Daxx Khan
Adonis Stevenson to face mandatory challenger Oleksandr Gvozdyk December 1 at Videotron Center in Quebec City.
MONTREAL (September 25, 2018) – Fans of boxing, prepare your agenda: World Boxing Council (WBC) and lineal light heavyweight world title fight between the champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 KOs) and the mandatory challenger, Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (15-0-0, 12 KOs), will be held December 1 at Videotron Center in Quebec City.
International Boxing Federation (IBF) super welterweight mandatory challenger Marie-Eve Dicaire (13-0-0, 0 KOs), North American Boxing Federation (NABF) heavyweight champion Oscar Rivas (24-0-0, 17 KOs), WBC International welterweight Mikael Zewski (31-1-0, 22 KOs) and fan-favorite Sébastien Bouchard (16-1-0, 6 KOs) will also take part in this gala event.
The “Mandatory” event will be broadcast in the United States on a major network and in Canada on pay-per-view via Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV. More details will be given Oct. 9 during a press conference in Quebec City, attended by all the participants of this exciting boxing card.
“We are very excited to be returning to the Videotron Center for this fifth Superman world championship defense in Quebec City, more than anyone else in the history of boxing,” GYM President Yvon Michel said. “The challenger is talented and seasoned. The danger is present, but the belt will remain with Quebecers! The challenge is colossal, but the show will be solid and the evening fantastic, an appointment not to be missed,”
“The clash between Adonis Stevenson and will be the third world championship fight in the young history of the Videotron Center and the second for champion Adonis Stevenson,” added Martin Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Group. “Fans from all over Quebec will appreciate the quality of this gala. The Videotron Center occupies an important place in combat sports with its sixth event in 2018,”
“I am very proud to be back in Quebec City for this mandatory title defense and offer the opportunity to American viewers and on the international scene to rediscover the beauties of Quebec City as well as the hospitality and the Latin passion of the Quebec boxing fans,” Stevenson commented. “I know many believe December would be the end of my reign against this young undefeated Olympic medalist. The message I am prepared to send with this fight is: I am still the No. 1 light heavyweight and I still have several chapters to add to my journey as world champion. December 1st at the Videotron Center is a personal invitation to Quebec fans. You will not be let down, I will win by KO!.”
“I am one of the best boxers in the light heavyweight division and the time has come for me to prove it to the rest of you,” Gyozdyk insisted. “The WBC gave me this opportunity and I am thankful for it. Adonis has been in this position too long. My time is now!”
“Oleksandr has been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time,” Gvozdyk noted. “He respects Adonis Stevenson as a fighter, but make no mistake, his time is now. ‘The Nail’ is going to leave Canada as the new WBC light heavyweight champion.”
“The WBC championship bout between Stevenson and Gvozdyk will be among the best fights of the year, proclaimed Top Rank CEO Bob Arum. “It’s a must-see for all boxing fans.”
ADONIS ”SUPERMAN” STEVENSON
Recognized as one of the most powerful punchers, pound-for-pound, in the boxing world, Stevenson will attempt to successfully defend his title for the 10th time on December 1st.
In his last outing on May 19 at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, he fought a draw with former WBA light heavyweight and WBC super middleweight world champion, Badou Jack, in a spectacular fight, while Floyd Mayweather Jr watched from ringside.
World champion since his violent knockout over the American Chad Dawson in 2013, “Superman” will try to hammer his mandatory aspirant nicknamed, at the Videotron Center.
OLEKSANDR ”THE NAIL” GVOZDYK
Bronze medalist at the London Olympics, Ukrainian-born Gvozdyk moved to Oxnard, California, to begin his professional career in 2014. He has marched forward ever since, racking up 15 wins in 15 bouts, 12 by knockout.
Teammates of Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, Gvozdyk is a talented and dangerous boxer, as evidenced by his victories by referee stoppage over Yunieski Gonzalez, Isaac Chilemba and Tommy Karpency. In addition, he is now trained by the legendary American trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas.
Briedis vs Mikaelian & Glowacki vs Vlasov Quarter-Finals in Chicago Nov 10
Briedis vs Mikaelian & Glowacki vs Vlasov Quarter-Finals in Chicago Nov 10
Season I star Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov are the two Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.
“I am really looking forward to fighting in Chicago,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs)
The Latvian hero is undoubtedly one of the favourites to take home Season II’s Ali Trophy in the 200 lb division.
“I am happy to be back in the World Boxing Super Series, and I am looking forward to fighting in front of a U.S. crowd. I am sure there will also be a lot of Latvians in the arena to help create a fantastic atmosphere.”
Briedis’ opponent, Germany’s Noel Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KOs), is eager to perform on the biggest stage – only a split decision defeat, in an IBF eliminator against Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, prevented him of participating in Season I.
“There are only world class fighters in this tournament, but I believe my ring IQ will give me the edge to win it,” said Mikaelian.
The second main event in Chicago on November 10 is a potent match-up between Poland’s former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov.
“The plan is simple: take it all, give nothing back,” said Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs)
The exciting southpaw fought Season I winner Aleksandr Usyk in 2016 – relinquishing the WBO belt over 12 rounds, he won the belt in 2015 via knockout against Marco Huck.
“I have been waiting for a long time for my chance, and I am full of power and great energy. I am going to win this tournament and become world champion again!”
Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs), a fighter with success at multiple weights, likewise enters the quarter-final with great confidence after winning 12 straight fights since moving up in weight in 2015.
Ahead of Season 2, US-based boxing fans are able to watch Season I’s Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final, George Groves vs Callum Smith on Friday, 28 September, LIVE on the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.
Dates and venues for the six weeks of Ali Trophy quarter-final action this autumn:
1. October 7th, Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)
WBA ‘Regular’ Bantamweight Championship
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Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia).
WBA Super-Lightweight Championship
2. October 13th, Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
TBA
3. October 20th, CFE Arena, Orlando, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)
IBF Bantamweight Championship
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Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland).
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com
4. October 27th, U.N.O. Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)
WBC Super-Lightweight Diamond Title
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Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs Anthony Yigit (Sweden)
IBF Super-Lightweight Championship
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com
5. November 3rd, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)
WBA ‘Unified’ Bantamweight Championship & WBC Bantamweight Diamond Title
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Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)
WBC Super-Lightweight Silver Title
TICKETS: From £35 (plus fees) here: thessehydro.com
6. November 10th, UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
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Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com (On sale: Mon 1 Oct)
Season II divisions and Ali Trophy quarter-final match-ups:
Bantamweight:
Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)
WBA ‘Unified’ World Championship and WBC Diamond Title
Zolani Tete (South Africa) vs. Mikhail Aloyan (Russia)
WBO World Championship
Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)
WBA ‘Regular’ World Championship
Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)
IBF World Championship
Super-Lightweight:
Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)
WBC Diamond Title
Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)
WBC Silver Title
Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia)
WBA World Championship
Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs. Anthony Yigit (Sweden)
IBF World Championship
Cruiserweight:
Mairis Briedis (Latvia) vs. Noel Mikaelian (Germany)
Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland)
Krzysztof Glowacki (Poland) vs. Maksim Vlasov (Russia)
Ruslan Fayfer (Russia) vs. Andrew Tabiti (United States)
IBF Eliminator
Cuban vs. Cuban: Livan Navarro and Armando Alvarez Ready for War at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2”
Cuban vs. Cuban: Livan Navarro and Armando Alvarez Ready for War at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood
Cuba’s undefeated Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs) loves a good test.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, the Miami (via Havana) welterweight will be in tough once again this Friday night, when he takes on fellow Cuban Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.
The rare Cuban vs. Cuban showdown, also Navarro’s first fight scheduled for 10 rounds, highlights a stacked undercard on Friday, Sept. 28, at the “Rumble at the Rock 2,” professional boxing event at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama. In the 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBA International Featherweight Championship.
So, is Navarro ready for a former WBC Latino Welterweight Champion in just his ninth fight?
“He’s a good fighter, but I feel my style will overpower whatever his so-called experience advantage is,” said a confident Navarro. “I was 312-17 as an amateur and I’m already 8-0 as a pro. I’ve been brought in as an opponent, supposedly to lose, on a Golden Boy card and a PBC show in Miami, and I knocked both those guys out. I fight my best when people don’t think I can win.”
To prepare, Navarro has reunited with trainer Herman Caicedo and gone back to what works best for the Cuban power puncher.
“I’m coming to scrap. This won’t be chess match. We’re going to scrap. That’s my style. I come to fight. I wait on the KO and when I see my opening I take it.”
Navarro says he doesn’t mind being part of an unusual “Cuban vs. Cuban” showdown.
“I’ll fight anyone. I’ve fought Cubans all my life back home, so no, it doesn’t bother me. This is a business. You see Mexican vs Mexican and Puerto Rican against Puerto Rican, so why can’t it be Cuba vs Cuba? Good fighters should fight one another, and the cream will rise to the top. It’s all business when I step in the ring. I wish Armando all the luck in the world. He will need every ounce.”
Alvarez says he knows he looked vulnerable in his last fight, a nationally televised loss to undefeated Jaron Ennis in July, and that’s why Navarro is willing to fight him.
But Alvarez says Team Navarro has made a big mistake.
“I’m 100 percent injury free and mentally ready,” said Alvarez. “That’s what his team didn’t take into account. I fought Ennis with an injury that badly affected my performance. They’re expecting that Armando Alvarez to show up that night, but I’m ready to prove ‘The Gentleman’ is here and alive. He’s a good boxer and he comes to fight, but amateur and pro are two different things and he’s not ready.”
Alvarez says he also doesn’t believe in the unwritten code some fighters carry that says Cubans can’t fight each other.
“It’s rare for two Cubans to face each other, but I think the best should fight the best. I don’t believe in not fighting another Cuban. He’s Cuban from Cuba from Cuba. I’m Cuban too, but I was born and raised here and I think anybody can fight anybody else.”
Alvarez says he’s looking forward to getting back in the win column in front of a large group of his fans.
“I’ll have the majority of the supporters at the fight. I’ll have lots of family and friends. It always helps me when my fans are there live. It pushes me to go that much harder.”
A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s fights at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series. On fight night, 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. More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.
Williams, Soto return to Foxwoods Oct. 20th
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Sept. 26th, 2018) –– CES Boxing returns to Foxwoods Resort Casino next month for the second time this year with a loaded fight card expected to produce yet another dramatic finish at the historic Fox Theater.
New Haven, Conn., fan-favorite Jimmy Williams (15-1-1, 5 KOs) headlines in an eight-round battle for welterweight supremacy against dangerous Bronx, N.Y., veteran Enver Halili (10-1, 3 KOs) while New Haven’s Edwin Soto(13-2-2, 5 KOs) returns in the eight-round co-feature against super welterweight Anthony Lenk (15-5, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The event features both amateur and professional boxing, starting with the second installment of Jimmy Burchfield’s acclaimed USA Amateur Boxing Tournament on the preliminary card beginning at 6 p.m. ET followed by the loaded, nine-fight main card at 7.
Williams returns to Foxwoods for the sixth time in his career and headlines for the first time since August of 2017. Following his first career loss in Nevada in April, Williams rebounded with a win over Colorado’s Christian Aguirre in June, dominating the fight from start to finish en route to a 60-53 unanimous decision win on all three scorecards.
“I’m very excited to be back headlining at Foxwoods,” Williams said. “I’m ready to put on a great performance for my fans and family. I know Halili comes to fight and this will be a fight my fans don’t want to miss.”
On Oct. 20th, he faces a tall task against the slick, elusive Halili, who returns to the ring for the first time in 11 months. Halili scored his biggest win in June of 2017 when he outclassed previously unbeaten welterweight Wesley Tucker over the course of eight rounds to score the unanimous decision victory, and recently competed for the WBC FECARBOX title against Raymond Serrano in November.
“This is going to be an action-packed fight,” Halili said. “I’m very excited, and I know on Oct. 20th I’ll be walking out of there with a victory.”
Also no stranger to the grand stage at Foxwoods, Soto continues his resurgence Oct. 20th in a long-awaited showdown against Lenk, who makes his New England fresh off a tryout with the recently-relaunched The Contender reality television series.
Soto also fought on the June 2nd event in the main event against New York’s Salim Larbi, which ended with Soto earning a split decision win, 75-74, 76-74, 74-76, after picking himself up from the canvas in the opening round and scoring a knockdown of his own in the sixth to turn the fight in his favor.
Since returning to the ring in October of 2017 following a two-year layoff, Soto has won his last three fights, including a knockout win over regional rival Ray Oliveira Jr. in February.
“I feel well-prepared for this fight,” Soto said. “My team and I have been training hard, like always. I feel ready, strong, confident and anxious to give my fans the great fight they want to see. I want to thank my fans for supporting me, because they know I am a warrior. They have seen me get in the ring and fight great battles. In Jesus’ name, we’ll come out victorious. Don’t miss this boxing. It’s going to be a great night.”
Lenk boasts a loaded resume featuring bouts against the region’s top 154-pounders, among them Mark DeLuca, Steven Martinez, Hector Vazquez and Ricardo Williams Jr., who have a combined record of 84-9. Promoted by Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing, the 30-year-old Lenk was born in California and fought primarily out west at the beginning of his career, earning wins over contenders Boyd Henry, Fernando Rodriguez and Alberto Herrera during an impressive, three-fight win streak between 2011 and 2012.
“Edwin Soto is the next chapter in my boxing book,” Lenk said. “He is a strong, sturdy fighter who stands in my way. It’s going to be hard going on his home turf for people to see a close decision go to me, so I’ll have to make it known. I have 23 years’ worth of chapters just like this in my boxing book.
“I have had ups and downs in my career. This fight, I plan to make a statement that I’m here and I’ve always been here. Just like my first fight at the age of 7, I will finish this chapter the same way, with an exclamation point!”
In addition to the highly-competitive main event and co-feature, the Oct. 20th card features several hotly-contested regional rivalries, starting with what could be the showstopper in the welterweight division between unbeaten Derrick Whitley Jr. (4-0) of Springfield, Mass., and rising prospect Sharad Collier (1-0) of Hartford, Conn., who won his professional debut in June. The two put their unbeaten records on the line in a special six-round showcase as Whitley aims for his fifth win in 18 months while Collier steps up to face the 27-year-old right-hander in just his second pro fight.
Also in the welterweight division, Marqus Bates (4-2, 3 KOs) of Taunton, Mass., makes his Foxwoods debut in six-round bout against Carlos Hernandez (3-2-1, 2 KOs) of Bridgeport, Conn. Bates recently pieced together his most complete performance to date, punishing Springfield’s Mohammad Allam en route to a third-round knockout in May, and has now won back-to-back bouts. Hernandez steps into the ring for the first time in six years, but has won three of his last four, with the lone blemish a draw against veteran Josh Beeman in 2012.
Fan-favorite Marcia Agripino (2-1-1) of nearby Ledyard is back for the second time since June and will fight her first six-round fight against the dangerous Stephanie Essensa (3-1-1) of Alberta, Canada. Agripino earned her first win since 2013 back in June when she defeated Kay Hansen of California via majority decision in a back-and-forth slugfest. Essensa, who also boasts a 2-1 record in mixed martial arts, has won two of her last three in boxing, including a big win over Mexican challenger Jacqueline Coutino earlier this month.
Providence, R.I., lightweight Nicky DeQuattro (3-1, 1 KO) makes his second Foxwoods appearance in a four-round bout against Muay Thai pro Geoffrey Then of Danbury, who steps inside the boxing ring for the first time, and Springfield lightweight Calixto Cruz makes his professional debut in a four-round bout against Providence’s Joseph Santana.
Fighting in separate undercard bouts, New Haven’s Elvis Figueroa (5-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods fresh off his win in June in a six-round bout expected to be announced later this week, and decorated Bridgeport amateur Jacob Marrero makes his professional debut in a four-round bout. The amateur preliminary card will be announced at a later date.
Groves and Smith are both in a good place in Jeddah
Groves and Smith are both in a good place in Jeddah
WBA Super World Champion George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs) and WBC Diamond titlist Callum Smith (24-0, 17 KOs) performed with great mood and confidence at Tuesday’s public workout ahead of their hotly anticipated Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final on Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“I am the form of my life,” said Groves after the classic display of shadow boxing and speedy pad work.
“I am not too fussed about Callum, to be honest, I don’t know how he is feeling. I am concentrating on myself. That’s what works for me, that’s the winning formula. As long as I’m in a good place no one is going to beat me.
“I am number one in the division, proud of it. I am the favourite going into this fight, I was the number one seed when the tournament started. I am going to win, and I am going to win well. We are in a great place.”
‘The Saint’ is not only mentally in a good place, but he is also in a good place when it comes to the location for the final.
“Everything out here has been better than expected, you know, I have never been here before. But the food has been fantastic, the people have been lovely and our accommodation is great.”
Callum Smith also appeared in the same optimistic mood ahead of his first shot at a world title and the unique chance to take home the Muhammad Ali Trophy at 168 lb.
“I’m excited, there is a lot at stake,” said ‘Mundo’. “Win this fight I will have achieved what I always wanted to achieve. I am so close to finally doing it all.”
Smith arrived in Jeddah Friday, a few days earlier than Groves, and it has been easy to adjust to the new surroundings.
“We did the set-up over the weekend and it feels like I am at home. could be anywhere in the world as long as my family is with me. I am good, I woke up this morning as a happy person.”
Wednesday the combatants will meet, exchange words and go head-to-head at the pre-fight press conference.
Fans in the UK can watch Groves vs Smith LIVE on ITV Box Office. Ringwalks for the final will be at 9.00 pm UK time. Registration is open at itvboxoffice.com.
Fans in the U.S. can watch LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.
You can watch the Groves vs Smith pre-fight documentary here: bit.ly/GGvsSprefight
Angel “Tito” Acosta to Defend WBO Light Flyweight Title Against Abraham Rodriguez in Main Events on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch
 Angel “Tito” Acosta to Defend WBO Light Flyweight World Title Against Abraham Rodriguez in Main Events on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch
Bakhram Murtazaliev to Return in Co-Main Event
Saturday, Oct. 13 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
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| LOS ANGELES (Sept. 25, 2018): Puerto Rican knockout artist Angel “Tito” Acosta (18-1, 18 KOs) will defend his WBO Light Flyweight World Title for a second time as he takes on Mexican warrior Abraham Rodriguez (23-1, 11 KOs) in the 12-round main event of the Oct. 13 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.
Acosta is a 27-year-old world champion who has won all of his fights by knockout. Acosta has knocked out fighters all over the country, including stoppage wins in New Jersey, Texas, Florida and New York. In 2017, Acosta traveled to Japan to take on Kosei Tanaka for a world title, and though he lost in what was a very tough fight, the native of San Juan, Puerto Rico returned in his very next fight to capture the WBO Light Flyweight World Title with a 10-round technical knockout victory against Juan Alejo in Dec. 2017. “I feel happy to be making my second defense against a Mexican fighter,” said Tito Acosta. “I know that Mexicans always come to give a war. Abraham Rodriguez will come very well prepared, and I’m sure we will give a great fight between Puerto Rico and Mexico.” Rodriguez is a 23-year-old native of Sonora, Mexico who remained undefeated in 22 fights after his making his debut in April 2013. The 108-pound pugilist scored all of his wins in Mexico, though suffered his first defeat earlier this year against Alejandro Villaseñor. Rodriguez bounced back in July against Jorge Miguel Hernandez, putting him in place for title contention on Oct. 13. “I’m mentally and physically motivated for this fight,” said Abraham Rodriguez. “I’m going to come very well prepared to give a war, which is always what happens when you have a fight between the two countries of Mexico and Puerto Rico. I’m happy to have the chance to elevate the name of my country against a someone who I know will come prepared for a battle.” “This is an exciting time for Puerto Rican boxers,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “There are many world champions from Puerto Rico right now, including Alberto Machado. We’re proud to work with Miguel Cotto Promotions to give a great platform to some of Puerto Rico’s world champions, so it’s a great pleasure to have Tito Acosta headline this Facebook Watch event.” “I’m very excited to have Tito Acosta headlining in Las Vegas for the first time in his career,” said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “He is a rising Puerto Rican star and has everything to become a successful name in boxing. I can’t wait to watch him perform in Las Vegas on Facebook this October 13.” In the co-main event, Bakhram Murtazaliev (13-0, 11 KOs) of Grozny, Russia will return in a 10-round junior middleweight fight presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions. Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (20-0, 13 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts will defend his IBF North American Welterweight Title against a soon-to-be announced opponent in a 10-round fight. Meiirim Nursltanov (8-0, 7 KOs) of Kazahkstan will participate in an eight-round middleweight battle. Enriko Gogokhia (8-0, 3 KOs) of Zugdidi, Georgia will open the night of action in an eight-round 147-pound fight. “Main Events is happy to work with the Golden Boy team to provide our three hard-hitting, undefeated fighters out of Oxnard this opportunity to fight in Las Vegas and for the Facebook Watch audience,” said Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO/Owner. “As boxing fans get to know Bakhram, Meiirim, and Enriko, they are starting to follow their careers and get excited about seeing them in the ring again.” Opponents for the undefeated prospects and contenders on this card will be announced shortly. Acosta vs. Rodriguez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Flyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Murtazaliev vs. TBA is a 10-round junior middleweight fight presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.
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JEAN PASCAL TO FACE GARY KOPAS November 9 in Sydney, Nova Scotia
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Ali Trophy Super-Middleweight Final reserve Chris Eubank Jr. faces JJ McDonagh on the George Groves vs Callum Smith undercard 28th
Ali Trophy Super-Middleweight Final reserve Chris Eubank Jr. faces JJ McDonagh over ten rounds on the George Groves vs Callum Smith undercard on 28 September at The Indoor Sports Hall at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), who was defeated in a thrilling semi-final by Groves, will be on standby to enter the final in the unlikely scenario of one of the original participants being unable to compete.
“I have been training hard in Vegas, and I am looking be a part of the event in Jeddah,” said Eubank Jr. “I am preparing for any scenario that may present itself.”
Eubank Jr.’s opponent in Jeddah is Ireland’s powerful southpaw JJ McDonagh (16-4, 8 KOs).
“I’m surprised he did not retire after he embarrassed himself against groves,” said McDonagh.
“Eubank is a fit man but he does not know how to fight hard, I’m a fighting man from a fighting family of generations of fighters. I am going to knock him out!”
McDonagh picked up the WBA International Light-Heavyweight title in 2016, as he defeated England’s Jake Ball and earned himself a KO of The Year contender, after a sensational first round stoppage.
ITV LOVE ISLAND’S IDRIS VIRGO to make his explosive return to the ring with ULTIMATE BOXXER II, November 2nd @ Indigo O2, London
Idris Virgo Photo The Ultimate Boxxer
One of Boxing’s most talked about new promotions returns for the first time in the capital this November and Ultimate Boxxer announce today that star of ITV’s Love Island, Idris Virgo will make his return to the ring on the undercard, following his search for love on the show this summer.
Virgo holds a perfect 2-0 professional record (with these wins taking place at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham) and after a crazy whirlwind summer on Love Island, his attention has turned back to his boxing career and he’s looking to make a big statement to the boxing world, explaining:
“In Love Island I was looking for a lass, in the ring I’m looking to knock someone out!”
“It’s been 3 months since my last fight, which took place just before my time on Love Island. I can’t wait to get back into the ring and show my new fans what I’m really about.”
“I wanna thank Ultimate Boxxer for this opportunity; it really feels like the next chapter in my boxing career. Over the next few years I’m looking to take over and become world champion – so get ready for a rollercoaster ride!”
Founded on a desire to make the professional game more accessible for boxers and fans alike, Ultimate Boxxer II will be aired live on Freeview with Channel 5 Spike from 10pm and on Facebook with UNILAD from 8.45pm. Expect some very special guests and live music from BBC Radio 1 Xtra’s Charlie Sloth. Boxing legends Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton and Anthony Crolla will play their part in a star studded team that also included Chris Eubank Snr last time out.
On the Idris Virgo announcement, Ultimate Boxxer’s Ben Shalom comments:
“We’re really excited about having Idris on the big show in London, in his first return since Love Island. He is serious about what he can achieve in the sport and we are looking forward to helping him on his journey”