Billy C Boxing

ERIK BAZINYAN INJURED; MARCH 14 EVENT CANCELED

MONTREAL, February 26, 2025 — A sprain of the deltoid ligament in his right ankle sustained during training will sideline Erik Bazinyan for the next few weeks, forcing him to postpone his bout against Steven Butler. As a result, Eye of the Tiger must postpone its March 14 event at Théâtre St-Denis in Montreal.

“Despite a strong undercard, including Mary Spencer’s world title defense, we found ourselves in a situation similar to what we experienced with Beterbiev-Smith. It’s a heartbreaking decision, but it would have been disrespectful and inconsiderate to our fans to move forward with the event despite the withdrawal of the main event, Bazinyan vs. Butler, when people had purchased their tickets specifically to see that fight,” said EOTTM President Camille Estephan.

Further details will follow regarding the rescheduled date for the clash between Erik Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs) and Steven Butler (35-5-1, 29 KOs), as well as the full undercard lineup.

Kansas Boxing Prodigy Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Preparing a takeover and bringing Bigtime Boxing back home

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Although Kansas isn’t a hotbed for boxing, blue-chip super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (4-0, 3 KOs) is on a mission to personally put his state on the pugilistic map, so to speak, as the potential successor to his favorite boxer, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

In a state known for its invaluable role in agriculture, often referred to as the “Breadbasket of America,” sports in Kansas City are ruled by the Kansas City Chiefs, the University of Kansas men’s basketball team, and occasionally the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas has only produced three professional world boxing champions: heavyweight Jess “Pottawatomie Giant” Willard (22-5-1, 21 KOs), a Hall of Famer born in St. Clere who fought out of Pottawatomie; plus, a pair of Garden City-born fighters, welterweight Victor Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs) and lightweight Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (35-5-1, 26 KOs), who both turned pro in 2004. Willard, of course, is best known for knocking out Jack Johnson in round 26 of their 1915 World Heavyweight Championship match. In addition to “Canelo,” Ortiz and Rios also served as models for a young Romero.

Two other non-native Kansans who fought out of Kansas and captured world titles are heavyweight Tommy “The Duke” Morrison” (48-3-1, 42 KOs) and welterweight Rube “The Kansas Rube” Ferns (45-18-10, 32 KOs).

The irony is Romero’s manager/head trainer, living legend John Brown, has turned only two pros from the 18,000-plus amateurs he has trained, Romero and Morrison. Boxing hasn’t been a big draw in Kansas City – Kansas or Missouri – since Morrison (1988-2008), who fought nine times as a pro in that market, including a world title fight at Kemper Arena (Kansas City, MO).

Other Kansas-natives who were outstanding boxers include No. 1 world rated heavyweight Fred “The Rochester Plasterer” Fulton (79-16-2, 71 KOs / 1913-1933), of Rochester; 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Nico Hernandez (11-0, 4 KOs / 2017-2023), of Wichita; No. 2 world rated lightweight Tommy “Chocolate Ice Cube” Campbell (45-12-6, 22 KOs / 1946-1951), of Kansas City; and world lightweight title challenger Jesse Flores (65-8-11, 25 KOs / 1945-1954), of Herington.

Romero’s ultimate dream is to bring World Championship boxing back to Kansas, in order to give back to his community and inspire other young and upcoming boxers from Kansas City, not necessarily just in boxing, but any sport. He wants to fill up Arrowhead Stadium one day, either defending or fighting for a world title.

Romero’s legendary head trainer/manager John Brown notes that Kansas City may not be known for producing top boxers, however, he attributes that to the lack of regular pro boxing shows there, which, of course, makes it difficult to develop local favorites to local boxing fans to support.

“I was able to fill arenas in this are with Tommy Morrisson (Brown was Morrison’s head trainer/manager) in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s due to him being a charismatic personality and a heavyweight who knocked out opponents. Prior to Tommy, we had Tony Chiaverini, who packed venues in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, proving KC will support a good fighter and good guy.”

Proud of his Mexican American heritage, Marco’s boxing idols are “Canelo” Alvarez, Julio Cesar Chavez and, of course, his namesake, Marco Antonio Barrera.

Romero dominated countless amateur youth tournaments, and he was rewarded in 2020 by being selected as a member of the USA National Boxing Team preparing to travel to Bulgaria to compete in a tournament. Unfortunately, COVID-19 struck and halted boxing worldwide.

Romero dreamed of representing the United States in the 2024 Olympics, however, he never had an opportunity to make the team heading to Paris for two primary reasons. The minimum age was moved from 18 to 19 (Marco didn’t turn 19 until after the Olympic Games had concluded on Nov. 19); Romero had outgrown his weight class (middleweight), and super middleweight wasn’t one of the weight classes sanctioned for competition in Paris.

“Marco’s skill, personality and good looks will soon captivate the city, particularly its huge Mexican population,” Brown predicted. “It is no small thing that Marco is bilingual and able to connect with his people. Marco’s growing popularity will open opportunities for other pros and amateurs from this area who dream of turning pro in the near future. If you have a winner, the fans will follow!”

In four professional bouts, Marco has won all nine rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards.

Romero’s next fight is scheduled for March 14 in Denver and tentative plans call for him to fight for the first time as a prize fighter in his native Kansas on May 24th in Topeka.

Francis Hogan Storms Past Khiary Gray

MASHANTUCKET, CT – Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan (19-0, 16 KOs) passed the stiffest test of his young career on Saturday, winning a unanimous decision over Khiary “King Too Sharp” Gray (19-8, 14 KOs) to successfully defend his WBC US Silver Middleweight Title.

The bout topped CES Boxing’s “Winter Brawl 2025,” a scintillating 12-bout card taking place at the regal Premier Theater in Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Going into the bout, Hogan thought Gray would be the perfect opponent for him to show how his power, speed and skills were coming together under the tutelage of coach Mark DeLuca.

After a nip-and-tuck first round, it looked like it was going to be an early night, as the 24-year-old bounced a thunderous counter right hook off Gray’s head that dropped the Worcester native for an 8-count.

However, while Hogan’s speed and skills were on display on Saturday, he was unable stop the motivated Gray, who took exception to Hogan’s pre-fight comments that Francis would be like a tornado ripping through Khiary’s trailer park.

Determined to turn back the clock, “King Too Sharp” rose to his feet and attempted to reestablish his offense, throwing left jabs to the body and overhand rights to the head. The 32-year-old, who usually competes in the jr. middleweight division, began his career at a promising 13-0 before suffering a TKO loss to Ian Green. Since the defeat, Khiary struggled against the likes of Gary O’Sullivan, Bakhram Murtazaliev and Charles Conwell.

Adamant that Hogan was not of that ilk, Gray and head trainer Kenneth Ball Sr. started training camp in November to wrest the green belt from the less experienced Boston native.

After the knockdown, however, Gray found it difficult to connect cleanly with the taller and rangier southpaw, who kept beating Khiary to the punch with his right jab. Gray used movement to avoid most of Hogan’s attack, but by round 6, ‘Frank the Tank’ was fully in control, landing his straight left hand with regularity.

Sensing that he was running out of time, Gray made a final stand in round 8, but Hogan was up for the exchange. A counter left hand dropped Gray’s mouthpiece, and when the action resumed, a clash of heads dropped Khiary to the canvas.

After 10 spirited rounds, Hogan was declared the winner by scores of 98-91 and 96-93 (2x).

Anthony Velasquez KOs Brian Chaves in 3

Anthony “ATV” Velasquez (16-0-1, 13 KOs) made a successful return to the CES ring in the co-feature, blasting out Argentina’s Brian Chaves (14-7, 5 KOs) in round 3 of a jr. middleweight battle.

Chaves, who previously shared the ring with the likes of top welterweight Rashidi Ellis and jr. middleweight contender Chordale Booker, was meant to be a barometer of how ‘ATV’ compares with those world class fighters.

Putting on a patient and measured performance, Velasquez passed with flying colors. While Chaves went on the attack as soon as the bell rang, the cool and composed Velasquez avoided most of the incoming and controlled the rest of round 1 behind an educated jab.

Velasquez began taking the fight to ‘El Elegante’ in round 2, stalking the smaller Chaves behind a high guard and cutting off the ring to land heavy blows to the southpaw’s body and head.

Looking to turn the tide, Chaves decided to trade shots with Velasquez in round 3. It was an unwise decision, as the Springfield, MA native unleashed a counter right hand that dropped the Argentine hard. Chaves beat the count, but referee Arthur Mercante Jr. decided to prevent the outgunned fighter from taking further punishment, waiving the fight at 2:29 of the round.

Victor Reynoso batters Jalen Renaud

In a bloody New England war, Providence, RI welterweight Victor Reynoso (10-0, 7 KOs) stopped Springfield’s Jalen Renaud (10-2, 3 KOs) in the final round of their 6-round matchup.

Reynoso, who was out of the ring for 17-months after undergoing eye surgery, surprised Renaud by coming out in the southpaw stance in rounds 1 and 2. The pair engaged furiously in round 3, with Renaud reeling from Reynoso’s assault. Bleeding from the nose and mouth, Renaud tried his best to keep Reynoso off him, but the Dominican native was relentless in his attack.

Renaud’s luck didn’t improve in round 5, as a headbutt opened a cut over his left eye. Jalen was worse for wear, but he began keeping Reynoso at bay with his left jab. Just as it seemed that he was asserting himself, however, a big right hand at the end of the round stunned the 30-year-old.

The ringside doctor examined Renaud between rounds, warning the 2024 member of the Boston Butchers that the fight would be stopped if he took too much more punishment. Unfortunately for Renaud, Reynoso jumped at the chance to end matters, battering Jalen until referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stopped the assault at 1:11 of the 6th and final round.

Jeffrey Torres retires Matt Doherty

27-year-old jr. welterweight Jeffrey “El Bendecido” Torres improved to 14-2 (8 KOs), stopping grizzled veteran Matt “The Mantis” Doherty (10-10-1, 5 KOs) in a crossroads bout.

The bout pitted Torres’ boxing against Doherty’s brawling, as the 36-year-old from Danvers, MA rushed in to cut distance and nullify Torres’ counters. While Torres started slow, his superior technique began to show over the course of the fight. The Puerto Rican by way of New Haven began landing punishing counter right hands to Doherty’s head and body in round 3, finally dropping Doherty in round 4. ‘The Mantis’ beat the count, but referee Harvey Dock had seen enough, stopping the contest at 2:31 of the round.

Matt Doherty laid down his gloves after the bout, retiring a 21-fight career over 10 years that saw him continuously thrill New England fans with his all-out style, heart, and determination.

Nikolay Shvab overpowers Belmar Preciado

Miami-based Kazakh Nikolay Shvab (13-0, 8 KOs) continued his assault on the lightweight division, stopping tough Colombian Belmar Preciado (22-9-1, 15 KOs) in the 8th and final round of their contest.

Shvab, who trains out of the World-Famous 5th Street Gym that was once the training grounds of the legendary Muhammad Ali, dropped Preciado with a straight left hand in round 1.

Preciado came alive in round 2, landing heavy shots to Shvab’s body. Nikolay patiently stalked the Colombian in the mid rounds with his own body attack, but the tough Preciado absorbed the shots and fired back. A counter left hand in round 6th momentarily stunted Shvab’s advance, but the Kazakh would not be denied. A right jab, left hand combination in round 8 dropped Preciado hard, causing referee Artur Mercante Jr. to stop the fight at 1:17 of the final round.

Other Action

Iman Lee (12-0, 8 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact, stopping Mexico’ Bernardo Uribe (17-10, 9 KOs) in round 4 of a scheduled 8 round featherweight bout. Uribe came to fight, trying to time the faster Lee with counter right hands. Lee, of Yonkers, NY, boxed smoothly throughout the bout, focusing his attack on Uribe’s midsection and dropping the Guadalajara native with a body shot in round 2. Uribe survived the round, but Lee launched a vicious assault in round 4 that dropped the Mexican twice, causing Harvey Dock to waive off the bout at 1:52 of the round.

In his CES Boxing debut, light heavyweight Steven “The Savage” Sumpter (10-1-1, 8 KOs) stopped tough Argentine Victor Exner (11-19-3, 5 KOs) in round 4 of an 8-round contest. The Lawrence, MA native landed the heavier blows throughout, but Exner never stopped pressing, landing lefts to the body and rights to the head of his own. The fighters traded heavy leather in round 3, with Sumpter hurting Exner twice with right hands. After 4 completed rounds, Exner’s corner indicated that the Santa Fe native had enough, causing Arthur Mercante Jr. to halt the fight.

In a 4 round middleweight bout, Stamford, CT’s Douglas Marroquin (5-0, 3 KOs) won a shutout unanimous decision over Miami’s Austin Spivey, outboxing the Florida native over 4 rounds. Marroquin was too experienced for the debuting Spivey, who fought hard despite being outgunned. Scores were 40-36 (3x).

In an action-packed New England war, New Haven, CT’s Anuel Rosa (5-0-1, 3 KOs) and East Providence, RI’s Elijah Peixoto (4-0-1, 2 KOs) battled to a 4-round draw. It was a pitched battle from the start, with Peixoto looking to land his left hook and Rosa countering with overhand rights. A Peixoto right hand stopped Rosa in his tracks early in round one, but Anuel returned the favor a few seconds later with a right of his own. The fighters traded furiously over the next 3 rounds, with a Rosa right hand in round 3 seriously hurting Peixoto, who stumbled to the neutral corner before composing himself enough to fire back. The fighters traded on even terms in the 4th and final round, with Peixoto appearing to hurt Rosa with a body shot. Anuel quickly threw back, and the round ended with the fighters trading leather. Scores were 39-37 Rosa, 39-37 Peixoto, and 38-38 for a fight so entertaining that it deserves a rematch somewhere down the line.

Joe Bush (6-0, 4 KOs) kept his record intact, winning a 6-round unanimous decision over Springfield, MA’s Derrick Whitely, Jr. (8-5-2). Marshfield’s Bush applied pressure from the opening bell, attacking Whitley’s body and landing right hands over the top. Whitley countered well from the southpaw stance early on, but his lack of power couldn’t deter Bush, who often trapped him on the ropes to land left and right hands. Scores were 60-54 and 59-55 (2x).

Shannel “The Sniper” Butler improved to 2-0 (1 KO), outboxing Melanie “Pitbull” Costa (3-1, 1 KO) via split decision over 4 rounds. The featherweight contest was a contrast of styles, with the shorter, high octane Costa applying pressure and the taller, rangier Butler countering with straight left hands. ‘Pitbull’ pressed to the body behind a peek-a-boo guard, but a Butler counter in round 3 bloodied her nose. Costa, a Norton, MA police officer, made her last stand in round 4, but The Sniper was able to halt her advance behind an educated jab and straight left hands. Scores were 40-36 (2x) for Butler and 37-39 for Costa.

In the opening bout of the evening, power punching jr. welterweight Tevin “The Hitman” Regis (6-0, 5 KOs) wasted little time introducing Chris Gunn to the pro ranks, knocking out the Michigan native with a body shot at 1:00 of the round.

For more information on Winter Brawl 2025 and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

Photo by Hosanna Rull

Undefeated Rising Star Yoenis Tellez Battles Former Unified Champion Julian Williams for Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title in Opening Bout Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

STAFFORD, TX. – Undefeated rising star Yoenis Tellez plans to make a big splash in the stacked 154-pound division when he takes on former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the Interim WBA Super Welterweight Title kicking off a loaded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video Saturday, March 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to my team for getting me this opportunity,” said Tellez. “I plan to make the most of it. I’m focused, I’m prepared, and I’m ready to make a statement on March 1st. This is just the beginning!”

The 24-year-old Tellez (9-0, 7 KOs) has impressed in his young career, and has shown steady improvement under the guidance of legendary trainer Ronnie Shields, who will again lead Tellez into the ring on March 1.

“Training in Texas with Coach Ronnie has been incredible as always,” said Tellez. “Every day we focus on the little details that matter, refine my technique, and make sure I’m in the best shape possible. Ronnie brings a wealth of knowledge, and I’ve grown a lot under his guidance. This has been one of my best camps yet, and I feel stronger, faster, and more prepared than ever.”

In this pay-per-view showdown, Tellez will step up his competition to face the most accomplished opponent of his young career in Williams, a former unified 154-pound world champion and a stalwart atop the division. Despite the step up, Tellez remains as confident as ever that March 1 will be his night.

“Julian Williams is a former world champion with a lot of experience, and I respect what he’s done in the sport,” said Tellez. “But on March 1, I’m going to come with everything I’ve got. I have a style that is exciting, and I’m confident in my ability to execute our game plan. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m ready to show the world what I’m capable of.”

Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Tellez has fought stateside since 2022, largely in Orlando, with additional bouts in Minneapolis and at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he stepped in as a late replacement to blast out Sergio Garcia in the third-round on the Spence vs. Crawford PPV undercard. Now set to make his debut in New York at the famed Barclays Center, Tellez has aims on making the most of the huge stage.

“Fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is a dream come true,” said Tellez. “New York has held some of the biggest fights in boxing history, and I’m excited to perform on such a big stage for the first time. I know the energy in the arena is going to be electric, and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for all the fans.”

With a win on March 1, Tellez would capture the WBA’s Interim Title at 154-pound, and importantly pick up a signature victory that could signal his readiness to face the division’s reigning champions. Despite his quick rise, Tellez believes this victory will show that he is not only the future of the division, but its present.

“A win in this fight solidifies me as the top contender at 154-pounds,” said Tellez. “My goal is to win in spectacular fashion and be squarely in position to face Jermell Charlo, Terence Crawford and Sebastian Fundora.”

SHEFFIELD SEPT 27: Fight Night – GBM Sports, Nowhere to Hide, Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield on the 27th September 2024. Credit: Leigh Dawney/GBM Sports

DRAMATIC U-TURN SEES SHAKAN PITTERS EUROPEAN TITLE FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR APRIL 4th

London, England – Hughie Fury and Shakan Pitters head to London on Friday, April 4th intent on making world title contention statements by scoring big wins atop the GBM: Once Upon A Time In London card at York Hall, live worldwide on DAZN.

On Monday Fury – cousin of retired world champion Tyson Fury – declared every top heavyweight a target as he signed a multi-fight deal with GBM. His co-headline bout will be the first of a 2025 campaign which aims to put him into contention against some of the heavyweight division’s biggest names.

In the main event, the drama underpinning the match between EBU light-heavyweight champion Daniel ‘Blenda’ Dos Santos and British challenger Shakan Pitters is finally resolved as Dos Santos has spectacularly overturned the erroneous medical report which saw his February 7th bout with Pitters cancelled just 24 hours out.

Pitters now finally has the chance to dethrone the French special forces veteran and secure a title seen as a crucial waypoint on the journey to world-level title contention.

April’s card will also feature undefeated super-lightweights Ben Crocker and Tiernan Bradley, with Crocker defending his IBF European Super-Lightweight Championship, and Emma Dolan defending her British and Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Lauren Parker.

GBM CEO Izzy Asif said, “Every time we go to London we go big, and it doesn’t get much bigger than one of the heavyweight division’s biggest prospects. This year is going to be a huge year for Hughie Fury, you’re going to see him in big fights which power him very quickly into the world title contender picture.

“Shakan Pitters is on the way to the world stage as well. This European championship bout is a crucial stage in that journey. There’s been a lot of drama behind this one, including the last-minute cancellation earlier this month. Shakan made short work of his replacement opponent on February 7th but Dos Santos is a different level and this is going to be a very tough test which will show the level Shakan is at.

“On top of that we’ve got two of the best undefeated boxers in the British Isles, I’m very excited for the IBF European championship bout between Ben Crocker and Tiernan Bradley – someone’s 0 is going to go. Full credit to them for taking a fight like this at this stage of their careers.

“And the British and Commonwealth bout between Emma Dolan and Lauren Parker is also going to provide fireworks. It’s a huge card for an iconic venue and our second show of the year. We’re pulling out all the stops this year as we set out to deliver the UK’s most crowd-pleasing events alongside our exclusive broadcast partner DAZN.”

“I’M COMING FOR ALL THE TOP HEAVYWEIGHTS” – GBM SIGNS HUGHIE FURY TO EXCLUSIVE LONG-TERM MULTI-FIGHT PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT

London, England – Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury was today announced as the latest addition to the GBM stable, having signed an exclusive long-term, multi-fight agreement with the UK’s fastest-growing professional boxing promotion.

Riding a three-fight win streak since returning to competition last year following a near three-year injury layoff, former British heavyweight champion Fury – son of noted trainer Peter Fury and cousin of recently retired former world champion Tyson Fury – intends to make 2025 the year he enters world championship contention again.

Fury, 30, previously came within touching distance of securing the WBO World Heavyweight Championship when he lost a controversial majority decision to Joseph Parker in 2017, a result he has long categorised as “a robbery”.

With a wealth of experience disproportionate to his age, including tenure of the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship and WBA International Heavyweight Championship, Fury is aiming for three fights in 2025 as he looks to build towards mandatory contender status.

“I’ve enjoyed working with GBM and I am excited to be signing this multi-fight deal. I’ve been constantly in the gym and I’m coming for all these so-called top heavyweights soon. They can’t avoid me much longer and I’m going to spoil their day in the sun. I’m going to be busy this year and whoever wants it can have it. Call my team – I will be there!” Hughie Fury said today.

Peter Fury, father and trainer of Hughie Fury, echoed his son’s sentiments: “Hughie is back in action and we are working with Izzy Asif to cement a big fight for Hughie this year. GBM have pencilled in Hughie’s next two fights for April and May. He’s ready for them all and we can’t wait for so-called experts to eat humble pie. Action is needed and Hughie is ready to deliver it.”

Izzy Asif, GBM CEO, saluted the signing of a world-level heavyweight: “Hughie Fury is a world-class fighter with immense potential. The heavyweight division is wide open right now and the timing is perfect for Hughie to step up and emerge as one of the dominant forces in the division over the coming years. With our exclusive broadcast partner DAZN, we are looking forward to joining Hughie on the road to becoming heavyweight champion of the world,”

The first fight of Fury’s new contract will take place on the main card of GBM’s upcoming event at York Hall, London on Friday, April 4th as he kicks off his 2025 campaign in the nation’s capital.

Further announcements for the card will be made shortly.

Stanionis Wraps Up Training Camp in Lithuania, Heads to United States for Unification Clash with Jaron Ennis

Kaunas, Lithuania – WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) is entering the final days of his training camp in his hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, before heading to the United States to complete preparations for his highly anticipated showdown against Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs). The two elite welterweights will battle for the IBF, WBA, and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles on April 12 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., live on DAZN.

Before departing for the United States, Stanionis, who fights under the TGB Promotions banner, has been training alongside his stablemates and mentoring young teens at the local after school program for troubled teens, an experience that has fueled his motivation for this career-defining moment.

“Spending these last days training at home with my gym mates and mentoring the young kids at the local afterschool program means everything to me,” said Stanionis. “I remember growing up with friends that were struggling, so I feel it’s my duty to help these kids out as best I can. Now, I’m here, and I want to show them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

As the first Lithuanian-born world champion in boxing history, Stanionis is proud to represent his country on one of the sport’s biggest stages and hopes to bring home another major victory for his homeland.

“Every time I step into the ring, I carry Lithuania with me,” Stanionis continued. “This fight isn’t just about me—it’s about my country, my people, and the next generation of Lithuanian fighters. I fight with pride, and on April 12, I plan to make history once again.”

A win over Ennis would establish Stanionis as one of the premier forces in the welterweight division and catapult him into global superstardom.

“This is the biggest fight of my career, and a victory over Ennis will put my name alongside the best in the world,” Stanionis stated. “He’s a great fighter, but I’m coming to prove that I belong at the very top. This is my moment, and I won’t let it slip away.”

With his time in Lithuania coming to an end, Stanionis is looking forward to beginning the final phase of his camp in Los Angeles, where he will fine-tune his skills at the legendary Wild Card Boxing gym with coach Marvin Somodio ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

“Training in Los Angeles at Wild Card, with coach Marvin, will be the perfect way to sharpen everything up before the fight. The work I put in there, the elite sparring, will make sure I’m 100% ready to go on April 12,” he concluded. “I’m excited, focused, and prepared to leave everything in the ring.”

BEN WHITTAKER VS LIAM CAMERON REMATCH SET FOR EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20TH AT BP PULSE LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM

Frazer Clarke returns to face Ebaneezer Tetteh as part of a stacked undercard that also features a mouth-watering super welterweight clash between Lee Cutler and Sam Eggington, and Tyler Denny back in action against Elvis Ahorgah

BIRMINGHAM, UK – Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron are set to renew hostilities in one of boxing’s most hotly anticipated rematches on Easter Sunday, April 20th at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Their epic bank holiday weekend showdown will headline a huge card in the Midlands that also features the return of Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke versus Ebaneezer Tetteh, a mouth-watering super welterweight clash between Lee Cutler and Sam Eggington, and former European Champion Tyler Denny back in action against ‘The Soldier’ Elvis Ahorgah.

In one of the most talked about moments of 2024, Whittaker and Cameron’s first fight ended in dramatic fashion with both men toppling over the ropes and outside the ring during the fifth-round of their light heavyweight clash.

With Whittaker unable to continue, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards resulting in split draw with two of the judges scoring the bout 58-57 either way and one judge scoring the fight even.

Turning professional under the BOXXER banner after claiming a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Wolverhampton’s Whittaker has established himself as one of the standout talents in world boxing, amassing millions of followers worldwide with his unique style and flamboyant showboating.

Cameron, also a decorated amateur having won multiple national titles, impressed against former IBO champion Lyndon Arthur last year to help set up a Riyadh Season showdown with Whittaker. The Sheffield boxer, who has been outspoken since the first fight, will not want to leave anything to chance as he looks to catapult his career forward by handing Whittaker his first defeat.

Ben Whittaker said: “This is an opportunity for me to give the fans a decisive result. There’s no doubt in my mind that this time, there will be no room for controversy. This time, we will finish it on my terms. To all the fans who supported me and even those that have doubted me, this one’s for you. April 20th, I’m home and I’m going to give the people something special.”

Liam Cameron said: “I’m pleased to get this fight confirmed. I feel like I was winning the last fight before he tried pretending to be a WWE star and pulled me over the top rope. I really believe I would have stopped him, but that’s in the past now, we’re ready to go on April 20th. I want to thank my manager and my promoters Frank and George Warren for helping to get this rematch over the line. I look forward to getting in there and finishing the job.”

RHYS EDWARDS SIGNS LONG-TERM PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH BOXXER

CARDIFF, UK (February 12, 2025) – Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards has inked a long-term promotional deal with next generation promoter BOXXER.

Edwards (16-1, 4 KOs) has impressed on BOXXER cards in recent years. The 24-year-old from Penygraig scored a points victory over former British Champion Brad Foster in November 2023 before capturing the WBA Intercontinental belt with a unanimous points win over former WBA #1 Thomas Patrick Ward in front of his home fans in Cardiff in May 2024.

Stepping in at short notice, Edwards closed out 2024 by going toe-to-toe with Peter McGrail on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia in a fight that many felt the Welshman had done enough to win.

Having signed with BOXXER, Edwards joins a world-class stable of fighters including country women Lauren Price MBE, Chris Eubank Jr, Joshua Buatsi, Natasha Jonas, Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois, Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim, Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole, Viddal Riley, Callum Simpson and Karriss Artingstall.

“It feels amazing to sign a long-term deal with a big promotion like BOXXER,” said Edwards. “They gave me my first chance on the big stage and have delivered me some very good fights so it’s nice to sign with them as they have been good to me.

“Getting the opportunity to fight Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia was a surreal experience. It was a great fight, so big props to Peter as it takes two to tango. I thought I nicked it but I can’t argue either way. I learnt a lot about myself and showed my level.

“The fight against Ward in Cardiff was electric. The Welsh crowd really got behind me and I’m very grateful for that. I would love to headline a show back home by the end of 2025 or the start of 2026.

“I just want good performances and wins against good fighters and titles, and hopefully the British Featherweight Title before the end of the year.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to have secured Rhys’ signature. He has a very bright future ahead of him. I thought he won the McGrail fight. He landed the cleaner shots and on just three days’ notice, he showed his class. I know Rhys has big ambitions. Together with Lauren Price, I believe he can lead a resurgence in Welsh boxing and bring more big nights back to Cardiff.”