SPENCE vs. PORTER headline a dynamic night of Boxing on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View

Errol Spence (25-0, 21 KOs) and Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs) will battle against one another to unify the WBC/IBF welterweight championships live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View.

“This is going to be an amazing event,” Spence said. “The co-main event could be the main event on any normal, but this main event is going to be fire. You know it’s man down when I get in the ring and we’re going to show you just that on September 28. Shawn is a warrior who always comes to fight and leaves his heart on the table. He always comes ready, but I’m in shape and ready for him too. We’re both always in exciting fights and that’s what we’re going to give the fans.”

Porter has been waiting for opportunities like this his entire career. Porter has shared the ring with Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Yordenis Ugas, and Andre Berto, Kell Brook, Paulie Malignaggi, but was never considered the #1. Guy at 140 and 147 lbs.

“People don’t understand the level that Errol and I are on,” Porter said. “He’s expecting the same thing I’m expecting. We’re both training to go 12 hard rounds and out class each other. It’s all about that one moment, and I know I have what it takes to make that moment all mine. I’m looking forward to it. It was only a matter of time until this fight happened. I’ve been patient my entire career and never rushed anything. For me, this fight is happening on time. He’s amongst the elite of this division now and will be after September 28 no matter what.”

A victory over Spence on the biggest stage of their respective careers will put Porter atop everyone’s list for world’s best welterweight. Beating Spence will also open a widening door to challenge Manny Pacquiao, the WBA welterweight champion.

“When I beat Errol Spence Jr.,” Porter said, “it doesn’t mean he’s going away. He’s still elite. But I’m going to take care of him September 28 and go after Manny Pacquiao. That’s the plan.”

In addition to the main event, unbeaten former world champion David Benavidez (21-0, 18 KOs) will seek to regain the WBC super-middleweight championship when he battles Anthony Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) in the co-feature.

It has been a very long road for the two-time WBC 168-pound champion and a lot of tough fights, but Dirrell has a lot of experience and skills needed to topple a less-experienced 21-year-old, former undefeated world champion in Benavidez. However, most observers aren’t given him much of a chance to win on Saturday.

“Benavidez is a come forward fighter who throws a lot of punches,” Dirrell said. “You can frustrate him and do what you need to do to counteract that though. I’ve had some tough fights and people think that because of those fights, Benavidez is going to beat me. I feel otherwise. I’m the champion. I’m older and smarter and I’m going to go in there and defend my title successfully.”

Dirrell added: “I’m an experienced fighter. I’ve been doing this for 25 years going back to my amateur days. He’s only 22-years-old and he can’t possible know what I can do. He’s going to find out on September 28. I can’t only rely on just my experience. I have to throw punches and go in there to execute my game plan.

Benavidez, having served a four-month suspension following a failed drug test under VADA, was stripped of his world title without having lost in in the ring. In 2019, Benavidez returned and knocked out J’Leon Love in exciting fashion and plans to KO-destroy Dirrell to win his belt back.

“There’s a lot of motivation for me because he has my title,” Benavidez said. “We have respect outside the ring, but none of that will be in the ring. We’re both going for the knockout and it’s going to be a war from round one.”

Also, unbeaten Mario Barrios (24-0, 16 KOs) will clash against Batyr Akhmendov (7-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBA junior-welterweight title. The exciting Barrios is riding an eight-fight knockout streak and will enter into his first career world title fight on Saturday.

“Fighting on a card like this is a dream come true,” Barrios said. “This will be my third fight at STAPLES Center and I always get a lot of love in Los Angeles. It’s always an exciting experience and I’m looking forward to it again. I’m fighting for a title and I’m not going home to San Antonio without it. I know that he’s going to bring everything he’s got. This will be my toughest opposition by far, but that won’t change anything on September 28.”

Also on the card, Josesito Lopez (36-8, 19 KOs) and John Molina (30-8, 24 KOs) will battle in a crossroads welterweight fight. Former three-time world champion Robert Guerrero (35-6-1, 20 KOs) will fight a Jerry Thomas (14-1-1, 8 KOs) and super welterweight sensation Joey Spencer will appear in separate fights.

 

 

DiBella Entertainment Release: Broadway Boxing at “The Pope” live streamed on UFC Fight Pass on Oct. 24th

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

“BROADWAY BOXING AT THE POPE”

 

LIVE STREAMED ON UFC FIGHT PASS

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24  

ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE IN BROOKLYN, NY

   

MYKQUAN WILLIAMS DEFENDS WBC USNBC TITLE AGAINST TRE’SEAN WIGGINS IN MAIN EVENT 

 

Tickets On Sale Now!

Brooklyn, NY (September 27, 2019) DiBella Entertainment‘s acclaimed Broadway Boxing series returns to Brooklyn, NY, on Thursday, October 24, at the Generoso Pope Athletic Complex on the campus of St. Francis College. The 110th edition of the long-running Broadway Boxing series will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Headlining the event is the Broadway Boxing return of undefeated junior welterweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0, 7 KOs), of East Hartford, CT, who will defend his WBC USNBC title against Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-2, 6 KOs), of Johnstown, PA, in a scheduled 10-rounder.

Tickets for the event, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance, are priced at $160, $110, $80 and $50 and available here or by calling 212-947-2577. The Generoso Pope Athletic Complex is located at 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

“I’m very excited to bring Mykquan Williams back to New York on Thursday, October 24, and to host this card at St. Francis College, in Brooklyn, NY, for ‘Broadway Boxing at the Pope’ streamed live on UFC Fight Pass,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Mykey scored a sensational knockout in his New York debut last year and his next opponent, dangerous veteran Tre’Sean Wiggins, will be his toughest test yet. A portion of each ticket sold will go toward the college’s Robert J. McGuire Scholarship, aimed at providing deserving students with the tools necessary to build successful careers in business.

“St. Francis College is also the home of the Arthur Curry Scholarship, named in memory of my dear friend and former HBO colleague. I’ve always noted that boxers are generally not privileged young men and women and I support St. Francis College in their mission to encourage and educate first generation college students.”

“I can’t wait to fight in New York again,” stated Williams. “Boxing fans there are a special breed and not easy to impress, but the atmosphere is second to none. I know Wiggins is a very solid fighter, my toughest fight so far, but I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.”

A portion of the proceeds from “Broadway Boxing at the Pope” shall go toward the Robert J. McGuire Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance to worthy SFU students.

Said Robert J. McGuire, Benefactor and Namesake of the scholarship, “I am privileged to be a part of this wonderful effort to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students at St. Francis College. There is no more powerful combination than a great educational institution, a wonderful group of donors led by Fred and Judy Wilpon and an outstanding group of young scholars for whom the future is bright.”

Guided by legendary manager Jackie Kallen, Williams returns to the ring following a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Rickey Edwards on May 17, at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. In his last New York appearance on February 7, 2018, Williams stunned the packed house at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill with a first-round knockout of Preston Wilson.

Fighting in Philadelphia to kick off 2019, the 29-year-old southpaw Wiggins won an eight-round unanimous decision versus hometown favorite Samuel Teah on February 23, to capture the Pennsylvania State super lightweight title. Following that up on April 26, also in Philadelphia, Wiggins battled to a hotly contested eight-round draw with popular local prospect Branden Pizarro.

Co-featured on “Broadway Boxing at the Pope“, Joseph “Mack” Williams Jr. (13-0, 8 KOs), of Far Rockaway, NY, will be making his debut in the super middleweight division. He steps back into the ring on October 24 following a six-round unanimous decision versus Jose Mario Flores on April 10, in New York City. Williams was a decorated amateur, winning the 2012 National Golden Gloves, competing at the 2012 Olympic box-offs, and serving as an alternate at the London Olympics for the United States. Williams was also a three-time New York Golden Gloves champion in addition to competing in the 2011 Amateur World Championships.

Heavyweight George Arias (14-0, 7 KOs), of The Bronx, NY, will engage in a scheduled eight-rounder in his third fight of 2019. The undefeated 27-year-old has gone the eight-round distance twice this year in dominant performances against Robert Simms on March 2 and Keith Barr on May 17. Born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Arias moved to New York City in 1996, at the age of four. After graduating from high school, he learned to box at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home. Arias won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 2014 then turned professional that October. He is trained and managed by Leon Washington Jr.

Fighting in an eight-round bout, Jose Roman (9-0, 4 KOs), a welterweight prospect from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, will return to the Big Apple for the first time since his New York debut on June 21, 2018. On that date, Roman earned a unanimous points victory against Marcus Beckford. He has since added three more wins to his ledger, all at home in Puerto Rico. In his last bout, on July 13, Roman defeated 9-1 Damian Sosa via six-round unanimous decision. Roman turned pro in September 2016 and was a three-time member of the Puerto Rican National Boxing team as an amateur.

Haitian-American Melissa St. Vil (11-4-4, 1 KO), from Brooklyn NY, will compete in a six-rounder at lightweight, determined to rebound from a hard-fought loss in a world title challenge to then-WBC lightweight titlist Delfine Persoon in March. St. Vil debuted in 2007 and quickly showed promise, defeating Jennifer Han, who currently holds the IBF featherweight title, in her third pro bout. She has been a road warrior for her entire career, always willing to travel to her opponent’s backyard, while fighting abroad in New Zealand, China, Haiti and Finland. It was in Auckland, New Zealand, where St. Vil captured the WBC Silver Female Super Featherweight Title in April 2016, defeating Baby Nansen, then traveling to Chengdu, China, to defend that belt against Katy Wilson Castillo in July. In April 2018, St. Vil battled then-unbeaten WBC Female Super Featherweight champion Eva Wahlstrom, losing a close, majority decision in her adversary’s home turf of Finland. Five months later, she made her hometown debut in Brooklyn, handing unbeaten prospect Mayra Hernandez her first loss.

Former amateur standout Jude “King Zar” Franklin (9-0-1, 8 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, looks to return to the win column following the only blemish of his three years as a professional; a six-round majority draw against Aleem Jumakhonov on March 8, in Queens, NY. The 24-year-old Franklin, winner of his three previous bouts by knockout, will compete in a six-round featherweight bout. Franklin was born in the US, but spent much of his youth in Trinidad and Tobago before moving back to the States permanently at age 13, settling in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Shortly thereafter, Franklin’s mother took him to Gleason’s Gym where he was introduced to trainer Elmo Serrano. They’ve been working together ever since and Franklin accumulated an impressive 60-11 record as an amateur. Before turning pro in February 2016, Franklin won gold medals at the NY Metros Tournament, twice at the Bergen County Tournament, Battle of the Tri-State Tournament and at the Trinidad and Tobago National Championships, as well as a silver medal at the 2014 Junior Olympics.

 

Popular junior featherweight Khalid Twaiti (5-0, 3 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, will see action in his first scheduled six-round bout. The 23-year-old Twaiti began 2019 with a third-round knockout of Jeno Tonte on April 10, in New York City. Trained by Don Saxby out of Gleason’s Gym, Twaiti turned pro in February 2017 after compiling a 74-15 amateur record.

Additional information for “Broadway Boxing at the Pope”, including a full slate of televised bouts, will be announced shortly.

Bellator MMA Press Release: World Grand Prix Selection Show to take place during Bellator 228 Broadcast on DAZN this Saturday!!!

BELLATOR FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX SELECTION SHOW TO TAKE PLACE LIVE DURING BELLATOR 228 BROADCAST ON DAZN

 FULL CARD SET FOR THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT THE FORUM IN LOS ANGELES

 BELLATOR 228 AIRS EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN AT 10 P.M. ET/7 P.M. PT

LOS ANGELES – The opening round of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix will conclude with Bellator’s two-division champion Patricio “Pitbull” (29-4) defending his 145-pound title against Juan Archuleta (23-1) at Bellator 228 on Saturday, September 28 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Before the title is defended, the opening round will also see former Bellator bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell (13-3) move up in weight to battle Henry Corrales (17-3), two of Bellator’s top European athletes Daniel Weichel (39-11) and Saul Rogers (13-2) square off and AJ McKee (14-0) looking to extend the longest winning streak in Bellator history against Georgi Karakhanyan (28-9-1, 1 NC).

Lastly on the main card, a battle between two of the sport’s most prolific middleweights will also take place, as former UFC world champion Lyoto Machida (26-8) looks to improve to 2-0 against Bellator’s former 185-pound champion, Gegard Mousasi (45-7-2) in a highly anticipated clash.

 Bellator 228 will stream live exclusively on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com, DAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

For the first time ever, the Bellator World Grand Prix adds a new and exciting element that puts the upcoming matchups solely in the hands of the fighters. Following the conclusion of the title bout between “Pitbull” and Archuleta, the advancing competitors will take center stage for the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Selection Show to set the bracket for the rest of the tournament and determine their fate at becoming world champion and taking home one million dollars.

The fighters will begin by drawing a random number in the order in which they competed in their respective opening round bouts, with Emmanuel Sanchez set to pick first. This number will dictate the order in which they select their desired slot in the bracket, beginning with No. 1. Seeing the upcoming event dates and any previous picks made, and with the help of a coach or training partner that will be allowed onstage with the fighter to consult, a decision must be made…is the date of the next round of the utmost importance? Do you take on an “easier” opponent to try and advance to the next round? Or do you go toe-to-toe with a fierce rival right away in pursuit of a world title?

Prior to Bellator 228’s main card, multiple must-see preliminary bouts are set to go off, including Shawn Bunch (9-3) vs. Leandro Higo (18-5) at bantamweight, as well as the in-ring returns of both Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace AJ Agazarm (1-1) and Machida brother-training partner Weber Almeida (2-0), and the MMA debut of former WBC and IBF champ Ava Knight, as she trades in her boxing gloves for MMA gloves for the first time. Notably, fans will also see the return of Antonio McKee (29-6-2), father of AJ McKee, who competes for the first time since 2014 against William Sriyapai (14-8).

Bellator 228 – Exclusively on DAZN– 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Middleweight Feature Bout: Lyoto Machida (26-8) vs. Gegard Mousasi (45-7-2)

—Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Selection Show–

Featherweight World Grand Prix Title Bout: Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (29-4) vs. Juan Archuleta (23-1)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Opening Round: AJ McKee (14-0) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (28-9-1, 1 NC)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Opening Round: Darrion Caldwell (13-3) vs. Henry Corrales (17-3)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Opening Round: Daniel Weichel (39-11) vs. Saul Rogers (13-2)

Preliminary Card – Live and free on the Bellator app – 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Adrian Najera (1-0) vs. Jason Edwards (2-0)

130-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Johnny Santa Maria (3-4) vs. Benji Gomez (8-13)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Andre Walker (5-2) vs. Ozzy Diaz (3-1)

165-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Emilio Williams (4-2, 2 NC) vs. Ian Butler (6-6, 1 NC)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: AJ Agazarm (1-1) vs. Jonathan Quiroz (3-3)

Strawweight Preliminary Bout: Ava Knight (Pro Debut) vs. Shannon Goughary (4-3)

165-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Antonio McKee (29-6-2) vs. William Sriyapai (14-8)

175-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Mike Jasper (13-5) vs. Johnny Cisneros (12-7)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Shawn Bunch (9-3) vs. Leandro Higo (18-5)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Weber Almeida (2-0) vs. Castle Williams (4-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Joshua Jones (8-4) vs. Dominic Clark (14-8)

133-lb. Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: James Barnes (11-4) vs. David Duran (8-5)

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

*Card subject to change.

***

 

 

DiBella Entertainment Release: Richard Commey “more than ready” for Teofimo Lopez

RICHARD COMMEY “MORE THAN READY” FOR TEOFIMO LOPEZ

 

Saturday, December 14 at Madison Square Garden and

Telecast Live on ESPN

 

(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)   

New York, NY (September 26, 2019) On December 14, Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing, will once again play host to one of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing as IBF Lightweight World Champion Richard Commey (29-2, 26 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, makes the second defense of his title against #1-ranked mandatory challenger Teofimo Lopez (14-0, 11 KOs), also of Brooklyn, NY. The 12-round clash will be broadcast live on ESPN.

A native of the boxing rich country of Ghana, the hard-punching Commey is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, trained by Andre Rozier and managed by Keith Connolly and Mickey Amoo-Bediako, of Streetwise Management. On February 2, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and won the world lightweight title in a brilliant second-round knockout of Isa Chaniev in Dallas, TX. Making his first defense on June 28, he dominated and stopped former world champion Ray Beltran in the eighth round in Temecula, California. Both fights were also telecast live on ESPN.

Said Commey, “I’m really excited to be defending my belt at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. To be one of the featured bouts at such a prestigious venue is what dreams are made of. I have worked hard to be in this position and will be working harder to stay here. I want to thank my promoter Lou DiBella, my managers Michael Amoo-Bediako and Keith Connolly and my trainer Andre Rozier for making this happen for me.”

“Since winning his world title and defending it in dominant fashion, Richard has shown that he is ready for anyone in the lightweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Commey is the champion and Lopez is a far less experienced challenger. Richard is the A-side unless and until Teofimo is able to prove otherwise on December 14 at Madison Square Garden.”

“Richard Commey can’t wait until December 14 to show the entire boxing world that he’s one of the most underrated champions in the sport,” said co-manager Keith Connolly. “If he beats a guy like Teofimo Lopez, who is one of the most hyped young prospects in the sport and deservedly so, Richard will prove to be a bonafide A-level world champion.”

“It’s been a long journey, but Richard is now getting the rewards that his hard work and sacrifice deserve,” said co-manager Mickey Amoo-Bediako. “Team Commey is looking forward to seeing Richard write another chapter in his remarkable story, which will lead him to his ultimate destiny and that’s to be the undisputed lightweight champion of the world.”

Stated trainer Rozier, “Being in training camp with Richard is like a trip to Disneyland. Fun, exciting and enjoyable, he’ll be more than ready on December 14.”

Fighting on July 19, in his last bout, the 22-year-old Lopez struggled to a 12-round unanimous decision against Masayoshi Nakatini setting up the world title showdown with Commey.

David Benavidez: “I will knock Anthony Dirrell out.”

In addition to the World Welterweight Championship unification fight between Errol Spence (25-0, 21 KOs), the IBF champion, and Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs), the WBC champion, in the main event, unbeaten former super-middleweight champion, David Benavidez (21-0, 18 KOs) is set to challenge Anthony Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) for the WBC 168-pound championship in the co-feature.

Benavidez vs. Dirrell can be seen on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday beginning at 9 PM/ET.

“I’m thankful to my team for allowing me to be in this fight,” Benavidez said. “It’s going to be an amazing card with Errol Spence and Shawn Porter, two of the biggest welterweight stars in boxing right now. I get to co-headline the pay-per-view and I also get to go fight for my title back, which is something that I have wanted since I lost it.”

In September 2017, Benavidez, at age 20, became the youngest boxer to ever win a super-middleweight title when he beat Ronald Gavril. Benavidez has proven that he has the style, the skills, and the passion to become one boxing’s most exciting and toughest fighters to beat.

The 22-year-old Mexican-American is set for the biggest challenge of his career when he challenges Dirrell in an attempt to become a two-time WBC 168-pound champion.

Long considered a boy amongst men, by the time Benavidez was fifteen years of age, he had already reached 72-inches in height and had sparred around the country with world champions: Genndady Golovkin, Kelly Pavlik, ‘Kid Chocolate’ Peter Quillin, and powerhouse Lateef Kayode.

Benavidez had difficulty finding fights in the amateur ranks, which is why his family elected to turn him professional at age 16 in August 2013 in Mexico. Benavidez won his first seven fights, via knockout and has stopped 17 of his first 18 opponents including both ‘Mama’s Boy’ Dennis Douglin and a previously unbeaten Fancy Ntetu in 2016.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point in my life,” Benavidez said. “I’m only 22 years old and I’m fighting for my second world title, so everyone knows I’m very talented. People want to see me because I have exciting fights. I feel like I could be that next star, because I’m bringing that old school boxing back and knocking people out. If I’m not knocking them out, I’m beating them up the whole fight.”

In September 2017, Benavidez engaged Gavril into a very exciting fight for the vacant WBC 168-pound title. After twelve rounds of non-stop action, Benavidez became the youngest to win a title at 168 lbs. In his first title defense, Benavidez retained his belt in a rematch with Gavril in more convincing fashion, via unanimous decision in February 2018.

Benavidez, however, was stripped of his world championship after he reportedly tested positive for cocaine following a urine sample collected from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA). Benavidez returned from suspension in March to knock out J’Leon Love; thus, awarded by the WBC an opportunity to win his belt back by fighting Dirrell next.

Benavidez, although he is only 22, is a complete beast inside the boxing ring and Dirrell is going to have his hands full when the two meet on Saturday. Benavidez believes that he is absolutely the best and that he wants to regain his title in convincing fashion by knocking Dirrell out.

“I am very excited and motivated. Anthony Dirrell is a rugged tough fighter and a veteran in this sport,” Benadivez said. “I have been watching him since I was 13 years old. This is a fight that I really want and I know I can go in there and really dominate and I am going to do that in spectacular fashion. I will knock Anthony Dirrell out.”

Errol Spence on Shawn Porter: “He is in my way.”

Saturday’s welterweight championship unification bout between Errol Spence (25-0, 21 KOs), the IBF champion and Shawn Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs), the WBC champion, is part of an unofficial tournament that is part of a series of big welterweight fights that will lead to an eventual showdown with Manny Pacquiao, the WBA champion.

SPENCE vs. PORTER will headline a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event live from staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.

“He didn’t want to fight me,” Spence said. “I wanted him. I have no choice but to come out on top. I’m the guy that’s going to make the fight on pay-per-view. I’m the guy that’s going to make the most money. So I feel like he didn’t have a choice but to fight me. It just had to happen.”

Spence has been on a tear since turning professional in November 2012. The more we’ve seen of Spence, the more we’ve watched him grow into, arguably, the #1 welterweight on the planet. More than two years ago, Spence traveled to Sheffield, England to defeat hometown favorite Kell Brook to win the IBF 147-pound title in front of 30,000 people.

Undefeated in four career world title fights, Spence defeated another ‘pound-for-pound’ talent in Mikey Garcia in March. Spence will attempt to remain unbeaten by unifying the IBF/WBC titles against Porter.

“I want to be the best,” Spence added. “I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world and he is in my way. I feel like by the end of next year, you’ll find out who is really the best welterweight in the division.”

Porter is no easy task for any one. Just as Keith Thurman, who defeated him by the narrowest of margins in an all-out classic at the Barclays Center – years ago. Just ask Danny ‘Swift’ Garcia, who arguably has one of the glossiest resumes’ of any former two-division champion at 140 & 147 lbs. in the last several years. Porter defeated Garcia in another classic welterweight clash at the Barclays Center last Fall. Just ask Devon Alexander, who lost his IBF title to Porter at the Barclays Center several years ago in a one-sided fight.

“When I fought Keith Thurman in 2016, he was considered to be the most dangerous guy in the division,” Porter said. “I wanted to take that away from him. I wanted to take that title away from him. So yes, in a lot of ways, I’ve been down this road before. I think I’m more prepared this time around. When you talk about the new monster in the division as Errol Spence Jr., I’m not foreign to taking on those challenges, or being prepared for this kind of challenge. I’m not foreign to understanding what a fighter can do and what skills he possesses.”

Porter believes, regardless of the ‘monster’ Spence is at 147, he will emerge victorious on Saturday.

“I’m willing and able to come out on top of the challenge,” Porter added. “That’s why he was selected. Once he got a belt, I needed to get a belt. There’s nothing but excitement around this.”

The winner of Spence-Porter will most likely emerge as the consensus # 1. Challenger to face Manny Pacquiao, boxing first-ever eight-division world titlist. Since joining the PBC roster, the 40-year-old ‘Pacman’ has looked stellar in matches against Thurman and Adrian Broner. The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) will defends against David Benavidez (21-0, 18 KOs), an unbeaten former world champion, in the co-main event.

Also, Mario Barrios (24-0, 16 KOs) and Batyr Akhmedov (7-0, 6 KOs) will clash for the vacant WBA junior-welterweight title. Josesito Lopez (36-8, 19 KOs) and John Molina Jr. (30-8, 24 KOs) will battle in a scheduled 10-round welterweight contest. Also, 2016 Mexican Olympians Misael Rodriguez (9-0, 4 KOs) and Lindolfo Delgado (10-0, 10 KOs) will appear in separate fights. Also, hard-hitting super lightweight Fabian Maidana (16-1, 12 KOs), in a scheduled eight-rounder, will fight a Ramses Agaton (21-10-3, 11 KOs). Dallas, TX hometown prospects Burley Brooks (3-0, 3 KOs), Amon Rashidi (7-0, 5 KOs), and Alfonso Olvera (11-6- 3, 4 KOs) will all appear in separate fights.

Star Boxing Release: Star Boxing’s “Rockin Fights” Electrifies The Paramount Once Again

STAR BOXING’S “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” ELECTRIFIES 

THE PARAMOUNT ONCE AGAIN

TYRONE JAMES REMAINS UNDEFEATED AFTER A TKO IN HIS FIRST MAIN EVENT AT THE PARAMOUNT

JUNIOR ALMONTE & ENRESTO GARZA III THRILLER

POTENTIAL ‘FIGHT OF THE YEAR’ NOMINEE 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” has been a staple in the New York boxing scene since its inception in 2011.  Eight years later, the acclaimed fight series is continuing to thrive, proven by last night’s electric atmosphere, and thrilling fights.

In the main event, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (Elmont, NY now 11-0 8KO’s) brought the fight to the Oklahoma native, DENNIS “THE PAWNEE EXPRESS” KNIFECHIEF (Shawnee, OK now 12-11-1 5KO’s) in the scheduled 8-round super welterweight bout.  James wasted no time in taking control of the fought, as just five punches into the first round, he dropped Knifechief with a three-punch combination.  To Knifechief’s credit, he got off the canvas, and continued to fight.  However, the next four rounds would be more of the same, as James lived up to his promise of showing flash, speed and power.  Finally, 28 seconds into the fifth round, referee Tony Chiarantano had seen enough and stopped the action.

James had this to say about his first main event victory, “It was a great fight.  The opponent [Knifechief] was tough as nails.  I’m happy I was able to get rounds in and I hope I made the crowd proud with my 5th KO in the row. “

In the co-feature bout, Dominican Republic rising star, and #24 world rated bantamweight, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE (Dominican Republic, now 13-0 9KO’s) defended his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title against amateur standout, ERNESTO GARZA III (Saginaw, MI now 10-3 6KO’s).  If you missed this fight, we highly suggest you catch up by watching it, HERE.  This fight had fight of the year excitement, written all over it and it lived up to expectations.  Almonte and Garza traded absolute bombs for eight straight rounds.  Both men were sharp and in excellent condition, and took turns demonstrating their power and speed.  Almonte scored a knockdown in the 4th round, but Garza, would not allow it to faze him, jumping right back into the action-packed fight.  Both fighters left every ounce of themselves in the ring.  After the eight heated and crowd-pleasing rounds, the undefeated Almonte retained his title, winning a unanimous decision.  (78-73 (x2), 77-74)

Almonte had this to say about his US debut, “I knew it was going to be a tough.  Mexicans are warriors, plus I had never fought a southpaw before.  I’m just glad that I was able to showcase my skill in the USA.  People are going to remember the name ‘Bombita’ for a long time”

If you thought that you were in a soccer stadium, during the ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (Bellport, NY now 4-0 1KO) vs DEO KIZITO (Silver Springs, MD by way of Uganda, now 3-4 2KO’s), we understand why.  Chants, songs and cheers broke out from the masses at The Paramount, rooting on Long Island favorite, and New York Golden Glove champion, Alex Vargas.  Vargas displayed great speed in his combinations throughout the four-round fight and Kizito exhibited a great ability to give and take.  At the end of the four rounds, Vargas earned the unanimous decision victory.  (40-36 (x3))

Alex Vargas said this about his fourth consecutive win, “It felt great to be back in the ring again after 7 months.  It was exciting to be fighting in my hometown of Long Island and getting a win”

In the opening bout of the evening, New York Police Department (32nd Precinct) officer, EMMAUNEL ETIENNE (Uniondale, NY now 1-0 1KO) took on CHARLES JOHNSON (Upper Marlboro, MD now 1-4 1KO) in his pro-debut over a four-round cruiserweight bout.  Etienne controlled the action for much of the fight showing impressive speed and movement for a Cruiserweight.  Attacking both the head and body, Etienne left Johnson on unsteady legs more than one time during the fight.  In the third-round, Etienne closed in on Johnson, bearing down with flush body to head combinations, causing the referee to stop the action, 35 seconds into the third round, earning the TKO victory in his pro-debut.

Emmanuel said this about his epic night, “It was a surreal experience, jumping on the ropes after the win is something you see in the movies are in your dream but to actually experience it is crazy.  Your hard work will pay off”

Star Boxing, CEO JOE DEGUARDIA said this about last night’s fights, “What a thrilling night of fights at The Paramount.  This fight series has truly brought fight fans some of the best fights and fighters in New York, and last night, Junior Almonte and Ernesto Garza may have brought the fight of the year.  Tyrone James once again showed his skill, and why he is on the path to becoming the newest bright star of the Paramount. Be sure to get your tickets now for our next Paramount event (November 23) “

Photo Credit: Star Boxing

Peter Quillin loses to journeyman Angulo, in-ring future in doubt?

‘Kid Chocolate’ Peter Quillin was one of the premier middleweights in the world. Blowing kisses into the crowd following each victory, Quillin’s career reached new heights the night Boxing returned to Brooklyn live from the Barclays Center on October 20, 2012.

On that night, Quillin scored repeated knockdowns of Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam through twelve rounds to win the WBO middleweight championship in one of the biggest nights in boxing history.

It appeared as though Quillin would become a household name; defending a world title in an amazing venue for sports and entertainment. Quillin would return several months later to Barclays and knocked out Fernando Guerrero in another impressive performance in April 2013.

After four world title-fight victories, Quillin’s career had suddenly began to change. Quillin was set to make a career-high $1.4 million purse against Matt Korobov, but vacated his 160-lb. title. In 2015, Quillin fought Andy Lee to an uninspiring draw.

Quillin had a chance to become a two-time middleweight titlist when he challenged Danny Jacobs for the WBA title in February 2015 at the Barclays Center. In a stunning performance, Quillin was buzzed early in the fight by a blitzing Jacobs. Quillin didn’t make it out of the very first round. Many would argue that Quillin would never be the same aggressive fighter he was prior to facing Jacobs.

Immediately following the loss to Jacobs, Quillin was absent from the ring for nearly two years. He returned in 2017, but fought only once. In 2018, Quillin gained a lot of momentum after he battered J’ Leon Love through ten rounds. In 2019, Quillin was sharp in his fight with Caleb Truax, but an accidental clash of heads led to a No-Contest.

Quillin was given a tremendous push leading up to his fight last Saturday at the Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, CA against Alfredo Angulo, an experienced boxer known for his aggressiveness. Quillin was expected to defeat Angulo soundly and decisively. Shockingly, however, Quillin (35-2-1, 23 KOs) looked shaky and was engaged in a slugfest that saw Angelo (26-7, 21 KOs) emerge victorious, via split-decision.

The judges had it 96-94 (Angulo), 96-94 (Quillin), and 97-93 (Angulo).

“It’s a lot of hard things to swallow with all that’s going on in my career but,” Quillin said, “it was a great fight for the fans.”

It was an entertaining fight, but no one expected Angulo to last the entire ten rounds and push Quillin to the brink of losing. Although Quillin wasn’t dropped, Angulo’s punches often hurt Quillin. According to CompuBox, Quillin landed 291 of 694 (42%) punches and 152 of 350 (43%) power punches. However, Angulo landed the harder shots that did the most damage. Angulo landed 164 of 695 (24%) total punches with 154 of the powered shots.

Quillin did not look comfortable at all in that ring and may need to reassess what he is doing in his career professionally.

As for Angulo, this was perhaps the most significant victory he has had in more than a decade. Having lost so many tremendous opportunities against the likes of Canelo Alvarez, James Kirkland, Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron, amongst others, a 37-year-old Angulo, as faded as he is, still had enough toughness and ability left to defeat Quillin.

It was an entertaining fight between two fighters in their mid-30s looking to resurrect their fading careers. Perhaps the two should fight in a rematch.

In other bouts: Thomas Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) handed Terrel Williams (18-1, 13 KOs) the first professional loss of his career, via unanimous decision. The judges had it 98-91 (twice) and 96-93. Dulorme almost knocked Williams out in the final minute of the last round.

Rising 22-year-old prospect Chris Colbert (13-0, 5 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, knocked out the one highly-touted Miguel Beltran (33-8, 22 KOs) in round one.

Super lightweight Jesus Ramos (11-0, 10 KOs) knocked out Rickey Edwards (12-4, 3 KOs) in spectacular style in round three.

Unbeaten super-featherweight Francisco Ochoa (16-0, 9 KOs) defeated Clay Burns (8-6-2, 4 KOs), via unanimous decision.

Lightweight Michel Rivera (16-0, 11 KOs) defeated Jose Luis Gallegos (16-8, 12 KOs) when he referee stopped the fight at the end of the fifth round because, Gallegos was taking too much punishment.

Peter Khamukov (4-0, 1 KO) scored four knockdowns and stopped Randy Fuentes (9-9-1, 2 KOs) in round four.

Undefeated super-middleweight Jonathan Esquivel (12-0, 11 KOs) dropped Justin Steave (10-3, 4 KOs) three times before knocking him out with a brutal uppercut to the body in round two.

WBSS Release: Prograis & Taylor clash for the Ali Trophy in London on 26 October

The World Boxing Super Series Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final between USA’s Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Scotland’s Josh Taylor (15-0, 13 KOs) lands at The O2 in London on October 26, as Derek Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) and Joseph Parker (26-2, 20 KOs) meet in a crunch Heavyweight showdown, show live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the U.S.

Prograis and Taylor entered the World Boxing Super Series and the quest for the Ali Trophy as the two highest-seeded boxers in a loaded super-lightweight bracket.

No.1 seed Prograis earned his spot in the final by outdoing Terry Flanagan on points last October, and then went on to stop Kiryl Relikh in round 6 and take the WBA World title in the semi in late April. Meanwhile, second seed Taylor stopped Ryan Martin in round 7 last November and then proceeded to decision Ivan Baranchyk to claim the IBF World title in May.

WBA World Champion & WBC Diamond Champion Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis will be traveling to the UK after having fought the quarter- and semi-final in his home state of Louisiana. “I’m very excited to get everything settled for this fight,” said Prograis.

“This is the fight I wanted the most and it’s the fight to prove who is the best in the division. My goal has always been the same and that’s to prove I’m the best 140lbs fighter in the world and to become undisputed.

“It has always been a dream for me to fight in London. The boxing fans in the UK are some of the best in the world and I can’t wait to go and put on a show. I know once they see me fight they’ll be fans for life.

“Taylor is, in my opinion, is the 2nd 140lbs in the world after myself. He had two great performances leading into the finals and I’m looking forward to fighting the best Josh Taylor on October 26th.”

IBF World Champion & WBC Silver Champion Josh ‘The Tartan Tornado’ Taylor boxed both of his preliminary bouts in Glasgow and is now moving to neutral ground at the famous O2 in England’s capital.

“I’m massively excited,” said Taylor. “I want to prove that I’m the best in the division by taking on the best fighters. Now it’s finally over the line I can concentrate on getting to work in the gym and going full steam ahead again.

“I’m very confident that I can outbox him and outfight him as well, I can’t see anything other than a Josh Taylor win on October 26. It will be a huge buzz to fight for the Muhammad Ali trophy in front of a huge crowd at The O2. I believe that I am the best fighter in the division and now it’s time to prove it.”

Comosa, the organiser of the World Boxing Super Series, is looking forward to taking the Ali Trophy to London.

“This is a true super-fight and another huge Ali Trophy moment,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer. “Two unbeaten, in-prime World Champions meet to settle who is best in the division, two boxers who have performed at the very highest level in this tournament.

“In this terrific match-up of two undefeated gladiators, it is very difficult to predict who will be raising the Ali Trophy in the end. One thing is sure, it is going to be an enthralling showdown not to be missed!”

In the co-feature, Derek Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) will be targeting another explosive victory in his showdown with New Zealand’s Parker (26-2, 20 KOS), a former WBO Heavyweight World Champion, as two exciting contenders collide in the Capital. ‘WAR’ Chisora is back at the scene of last month’s dramatic knockout triumph over Poland’s Artur Szpilka while Parker returns to Britain after back-to-back stoppages of Alexander Flores and Alex Leapai.

Fans are advised to sign-up to receive ticket alerts about the Season II Finals here,

DAZN, the world’s largest dedicated live sports streaming service, will exclusively bring U.S. fight fans the WBSS Season II Finals. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

WBSS Season 2 Finals:

 

Bantamweights

Naoya Inoue vs Nonito Donaire – 7 November, Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

 

Super-Lightweights

Regis Prograis vs Josh Taylor – 26 October, The O2, London, UK

 

Cruiserweights

Mairis Briedis vs Yunier Dorticos

 

CANELO vs. KOVALEV on DAZN, Nov. 2, MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN sent shockwaves throughout the boxing business over the weekend by announcing on all social media platforms CANELO vs. KOVALEV live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, November 2, in Las Vegas. DAZN in stream live from all nine of its world-wide markets: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan.

Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 34 KOs) will attempt to become only the second Mexican boxer in history to win a world light-heavyweight title when he challenges Sergui Kovalev (34-3-1, 28 KOs) for his WBO championship.

“The second phase of my career is continuing just as we had planned, and that’s why we are continuing to make great fights to enter into the history books of boxing,” Alvarez said. “That’s also why I’ve decided to jump two weight classes against one of the most feared champions of recent years. Kovalev is a dangerous puncher, and he’s naturally the bigger man, but that’s the kind of challenges and risks that I like to face.”

Coincidentally, CANELO vs. KOVALEV will go head-to-head with UFC #244 live from Madison Square Garden from New York City.

It was highly-anticipated that Canelo would fight Gennady Golovkin for the third consecutive year on the weekend of Mexican Independence Day. Unfortunately, Canelo-GGG 3 will have to wait a while longer.

Instead, Golovkin will attempt to regain the now vacant IBF middleweight championship when he battles a Sergiy Derevyanchenko on October 5, live from the Garden. Canelo, one month later, will move up to light-heavyweight to challenge Sergui ‘The Krusher’ Kovalev for his WBO light-heavyweight championship.

In 2018, Canelo became a free agent when HBO decided to exit the boxing business producing hundreds of fights for more than several decades. Canelo, along with his promoter Oscar De La Hoya/Golden Boy signed an exclusive 5-year, 11-fight deal worth $365 million to fight on DAZN, an online streaming service at also offers Bellator MMA and select Major League Baseball (MLB) programming, soccer, and other sports.

Since signing with DAZN, Canelo, in December 2018, moved up to super-middleweight to win the WBA title from an overmatched Rocky Fielding. In May, Canelo successfully unified his WBC/WBA middleweight titles against previous IBF 160-lb. titlist Danny Jacobs.

This third fight under this massive deal with DAZN, Canelo will move up from 160 to 175 to challenge Kovalev, a three-time world champion at 175 lbs. Kovalev is as tough, as skillful, and as dangerous as they come. Kovalev, a former unified WBO/WBA and IBF champion has fought a ‘Who’s, whom’ list of fighters to have challenged him throughout his career.

Andre Ward (twice), Iassac Chilemba, Bernard Hopkins, newly-crowned interim WBA light-heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (twice), Nathan Cleverly, and Cedric Agnew to name a few. Kovalev has competed in 16 career world title fights.

Kovalev, who turned 36 in April, proved in 2019 that he is still one of the best 175-lb. fighters in the world. Kovalev out-boxed previously unbeaten Eleider Alvarez to regain the WBO title in February. In August, Kovalev successfully defended his WBO with an exciting knockout of previously unbeaten, but inexperienced Anthony Yarde. In November, Kovalev will close out ’19 with the biggest fight of his career against Canelo.

“In order to be the best you have to beat the best,” Kovalev said. “I have always tried to fight the toughest opponents in my division, but many have ducked me throughout my career. Canelo wanted to fight me; to step up to higher weight and challenge for my belt. I will be ready on November 2nd. Thank you, Main Events, Kathy Duva, Egis Klimas, DAZN and Canelo for making this fight happen.”

Available this Wednesday, tickets for CANELO vs. KOVALEV are priced at $1,754, $1,254, $854, $654, $404 and $204, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.axs.com