Billy C Boxing

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs Joins Forces with Justin Gamber


Blair “The Flair” Cobbs Joins Forces with Coach Justin Gamber

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 26, 2024) – Don King’s newly signed welterweight, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1, 10 KOs), has officially teamed up with esteemed boxing coach Justin Gamber. Together, they are working in harmony and the two seem to be a perfect fit for each other.

Known for his flashy style and explosive performances in the ring, Cobbs brings his unique flair to the partnership, while Coach Gamber provides the technical expertise and strategic guidance needed to take Cobbs’ career to new heights.

“I’m really liking the way things are going with Coach Justin,” stated Cobbs, who is a native of Philadelphia, PA, but now training out of Las Vegas. “We’re putting in the work, day in and day out, and I can feel myself improving with each session. Together, I believe we’re unstoppable.”

“Blair has all the tools to compete at the elite level of boxing,” said Coach Gamber, seeing Cobbs’ unique talent. “He’s really hungry to get back in the ring and show everyone he still has a lot of fight left in him. I’m confident that we can achieve great things together.”

“Blair and Coach Justin make a dynamic team, and I’m thrilled to see them working together towards their shared goals,” Greg Hannely, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing and Cobbs’ manager said. “There’s no limit to what they can achieve in the ring.”

The boxing world eagerly anticipates witnessing the progress of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs under the guidance of Coach Justin Gamber, as they continue to make waves in the welterweight division. A fight with Adrien Broner is being worked out behind the scenes and an announcement on who Blair Cobbs will fight next will be revealed shortly.

Carl Froch Doubles Down on Tyson Fury

Froch doubles down on Fury’s Boxing rec. & questions Tyson’s hunger heading into Usyk fight

Last month our interview with Carl Froch caused uproar in the Fury camp, as the Super-middleweight questioned the legacy that will be left when Tyson hangs up his gloves. Froch doubles down on his opinion of Fury’s boxing record & goes as far to say that Tyson doesn’t have the heart to beat Usyk;

Carl Froch: “I was asked about Tyson Fury’s resume and I’ll just give an honest answer.

His best wins are Klitschko, who was 40 years old. I don’t need to repeat it. He’s beaten four world champions. He had three great fights with Deontay Wilder, but didn’t win all three of them.

But that’s your resume? Deontay Wilder, Klitschko, and a guy called Steve Cunningham. Who was a pumped up cruiserweight who dropped Fury. And he struggled against Otto Wallin. The fight could have been stopped, but he still won. The problem with people is that they don’t like to hear criticism sometimes. And I’m very honest. It’s the hard truth.

The plan is May 18th. The unification of heavyweight titles, that’s not happened since Lennox Lewis in ‘98. But I’m still not convinced by Fury. I just don’t think Tyson Fury’s heart is in the game anymore.”

Don King Sets THREE Championship Fights for April 27 – “The Quest For The Best”

THREE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FIGHTS SLATED IN “THE QUEST FOR THE BEST” ON APRIL 27 AT THE CASINO MIAMI JAI-ALA – “The Quest for the Best”

MIAMI, FL (March 25, 2024)— Legendary boxing promoter Don King has put together another electrifying boxing event, “The Quest for the Best,” set to take place on Saturday, April 27, at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami, Florida. This evening promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and determination as three championship bouts top the slate of matchups set to unfold in the ring.

Don King commented: “In the ring, there’s no room for hesitation, only domination. ‘The Quest for the Best’ will be a testament to the relentless pursuit of greatness in the squared circle.”

The lineup for this highly anticipated event features some of the most formidable contenders in the sport.

WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (18-2, 12 KOs) has been a fan favorite at Casino Miami. The Paterson, NJ native aims to win his seventh straight fight as he takes on Roy Barringer (10-4, 6 KOs), a hard-hitting challenger from Toledo, OH.

Miami, FL’s own Ahmed Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs), who holds the NABA/NABF Light Heavyweight Championships, will show his explosive power as he takes on undefeated Sergio Jimenez (13-0-1, 11 KOs) from San Pedro, CA, in a showdown that promises fireworks from start to finish.

The third championship fight will feature WBC Int’l Lightweight Champion Antonio Perez (9-0, 5 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA risks his title against Los Angeles’ Oscar Acevedo (9-1).

The evening of boxing also will feature four undercard fights. DeVon Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL will face Julio Tanori (1-1, 1 KO) for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Super Lightweight championship.

Angel Perez (9-0, 7 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA will take on Nigel Fennell (13-3, 8 KOs) of Chula Vista, CA in an eight-round welterweight attraction. A 10-round bantamweight fight will feature Boynton Beach, FL sensation Lawrence Newton (16-0, 7 KOs) challenging Luis Tenorio (10-0, 8 KOs) of Tulua, Colombia and the final undercard fight is a six-round welterweight attraction will feature Semajay Thomas (11-1, 8 KOs) of Chicago, IL.

For more information and updates, visit www.donking.com.

Boxing Hall of Famer, Michael Spinks Confirmed for Hall of Fame Weekend

HALL OF FAMER “THE SPINKS JINX” MICHAEL SPINKS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Hall of Fame’s 35th Anniversary Celebration set for June 6 – 9

CANASTOTA, NY – MARCH 25, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum, which is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2024, is pleased to announce that Hall of Famer “The Spinks Jinx” Michael Spinks will participate in 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities set for June 6-9 in “Boxing’s Hometown.”

“From the Olympic gold medal to historic reigns as light heavyweight and heavyweight world champion, Michael Spinks did it all in boxing,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are absolutely thrilled that he will return to Canastota to take part in Hall of Fame Weekend events.”

Spinks captured middleweight gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. As a pro, he won the WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles before becoming the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title when he defeated Larry Holmes (W 15) for the IBF belt in 1985. Spinks retired in 1988 with a pro record of 31-1 (21 KOs) that includes wins over Yaqui Lopez, Marvin Johnson, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Gerry Cooney and Dwight Qawi. In 1994, Spinks was elected into the Hall of Fame.

An impressive list of over 35 boxing greats from the United States and abroad, including “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin, “Irish” Micky Ward, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe among many others, will participate in the Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.

The Class of 2024 to be honored includes boxers Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Diego Corrales (posthumous), Michael Moorer, Jane Couch, Ana Maria Torres, Luis Angel Firpo (posthumous), Theresa Kibby (posthumous), trainer Kenny Adams, manager Jackie Kallen, publicist Fred Sternburg, journalist Wallace Matthews and broadcaster Nick Charles (posthumous).

The Class of 2024 will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend on June 6-9, 2024, in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.

Complete event details can be found on www.ibhof.com. For more information on the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

Website: www.IBHOF.com

FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BUMPER ‘BAD BLOOD’ BILL

FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BUMPER ‘BAD BLOOD’ BILL

Full fight card confirmed for BOXXER’s bumper ‘Bad Blood’ bill on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London

Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke top an action-packed card in the capital as they collide in one of British boxing’s most hotly anticipated match ups

Over 10,000 tickets already sold for stacked Easter Sunday show with a further allocation of tickets, priced from £35, now released due to demand

All the action is available to watch live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA

LONDON, UK (March 22, 2024) – The full fight card is now confirmed for BOXXER’s bumper ‘Bad Blood’ bill on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke top a stacked card in the capital as they look to settle their differences in one of British boxing’s most hotly anticipated match ups.

The unbeaten fighters have been on a collision course as both men aim to establish themselves as Britain’s number one heavyweight.

Their simmering rivalry has reached boiling point following a cancelled purse bid last year.

Clarke was ordered as mandatory challenger for Wardley’s British Title in April but was later withdrawn from purse bids. The fallout sparked a series of tense exchanges between the warring heavyweights and has added serious spite to their Easter Sunday showdown.

The ‘Bad Blood’ runs deep in an undercard filled with unmissable fights.

Welterweight rivals Florian Marku and Chris Kongo, who had to be pulled apart following an explosive press conference altercation last year, finally get the chance to settle their long-standing feud.

Viddal Riley and Mikael Lawal will clash in a special bet365 Wildcard contest for the English Cruiserweight Title, while Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic and Steve Robinson collide in what promises to be a fan-friendly heavyweight fire fight.

With opponents set for Ben Whittaker and Callum Simpson the full supporting cast is now in place for a dramatic night of boxing at The O2.

Whittaker (6-0, 5 KOs) has become a viral sensation with clips of his flamboyant showboating during his stoppage win over Khalid Graidia on February 3rd generating millions of views and global interest on social media.

Tipped for superstardom, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist will look to capitalise on his new-found attention by delivering another show stealing performance when he takes on Leon Willings (7-1, 2 KOs).

Rising super middleweight star Simpson (13-0, 9 KOs) will look to extend his unbeaten streak as he builds towards a British Title challenge.

Before the 27-year-old from Barnsley has his crack at the Lonsdale belt, he must first get past the experienced Tanzanian Dulla Mbabe (34-13-1, 29 KOs).

Over 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the stacked Easter Sunday ‘Bad Blood’ show with an additional allocation of tickets, priced from £35, now released due to demand and available for purchase via BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group, Fastline Steel Services, CarFinance 247 and VOW Nutrition.

POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN RETURNS HOME


POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN RETURNS HOME FOR SLUGFEST AT THE SUN:

TOP WORLD RATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT RICHIE RIVERA TO FIGHT UNDEFEATED MATHEW OBINNA APRIL 6 AT MOHEGAN SUN

Uncasville, CT (March 18, 2024) – Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns to the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena on April 6, 2024, as top world rated light heavyweight RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (E. Hartford, CT, 25-2 19KOs) makes his long-awaited return to Connecticut, against undefeated Nigerian, MATHEW “THE WISE MAN” OBINNA (Lagos, Nigeria, 23-0 23KOs), in a 10 round light heavyweight bout.

Rivera, a Connecticut son, has been an all-around notable athlete as far back as his pop warner days, playing football, baseball, basketball and having earned all-state honors as a swimmer in high school. His athleticism has translated to the boxing ring, being highly rated by all four major sanctioning bodies – #5 WBA, #7 WBC, #9 IBF and #14 WBO (Cruiserweight). Rivera is predicted to be the next star to grace the ring at Star Boxing’s “Slugfest at the Sun,” Star Boxing’s fan friendly series at Mohegan Sun has thrilled fans with former World Champions, Joe Smith Jr., Demetrius Andrade and Kali Reis (now star of hit HBO series True Detective), multi World Championship Challenger Delvin Rodriguez and numerous other notables.

Opposing Rivera is undefeated Nigerian Mathew Obinna, who has a perfect 100% KO ratio, having knocked out every man put in front of him in his professional career. Dubbed “The Wise Man” because his right hand has no problem teaching you a lesson, Obinna will be making his US debut in what is by far the biggest opportunity of his professional career.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the Rivera-Obinna main event, “We are excited to be back at the beautiful Mohegan Sun on April 6 with this exciting fight card featuring Richie (Popeye) Rivera, our world rated light heavyweight. Popeye entertains in and out of the ring and the undefeated Mathew Obinna promises he will bring firepower against Popeye. Popeye is just steps away from a major title fight, and he aims to prove it against a fighter with a perfect KO ratio. Be sure to get tickets as you won’t want to miss this show!”

Tickets to “Slugfest at the Sun” are on sale now at www.StarBoxing.com and start at just $40. The night of fights will feature a fantastic card, including some of the best talent in the area. More information will be announced soon regarding the undercard.

OKOLIE CHALLENGES ROZANSKI FOR WBC WORLD BRIDGERWEIGHT TITLE ON MAY 24TH IN POLAND


OKOLIE CHALLENGES ROZANSKI FOR WBC WORLD BRIDGERWEIGHT TITLE ON MAY 24TH IN POLAND

Lawrence Okolie will challenge Lukasz Rozanki for the WBC World Bridgerweight Title on Friday, May 24th in Rzeszow, Poland

The former WBO World Cruiserweight Title holder will travel to the champion’s hometown as he bids to become a two-weight world ruler. The world title action will be available to watch live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland

RZESZOW, POLAND (March 21, 2024) – Lawrence Okolie will challenge Lukasz Rozanski for the WBC World Bridgerweight Championship on Friday, May 24th at the Podpromie Arena in Rzeszow, Poland, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

The former British, Commonwealth, European and WBO World Cruiserweight king makes his long awaited return to the ring as he bids to become a two-weight world ruler by taking on the undefeated Rozanski in the champion’s backyard.

Rozanski, who boasts a frightening knockout ratio with fourteen of his fifteen victories coming inside the distance, will be bringing big-time boxing back to Rzeszow having claimed the WBC Bridgerweight belt with a ferocious first-round stoppage win over the previously unbeaten Alen Babic in front of his home fans in April last year.

Okolie, the 31-year-old from Hackney, who represented Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympics, first captured world honours in March 2021 with a knockout win over Rozanski’s countryman Krzysztof Glowacki.

‘The Sauce’ moves up in weight for his first professional bout above the 200lbs limit following a majority decision loss against former stablemate Chris Billam-Smith in an epic world title showdown in May 2023 at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

Lawrence Okolie said: “I’m excited to go to Poland and test myself yet again on away ground. Rozanski is a good champion, with an explosive style, but I’m coming to do some serious damage. He has never seen power like mine.”

Lukasz Rozanski said: “I’m defending my World Title in my own backyard, in my city, fighting against a former World Champion. It’s a fantastic fight, for moments like these, I’ve trained hard all my life.”

The WBC Bridgerweight World Title fight between Lukasz Rozanski and Lawrence Okolie will be the second event co-promoted by BOXXER and Knockout Promotions following a successful collaboration in April 2023.

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said: “We’re excited to be returning to Poland and working once again with our friends at Knockout Promotions for what promises to be another spectacular night of boxing. I was ringside to watch Rozanki beat Babic inside a round to claim the WBC Bridgerweight World Title so I know Lawrence will need to be at his best to bring the belt back to the UK. I believe at this heavier weight we will see the best and most destructive version of Lawrence Okolie.”

Andrew Wasilewski for Knockout Promotions said: “I’m delighted that Knockout Promotions will be organizing another gala in cooperation with our English colleagues from BOXXER. We had hoped that last year’s gala would be the beginning of further collaboration, and it is happening. We are thrilled and can’t wait.”

This event is presented in association with official partner Integritas Property Group.

AVIOUS ‘THA UNDERDOG’ GRIFFIN


AVIOUS ‘THA UNDERDOG’ GRIFFIN
Photo by Austyn Moreno – CTB Athletics

Avious Griffin Returns April 19 Against Jose Vargas Quintana in a Battle of Undefeated Welterweights

CHATTANOOGA, TN (March 21, 2024) – Undefeated welterweight Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin, hailing from the vibrant city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is gearing up for the most significant bout of his career as he steps into the ring under the expert guidance of Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, Ring Magazine’s 2023 Trainer of the Year.

The event, promoted by OTX (Overtime Boxing), whose motto is “About That ACTION,” will be broadcast live internationally on DAZN. The 8-round bout is scheduled for April 19, 2024, at the prestigious OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. OTX promises an evening filled with great matchups and nonstop action.

Griffin, with an unblemished record of (13-0, 12 KOs), is about to face his first undefeated fighter to date in his televised debut. His adversary is the unbeaten slugger from Colombia, Jose Vargas Quintana (9-0, 7 KOs), who poses a daunting challenge that Griffin must overcome in the ring. This by far is the most dangerous opponent Griffin will be facing.

Fresh off his arrival in Omaha, Nebraska, where he’s putting the finishing touches on his training camp alongside the legendary “BoMac”, Griffin shares his thoughts on what promises to be his most thrilling bout yet as a professional boxer.

“Making my debut on DAZN is a fighter’s dream come true, but for me it’s just another fight. I been fighting my whole life, now more people get to witness it” said Griffin, who goes by the nickname “Tha Underdog” after dealing with immense adversity having been falsely incarcerated. “It’s an honor to showcase my talent to the world, especially on an international platform with my new coach “Bo Mac” by my side. I can’t wait to give fans an unforgettable performance. I’m grateful for the opportunity Overtime and DAZN are giving me.”

“Avious is a special fighter, he has it all…skill, boxing IQ, speed, athleticism, charisma, and devastating power. I have no doubt he will rise to the occasion,” manager Brandon Stump, President of CTB Athletics, stated on Griffin’s upcoming fight. “This fight against Quintana is the step up in competition you can surely expect to see moving forward and with BoMac in his corner, I believe we’re on the cusp of witnessing something truly special for many years to come.”

Toronto’s undefeated light heavyweight Kareem “Supreme” Hackett to make 1st WBA Inter-Continental title defense March 30th on DAZN from L.A.

Toronto’s undefeated light heavyweight
Kareem “Supreme” Hackett to make 1st WBA Inter-Continental title defense March 30th on DAZN from L.A.

LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2024) – Toronto’s undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense March 30th against Rowdy Legend Montgomery (10-5-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-pound match on a Golden Boy Promotions card headlined by the WBA Cruiserweight World title fight between defending champion Arsen Goulimarian and Hackett’s stablemate, former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

All the action will be streamed live on DAZN from YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.

WBA No. 13 world-rated Hackett captured his crown last September 20th in Plant City, Florida, when he dominated 4-1 favorite and previously undefeated Clay Waterman (11-0, 8 KOs) en route to a 10-round unanimous decision, in which he won all 10 rounds on two of the judges’’ scorecards and nine on the other judge’s.

“I would have liked to fight sooner but that’s the way this business goes,” Hackett said. “It’s harder to get fights after winning my title than it was. A lot of good has happened since my last fight. I understand. I have a title and I’m world ranked. I have a clearer path towards a world title shot. I appreciate any opportunity to get in the ring.

“I’m getting more respect since I displayed my skills on ProBox.TV. (Announcers) Juan Manual Marguez, Paulie Malignaggi and Chris Algieri gave me a lot of props and that’s been very validating.”

Hackett has gained invaluable experience sparring world champions such as “Zurdo” Ramirez, Dmitry Bivol, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Sergio Mora, Mathew Macklin and David Benavidez.

Hackett has already established firsts by a Toronto boxer in terms of fighting on a Golden Boy Promotions card and becoming WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight title holder.

“I’m a trailblazer for Toronto boxing,” promotional free agent Hackett explained with great pride. “I want to bring the first world title home, for sure, and one day the undisputed and unified titles, too, Toronto is a big city with a lot of natural talent, but I don’t know why boxing hasn’t thrived there.”

Hackett is trained by fast-rising Julian Chua at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood (CA) and managed by 3 Point Management (3 PM).

“(Dmitry) Bivol is at the head of the light heavyweight division, and I know he’s a strong guy,” Hackett noted. “We’ve changed some things since my last fight with the end in mind. We’ve tripled down, strength-wise, for when we run into him. That’s the main change. I feel that I’m the most agile fighter in our division and I’m working on getting stronger to match my skills and ring IQ.”

In 2024, Hackett wants to add hardware and fight a top-10 ranked opponent but, at least for now, he’s happy to be in his fight with Montgomery in his second home, Los Angeles.

“I love that this fight is in LA,” Hackett concluded. “I’m comfortable in Los Angeles. I feel at home here and fighting in other places in California. I’m also excited to be fighting on a card headlined by one of my closest friends in boxing (Zurdo).

DiBella Entertainment Brings Broadway Boxing to Philly!

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS BROADWAY BOXING TO PHILADELPHIA AT THE 2300 ARENA ON THURSDAY, APRIL 18

PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 21, 2024) On Thursday, April 18, DiBella Entertainment’s acclaimed Broadway Boxing will make its debut in Philadelphia, PA, at the 2300 Arena. The 121st edition of the longest-running grassroots boxing series will be headlined by heavyweight contender “Gentleman” George Arias squaring off against the undefeated Skylar Lacy.

“I’ve wanted to bring Broadway Boxing to Philadelphia for a long time and I’m thrilled to debut the series at the 2300 Arena, where I know we will have a raucous, passionate crowd,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The heavyweight division remains in flux and is ripe with opportunities to break through. This card will feature two exciting and meaningful heavyweight clashes with contender George Arias making his ring return against an undefeated Skylar Lacy and rising undefeated prospect Roney Hines taking on his toughest assignment in the crafty and experienced Robert Hall Jr. Also, several popular Philadelphia prospects will populate the card, including the hard-hitting, superbly talented Tahmir Smalls as well as Erron Peterson and Romuel Cruz, both undefeated and under the guidance of boxing sage Breadman Edwards. Kestna Davis, a fighter advised by Lennox Lewis, and unbeaten female featherweight contender Tiara Brown will also compete.”

Dominican George Arias (18-1, 7 KOs), a New York Golden Gloves champion based out of The Bronx, NY, will face his ninth undefeated adversary when he meets Skylar Lacy (8-0-1, 6 KOs), of Indianapolis, IN, in the eight-round main event. Arias is coming off of a spirited battle against top-rated Jared Anderson last year. The six-foot-tall Arias will be giving up a significant height advantage to Lacy at six-foot-seven, though, he has shown he is very capable of dismantling a much taller foe. In December 2021, Arias upset the previously undefeated six-foot-six Cassius Chaney on points, outboxing him with fast hands and deft footwork. Lacy is coming off of a second-round stoppage victory against Hector Coronado on March 16 in Mexico.

“I am excited to get back in the ring. I’ve always believed that, as a fighter, one should be able to take risk and dare to be great. My last performance against Jared Anderson was exactly what I needed to understand that more is required of me,” said Arias. “I have been working tirelessly in the gym to perfect my flaws and my style. I am very thankful to my promoter, Lou DiBella, for believing in me and allowing me to develop. I can’t wait to begin a new chapter as a more mature and disciplined fighter on his way to becoming the first Dominican heavyweight champion of the world.”

The card will also feature a high-powered heavyweight clash between Cleveland’s Roney Hines and Johnson City, TN, native Robert Hall Jr., scheduled for eight rounds. The fight is a step-up for Hines (13-0-1, 8 KOs), who trains with veteran trainer Eric Brown in Los Angeles and is co-managed by Robert Diaz and Sheer Sports. He is coming off of a unanimous decision win against Jonathan Gruber last November. The 28-year-old Hines had an extensive amateur career that included over 90 fights and a win at the National Golden Gloves, before making his professional debut in July 2018. Hall Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs), a former WBC USNBC titlist, last entered the ring in September, when he faced contender Jerry Forrest, losing a unanimous decision over eight rounds.

“I’m going to show out,” said Hines of the contest. “I’m not worried about who’s in front of me. They have to deal with me. I was born to fight. You get up and brush your teeth, I get up and box. I just want to be the best.”

Undefeated 24-year-old Philadelphia welterweight Tahmir Smalls (11-0, 8 KOs) will take on Ezequiel Victor Fernandez (29-7-1, 3 KO’s), of San Juan, Argentina, in an eight-round bout. Smalls is a familiar face at the 2300 Arena, having previously fought there five times. With his father, Lawrence Smalls, as his trainer and a former amateur boxer himself, Tahmir has been around the sweet science all of his life and began competing at the age of eight. After winning the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves tournament, Smalls turned pro in September 2019. He trains out of Philly’s Next Champ boxing gym, also known as Bozy’s Dungeon, where Derrick “Bozy” Ennis trains his son, IBF welterweight world champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

Two unbeaten prospects trained by Stephen “Breadman” Edwards out of James Shuler Memorial Gym in West Philadelphia will appear on the undercard in separate bouts. Six-foot-tall middleweight southpaw Erron “JYD” Peterson (5-0-1, 4 KOs) was an All-City linebacker in high school before turning his full attention to boxing at the age of 21. Following a brief-but-successful amateur campaign, Peterson, managed by his father Salah, turned pro in July 2022. Junior featherweight Romuel “Cuco” Cruz (10-0-1, 4 KOs), promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions, was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, but moved to Philadelphia, PA, as a toddler. He began boxing as a teenager and has been under Edwards’ tutelage since his pro debut in December 2017.

Jamaican super welterweight southpaw Kestna “Hardball” Davis (5-0), based out of Vauxhall, NJ, will box in a four-round bout. He is advised by former undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Davis moved to the U.S. in 2018. Davis has been mentored by the former world champion since they met in July 2016 through the Lennox Lewis League of Champions Foundation.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Kestna in the ring. He’s been training hard after a while out, so it will be good to see how the work is paying off,” said Lewis.

Featherweight contender Tiara Brown (16-0, 11 KOs), of Lehigh Acres, FL, will compete in a six-round contest. Before moving back to Florida, where she was raised, to fully focus on her boxing career, Brown had been a police officer in Washington D.C., for nearly six years. She was once honored as the Police Officer of the Year by the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C. Brown will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time since 2019. She is coming off of a first-round stoppage victory against Angi Romero on February 17 in Colombia.

Additional information on the event will be announced shortly.

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