BOXING NEWS

CHRIS EUBANK JR SIGNS HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH BOXXER AS MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR TARGETS WORLD TITLE MEGA-FIGHTS AND VOWS TO SILENCE DOMESTIC RIVALS

Chris Eubank Jr and BOXXER have signed a career-defining partnership deal that will see one of the biggest personalities in boxing aim to redefine the global boxing landscape

LAS VEGAS, USA (July 10, 2024) – Chris Eubank Jr and BOXXER have today announced a major partnership deal, with the iconic middleweight star signing with the next generation boxing promoter as he targets mega-fights and vows to silence his domestic rivals ahead of his hotly anticipated ring return.

One of the most recognisable names in world boxing, Eubank Jr has continued his impressive family legacy in a career which has seen the Brighton superstar twice capture IBO Super Middleweight and WBA interim Middleweight World Titles and claim notable wins over James DeGale, Arthur Abraham, Liam Smith, Matvey Korobov, Avni Yildirim and Dmitrii Chudinov.

The top-rated middleweight contender looked at his best last time out when ending his rivalry with Liam Smith with an emphatic tenth-round stoppage win over the former WBO World Champion in front of a capacity crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester in September.

Having joined forces with BOXXER, Eubank Jr has now set his sights on the biggest fights available including mouth watering match ups with pound-for-pound stars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford and domestic grudge matches with long standing rivals including Conor Benn and Billy Joe Saunders.

Eubank Jr is the latest addition to BOXXER’s star studded stable including WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith, future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker, Unified Welterweight World Champion Lauren Price, WBO #1 Light Heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi and fast rising stars Adam Azim, Caroline Dubois, Viddal Riley and Karriss Artingstall.

Chris Eubank Jr said: “I’m very excited to have signed with BOXXER and Ben Shalom. They fit the direction I want to go in. We have big plans over the next 12 to 24 months. There are big fights in the pipeline and these guys can make it happen. This is a partnership. I have the freedom and the leeway to work how I want to work, which is very rare. I’m in a position of power. I’m in a position to really control the direction that I want to go in so I’m excited.

“I’ve been in the game for 12 years now and I’m still hungry. I’m still excited. I’m still in love with the sport of boxing. I’m in a blessed position right now where there are 4 or 5 different names out there that are mega fights that everybody wants to see. Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Conor Benn, Billy Joe Saunders – and that’s just off the top of my head. There are many more fights out there that can be made, even domestically, so I’m in an exciting position.”

BATTLE LINES: CHELLI DEFENDS BRITISH & COMMONWEALTH TITLES AGAINST SIMPSON ON AUGUST 3 AT OAKWELL STADIUM IN BARNSLEY

Reigning champion Chelli goes deep into enemy territory to defend his belts at Oakwell Stadium, home of Simpson’s beloved Barnsley F.C.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 13, 2024) – Battle lines are being drawn as Zak Chelli goes deep into enemy territory to defend his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against his unbeaten mandatory challenger Callum Simpson on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, presented by BOXXER live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

26-year-old Londoner Chelli (15-2-1, 7 KOs) will be making the first defence of the British and Commonwealth Titles he claimed with a unanimous points win over Jack Cullen at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in January.

Having earned the crown as the best in Britain, the Fulham fighter will be looking to solidify his position at the top of a highly competitive domestic division when he makes the long journey north to South Yorkshire where he will take on Barnsley bruiser Simpson (14-0, 10 KOs) in the challenger’s hometown.

Undefeated in the professional ranks, 27-year-old Simpson has earned his shot at Chelli’s belts with a series of impressive performances, most recently scoring a fourth-round knockout win over Tanzania’s Dulla Mbabe at The O2 Arena in May to remain on course for his mandatory challenge.

Simpson is predicting another knockout performance when he challenges for British and Commonwealth glory in front of his fans at Oakwell Stadium, the home of his beloved Barnsley F.C.

Zak Chelli said: “Winning the British and Commonwealth Titles was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. This is just the beginning for me. Simpson is too scared to challenge me for my titles in London so I’ll show him what a real fighter is and fight him on his home turf. On August 3rd, my hand will be raised and the belts will remain round my waist.”

Callum Simpson said: “It’s a dream come true to fight in front of my home fans in Barnsley. I’m going to win the British and Commonwealth Titles in style. Expect a knockout. This is the fight I’ve been asking for. It’s a chance to prove myself and make my hometown proud. I need everyone in Barnsley and beyond to get behind me and really make Oakwell a fortress.”

Montreal, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 — Captivated by the resounding success of the Beterbiev vs. Smith gala on January 13th in the National Capital, American powerhouses ESPN and Top Rank will once again join forces with Quebec promoter Eye of the Tiger on August 17th for an electrifying showdown featuring two former Olympians, now top 10 contenders, Christian Mbilli and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. The event will once again showcase the Videotron Centre on the North American sports stage, alongside the legendary Madison Square Garden, as one of the few venues to host ESPN’s boxing arena twice in 2024.

“We are proud to present a second boxing gala at the Videotron Centre in just a few months. In January, many spectators responded to the call. This enthusiasm has demonstrated that the Videotron Centre has its place on the international boxing scene, mentions Martin Tremblay, president of Gestev. We were eager to repeat the experience with the valuable collaboration of the Eye of the Tiger team. »

The #1 WBC world contender, Christian ‘Solide’ Mbilli (27-0, 23 KOs), once again proved he was ready to face the elite last Saturday, easily defeating former Commonwealth champion Mark Heffron in 40 seconds in Shawinigan. Immediately returning to training to face his biggest career test less than 3 months later, he reiterates that this time he will take no breaks until he reaches his goal: the pinnacle of his sport.

“It’s an honor to fight Sergiy Derevyanchenko. I’ve been hearing about him since I was 16, in the amateur ranks, where he defeated several Frenchmen. In the pros, he has only fought big names, so this will definitely be my biggest fight to date. I can’t wait for it, it’s going to be a war,” notes Christian Mbilli.

“There are few fighters I enjoy watching more than Christian Mbilli, and I can’t wait to see him perform in front of the tremendous Quebec City fans,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “That being said, he has a difficult task with Sergiy Derevyanchenko, one of the great action fighters in the sport. This will be a Fight of the Year contender for however long it lasts.”

As Mbilli relentlessly climbs towards the top, his next opponent, Sergiy ‘The Technician’ Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs), is determined to return there until he succeeds. With a formidable record of nearly 400 wins in the amateurs, the current #6 WBC contender has already fought three times for major honors and has never lost to a boxer who was not a world champion. We’re talking about Daniel Jacobs, Gennady Golovkin, Jermall Charlo, Carlos Adames, and Jaime Munguia, in fights where thousands saw the Ukrainian winning. On August 17th, he plans to leave nothing to chance.

“I made the decision to move up to 168 to win a world title. During my entire career, I have always fought the best in the world and come August 17th it will be no different. I’m fighting a tough opponent in Christian Mbilli who’s ranked #1 in the WBC. If I win this fight, I expect to fight for a world title next which has always been my ultimate goal. I expect August 17 to be a war and to be a fight of the year type candidate and I will be the winner,” said the Ukrainian contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

“Derevyanchenko’s achievements speak for themselves. This is a very dangerous fight, but extremely necessary for Christian Mbilli’s progression. A victory is not only crucial for the continuation of his career, but also for Quebec boxing, which, with a significant victory, would be in an excellent position to host important fights in the city of Quebec,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan, also suggesting that the fight could be contested for the interim title or mandatory challenger role to the WBC undisputed super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez.

“The fact that only big names in the division have managed to defeat him, and that he has remained very competitive against boxers of that caliber, speaks for itself. Derevyanchenko represents by far the toughest opponent in Mbilli’s career. On August 17th, we’ll know what Christian is made of,” said his head coach, Marc Ramsay.

Kaipo Gallegos Signs Co-Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 9, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing announce the signing of a co-promotional agreement with undefeated super featherweight prospect, Kaipo Gallegos (4-0-1, 3 KOs), a southpaw from Las Vegas, Nevada. The two prominent promoters have big plans for Gallegos and plan to keep him busy for the remainder of 2024 and thereafter. His next fight is scheduled for May 31, 2024, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL.

At only 18 years old, Kaipo Gallegos, who was an 18-time national champion in the amateurs, is already making a name for himself in the super featherweight division. While training in the mecca of boxing, Gallegos is well known for having sparred with some of the best fighters in boxing, which include Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Devin Haney, Alberto Puello, Jorge Linares and Robeisy Ramirez to name a few. His impressive skills have caught the eyes of both fans and experts alike.

Kaipo is trained under the guidance of his father, Jayson Gallegos, who co-manages his son with Marcelino Castillo. With a powerful team supporting him, Kaipo Gallegos, a Filipino-Hawaiian-American, is poised to make a significant impact on the boxing landscape in the years to come.

“I’m incredibly excited to join forces with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, who has been with me since I turned professional,” stated Kaipo Gallegos, who is the current WBO Youth Champion. “This is a huge step forward in my career, and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of with their support behind me. I have two of the best promoters working on my behalf, and that makes me feel good.”

With the combined expertise and resources of Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing behind him, Kaipo Gallegos is poised to reach new heights in his boxing career. Fans can look forward to witnessing his continued success and electrifying performances inside the ring as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his journey.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Kaipo Gallegos to a co-promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “Kaipo is a rare talent with immense potential, and we believe that this partnership will provide him with the platform and opportunities he needs to fulfill his aspirations in the sport. Together with Shuan Boxing, we are going to be strong!”

President of Shuan Boxing Promotions, Bélgica Pena, also expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Kaipo has been part of the Shuan Boxing family since his pro debut. His skills and determination are truly exceptional, and we are committed to supporting him every step of the way as he continues to rise through the ranks of the super featherweight division. We feel blessed to be uniting with Boxlab Promotions to help further Kaipo’s growth and development.”

Sampson Boxing Renews Promotional Agreement with Lightweight Powerhouse Edwin De Los Santos

May 7, 2024 – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz proudly announces he has renewed his long-term promotional contract with WBC and WBC #4, WBO #9 and IBF #10 lightweight Edwin “La Granada” De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs)

The 24-year-old De Los Santos, a hard-punching southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has been with Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing for most of his career and found success in the United States, with nationally televised victories over fellow contenders, Luis Acosta (then 12-0), Jose Valenzuela (then 12-0) and Joseph Adorno (then 17-2-2).

De Los Santos has also picked up the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship along the way and unsuccessfully challenged for the WBC World Championship last November, losing a controversial decision to a highly reluctant Shakur Stevenson.

“I am happy to have re-signed with my promoter Sampson,” said De Los Santos upon signing. “He has done everything he said he would do for my career, and we have grown to be like family. I look forward to another world title fight soon and this time, I hope it is a fight.”

De Los Santos’ trainer, and now also manager Humberto “Chelo” Betancourt, says he’s happy to be keeping the team in place for another run at a world championship.

“I have worked with Sampson for over 20 years, and he’s always kept his word,” said Betancourt. “Edwin is an excellent fighter who works hard in the gym, and he will be the lightweight champion of the world very soon.”

Lewkowicz, known for finding hidden gems like De Los Santos in gyms around the world, says he’s very happy to continue working with the Dominican slugger.

“Edwin De Los Santos is a terrific talent and a good man,” said Lewkowicz. “He has never backed down from any fight I have offered him, and he has the talent to become a dominant champion. I’m happy he has chosen to stay with Sampson Boxing and look forward to many more big fights and great accomplishments from him during his career.”