, Ivan Silva, Yadel Hernández, Gabriel Menard, Joshua Carrión, Carlos Rivera, Carlos Díaz, Ángel Javier, Christian Rivera and Adrián Ortiz.

Also in attendance was manager Orlando Piñero, trainers Álex Caraballo, Jesús “Tongui” Ortiz, Yoel “Yowy” González, Félix Pagán Pintor, Armando Álamo, Efraín Román, Eliezer González and Edwin Delgado. The professional boxing referees Luis Pabón, José Hiram Rivera, Melva Santos and Roberto Ramírez,Jr were also present, as well as professional boxing judge Luis Ruiz. From the WBO, other than Valcárcel, legal advisor Gustavo Olivieri,Esq, treasurer Adolfo Flores, and the Vice Chairman of the Championship Committee Enrique Mendoza, Esq were also in the activity.

WBO Kids Drug Free is an international program aimed at children and young people in order to carry a message of prevention of drug use and to motivate them to continue studying and using sports as a tool to stay on the right path, as well that support causes directed to those in need in order to contribute to a better quality of life.

Photos and video by Victor Planas / WBO

Video link:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=18KVJBNJGIEhLTjE9TtM55DnRYs3F4_4M p2�