Matchroom Boxing Release: Alycia Baumgardner Pens Promotional Deal With Matchroom

WBC/IBO Super-Featherweight champion, Alycia Baumgardner has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom; eyes undisputed in 2022

Baumgardner (11-1 7 KOs) burst onto the World scene with a stunning KO win over Terri Harper in Sheffield, England in November, ripping the WBC and IBO World Super-Featherweight titles from the Doncaster star in the fourth round of her first World title fight.

The 27 year old is eyeing a massive year in 2022 and has made no secret of her targets – to unify and become undisputed at 130lbs, putting both IBF and WBO champion Mikaela Mayer and WBA ruler Hyun Mi Choi on notice – and the Ohioan has made it clear to Hearn, Matchroom and co-promoters King’s Promotions what she wants, and that’s all the marbles.

“2021 was definitely a breakthrough year for me,” said Baumgardner. “I had a great experience working with Matchroom to win the WBC and IBO World titles in the UK. Signing this deal with them puts me in a position to achieve my next goal of becoming Undisputed at 130 pounds. Being on top is to stay on top and continue being the athlete I know I am.

“Have no doubt I am the top dog in my weight class and it’s only a matter of time before I have all the belts to prove it. Nobody is going to stand in my way. I’ve worked very hard to stay and make my mark. I will continue making history in the sport of boxing.”

“I am delighted to welcome Alycia to the team,” said Hearn. “Alycia provided one of the KOs of the year against Terri and made the boxing world stand up and take notice that she’d arrived at the top table.

“Alycia is a terrier in the ring and demonstrated her pop with that stoppage, but she’s also a huge personality with real charisma; she is the full package and she’s going to have big fights in 2022 and beyond to prove it.”

You can follow Baumgardner’s journey on Instagram: alyciabaumgardner and Twitter: @aliciambaum

Tyson Fury is willing to face Dillian Whyte, or Andy Ruiz, or Robert Helenius, or anyone next!

WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury has made it clear that he wants fight in March and he’s willing to fight anybody; including Dillian Whyte,  but not for $10 million.

Apparently, Whyte, the interim WBC heavyweight champion, is looking for a huge payday to fight Fury. The World Boxing Council (WBC) just ruled a January 11, purse bid will occur and that the promoter (whomever that may be) will be obligated to make the fight. According to the WBC, Fury will earn 80% of the purse with only 20% going to Whyte. Both Bob Arum of Top Rank (Fury) and Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn (Whyte) are free to willingly negotiate the terms of a Fury-Whyte title fight prior to the scheduled purse bid. However, in the event Whyte refuses to take the fight during the WBC-ordered preliminary negotiation stage, then there’s already an alternative plan for Fury’s return by the spring.

Should Fury fight in Europe, the logical opponent could be Robert Helenius, winner of his previous three fights all by stoppage. Helenius is also coming off a pair of KO victories over Adam Kownacki, a previously unbeaten heavyweight contender with a strong Polish following. Helenius’ 6’ 7,” size and skills may present in interesting challenge for the champion.

If Fury opts to fight in the U.S., Las Vegas would be his preferred destination and Andy Ruiz would be the ideal opponent. Ruiz, the former unified WBC/WBO and IBF/IBO champion stunned the world with one of the biggest upsets in boxing history when he knocked out Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden in New York more than two years ago. Winner of five of his previous six bouts, Ruiz brings a unique blend of speed and power that can surprise any heavyweight at any given moment.

All of this talk of Fury’s next opponent comes during the week of a FOX Sports Pay-Per-View featuring several key heavyweights that are looking to position themselves into the heavyweight championship mix. On Saturday, January 1, the New Year kicks off with Charles Martin battling ‘King Kong’ Ortiz in an intriguing heavyweight main event. Also on the card, Jonnie Rice vs. Michael Coffie in a rematch. Former WBC title challenger Gerald Washington fights Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen, as unbeaten Viktor Faust vs. Iago Kiladze, and Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez, will fight Carlos Negron.   

It doesn’t seen long ago, but once upon a time, Joshua and Deontay Wilder were the two-headed monsters that split the World Heavyweight Championship. However, time has changed as Ruiz and Oleksander Usyk both beat Joshua to become unified heavyweight champions, while Wilder had an exciting WBC heavyweight championship trilogy with Fury, losing the previous two fights, via knockout.

And just like that, Fury is atop the mountain. The unbeaten, two-time heavyweight titlist is one of the largest champions in boxing history at 6’ 9,” 270-lbs. Yes, Fury has been dropped by much smaller men (Wilder, Steve Cunningham) in his career and has come close to losing in each of those fights, but Fury, at this point, has proven himself to be on another level. He doesn’t have Joshua’s muscles, or Wilder’s right hand, or even Ruiz’ speed. In addition to his size, movement, and range, Fury has a resistance, a mental-toughness, and desire about him that makes him extremely difficult to beat.

It’s very difficult to imagine anyone beating Fury at this point. However, the possibility of Fury taking on guys like Whyte, Ruiz, Helenius, Usyk, or even Joshua is intriguing. However, Dillian Whyte has long lobbied for a shot at becoming world heavyweight champion.

Winner of 11 of his previous 12 fights, losing only to Alexander Povetkin (2020) – a loss he avenged in an immediate rematch last year (2021) – the 33-year-old has previously lost only one fight – a stoppage defeat to Joshua (2015). Following the loss to Joshua more than six years ago, Whyte went on a ferocious tear during an impressive 11-fight win streak. Whyte punished Derick Chisora in two fights, beat up Helenius, defeated Joseph Parker Oscar Rivas, and scored a stunning, highlight reel knockout of Lucas Browne, a former WBA heavyweight champion.

Whyte has called out both Wilder and Joshua, but either answered the phone while they split the heavyweight crown. Whyte has earned, and long deserved, his heavyweight title shot in the biggest fight available.

Hopefully, Fury will oblige Whyte without any complications, as he has waited patiently for more than 1,000 days as ‘WBC mandatory.’

Heavyweight contender Gerald Washington meets Ali Demirezen at the crossroads

Gerald Washington is a former WBC heavyweight title challenger. Much has changed since the night he battled Deontay Wilder for the championship more than four years ago.

As Wilder and Anthony Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion both remain on a seesaw title landscape headed by both Tyson Fury and Oleksander Usyk, Washington finds himself on the outside.

The 39–year-old former U.S. Navy veteran, USC collegian athlete, and California native can reignite his journey toward another heavyweight title chase should he emerge victorious on Saturday.

Washington (20-4-1, 13 KOs) can kick-off the New Year 2022, with a victory against Ali Eren Demirezen (14-1, 11 KOs) in one of the featured heavyweight fights on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View; live from the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, FL. Headlining the card is former IBF champion Charles Martin vs. Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz.

The last time we saw Washington, he fought Martin in the co-featured spot on the FURY vs. WILDER II Pay-Per-View card just before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit the U.S. as hard as it did. Everything stopped including Washington’s career. The California native was stopped by Martin, a former sparring partner, during what was a very important fight for both boxers. The victory marked Martin’s fifth win in six fights, as Washington suffered a fourth defeat in his previous six bouts.

Fast-forward to almost two years later and Washington finds himself in a position to reignite, restart, and rebuild a career that’s still promising with enormous potential. However, the opportunities to ascend to bigger fights maybe dwindling.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back in the ring on January 1,” said Washington. “I’m ready to go to work and get myself back in position for some big time fights. My experience is going to be the difference in this fight. It’s going to be a great night of heavyweight action!”

His opponent, Demirezen represented his native Turkey in the 2016 Olympics. Demirezen’s only loss was a decision against Efe Ajagba. Demirezen has won his previous three fights and his confident of victory this Saturday.

“I learned a lot from my loss to Ajagba and I’m looking forward to getting another chance to box in the U.S.,” said Demirezen. “I’m still angry about the Ajagba fight, because I know that I could have won. I want to show now that I belong on this stage. I’m proud to be in this position to show what I can do and I’m going to make the most of the opportunity.”

Heavyweights Charles Martin, ‘King Kong’ Ortiz to kick-off 2022 on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View

On Saturday, January 1, Fox Sports Pay-Per-View will present a 5-fight heavyweight extravaganza to kick-off the New Year, live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin (28-2-1, 25 KOs) will clash with former heavyweight title challenger Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz (32-2, 27 KOs) in the main event. Plus, Frank Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) will fight Carlos Negron (25-3, 20 KOs), a former Olympian from Puerto Rico. Plus, Jonnie Rice (14-6-1, 10 KOs) battles Michael Coffie (12-1, 9 KOs) in a rematch. Vikor Faust (8-0, 6 KOs) will meet Iago Kiladze (27-5-1, 19 KOs) and Gerald Washington (20-4-1, 13 KOs) is set to face Ali Eren Demirezen (14-1, 11 KOs).

Nobody wants to fight me and nobody wants to fight Ortiz, so we’ll fight each other,” said
Martin. “I’m going to show the world on January 1 why I deserve a title shot. I’ve paid my dues and I want my belt back. Beating Ortiz is going to get me one step closer to that goal. In order to become two-time heavyweight champion, I have to get past Ortiz first, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

The word is disappointment is an understatement when it comes to Charles Martin’s heavyweight title run. Martin won the IBF title (January 2016) in front of a packed Barclay Center crowd in Brooklyn after his opponent suffered an apparent right-knee injury.  

In Martin’s first title defense (June 2016), an undefeated, highly-touted, and impressionable Anthony Joshua took the IBF championship away within two rounds. Since then, Joshua became a two-time unified heavyweight champion and remains a vital force in the heavyweight title picture. The same cannot be said of Martin, who has fought this long and hard to remain relevant in a heavyweight class that has changed dramatically in recent years.

Martin has had to work, remain patient, and give himself time to erase the stigma associated with him following his uneventful title win and embarrassing championship defeat from years ago. Martin has won five of his previous six fights; losing only to Adam Kownacki at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn three years ago in what was a wild slugfest for ten rounds. Perhaps one of the biggest victories of Martin’s career occurred on the FURY-WILDER II undercard when tactfully stopped Gerald Washington in round six.

The win against Washington, a former heavyweight title challenger, USC collegian athlete, and U.S. veteran, was impressive. But Martin couldn’t take advantage of the momentum of that big win because, the COVID-19 Pandemic that brought face masks, social distancing precautions, business closures, travel bans, protests, hospitalizations, and deaths, literally shutdown country after country. Every industry from education, construction, entertainment, fitness, government, and sports across the globe literally stopped.

Nearly two years later, Martin returns. A boxer does not necessarily lose their skills after two years of inactivity. A 37-year-old Vitali Klitschko proved that in 2008 when he returned from a near four-year absence as Emeritus Champion to defeat Samuel Peter to restore himself as WBC heavyweight champion. Klitschko remained undefeated as WBC champion until, he retired in 2012.  

As Martin returns to active competition, the heavyweight landscape has changed. Tyson Fury is the WBC champion, while Oleksander Usyk is the unified WBO, WBA, IBF, and IBO champion. Joshua and Deontay Wilder, the #1 & #2 heavyweights on the planet, are on the outside looking into a completely different heavyweight scene and maybe on their way out.

Has Martin done the work to rebuild the momentum he’s had from two years ago? Does his successful run from two years ago remain relevant? What has changed?

The same can be said of his opponent Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz? The reported 43-year-old hasn’t fought since November 2020 and that was first-round KO of Alexander Flores. His bout with the soft-touch Flores was over as soon as Ortiz touched his body less than a minute into the fight. Like Martin, Ortiz is coming off an impressive victory, but that was so very long ago.

Ortiz’ best days may be long gone.  Ortiz was riding a three-fight victory streak before he was winning his WBC title rematch against Deontay Wilder nearly four years ago. Ortiz was out-boxing Wilder until ‘The Bronze Bomber’ knocked Ortiz out cold with a single punch.

Considering everything that has transpired, does Ortiz himself have anything left? He’s reportedly 43 years of age. The winner of this fight will remain relevant in a heavyweight division that has changed quite a bit during the pandemic.  

“I can’t wait to give my fans in South Florida a great show on New Year’s Day and earn another shot at the heavyweight title,” said Ortiz. “Charles Martin is a good fighter, but he’s standing in my way. The only thing on my mind is getting in the ring and making a big statement in this fight to show again why I’m feared by the heavyweight division.”

Jake Paul Leaves No Doubt… KOs Tyron Woodley In Rematch!

JAKE PAUL LEAVES NO DOUBT, SCORES SENSATIONAL ONE-PUNCH KNOCKOUT IN REMATCH VS. TYRON WOODLEY ON SHOWTIME PPV^® SATURDAY NIGHT

All-Time Great Amanda Serrano Victorious in Co-Featured Bout; Deron Williams Beats Frank Gore in Battle of NBA vs. NFL and Liam Paro Makes Successful U.S. Debut in Undercard Bouts

Paul-Woodley II To Air on SHOWTIME^® on

Tuesday, December 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

TAMPA, FLA. – December 19, 2021 – Jake “The Problem Child” Paul left no doubt in his rematch with Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley, registering a strong candidate for Knockout of the Year in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,685 screaming fans at AMALIE Arena in Tampa. live on an action-packed SHOWTIME PPV telecast Saturday night.

All it took was one punch for boxing’s newest superstar to silence his critics and prove that his power ranks among the most devastating in the sport and carries into the later rounds is as real as it gets. A deadly right hand connected flush on Woodley’s chin in the sixth round, sending him face-first into the canvas and knocking the former UFC Champion out cold in a moment that quickly went viral and will live on the internet in perpetuity Click HERE to watch: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1472440142707183616

“This has to be the greatest moment of my life,” said the 24-year-old world-renowned content creator. “Look at what I just did. Look at the year I just had. Unprecedented. One of the most valuable boxers in this sport. Four fights. Four massive pay-per-views in 13 months. I’ve knocked out every single person that I’ve fought. Every single person that I’ve fought.”

In addition to scoring the most emphatic win of his young career and moving to a perfect 5-0 with 4 KOs, Paul also had to fight through the most adversity he has faced yet. In the third round, Paul suffered a deep cut on his forehead after he was accidentally clipped by Woodley’s elbow.

“It was a tough fight,” Paul told SHOWTIME’s Ariel Helwani in the ring post-fight. “The blood was getting in my eye from when he elbowed me. I got the job done and I knew it would happen like that. I was setting up the shot the whole fight and he didn’t see it coming.”

Prior to the closing moments, it was a close fight. Paul was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage, but it was the former MMA star Woodley (0-2) who was the busier fighter. After taking the fight on short notice following Tommy Fury’s withdrawal, Woodley threw 184 punches compared to Paul’s 170. Each fighter connected on 43 punches, but only one of them mattered in the end.

“Tyron is a legend,” Paul said. “Don’t take anything away from his career as a UFC Champion. I respect him for taking this fight on two weeks’ notice because Tommy Fury backed out of the fight. That was a tough fight right there.”

“I don’t know why I dropped my hands,” said Woodley in the post-fight press conference. “In this sport, it only takes one mistake. Literally one mistake.”

In the co-featured bout, the most decorated fighter in women’s boxing history and consistently one of the most entertaining fighters in all of boxing, Amanda Serrano (42-1-1, 30 KOs) scored a dominating unanimous decision over gutsy Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez (14-2, 5 KOs). The judges scored the 10-round lightweight bout 99-90, 99-91 and 100-90 all in favor of the seven-division star Serrano.

“I think I belong in the 135-pound division,” said Serrano, who moved up from her August weight of 124 pounds. “I belong wherever they put me. I’m a true warrior. I’m a true champion. My power comes wherever I take it. You can see her face and look at my face.”

The Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican Serrano began the bout at a torrid pace, connecting on 37 of 86 punches thrown in the two-minute opening round. It looked like it could be a quick night’s work for Serrano, who unleashed a flurry of power punches on the up-against-the-ropes Gutierrez. However, Gutierrez showed incredible toughness and resolve to make it out of the round.

Serrano continued to show her complete arsenal of boxing skills throughout the remainder of the contest. She landed 30 or more punches in three different rounds and also threw 85 or more in three different rounds. She landed 46 percent of her power punches, while Gutierrez landed 44 percent of her power shots.

In the 10^th and final round, Serrano did everything she possibly could to finish the incredibly tough Gutierrez, but the 38-year-old Madrid native ate shot-after-shot and still returned fire. Serrano threw 94 punches in the round, connecting on 38 of them.

“She’s a tough girl. She’s a big girl,” Serrano said. “Tonight, she’s probably 160 or 165 pounds. Honestly, I’m like 133 or 134 pounds, but it doesn’t matter to me. She’s a tough fighter. She did say she was in better shape this time than when she fought Katie Taylor because she had a year layoff. Now, she just had a fight last month that she won. I fought the best Miriam Gutierrez and I beat her.”

“This isn’t a sad or bitter loss, it’s a dignified one,” said Gutierrez, whose only other loss came against the aforementioned Taylor, the undisputed lightweight champion. “It was a war from the get go until the end. It’s been an honor.”

With the win, Serrano sets up a potential 2022 super fight with Taylor. “I’m ready for Katie,” she said. “I don’t think she’s as strong as Miriam, so I think I’m okay.”

The second pay-per-view bout was a highly entertaining, crowd-pleasing four-round special attraction between three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams and the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher Frank Gore. When the dust settled and the final bell tolled, it was Williams who came out victorious on the judges’ scorecards via split-decision. The scores read 38-37 and 40-35 in favor of Williams, and 38-37 in favor of Gore.

“Honestly, I probably looked terrible out there,” said two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Williams. “I felt like my last five sparring sessions I was on point. My head wasn’t coming up. As soon as you get out here and you start getting touched, it’s a whole different thing. All your training goes out the window. It was fun. I had a chance to get out here, but like I said coming in, it’s one and done.”

Both legends from opposing sports came out swinging in the first round of their boxing debuts. The frantic action saw both fighters exchange big right hands and in the second round, the action continued at a lightning pace.

Following some sloppy moments that resulted in both fighters wrestling each other through the ropes, the signature moment from the fight occurred when Gore showed his inexperience and stopped defending himself for an instant. Williams capitalized by landing a massive right hand that stunned Gore. With the former San Francisco 49er star holding himself up against the ropes, referee Christopher Young scored a knockdown for Williams.

“I used my wrestling background to my advantage,” Williams said. “I just wanted to prove to myself that I could get out here and do this. Everybody that’s talking on Instagram and Twitter, they wouldn’t step in here in front of all these people and on PPV for their first fight. Hats off to Frank. He had a dream. He had a goal. In my mind, we’re both winners tonight.”

Throughout the four rounds, Williams landed 48 of 156 punches thrown and Gore landed 38 of 166 punches thrown. The 6’3” Williams, who held an eight-inch reach advantage, also out-connected the 5’9” Gore 35-28 on power punches.

“It’s all good,” said Gore. “He won the fight tonight. He fought hard. I fought hard. I just still have to learn some stuff. He did a good job tonight. We’ll see if I fight again. I had fun tonight. I’ll go back and talk to my team to see what’s next.”

In the opening bout of the PPV telecast, Australia’s Liam Paro (22-0, 13 KOs) rebounded from an early knockdown to win a split-decision victory over Puerto Rico’s Yomar Alamo (20-1-1, 12 KOs) in a closely-contested 10-round junior welterweight bout. Two judges scored the fight 95-94 and 96-93 in favor of Paro, while one judge favored Alamo 95-94.

“I kept levelheaded after the knockdown, hats off to him for that,” said the 25-year-old Queensland native. “I shook it off after the first round and just did what I had to do to win. I established my jab, that was the most important thing. Alamo gave me a hell of a fight but we stuck to the gameplan and prevailed in the end.”

In the opening round, it was the 26-year-old Alamo who drew first blood. With Paro letting his guard down, Alamo landed a counter right-hand that followed a short left hook. Paro, who made his U.S. debut and fought outside of his native Australia for the first time, hit the canvas for just the second time in his career.

However, Paro didn’t panic and used his activity, jab and body attack to string rounds together and build a lead that he wouldn’t relinquish. He held advantages of 497-333 in total punches thrown, 31-12 in body punches landed and 43-13 in total jabs landed. Two of the three judges gave rounds two through six all in favor of Paro. Despite dropping rounds nine and 10 on all three judges’ cards, Paro did enough to keep his unblemished record intact.

“I’m just going to chill out back in Australia, enjoy Christmas and get back to the gym next year to secure a world title,” Paro said.

Tonight’s main event, as well as Serrano vs. Gutierrez and Williams vs. Gore will air on SHOWTIME on Tuesday, December 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

The SHOWTIME PPV telecast from Tampa was hosted by veteran sportscaster Brian Custer. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares, while six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and INSIDE THE NFL commentator Brandon Marshall served as a special guest analyst at ringside for the Williams-Gore bout. World-renowned Boxing Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. provided in-ring announcing throughout the blockbuster event while fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood was the unofficial scorer and leading MMA journalist Ariel Helwani was the ringside reporter. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Márquez and International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the fights on the international broadcast. The Executive Producer was David Dinkins, Jr. and the Director was Bob Dunphy.

Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Golden Boy Release: Zurdo Ramirez TKOs Yunieski Gonzalez in 10!

GOLDEN BOY RETURNS TO THE ALAMO CITY ZURDO RAMIREZ TKOs YUNIESKI GONZALEZ IN THE TENTH ROUND 

 IN HONOR OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, GOLDEN BOY DONATED TICKETS TO SAN ANTONIO’S MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS 

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 18, 2021): The Alamo City was treated to a night of action as undefeated former world champion, and light heavyweight sensation Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico, faced Cuba’s Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-4, 17 KOs) for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator. The 12-round event at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX featured a fight card, that entertained the Texas fight fans with non-stop action, and stellar performances from some of the most popular fighters in the sport. As an early holiday gift, Golden Boy donated tickets to San Antonio’s military and first responders, gifting the local heroes with the gift of live boxing.

Ramirez and Gonzalez started off their fight aggressively as Gonzalez launched a surprising attack on Ramirez in the first round. The round had Ramirez back tracking as he tried to find some distance and counter the Cuban’s attack. Ramirez, gained control and pushed back Gonzalez as the bell signaled the end of the first round. The next rounds Ramirez learned what to expect and began dictating the pace of the fight. He launched attacks, that at many time, left Gonzalez, stunned as he tried to find his feet. In the fourth round, it almost seemed like Ramirez was going to finish Gonzalez as he unleashed a flurry of punches that left Gonzalez wobbly. Gonzalez, was literally saved by the bell as he unsteadily walked back to his corner.  Finally in the tenth round, Ramirez cornered Gonzalez on the ropes, unleashing a series of combinations that had no response. The referee waved the fight off, and Gonzalez hugged the referee as if he had just saved him from what would have ultimately happen next if Ramirez had continued.

Now as the winner of the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator, by TKO, Ramirez is the mandatory to challenger for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship. A fight Ramirez has been asking for and would like to take on in 2022.

“He is a great fighter. I knew he was going to be tough because he showed no fear in his eyes,” said Ramirez. “He had nothing to lose, and I knew he was going to come with everything he had. Thank you Yunieski for taking the fight.

“I tried to land body shots and he was prepared. So, I had to change my attacks and focus on hitting him upstairs so I could get the victory. My hand is a little hurt but that is the price you pay to win. I am ready for the next challenge, I want Bivol. He can’t run anymore, I am coming for him,” continued Ramirez.

“I dedicate this fight to Vicente Fernandez, a great Mexican legend. I come from Mexico, and he inspired me to live my dream and I want to show everyone that they can live their dreams too. There are no barriers besides yourself,” concluded Ramirez.

“I am really disappointed in myself,” said Gonzalez. “I always knew Zurdo would be difficult, a tough fighter. But I expected more from myself. This is not the best performance from me, I’m going to back work on myself and get better.”

In the co-main event, three-time world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs) maintained her WBA Minimumweight World title in a scheduled 10-round fight against the fierce Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-1, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City, Gua. Both women came to win, as they quickly exchanged blows as they tried to find each other’s weaknesses. Estrada, had an easier time connecting and knocked down Santizo in the second round twice. Visibly rocked and saved by the bell, Santizo came back in the third round to try to establish dominance. However, ‘Super Bad’ stopped Santizo quickly on the 1:51 mark of the third round, winning the fight by knockout.

“I give my performance a ‘C’ today because I was getting too ahead of myself. I wanted to the knockout too early so I got caught a few times trying to set it up,” said Estrada. “She was a tough fighter, she is 9-0 with 5 knock outs for a reason, so I knew she was coming in to win. But I knew I had to stop her I just had to be more patient. In 2022 I want to unify the division with a fight against IBF World Champion Yokasta Valle from Costa Rica.”

“Honestly I felt super prepared for this fight,” said Santizo. Seniesa, however, knew how to connect. We fell to the canvas but I feel good, I think maybe the stoppage was too anticipated. But I defer to the referee who is there to protect our health. Now I have to go back to the gym, train and wait for the next opportunity.”

In the second televised fight of the night, rising super featherweight contender Lamont Roach, Jr. (22-1-1, 9 KOs) took on former world champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (32-11, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight championship. The fight was equally match as both fighters came forward and took turns exchanging blows. There were a few moments where Roach, Jr. landed heavy blows that rocked Alvarado; but the veteran warrior was strong and he eagerly returned. The fight went to the score cards with 98-92, 100-90, and 98-92 all in favor of Roach, Jr.

“I feel good about this victory. I just beat a man who was a world champion two fights ago,” said Roach, Jr.  “This is the type of victory that I need to show that I am ready for a world title fight. Rene Alvarado is a warrior, a tough guy who I couldn’t knock down, but I feel we did our job today. I want the champion next, Roger Gutierrez.”

“I don’t know what to do anymore. The job we did today was excellent,” said Alvarado. “On my count I believe the fight was mine. When I heard unanimous decision, I knew that was right, but when they said Roach, Jr.’s name I couldn’t believe it. I know I won the fight.”

2012 U.S. Olympic Bronze medal winner and current WBC Flyweight World Champion Marlen Esparza (11-1, 1 KOs) defended her world title, for the first time, in her home state against the seasoned former two-time world champion, Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-5, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico. ‘Avispa’ proved to be a difficult fight for Esparza, as the 13-time world title defender brought with her experience and technical ability. Esparza, however, was not intimidated, as she went after Ortiz and did not back down after Ortiz’ attacks. After an exciting fight, between to veteran warriors, the score cards ruled in favor of Esparza with scores of 100-88, 95-94, 99-90 to win the fight via unanimous decision.

“My performance was good considering I just came back after contracting Covid-19,” said Esparza. “I wanted to see what it would feel like to come back and I can say that there is some fatigue. We knew she was a counter puncher so we were prepared for it, but I can feel a little of the fatigue. Now that is all over and I know what it feels to come back, I want all the belts. I want Naoko Fujioka from Japan and just unify this division.”

“I think I delivered a great fight, simply the referee did not favor me,” said Ortiz. “He counted two slips that were obviously not knockdowns, she pushed me. I am very unhappy because they put someone in the ring who does not know how to do his job, especially when this is a world title fight. It is a disservice to the sport. They took the victory away from me.”

Leading the fight card on the Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch, two undefeated fighters, Victor Morales (15-0-1, 8KOs), of Vancouver, WA and Rudy Garcia (12-0-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, both put their undefeated records on the line in an exciting 10-round featherweight fight for the vacant WBC International Featherweight Title. Both fighters exchanged equally, both landing heavy shots to the face and body. Neither fighter backed off, both moved forward trying to tear down their opponent. The crowd loved their style as they cheered on both fighters and gave them a standing ovation at the conclusion of the 10th round. Ultimately, the judges ruled the fight a draw, with scores of 96-94, 93-97, 95-95.

 “I am really upset with the decision, because I feel like I won that fight,” said Garcia. “Morales is a good fighter, I know him from the amateur world, but I think that I pulled off the victory in the end. I really want the re-match to prove that I won this fight.”

 “I feel like I won the fight. I feel like I broke him down from the very beginning,” said Morales. “Yes, we got hit. I got things to work on, but I still feel like I won this fight. Let’s do the re-match next, let’s run it back and prove who is the best.”

Luis Hernandez (21-2, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico, took on Ruslan Madiyev (14-2, 5 KOs) of Indio, CA in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout. The fight went the distance as both fighters went back and forth with Madiyev dictating the pace of the fight. Madiyev, was relentless in his pursuit of Hernandez, and he delivered powerful blows that shook Hernandez. But Hernandez wouldn’t go down, he showed a lot of heart trying to keep Madiyev at bay. The score cards did not lie, awarding Madiyev the victory by unanimous decision with scores of 91-99, 92-98, 91-98.

“I had seen past fight footage of Hernandez and I noticed that he kept his left hand down,” said Madiyev. “So I made sure to prepare and attack with that right hook, and I kept catching him. I am very proud of my team for the amazing preparation, and I can’t wait to come back in the ring and fight for a title soon.”

Rising welterweight star Raul “Cugar” Curiel (11-0, 9 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico, was scheduled for a 10-round fight for the NABF Welterweight Title against San Antonio’s Kendo Castaneda (17-5, 8 KOs). Curiel, who has been training with Hall of Fame trainer, Freddy Roach, really demonstrated intelligence in the ring as he landed heavy shots on Castaneda knocking him down in the third round. Castaneda, trained by San Antonio’s boxing star Jesse James Leija, quickly recovered and aggressively went after Curiel. The crowd erupted in a cheering war come cheering “Cougar” others Kendo, as both fighters traded shots. However, Curiel delivered a devasting blow to Castañeda in the seventh round winning the fight by knockout.

“I am very happy to be in Texas and to make my first title defense in front of my family. Castaneda was a strong opponent, but I am glad we were able to show off all our hard work and get a victory. This was one of my best performances and I am so happy to be able to share it with everyone,” said Curiel.

The second fight of the night featured Zurdo Promotions’ heavy-handed prospect, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles taking on Miguel Rebullosa (4-13, 5 KOs) of Coahuila de Zaragosa, Mexico in a 4-round bantamweight fight. ‘Scrappy’ displayed his skill level in the ring as he knocked down Rebullosa three times in the second round winning the fight by TKO at the 2:22 mark of the round.

Opening up the event at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, “Slick” Nick Sullivan (5-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA, took on Erick Benitez (2-2, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a 4-round lightweight event. The fight went the distance as both prospects often found themselves entangled as they tried to find their shots. The score cards read 39-37 from all three judges ruling in favor of Sullivan, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

Zurdo vs. Gonzalez was a 12-round fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. The event was sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will took place on Saturday, December 18, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

Photo sMandatory Credit: Kevin Estrada/Golden Boy Promotions

Amanda Serrano: “I’m at the top of women’s boxing.”

Amanda Serrano will go down in history as one of the greatest fighters in women’s boxing history. The 33-year-old Puerto Rican sensation is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only woman to ever win world titles in seven different weight-classes.

As famed and accomplished Serrano is a fighter, she’s fought the majority of her career under the radar. Perhaps the best decision she ever made was signing with Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions. Serrano, fighting for the third time in 2021, returns to ring this Saturday and will be the co-featured attraction on the PAUL vs. WOODLEY 2 SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View live from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. 

Serrano (41-1-1, 30 KOs), a veteran of more than a dozen world title fights, will move up to 135 lbs. to challenge WBA women’s lightweight champion, Miriam Gutierrez (14-1, 6 KOs) of Spain.

“I’ve been training 24/7 for as long as I can remember and because of my dedication to the sport, I consistently look to challenge myself,” said Serrano. “Miriam is an extremely tough opponent, with her only loss coming to one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I am looking forward to stepping in the ring with her and proving why I’m at the top of women’s boxing.”

Gutierrez has fought predominantly in her native Spain throughout her entire career since 2017. Her only loss was when he traveled to the U.K. and lost to Undisputed Women’s World Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor in November 2020.

Gutierrez will be making her U.S. in-ring debut against Serrano this Saturday.

“Amanda Serrano is an icon in the sport and when I step into that ring on December 18, it will be a pivotal moment in my career. I respect what she does, but it’s a risk coming up to 135. I’ve been competing at this level for most of my career and the competition is tough,” said Gutiérrez. “I’m thankful to my team, my family and my promoter Ray Events Boxing for their support as I train for a night of pure boxing entertainment. I look forward to bringing a great victory back to Spain.”

Gutierrez has worked long and hard for the chance to fight one of the biggest icons in all of women’s boxing. Gutierrez reportedly has been training since she was 9 years of age. Following a domestic incident at age 19, Gutierrez has been an advocate for women against domestic violence.

The task of challenging Serrano will be a monumental task for Gutierrez to conquer. Should Serrano emerge victorious this Saturday, a huge mega-fight with Taylor is possible. Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has spoken publicly about the potential of a Taylor-Serrano fight, which will be the biggest in women’s boxing.

Taylor already has a win against Serrano’s older sister Cindy in October 2018, but has long avoided a showdown with the greater Amanda.  

Golden Boy Release: The countdown to Zurdo vs. Gonzalez begins

**TUNE IN ALERT**   COUNTDOWN TO ZURDO VS. GONZALEZ BEGINS TODAY!!   GOLDEN BOY MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES ORIGINAL CONTENT HIGHLIGHTING FIGHTERS ON THE DECEMBER 18 FIGHT CARD   STREAMING LIVE ON GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON FACEBOOK WATCH    Tickets Available!!

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 13, 2021) – The countdown to Zurdo vs. Gonzalez begins today, as Golden Boy Media and Entertainment releases original programming featuring the fighters on the December 18 fight card. The new content takes us behind the scenes during the fighters’ training camps as fighters prepared for their final career challenge in 2021. The main event of the night is headlined by light heavyweight Mexican superstar Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) facing off against the Cuban, Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) in a 12-round fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.   The event, which takes place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, will also feature Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (21-0, 8 KOs) defending her WBA Minimumweight World Championship in a 10-round co-main event against Maria Santizo (9-0, 5 KOs). Washington, D.C.’s Lamont Roach, Jr. (21-1-1, 9 KOs), is set to face the toughest opponent of his career against former world champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (32-10, 21 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight Title. Opening up the DAZN broadcast, 2012 Olympic Bronze Winner, Marlen Esparza (10-1, 1 KO) will defend her WBC Flyweight World Title for the first time against former world champion Anabel Ortiz (31-4, 4 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round battle. All fights are set to begin at 6:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET, live worldwide on DAZN.    Golden Boy Media and Entertainment original programming begins today through to fight night, featuring the non-televised undercard on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch. Below is a full schedule of the original programming:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021 4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET – Golden Boy Camp Insider: Rudy Garcia – Go behind the scenes into Rudy Garcia’s training camp as he prepares to take on Victor Morales for the vacant WBC International Gold Featherweight Title   6:00PM PT / 9:00PM ET – Chasing History: Zurdo Ramirez – A reality countdown feature that showcases ‘A Day with Zurdo’ as he trains and spars ahead of his big showdown against Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez on December 18   TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 12:00PM PT / 3:00PM ET – Golden Boy Camp Insider: John Ramirez – Go behind the scenes into John Ramirez’ training camp as he prepares fight on the Zurdo vs. Gonzalez undercard on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch.   4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET – Golden Boy Camp Insider: Nick Sullivan – Nick prepares to take on Erick Benitez on the Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch, show opener on the Zurdo vs. Gonzalez undercard.   6:00PM PT / 9:00PM ET – The Breakdown presented by Casa Mexico – Hosted by Beto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Seniesa Estrada, and Zurdo Ramirez join together to talk about and breakdown their previous fights.   WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021 12:00PM PT / 3:00PM ET – Golden Boy Camp Insider: Lamont Roach, Jr. – Go behind the scenes into Lamont Roach Jr.’s training camp as he prepares for the toughest fight of his career against former world champion, Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight Title live on DAZN.   4:00PM PT / 7:00PM ET – Golden Boy Camp Insider: Luis Hernandez – Golden Boy prospect Luis Hernandez allows us behind the scenes of his training camp as he prepares to face Rusian Madiyev on December 18 on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch.   6:00PM PT / 9:00PM ET – Superbad: Seniesa Estrada – A countdown feature following Seniesa Estrada to Golden Boy HQ to meet with Oscar De La Hoya ahead of her first world title defense as the co-main event for Zurdo vs. Gonzalez live on DAZN.   THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021   11:00AM PT / 2:00PM ET – Zurdo vs. Gonzalez Final Press Conference   FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021   11:00AM PT / 2:00PM ET – Zurdo vs. Gonzalez Ceremonial Weigh-in   6:00PM PT / 9:00PM ET – The Olympian: Marlen Esparza – Special feature with 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner and current WBC Flyweight World Champion as she prepares to defend her title for the first time as the show opener for Zurdo vs. Gonzalez live on DAZN.   SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 2:00PM PT / 5:00PM ET – Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch – The Zurdo vs. Gonzalez undercard featuring five fights, headlined by Victor Morales vs. Rudy Garcia for the vacant WBC International Gold Featherweight title.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Gonzalez are on sale now and are priced at $150, $75, $50, $35 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by using the Ticketmaster App on your mobile device.   Zurdo vs. Gonzalez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, December 18, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET.   For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoGonzalez.    ABOUT THE AT&T CENTER The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information, go to ATTCenter.com.

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® KICKS OFF 2022 WITH A TRIPLEHEADER FEATURING SIX UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 LIVE ON SHOWTIME

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION^® KICKS OFF 2022 WITH A TRIPLEHEADER FEATURING SIX UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

First Time in ShoBox History All Fighters Enter Fight Night with Zero Losses; Orlando, Fla., Venue to Host First Fight of New Year

NEW YORK – December 13, 2021 – ShoBox: The New Generation will kick off the 2022 boxing calendar with a tripleheader featuring six undefeated fighters Friday, January 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The three undefeated matchups include fighters with a combined record of 80-0 and 57 knockouts and marks the first time ShoBox has featured a tripleheader in which all six fighters enter fight night without a loss in the 20-plus year history of the prospect series. The event is also the first time ShoBox will take place in Orlando as the Dominican Republic’s Luis Nunez (15-0, 11 KOs), who made his ShoBox debut in September, battles Carlos Arrieta (14-0, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico in a 10-round lightweight main event.

The co-feature pits hard-hitting Starling Castillo (16-0, 12 KOs) against ShoBox returnee Otar Eranosyan (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the telecast opener, knockout artist Edwin De Los Santos (13-0, 12 KOs) battles William Foster III (12-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight. All six fighters have deep amateur pedigrees, highlighting their commitment to the sport.

There will be a new face on the ShoBox telecast as veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell will join former world champion Raul Marquez ringside as an expert analyst, while International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action. Fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood will remain a part of the broadcast team remotely.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Sampson Boxing.

“We are excited to kick off our 21^st consecutive year in action with a prototypical ShoBox card that features six undefeated fighters facing the most difficult challenges of their young careers,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “We’re also excited to be adding the versatile combat sports reporter Brian Campbell to one of the best broadcast teams in boxing. Brian has shined in various roles during SHOWTIME assignments over the past few years and we’re looking forward to adding him to the team.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Nunez vs. Arrieta – 10-Round Lightweight Main Event Bout

A decorated amateur in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata’s Luis “The Twist” Nunez started boxing at age eight and went on to win a number of national championships as a member of the Dominican national team, including gold in the 2016 Youth Championship. A fan-friendly pressure fighter with heavy hands, Nunez turned professional at 18, passing every test put in front of him in his native country. On his 22^nd birthday in September, Nunez made his United States debut, upsetting then-undefeated Jayvon Garnett on ShoBox. His unblemished resume also includes a unanimous decision over then 20-3-1 Eliezer Aquino and a fourth-round KO over then once-beaten Giovanni Gutierrez.

“Change begins at the end of your comfort zone, nothing is beyond your reach as long as you are willing to work hard for it,” said Nunez. “Returning to SHOWTIME, for me, is more than a privilege because I feel that every day I am closer to achieving my dream that everyone will be able to witness. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I am sure that on January 7 I will go out through the front door, God willing! Having one more victory in my career is like climbing the ladder to go to the big leagues, which is where I want to be.”

Like Nunez, the Puerto Rican Arrieta was an accomplished amateur in his native country winning several national tournaments. The 27-year-old turned pro in 2015 campaigning mostly in Puerto Rico through the first four years of his career. He made his stateside debut in 2020, scoring a first-round KO in Biloxi, Miss. Going by the ring moniker “The Chosen One”, Arrieta is facing a stiff step-up in competition in his ShoBox debut. His last time out, he won a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Buitrago.

“Training is going very well and I will be ready,” said Arrieta. “I know my opponent is very good and I know it’s going to be a great fight, but I will take the victory home because it is a great opportunity for me to shine and go up to the next level. It’s an opportunity that I will not pass up.”

Castillo vs. Eranosyan – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The 26-year-old Castillo scored an emphatic knockout in his U.S. debut in July, blasting out then unbeaten Miguel Contreras in the second round. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Castillo turned pro in 2017 and has delivered knockout wins in four of his last five fights. Castillo scored a career-best victory in September, earning a unanimous decision over former title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos. Castillo was a highly successful amateur boxer in the Dominican Republic, fighting 460 times.

“I can’t wait to get back in the squared circle doing what I love and what I work very hard on,” said “El Poli” Castillo. “I’m so excited and honored to be put on a platform like ShoBox. We expect a very gutsy, action-packed fight, due to our fighting styles. They make for a great fight recipe. This victory will catapult me into the rankings and force the fans of boxing to start noticing me.”

Ranked No. 7 by the WBA at 130 pounds, Eranosyan was a highly decorated Georgian amateur with 290 total fights who has transitioned seamlessly into the paid ranks. The 28-year-old didn’t turn professional until August 2020 but has already fought 10 times. Now based in Miami Beach, Fla., “Pitbull” owns two notable fourth-round KOs over the 32-4 Juan Carlos Pena. Eranosyan made his ShoBox debut in September, defeating the highly regarded Alejandro Guerrero via unanimous decision in Broken Arrow, Okla. Eranosyan returns to his more familiar Florida, where he has fought each of his other fights professionally. 

“It’s a great honor for me to fight on SHOWTIME and to show the world once again that I am the best in my weight division,” said Eranosyan. “My opponent is a good, undefeated boxer. I’ve seen some of his fights and I am sure we will put on a spectacular fight for the fans. Just like all my other wins in my career, this win will bring me closer to a championship fight, to become an undisputed world champion.”

De Los Santos vs. Foster – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Edwin De Los Santos began boxing in his native Dominican Republic at the age of 12, and by age 14, he had won his first amateur tournament. He turned pro in 2018 and has competed exclusively in his native country. Packing one-punch power, De Los Santos has scored stoppages in his last seven fights. Among his most impressive performances is a first-round KO over then 8-2 Juan Alberto Garcia Perez and a unanimous decision over then 31-10 Francisco Contreras.  De Los Santos will make his United States debut on January 7.

“Thanks to my preparation and commitment, I promise to give my best and, above all, a great show, so that the public can enjoy it,” said the 22-year-old De Los Santos. “It is an unexplainable feeling being on SHOWTIME for my first time because it is a great opportunity that not many get to experience. My opponent is a good, undefeated boxer. I know it’ll be a war, but I work too hard to not get the victory. You won’t want to miss it.”

William Foster III, a native of New Haven, Conn., started boxing at four years old and started competing at age 10. He had an amateur record of 64-17, advancing to the Junior Olympic Nationals, the Golden Gloves Nationals (where he was a runner-up in 2014), and the PAL Nationals. De Los Santos will be the third undefeated opponent of Foster’s young career. He already owns two wins over then 10-0 fighters in Donald Smith and Sulaiman Segawa. The 28-year-old is the younger brother of 20-0 professional light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster.

“I’m very excited about fighting on SHOWTIME and hopefully this will open the door to more opportunities,” said Foster, nicknamed “The Silent Assassin”. “I know that my opponent is young and ambitious, but he’s making a big mistake by fighting me. He’s making a big mistake if he thinks that I’m like every other fighter.  It couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s going to be a very fun night for me. A victory will put me one step closer to my goal as a fighter which is to be the most dangerous fighter who has ever lived.”

The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 85 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

PARKER: “I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS.”

PARKER: “I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS.” Kiwi star vows to beat Chisora more convincingly in huge rematch

Joseph Parker says his “career is on the line” when he meets British veteran Derek Chisora for a second time at the AO Arena in Manchester this Saturday December 18, live worldwide on DAZN (with the exception of New Zealand and Samoa). The New Zealand star (29-2, 21 KOs) overcame a first-round knockdown to edge past former World Title challenger Chisora last time out at the same venue back in May via a hard-fought split decision in his first fight with former WBO Middleweight king Andy Lee.  Ranked at No.2 in the world with the WBO, former World Champion Parker heads into this weekend’s huge rematch knowing that a loss to Chisora would prove to be disastrous in his pursuit of becoming a two-time Heavyweight ruler.  “The first fight wasn’t the longest camp together with Andy, we were just getting to know each other and getting ready for the fight,” said Parker. “A longer camp is more beneficial as I am understanding more what Andy is trying to teach me. We’ve worked so hard every day and I think that it’s really going to show on the night. “Andy and I have been working on a lot of things in camp and the goal is to go in there and look better, and win but win well. I can say that I am going to be more dominant, more aggressive, and that sort of stuff, but I just want to go out there and fight and I will let my actions do the talking for me.  “I want the best Derek Chisora. I got a hard pressure fighter in the first fight with Derek and I think that he’ll be looking to make little adjustments to improve, so I am looking forward to what he’s going to bring. As long as I do what I can do it’s not going to go the distance, but I know he feels the same way. There’s no issues for me in the build up with a great camp and injury free. “I like Derek and respect him, but this is not the time to be friends before the fight. I need to take care of business because my career is on the line here. He’s achieved a lot and I respect him, but that can wait until after the fight. “I think the result was right. I did enough to win, it wasn’t the most dominant or best performance, it was a close fight but I believe I won it and it’s good to be able to run it back and to show the improvements I’ve made with Andy. It’s the first rematch of my career so I am excited for that and I just want to go out and fight hard, beat him up and put on a better performance and win in better fashion.” Parker vs. Chisora 2 tops a huge night of action in Manchester, ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (20-2-1, 9 KOs) returns to the scene of his Fight of the Year contender with Felix Cash back in 2019 as he clashes with Kevin Lele Sadjo (16-0, 14 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Super-Middleweight crown following his win over Avni Yildirim in July, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (26-1, 16 KOs) hopes to make it three wins from three fights in 2021 as he meets Australia’s Bruno ‘The Terminator’ Tarimo (26-2-2, 5 KOs) in an Eliminator for the IBF World Title, undefeated New Malden Super-Middleweight talent Lerrone Richards (15-0, 3 KOs) looks to build on his impressive EBU European Title win against Giovanni De Carolis in May when he takes on unbeaten IBO 168lbs World Champion Carlos Gongora (20-0, 15 KOs), Croatian Heavyweight knockout artist Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (9-0, 9 KOs) looks to make it ten knockouts from ten fights, New Zealand Cruiserweight David Nyika (1-0, 1 KO) fights in the UK for the first time against Anthony Carpin (5-6-2, 2 KOs), Derby Super-Lightweight prospect Sandy Ryan (2-0, 1 KO) is out to impress against Maria Soledad Caprialo (7-13-4) after her vicious body shot knockout win over Aleksandra Vujovic in Italy, unbeaten Cruiserweight Jordan ‘Troublesome’ Thompson (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Clement Oppenot (5-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (2-0, 1 KO) takes on Evgenii Vazem (9-21, 4 KOs) over six rounds at Welterweight and Anthony Crolla-trained Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) fights Paola Pamela Benavidez (8-5-3) over six rounds. Limited remaining tickets are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk)